In response to the recent tragic deaths of ten elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), the Madhya Pradesh forest department has announced plans to employ satellite collars to monitor the movements of wild tuskers, according to PTI. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to safeguard its elephant population, following a series of fatalities last month. According to PTI, the Madhya Pradesh government has introduced a number of measures in light of these incidents. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav previously stated that forest department officials from Madhya Pradesh would be sent to other states with substantial elephant populations for training. This approach is intended to enhance local officials' understanding of elephant management, conservation, and rescue operations. The series of elephant deaths occurred between late October and early November. As per PTI, four wild elephants were discovered dead on October 29 in the Sankhani and Bakeli areas within the Khalil range of BTR in Umaria district. Another four deaths followed on October 30, with two more elephants found dead on October 31. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) for Madhya Pradesh, L. Krishnamoorthy, spoke with PTI regarding the forest department's plans. "We have requested two satellite collars from Tamil Nadu, which should arrive in Madhya Pradesh this week. We will begin by placing them on two elephants in Bandhavgarh," he explained. The department aims to eventually track all 150 wild elephants across the state, according to Krishnamoorthy. Krishnamoorthy has been appointed as the head of a newly formed nine-member elephant advisory committee. This committee, established two days ago, will oversee the management of the state's elephants, particularly concerning their rescue and rehabilitation. According to PTI, the advisory committee will provide guidance on how to mitigate human-elephant conflicts, ensure the welfare of elephants, and work on conservation strategies. The investigation into the causes of the elephant deaths revealed traces of neurotoxin cyclopiazonic acid in the animals' visceras, PTI reports. However, authorities have clarified that this was not a case of deliberate poisoning. Instead, the toxicity was likely caused by the elephants' consumption of large quantities of Kodo millet plants, which are believed to have contained high levels of this particular toxin, according to the forest department's findings. Following the probe team's findings, the chief minister ordered the suspension of two senior officials from the reserve for alleged lapses in monitoring and management. These suspensions highlight the state’s commitment to holding officials accountable and ensuring better oversight of the wildlife reserve. The use of satellite collars on elephants is anticipated to provide more precise data on their movements, helping authorities to respond quickly if elephants venture into potentially dangerous areas. According to PTI, such tracking technology is hoped to enhance safety for both the elephants and local communities by facilitating more proactive management of elephant movements. The adoption of satellite tracking for elephants in Madhya Pradesh aligns with global conservation practices, where similar measures have been successfully implemented to protect and monitor endangered species in various parts of the world. This new approach reflects the state’s commitment to advancing its wildlife conservation methods, ensuring that future incidents are minimised. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:41 PM IST | Bhopal | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat, reported news agency PTI. Addressing his first rally in the state for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, PM Modi said only the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will ensure speedy development of Maharashtra. "You all know my affinity with Maharashtra," PM Modi said. "We consider people as another form of god, but some people are in politics to loot people," PM Modi said, addressing the rally in north Maharashtra's Dhule district, reported PTI. PM Modi said that whenever he has asked for something from the people of Maharashtra, they have given him their blessings wholeheartedly. "I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop," PM Modi said, reported PTI. The prime minister said that only the BJP-led Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs. The Congress was in power simultaneously at the Centre and in Maharashtra but never felt the need for Marathi to be given the status of classical language, PM Modi said. "A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress as that party can never see Dalits, backward classes and tribals progressing," PM Modi said, reported PTI. PM Modi to address 9 rallies in state in a week Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a total of nine rallies in Maharashtra in a week as part of the BJP's poll campaign for the state assembly polls, the party said. In a statement issued on Thursday, the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the PM will also hold a roadshow in Pune on November 12. Modi's first rally will be held in Dhule in north Maharashtra at 12 noon on Friday. He will then address a public meeting in Nashik at 2 pm, it said. On November 9, he will campaign in Akola at 12 noon and in Nanded at 2 pm, it added. On November 12, Modi will address rallies in Chimur (Chandrapur district) and Solapur, and participate in a roadshow in Pune in the evening. Modi will then address rallies on November 14 at three places in the state - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Raigad and Mumbai. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to the 288-member state legislative assembly will be held on November 20 and the votes will be counted three days later. The BJP is contesting the elections as part of the Mahayuti alliance which also comprises Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) of Sharad Pawar and Congress is fighting the polls against the Mahayuti. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:36 PM IST | Dhule | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Friday junked a PIL seeking a CBI probe into alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus under the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime, reported news agency PTI. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan dismissed the plea filed by one K A Paul, a social activist and president of organisation 'Global Peace Initiative'. "Going by your prayer, we will have to create separate states for all temples, gurudwaras etc. We can't direct that a separate state be created for a particular. Dismissed," the bench said, reported PTI. In his plea, Paul had sought seeking a "comprehensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the allegations of corruption and mismanagement surrounding the procurement and preparation of the Laddu Prasadam", reported PTI. The top court on October 4 had set up a five-member independent SIT to probe the allegations of animal fat used in preparing Tirupati laddus to "assuage the feelings of crores of people" while making clear that the court cannot be used as a "political battleground", reported PTI. It had directed that the independent SIT will comprise two officers each from the CBI and the Andhra Pradesh Police besides a senior official of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Paul, in his PIL, said allegations in the Tirupati laddus row levelled by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that substandard ingredients were used in the preparation of 'Laddu Prasadam', including adulterated ghee, have raised serious concerns among devotees and tarnished the sanctity of this sacred offering, reported PTI. The petition on the Tirupati laddus row underscored the growing communal tensions and the violation of fundamental religious rights, citing Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to practice and propagate religion. "The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is one of the biggest sites for Hindus around the world. The Laddu Prasadam holds immense religious and cultural significance for all Hindus. Any compromise on its sanctity not only affects millions of devotees but also tarnishes the reputation of this institution. I have filed this petition in the interest of the devotees and to ensure that political manipulation and corruption do not undermine our sacred traditions," Paul said, reported PTI. The chief minister had claimed that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus under the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state, triggering a massive political row. The YSR Congress Party accused Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains and the ruling Telugu Desam Party in the state circulating a laboratory report to back its claim. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court of India, in a 4:3 majority decision, overruled the 1967 verdict in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case, which had ruled that since Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a central university, it could not be considered a minority institution, according to ANI. The majority opinion stated that the issue of AMU's minority status should be decided by a regular three-judge bench, as per ANI. The bench noted that the key factor in determining whether an institution qualifies as a minority institution is to identify who established the institution. It further clarified that the administration of an institution by non-minority members would not strip the institution of its minority character. The verdict also affirmed that while the government has the right to regulate minority educational institutions, it must ensure that such regulation does not infringe on the institution's minority status. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) authored the majority opinion, which was supported by Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JD Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra. The dissenting opinion came from Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Satish Chandra Sharma, according to ANI. This decision arose from a reference to a 2006 ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which held that AMU was not a minority institution, according to ANI. In 1967, a five-judge bench had ruled in the S Azeez Basha case that AMU, being a central university, could not be considered a minority institution. However, the university regained its minority status when the Indian Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981. The 1981 amendment was challenged in 2006 when the Allahabad High Court struck down the provision that accorded AMU its minority status. The Congress-led UPA government at the time appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court's decision. In addition, AMU filed a separate petition. In 2016, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government decided to withdraw the appeal made by the UPA government, according to ANI. In February 2019, the top court referred the case to a seven-judge bench. During the hearings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that there was no concept of minority or minority rights when the AMU Act was established in 1920. The government contended that conferring minority status on an institution of national importance would exclude sections of society and hinder access to reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (SEBC), according to ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 01:21 PM IST | New DelhiTensions have intensified in Jammu and Kashmir following the recent killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Kishtwar. Residents took to the streets on Friday, demanding that the government take firm action to curb militancy in the region, according to ANI. The locals gathered to protest, chanting slogans and paying tribute to Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, the two VDGs who lost their lives. One of the protestors informed ANI that a "chakka jam" (road blockade) would take place in Kishtwar, adding, “There will be closures today in memory of the two martyred VDGs. We demand from the home minister that strict action is taken to eliminate militancy in the area. Security forces should be equipped with adequate weapons to handle the militants effectively.” The protesters also criticised the local administration, highlighting what they see as lapses in security measures. One protester expressed frustration, stating, “Despite having intelligence inputs for a while, no action was taken, which ultimately led to the tragic martyrdom of these VDGs. This failure lies with the administration,” according to ANI. In the wake of these incidents, Village Defence Guards in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district have been put on high alert. One of the VDG members explained their role in securing the area, telling ANI, “These weapons have been issued to us to protect our country. Whenever needed, we will respond, alongside the police and the army. The police and other security forces coordinate with us whenever necessary.” According to ANI, VDGs act as a frontline security measure against potential militant threats in the region. Operating on a 24-hour basis, these civilian-led groups work closely with the Indian Army, local police, and paramilitary forces, forming a coordinated security network that is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Another VDG member emphasised the group’s morale and willingness to sacrifice, stating, “We have the determination, and we are ready to lay down our lives for the nation. However, it is unfortunate that there is unrest in various areas,” as reported by ANI. VDGs patrol the region daily in teams, monitoring for any signs of militant activity and conducting fearless patrols. They are regularly trained and guided by security agencies to ensure they can respond swiftly and efficiently to any potential threats. According to ANI, this rigorous preparation, combined with their local expertise, makes the VDGs an invaluable asset in India’s broader border security strategy. For decades, these Village Defence Guards have played a crucial role in anti-militancy operations, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication in protecting their communities. Their continued vigilance not only bolsters India’s security framework but also fosters a sense of peace and stability across sensitive areas such as Nowshera. Their actions are a testament to the united commitment towards national security, as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 01:00 PM IST | Srinagar
Q: Why did you withdraw from the race after filing as an independent candidate? A: I am not only a two-time MP, a three-time corporator, and a two-time MLA but even before that, I have worked for many years for the party. Overall, my political career has been fortified, and I have been associated with people socially for about 55 years. I have been associated with people since the age of 15. The slum where I lived had no water facility, no toilet, no electricity. While struggling to get these facilities, I reached the doors of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ram Naik was an MLA in those days. I started with a small unit and 20 people used to work for me. I was doing good work, but Ram Ji said that he didn't want to contest the election but I must contest, so I did. I won the first time, then the second and third time. In 2004, I was asked to contest by replacing the then BJP MLA. I went to that MLA and told him to take care of his ticket because it would be given to me. I will even quote the name - it was Hemendra Mehta, but that didn’t stop things. The party told me to contest, so I contested against Hemendra Bhai, a three-time MLA who revolted. I won that election in Mumbai with the highest lead of 52,000 votes. In those days, Borivli, Dahisar, and Magathane had one assembly, but in 2009, one assembly was divided into three, and I contested from Borivli. I won for the fifth time with a high margin and a lead of 39,000 votes, and I continued working. I withdrew my nomination because I did not want to hurt the party cadre or leaders. Also, this being my eighth election, it might mark the end of my career, and I didn’t want a bad patch for myself or my supporters. I just wanted to give out a message to the party that such mistakes should not happen. No one should take any such step that damages the party in any way. I am extremely grateful to the party’s top leadership for the respect they gave me. Ram Naik ji, Nitin Gadkari Ji, and Devendra Fadanavis had a huge role to play in this. Vinod Tawde ji came to me thrice. I feel I am not bigger than these people. Q: What motivated your decision to step forward as an independent candidate? A: There are a few people in the party—about 10 per cent—who engage in mischief and say to the public and workers that the party would never field outsiders without consulting Gopal Bhai. And this was a bad patch attached to my name. To prove that I was not involved in this, I had to take this step. I went to the district office and declared that I would be taking this step and informed the party, but no one stopped me or came to my house to tell me not to do it. The next morning, my supporters urged me to fill out the form and I nominated myself as an independent candidate. Q: What were your meetings like with the top leadership in the last couple of days? A: Gadkari ji called me from Delhi. My leader in Maharashtra is Devendra Fadnavis Ji. If I don’t respect his request then it would not be appropriate. After declaring my support for Piyush Goyal ji, Fadnavis Ji came to meet me at my home, which was a big deal. No leader does this frequently, but he came despite my declaration of support. Leaders like him, with good intentions and authentic leadership, aren’t found easily.Q: What led the BJP to field Piyush Goyal as their candidate for Mumbai North in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections instead of you? A: In 2024, I pitched to withdraw from the elections as I had been fighting elections for a long time. Piyush Goyal ji was brought and being alongside him, I worked towards the elections. And for the third time, we won the North Mumbai seat with the highest number of votes in Maharashtra. While on the rest of the seats we were defeated in Mumbai, but even after losing, I kept on working for the people and the party. I am connected with the party and the people. I am filled with love for the party because the party brought an ordinary person like me to such a high post, so I will always be grateful to the party. I have never been proud of the fact that I have won elections seven times and with such a big margin. I did not ask for a ticket in this assembly election either. I left the Lok Sabha Election, how does the Assembly election matter to me? Q. What, then, is the basis of the friction? A: When Vinod Tawde ji came here in November 2009, the workers and the public were unhappy that if you have such a good local candidate(Gopal Shetty), then why get someone from the outside? I pacified the people. Subsequently, he was replaced by Sunil Rane, and then again people got angry. I explained to the people and pacified them. When Piyush Goyal ji went for the Lok Sabha elections, again the same anger of the people, but that anger was not that much. Because after all, it was the Lok Sabha elections. But still, people questioned that, if you have such a good local candidate why get people from outside? Q. How did you approach the 2014 and 2019 elections? A: In 2014, when it came to contesting Lok Sabha, I told the party to field a capable person. I was already working, and I thought if a capable person could be found, two colleges, two hospitals, and such big facilities could be created for North Mumbai. But the public and workers demanded that Gopal Bhai could win by defeating Congress, so the party told me to contest, and I did. The people of Maharashtra made me win with the highest margin. When Urmila Matondkar was nominated in 2019, almost all film stars who contested from my party won because the public had a craze for them. Yet, despite all this, North Mumbai voters, especially Marathi speakers, made me win again with a lead of 75,000 votes. Q: What is your view on the current MP’s efforts in North Mumbai? A: The MP from our area is doing commendable work. People expect to meet him frequently, but it's challenging as he’s a central minister with significant responsibilities. Unlike me, who rose from the position of a corporator to an MP and built connections gradually, he has larger commitments. Therefore, smaller issues must be handled by local representatives rather than bringing every issue to the central minister. Q: What are the most pressing challenges that the upcoming MLA from Mumbai North should address? A: North Mumbai is developing rapidly, bringing prosperity but also potential risks. As property values and development surge, there’s an increased chance of attracting negative elements. The most pressing issue here will be ensuring security amidst this growth. While development continues, safeguarding the community should be the priority for our elected representatives. Q: What are your thoughts on Mahayuti's performance in the recent Lok Sabha Elections 2024? A: It was a challenging election for the Mahayuti alliance. We had a longstanding alliance with Shiv Sena for 25 years, but that partnership eventually broke. The reasons behind the split are known only to the senior leaders involved, such as Uddhav and Amit Bhai. Still, this political shift impacted our unity and election results. While the Bharatiya Janata Party held its ground percentage-wise, we faced setbacks. But I believe with the right leadership, our alliance will emerge stronger. Whatever work has been done in Mumbai in the past 2.5 years under the Mahayuti alliance, has been commendable. We’re seeing major developments, like the Mumbai Coastal Road project, which is already opening up phase by phase. When the entire metro route from Colaba to Thane is completed, it will drastically improve commuting and ease of travel. Projects like these will transform the face of Mumbai within the next five years, benefiting Maharashtra as a whole and fostering growth. Q: What qualities make leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and Narendra Modi special, in your opinion? A: Leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are exceptional for their authenticity, dedication, and vision. Modi ji’s government has done remarkable work over the past decade, bringing a vision that continues to inspire confidence in the public. Leaders like these are rare, and they are helping take both the party and the country forward.
08 November,2024 12:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani KapoorTwo days after a family of five was found dead in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, police have intensified their search for a relative, the prime suspect in the case who has been missing since the incident, officials said on Thursday. The police are also set to question the family's tenants who were traced to Mumbai as part of their investigation into the killings that have shaken the Bhelupur area. The five bodies were cremated on Thursday after post-mortem, officials said. The incident occurred on Monday night in the Bhaidani locality. While the body of Rajendra Gupta was found around 10 kilometres from his house on Tuesday afternoon, his wife Neetu (45), sons Navnendra (25) and Subendra (15), and daughter Gaurangi (16) were found shot dead in their home. Initially, police focused on Rajendra Gupta as the main suspect, given his history in a pending murder case from 1997 and ongoing family disputes. However, shortly after the bodies of his family were discovered, Gupta was found dead in an under-construction house in the Rohaniya area. His body too bore gunshot wounds. Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Banswal said, "X-rays were conducted as part of the post-mortem examinations and the cremations have now been completed." Banswal noted that initial inquiries with Rajendra's elderly mother suggested that his nephew, Vicky, is the prime suspect. "Police teams are actively tracking Vicky's location, and six teams are now engaged in the search. The motive appears to include both revenge and property disputes and we are confident of an arrest soon," he added. Vicky, who had recently returned from Bengaluru to Varanasi for Diwali, has been missing since the murders, and his phone remains switched off. Additionally, police are investigating the involvement of three young men from Bihar, who were renting rooms in Rajendra's Bhelupur home. Bhelupur Station House Officer Vijay Shukla confirmed that these tenants, aged 22-25, have been traced to Mumbai, where police have reached out to question them. According to Shukla, questioning will help clarify any role they might have played in the case. Authorities are treating this as a high-priority investigation, given the potential involvement of family dynamics, revenge, and property issues in the killings. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 November,2024 11:36 AM IST | Varanasi (UP) | PTIAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said he did not request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a campaign rally in his Baramati constituency because the fight there is within the family, reported news agency PTI. Pawar, the sitting MLA, is contesting against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, the candidate of the rival Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar. The prime minister would be holding campaign rallies for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 starting Friday. "Contest in Baramati is within the family," Ajit Pawar told reporters on Thursday when asked why the PM would not be holding a rally in his constituency, reported PTI. The NCP led by Ajit Pawar is part of the ruling coalition along with the BJP and Shiv Sena. Asked about NCP candidates also not seeking rallies of senior BJP leaders like Amit Shah in their constituencies, Pawar said it could be because there is not much time left for campaigning, and also due to the limit on election expenses, reported PTI. Earlier in the day, when asked what would be his margin of victory in Baramati, the NCP chief said he would be able to tell that after moving around the constituency and talking to people. "But I can say with one hundred per cent certainty that it would be a good lead," he said, reported PTI. In the 2019 state elections, Ajit Pawar had won by a record 1.65 lakh votes, defeating BJP's Gopichand Kundlik Padalkar. Oppn 'bluffing' by assuring Rs 3,000 monthly aid to women: Ajit Pawar Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday claimed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was "bluffing" by promising Rs 3,000 per month to women in the state if the opposition alliance comes to power after the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. Talking to reporters here, NCP leader Pawar noted that when the Mahayuti government offered Rs 1,500 per month to women under its Ladki Bahin Yojana, the opposition questioned its feasibility. The MVA alliance, comprising Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, on Wednesday promised Rs 3,000 per month to women in Maharashtra. Responding to the MVA's guarantee, Ajit Pawar said the opposition was resorting to "bluffing" by making such promises. He said the decision to give Rs 1,500 (per month) under the Ladki Bahin Yojana was made because it was feasible. "Today, if they claim to give Rs 3,000 per month to women, the expenditure may reach Rs 90,000 crore. They are also promising Rs 4,000 per month to unemployed youth, and if there are one lakh unemployed youth who benefit, the expenditure on that scheme will be around Rs 40,000 crore," he pointed out. "So, Rs 1.5 lakh crore will be needed for these two schemes, while the state budget is Rs 7 lakh crore. How will they manage salaries, pensions, and interest on loans?" the deputy CM said. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 11:14 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Sensex, Nifty fall in early trade amid foreign fund exodus The Sensex and Nifty fell in early trade on Friday amid continuous foreign fund outflows and weak trends in blue-chip stocks Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank. Market watchers said the Indian market is likely to trade sideways till clarity emerges on corporate earnings, pick up in consumption and foreign fund flows. The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 424.42 points to 79,117.37 in early trade. The NSE Nifty declined 132.7 points to 24,066.65. Mid-Day Impact | Mumbai road safety: Killer speed breakers get fresh coat of paint! Taking note of mid-day reports about the dangers posed by unmarked speed breakers across the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has painted the road humps on a southbound service road near the Vanrai police station along the Western Express Highway. Read more. Bollywood actor Salman Khan receives new death threat from Lawrence Bishnoi gang Bollywood actor Salman Khan has once again received a threatening message, suspected to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. A threatening message targeting Bollywood actor Salman Khan was sent to the Mumbai Traffic Control Room on Thursday. Read more. Amid death threats, Salman Khan gets 4-layer security for 'Sikandar' shoot in Hyderabad The shoot of Sikandar is moving at a brisk pace despite the life threat to leading man Salman Khan. With the Mumbai schedule wrapped up, the superstar flew to Hyderabad last week for the action drama’s next leg. Khan has four levels of security cover for the month-long schedule. Read more. "Indian batters not training enough against spin": Herschelle Gibbs After India lost the first two Tests against New Zealand at home, and thereby, the series, Kiwi speedster-turned-commentator Simon Doull remarked that modern Indian cricketers are not as good players of spin as their predecessors. Read more.
08 November,2024 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Haveri Police in Karnataka has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Tejasvi Surya for making a false claim regarding the suicide of a farmer in the district. Surya had alleged that the farmer, Rudrappa Channappa Balikai, took his own life after his land was claimed by the Waqf board. According to the FIR filed on Thursday, Surya claimed on social media that Balikai committed suicide after discovering that his land had been "taken over by the Waqf," and further blamed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan for allegedly unleashing "catastrophic effects in Karnataka." Surya's post also referred to a news article from a Kannada newspaper, which he has since deleted. In response to the claims, the Superintendent of Police in Haveri clarified that the assertion made by Surya was false. The police statement said, "The news shared is false. No such incident has been reported. The suicide case of Rudrappa Channappa Balikai, which was reported on 6th January 2022, was linked to loan and crop loss. The case was registered under section 174 of the CrPC at Adur Police Station, and the final report had already been submitted." In his defence, Surya admitted that he had been misled by the report. He later posted, "Thanks for the information. The tweet stands deleted. I will henceforth not rely on the news agency that reported it. Given the rampant number of Waqf conversion notices being issued to thousands of farmers across the state, one is easily led to believe such outcomes." The row over Waqf land and properties has escalated in recent days. Jagdambika Pal, the Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill, visited various districts, including Hubballi and Vijayapura, accompanied by Tejasvi Surya. Pal confirmed that a fact-finding report on the issue would be presented during the upcoming winter session of Parliament. The BJP has alleged that Waqf designations were improperly added to land records for 44 properties in the Indi and Chadachan taluks of Vijayapura district, following a meeting between Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and district officials. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he had instructed officials to halt the issuing of notices to farmers and to withdraw those already issued. According to ANI, the controversy continues to grow as political leaders and officials try to address the issue surrounding Waqf land in the state. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 10:29 AM IST | Karnataka | mid-day online correspondentIndia's choice to purchase oil from Russia during global uncertainty has helped prevent a steep increase in global oil prices, according to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. In a recent interview with CNN, Puri explained India's decision to maintain oil imports from Russia, which he believes has benefited the global economy by stabilising oil prices. Speaking to CNN’s Becky Anderson during the ADIPEC event in Abu Dhabi, Puri stated that, without India's oil imports from Russia, the price of global crude could have surged to $200 a barrel, which would have affected all consumers worldwide. According to ANI, Puri remarked, “If we had not bought Russian oil, the price would have gone up to $200 per barrel for everyone." Puri further elaborated on India's strategy, sharing that oil will continue to be an essential part of the global energy mix for years to come. He noted that despite his previous hope for oil price reductions, he now has even greater confidence in future stability. "By 2026, as more energy sources become available, I think the likelihood of prices remaining stable or even coming down is higher," Puri added, as per ANI. Addressing questions about India's October reduction in Russian oil imports by around 10%, Hardeep Singh Puri clarified this was due to competitive rates available from other suppliers. “There’s healthy competition. If we don’t get oil from one supplier, we find it from another,” he said, emphasising the role of market dynamics in India's oil decisions. When asked if this reduction was part of a strategic shift, Puri highlighted that the decisions are market-based, influenced by supply availability. He shared a hypothetical scenario in which India's shift to other suppliers might have led to a dramatic rise in prices. "If India had suddenly shifted its imports to Gulf suppliers, oil prices would have risen to $200 a barrel,” Puri said. “We did everyone a favour." Puri also touched on future energy trends, predicting that advances like green hydrogen and cleaner energy sources will reshape global demand for oil within five years. In a post on his X account, Puri reiterated his stance, underscoring that India’s purchase of Russian oil had a stabilising effect. According to ANI, Puri wrote, “India did the entire world a favour by buying Russian oil; if we had not, global prices would have skyrocketed to $200 per barrel." He clarified that Russian oil was never sanctioned, though there was a price cap that Indian companies adhered to. The Union Minister also addressed critics, pointing out that while some commentators have called for restrictions on India’s energy purchases, many European and Asian countries have conducted substantial trade with Russia, buying crude oil, LNG, and rare earth minerals worth billions. He affirmed, "We will continue to buy energy from whoever offers the best rates to our oil companies," according to ANI. Puri also highlighted the need for affordable energy in India, noting that fuel prices have dropped in India over the last three years despite global price increases. In his post, he stated, "Ensuring steady availability, affordability, and sustainability of energy for our seven crore citizens visiting petrol pumps every day is our top priority." India remains the world's third-largest oil consumer, as per the International Energy Agency's 2024 estimates. According to ANI, Puri’s statements underline India's commitment to prioritising economic stability and energy security while navigating the evolving global energy landscape. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 09:17 AM IST | Abu Dhabi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
