Month: July 2024

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to Enforcement Directorate (ED) on AAP leader Manish Sisodia’s petition challenging Delhi High Court order rejecting his bail plea in excise policy money laundering case.

A bench of justices BR Gavai, Sanjay Karol and KV Viswanathan sought probe agency reply on Sisodia plea and listed for further hearing on July 29.

On July 11 Supreme Court’s Judge Justice Sanjay Kumar recused himself from hearing AAP leader Manish Sisodia petition seeking revival of his plea challenging Delhi High Court order rejecting his bail plea in excise policy case.

After Justice Sanjay Kumar recusal, the bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the matter. The matter was listed before a three-judge bench Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sanjay Kumar. The top court has directed to list the matter before an appropriate bench this week in which one of the judge is not a member.

When the hearing began on Thursday, Justice Khanna said that his brother judge Justice Kumar will not like to hear the matter for personal reasons.

Delhi’s former Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia has moved the Supreme Court seeking revival of his bail plea and complained about delay in commencement of trial in excise policy case.

Earlier Senior Advocate Singhvi apprised the top court about June 4’s order whereby the probe agency has stated that investigation in the excise policy case would be concluded and final complaint/charge sheet would be filed expeditiously and at any rate on or before July 3 2024 and immediately thereafter, the trial court will be free to proceed with trial.

On June 4 the top court also given the liberty to Sisodia to revive his prayer afresh after filing of the final complaint/Charge-sheet.

Sisodia now sought to revive his application challenging Delhi High Court order which dismissed his bail plea.

CJI on Tuesday assured Sisodia’s counsel to look into it and asked him to rectify the technical defects.

On June 4, the top court has disposed of Sisodia plea after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, learned submitted.that the investigation would be concluded and final complaint/charge sheet would be filed expeditiously and at any rate on or before July 3 and immediately thereafter, the trial court will be free to proceed with trial.

Sisodia sought revival of his plea challenging Delhi High Court on May 21’s order.

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)

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin convened an All Party meeting to address Karnataka’s reluctance to release Cauvery water, as recommended by the Cauvery Water Regulatory Authority (CWRA), and the meeting unanimously condemned Karnataka’s stance and resolved to pursue legal avenues if necessary.

CM Stalin, addressing the gathering, expressed grave concern over Karnataka’s refusal to abide by CWRA recommendations despite adequate rainfall this year. “Last year, due to Karnataka’s non-compliance, we were compelled to approach the Supreme Court to secure our rightful share of Cauvery water,” Stalin remarked, underscoring the critical nature of water access for Tamil Nadu’s agricultural needs.

The All Party meeting articulated strong resolutions, including the immediate issuance of CWRA orders to Karnataka for releasing the stipulated Cauvery water. “If Karnataka fails to comply, we are prepared to approach the Supreme Court once again to ensure justice for Tamil Nadu,” Stalin affirmed, highlighting the state’s determination to safeguard its water rights.

The escalating tensions have been fueled by Karnataka’s recent decision to restrict Cauvery water releases, citing local water scarcity concerns. This move has exacerbated longstanding grievances between the two states over equitable water distribution, with Tamil Nadu’s agricultural sector particularly affected.

Earlier in the day, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar expressed openness to dialogue but emphasised Karnataka’s obligations to manage its water resources effectively. “We will cooperate in whatever way we can,” Shivakumar assured, signaling readiness to engage constructively despite the ongoing disagreements over water sharing.

The Cauvery water dispute, a perennial flashpoint between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, remains a pressing concern despite intermittent efforts at resolution.

The remarks come in the backdrop of Tamil Nadu’s condemnation of Karnataka’s decision to restrict Cauvery water releases.

The Karnataka government’s recent decision to release 8,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu, amidst broader concerns over water scarcity in several districts including Bengaluru, has further intensified the debate over equitable water distribution. (ANI)

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The Palestinian Embassy on Tuesday thanked India as it released the first tranche of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as a part of its annual contribution at USD 5 Million for the year 2024-2025.

The embassy said, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Indian Government to release of the first tranche USD 2.5 million to the united Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East UNRWA as a part of its annual contribution at USD 5 Million for the year 2024-2025.

We also followed with great interest India’s pledge of support to UNRWA during the UNRWA conference held in New York and announced that in addition to financial assistance, New Delhi will provide medicines to UNRWA upon request, it said.

This Indian assistance and this pledge an important step to support and strengthen the role of UNRWA in the face of attempts to target its role and existence by the Israeli government

While we appreciate the Indian contribution to UNRWA, we believe that this assistance, whether financial or medical, constitutes an important part of the assistance provided to the Palestinian people in various fields, which we look forward to increasing during the next stage due to the urgent need due to the Israeli war on Gaza, which has created a new and dangerous reality.

About 2.2 million Palestinians were residing in Gaza Strip on an area of 365 km2, representing about 41% of the population of Palestine. Most of this population (about 66%) are refugees, about 2 million Palestinians left their homes out of about 2.2 million Palestinians who were residing in Gaza Strip on the eve of the Israeli occupation aggression, the statement said.

Meanwhile, the relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) is facing Israeli plans to target the body of the United Nations Foundation, which witnesses the case of more than 6 million Palestinian refugees and provides services to them in its five areas of operation (Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon).

We hope that India, through its bilateral relationship with the pillars of the international community and through its effective position in many important political and economic blocs and groupings around the world, will work to preserve UNRWA and strengthen its status and role, for which it was founded in 1949, and that Israeli attempts to replace it with other institutions will fail.

The importance of UNRWA for Palestinians goes beyond access to vital services, as they see its existence as linked to the preservation of their rights as refugees, especially their hope to return to their homes from which they or their ancestors were expelled during the Nakba. (ANI)

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To prepare for the Baloch National Gathering, the Balochistan Solidarity Committee collaborated with members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in various areas of the Jhalawan region on Tuesday.

During these visits, particularly in Khuzdar, Nal, and Sorab, teams were formed to organise activities such as corner meetings, wall chalking, and mobilization efforts for the Baloch Raji Machi.

The BYC shared this update through a social media post on X, stating, “In the Hub Region, the Baloch Solidarity Committee organized an awareness event in Gadani yesterday, Sunday. During this event, friends engaged with the local community in Gadani to promote participation in the Baloch Raji Machi and solidarity among Baloch people. Additionally, a peaceful march was conducted in Gadani’s main bazaar, inviting residents to join the Baloch National Gathering scheduled in Gwadar on July 28th. Finally, wall chalking activities were carried out at various locations along the road.”

Ahead of the Baloch National Gathering scheduled for July 28th in Gwadar, the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee Shaal Zone recently arranged a local corner meeting to educate the community.

Simultaneously, the BYC Gwadar zone had conducted similar meetings throughout various neighbourhoods in Gwadar to raise awareness about the event’s significance. In Kech, the BYC Kech Zone had actively distributed pamphlets and organised chalk campaigns across different areas to ensure widespread understanding and encourage active participation in the forthcoming event.

The BYC in another post on X, said, “The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is organising the Baloch Raaji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) in Gwadar on July 28th in response to the Baloch Genocide. BYC will need support and cooperation, especially financial assistance, for the National Gathering. As humans and Baloch, it is our responsibility to play our role in this movement against the Baloch Genocide. Baloch people residing in Balochistan and around the world are requested to play their role and support the “Baloch National Gathering.” For support and assistance contact the official WhatsApp number: +923312367324 +923348552826 #BalochNationalGathering”

Earlier, activist Mahrang Baloch, speaking on behalf of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee in a video statement, had announced plans for a Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar on July 28. She addressed several critical issues, highlighting the committee’s firm opposition to the ongoing Baloch genocide perpetrated by Pakistan.

Mahrang had pointed out various forms of genocide affecting the Baloch community beyond direct violence, including fatalities from road accidents, illnesses exacerbated by neglect, and drug-related issues among Baloch youth.

She had also underscored the economic hardships faced by Baloch farmers, labourers, and fishermen, citing instances of debt accumulation and land seizures for state projects. (ANI)

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Former US President Donald Trump arrived at the Republican National Convention on Monday (local time), making his first public appearance after he survived the assassination attempt on Saturday.

Wearing a white bandage on his right ear, the former US President waved at supporters and received a standing ovation from the audience. He made no remarks during the convention and stood alongside his newly announced running mate, Senator JD Vance.

He applauded the officials and guests as they addressed the convention. During the convention, he sat next to JD Vance. During the convention, Trump’s supporters carried posters that read, “Make America Wealthy Again.” Trump is scheduled to formally accept his party’s nomination as a presidential candidate to challenge US President Joe Biden in the elections scheduled for November 5.

Trump was on stage at a campaign rally on Saturday when gunshots rang out and Secret Service agents stormed the stage. Hours after the shooting, Trump said that the bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear. One of the rally attendees was killed, while two more were critically injured in the shooting.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, with the case continuing to be under investigation.

Speaking to ABC News, Donald Trump said the assassination attempt at his campaign rally on Saturday had “impact.”

Asked whether the close call to the bullet striking his head “changed him,” the former US President responded, “I don’t like to think about that, but, yes, I think has an impact.”

Trump said his ear is doing fine and that he hopes the bandage will be off by the time he addresses the Republican National Convention on Thursday, according to an ABC News report.

Some 50,000 people are expected to attend the four-day convention as the party makes its case to voters ahead of November’s general election.

Monday’s theme is “Make America Wealthy Again,” and Tuesday’s will be “Make America Safe Again.” Wednesday is “Make America Strong Again,” and Thursday is “Make America Great Once Again.”

The day-long conference includes high-profile speakers as well as a primetime speech from the presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, one of Trump’s fiercest rivals during the Republican primary, was originally expected to skip the convention. But after the assassination attempt, it was reported that she would now not only attend but also speak at the conference.

RNC co-chair Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of the former president, said celebrities will also be among the speakers, but former stalwarts of the Republican Party establishment, such as George Bush, Mike Pence, and Mitt Romney, are not on the guest list.

Once every four years, each of the two main US parties hosts a convention to formally select the respective White House standard-bearer.

During the convention, the delegates from each state pledge their support to the candidate of their choice and approve a platform or manifesto. It is merely a formality for Trump to be the party’s presumptive nominee because he won 2,265 delegates in the primaries, which is enough for the nomination. (ANI)

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The Indian Army on Tuesday expressed their condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Doda encounter and said that the Army stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.

The encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Desa Forest area on Monday evening. The soldiers killed in action have been identified as Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay.

“General Upendra Dwivedi COAS and all ranks of the Indian Army convey their deepest condolences to the Bravehearts, Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay, who laid down their lives in the line of duty while undertaking a counter-terrorist operation in Doda to ensure peace in the region. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” ADG PI-Indian Army posted on X.

Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Doda encounter and said that counter-terrorism operations are underway.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave and courageous Indian Army soldiers in a counter-terrorism operation in Urrar Baggi, Doda (J&K). My heart goes out to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with the families of our soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The counter-terrorism operations are underway, and our soldiers remain committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism and restoring peace and order in the region,” Rajnath Singh posted on X.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the government would give an answer to “Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.”

“The government will give an answer to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. It is our duty to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” Assam CM said.

On Monday night, based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by the Indian Army and JK Police was in progress in Doda. According to the White Knight Corps, contact with terrorists was established tonight at about 9 PM in which a heavy firefight ensued.

Four Army personnel, including an officer, were killed in the firefight. Meanwhile, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi spoke with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday to brief him on the encounter in Doda. (ANI)

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Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, Swami Avimukteshwaranand on, strongly opposed the plans to build Kedarnath temple in Delhi saying that 12 Jyotirlingas have been mentioned in the Shiv Mahapuran with name and location, adding that when the address for Kedarnath is in the Himalayas, how can it be in Delhi?

“There cannot be a symbolic Kedarnath… 12 Jyotirlingas have been mentioned in the Shiv Puran, with name and location… When the address for Kedarnath is in the Himalayas, how can it be in Delhi?… There are political reasons behind this… Political people are entering our religious places… There is a gold scam in Kedarnath, why is that issue not raised? After doing a scam there, now Kedarnath will be built in Delhi? And then there will be another scam. 228kgs of gold is missing from Kedarnath… No inquiry has started. Who is responsible for this?… Now they are saying they will build a Kedarnath in Delhi, this cannot happen,” he said.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand alleged that 228 kg of gold was missing from Kedarnath. No inquiry has started. He questioned, “Who is responsible for this?”

“There is a gold scam in Kedarnath, why is that issue not raised? After doing a scam there, now Kedarnath will be built in Delhi? And then there will be another scam. 228 kg of gold is missing from Kedarnath… No inquiry has started. Who is responsible for this?… Now they are saying they will build a Kedarnath in Delhi, this cannot happen,” he said.

The Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. It is located at an altitude of 3,584 meters above sea level in Uttarakhand. The temple was originally built in the 8th century AD by Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya and stands adjacent to the site of an even earlier temple built by the Pandavas. (ANI)

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Television actor Hina Khan, who is battling breast cancer has resumed work despite undergoing chemotherapy.

In a post shared by her on Instagram, the actress can be seen getting ready for a shoot for her first work assignment since her diagnosis.

In a heartfelt post, Hina wrote, “My first work assignment after my diagnosis..Walking the talk is challenging, especially when facing life’s biggest challenges. So, give yourself a break on bad days; it’s okay… you deserve it. However, don’t forget to live your life on the good days, no matter how few they are. These days still hold importance. Accept the change, embrace the difference, and normalize it.”

“I look forward to the good days because I get to do what I love: Work. I love my work. I live my dreams when I’m working, and that is my greatest motivation. I want to keep working. Many people work regular jobs during their treatment without issues, and I am no different. I met a few in these months and trust me, it changed my perspective,” she added.

Sharing her love for her work and how it serves as her motivation, Hina continued, “FYI I am undergoing a treatment but I am not always in the hospital. So to all you people out thr, Let’s NORMALISE working and if you have the strength and energy, do whatever makes you HAPPY.”

“And to all you beautiful people who are battling this disease, Remember, it’s your story; it’s your life. You decide what to make of it. Don’t give up and find what you love doing. Your work, your passion–if you don’t know what it is, invent it. But remember to give yourself the healing you deserve. Coz doing what you love is also Healing,” she further added.

Earlier this month, Hina confirmed that she had been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Hina said, “Hello Everyone, To address the recent rumour, I want to share some important news with all the Hinaholics and everyone who loves and cares for me. I have been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Despite this challenging diagnosis, I wish to reassure everyone that I am doing well. I am strong, determined and fully committed to overcoming this disease. My treatment has already begun and I am ready to do everything necessary to emerge from this even stronger,” Hina wrote.

“I kindly ask for your respect and privacy during this time. I deeply appreciate your love, strength and blessings. Your personal experiences, anecdotes and supportive suggestions would mean the world to me as I navigate this journey. I, along with my family and loved ones, remain focused, determined and positive. With the grace of the almighty, we believe I will overcome this challenge and will be completely healthy. Please send your prayers blessings and love,” she added.

Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor gained a lot of recognition for her role in ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’. She is also known for her negative character Komolika in ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’.

She was recently seen in Shinda Shinda No Papa and Ritam Shrivastava’s directorial comedy-drama series ‘Namacool’. (ANI)

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As India’s exports in the first quarter of 2024-25 (April-June) crossed the USD 200 billion mark, the government has expressed its optimism about reaching its full-year target of USD 800 billion.

“We are quite optimistic and it gives us optimism that we’d be crossing our USD 800 billion of trade this year,” Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Monday while releasing India’s trade data for June.

India’s overall exports, merchandise and services combined in the month of June were to the tune of USD 65.47 billion, a 5.4 rise on a yearly basis, commerce ministry data showed. Same month last year it was at USD 62.12 billion.

In break up, exports of merchandise goods rose from USD 34.32 billion to USD 35.20 billion, and exports of services rose from USD 27.79 to USD 30.27 billion.

In May, merchandise and services exports combined were to the tune of USD 68.29 billion, a 10.2 rise on a yearly basis.

The country’s imports too increased year-on-year in June, data showed today. The same was the case in May.

The overall imports, both merchandise and services combined, increased from USD 69.12 billion to USD 73.47 billion, a rise of about 6.3 per cent, in June.

In the recently concluded financial year 2023-24, India registered record exports at USD 778 billion. In 2022-23, the country exported goods and services combined at USD 776.3 billion.

In break up, services exports rose from USD 325.3 billion to USD 341.1 billion in 2023-24. Merchandise exports though marginally declined from USD 451.1 billion to USD 437.1 billion.

Among various steps the government took was to launch a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in varied sectors, including electronic goods, to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investments, enhance exports, integrate India into the global supply chain and reduce dependency on imports. These seemed to have reaped dividends.

China, Russia, Iraq, UAE, and Singapore were among the countries where India’s exports in the just-concluded financial year have risen substantially, though with a low base. The other countries in the Top 10 list are the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

Overall imports, they declined from USD 898.0 billion in 2022-23 to USD 853.8 billion. Both merchandise and services exports declined during the financial year.

Overall trade deficit significantly improved from USD 121.6 billion in 2022-23 to USD 75.6 billion in 2023-24. (ANI)

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday spoke to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and took stock of the flood situation in the state. The Home Minister also spoke with the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat and inquired about the increased water level in both states. He also assured the CMs of providing Central assistance as well as support of the National Disaster Response Force to combat the crisis.

Shah reached out to the Chief Ministers of Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat in separate telephonic conversations to assess the flood situation as well as the surge in water level due to heavy rainfall.

The proactive engagement by the Union Home Minister comes as the Assam flood and the resulting surge in waters continue to affect thousands of people across these states.

The flood situation in Assam remains grim, with the death toll rising to more than 90 as per the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). More than 5 lakh people across 18 districts are reeling under the deluge, with Assam’s Cachar being the worst-hit district.

The flood-affected districts in Assam include Cachar, Chirang, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Jorhat, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Karimganj, Majuli, Morigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, and Sivasagar.

On the other hand, 1,342 villages under 52 revenue circles are still under water and the flood waters submerged 25367.61 hectares of crop area in Assam.

The water level of the Brahmaputra River is flowing above the danger level mark at Neamatighat, Tezpur and Dhubri while the Burhidihing River is flowing above the danger level mark at Chenimari (Knhowang), Disang River at Nanglamuraghat. Over 58,000 people are still taking shelter in 172 relief camps and distribution centres in 13 districts. 283712 domestic animals were also affected by the deluge.

The situation in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the eastern and central regions, is also under observation after an increase in the water levels of several rivers following incessant rains impacting around 18 lakh people in more than 900 villages.

As per officials, nearly 18 districts, including Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Barabanki, Sitapur, Gonda Siddharth Nagar, Moradabad, Bareilly and Basti in Uttar Pradesh were affected by increased water level.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath earlier conducted an aerial survey of the affected districts and directed the officials to provide all possible assistance to the affected people.

Due to heavy rain in the Valsad district in Gujarat, many low-lying areas have been inundated, and the national highway was also flooded. Teams from disaster cells were deployed to drain the water from these areas. Additionally, the heavy rains caused the water level in Madhuban Dam to rise. (ANI)

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