Month: September 2024

After Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi advocated for Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, former Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah said on Wednesday that they are making efforts for the same and the alliance between Congress and National Conference is not a compulsion but a necessity.

Farooq also asserted that this alliance is a slap on the face of those who used to say that they are Pakistanis and Khalistanis.

He said, “I am going to meet him. We will succeed in the alliance that has been formed between Congress and National Conference. This is a big voice for our entire country, a slap on the face of those who used to say that we are Pakistanis, Khalistanis, I hope the people of India will understand that we want the state to progress and come out of this problem. I have seen the state becoming a Union Territory for the first time, we have to bring back the status of statehood and we are making efforts for this. This (Congress-National Conference alliance) is not a compulsion but a necessity, we have to take everyone along.”

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday advocated for the restoration of the region’s statehood, asserting that the withdrawal of its autonomous status has not only snatched the state of its identity but also eroded the rights and resources of its people.

While addressing an election rally in Ramban ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election, the Congress leader said, “For the first time in the history of India, statehood has been snatched away. Union Territory was first made a state… A state has been abolished and the rights of the people have been snatched away. First of all, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir has to be returned because not only your state has been snatched away, your rights, your wealth, everything is being snatched away from you.”

Jammu and Kashmir has 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs).

These upcoming elections will be the first in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. (ANI)

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Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad said on Wednesday that a new team of experts specialising in catching animals has been called to catch wolves in Bahraich and have set a target of 10 days to catch the wolves.

Addressing a press conference here today, Nishad appealed to the people to not sleep outdoors for their safety.

“A new team of experts specialising in catching man-eater animals has been called in. The number of members of the shooting team has been doubled. We have set a target of 10 days to catch the wolves. Three wolves were seen in drone cameras but there could be more in number. The CM is monitoring this issue. It takes time to capture a clever animal like a wolf,” he said.

Speaking on the incident, Uttar Pradesh Forest Minister Arun Saxena informed that along with normal drones, thermal one are also being deployed in the region.

“CM Yogi Adityanath is worried about the situation here and keeps taking stock of the situation. We are advising people to sleep indoors, shut their doors and not venture out alone at night. Women and children need to be protected. The CM has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakhs each to the family of the deceased in the wolf attack. Most people have received the financial assistance. Thermal drones also deployed along with normal drones,” he said.

Earlier today, the Forest Department, along with the Police, started awareness campaigns in about 25 to 30 villages of Mahsi Tehsil under the Bahraich Range of Bahraich Forest Division inform people of the ongoing situation and advise them on how to stay safe from further attacks.

According to an official statement by the Bahraich Forest Division on September 3, three teams have been formed for the awareness campaign, which will work to make the general public aware using various publicity mediums.

A massive search operation is currently underway in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district as wildlife authorities and forest officials scramble to capture a pack of wolves that have been wreaking havoc. With four wolves already successfully caught, the ‘Operation Bhediya’ is now focused on tracking down the remaining members of the pack.

The total number of people who have sustained injuries in the alleged wolf attacks in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh climbed to 34, a doctor at the Community Health Centre in Mahasi said on Tuesday. (ANI)

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The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) alliance on Wednesday issued a list of 19 candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections and fielded Dushyant Chautala from Uchana and Digvijay Chautala from Dabwali.

The JJP has released the list of 15 candidates, while ASP named four candidates.

JJP leader Dushyant Chautala will contest the elections from Uchana, while Digvijay Chautala will fight from Dabwali.

JJP and Chandra Shekhar Azad’s Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) have allied for the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls.

The alliance will contest on all 90 Assembly constituencies in Haryana, with JJP competing on 70 seats and ASP on 20.

Earlier, former Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leaders Sunil Sangwan, Sanjay Kablana, and Devender Singh Babli joined the BJP and said that the BJP will be forming the government for a third term in the state.

The voting to the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.

Other political parties, including the BJP and Congress, are also finalising their candidates for the polls.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, JJP got only 0.87 per cent of the vote share, with none of its candidates winning any seat in the state.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP, with 40 seats in the 90-member assembly, formed a coalition government with the JJP, which had won 10 seats, while the Congress secured 31 seats. Earlier this year, the BJP-JJP alliance was dissolved.

In 2024, Haryana is likely to witness a four-way contest between the BJP, Congress, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), and AAP. (ANI)

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Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba submitted his letter of resignation on Wednesday, The Kyiv Independent reported, citing Ukraine’s parliament speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.

Stefanchuk further added that Kuleba’s resignation will be “considered at one of the upcoming plenary meetings”; however, he did not provide a date.

“It is a big reshuffle. It was expected rather long ago,” lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko told the Kyiv Independent.

“Ahead of us are difficult times, difficult autumn and winter. Perhaps this reshuffle is somehow related to the new period of challenges for Ukraine,” he added.

Kuleba has been serving as Ukraine’s Foreign Minister since 2020. He was also at the forefront throughout Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, where he engaged with the international allies and secured new partnerships since the beginning of the conflict.

Meanwhile, a day before Kuleba submitted his resignation letter, the country’s online newspaper, Ukrainska Pravda, reported on September 3, citing sources that Kuleba would be dismissed and that his replacement was still under consideration. The most likely candidate to take the position would be Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the sources revealed, as per the report.

It is important to know that Kuleba’s resignation follows several other high-profile ministers submitting their letters of resignation as well. The names include Strategic Industries Minister Alexander Kamyshin, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, Ecology Minister Ruslan Strilets, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna, and Deputy Prime Minister and Reintegration Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, according to The Kyiv Independent.

Moreover, the head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPFU), Vitalii Koval, also submitted his resignation nine months after being in office.

The cause of resignations in Ukraine is yet to be known. The announcement followed months of rumours that multiple Ukrainian ministries may be replaced.

Zelenskyy stated in March that after a reorganisation of his inner circle, Ukrainians should anticipate other cabinet reorganisations in the future. Then, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction and Minister of Infrastructure, Alexander Kubrakov, and Minister of Agriculture, Mykola Solskyi, were too dismissed in May. (ANI)

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Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma made a striking return to Mumbai from London on Tuesday morning, captivating fans and media alike with her sophisticated all-black ensemble.

Arriving at Mumbai airport, Anushka turned heads with her elegant, no-makeup look and commanding presence.

The ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ star was spotted stepping out of the airport dressed in sleek, jet-black pants paired with a matching blazer.

Her minimalist style was complemented by a neat bun and black sunglasses, adding a touch of sophistication to her appearance.

Completing her bossy look with a pair of black sandals, Anushka exuded elegance as she navigated through a throng of photographers and well-wishers.

Anushka was seen briskly walking towards her awaiting vehicle, pausing briefly to acknowledge the paparazzi with warm smiles and friendly waves.

She even responded with a cheerful “thik hai” when a photographer said, “ma’am shaam ko milte hain.”

Anushka Sharma’s husband, cricket star Virat Kohli, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, were not spotted with her at the airport.

The couple, known for keeping their private life largely out of the public eye, recently welcomed their second child, Akaay, earlier this year in February, following their first daughter, Vamika.

Talking about Anushka’s work front, she will be next seen in the upcoming sports biopic film ‘Chakda Xpress’ which is based on the life of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami and will stream exclusively on OTT. The final release date of the film is still awaited. (ANI)

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Actor Nivin Pauly has refuted allegations of sexual assault levelled against him by a woman who has claimed that he along with others had sexually abused her at a hotel in Dubai last year.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, the Malayalam actor said that he will go to any extent to fight for justice.

“I saw the news just now. I don’t know that girl, and I haven’t seen her. This is a baseless allegation. The news is affecting us because I have a family,” Pauly said.

The actor said, “I called for this press conference at this time because I am 100 per cent sure that I am not at fault. An FIR has been registered, and I will handle the case according to the law and will fight against it. I will go to any extent to prove the truth. This will take time.”

Pauly and five others have been charged by Kerala Police for gang rape and related crimes.

The survivor’s statement was recorded by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the sexual harassment allegations against several influential men in the Malayalam film industry, following the release of a redacted version of the Hema Committee report.

The case was registered at Oonnukal police station in Ernakulam based on the survivor’s statement to the SIT.

The First Information Report was filed under IPC Sections 354 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman), 376D (gang rape), 354C (voyeurism), 450 (trespass), 342 (wrongful confinement), 376(2)(n) (repeated rape of the same woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

Pauly was named as the sixth accused in the case, with Shreya, film producer AK Sunil, Binu, Basheer, and Kuttan identified as the first five accused.The complainant alleged that the accused had promised her a role in a film.

The offence allegedly took place in Dubai last year.

Nivin Pauly also issued an official statement on his Instagram account.

“I have come across a false news report accusing me of abusing a girl. Please know that this is entirely untrue. I’m determined to go to any extent to prove these allegations baseless and will take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to light. Thank you for your concern. The rest will be handled legally,” Pauly stated on his Instagram account.

Filmmaker Ranjith, actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh, and actors Edavela Babu, Baburaj, Jayasurya, and Siddique have also been charged with various sexual harassment complaints. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the ties between India and Brunei have been elevated to level of Enhanced Partnership.

In his address at the banquet hosted by Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday, PM Modi thanked the royal family for their warm welcome and their hospitality. He noted that the two nations share deep historical and cultural ties and will mark 40th anniversary of political relations this year.

PM Modi said, “India and Brunei share deep historical and cultural ties. This year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our political relations. On this occasion, we have decided to give our relations the status of Enhanced Partnership.”

“We had extensive discussions on all aspects to give strategic direction to our partnership. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in the economic, scientific and strategic areas,” he added.

PM Modi said that he and the Sultan of Brunei discussed possibilities of long-term cooperation in LNG. The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation between two nations in space sector. He also announced that direct flights between two nations will start soon.

“We have decided to focus on mutual cooperation in agriculture, industry, pharma and health as well as technology and cyber security. In the energy sector, we discussed the possibilities of long-term cooperation in LNG. To enhance cooperation in the defence sector, we took positive views on the possibilities of defence industry training and capacity building,” PM Modi stated.

“To strengthen our cooperation in the field of space, we have agreed on satellite development, remote sensing and training. Direct flights will be started soon for connectivity between the two countries. Our people to people relationships are the foundation of our partnership,” the PM added.

Highlighting Indian community’s contribution in Brunei, PM Modi stated, “I am glad that the Indian community is making a positive contribution to the economy and society of Brunei. With the inauguration of the Indian High Commission yesterday, the Indian community has got a permanent address. We are grateful to the Sultan of Brunei and his government for looking after the welfare and interests of the Indian community.”

PM Modi praised the Sultan of Brunei’s leadership for the country’s progress with confluence of tradition and connectivity and called the vision of ‘Wawasan 2035’ commendable.

“This year, Brunei will celebrate its 40th Independence Day. Your majesty, Brunei, under your leadership has progressed with an important confluence of tradition and continuity. Your vision of Wawasan 2035 for Brunei is commendable. On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I extend my best wishes to you and the people of Brunei,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to Brunei’s royal family for the warm welcome, the PM said, “I thank the royal family for the warm welcome and their hospitality. Even though this was the first bilateral meeting of an Indian Prime Minister with Brunei, the warmth that I received here reminded me of our shared history.”

Calling Brunei an ‘important partner’ in India’s Act East Policy, PM Modi said, “Brunei is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision. India prioritises ASEAN centrality and will continue to do so. We will support freedom of navigation and overflight under international laws like UNCLOS. We agree that a code of conduct should be followed in this sector. We support the policy of development and not expansion.”

Earlier, PM Modi held a meeting with Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and during the “wide ranging” talks the two leaders discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide ranging and included ways to further cement bilateral ties between our nations. We are going to further expand trade ties, commercial linkages and people-to-people exchanges.”

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed Brunei an “important partner” in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and its vision of the Indo-Pacific.

In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, “Building stronger India-Brunei relations. PM @narendramodi was warmly welcomed at the Istana Nurul Iman by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and his close family members. Brunei is an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and its Vision of the Indo-Pacific.”

PM Modi who arrived in Brunei on Tuesday on a bilateral visit had said that he is looking forward to strong bilateral ties, especially in boosting commercial and cultural linkages.Upon his arrival, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome. PM Modi thanked Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah for welcoming him at the airport.

On Tuesday, PM Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India, in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The chancery complex embodies a profound sense of Indianness, masterfully integrating traditional motifs and lush tree plantations.

The use of elegant claddings and durable Kota stones further enhances its aesthetic appeal, harmoniously blending classic and contemporary elements. The design not only pays homage to India’s rich cultural heritage but also creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister also visited Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday, as a part of his historic visit to Brunei. Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin received him at Mosque and Brunei’s Minister of Health Dato Haji Mohammad Isham was also present, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release.

After the first leg of his two-nation visit, PM Modi will head to Singapore for a two-day visit from September 4-5. (ANI)

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C R Kesavan, the National spokesperson of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) condemned the Congress-led Himachal Government on Wednesday over the non-payment of salaries of state government employees.

“Utterly misled by their irrational, kathakat, voodoo economics and tughlaq economics of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress government in Himachal has plunged the state into financial ruin and brink of bankruptcy. Like an unreliable, unsafe and precarious leaky boat, the Congress government with its reckless false promises it made to the people during elections has plunged the state and its future of its people into disparate darkness”, said the national spokesperson in a statement.

Further criticising the Congress, he questioned the silence of the Congress leadership, saying that the Gandhi family have abandoned the people of Himachal Pradesh. “We have read in papers from time to time that they (Gandhi family) go to Shimla for a vacation, but now why have they abandoned the good people of Himachal Pradesh? Mr Rahul Gandhi, who comments on everything under the sun, even in Timbuktu, why is he maintaining such a steely silence on the financial catastrophe by his own Congress government in Himachal Pradesh?”, he added.

The delay in the disbursement of salaries of employees of the state Secretariat has left the employees anxious and prompted them to draft a letter to the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Finance, demanding an immediate release of their salaries. The employees argue that the delay is causing financial strain, preventing them from meeting their monthly obligations.

Earlier in the Himachal Assembly session, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu acknowledged the financial struggles in the House, announcing a two-month deferment of salaries for himself, ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) and MLAs. However, he later claimed there was no financial crisis, contradicting his initial statement.

Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, criticised the situation, stating, “Rahul Gandhi’s fake guarantees have been exposed in Himachal Pradesh. Other states should also learn a lesson from this.”

Thakur further emphasised the gravity of the situation, highlighting the inconsistency in the government’s statements.

He also noted that the opposition had sought a discussion in the House on the economic situation, but claimed the government is not treating the issue with the seriousness it deserves. (ANI)

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Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba constituted a high-level committee and held meeting with its members to conduct an investigation after unarmed Koutruk villagers in Manipur’s Imphal were attacked with drones, bombs and sophisticated weapons on Sunday reportedly by the Kuki militants. 

In the high-level meeting that was conducted on Monday, Additional Director General of Police (DGP) Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, Major General SS Kartikeya, Major General Ravroop Singh, IPS officer Vipul Kumar and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) JK Birdi were present. 

Taking to social media X, Rajya Sabha MP wrote “Constituted a High – Level Committee of 5 members with Addl. DGP (Int) Manipur as Chairman to investigate into H- Tech drones used by Kuki Militants killing one lady & injured several others including 3 policemen at Koutruk Village Manipur & Report shall be submitted by 13/9/24.” 

Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the fresh incident of violence and said that the act to drop bombs on civilian and security forces was “an act of terrorism.”

The Chief Minister also denounced these “cowardly attacks” in the strongest possible terms, emphasizing the need to unite together against hate, division and separatism.

“Dropping of bombs on civilian population and security forces by using drones is an act of terrorism and I condemn such cowardly acts in the strongest terms. Manipur state government takes such unprovoked assault with utmost seriousness and will take up necessary response to fight such forms of terrorism upon the indigenous population,” Singh said in a post on X.

“We denounce all forms of violence, and the people of Manipur shall unite together against hate, division and separatism,” he added.

Earlier, the Manipur Police had confirmed the reports of usage of Drones in the attack in Kotruk, ” In an unprecedented attack in Koutruk, Imphal West, alleged Kuki militants have deployed numerous RPGs using high-tech drones. While drone bombs have commonly been used in general warfares, this recent deployment of drones to deploy explosives against security forces and the civilians marks a significant escalation.” 

On September 2, during search operations and area domination conducted by the security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas the Police recovered 1 drone from Kharam Vaiphei, Kangpokpi District. (ANI)

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