Month: July 2024

After the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Bansuri Swaraj said that Aam Aadmi Party is trying to “misguide” Delhi people adding that Arvind Kejriwal’s stubbornness is creating a “policy paralysis and constitutional crisis” in the national capital.

The apex court today granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the case in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy, registered by the ED.

“Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has been granted interim bail only because one point of law has been referred to the larger bench. A few days ago, ED presented a detailed chargesheet in front of the court. As per that chargesheet, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was the kingpin of the excise policy scam. Today, the Supreme Court has indicated that whenever a constitutional functionary is involved in such a crime, he has to resign from his post. Arvind Kejriwal is trying to misguide everyone. He is not ready to resign. His stubbornness is creating a policy paralysis and constitutional crisis in Delhi,” Bansuri said addressing a press conference in Delhi on Friday.

She said that the Supreme Court has not given any relief to Kejriwal as the matter has been referred to a larger bench.

“AAP is trying to misguide the public and media. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s plea was that the court should declare his arrest illegal. But the Supreme Court has not given him any relief. Now, this matter has been referred to a larger bench,” she added.

Aam Aadmi Party on Friday hailed the Supreme Court decision to grant interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on his plea challenging arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in the alleged liquor scam case and slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party for “hatching a conspiracy” against the AAP.

Addressing a press conference, Delhi Minister Atishi asked the BJP to stop hatching a conspiracy against other parties and said that truth can be troubled but not defeated.

“BJP knew that he (Arvind Kejriwal) has been granted bail by the Rouse Avenue Court, they know that he will get bail by the Supreme Court too. That is why, they hatched another conspiracy and the day on which the bail hearing was scheduled to come up before the Supreme Court, they made CBI arrest Arvind Kejriwal a day before that. Why was he arrested by the CBI? Because if he received bail in the ED case, he would come out of jail and work for the people of Delhi 10 times faster,” Atishi said.

Atishi asked the BJP why Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI and asked it to “end its arrogance”.

“I would like to tell the BJP today, one after the other – every court in this country has exposed your conspiracy… every court is granting bail to Arvind Kejriwal. I would like to tell the BJP, end your arrogance and stop hatching conspiracy against other parties. Truth can be troubled but not defeated,” she added.

A bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna referred to his petition challenging his arrest by the ED to a larger bench.

Supreme Court while granting interim bail to Kejriwal in the ED case observed that the Delhi Chief Minister has suffered incarceration of 90 days and it’s conscious that he is an elected leader. The top court had reserved the verdict on Kejriwal’s plea on May 17.

On April 9, the High Court dismissed his plea for release from jail and rejected his argument of political vendetta.

Kejriwal was arrested by ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. (ANI)

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed the first mothership “San Fernando ” at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala on Friday.

Welcoming the ship, the CM highlighted that now India had entered the global map through Vizhinjam port and called it a proud moment for India.

“India enters into the global map through Vizhinjam. It is a huge port among world ports. The biggest ships in the world can berth in Vizhinjam. The operation is starting through a trial run. And will start completely functioning soon. This is becoming the mother port and it is a proud moment” said CM Vijayan.

He also added “Now the first phase is completing. Phase two to Phase four were scheduled to be completed by 2045. But it will be completed fully by 2028,17 years’ advance”

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal also attended the event as the chief guest Adani Ports MD Karan Adani was also present during the welcome ceremony by Kerala CM. The ship reached at the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Thursday.

The first container ship ‘San Fernando’ owned by SFL Corporation Ltd and chartered by Maersk- (AP Moller Group), Denmark, reached the outer area of the port around 7 am on Thursday and berthed at the port by 9:50 am. It was welcomed with a water salute. The San Fernando, carrying over 1,000 containers, is anchored at the port as part of a trial run ahead of the commencement of commercial operations. This is a trial run and it will continue for two months. The commissioning of the seaport is expected by October.

Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal also said this port will be a remarkable one in the economic growth of the country. He also attended the meeting of stakeholders on Thursday at Vizhinjam lighthouse.

Vizhinjam seaport is very close to the famous Kovalam beach. It has water connectivity to many regional and international ports. This is the first transhipment port in the country. Till now India was dependent on Colombo, Dubai and Singapore ports for transhipment. Now Vizhinjam International Seaport will be the transhipment port of the country.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport has been built by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, (APSEZ). The port is built with a total investment of Rs 8,867 crore. The state government of Kerala has contributed about Rs 5,595 crore while the central government contributed Rs 818 crore for the port.

Built on the public-private partnership, Vizhinjam International Port’s construction started in 2016. The project was allotted to APSEZ on December 5, 2015, after the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL) agreed to a concession agreement on August 17, 2015.

“This is the largest port project in the PPP mode in the country which is designed, built, Finance, Operate and Transfer, the project outlay is Rs 8,867 crore with a state government contribution of around Rs 5,595 crore” said, K S Srinivas, Principal Secretory Port Department during the event.

On Thursday Gautam Adani, Chairman and founder of the Adani group of companies called the welcoming of the mothership ‘San Fernando’ at the Vizhinjam International Seaport a historic occasion.

“Historic Day as Vizhinjam welcomes its 1st container vessel! This milestone marks India’s entry into global transhipment and ushers in a new era in India’s maritime logistics, positioning Vizhinjam as a key player in global trade routes. Jai Hind!” Gautam Adani posted on X. (ANI)

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US President Joe Biden has defended himself after calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian President Vladimir Putin and asserted that it was the “most successful conference” he had attended in a long time.

While addressing a press conference after the NATO Summit in Washington, DC, Biden asked the journalists whether they have seen a more successful conference.

Responding to a question over his remarks confusing Zelenskyy with Putin, Biden said, “Did you see any damage to our stand in my leading this conference? Have you seen a more successful conference? What do you think? And the Putin piece, I was talking about Putin and I said, “and now at the very end, I said here, I mean Putin. I said, no, I’m sorry, Zelenskyy”. Then I added five other names.”

“Look, guys, the idea anybody suggests that we haven’t had an incredibly successful conference, how many times did you hear in that conference? I know it sounds too self-serving, but other leaders, and heads of state in thanking me, saying the reason we’re together is because of Biden, because Biden did the following. It was the most successful conference I’ve attended in a long time and find me a world leader who didn’t think it was,” he added.

Biden’s statement came after he introduced Ukrainian President as President Putin and later corrected himself.

In his remarks at the event on the Ukraine Compact, Biden said, “Now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.”

He quickly corrected himself and said, “He’s going to beat President Putin — President Zelenskyy. I’m so focused on beating Putin, we got to worry about it.”

After referring to Zelenskyy as Putin, Biden confused Vice President Kamala Harris and former US President Donald Trump.

When asked whether he had concerns about Harris’ ability to beat Donald Trump if he decided not to run again, Biden responded, “Look, I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be Vice President. But, I think she’s not qualified to President.”

Donald Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to mock Biden for his verbal slips during the press conference.

In the post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Crooked Joe begins his ‘Big Boy’ Press Conference with, ‘I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president, though I think she was not qualified to be president. Great job, Joe.”

In response, Biden in a post on X stated, “By the way: Yes, I know the difference. One’s a prosecutor, and the other’s a felon.”

Biden’s verbal slip ups come at a time when he is under intense scrutiny over his advanced age. US President Joe Biden has vowed he will be “running this race to end “of the November election, despite private calls from Democrats to drop out.

Biden stood firm and told congressional Democrats in a letter on Monday that he would continue his election bid despite mounting concerns about his mental fitness.

Biden said that he wouldn’t be running again, “if I did not absolutely believe that I could beat Donald Trump.”

“I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump,” he added.

Further, he also stated, “We have 42 days to the Democratic convention and 119 days to the general election,” Biden said in the letter distributed by his reelection campaignIn the letter, Biden calls for unity among his party, emphasising the need for a collective effort to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.”

Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It’s time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump,” said Biden.

The letter comes after a group call with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, in which four congressmen were explicit in urging Biden to step aside some deep-pocketed donors have also reportedly expressed discomfort, with Hollywood’s Rob Reiner, who regularly donates to Democratic candidates, saying he thinks Biden should step aside “we lose our democracy if Trump wins.”

At the same time, some of the president’s biggest supporters are re-doubling the fight for Biden’s presidency, insisting there is no better way to beat Trump in what many see as among the most important elections of a lifetime. (ANI)

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The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the now scrapped excise policy case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

A bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna referred to his petition challenging his arrest by the ED to a larger bench.

Supreme Court while granting interim bail to Kejriwal in the ED case observed that the Delhi Chief Minister has suffered incarceration of 90 days and it’s conscious that he is an elected leader.

Kejriwal’s lawyer Rishikesh Kumar described the verdict as “a big victory.”

“The Supreme Court has granted him interim bail and the issue of Section 19 and necessity of arrest has been referred to a larger bench. CM Kejriwal will remain in custody as his bail in the CBI case is still pending. This is a big victory,” Kumar told ANI.

Supreme Court lawyer Shadan Farasat representing Kejriwal said, “The court observed that in so far as his arrest is concerned, there are certain aspects on the necessity of arrest… They said Mr Kejriwal has undergone a large period of incarceration already and therefore, directed his release and bail immediately in the ED matter.”

The top court had reserved the verdict on Kejriwal’s plea on May 17.

On May 10, the apex court granted Kejriwal interim bail till June 1 in the money laundering case registered by the ED in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy, however, ordered that he shall not visit the Office of the Chief Minister and the Delhi Secretariat.

The court directed him to surrender on June 2, following which he had surrendered on June 2.

While filing an appeal in the apex court, Kejriwal had contended that his arrest after the announcement of the General Elections was “motivated by extraneous considerations”.

On April 9, the High Court dismissed his plea for release from jail and rejected his argument of political vendetta amid the looming Lok Sabha elections.

The High Court had said that Kejriwal’s absence from nine ED summons over six months undermined any claims of special privilege as Chief Minister, suggesting his arrest was an inevitable consequence of his non-cooperation.

He was arrested by ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. (ANI)

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Global actor Priyanka Chopra along with her husband-singer Nick Jonas arrived in Mumbai to attend the grand wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, which is set to take place on July 12.

The couple was all smiles as they arrived at the airport, dressed in casual yet stylish outfits. Priyanka and Nick waved at paps and happily posed for them.

A while ago, Priyanka took to her Instagram story and shared a picture of the invitation card for Anant and Radhika’s wedding.

The wedding festivities are meticulously planned, adhering to traditional Hindu Vedic customs. The main ceremonies will commence on Friday, July 12, with the auspicious Shubh Vivah, or wedding function and according to sources, guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the occasion by dressing in traditional Indian attire.

The celebrations will continue on Saturday, July 13, with Shubh Aashirwad. The final event, Mangal Utsav or the wedding reception, is scheduled for Sunday, July 14.

Meanwhile, a special puja was organised on Wednesday ahead of Anant and Radhika’s grand wedding.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ambani family hosted a vibrant ‘haldi’ ceremony at their iconic residence, Antilia, in Mumbai.

The lavish affair was attended by close family members and Bollywood personalities. Among the guests were Anant’s uncle and well-known businessman Anil Ambani, accompanied by his wife, the former actor Tina Ambani.

Salman Khan, dressed in a radiant yellow kurta and black pyjamas, also arrived in style to extend his blessings to the soon-to-be-wed couple. His presence added to the star-studded list of attendees, which included Ranveer Singh, Ananya Panday, and Sara Ali Khan, among others.

Earlier this year, the couple hosted a series of pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar, which saw a star-studded guest list from around the globe. (ANI)

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An adorable behind-the-scenes video shows actor Ranveer Singh sharing sweet moments with his wife, Deepika Padukone, and recreating Hrithik Roshan’s iconic dance step from ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’ on the sets of ‘Fighter’.

The makers of the film which starred actors Deepika and Hritik in the lead roles, took to X to share the BTS video from the sets.

The one-minute clip shows Ranveer making a special appearance on the sets.

In the video, the ‘Ramleela’ actor can be seen meeting the crew members and dancing to the song ‘Sher Khul Gaye’ with a choreographer. He also performs the signature step of ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’ from the movie ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ in Hrithik Roshan’s presence.

Ranveer can also be seen doing the hook step of ‘Sher Khul Gaye’ with his wife Deepika. Amidst all the fun, Ranveer picks up his wife in his arms, giving her a long hug and kiss, setting major husband goals.

Meanwhile, the film, which also stars, Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi, was released on January 25, this year.

The film features Hrithik as Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania aka Patty, Deepika as Squadron Leader Minal Rathore aka Minni, and Anil as Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh aka Rocky fighting for the country.

It also marked Hrithik and Deepika’s first-ever on-screen collaboration.

Talking about Deepika’s work front, the mom-to-be is basking in the success of ‘Kalki 2898 AD.’

Directed by Nag Ashwin, the post-apocalyptic film is inspired by Hindu scriptures and set in the year 2898 AD. Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas and Disha Patani are also part of the film. The film is a mythology-inspired sci-fi extravaganza set in the future. Actors Vijay Deverakonda, Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur have cameos in the film.

Ranveer, on the other hand, will be seen headlining Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don 3’ in the coming months. (ANI)

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Actor Hina Khan, who recently opened up about her battle with breast cancer, shared a heartfelt post regarding her ongoing struggle with the disease.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Hina shared a post that read, “Nobody can take away your pain but Allah.” Over this, she wrote, “Please Allah Please.”

Earlier this month, the actress posted a video of herself with a short haircut.

The actor’s mother broke down after seeing the video.

In the clip, the actor was seen sitting in front of a mirror as her friend braided her hair. She was also seen consoling her mother, who sat on the bed and cried.

In the video, the actor is heard saying, “Ro nahi please mumma. It’s just hair, mumma. Baal hain, aap nahi cut karte ho. Bas. Aapki tabiyat kharab hojayegi (loosely translated).

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

The ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ actor shared that she has started treatment and is “doing well” and “fully committed” to overcoming the disease.

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 work front, the actor gained a lot of recognition for her role ‘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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The Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday directed to begin trial and recording statement of prosecution witnesses in an alleged sexual harrasment case against former MP and former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan and Vinod Tomar from July 26.

Additional Chief judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Priyanka Rajpoot on Thursday issued summons to two prosecution witnesses for July 26.

Meanwhile, advocate Rajiv Mohan counsel for Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh withdrew the application seeking direction to certain documents related to foreign travel and stay in hotels by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, CDR etc. with a liberty to file a fresh application with details of authorities.

The court on May 21 formally framed the charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar. They denied all the allegations and claimed trial. The court had given a direction to frame charges against them on May 10.

The Court on May 10 ordered on ‘framing of charge’ on Sexual Harrasment allegations levelled by several women wrestlers against former WFI Chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Singh and Tomar.

While passing the order, the court had said there are sufficient material against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to proceed for sexual harassment of five women wrestlers and with the offence of outraging modesty of woman.

Court found sufficient material to proceed with against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh under sections 354 and 354 A (IPC). Charges has also been framed against him under section 506 (part 1) on the allegations of two women. However, the court discharged Brij Bhushan from the allegations made by the sixth wrestler, said the court.

The court also framed charges against second accused Vinod Tomar under sections 506 (part 1) of the IPC on the allegation of one women and discharged him with the rest allegations made against him.

The Delhi Police chargesheet filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar stated that both the accused are charge sheeted for trial ‘without arrest’ as they have complied with the directions u/s 41A CrPC by joining the investigation.

The chargesheet has further stated that based on the investigation so far, Brij Bhushan Singh was “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences” of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking.

A 1599-page chargesheet in the case, having statements of 44 witnesses and six statements was recorded under CrPC 164.

Delhi Police in the chargesheet also submitted several pictures including the picture clicked during the events.

Delhi Police chargesheet stated that based on the “investigation so far,” of the complaints by six top wrestlers, Singh was “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences” of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking.

The chargesheet stated that witnesses in the matter have mentioned that they also saw the physically wrong gesture of the then WFI president.

Delhi police had filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar on June 15, 2023.

Thereafter the court took cognizance of the FIR filed by Delhi Police.

This case was lodged on a complaint lodged by women wrestlers.

In the wrestlers’ matter, two FIRs were registered against Brij Bhushan Singh based on the wrestlers’ complaints on April 28.

One was registered under the POCSO Act and a cancellation report has been filed in the case of a minor wrestler. The second FIR was filed on the complaint of several wrestlers.

In both matters, Delhi Police officials had said that in the FIR registered by the wrestlers, after completion of investigation, we are filing a chargesheet for the offences under sections 354, 354A, 354D IPC against accused Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and for offences under sections109/ 354/354A/506 IPC against accused Vinod Tomar before the Rouse Avenue Court, said Suman Nalwa, PRO, Delhi Police. (ANI)

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Kenyan President William Ruto has dismissed nearly his entire cabinet following a series of anti-government demonstrations, CNN reported on Thursday.

Only Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi remain in their respective positions, Ruto confirmed.

The decision was made “upon reflection, and a holistic appraisal” of his cabinet, he informed reporters from State House Nairobi.

“Even with the progress we’ve made, I’m acutely aware that the people of Kenya have very high expectations of me, and they believe that this administration can undertake the most extensive transformation in our nation’s history,” he stated, CNN reported.

Following the introduction of a bill in May that aimed to raise taxes and alleviate Kenya’s substantial debt, the country witnessed a wave of anti-government protests. At least 39 people reportedly lost their lives in clashes with police in June, as documented by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, according to a New York Times report.

Human rights monitors and numerous activists, including five who recounted their experiences, have disclosed that at least 32 individuals, including activists, medical personnel, and social media influencers, were either abducted or detained without cause. Recently, a High Court judge denounced these incidents as “abductions” and ordered the police and the National Intelligence Service, which is overseen by the president, to cease such actions, citing constitutional violations.

During an interactive session on the social media platform X last Friday, President William Ruto was confronted by a political activist who detailed being assaulted by officers, having his home ransacked, and being forcibly taken to an undisclosed location. President Ruto expressed regret, stating, “If that is the treatment you have endured, I apologize. It is unacceptable.” He pledged to investigate these reported abductions and ensure that law enforcement adheres to legal protocols during arrests.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, increasingly marginalized by President Ruto, has accused the National Intelligence Service of orchestrating recent abductions and a series of extrajudicial killings in the previous year. According to Amnesty International, Kenya witnessed 136 extrajudicial executions in 2023, with numerous fatalities occurring in police custody, according to the NYT report.

The bill to increase taxes was passed by lawmakers on June 25 with the aim of generating revenue to address Kenya’s escalating debt. However, the legislation sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans who criticised government extravagance and the mounting cost of living. Protesters breached Parliament and set portions of it on fire, prompting a severe government crackdown that resulted in numerous injuries and detentions. President Ruto eventually rejected the bill the following day but calls for his resignation persisted among protesters.

On Friday, President Ruto initiated an audit of Kenya’s debt, announced reductions in government staffing and expenditures, and mandated retirements for government employees aged 60 and older.

Government officials have alleged that foreign powers funded the demonstrations, a claim vehemently denied by protesters who argue that the movement is driven by youth, devoid of central leadership, and transcends societal divisions, the New York Times reported. (ANI)

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