Category: News

After the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the bail plea of Manish Sisodia in connection with cases related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy case, Aam Adami Party (AAP) minister Atishi said that her party does not ‘agree’ with the order of the apex court.

Atishi while addressing a press conference here said that the AAP will study the order and explore legal options.

“We respect SC but do not agree with order dismissing Manish Sisodia bail plea. We will study it and explore legal options,” she said.

Further, the Delhi minister said that her party was and will remain honest.

“Not even a single leader of AAP is corrupt. The AAP was honest, is honest and will remain an honest party,” Atishi said.

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the bail plea of Manish Sisodia in connection with cases related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy case.

Meanwhile the BJP has claimed that the SC order proves corruption is steeped in the AAP and soon the Delhi Chief Minister will get arrested

“After this decision, it has been proved that Manish Sisodia and AAP are full of corruption… Now the arrest of top leaders of AAP is near… Arvind Kejriwal too will get arrested” said BJP leader an Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwary.

In February 2023, Manish 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The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition.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.

“We have dismissed the bail plea of Manish Sisodia,” the court said on Monday.

The order was delivered by a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti.

However, the court directed to complete the trial in the case in six to eight months. The court also remarked that if the trial in the case proceeds at a slow pace, Sisodia can apply for bail again after three months.

The court, while refusing bail, also took note of the aspects regarding the transfer of a money trail of 338 crore, which is tentatively established.

Manish Sisodia had moved the Supreme Court for bail in CBI and ED cases related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy case. He had challenged the Delhi HC order rejecting his bail plea. The Delhi High Court had denied him bail in both matters.

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

In its order passed on July 3, 2023, in the ED case, the Delhi HC had stated that this court, inter alia, was of the view that, in view of the high political positions held by the accused and his position in the party in power in Delhi, the possibility of influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled out. (ANI)

The United States has emphasised that the fact that Hamas is using Palestinian civilians as human shields in Gaza, does not lessen Israel’s responsibility of protecting the civilians, The Hill reported.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told CBS, that the US is “very focused” on how terrorist group Hamas is using civilians as human shields in Gaza as Israel continues to bombard the territory.

Sullivan said Hamas terrorists are “hiding behind civilians” as Israel vows to eliminate the group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the US.

“They’re putting rockets and other terrorist infrastructure in civilian areas. That creates an added burden for the Israeli Defence Forces,” he said.

“But it does not lessen their responsibility to distinguish between terrorists and innocent civilians and to protect the lives of innocent civilians as they conduct this military operation,” The Hill quoted him as saying.

“That’s true of striking from the air. It is true of going in on the ground, and this is something that we talk about with the Israelis on a daily basis,” Sullivan added.

Sullivan reiterated that the US has maintained that all innocent lives in Israel and Gaza should be protected.

When asked if the US is requesting the Israeli military “to be more limited in its tactics or more strategic” since the US provides weapons and aid every year to Israel, Sullivan said that they will hold Israel accountable if it violates the law of armed conflict, The Hill reported.

“The United States of America, when we transfer weapons to another country, whether it’s Israel or anyone else, requests, requires an assurance that those weapons will be used in accordance with the law of armed conflict, and we seek accountability to ensure that that is the case, we will continue to do that,” Sullivan said.

He added, “And we do not stand for the killing of innocent people, whether it be Palestinian, Israeli or otherwise. And we weep and grieve for every last life and will continue to do so”.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. At least 1400 Israelis were killed in this attack.

Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimise civilian casualties, The Times of Israel reported.

Over 8000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. (ANI)

The death toll in the train collision in Andhra Pradesh has risen to 14 in Vizianagaram district, police said.

The police had earlier said that out of the casualties, seven were identified and the process to identify other bodies was underway.

Biswajit Sahu, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Coast Railway said that the rescue operation is over and the focus has now shifted to track restoration work.

“The rescue operation is over now. We have arranged buses and trains for the stranded passengers. A total of 18 trains have been cancelled and 22 trains have been diverted. We are trying to clear the track by 4 pm today,” Biswajit Sahu said.

Biswajit Sahu further said that victims with minor injuries have been admitted to the nearby Alamanda hospital.

“Passengers with minor injuries are getting first aid treatment in Alamanda Hospital, and those with serious injuries have been shifted to Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam Hospital. We arranged trains and buses for the stranded passengers. Many trains have been cancelled and diverted. We are informing the passengers through SMS, and we have set up a help desk,” he said.

Sahu further added that 18 trains had been cancelled and 22 trains were diverted. “Our two ART (Accident Relief Train) teams are working there and all the staff from Sambalpur headquarters division are working there and we are trying to clear the track by 4 p.m. in the evening,” he further said.

A few coaches derailed after the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train hit Visakhapatnam-Ragada train travelling on the same route in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district on Sunday evening, officials said. The Divisional Railway Manager said that three coaches were involved in the accident.

“There was a rear collision between the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train. Three coaches were involved in the accident. Rescue operations are underway, local administration and NDRF were informed for assistance and ambulances. Accident relief trains reached the site,” the Divisional Railway Manager said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Reddy ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli.

“CM Reddy ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli, the nearest districts of Vizianagaram, and to make all kinds of arrangements in nearby hospitals to provide good medical care,” the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office posted on X. (ANI)

After the Maratha reservation meeting held today, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the government has formed an advisory board under the leadership of various retired Judges to look into the matter.

Addressing the press conference after the meeting, CM Shinde said “We have formed an advisory board on the subject of Maratha reservation under the leadership of retired Justice Bhosle, retired Justice Gaikwad and retired Justice Shinde. This advisory board will give suggestions to the government in the matter related to keeping Marathas in the Supreme Court as to what can be done regarding Maratha reservation. Along with this, we will also collect empirical data with the help of the Backward Classes Commission in the entire state. So that we can tell the Supreme Court in the curative petition that is pending that how backward the Maratha community is.”

In the crucial meeting, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP ministers Chandrakant Dada Patil, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Dada Bhuse from Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde faction, Minister Dilip Walse Patil from Nationalist Congress (Ajit Pawar faction) were present today.

Manoj Jarange Patil, who works as a coordinator for the Maratha Morcha, is on a hunger strike unto death demanding reservation for the Maratha community.

Speaking on this, CM Shinde said “Tomorrow representatives from Manoj Jarange Patil will meet members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Maratha Reservation for further discussions. We will give a message through the Divisional Commissioner to Manoj Jarange Patil. I request Manoj Jarange Patil to call off his indefinite hunger strike as we are working on what his demands are.”

“In the first report submitted by the Justice Shinde committee, over One Lakh Marathas have been identified with valid proof which can be considered for giving them reservation. We will give reservations to the Maratha community in 2 phases, one through the Kunbi Caste Certificate and the other in general to the Maratha community on the basis of economic backwardness which will stand legal scrutiny,” he added.

Further, CM Shinde also mentioned the shortcomings in the efforts made by previous governments to get Maratha reservation passed.

“At one time, the government of Devendra Fadnavis gave reservation to the Maratha community and all the people together proved that the reservation was legally correct in the High Court and later when the matter went to the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court found shortcomings in it and was rejected. Today I do not want to do politics on this matter, but it is true that when this matter went before the Supreme Court, it found negligence on the part of the government of that time (Uddhav govt) in many matters, which was necessary after the repeated demands of the Supreme Court,” CM Shinde said.

He emphasized that his government is now following up on the curative petition pending in the Supreme Court and trying to make the Apex Court understand as to how Maratha reservation is completely right from the point of view of the law.

He also targeted the people inciting violence in the name of the Maratha reservation and said that due to some people creating arson, fingers are being raised on the entire movement. “Those who are involved in violence should also keep in mind that it also harms the Maratha society and their families will also suffer due to it,” he added. (ANI)

Amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday stated that all diesel buses running in Delhi-NCR which are coming from other states will be banned from entry from November 1.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “The Delhi government is working on all the parameters under the winter action plan. Last year, the AQI on October 29 was 397, and yesterday it was 325. So there has been an improvement. We are trying to improve it further. The next 15 days are very important, and we are preparing for them. All the industrial units in Delhi have been shifted from polluted fuel to natural gas. We have formed teams to monitor if anyone is using polluted fuel. The ‘Red Light on, Gaadi off’ campaign is voluntary. I appeal to the people of Delhi to turn off their vehicle’s engine when there is a red signal.”

He further said that from November 1, all the diesel buses running in Delhi-NCR coming from outside are being directed to run on alternative fuel.

Earlier, Rai urged the Centre to impose a stringent ban on buses running on subpar diesel and put a ban on BS III and BS IV buses operating in NCR areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The Minister conducted a surprise inspection of Kashmiri Gate ISBT for diesel buses coming from NCR states as per the Delhi Government’s efforts to tackle vehicular pollution.

“The Environment Minister stated that the central government should implement a complete ban on BS III and BS IV buses operating in NCR areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Minister Gopal Rai further informed that from November 1st, checking will be conducted by the Transport Department at all entry points,” read the release from the office of the minister.

Gopal Rai said, “At present, pollution generated from vehicles is increasing. All buses in Delhi are running on CNG. More than 800 electric buses are also running in Delhi. However due to BS III and BS IV diesel buses running in UP, Haryana, Rajasthan NCR area, pollution is increasing in Delhi. During the inspection at ISBT, it was found that all the buses that have come here from UP and Haryana are BS III and BS IV buses. None of the buses have come from there with electric and CNG. That is why we demand that the Centre implement a complete ban on BS III and BS IV buses operating in NCR areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.”

The Environment Minister mentioned that the drivers of diesel buses coming from NCR states were also made aware today that only electric, CNG and BS-VI buses can come to Delhi from November 1st.

From November 1, a checking campaign will be conducted by the Transport Department at all entry points. Action will be taken against any buses that do not follow the rules. (ANI)

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar said on Monday that the government is making every effort to ensure relief for the eight Indian personnel detained in Qatar. The eight Indians who now face the death penalty in Qatar for alleged spying are all former Naval personnel.

Speaking at an event in Goa, Kumar said, “The court hearing was supposed to be transcribed and provided to us on Sunday…but we heard the MEA statement on this.

“Every effort is being made by the government to ensure we take this up through the legal course and we get relief for our personnel,” he added.

This comes after the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed a verdict of the death penalty for the eight former naval officers who were detained in Doha.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the families of eight Indians detained in Qatar and assured them that the government will make all efforts to secure their release.

The EAM said that the government attaches the “highest importance” to the case and will coordinate closely with the families in that regard.

“Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that Government attaches the highest importance to the case. Fully share the concerns and pain of the families. Underlined that the Government will continue to make all efforts to secure their release. Will coordinate closely with the families in that regard,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it was “deeply shocked” by the verdict and now awaits the detailed judgement.

“We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company,” the MEA said in a statement.

“We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options,” it added.

The MEA further stated that the matter is very important to us, the MEA said adding that and they have been keeping a close eye on it.

“We attach high importance to this case, and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities,” the MEA release said.

“Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture,” it added.

The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme.

New Delhi had been granted consular access to the eight Indians and had been working to secure their release. The Indian nationals had their first trial in late March. (ANI)

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Prakash Solanke’s residence in Maharashtra’s Beed was on Monday set on fire by a group of pro-Maratha reservation protestors.

Solanke said that he and his family were safe adding that there was a huge loss of property due to fire.

“I was inside my home when it was attacked. Fortunately, none of my family members or staff were injured. We are all safe but there is a huge loss of property due to fire,” Solanke said.

This comes amidst an indefinite fast by activist Manoj Jarange who sat on an indefinite fast from October 25 at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, “Manoj Jarange Patil (Maratha reservation activist) should take note of the fact what turn this protest is taking. It is going in the wrong direction.”

He also cautioned people against inciting violence in the name of Maratha reservation and said that due to certain people, suspicion is being cast on the entire movement.

“Those who are involved in violence should also keep in mind that it also harms the Maratha society and their families will also suffer due to it,” the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, NCP Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule blamed the failure of the Home Minister and the state government.

“This is a complete failure of the Home Minister of Maharashtra and the government. This is the failure of triple-engine government in Maharashtra. Today an MLA’s house is set on fire, what is the Home Ministry and Home Minister doing? It is their responsibility,” Sule said.

A crucial meeting of the Maharashtra sub-committee was held today to discuss the Maratha reservation issue. After the meeting, Chief Minister Shinde said that the government has formed an advisory board under the leadership of various retired Judges to look into the matter.

The meeting was attended by BJP ministers Chandrakant Dada Patil, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Dada Bhuse from Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde faction, Minister Dilip Walse Patil from Nationalist Congress (Ajit Pawar faction).

Manoj Jarange Patil, who works as a coordinator for the Maratha Morcha, is on a hunger strike unto death demanding reservation for the Maratha community. (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was recently seen sitting next to star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez during a boxing match in Saudi Arabia.

Several videos and photos of the duo in the same frame have gone viral on social media and fans cannot get enough of it.

The duo was spotted at a boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

Check out fans’ reactions:

The Salman Khan with Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina , this is the most random linkup I could've ever imagined 🚬😂💀#SalmanKhan #SalmanKhan𓃵 #CristianoRonaldo #Ronaldo𓃵 #Tiger3 #Tiger3Diwali2023 pic.twitter.com/SEtVJvXWWk

— Shivam Shukla (@Shukla_j_shivam) October 29, 2023

This post is restricted to Salman Khan & Cristiano Ronaldo fans🔥

Show me the most unexpected crossover of this year!#SalmanKhan #CristianoRonaldo #friends #ChandlerBing #INDvsENG #INDvENG #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/Te1Y51PZj1

— Saurabh Singh (@100rabhsingh781) October 29, 2023

Indian actor Salman Khan seated next to Ronaldo and Georgina pic.twitter.com/VTMB6QA8Ku

— fan (@NoodleHairCR7) October 28, 2023

Two GOATS in one frame .. Salman Khan & Cristiano Ronaldo 🔥#SalmanKhan #Ronaldo #RiyadhSeason2023 pic.twitter.com/dkvDO3rWcx

— Being Sahil (@beingsahil_18) October 29, 2023

Apart from them Kanye West, Eminem, Conor Mc Gregor were also present at the event.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Salman will be next seen in the action thriller film ‘Tiger 3’.

Helmed by Maneesh Sharma, the film also stars Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi in the lead roles and is all set to hit the theatres on November 12.

The makers, recently unveiled the official trailer of the film which received massive responses from the audience.

The two-minute-fifty-second trailer featured Salman as India’s best agent, Tiger, trying to save his family and the country from an enemy (played by Emraan Hashmi) trying to take personal revenge for his family’s loss.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently helped Portugal qualify for the Euro 2024 football competition. On the club front, Ronaldo signed with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr after decorated stints with Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid in European Football, which saw him win top-tier club trophies, including UEFA Champions League. He has scored 34 goals in 39 matches for Al-Nassr. He has won Arab Club Champions Cup with Al-Nassr. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India takes a strong position on terrorism because “we are big victims of terrorism.”

Jaishankar’s remarks came at a time when there is an ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and New Delhi abstained from a UN resolution that did not condemn Hamas terror attacks. He also stressed the need to take “consistent position” on terrorism.

“Today, a good government and strong governance stand up for its people. Just as good governance is necessary at home, right judgements are necessary abroad. We take a strong position on terrorism because we are big victims of terrorism. We will have no credibility if we say that when terrorism impacts us, it’s very serious; when it happens to somebody else, it’s not serious. We need to have a consistent position,” Jaishankar said while speaking at a Town hall in Bhopal yesterday.

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

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

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

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

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

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. Over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7. More than 1,400 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel.

Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar in Bhopal further highlighted how India’s image has changed across the globe.

“So, how do you have a government that stands for what is necessary and in the best interest of its people? A strong government and good government are two sides of one coin. In the last few decades, India’s image in the world has changed a lot. The way we handled the pandemic when developed nations were too stressful; as some had a totally collapsed public health response. We made, ‘Made in India’…’Invent in India’ vaccine, we had a COWIN platform as well,” the EAM said.

“Similarly, when every other country looks after the welfare of its people and its economic interests, the same countries in Europe are saying don’t buy oil from Russia; they were themselves taking it and they made such a schedule that impacts their own population in the least possible way,” he said.

Jaishankar also talked about the digital consumption of data in India and added, “Our digital consumption of data in this country has doubled in the last 5 years. Five years ago, for the 5G either you went to Europe or China. Europe was costly and China, you very well know…”

“In the last five years, we have made our own 5G technology…Today we have fought covid, we deployed 5G; whatever has happened in last few weeks, the Chandrayan mission…it has left an impression on the entire world,” he stressed. (ANI)

At least six people died and 18 were injured when coaches derailed after Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train hit a Visakhapatnam-Ragada train travelling on the same route in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district on Sunday evening, officials said.

“Six people died and 18 injured in the Andhra Pradesh train accident,” Deepika, SP, Vizianagaram said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli.

“CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli, the nearest districts of Vizianagaram, and to make all kinds of arrangements in nearby hospitals to provide good medical care,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Office posted on X (Formerly Twitter).

“The Chief Minister has issued orders to coordinate other government departments including health, police and revenue to take quick-relief measures and ensure that the injured receive prompt medical services,” the CMO stated.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)