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Twenty-seven Maoists in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, surrender
According to the police, up to 27 active Maoists with a combined reward of ₹50 lakh turned themselves in to the Sukma district on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.This comes a day after 60 other cadres and senior Naxalite Mallojula Venugopal Rao, also known as Bhupathi, surrendered in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. The government's determination to abolish Naxalism, which is mostly centered in the Bastar area of Chhattisgarh, by March 31, 2026, has been emphasized by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.Ten women were among the 27 Naxalites who gave up in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. They surrendered in front of Central Reserve Police Force officials and top police officers. According to Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan, they expressed dissatisfaction with the "hollow" Maoist doctrine, crimes carried out by Naxalites on defenseless tribal people, and the increasing power of security forces. The Chhattisgarh government's 'Niyad Nellanar' initiative, which aims to facilitate development projects in rural communities, and the state's new surrender and rehabilitation policy also impressed the cadres, he said.According to the official, Oyam Lakhmu, a member of battalion no. 1 of the Peoples' Liberation Guerrilla Army, which was regarded as the most formidable Maoist military unit, was carrying a bounty of ₹10 lakh on his head. Three more According to him, Madvi Bhima, a party member in PLGA battalion no. 1's military platoon unit, Sunita, also known as Kawasi Somdi, and Sodi Mase, who were both members of regional military company no. 2, each held a ₹8 lakh reward. Additionally, he stated that a cadre held a prize of ₹3 lakh, two cadres held a bounty of ₹2 lakh each, and nine cadres held a reward of ₹1 lakh apiece.He stated that all of the Naxalites who turned themselves in received ₹50,000 in aid apiece and would receive additional rehabilitation in accordance with government policy.
Published 15 Oct 2025 05:10 PM
J&K: Srinagar erlebt teils heftigen Regen, IMD sagt Gewitter und starken Wind voraus
Heavy rainfall affected various areas of Srinagar city in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in a temperature drop.The India Meteorological Department has predicted that the city will experience "Heavy Rainfall, Light to Moderate Rainfall, Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning & gusty winds(30-40kmph)" today.Previously, the Jammu and Kashmir government had instructed schools in the Jammu division to close due to the Indian Meteorological Department's prediction of heavy rainfall in this region. The government-issued circular states that all private and government schools in Jammu will be closed from October 6 to 7. In the Rajouri region, considerable damage was inflicted by intense rainfall that occurred earlier. Residents encountered difficulties because of compromised houses, roads that had sunk, and ruined harvests. Moreover, numerous rain-induced landslides have obstructed various routes within the district.In the meantime, torrential rains in North Bengal caused landslides and serious waterlogging, leading to significant destruction, road obstructions, and fatalities in multiple districts, such as Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. District authorities confirmed on Monday that at least 18 people were reported killed in Darjeeling due to incessant rain that caused devastation in northern West Bengal on Saturday night and early Sunday. Read more at:
Published 06 Oct 2025 05:40 PM
152 road segments in Delhi will receive significant renovations once the Center approves a Rs 803 crore investment.
With the Center accepting the Delhi government's proposal for Rs 803 crore in funding, 152 important sections, including the Ring Road and other flyovers, totaling more than 330 km throughout the Capital, are scheduled to undergo a significant makeover that includes repair, reconstruction, and resurfacing.According to officials, the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) money were granted earlier this month by the Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), who also requested administrative approval for the projects from the Delhi government. The MoRTH's CRIF program gives states and Union territory money to build and maintain important roads and infrastructure."Delhi is witnessing a new era of infrastructure development," stated Parvesh Sahib Singh, Minister of the Public Welfare Department (PWD). Roads are the lifeblood of any contemporary city, and by fortifying these vital thoroughfares, we are guaranteeing millions of commuters' safety, speed, and sustainability every day."This project aims to build top-notch urban infrastructure that fulfills the dreams of all Delhiites, not just fix roads," he continued.PWD officials insisted that this "project will take the Capital a giant step closer to the vision of a Viksit Delhi" and that the city would see one of the most comprehensive road upgrade and infrastructure development programs in recent years. Roads in the Central, North, East, Northeast, Shahdara, and Northwest districts will be upgraded, new corridors will be built, flyovers will be developed, and roads will be strengthened, resurfaced, and widened, according to officials.The Kashmiri Gate ISBT to Wazirabad, Vikas Marg, ITO circle, Ferozshah road, and the Nizamuddin to Kalkaji stretch are some of the important sections that will undergo repairs and improvements. Another important route that will be extended is the Noida Link Road, which links Noida to Central and East Delhi.In order to relieve traffic and enhance connectivity in Outer, West, and Northeast Delhi, the PWD also intends to build three new flyovers at the Rajouri Garden-Tagore Garden stretch, Rohtak Road (Military Road–Jhansi Road), and on Road 63 and Gokulpuri stretch. The letter from MoRTH to the Delhi Chief Secretary said, "The competent authority in this ministry has agreed to approve the work listed to an amount of Rs 803.39 crore to meet the cost of work debitable to the Government of NCT of Delhi's allocations under the CRIF Act, 2000."
Published 10 Sep 2025 08:48 PM
The government lowers GST on frequently used goods; the new rates will take effect on this month's 22nd.
The government has lowered the GST on a number of goods in various categories. The GST reduction rate will take effect on this month's 22nd. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters in New Delhi today that the GST on goods used by the average person and middle class has been lowered from 18% or 12% to 5%. Hair oil, toilet soap, soap bars, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bicycles, dinnerware, kitchenware, and other home items would now only be subject to 5% GST, the Finance Minister announced.She added that the GST rate on paneer, chena, and ultra-high temperature milk has been lowered from 5% to 0%, while the GST rate on all Indian breads would now be 0%. Additionally, Ms. Sitharaman declared that the GST on the following food items has been lowered from 12 or 18 percent to 5 percent: namkeen, bhujia, sauces, pasta, instant noodles, chocolates, coffee, preserved meat, cornflakes, butter, and ghee.The Minister further stated that the GST slab has been reduced from 28% to 18% for commodities such as air conditioners, televisions larger than 32 inches, all TVs, dishwashing machines, small cars, and motorbikes. According to her, labor-intensive businesses have provided substantial support, and today's measures will also benefit farmers and the agriculture industry. According to the Minister, the GST rate on all agricultural equipment has been lowered from 12% to 5%. Regarding the automobile industry: #GST on small cars and motorcycles up to 350 cc was lowered from 28% to 18%. # The GST on ambulances, buses, and vehicles was lowered from 28% to 18%. # GST on three-wheelers was lowered from 28% to 18%. # All auto parts were subject to a uniform 18% rate. GST reduction on medical supplies: #33 life-saving medications now have a 12% GST reduction instead of a 0% one. # Three life-saving medications used to treat cancer, rare diseases, and other serious chronic illnesses now have GST cut from 5% to 0%. # GST on certain medications was lowered from 12% to 5%.
Published 04 Sep 2025 09:45 PM
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Nitish Kumar NDA alliance news: How RJD, Congress plan to deal with JDUs possible switch
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress have geared up to deal with any unexpected developments in case Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar switches alliances and return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Speculations are rife that Nitish Kumar would soon resign as the Bihar Chief Minister and take oath for the ninth time, with an NDA cabinet. Nitish Kumar's JD(U) is currently in alliance with the RJD and the Left parties in Bihar. His move to snap ties with the Lalu Yadav's party would come as major hit to the Opposition's INDIA bloc ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. At a press conference, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been given the task to handle the situation, likely to unfold in next "two-three days" in Bihar. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav's party, the RJD, reportedly has a "game plan". RJD leader Manoj Jha said on Saturday that Lalu Prasad Yadav, the chief of the party, has been authorised to take all the decisions. After holding a meeting with RJD leaders, Jha said, "Discussion on several things was done. All the issues, whether from the national or state level, everything were discussed during the meeting. It was a legislature meeting, Lalu Yadav, Deputy CM (Tejashwi Yadav) all MLAs, everyone was present. We all have authorised Lalu Yadav to take the decision. Besides, Lalu Prasad Yadav reportedly asked all MPs to stay in Patna for the next few days. Sources told India Today that the former Bihar chief minister has also asked MPs not to switch off their mobile phones and be prepared for all adverse situations.
Nitish Kumar set to resign as Bihar CM again? When and what is expected to happen amid JDU-NDA alliance buzz
Nitish Kumar is likely to resign as the Bihar Chief Minister soon. Reports emerged on Saturday claiming that the JD(U) chief may resign on Sunday, January 28. He might take oath later in the day, by 4 pm, AajTak reported while cited sources. According to reports, Nitish Kumar is likely to take oath as the chief minister for the ninth time on Sunday. This time, the JD(U) may form government with the new NDA cabinet on Sunday, they added. Earlier, Jan Ki Baat had cited sources as saying that Nitish Kumar may resign by 7pm on Saturday. However, there has been no official confirmation on the same.Times Now reported on Saturday evening that the JD(U) will hold a legislative meeting on Sunday morning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and MPs will also meet at 10 am on Sunday at the Party office in Patna to further chalk out the strategy over the latest political situation in Bihar. The reports came amid speculations that Nitish Kumar will leave the Opposition's INDIA bloc and return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In case Nitish Kumar decides to return to the NDA fold, the opposition united front will take a major hit ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha Election 2024. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh held a press conference and said party chief Mallikarjun Kharge is “trying to speak with the Bihar chief minister". Ramesh said Kharge made several attempts to speak with Nitish Kumar, but as both of them are very busy, no conversation could be held between them. Meanwhile, RJD leaders gathered at party supremo Lalu Prasad's home in Patna on Saturday to attend an emergency meeting convened by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. Sources told ANI that during the meet, Tejashwi had hinted at many unexpected developments in the state."The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hain' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar) Yadav reportedly said.
Prominent celebrity lawyer pleads guilty to leaking documents to reporters in Fugees rapper’s case
WASHINGTON (AP) — A prominent defense attorney whose star clients have included Snoop Dogg pleaded guilty Friday to leaking grand jury information to reporters about a political conspiracy case against a rapper from the Fugees. David Kenner, a California-based attorney known for his representation of celebrities like Suge Knight and Tory Lanez, was sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor contempt of court charge. He also agreed to pay a $5,000 fine. Federal prosecutors say Kenner was representing Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the Fugees, when he gave grand jury information and photos to two reporters for Bloomberg News for “defense-oriented” stories that ran in March 2023, shortly before the start of the Washington, D.C. trial. Michel’s trial included testimony from such figures as actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. As is typical in criminal cases, Kenner had gotten access to evidence in order to prepare Michel’s defense, but had been ordered by the court not to share the information, prosecutors said. Kenner’s attorney said in court documents that the reporters originally agreed to sign a protective order, but later changed their minds. A Bloomberg News spokesperson declined to comment.Kenner, 82, told the judge who sentenced him that he was reckless for not taking steps to terminate the reporters’ access to grand jury information. He described it as a “low point” in his 56-year legal career.
ICJ verdict looms: What if interim ruling goes against Israel on January 26
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is poised to deliver a highly anticipated verdict on January 26, responding to South Africa's request for an interim ruling against Israel.South Africa brought the case to the court, accusing Israel of "grave violence and genocidal acts" in Gaza and seeking an immediate ceasefire. Israel rebuffed the allegations, characterising them as a "partial and deeply flawed picture." After hearing the arguments on January 11 and 12 at The Hague, the ICJ is now on the verge of delivering its ruling."The ICJ will currently only look at 'provisional measures of protection,' which is the equivalent of the term' interim orders' used in Indian courts,"explained Pratik Bakshi, co-founder at World Law Forum.Bakshi clarified that these measures are designed to prevent ongoing conflicts or disputes from escalating further. "The ICJ will not be deciding on whether Israel is guilty of genocide, and it may be years before the court comes to a conclusion on this point," he noted.Legal experts suggest that if the ICJ issues provisional measure orders against Israel, they will be legally binding and final. However, the path to enforcement may prove challenging. "Orders of the International Court of Justice, including orders indicating provisional measures, are in theory legally binding on the Contracting States to the Genocide Convention, i.e. Israel and South Africa. Such orders are final and without appeal," stated Bindi Dave, senior partner at Wadia Ghandy & Co.Despite the legal binding, Bakshi highlighted that the ICJ lacks real enforcement power. "Israel has the choice to ignore the ICJ's ruling and proceed with its operations in Gaza, as the ICJ lacks an independent enforcement mechanism for ensuring compliance with its decisions," echoed Ankur Mahindro, managing partner at Kred Jure.In such a scenario, the ICJ can turn to the United Nations Security Council to take appropriate measures. "Given, however, that enforcement of sanctions is subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council, a proposed resolution for actual or effective enforcement of any provisional measures is susceptible to getting embroiled in political wrangling, especially given the perceived proximity of the United States to Israel," added Dave. Previous decisions by the ICJ in comparable cases, such as provisional measures against Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine or to prevent Myanmar's violence against Rohingyas, have not proven effective in improving conflict situations. Nevertheless, experts suggest that Israel might have to temper the intensity of its attacks due to international pressure if the ruling goes against it.
IEA will expedite 2025 oil demand forecast after Opecs early move
The International Energy Agency plans to bring forward publication of its first 2025 oil demand forecast in its monthly report by two or three months to April, the agency told Reuters, after OPEC expedited its forecast by six months. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the IEA are the two most closely watched oil forecasters, whose monthly reports can move oil prices and provide insight into the assumptions behind OPEC supply policy. "We plan to publish the 2025 forecast in April as opposed to June/July previously," Toril Bosoni, head of the IEA's Oil Industry and Markets Division, told Reuters in response to an emailed question. "The reason for this is that we will publish the Medium Term outlook in June so to avoid the overlap and get a first detailed view on 2025 before looking out to 2030 - we advanced the date." The IEA and OPEC disagree on the strength of demand growth in 2024, reflecting their divergent forecasts on how quickly the world will shift from fossil fuels. OPEC believes oil use will keep rising over the next two decades, while the IEA, which represents industrialised countries, predicts it will peak by 2030. Their differing views have led the bodies to clash over investment in new oil supply. The IEA says the end of the growth era for fossil fuels undercuts the rationale for investment. In a break with its tradition of publishing its first forecast for the next year in July, OPEC last week predicted demand will rise by 1.8 million bpd in 2025 and said it brought publication forward to give "long-term guidance for the market". On the same day, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais published an article disputing that demand was near a peak, and reiterated the group's call for continued oil industry investment. So far this year, the oil market has been buffeted by uncertainty as doubts about the global economy and demand strength have offset the more bullish impact of possible supply disruption. OPEC forecasts world oil demand will expand by 2.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, a mild slowdown from 2.46 million bpd in 2023, with total oil use averaging 104.4 million bpd in 2024, bolstered by air travel and road fuel demand. The IEA expects oil demand growth in 2024 to halve to 1.24 million bpd, from its figure for growth of 2.3 million bpd in 2023, partly because an increasing global electric vehicle fleet is curbing gasoline demand. The difference between the OPEC and IEA demand forecasts for this year is about 1% of world demand, almost equivalent to OPEC member Libya's production. A source with knowledge of the matter did not provide details of what the IEA would forecast for 2025 demand, but said it was expected to show further deceleration towards the 2030 peak demand timeline.
Gujarat: Independent MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela resigns, to return to BJP
Ahmedabad, Independent MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela tendered his resignation as a member of the Gujarat legislative assembly on Thursday, and announced that he would soon return to the BJP along with his supporters.Vaghela, who represented the Vaghodia assembly constituency in Vadodara district, claimed that the motive behind his resignation was to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in their endeavour to establish 'Ram Rajya' in the country. Vaghela is one of the three independent candidates who won the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections. He was with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prior to the assembly elections, but rebelled against the party and fought the polls as an independent candidate after being denied the ticket. He subsequently defeated BJP's Ashvin Patel by over 14,000 votes. Vaghela on Thursday handed over his resignation to assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary in Gandhinagar in the morning, and it has been accepted, an official said. The move comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections that are likely to be held in April.Talking to reporters after tendering his resignation, Vaghela said he will join the BJP soon and was not promised any post or renomination by the ruling party. "I have taken this decision after consulting the people from my constituency. I have resigned because I want to strengthen the hands of PM Modi and Amit Shah in their endeavour to establish Ram Rajya in the country. Neither the party has promised anything, be it ministership in the Gujarat government or renomination, nor have I placed any demand," he claimed.Vaghela and two other candidates were suspended by the BJP for contesting the polls as independents against the party candidates. The two others are Dhavalsinh Zala and Mavjibhai Desai. But after the election, the trio had announced their support to the BJP government saying they were inspired by the pro-people work of PM Modi.Vaghela is the third MLA who has resigned as a member of the state assembly in two months. In December, AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani, who represented the Visavadar seat, resigned as member of the state legislative assembly. Recently, Congress MLA CJ Chavda also resigned as the MLA of Vijapur seat.
Rahul Gandhi to be arrested after Lok Sabha elections, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday that action will be taken against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, on the charges of instigating violence during his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ and he will be arrested after the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The remarks came a day after the Assam police registered a suo motu FIR against Rahul Gandhi for “wanton acts of violence" in Guwahati during his nationwide Yatra. ''We have filed an FIR. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will conduct the investigation and he (Gandhi) will be arrested after the Lok Sabha elections," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the sidelines of the event in the Sibsagar district of the state.Himanta Biswa Sarma directed the Director General of Police G P Singh to register a case against Rahul Gandhi for provoking the crowds, who clashed with police as the Congress leader wanted to enter Guwahati city. In the scuffle with the police, several Congress workers were injured including the state party President Bhupen Bora, and the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.Assam police said that four police personnel sustained injuries after Congress workers attempted to break barricades. They have charged Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi under criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting, assault, or criminal force to deter public servants from discharging their duty, damaging public property and others. The DGP said that the case has been transferred to the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation and the special investigation team (SIT) headed by the Additional Director General of Police (CID) will conduct the probe into the matter.‘Himanta Biswa Sarma is the most corrupt CM’: Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi resumed his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Assam's Barpeta on Wednesday and trained his guns on the Assam Chief Minister calling him “the most corrupt CM." "The Chief Minister of Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma) spreads hate all the time and takes away your (referring to the public) lands. He is the most corrupt chief minister," the Congress leader said.
She is our didi, we respect her’: INDIA parties deny rift as Mamata Banerjee decides to fight LS polls alone in Bengal
After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerje's announcement that her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party will fight Lok Sabha polls alone in the state, other parties in the INDIA bloc have been trying to alleviate the situation and hoping for a reunification of the TMC with the bloc. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha said the statement was given in some particular situation and said that the INDIA parties will solve the conflict.PROMOTED "Please wait for some time. Maybe the statement was given in some particular situation. If there is a conflict then the alliance (INDIA) would solve it." said Manoj Jha. INDIA bloc alliance is facing internal disagreements over seat-sharing in different states. Another INDIA bloc member, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is also locked in hectic negotiations with the Congress on seat sharing in Delhi and Punjab. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party believes that the TMC, the Congress and the alliance will resolve any differences. "The TMC is a big party in West Bengal, the Congress and the Left have always been fighting against them. So seat-sharing with the TMC will be a little difficult. The issues between them will be resolved. Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi are committed to the success of the INDIA bloc. We are hopeful that all parties in the INDIA bloc will fight elections together," said AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj.Earlier on Wednesday, NCP working president Supriya Sule denied any internal rift in the alliance and said that all the member parties are in frequent conversation with each other. "She is our didi and we love and respect her. The alliance (INDIA) is united and we will all fight together. There will be no loss to the alliance. The model in every state will be different. There is no infight in the alliance. We are in frequent conversation," Sule told ANI on Wednesday.Amid speculations over the TMC's stance on Lok Sabha elections, Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC would fight polls alone in Bengal."I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and in Bengal, we alone will defeat the BJP. I gave many proposals but they rejected them from the beginning. From then, we have decided to fight the elections in Bengal alone" the TMC supremo said.She also claimed that the grand old party didn't inform her about the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra's schedule of passing through Bengal. Her remark is in contrast with the Congress' claim that it had invited all INDIA bloc parties to join the Yatra.
Tantia Constructions bags ₹7 crore contract from Tripura Govt
Tantia Constructions wins ₹7 crore government contract in Tripura to build seven residential quarters for Judicial Officers with associated infrastructure.Tantia Constructions has received a ₹7 crore work order from the Government of Tripura, Office of the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Kailashahar Division, Kailashahar, Unakoli.The contract pertains to the construction of seven residential quarters for Judicial Officers at various grades, storied at Kailashahar, Unakoti District, including internal water supply, sanitary installation, sewage, drainage works, underground tank, boundary wall and internal electrification works. L&T Construction’s power transmission and distribution business has secured contracts in West Asia. In the UAE, the construction arm of L&T Ltd was awarded an order for the engineering, supply, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 400/132 kV substation. The project entails providing a range of critical components, including transformers, reactors, and substation control and monitoring systems.In Kuwait, L&T Construction secured an order for the establishment of 400 kV overhead transmission lines, complemented by associated 400 kV underground cable interconnections. This 100-km transmission network is designed to enhance power evacuation and generation capabilities.The company also bagged contracts related to ongoing substation projects in the region.However, the shares were down by 0.36 per cent to Rs 3,530.75 at 10.22 am on the BSE.
Government reopens bids for Advanced Chemistry Cell manufacturing
Prospective applicants can submit bids to set up manufacturing facilities for ACC, which will help them qualify for incentives under PLI ACC scheme. The government on Wednesday announced re-bidding of production-linked incentives (PLI) for 10 Giga Watt hours (GWh) Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) manufacturing. India for finding solution to food stockholding issue first at WTO; then talk on other agri matters With this bidding process, the prospective applicants can submit bids to set up manufacturing facility for ACC, which will help them qualify for incentives under PLI ACC scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) said.In May 2021, the Cabinet approved the technology-agnostic PLI Scheme on ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ for achieving a manufacturing capacity of 50 Giga Watt hours (GWh) of ACC with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The first round of the ACC PLI bidding concluded in March 2022, and three companies were allocated a total capacity of 30 GWh, the program agreement with selected companies was signed in July 2022. The three companies are Ola Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd which bagged 20 GWh, Reliance New Energy Solar Ltd, and Rajesh Exports won 5 GWh each.The MHI said its has released a fresh Request for Proposal (RfP) for shortlisting and selection of bidders under the PLI Scheme ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ for setting up of battery manufacturing units with a total manufacturing capacity of 10 GWh with maximum budgetary outlay of ₹3,620 crore. “MHI is supporting the growth of India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports in the automobile and automobile component sector...Keeping this in mind, in recent years, the MHI has taken several initiatives to promote environment friendly product manufacturing in the automotive industry, such as PLI-Auto, PLI - Advanced Chemistry Cell and FAME-II schemes,” Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries said. MHI is also committed to provide clean and green public transport through Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme with the aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuel and to address the issue of vehicular emissions, he said.Also, through the PLI Auto and Auto components scheme, MHI is supporting enhancement in India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports in the automobile and the automobile components sector with the prime objectives of deep localisation, creating economies of scale and building a robust supply chain in areas of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products, he added.
Encourage India to continue to lead by example, work to bridge divides around the world: UN PGA Francis
Francis expressed concerns about the outdated structure of the Security Council, which he believes fails to reflect the current geopolitical realities."The Security Council of the UN as it currently exists harks back to a period in world history that no longer exists. Since then, the world has changed radically," remarked Francis, highlighting the council's inability to make crucial decisions for international peace and security, often due to geopolitical influences leading to the use of the veto."The fact of the matter is that the council has, in recent years, been progressively unable to take the decisions necessary in order to assist and support the strengthening of international peace and security. Largely for geopolitical reasons. The geopolitics, the global dynamics of the geopolitics, get imported into the council and that results invariably in the use of the veto by one or the other party," he added. On India's inclusion in the UNSC, the UNGA President said, "India is a mature, highly respected member of the United Nations. It is a leader in many ways. And I'm sure that that fact is not lost on the members of the General Assembly.""So I wish the government and people of India every success in their quest to assume membership of the council on a permanent basis. Whether that occurs or not will be a matter for the members to determine," he also saidIndia has long sought a permanent seat on the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The nation's quest has gained momentum with support from influential figures like Dennis Francis, who believes in India's capability to contribute positively to global peace and security.India has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for eight terms (16 years). India is a member of the G4, a group of nations that back each other to seek permanent membership in the UNSC. The countries advocate for reform in the UNSC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his France visit in July 2023, made a strong pitch for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council, saying the primary UN body cannot claim to be speaking for the world when its most populous country and the largest democracy is not a permanent member. (ANI)
Bharat Ratna award to Karpoori Thakur reflects Modi governments desperation, hypocrisy: Congress
The Congress on Wednesday welcomed the decision to confer Bharat Ratna to former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur and said it reflects the Narendra Modi government's desperation and hypocrisy. Thakur was a champion of social justice and conducting a nationwide caste census would be an appropriate tribute to him, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said."Even though it reflects the Modi Govt's desperation and hypocrisy, the Indian National Congress welcomes the posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna to the champion of social justice Jannayak Karpoori Thakurji," Ramesh said in a post on X. "'Bhagidari Nyay' is one of the five pillars of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It will need a nation-wide caste census as a starting point."Rahul Gandhi has been consistently advocating this but the Modi Government has all along refused to release the results of the Socio Economic Caste Census 2011 and also refused to commit itself to conduct an updated nation-wide caste census which will be the most appropriate tribute to Jannayak Karpoori Thakurji," he said. Two-time Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur has been named for the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna posthumously, a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said on Tuesday on the eve of the birth centenary of the fountainhead of OBC politics in Bihar.Thakur, who passed away in 1988, was the first non-Congress socialist leader who became chief minister twice -- first for seven months in December 1970 and later for two years in 1977."The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Shri Karpoori Thakur (posthumously)," the communique said. Thakur, known affectionately as 'Jan Nayak' (people's leader), is the 49th recipient of the country's highest civilian award. The award was last conferred on late president Pranab Mukherjee in 2019.Born on January 24, 1924 in Nai samaj (barber society), Thakur is credited in Bihar politics for enforcing total prohibition of alcohol in 1970. The village where he was born in Samistupur district was renamed after him as Karpuri Gram.
Tata Power, Indian Oil Corp tie up to deploy over 500 EV charging points across India
Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Limited (TPEVCSL), a Tata Power Group Company and one of the leading EV Charging solutions providers, and the IOCL have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to roll out fast and ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV). charging points across India. Tata Power on Monday said its subsidiary Tata Power EV Charging Solutions has inked an agreement with India Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to install more than 500 fast and ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging points across India. Tata Power will install EV charging points across multiple IOCL retail outlets, a statement said. Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Limited (TPEVCSL), a Tata Power Group Company and one of the leading EV Charging solutions providers, and the IOCL have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to roll out fast and ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV). charging points across India. These EV charging points will be installed in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Kochi, as well as across major highways such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Salem-Kochi Highway, Guntur-Chennai Highway and the Golden Quadrilateral. This strategic collaboration focuses on building a reliable and expansive intercity charging network which will help alleviate range anxiety for EV owners traveling between cities. Virendra Goyal, Head -Business Development-EV Charging, Tata Power, said, "Our partnership with IOCL is a strategic move towards establishing a robust EV charging network in the country. Leveraging IOCL's extensive presence, Tata Power will set up fast and superfast charging. points in multiple regions." The EV users will have a dual advantage of a seamless EV charging experience through the 'Tata Power EZ Charge' app and 'IndianOil e-Charge' mobile app that can be used to locate and book the chargers at their convenience. Representing IOCL, Saumitra Shrivastava, Executive Director (Retail-N&E) expressed the Corporation's commitment to adapting to the rising trend of electric vehicle penetration."IOCL envisages to provide 10,000 EV charging stations by 2024 transforming retail network to complete energy solutions outlets. With more than 6,000 EV charging stations at present, the company plans to keep expanding its reach," Shrivastava said.Tata Power has established itself as a leader in the electric vehicle charging domain, with a substantial market share of nearly 60 per cent.
2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift Launched In India; Know Specifications HERE
"The Automatic variants of the Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift introduce Drive Modes, offering three options - Eco, Normal, and Sport. The highly anticipated 2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift made its debut in the Indian market, ushering in a new era of design and features. This mid-life cycle update promises a significant aesthetic makeover, distinguishing itself from its pre-facelift counterpart. Here’s a detailed look at what the facelift brings to the table. Equipped with a McPherson strut and coil springs at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear, the Creta ensures a dynamic and comfortable ride. The 2024 variant maintains the same wheelbase of 2610mm while measuring 2610mm in length, 1790mm in width, and 1635mm in height.The Automatic variants of the Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift introduce Drive Modes, offering three options – Eco, Normal, and Sport. Additionally, the SUV features three traction modes, including Snow, Mud, and Sand, providing adaptability for diverse driving conditions. The interior of the new Creta boasts fabric seats in lower variants, semi-leather in mid variants, and luxurious leather seats in the top SX(O) variant. Adding to the premium experience, the Panoramic Sunroof, a popular feature, will be available from the S(O) variant onwards, with voice-assisted smart functionality in the top SX, SX Tech, and SX(O) variants.The 2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift retains the 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel Engine, delivering 113 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The diesel engine offers flexibility with a choice between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The SUV also continues with the 1.5L Mpi Petrol Engine, producing 113 bhp and 143.8 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. "
France and India Decide To Step Up Their Collaboration In The Southwest Indian Ocean
Building on their joint surveillance missions conducted from the French island of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022, India and France have decided to step up their cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean. The two nations applauded the expansion of those exchanges into India's maritime neighborhood as well. Following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations, the two countries released a joint statement suggesting that these interactions could have a positive impact on the securitization of strategic sea lanes of communication.The leaders emphasized how important the area is to their individual sovereign and geopolitical goals. The importance of their partnership in the region for the development of a free, open, inclusive, safe, and peaceful Indo-Pacific and beyond was also acknowledged. Citing the July 2023 finalized Comprehensive Roadmap for the Indo-Pacific, they conveyed satisfaction with the growing scope of their involvement in the area.The joint statement states that the India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific area, which encompasses a wide range of bilateral, multinational, regional, and institutional initiatives, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region, has its foundation in the defence and security partnership. According to the statement, PM Modi and French President Macron promised to revive trilateral cooperation with Australia, strengthen their relationship with the UAE, and look into establishing new ones in the area.The two leaders requested that their governments come up with specific project ideas after realizing the value of cooperative and multilateral efforts in promoting human welfare, resilient infrastructure, innovation, and connectivity in the region as well as sustainable economic development. In the joint statement, the two leaders also demanded that the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund be established as soon as possible to help with the expansion of green technology development in the area. They decided to look into ways to coordinate Pacific-wide economic initiatives and programs. The French Development Agency was acknowledged by both leaders for its work in India. The two leaders talked about how the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) was introduced in September 2023 in Delhi, outside of the G20 Summit. Prime Minister Modi received praise from President Macron for spearheading this momentous project. Both leaders concurred that this project would be extremely important strategically and would improve the potential and robustness of the energy and trade flows between Europe, the Middle East, and India.The project's Special Envoy, President Macron, was duly appointed, a development that Prime Minister Modi welcomed. The two leaders also recalled talking about other connectivity projects that would connect Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Africa during their July summit in Paris, and they decided to look into particular projects. PM Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their call for effective multilateralism that is reformed in order to address urgent global challenges, maintain a just and peaceful international order, and get the world ready for new developments, particularly in the economic and technological spheres. PM Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their call for effective multilateralism that is reformed in order to address urgent global challenges, maintain a just and peaceful international order, and get the world ready for new developments, particularly in the economic and technological spheres. France reaffirmed its unwavering support for India's UNSC permanent membership. The two leaders decided to have more in-depth discussions about how to govern the use of the veto in the event of mass atrocities. The two leaders concurred that the Paris Global Financing Summit and the G20 Summit in Delhi had highlighted the necessity of reforming Multilateral Development Banks to make them larger, better, and more efficient in order to be able to address the related issues of climate change and development in developing and least developed nations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the accusation of genocide against Israel "outrageous
The accusation of genocide made against Israel, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is "outrageous" and "decent people everywhere should reject it." In response to South Africa's genocide claim against Israel being rejected by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Israeli Prime Minister declared, "The charge of genocide levelled against Israel is not only false, it's outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it." Speaking on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared, "Never Again." Israel will not give up its defense of itself against the murderous terrorist group Hamas."According to him, Israel's sacred commitment to upholding international law and continuing to defend "our country and defend our people" are both unwavering. Israel has the inherent right to self-defense, just like any other nation. It is obvious discrimination against the Jewish state to attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right, and it was rightly rejected." The International Court of Justice in the Hague on Friday ordered Israel to 'take all measures' to prevent genocide in Gaza. However, the court did not order that a ceasefire be implemented.The court voted 15 to 2 in favor of its decision. Israel was also mandated to submit a report to the court within a month. Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, stated: "On October 7, Hamas perpetrated the most horrific atrocities against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and it vows to repeat these atrocities again and again and again." He declared that Israel is not fighting Palestinian civilians, but rather Hamas terrorists. "We will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance, and to do our utmost to keep civilians out of harm's way, even as Hamas uses civilians as human shields."
Will Use Arrow To Hunt Lion: Bilawal Bhutto Warns Nawaz Sharif Before Pakistani Elections
As he vowed to hunt the "Lion" with "Arrow," Pakistan Peoples Party chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari poked fun at the leaders of the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N party for not trying to win the polls on February 8 because they believed the result was "fixed" in their favor. Speaking at a rally in Multan, the 35-year-old former foreign minister—the scion of a family that produced two prime ministers for the country—said that voting for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was the only way to stop Sharif and his allies from plundering the nation.According to Bhutto-Zardari, leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) did not leave their homes and anticipated winning the election without making an attempt to engage with voters, believing they had "fixed the match," but this is untrue. She went on to say that the PPP and its allies would work together to hunt the "Lion" with the "Arrow." The PML-N's poll symbol is the lion, while the PPP's is the arrow. Separately, Bilawal invited Sharif to a candid discussion about the issues confronting the nation in a post on X."[International norms dictate that] the PML-N candidate (Nawaz Sharif) should come forward and engage in a debate with me as a PPP candidate running for the PM post [in the upcoming general elections]," he said on the official X account. Bilawal was announced as the party's nominee for prime minister in the upcoming general elections earlier this month. "I extend an invitation to Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N candidate, to participate in a debate with me on any day before February 8," stated Bilawal.He claimed that in every country, candidates for president and prime minister take part in televised debates, giving the public vital information about their platforms. "Transparency is essential for a knowledgeable electorate prior to the election," he continued. At the Multan rally, Bilawal vowed to bring the nation together and address public issues, such as the security and economic conditions, while criticizing traditional political leaders for fomenting division and hatred for their own personal gain. He attacked rival political parties for their disregard for the issues facing the nation and their narrow concentration on acquiring power.In an apparent jab at Sharif, Bilawal stated, "Politicians who have held the Prime Minister's Office thrice are angling for the chair for a fourth time." According to Bilawal, the former three-time prime minister was uninterested in addressing the urgent problems that the populace was facing. He chastised the PML-N for failing to even release its manifesto. In addition, he said that the PML-N leaders were attempting to mimic the PPP's platform.
Supreme Court to Have Chief Justice Lead Special Ceremonial Bench as it Turns 75
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will celebrate its 75th anniversary tomorrow with a special ceremonial bench. The composition of the bench will be set up to replicate the Supreme Court's inaugural session on January 28, 1950. Sources claim that Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is leading the first-ever assembly of this ceremonial bench. Prior to the start of the ceremonial sitting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the program.The Chief Justice Chandrachud's courtroom will house the ceremonial bench. There will be attendance from all 34 Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Chandrachud. Chief Justices of all 25 high courts will be present, as was the case in 1950. The meeting will be broadcast live online. According to sources, the purpose of the ceremonial sitting is to reassure the public that the judiciary will always act as the Constitution's guardian.To finalize tomorrow's event, sources said Chief Justice Chandrachud held consultations and examined pictures of the Supreme Court's original bench from 1950. Judges of the high courts had previously sat on the same bench as the Supreme Court. Therefore, the bench has been ready to hold the 25 Chief Justices of the High Court, but only in their capacity as judges, for tomorrow's event, since all 34 Supreme Court judges will be seated on it in Chief Justice Chandrachud's courtroom.The court registry states that the livestream will run for thirty minutes. The event is expected to showcase digital initiatives taken by the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Chandrachud's leadership.The programme will include the inauguration of the Supreme Court's new website.
