Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday over his remarks against party leader Rahul Gandhi. Jairam Ramesh stated that Fadnavis must "think first and then speak", reported the ANI. Ramesh took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to Fadnavis's accusation that Gandhi was showing a "red book" to gain support from "urban naxals." Devendra Fadnavis is getting desperate. He accuses Rahul Gandhi of showing a " red book" to seek support from so-called "urban naxals".This book which Mr. Fadnavis is taking objection to is the Constitution of India, of which Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the main architect. This… pic.twitter.com/CUN14YKNbL — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 7, 2024 "He accuses Rahul Gandhi of showing a 'red book' to seek support from so-called 'urban naxals'. This book which Fadnavis is taking objection to is the Constitution of India, of which Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the main architect. This is the very same Constitution of India that the RSS had attacked in November 1949 as not having been inspired by Manusmriti. It is the very same Constitution of India that the non-biological PM wants to be replaced," said Jairam Ramesh in a post on X. Ramesh said that Devendra Fadnavis should know that the foreword of this “red book” was written by K.K. Venugopal, one of India's most distinguished legal personalities who served as Attorney General of India from 2017 to 2022. "As far as 'Urban Naxals' is concerned, the Union Home Ministry told Parliament on February 9th, 2022, and March 11th, 2020, that the Government of India does not use the term! Fadnavis should think first and then speak," the Congress leader added. Earlier on Thursday, Devendra Fadnavis had accused LoP Rahul Gandhi of disloyalty to the Constitution, referencing Rahul Gandhi's 'Samvidhan Sammelan' event in Maharashtra on Wednesday, ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024. Fadnavis said, "Rahul Gandhi's disloyalty for the Constitution of India was seen yesterday. The accusation I made turned out to be true. He doesn't want to glorify the Constitution with the Red Book but he did this drama to warn and seek help from the urban naxals and anarchists who are with him. He is insulting the Constitution every day. Congress insulted Dr B R Ambedkar, and insulted the Constitution. Now no one will forget their tricks." The controversy comes from Rahul Gandhi carrying a copy of the Constitution at an event in Nagpur where he advocated for a caste census. This political exchange occurs in the lead-up to the Maharashtra state elections, scheduled for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23. (With inputs from ANI)
07 November,2024 06:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentBJP leaders strongly criticised Congress, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and alliance parties on Thursday for a resolution brought forward in the assembly regarding the restoration of Article 370, reported news agency ANI. The move sparked controversy and was deemed "illegal and unconstitutional" by BJP representatives. Smriti Irani, a BJP leader and former union minister, expressed her outrage during a press conference in Delhi. Irani stated, "Today, I stand as an Indian outraged at the attempt by the Congress-led INDI alliance to bring to the floor of the House a resolution that is against the Indian Constitution. A resolution that stands against the Indian Constitution and the opinion of the Supreme Court of India." Irani further questioned the INDIA bloc’s stance on various issues, said, "The resolution brought by the INDI alliance led by Congress brings to the fore many questions. Does it stand against the rights of Dalits, tribals, children and women?... Congress leadership, particularly the Gandhi family, needs to answer - do they stand for terrorism and stand against the development of J&K? Do they stand against the Constitution of India." In Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader Ravinder Raina on Thursday accused the alliance government of siding with terrorists and separatists. He declared the resolution on Article 370 both illegal and unconstitutional. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) introduced a new resolution seeking to restore Articles 370 and 35A in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The proposed resolution read, "The house strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, along with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India. These actions stripped J-K of its special status and statehood, undermining the foundational guarantees and protections originally according to the region and its people by the Constitution of India." Earlier on Thursday, the assembly session was marked by tension and disruption in J-K assembly. BJP MLAs, led by Opposition Leader Sunil Sharma, objected to Awami Ittehad Party MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh displaying a banner on Article 370. The incident led to a scuffle in the well of the house, prompting the speaker to intervene and order the marshals to remove members who crossed limits. (With inputs from ANI)
07 November,2024 05:01 PM IST | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has condemned adverse remarks made against his uncle and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar by ruling Mahayuti legislator Sadabhau Khot, and said such comments will not be tolerated, reported news agency PTI. As the remarks sparked a row ahead of the November 20 state polls, Khot, the founder of Rayat Kranti Sanghatana and an ally of the ruling Mahayuti in the state, in a video message on Thursday expressed his apology and said he takes back his comment if has hurt anyone's sentiments. During a public rally on Wednesday at Jath in Sangli district, where senior BJP leader and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis was in attendance, Khot made comments on the health condition of senior Pawar, sparking criticism from both factions of the NCP, reported PTI. Objecting to Khot's comments, Ajit Pawar, who broke ranks with Sharad Pawar last year and joined the Eknath Shinde-BJP government, in a post on X on Wednesday said the remarks were condemnable and inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Speaking to reporters in Pune on Thursday, Ajit Pawar stated, "Whatever he (Khot) said was highly condemnable and connotes 'vinash kale viprit buddhi' (a person thinks adversely when his destruction is around)," reported PTI. Former state chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan had shown the values of how to behave in political life, and how to not cross a limit while speaking about rivals in politics. A similar tradition was later carried forward by other chief ministers, he noted, reported PTI. "The remarks made by Khot are highly condemnable and I have already condemned it," the deputy CM said, reported PTI. Ajit Pawar also said he called Khot over the phone and registered his displeasure over the statement. "I told him that nobody liked your remarks about Pawar Saheb. I told him that making personal remarks about someone is not our method. I also told him that it must not happen against Pawar saheb or any leader, irrespective of any party," he said, reported PTI. There are differences of opinion between politicians but while expressing them, a balance should be maintained, Ajit Pawar said, reported PTI. The NCP leader further said Khot has ensured such things will not be repeated. Khot, in a video message, said he did not speak purposefully about anyone's physical condition. "It is colloquial lingo in rural areas and some people misconstrued my remarks, but if someone's sentiments have been hurt, I take back my words and express an apology," he said. (With inputs from PTI)
07 November,2024 02:43 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentDonald Trump's victory in the US presidential election could significantly impact the global energy outlook, reported news agency ANI. Trump, known for his advocacy of domestic energy independence, is expected to boost US oil and natural gas production, potentially exerting downward pressure on global crude oil prices. Trump's policies could lead to a correction in crude prices, as he is likely to keep them under tight control by increasing domestic production. His emphasis on energy self-reliance is expected to reduce US dependence on foreign oil sources, thereby affecting global supply and pricing dynamics. Additionally, Trump's non-interventionist approach to foreign conflicts could help stabilise oil prices by allowing conflicts to de-escalate more quickly. However, potential volatility could arise if Trump imposes new sanctions on Iran, a measure that could disrupt oil supplies from the region, stated ANI. Donald Trump's influence on the energy sector could lead to lower crude prices, though external factors will play a significant role. However, around 11:40 am on Thursday, Brent Crude prices had surged 0.65 per cent to $75.41 per barrel. Beyond energy, Trump's policies are expected to be expansionary, potentially increasing the US fiscal deficit and national debt. This rise in US debt is anticipated to positively impact gold prices, as investors may turn to safe-haven assets in response to heightened debt levels and potential inflationary pressures. ANI stated that Gold is already experiencing high demand in China, adding further support to its value. Despite some arguments against gold due to reduced volatility in equity markets, a stronger dollar, and a potential "risk-on" rally in equities, gold's fundamentals remain strong. It also reiterates a positive outlook on silver, which could benefit from economic uncertainty and increased demand for safe-haven investments. However, it's worth noting that on Thursday, the Gold prices had declined to Rs 78,710 per 10 gm, down from Rs 80,500 on Wednesday. (With inputs from ANI)
07 November,2024 02:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday said the people of Maharashtra want a change and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will work towards giving them that alternative after the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, reported news agency PTI. Pawar also backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's demand for a caste census in the country. The former Union minister was speaking to reporters at the Nagpur airport ahead of his public meetings in Nagpur in connection with the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. The MVA comprises the NCP (SP), Congress and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT). Talking about his campaigning, Pawar said, "We feel that the people of Maharashtra want a change and we need to work towards giving them confidence. And working towards that, me and all my associates are reaching out to the people across Maharashtra from today," reported PTI. Rahul Gandhi, during his visit to Nagpur on Wednesday, said a caste-based census will happen and that his party will also "break the wall of 50 per cent" reservation limit. Asked about it, Pawar said, "I would tell the stand of my party, we have been demanding a caste census for last three years. Caste census should be conducted as it would bring the actual facts before the country," reported PTI. "Prima facie, it seems the caste census would help in facilitating the decision on increasing the reservation limit. The picture will become clear after the census is completed. Besides, the reservation percentage will also have to be increased if what Rahul Gandhi is saying happens," he said. With the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 approaching, political campaigning is gaining momentum across the state. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), aims to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. In the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024, the Baramati constituency in Maharashtra will again witness a family battle as NCP leader Ajit Pawar will face his nephew Yugendra Pawar. He is the son of Ajit Pawar's younger brother Shrinivas Pawar. Earlier, Baramati witnessed a high-profile battle in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when Sunetra Pawar contested against Supriya Sule. The latter won the contest by 1.5 lakh votes. The Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 will take place on November 20, with the counting of votes for all 288 constituencies set for November 23. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (With inputs from PTI)
07 November,2024 02:06 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Thursday exercised its extraordinary constitutional powers and ordered the liquidation of grounded air carrier Jet Airways' assets, reported news agency PTI. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra set aside the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) decision upholding the resolution plan of Jet Airways and approved the transfer of its ownership to Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC), reported PTI. Pronouncing the judgement for the bench, Justice Pardiwala allowed the plea of SBI and other creditors against the NCLAT decision that upheld the resolution plan of Jet Airways in favour of JKC. It said the liquidation of the air carrier was in the interest of creditors, workers and other stakeholders. The bench rapped NCLAT for its decision. The top court used its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution which gives it the power to make orders and decrees to ensure complete justice in any matter or cause pending before it, reported PTI. The NCLAT on March 12 upheld the resolution plan of the grounded air carrier and approved the transfer of its ownership to JKC. The SBI, Punjab National Bank (PNB) and JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction Private Limited have challenged the NCLAT verdict. In January this year, the Supreme Court ordered JKC, the successful resolution professional bidder for the cash-strapped airline, to deposit Rs 150 crore in an escrow account jointly held by the State Bank of India and JKC, reported IANS. It had cautioned that legal consequences would follow if the JKC failed to furnish the bank guarantee. It had also asked the NCLAT to decide by the end of March 2024 on the lenders' plea challenging the ownership of the grounded Airways to JKC, reported IANS. The consortium had undertaken an infusion of Rs 350 crore equity per the court-approved resolution plan to assume ownership of Jet Airways, reported IANS. A three-member bench of the NCLAT had agreed to an adjustment of Rs 150 crore from the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) towards the payment of Rs 350 crore, reported IANS. The appellate tribunal had also accepted an undertaking given by the consortium committing to pay Rs 100 crore by August 31 last year and another Rs 100 crore by September 30, 2023. Due to severe financial distress, Jet Airways, once one of India's largest and most popular airlines, entered the corporate insolvency resolution process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in June 2019. (With inputs from PTI and IANS)
07 November,2024 01:30 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn an important ruling having a bearing on the recruitment process, the Supreme Court on Thursday held that 'rules of the game' for appointment in government jobs cannot be changed midway unless the procedure permits so, reported news agency PTI. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said recruitment process commences from the issuance of advertisement calling for applications and ends with filing up of vacancies. "Eligibility criteria for being placed in the select list notified at the commencement of the recruitment process can't be changed midway through the recruitment process unless the extant rules so permit or the advertisement which is not contrary to the extant rules so permit," the bench said, reported PTI. The bench, also comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy, P S Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal and Manoj Misra, unanimously held if change of criteria is permissible under the extant rules or advertisement, it would have to meet the requirement of Article 14 (right to equality) of the Constitution and satisfy the test of non-arbitrariness, reported PTI. "Recruiting bodies subject to the extant rules may devise appropriate procedure for bringing the recruitment process to its logical end provided the procedure so adopted is transparent, non-discriminatory, non-arbitrary and has a rationale nexus to the object sought to be achieved," Justice Misra said while pronouncing the verdict, reported PTI. The bench said that extant rules having statutory force are binding on the recruiting bodies both in terms of procedure and eligibility. "Placement in the select list gives no indefeasible right to appointment. The state or its instrumentality for bona fide reason may choose not to fill up the vacancy," it said, reported PTI. However, the bench clarified if vacancies exist, the state or its instrumentality cannot arbitrarily deny appointment to persons who are in the zone of consideration in the select list. The top court said that if the extant rules or the advertisement provides for setting of benchmarks for different stages of recruitment process and if any such benchmark is set, the same should be stipulated before the commencement of the recruitment process, reported PTI. "But if the extant rules or the advertisement inviting application empowers the competent authority to set benchmarks at different stages of the recruitment process, then such benchmarks may be set anytime before that stage is reached so that neither the candidates nor the evaluator/examiner/interviewer is taken by surprise," the bench said, reported PTI. The top court answered a question related to appointment criteria for government jobs referred to it by a three-judge bench in March 2013. Referring to a 1965 verdict, the three-judge bench had said it was a salutary principle not to permit the state or its instrumentalities to tinker with the 'rules of the game' insofar as the prescription of eligibility criteria was concerned. "Whether such a principle should be applied in the context of the 'rules of the game' stipulating the procedure for selection more particularly when the change sought is to impose a more rigorous scrutiny for selection requires an authoritative pronouncement of a larger bench of this court," the three-judge bench had said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
07 November,2024 01:21 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, was trying to seek support from "urban Naxals and anarchists" by holding a "red book" in his hand, reported news agency PTI. Notably, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been displaying an abridged version of the Constitution in a red cover during his rallies. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 are scheduled on November 20. During his visit to Nagpur on Wednesday, Gandhi carried a copy of the Constitution in his hand at an event where he once again advocated for a caste census, saying the exercise will happen in the country and it will show the injustice meted out to Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis, reported PTI. Asked about the LoP seeking a caste census in the country, Fadnavis on Thursday told reporters here, "My allegations made two days back against Rahul Gandhi have proved true about his inclination towards 'urban Naxals'. He showed the red book and tried seeking help (politically) from urban Naxals and anarchists," reported PTI. Gandhi has shown disregard for the country's Constitution, the BJP leader claimed. "He was either giving them some warning or seeking their help. Rahul Gandhi indulges in such drama regularly. He, on a daily basis, insults the Constitution in some or other way," he said. The Congress has previously "insulted" Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution. But no one will now fall prey to their drama, Fadnavis said, reported PTI. Rahul Gandhi is forging alliance of anarchist elements, dangerous for country: Fadnavis Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the alliance Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was cobbling together was dangerous for the state and country. Speaking at an election campaign rally for BJP candidate Gopichand Padalkar in Jat assembly constituency in Sangli district, he dubbed the Bharat Jodo campaign led by Gandhi as "Bharat Todo" campaign, and alleged that anarchist and ultra-left organisations were associated with it. What message Gandhi wanted to give by showing a red-cover copy of the Constitution of India, he asked. "Today Rahul Gandhi has come to Maharashtra (to campaign for the November 20 assembly elections)....the way Rahul Gandhi is forging an alliance, it is dangerous for the state and the country," Fadnavis said. "An initiative called 'Bharat Jodo' was started. Looking at the name, we thought it is a good initiative, but it has come out that of the 150 to 200 organizations associated with Bharat Jodo, 100 outfits are instrumental in creating anarchy in the country. These outfits are ultra-leftist, anarchist, and if their track record is checked, (it is seen that) they are working to create a malaise in society," the BJP leader claimed. These organisations were making attempts to lower the society's faith in the Constitution and judiciary, Fadnavis said. (With inputs from PTI)
07 November,2024 01:14 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentA fire incident broke out at Bhugaon Steel Company in Wardha district on Wednesday, leaving 16 workers injured, reported news agency ANI. All the injured workers have been admitted to the hospital, with one reported to be in critical condition. Upon receiving information, the administration reached the spot and the fire at Bhugaon Steel Company was brought under control, reported ANI. "16 workers were injured after a fire broke out at Bhugaon Steel Company in Wardha district. All the injured have been admitted to the hospital for treatment. One of them is in critical condition. The fire has been brought under control. An inquiry has been started as to how exactly this incident took place. The administration team has reached the spot," said Rahul Kardile, Collector, Wardha, reported ANI. Further investigation is underway. Two critical after suffocation due to fire in Mumbai highrise Two persons are in critical condition as they suffered from suffocation after a fire broke out on the second floor of a 31-storey building at Goregaon in Mumbai on November 2 afternoon, an official said. The incident took place in the Kalpataru Radiance building located at Siddarth Nagar near Prabodhan Garden in Goregaon (West), a fire brigade official said. "The blaze erupted around 2.15 pm on the second floor of the residential building. It was confined to electric wiring, other electric installations and household articles," he said, adding that it was tagged as a level-1 (minor) fire. Two persons, Manoj Chauhan (35) and Shahabuddin (50), suffered from suffocation and their condition is stated to be critical, he said. The cause of the fire is being ascertained, the fire brigade official added. (With inputs from ANI)
07 November,2024 10:27 AM IST | Wardha | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the two-day Anti-Terror Conference which is to be held on Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is committed to building a terror-free India with its zero policy tolerance on terror. Taking to social media X, Shah wrote in a post "The Modi govt is committed to building a terror-free India with its policy of zero tolerance. The two-day Anti-Terror Conference, beginning tomorrow, will further enhance coordination among agencies to strengthen Bharat's security bastion. Looking forward to addressing the conference tomorrow." The Modi govt is committed to building a terror-free India with its policy of zero tolerance. The two-day Anti-Terror Conference, beginning tomorrow, will further enhance coordination among agencies to strengthen Bharat's security bastion. Looking forward to addressing the… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 6, 2024 The Anti-Terror conference has a key focus on fostering coordination among various stakeholders to tackle terrorism through a unified, 'whole of the government' approach. The event will be hosted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and aims to shape future counter-terrorism policies and strategies, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) pointed out in a statement. The conference will bring together senior police officials, central agency officers, and experts from law, forensics, and technology to discuss crucial issues such as legal frameworks for counter-terrorism, prosecution challenges, and the role of emerging technologies. The discussions will also address international legal cooperation and strategies for dismantling terrorist networks operating across India. "The key focus of the 'Anti-Terror Conference-2024' is on developing synergies among various stakeholders by establishing channels for coordinated action against the menace of terrorism in the spirit of 'whole of the government approach'," stated the MHA. "The meeting also aimed at presenting substantive inputs for future policy formulation. The deliberations and discussions in the two-day conference will be focused on various matters of importance including prosecution and evolving legal framework in counter-terrorism investigations, sharing of experiences and good practices, challenges and opportunities related to emerging technologies, international legal cooperation and strategies for dismantling terror ecosystem in various counter-terrorism theatres across India," it added. The conference will be attended by senior police officers from states and Union Territories, officers from Central agencies and departments dealing with issues related to counter-terrorism and experts from related fields such as law, forensics and technology. 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
07 November,2024 10:09 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Supreme Court is set to pronounce its judgment on Thursday on lenders' plea challenging the transfer of ownership of grounded Jet Airways to Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC). According to the cause list published on the apex court's website, a bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will pronounce the verdict on November 7. The Committee of Creditors (CoC), led by the State Bank of India, has said that the proposed revival plan was not in the best interest of lenders and questioned the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order upholding the resolution plan. In January this year, the Supreme Court ordered JKC, the successful resolution professional bidder for the cash-strapped airline, to deposit Rs 150 crore in an escrow account jointly held by the State Bank of India and JKC. It had cautioned that legal consequences would follow if the JKC failed to furnish the bank guarantee. It had also asked the NCLAT to decide by the end of March 2024 on the lenders' plea challenging the ownership of the grounded Airways to JKC. The consortium had undertaken an infusion of Rs 350 crore equity per the court-approved resolution plan to assume ownership of Jet Airways. A three-member bench of the NCLAT had agreed to an adjustment of Rs 150 crore from the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) towards the payment of Rs 350 crore. The appellate tribunal had also accepted an undertaking given by the consortium committing to pay Rs 100 crore by August 31 last year and another Rs 100 crore by September 30, 2023. Due to severe financial distress, Jet Airways, once one of India's largest and most popular airlines, entered the corporate insolvency resolution process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in June 2019. 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
07 November,2024 10:04 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
