Month: April 2025

A Special Bengaluru Court has instructed the Lokayukta Police to continue the investigation and submit a final report. The judge also stated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can file an objection petition.

The case has been adjourned until May 7. The court will decide on the ‘B Report’ after the Lokayukta submits the final report.

This comes after the Lokayukta officers reportedly submitted the ‘B Report’ in the investigation against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. The investigation into the other accused is still ongoing. The court has instructed the police to continue the investigation and submit a final report.

The Lokayukta Police have not completed the investigation yet, so the court has instructed them to continue it. The Lokayukta Police had requested permission to continue the investigation, which was granted by the Special Court for Public Representatives.

The Special Court for Public Representatives has stated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can file an objection petition regarding the ‘B Report’. The court also clarified that the ED can file a petition as an aggrieved person in the matter.

Earlier on April 8, a Special Court in Bengaluru on Tuesday heard a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate challenging Lokayukta Police’s ‘B Report’ in the MUDA (Mysore Urban Development Authority) ‘scam’ case involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

ED has argued that the Lokayukta Police has not taken into the account the details shared by the probe agency in ‘B Report’. ED has also requested permission to submit 27 documents in support of its decision.

“The ED is an independent investigative agency and has the authority to question the Lokayukta report. The Supreme Court has stated that an accused involved in money laundering should not be let off easily,” ED counsel argued, referring to previous Supreme Court judgements.

However, the judge said that the ED can’t file a separate petition in the matter. (ANI)

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday arrived in Gujarat for a two-day visit where he will launch the party’s pilot project to strengthen district units in the State and address party workers.

Gandhi will launch the ‘Sangathan Sirjan Abhiyan’ in the Modasa area of Gujarat’s Aravalli district in an effort to revamp the party, strengthen its organisation by empowering District Congress Committees, and “introduce a new system of accountability.”

Rahul Gandhi attended a meeting at the party office after arriving in Ahmedabad.

This is in line with party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s call for 2025 to be the “year of organisational reforms”. This commitment was also reiterated during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting in Ahmedabad a week ago.

The Gujarat Congress, out of power for more than three decades, has suffered several electoral blows in the past. To unite the party and empower leaders at the district level.

Congress’s General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, while talking about Gandhi’s visit, wrote on X, “Today and tomorrow, Shri Rahul Gandhi will be in Gujarat to kickstart this process. He will be launching the INC’s Sangathan Sirjan Abhiyan in Modasa, Aravalli district. The first objective is to strengthen the party organisation by empowering District Congress Committees and their Presidents and by introducing a new system of accountability.”

Notably, Rahul Gandhi has previously told the Congress workers in Gujarat that there is a need to purge certain people from the party who are “hand in glove” with the BJP.

“If we want to build a relationship (with people), then we have to do two things: The first task is to separate these two groups (loyalists and BJP supporters); strict action has to be taken. Even if we have to remove ten, fifteen, or even twenty or thirty people, then we should remove them,” Gandhi said while addressing party workers on March 9. (ANI)

China has ordered its airlines not to take any further deliveries of Boeing jets, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

This comes amid the face-off between the United States and China following the Donald Trump administration’s imposition of 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods, with Beijing hitting back with retaliatory tariffs.

Beijing has also asked that Chinese carriers halt any purchases of aircraft-related equipment and parts from US companies, sources were quoted as saying in the Bloomberg report.

According to the global aerospace company, Boeing airplanes have been the mainstay of China’s civil aviation passenger and cargo transportation systems for more than 50 years.

Boeing is the largest customer of China’s aviation manufacturing industry, with more than 10,000 Boeing airplanes flying with China-made parts. According to the company, Boeing activity in China contributes more than USD 1.5 billion annually in direct support of China’s economy, including suppliers, joint ventures, operations, training, and research and development investment.

Last week, China announced retaliatory tariffs of 125 percent on goods from the US entering China.

The Trump administration, however, on Saturday exempted electronics like phones, computers, and other electronics from the reciprocal tariffs imposed on other nations, including China.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently on a visit to countries in Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia. In Vietnam, Xi called on China and Vietnam to oppose “unilateral bullying” and uphold global free trade.

Trump, however speaking to reporters in the Oval office yesterday alleged that China was focussed on how to harm the US.

“That’s a lovely meeting. Meeting like, trying to figure out, how do we screw the United States of America?” said Trump on the meeting between Xi and his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam. (ANI)

Businessman Robert Vadra walked out of the Enforcement Directorate office in the national capital on Tuesday after being questioned for hours in connection to the Gurugram land case. Vadra has been given a break for lunch and will come back for questioning at the office.

“I am not going to be intimidated by this government or any agency. I am going to answer all the questions,” Vadra told ANI during his break.

He said that he submitted more than 20,000 documents to the agency in 2019, too, calling the summons “politically motivated.”

“23,000 documents were submitted in 2019. The case that they are asking me about is a 20-year-old case. This is politically motivated. We abide by all the rules and regulations when we do any transaction. The ruling government always misuses the agency. They can ask me as many questions. I have nothing to hide. All is good,” Vadra said.

Earlier in the morning today, Vadra had walked to the ED office from his residence. Talking to reporters during his walk, he expressed his discontent over the matter, stating that there was “nothing” in the case and hoped for a conclusion in the investigation.

“Case mein kuch nahin hai yaar… I hope there is a conclusion. They call me when they want to digress from the original issues,” Vadra said.

Calling the ED summons a “political vendetta” by the BJP, he said, “I hope there is a conclusion… They call me when they want to digress from the original issues… When I speak in favour of the country, I am stopped; Rahul is stopped from speaking in the Parliament. BJP is doing it. This is a political vendetta.”

“People love me and want me to join politics… When I express my willingness to join politics, they bring up old issues to bring me down and divert from the real issues,” he added.

He said that he is always ready to be summoned and to cooperate with the agency, but organising thousands of documents is not easy.

“We told the ED we were organising our documents, I am always ready to be here… I hope there’s a conclusion today… I have been summoned 15 times and interrogated for more than 10 hours every time for the last 20 years. Organizing 23000 documents is not easy,” Vadra said.

Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, has also expressed a willingness to get into politics “with the blessings from family.”

Speaking to ANI in an exclusive interview on Monday, Vadra emphasised that his connection to politics has largely been due to his association with the Gandhi family. However, he stated that over the years, multiple political parties have tried to pull him into political discussions, often using his name as a distraction during elections or other issues.

He noted that his family, particularly his wife, Priyanka and brother-in-law, Rahul Gandhi, has been a great source of learning, and they actively participate in Parliament. (ANI)

After meeting with the Congress top leadership to discuss preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday said that the opposition alliance is united and fully prepared to take Bihar forward.

Speaking to the media, Yadav said that another meeting with alliance partners will be held on April 17 in Patna.

Further, slamming the NDA, the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister said that even after 20 years of its rule, Bihar remains the poorest state with the lowest per capita and farmers’ incomes and the highest migration rate.

“We had a meeting and had positive discussions. We will meet again on 17 April in Patna, along with other alliance parties. We are fully prepared, and we want to take Bihar forward. Even after 20 years of NDA government in the state, Bihar is the poorest state, where per capita income and farmers’ income are the lowest, and migration is the highest. We want to contest elections based on issues. It is the duty of all of us to highlight the shortcomings of the government,” Tejashwi Yadav said.

On the question of the Chief Ministerial’s face, he said it would be decided unanimously while also declaring that the NDA will not form the government in Bihar at this time.

“We will discuss and unanimously decide the CM face. ‘Nitish Ji to hijack ho chuke hain’. NDA is not forming the government in Bihar this time,” the RJD leader said.

Bihar Congress President Rajesh Kumar emphasized that the meeting took place in a very natural and smooth manner.

“All decisions will be taken on different dates. We will fight the NDA government unitedly. Several issues were discussed, and moving forward, we will proceed point by point,” Kumar said.

Bihar Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru asserted that discussions were held on how to move forward in Bihar in the coming days.

“A meeting is scheduled in Patna on the 17th, where further discussions will take place. We all believe that the INDIA bloc will win the elections in Bihar,” Allavaru said.

Earlier today, Tejashwi Yadav met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP KC Venugopal.

A high-stakes battle is expected to take place in Bihar, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA); consisting of Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party fighting against the Mahagathbandan; consisting of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and left parties.

The Bihar Assembly elections are due to be held later this year. (ANI)

Indian batter Shreyas Iyer achieved the accolade of the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for March 2025, surpassing competitors Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra from New Zealand, as per a report from ICC.

Iyer emerged as the top run-scorer for India with 243 runs, contributing significantly to India’s success in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai and Pakistan. Iyer’s receipt of this award signified that India has claimed it consecutively, with Shubman Gill winning the accolade for February.

Iyer played an integral part in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy journey, serving an important function in the middle-order. His exceptional stroke-play helped India navigate the middle overs, and his ability to stabilize the innings while establishing important partnerships was crucial in leading his team to a triumphant campaign.

Iyer expressed his gratitude and honour for being named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March. He highlighted the significance of the award, especially in a month when India won the ICC Champions Trophy. He credited his teammates, coaches, and support staff for their contributions to his success.

“I’m truly honoured to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March. This recognition is incredibly special, especially in a month where we lifted the ICC Champions Trophy — a moment I will cherish forever. Being able to contribute to India’s success on such a big stage is something every cricketer dreams of. I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, and support staff for their unwavering support and belief,” Shreyas Iyer said as per ICC.

The 30-year-old amassed 172 runs in three matches during March, maintaining an average of 57. 33, with a moderate strike rate of 77. 47, which featured some impressive innings. Iyer was the second-highest run-scorer of the Champions Trophy 2025, only 20 runs behind Rachin Ravindra. (ANI)

The situation in West Bengal’s Dhuliyan town in the Jangipur subdivision of the Murshidabad district is under control after the violent protests staged against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11, officials said.

Security personnel, including BSF and CRPF, have been deployed in the area, and authorities have stated that the situation is now under control.

Locals recounted the chaos that unfolded during the violence, which left several shops and properties damaged.

One shopkeeper, speaking to ANI, described the devastation: “My entire building has been destroyed. All the glass has shattered. The rear side of the building was weak — it had wooden windows and doors. They broke through that and entered inside. They caused complete destruction and even looted some of our belongings. Opposite my building, I have a shop. They broke the shutter of that shop too. Monday was a bank holiday, so I received all the payments on Tuesday. I had around Rs13.5 lakh in cash with me. The cash was meant to be deposited at the bank, but it was all stolen. Apart from that, my shop had furniture and equipment worth Rs7-8 lakh, including chairs, tables, CPUs, computers, and laptops. Altogether, I had nearly Rs20-25 lakh in losses.”

Another local shopkeeper, Adhir Ravi Das, shared his plight: “My shop has been completely damaged. Nothing is left. If the administration helps, we will be able to open the shop, or else nothing can be done. Materials worth Rs 6-7 lakhs were in the shop; everything has been burnt. We want peace. Since BSF is here, the situation is normal. We don’t know what will happen if BSF is removed from here. We want a BSF camp here.”

Shopkeeper Habib-ur-Rehman said that the situation has improved. “The situation in Samserganj is normal now. The administration is asking us to open our shops and stay disciplined. The situation has changed after BSF and CRPF have been deployed,” he said.

Security forces continue to patrol sensitive areas to maintain order, and the administration has urged residents to remain calm and resume normal activities. (ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday carried out searches at the premises of Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas in Rajasthan and AAP leader Kulwant Singh in Punjab, among more than 15 locations, in the matter of Pearl Agro Corporation Limited (PACL), which concerns investor fraud involving Rs 48,000 crore.

The raids have been underway since early Tuesday across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan.

ED officials familiar with the development said the locations being searched include the residential premises of Khachariyawas, former Cabinet Transport Minister of Rajasthan and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh.

Further, the central agency said that a First Information Report (FIR) has also been registered against associates of late Nirmal Singh Bhangoo for illegally disposing of the properties of PACL and associate entities.

In October last year, the central agency conducted searches at 44 premises across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand in the case against PACL. The company had illegally collected at least Rs 49,100 crore from 58 million investors over 18 years, as alleged.

The ED probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act is based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation. It was alleged that PACL collected money from the public through illegal collective investment schemes for allotting plots in different parts of the country or by giving the option to take back their expected tentative value of land in lieu of the allotted plot under the scheme on maturity.

As per the ED, the directors of PACL siphoned off the amounts received from investors by transferring them to shell companies located in Kolkata on the pretext of land development expenses. The funds were later withdrawn in cash and handed over to the key associates of PACL in Delhi. They were further transferred from Delhi via “hawala” to the companies incorporated in Dubai in the name of the key associates of PACL for the purchase of immovable properties abroad.

The agency has already attached two immovable properties in Australia worth Rs 462 crore in 2018 and movable and immovable properties worth Rs 244 crore in India in 2022.

The ED has so far filed prosecution complaints against 11 entities, including PACL and its related companies, and the main accused, late Nirmal Singh Bhagoo, along with his alleged close associates, KS Toor, ML Sehjpal, Prateek, CP Khandelwal, and others. (ANI)

The Blue Origin all-women crew have officially landed safely back on Earth after their April 14 visit to space.

Along with Jeff Bezos’ fiancee Lauren Sanchez, the team included Katy Perry, Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn, according to E! News.

The crew, who were in space for approximately four minutes, traveled to the Karman line (the spot separating Earth’s atmosphere and space) 62 miles above the planet.

When they reached the ground, both Katy and Gayle immediately kissed the ground, grateful for their return. Meanwhile, Lauren, happily back on Earth, joked that she needed to return for her wedding to Jeff this summer, as per the outlet.

“All the love that was in that capsule, and all the heart and the feelings, and seeing Jeff before I left, I just,” she told Blue Origin at the West Texas launch site, adding, “I had to come back. I mean, we’re getting married! If I didn’t come back, that would be a bummer for me,” according to E! News.

Aisha, whose lifelong dream was to go to space, shared, “When we got in and counted down from ten, I started to hear some singing, and we lifted off, and everybody could just feel the energy in the capsule. And when we got up there and we got out of our seats, we all just looked at each other, and there was this moment.”

Aisha added, “There was a very special moment between all of us, and it’s just beautiful.”

Gayle shared she had no regrets about going to space. “It’s oddly quiet when you get up there, and you look down at the planet,” she admitted. “It really made me think we really need to do better.”

“We are forever bounded. You can’t go through what we’ve gone through and not be,” she added. “It really is a true sisterhood.”

Gayle added that on their way down, Katy sang “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

On why she chose the song, Katy shared, “I’ve covered that song in the past, and obviously, my higher self is steering the ship because I had no idea I would one day sing that in space.”

“It’s about making space for future women,” she continued. “This is all for the benefit of Earth.”

Ahead of the launch, Lauren’s fiance and Blue Origin founder Jeff joined the launch to support his partner, sharing a message with the crew before takeoff. “I am so excited for you, I don’t want to get off,” he said while on the rocket with the crew. “I want to go with you.”

“And when you get back,” he continued, “I can’t wait to hear how it’s changed you. I love all of you. See you soon, Godspeed,” according to E! News. (ANI)

Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal have started their discussions for the upcoming Bihar elections, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav meeting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders in Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by Congress’ Rahul Gandhi, party’s General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal and others. On the RJD side, MP Manoj Jha, MP Sanjay Yadav and other leaders were present.

Early this morning, Tejashwi Yadav landed at Delhi airport for his official meeting with the Congress over the Bihar polls. After coming out of the airport, he said they would be discussing seat-sharing and poll strategy at Kharge’s residence.

Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, “Today is our official meeting. We will discuss the strategies for Bihar (elections). “

Speaking about the meeting, RJD leader and RS MP Manoj Jha told ANI, “This is a formal meeting. If we look at the Congress party’s allies, RJD has been the oldest ally as of now. In this formal meeting, the entire scenario will be discussed.”

Saying that the “entire context” of Bihar will be discussed, Jha added, “This meeting has been scheduled keeping in view the entire context of Bihar, and since the elections are now about 6-8 months away, it will be discussed.”

Notably, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar has raised the issue of migration in Bihar, taking out the ‘Naukri do’ rally to urge the state government to stop migration and facilitate job creation for the youth. On April 7, Kumar was joined by Rahul Gandhi in Begusarai for the yatra.

Earlier on March 30, while sounding the poll bugle for the party in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed former bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav of presiding over a “jungle raj” and corruption between 1990-2005.

“What did Lalu Yadav’s government do in Bihar from 1990 to 2005? Lalu Yadav’s government defamed Bihar in the country and the world by doing a fodder scam in the entire state. His government will always be known as ‘Jungle Raj’ in the history of Bihar,” the Home Minister said.

A high stakes battle is expected to take place in Bihar, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA); consisting of Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party fighting against the Mahagathbandan; consisting of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and left parties.

Mallikarjun Kharge is also expected to take out a rally in Bihar’s Buxar on April 20. (ANI)