LinkedPrime
Jobs

Articles by PTI

79 articles found

SC Flags Misuse of POCSO Cases, Says Awareness Needed
Technology

SC Flags Misuse of POCSO Cases, Says Awareness Needed

New Delhi: The POCSO act is being being misused in cases of marital discord and consensual relationships between adolescents, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday while stressing the need to spread awareness in boys and men about its legal provisions. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan was hearing a PIL seeking directions to sensitise people about the penal provisions for rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to make the country a better place for girls and women."One thing, we would like to remark. POCSO Act is being misused in cases of marital discords and matters pertaining to consensual relationships between adolescents. We should spread awareness in boys and men about the legal provisions," the bench remarked orally.The apex court adjourned the PIL to December 2 and noted that some states and union territories had not filed a response in the matter.The apex court had earlier issued notices to the Centre, the Union ministries of Education and Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on the plea filed by senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda.Ponda said there is need to inform people about the laws regarding rape and the change in such laws after the Nirbhaya case.The plea seeks several measures, including directing the education ministry to ask all educational institutions providing free and compulsory education to children aged up to 14 years to incorporate the penal provisions regarding offences against women and children.The subject of moral training also has to be included to ensure awareness about sexual equality, the rights of women and girls and their freedom to live with dignity, it says."Particularly, endeavours are required to be made to change the mindset of the boys in this country, an exercise that must start at the level of school," it states.According to it, there should be similar directions to the Information and Broadcasting ministry, CBFC and other broadcasting authorities to highlight the awareness of the folly of committing rape and its punishments and educating the public about the POCSO Act.

Delhi HC Asks Centre to Frame Criteria To Consider Hearing Impaired Sportspersons For Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Technology

Delhi HC Asks Centre to Frame Criteria To Consider Hearing Impaired Sportspersons For Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to expeditiously frame appropriate criteria for conferring the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, 2025 on hearing impaired sportspersons, noting that the existing criteria discriminates against them vis-a-vis para sportspersons. The high court said the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 leaves no scope of discrimination between persons having hearing impairment vis-a-vis those having physical or locomotor disability.However, in the context of the 'Scheme of Cash Awards for Medal Winners' in international sports events, lack of opportunity for deaf sportspersons has the impact of creating a discriminatory regime, it said.Justice Sachin Datta, in an order passed on Monday, said the criteria be framed expeditiously to enable the deaf sportspersons to submit applications for the purpose of award, and directed that the deadline, which was October 28, for submission of applications be extended suitably.The court was hearing a plea by Virender Singh, internationally renowned hearing impaired wrestler, multi-time Deaflympics gold medallist and an Arjuna Awardee, along with another deaf sportsperson.The petitioners, represented by advocate Ajay Verma, challenged exclusion of deaf athletes from key government sports schemes and alleged discriminatory treatment vis-a-vis para-athletes and sought parity between deaf and para-athletes.It was stated that while framing the criteria for conferring the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2025, no dispensation is created for hearing impaired sportspersons.After going through the criteria, the court observed that there is no scope for hearing impaired sportspersons to even apply or be considered for conferment of the award, making it discriminatory against deaf sportspersons vis-a-vis para sportspersons."In the above conspectus, there is merit in the contentions of the petitioner/ applicant that the aforesaid criteria discriminate against deaf sportspersons vis-a-vis para sportspersons," it said.

SIR of Electoral Rolls Begins in Tamil Nadu Amid DMK’s Opposition
Technology

SIR of Electoral Rolls Begins in Tamil Nadu Amid DMK’s Opposition

Chennai: Amid staunch opposition from the ruling DMK, the exercise of SIR of electoral rolls commenced on Tuesday in Tamil Nadu and authorities said Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will guide people in filling up the requisite enumeration form. As part of the exercise, house-to-house enumeration will be carried out from 04.11.2025 to 04.12.2025, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu said.Meanwhile, the DMK, in its plea before the Supreme Court against the SIR, has dubbed it a "de facto NRC" and has challenged its constitutional validity. The ruling party has sought the quashing of the Election Commission's notification on SIR dated October 27, 2025.The main opposition, AIADMK, an ally of the BJP supports the exercise. According to CEO office, the Booth Level Officers will visit every household to distribute partially pre-filled enumeration forms in duplicate to all existing electors and guide them in filling up the form."If BLO finds that any house is locked or closed, she/he shall make at least three visits. Electors may also download their Enumeration Forms and submit the filled-in forms online," an official release from the office of the CEO said.The dates of the visits of the BLOs will be shared in advance and widely publicised in the locality of the Electoral Registration Officers. BLOs will collect the filled out forms and provide an acknowledgement in one copy of the Enumeration Form, which will be retained by the elector.Official sources said the exercise has commenced, adding there is some hesitancy among some personnel in going forward with the drive in view of the opposition from the ruling party, which has approached the top court.Further, the online submissions will also be verified by the BLOs during their house visits. Authorities requested the electors to fill up the details like their names or names of their family members such as parents or grandfather/mother in the electoral rolls of the previous SIR."The BLOs will assist the electors in filling these details. The names of all the electors who have submitted their duly filled enumeration forms to the BLO during the house-to-house enumeration period will be included in the Draft Electoral Roll, which will be published on 09.12.2025. This will include names of electors who have submitted the filled and signed forms online also."In case any elector is unable to submit their filled in enumeration form within the specified time, he/she may file Form 6, along with prescribed declaration from for inclusion during the claims and objections period, which is from 09.12.2025 to 08.01.2026.The Final Electoral Roll will be published on 07.02.2026 after all claims and objections are considered. The electors can file an appeal on any decision of the Electoral Registration Officers to the District Magistrate under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and a second appeal against the decision of the first Appellate Authority to the Chief Electoral Officer in the manner prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.The CEO's office urged electors to take the help of BLOs in filling up the forms and submit the duly filled up and signed forms to the BLOs as and when they visit their houses, during the enumeration period from 04.11.2025 to 04.12.2025.In this regard, a meeting was also held by the CEO with the representatives of all the recognised national/state political parties on 29.10.2025 and the process of Special Intensive Revision was explained in detail, the release added.So far, 39 meetings on Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls have been conducted at District Election Officer level which were attended by 932 representatives of recognised political parties. At the Electoral Registration Officer level, 241 meetings were conducted, which were attended by 3,346 representatives of recognised political parties.The DMK's writ peition in the apex court said: "It is humbly submitted that a combined reading of the Constitution of India, the ROPA with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the Citizenship Act reveals that the burden of establishing citizenship rests with State and not the individual. As such, whether or not a person as an Indian citizen can only be assessed/determined by the union government and not the respondent (Election Commission). Its constitutional and statutory mandate is to prepare and revise electoral rolls for the conduct of elections. By imposing citizenship-like burdens of proof, the SIR appears to be acting beyond its statutory purpose, effectively functioning as a de facto National Register of Citizens (NRC)."

Bengaluru Woman Held for Killing Pet Dog in Apartment Lift
Technology

Bengaluru Woman Held for Killing Pet Dog in Apartment Lift

Bengaluru: , A woman has been arrested for allegedly killing a pet dog by banging it against the floor of an apartment lift here, police said on Monday. The incident, which took place on November 1, was captured on CCTV installed inside the lift, they said.In the footage, the woman identified as Pushpalatha is seen entering the lift with the pet dog. As the doors closed, she allegedly banged the animal against the floor, killing it on the spot, police said.According to the complaint filed by a 23-year-old woman, she had hired Pushpalatha to take care of her four-year-old dog, Goofy, on a monthly salary of Rs 23,000 from September 11."On November 1, my dog died. When I asked Pushpalatha how the dog had died, she said she did not know. Later, upon checking the CCTV footage, it was found that near the lift, she had lifted the dog and thrown it onto the ground, causing its death," the complainant alleged.A case has been registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 325 (mischief by killing or maiming an animal) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Bagalur police station. Pushpalatha was arrested on Sunday in connection with the incident, a senior police officer said.

Charges Framed Against Actor Darshan, 16 Others in Renukaswamy Murder Case
Technology

Charges Framed Against Actor Darshan, 16 Others in Renukaswamy Murder Case

Bengaluru: A Sessions Court on Monday formally framed charges, including murder and kidnapping, against Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. All 17 accused pleaded not guilty, paving the way for the trial to commence on November 10.The courtroom was packed during the proceedings here, prompting Judge I P Naik to express displeasure over the crowding. "How can charges be framed with so many people here?" he remarked, instructing lawyers not involved in the case to leave. The judge also cautioned that the hearing would be postponed or even held in-camera if order was not maintained.Once calm was restored, the court began reading the charges, starting with the first accused, Pavithra Gowda. The charges included murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful assembly. According to the charge sheet, Renukaswamy had allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavitra, following which he was kidnapped, brought to a shed in Bengaluru, and assaulted."He was beaten with slippers and a wooden plank, resulting in fatal injuries," the judge stated while reading the charges.The prosecution alleged that Pavithra struck Renukaswamy with a slipper, while Darshan assaulted him after forcing him to remove his pants, leading to his death. The court also noted that some accused were allegedly offered money to take the blame. After all 17 accused declined to plead guilty, the court completed the formal signing of the charge documents.Darshan, Pavithra, and seven other accused were then escorted back to prison. The next hearing, marking the beginning of the trial, is scheduled for November 10.

Mammootty, Shamla Hamza, Manjummel Boys Bag Kerala State Film Awards
Technology

Mammootty, Shamla Hamza, Manjummel Boys Bag Kerala State Film Awards

Thrissur: Mammootty and Shamla Hamza were on Monday named 'Best Actor' and 'Best Actress', respectively, as the Kerala government announced the 55th State Film Awards for 2024.Chidambaram's 'Manjummel Boys', one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films and a survival thriller, swept major honours, including 'Best Film'.The awards were announced by Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian in the presence of the seven-member jury chaired by actor Prakash Raj.Mammootty won the 'Best Actor' award for his portrayal of Kodumon Potty in 'Bramayugam', while Shamla Hamza, a relatively new face in the industry, bagged the 'Best Actress' title for her powerful performance in 'Feminichi Fathima'.Chidambaram also won the awards for 'Best Director' and 'Best Screenplay' (Original) for 'Manjummel Boys'.'Premalu', featuring Naslen and Mamitha Baiju, was named 'Best Popular Film'. It was directed by Girish A D.

Delhi HC Upholds FSSAI Ban on ORS-Labelled Drinks
Technology

Delhi HC Upholds FSSAI Ban on ORS-Labelled Drinks

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea challenging the decision of the Foods Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ban Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) labelling on any fruit-based, non-carbonated or ready-to-drink beverages. The high court said the measures taken by the FSSAI are impelled by "serious public health considerations" and are regulatory measures applicable across the food industry.Justice Sachin Datta, in an order passed on October 31, refused to interfere with the FSSAI's October 14 and 15 orders by which it has withdrawn permissions for food-and-beverage companies to use the word "ORS" in their labelling unless they met the standard medical formulation."In the circumstances, this court is not inclined to interdict with the impugned orders, in light of the aforesaid order dated October 30, 2025 passed by the FSSAI. This is particularly in light of the deleterious effect and adverse health outcomes in the event of consumption of the offending products by those who are in medical need of an ORS formulation," the high court said.It added that the court does not find it apposite to sit in appeal over a measure taken by the FSSAI on public health considerations.The court dismissed a petition by Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd challenging the FSSAI's directive restricting use of the label 'ORS' for its oral rehydration solution brand Rebalanz VITORS.During the proceedings, the counsel for the pharma company made a statement that the petitioner has ceased manufacturing fresh stocks of its products.It was also stated that the company was willing to re-label or re-brand its existing inventory or stock of the food products concerned and that the stock which was already in the supply chain be allowed to be sold to prevent irreparable and huge loss to the petitioner.The court, however, said it was not inclined to pass any directions in this regard in these proceedings except to direct the regulatory body (FSSAI) to consider this aspect of the matter on a representation being made by the petitioner."Accordingly, the present petition is dismissed, while granting liberty to make such a representation to the FSSAI, which shall be duly considered and disposed of by FSSAI by way of a reasoned order, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, within a period of one week of receipt thereof," it said.On October 14, the FSSAI issued an order withdrawing all prior permissions for food-and-beverage companies to use the term 'ORS' in product names or branding unless they met the standard medical formulation.The food safety regulator deemed use of 'ORS' in branding by sugary or electrolyte drinks as misleading to consumers, particularly children, and in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.ORS is an abbreviation for Oral Rehydration Solution formulations recommended by the WHO and is given to people suffering from dehydration.The counsel for FSSAI opposed the company's request that it be allowed to sell the stock, which is already in the market, with the Rebalanz VITORS mark.

Bangladesh Says Contract With Adani Could Be Scrapped in Case of Irregularities or Corruption
Technology

Bangladesh Says Contract With Adani Could Be Scrapped in Case of Irregularities or Corruption

Dhaka: Bangladesh's interim government has said that it will not hesitate to cancel an existing power contract with India's Adani group if any irregularities or corruption are proven. The 2017 power supply deal between Adani Power and Bangladesh had come in for scrutiny after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government last year."The contracts (generally) state that no corruption has occurred, but if proven otherwise, cancellation is possible," Energy Affairs Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan was quoted as saying by local media.The adviser was reacting to an interim report submitted by a National Review Committee, which was formed to review the power sector contracts by the Hasina regime.There was no immediate reaction from the Adani group on the adviser's comments.The National Review Committee, headed by retired High Court judge Moinul Islam Chowdhury, recently submitted its interim report on alleged corruption during deals inked under the Hasina regime. The committee is expected to submit the final report in January.Chowdhury, who is the chairman of the committee, said the six-member team found "massive governance failure" and "massive corruption" in the energy sector, while there were gross irregularities, particularly in signing the quick rental deals."In the course of review of power purchase agreements, we found there was massive corruption, collusion, fraud, irregularities and illegalities," he said.Chowdhury told reporters that the committee has prepared a separate report on the power purchase deal with the Adani group as well.Under the 2017 deal, Adani Power's Godda power plant in Jharkhand was to supply 100 per cent of the electricity generated from burning coal to Bangladesh for a period of 25 years.In June, Bangladesh paid USD 437 million to Adani Power, significantly reducing its outstanding dues. Previously, Bangladesh struggled to pay dues, which caused Adani to reduce supply.One of the committee members told reporters that contracts with foreign companies involved legal complications, making it difficult to unilaterally scrap them without exhausting the necessary process to evade high penalties."But we believe, you will get strong evidence of corruption when a legal process begins at home and abroad against Adani and a few other companies related to Adani who are involved in the corruption," the state-run BSS news agency reported, quoting the unnamed member.Prominent jurist Shahdeen Malik has asked the government to weigh the risks of scrapping foreign deals, saying there were legal grounds to cancel such foreign contracts, and taking the matter to an international court could trigger claims of up to $5 billion.

SC Bins Plea for Appointment as Telangana HC Judge, Terms It 'Mockery of System'
Technology

SC Bins Plea for Appointment as Telangana HC Judge, Terms It 'Mockery of System'

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea seeking direction to appoint the petitioner as a judge of the Telangana High Court, terming the matter as an abuse of the judicial process and a "mockery of the system." Visibly irked, Chief Justice B R Gavai said, "I will do one thing, I will constitute a bench of the three senior-most (SC) judges for a collegium meeting here ... Where have you heard of making a representation and application for appointment as a high court judge? This is a mockery of the system!"The bench, also comprising Justice K Vinod Chandran, was hearing a petition filed by one G V Sarvan Kumar seeking a direction to elevate him as a judge of the high court.The CJI asked as to how such a plea could even be filed. The bench also admonished the petitioner's counsel, stating that such a plea should never have been brought before the court.The lawyer expressed regret and sought to withdraw the petition. The petition was then dismissed as withdrawn.Besides the Registrar General of the High Court, the plea had made the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, the Registrar General of the apex court and others as parties.Appointments to high courts and the Supreme Court are governed by the collegium system in which judges are recommended based on judicial and professional credentials.

PM Modi to hold rallies, roadshow in Bihar ahead of Assembly polls
Technology

PM Modi to hold rallies, roadshow in Bihar ahead of Assembly polls

Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address public rallies and attend a roadshow in Bihar on Sunday. The PM will address public rallies in Ara and Nawada and will attend a 'mega roadshow' in Patna. Elections to the 243-member Bihar Assembly will be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11. In the first phase, 121 assembly segments will go to the polls. This will be the third roadshow in Patna by the PM since last year's Lok Sabha polls. Modi had held a roadshow earlier this year, soon after 'Operation Sindoor'. Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the PM's roadshow. Before the roadshow, Modi will pay floral tributes to Rashtra Kavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar in the state capital. The PM's roadshow will start from Dinkar Golambar in the evening and pass through Thakurbari Road, Bakarganj and will conclude at Udyog Bhawan near Gandhi Maidan. Later in the evening, Modi will offer prayers at Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib Gurudwara. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are also set to address several public rallies in favour of their NDA and INDIA bloc nominees, respectively, in various parts of the poll-bound state on Sunday. Gandhi will address rallies in Begusarai and Khagaria, while Shah will address public rallies in Muzaffarpur and Vaishali.

Messi to dazzle fans in Hyderabad; GOAT tour to cover all four corners of India
Technology

Messi to dazzle fans in Hyderabad; GOAT tour to cover all four corners of India

Kolkata: Lionel Messi's much-anticipated 'GOAT Tour to India 2025' just got bigger with Hyderabad added as the new southern leg stop to ensure fans in the region are not "deprived" of seeing their idol following the cancellation of Argentina's proposed friendly in Kerala. The decision to add Hyderabad comes in the wake of the cancellation of Argentina's proposed friendly in Kochi, which had been originally announced by Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman for November 17. The revised plan now ensures Messi's 'GOAT Tour' will span all four corners of India — east (Kolkata), south (Hyderabad), west (Mumbai) and north (New Delhi) — turning it into one of the biggest sporting spectacles ever hosted in the country. "Now we are covering south also. This will be a tribute to millions of football fans in South India," Satadru Dutta, the sole organiser of the 'GOAT Tour to India 2025', told PTI on Saturday. "With this, every part of India is covered. West is covered through Mumbai, east through Kolkata, north through Delhi. There is a huge Messi fan base in Chennai, Kerala and Hyderabad," Dutta said. "I wanted to make it a pan-India event and now that the Kerala event is cancelled, people in the south are getting deprived of seeing Messi," he said, adding that Hyderabad was chosen to give the region its share of Messi magic. "South should also get an exposure to Messi, so people from the south can travel to Hyderabad and watch him. Booking for the Hyderabad event will happen within a week. The event is confirmed and will either be held in Gachibowli or Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium," Dutta confirmed. He added that the Hyderabad leg will not just be another stop, but a grand celebration. "It will be an extension of the GOAT Cup as there will be a celebrity match, football clinic, felicitation and musical programme. All the superstars of the south will be present," he revealed. Dutta said he has already held preliminary talks with local organisers in Hyderabad and received strong backing from them. "We have had talks with my local partners. They (the Hyderabad local organisers) are helping and want to do it in a big way. They are very excited," he said. Giving details of the revised itinerary, Dutta said there has been "a slight alteration" with the Ahmedabad leg now being replaced by Hyderabad. "The Ahmedabad sponsors’ event would now be held in Mumbai." "Messi is landing around midnight of December 12 or in the early hours of December 13. From Miami, he’s coming to Dubai where he will rest for a day or two. Then he will travel to Kolkata via a private jet," he said. The Argentine superstar, who last visited India in 2011 for a friendly against Venezuela, will be joined by his long-time teammates and friends Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, who have already confirmed their participation in the tour. The GOAT Tour, conceptualised by Dutta, will feature a mix of celebrity football matches, musical events, meet-and-greet sessions, masterclasses for children and felicitation ceremonies across four cities. Messi will start his tour in Kolkata on December 13, followed by Hyderabad the same evening, before travelling to Mumbai on December 14 and concluding in New Delhi on December 15, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Kerala match was later postponed to the next FIFA window due to delays in obtaining necessary clearances, leading to public disappointment and political controversy. The Kochi cancellation has left fans in Kerala disheartened, but Dutta said he was determined not to let the southern region miss out on Messi's visit. "I wanted to make sure the people of south India, especially those in Kerala, Chennai and Hyderabad, do not feel deprived after the cancellation. That’s why Hyderabad was the natural choice. It’s centrally located and has a huge fan base," he said. The Hyderabad event, Dutta said, will be designed to showcase the passion of South Indian fans. "It’s going to be huge. The energy in Hyderabad is special, and with all the southern stars coming together, it will be one of the most memorable legs of the tour," he promised. Ticket sales have witnessed a massive response across venues. In Mumbai, all 28,000 seats at the Wankhede Stadium, priced from Rs 6,980, are already sold out, as per ticketing portal district.in. Kolkata’s 68,000-capacity stadium is nearing full occupancy, with tickets starting at Rs 4,366, while in New Delhi, where the Arun Jaitley Stadium can accommodate 28,000 fans, prices begin at Rs 7,670 and it’s also close to being sold out, Dutta said. Revised Itinerary Dec 12–13 (Kolkata): Arrival at midnight or early hours; Meet and greet at hotel (9.30–10.40 am); GOAT Cup at Salt Lake Stadium (11.30 am–1.10 pm); Statue unveiling at Sreebhumi, Lake Town; leaves for Hyderabad (2.15 pm). Dec 13 (Hyderabad): Meet and greet (5 pm); GOAT Cup (7–8.45 pm) at either Rajiv Gandhi or Gachibowli Stadium. Dec 14 (Mumbai): Meet and greet at hotel (12 noon); Padel GOAT Cup inauguration; GOAT Cup at Wankhede Stadium (5.30 pm). Dec 15 (New Delhi): Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; GOAT Cup at Arun Jaitley Stadium (2.15 pm).

Hyderabad-bound IndiGo Flight Diverted to Mumbai after Human Bomb Threat, Aircraft Lands Safely
Technology

Hyderabad-bound IndiGo Flight Diverted to Mumbai after Human Bomb Threat, Aircraft Lands Safely

Hyderabad: The Rajiv Gandhi International (RGIA) Airport here received a threat email on Saturday claiming that there was a "human bomb" onboard an IndiGo flight from Jeddah to Hyderabad, following which the aircraft was diverted to Mumbai where it landed safely, police said.The airport authorities lodged a complaint with police, saying they received the threat email at around 5.30 am which warned them to "prevent landing of IndiGo (flight) in Hyderabad".The email further stated "...onboard LTTE-ISI operatives have planned a major 1984 Madras Airport Modus operandi style blast", police said. All stakeholders were alerted and the flight was diverted to Mumbai airport where it safely landed, they said adding "all (security) checks were carried out and no issue was found".Based on the complaint a case was registered. Further investigation is on, police added. In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson said, "A security threat was received for IndiGo flight 6E 68 operating from Jeddah to Hyderabad on November 1 and the aircraft was diverted to Mumbai."According to IndiGO, following the established protocol, the airline informed the relevant authorities immediately and fully cooperated with them in carrying out the necessary security checks before the aircraft was cleared for further operations. "We made all efforts to minimise inconvenience to our customers including offering them refreshments and sharing regular updates," the airline spokesperson stated.

Nearly 40,000 Afghan refugees leave Quetta amid Pakistan’s crackdown
Technology

Nearly 40,000 Afghan refugees leave Quetta amid Pakistan’s crackdown

Karachi: More than two years after Pakistan started a crackdown against Afghan nationals, nearly 40,000 of them have left Balochistan capital Quetta, a top provincial official has said. Since October 2023, when Pakistan asked all the foreign nationals, including Afghan illegal immigrants, to leave voluntarily or face deportation, the deadline has been extended multiple times. Pakistan hosts over 1.7 million registered Afghan refugees, with many more living without documentation. The government recently launched yet another repatriation drive, citing security and economic concerns, prompting thousands of Afghans to return to their home country. The authorities have fastened the deportation measures by ordering the closure of around 54 Afghan refugee camps across the country. Quetta Commissioner Mir Ullah Badhani said that most of the Afghans who have returned home were living in the Afghan Basti (town) on the Eastern bypass of Quetta for the last 35-40 years and had constructed quarters and buildings for residence and businesses. Feroze Shah, a resident of Qadirabad, as the basti is known, said it was occupied mostly by poor people who were forced to leave or were leaving for Afghanistan, uncertain of their future and were without any proper belongings. “Over the past two years, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees have been expelled from different parts of Pakistan, some of whom are our relatives or belong to our tribes,” he said. “Now the influx has grown because winter will soon start in Afghanistan, and people want to cross over so that they can settle down and find places to stay before peak cold,” he added. According to the Commissioner, refugees crossing over to Afghanistan via the Chaman border have slowed down due to the recent conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Hundreds of Afghan refugees had been put up in camps near the Chaman border waiting for their turn to cross over, Badhani said. “So far close to 40,000 Afghans have crossed over via the Chaman border.” Since the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan has hosted millions of refugees, but initiated a crackdown on them since October 2023. After the Taliban came into power in Kabul in 2021, another 7,00,000 Afghans crossed over to Pakistan. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, between the start of the expulsion campaign in October 2023 and October 2025, 1.5 million Afghans left Pakistan either voluntarily or were deported. One of the major crises faced by the Afghan refugees, who did well in Pakistan and built their houses in residential schemes, and set up businesses, is that they are now forced to sell their houses in Quetta at low rates.

Surrendered Naxal leader Bhupathi urges comrades to quit violence, join mainstream
Technology

Surrendered Naxal leader Bhupathi urges comrades to quit violence, join mainstream

Gadchiroli: Top Naxalite Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi, who surrendered to Gadchiroli police on October 14, urged his active comrades to lay down arms and join the mainstream to work among the masses. His video appeal was part of a press release issued on Saturday by Gadchiroli police. In the video message, Bhupathi gave out his and his surrendered comrade Rupesh's mobile phone numbers for ultras to contact if they were desirous of leaving the outlawed movement helmed by the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Bhupathi, who was a Polit Bureau and Central Committee member, secretary of Central Regional Bureau, and spokesperson of CPI (Maoist), said comrades involved in armed struggle for power and land must understand that their acts have made them move away from people, which itself showed the "failure of the path". "Active Maoists must leave the way of violence, surrender, and join the mainstream and work among people," he said. He also accused the Central Committee of the proscribed outfit of taking a "hardened approach" due to its unwillingness to let go of armed struggle despite realising the change that is taking place all around. He said those dubbing him and other surrendered Naxalites as "gaddar" (traitors) are spreading misinformation. Bhupathi said Rupesh, also a Central Committee member who laid down arms in Chhattisgarh last month, had explained in great detail about why ultras must surrender. "So I will not explain it (need to surrender) further," Bhupathi added. The situation has changed, and Maoists must leave the armed movement and work within the law, the surrendered leader asserted. "I would request all intellectuals in the country, janwadi premiyo (democracy lovers), and most importantly benefactors of tribals to understand our decision and support us. Those who want to lay down arms and want to work among the people can contact me and comrade Rupesh on the phone," he said in the video message. Bhupathi, a founding member of the banned People's War Group who helped spread the Maoist movement across the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border by supervising platoon operations, formally surrendered with 60 cadres. They handed over 54 weapons, including seven AK-47S and nine INSAS rifles. Rupesh alias Satish laid down arms along with more than 200 cadres in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur on October 17, making it the largest mass surrender in that state's history.

Pakistan: 18 militants arrested in Punjab province; Police foil major terror plots
Technology

Pakistan: 18 militants arrested in Punjab province; Police foil major terror plots

Lahore: Eighteen militants, mostly belonging to the banned terror outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, were arrested during intelligence-based operations in Pakistan's Punjab province, police said on Saturday. A statement released by the Counter terrorism department (CTD) of the Punjab police said that it arrested 18 terrorists belonging to proscribed organisations, with most of them belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The intelligence-based operations were conducted across various districts of the province over the past month. "The CTD, in collaboration with an intelligence agency, successfully foiled terror plots in Punjab. The terrorists were planning to target key buildings and installations in various cities," it said. The CTD recovered 3.02 kilograms of explosives, 14 detonators, 33 feet of safety fuse wire, and three improvised explosive devices. Pamphlets of banned organisations, magazines, mobile phones, and cash were seized from the possession of the arrested militants. Cases have been registered against the arrested individuals under relevant anti-terrorism laws, the police added.

Give Up Failed Path of Armed Struggle, Join Mainstream: Surrendered Naxal Bhupathi
Technology

Give Up Failed Path of Armed Struggle, Join Mainstream: Surrendered Naxal Bhupathi

Gadchiroli: Top Naxalite Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi, who surrendered to Gadchiroli police on October 14, urged his active comrades to lay down arms and join the mainstream to work among the masses.His video appeal was part of a press release issued on Saturday by Gadchiroli police. In the video message, Bhupathi gave out his and his surrendered comrade Rupesh's mobile phone numbers for ultras to contact if they were desirous of leaving the outlawed movement helmed by the Communist Party of India (Maoist).Bhupathi, who was Polit Bureau and Central Committee member, secretary of Central Regional Bureau and spokesperson of CPI (Maoist), said comrades involved in armed struggle for power and land must understand that their acts have made them move away from people, which itself showed the "failure of the path"."Active Maoists must leave the way of violence, surrender and join the mainstream and work among people," he said. He also accused the Central Committee of the proscribed outfit of taking a "hardened approach" due to its unwillingness to let go of armed struggle despite realising the change that is taking place all around.He said those dubbing him and other surrendered Naxalites as "gaddar" (traitors) are spreading misinformation. Bhupathi said Rupesh, also a Central Committee member who laid down arms in Chhattisgarh last month, had explained in great detail about why ultras must surrender."So I will not explain it (need to surrender) further," Bhupathi added. The situation has changed and Maoists must leave the armed movement and work within the law, the surrendered leader asserted."I would request all intellectuals in the country, janwadi premiyo (democracy lovers) and most importantly benefactors of tribals to understand our decision and support us. Those who want to law down arms and want to work among the people can contact me and comrade Rupesh on phone," he said in the video message.Bhupathi, a founding member of the banned People's War Group who helped spread the Maoist movement across the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border by supervising platoon operations, formally surrendered with 60 cadres. They handed over 54 weapons, including seven AK-47S and nine INSAS rifles.Rupesh alias Satish laid down arms along with more than 200 cadres in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur on October 17, making it the largest mass surrender in that state's history.

SC cautious not to strain India-Russia ties amid child custody dispute
Technology

SC cautious not to strain India-Russia ties amid child custody dispute

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has observed that it does not want to pass any order that could hurt the India-Russia relationship, as it expressed concern over sincere efforts in tracing a Russian woman, who has fled to Moscow with her child amid a bitter custody battle with her estranged Indian husband. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi emphasised the need for proper coordination, as it pointed out to the diplomatic challenge for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Embassy in Moscow, and the Russian Embassy in Delhi to find a resolution of the issue and take steps to restore the child to the custody of the apex court. It noted that in a report of the MEA, it has been pointed out that the embassy had already reached out to the office of prosecutor general for assistance and cooperation based on principles of mutuality and comity and fresh requests under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) were issued on October 17 through the Indian embassy at Moscow to the office of the prosecutor general of Russia. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, said that the MEA is coordinating with Delhi Police for further investigation into other involved persons, including Nepali citizens, through the MLAT channel with Nepal. The bench, which noted the complicity of Russian embassy officials in helping the Russian woman to flee the country with the child via Nepal and Sharjah in the UAE, said Delhi Police sent notices to the Russian authorities seeking further information, but it has not yielded any tangible results. The woman, who has been residing in India since 2019, came to India on an X-1 Visa, which subsequently expired. However, during the pendency of the court proceedings, the top court directed the extension of the visa from time to time. "We don't want to pass any order that may hurt the relationship between India and Russia, but it is also a matter where a child is involved. We can only hope the child is well as he is with the mother. Hope it is not the case of human trafficking...," the bench told Bhati. Bhati said that she has personally talked to Russian embassy officials, but no substantial progress has been made. "We are road-blocked on information from the Russian side, despite taking various efforts," she said. The bench noted that notice has also been issued to the Sberbank of Russia, New Delhi, branch to provide information on the holder of the credit card, which was used to book the tickets, but the bank has responded saying they cannot share the information due to banking secrecy laws. During the course of the hearing, different courses of action have been suggested to the MEA and Delhi Police, which may be followed or employed by them to yield the desired results. "We have been assured by the Additional Solicitor General of India that necessary instructions will be issued to the Ministry of External Affairs as well as the Delhi Police to take further action in terms of the discussions that have taken place during the course of the hearing," it said on Friday and asked ASG Bhati to file a status report in two weeks. On July 21, the top court was informed that the Russian woman, pitted in a bitter custody battle of her child with her estranged Indian husband, seems to have left the country with the minor via the Nepal border and might have reached her country through Sharjah. The top court had called the situation "unacceptable" and observed "gross contempt of court". The father of the child is fighting a custody battle for the child with the estranged Russian woman, and he alleges she wasn't complying with the court's order of custody of the minor. The man claimed the whereabouts of the woman and his child were unknown. On July 17, the top court directed senior Delhi Police officials to immediately trace a child and asked the Centre to issue a look-out notice concerning the woman and the minor to ensure she did not leave the country. The top court on May 22 directed that the exclusive custody of the child was given to the mother for three days a week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and for the remaining days, the child was directed to remain in the exclusive custody of his father.

GST collections rise 4.6 per cent in October to Rs 1.96 lakh crore amid festive buying
Technology

GST collections rise 4.6 per cent in October to Rs 1.96 lakh crore amid festive buying

New Delhi: Gross GST collection increased 4.6 per cent to about Rs 1.96 lakh crore in October, driven by a festive buying spree despite a cut in GST rates. Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on 375 items, including kitchen staples to electronics and automobiles, were slashed with effect from September 22-- the first day of Navratri and considered auspicious for buying new goods. The October GST collection number reflects the impact of festive season sales and the pent-up demand. Consumers had held back their purchase decision, awaiting a GST rate cut after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, had announced that GST rates would be cut ahead of Diwali. The rate cut was, however, implemented with the onset of Navratri. According to the government data released on Saturday, gross GST mop-up in October was about Rs 1.96 lakh crore, a 4.6 per cent higher over Rs 1.87 lakh crore collections in October 2024. In August and September this year, the tax collection was a little subdued at over Rs 1.86 lakh crore and Rs 1.89 lakh crore, respectively. The rate of growth in GST collections in year-on-year terms in October at 4.6 per cent is, however, lower than the about 9 per cent average growth that the collections saw in the previous months. The gross domestic revenue, an indication of local sales, grew 2 per cent to Rs 1.45 lakh crore, while tax from imports surged about 13 per cent to Rs 50,884 crore in October. However, GST refunds also rose 39.6 per cent year-on-year to Rs 26,934 crore. Net GST revenue stood at Rs 1.69 lakh crore in October 2025, recording 0.2 per cent YoY growth.

Seven killed, two injured in temple stampede at Kasibugga in Andhra Pradesh
Technology

Seven killed, two injured in temple stampede at Kasibugga in Andhra Pradesh

Kasibugga: At least seven people were killed and two others injured at a temple stampede here in Srikakulam district on Saturday, said a police official. The stampede occurred at Venkateswara temple in Kasibugga at around 11.30 am, and "Seven persons died and two others were injured," Kasibugga sub-division in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao told PTI. Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in a post on X said, "The stampede at Kasibugga Venkateswara temple in Srikakulam district anguished me. It is very sad that devotees have died in this unfortunate incident. I convey my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims." The CM also said that he directed officials to ensure better treatment for the injured persons and added that he instructed the authorities and local leaders to monitor the relief work at the stampede site.

Singapore sends Zubeen Garg’s post-mortem, toxicology reports to Assam Police: CM Sarma
Technology

Singapore sends Zubeen Garg’s post-mortem, toxicology reports to Assam Police: CM Sarma

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Singapore authorities have sent singer Zubeen Garg's post-mortem and toxicology reports to the state police. He maintained that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing Garg's death, has made substantial progress and will submit the chargesheet in court within the stipulated time. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme here on Friday, Sarma said, “When our SIT visited Singapore, they had assured of cooperation. Today, the Singapore authorities have formally sent the post-mortem and toxicology reports and their guidelines related to sea under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).” The 52-year-old singer-composer had died while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The 10-member SIT has arrested seven people so far, who are all currently in judicial custody. Sarma, who is also the state's home minister, asserted that the SIT will submit the chargesheet within the stipulated 90-day period. “They (SIT members) have already made substantial progress. As per my brief, the SIT is absolutely confident about ensuring justice for Zubeen...When it submits the chargesheet by December 17, people will appreciate their work,” he said. The chief minister also said that while the state government is fully committed to probing Garg's death case, it will not allow attention to be diverted from other “issues” in the state. Taking a swipe at the Congress, Sarma said, “They want Assam to be a part of Bangladesh. That is why they sing Bangladesh's national anthem and also try to justify it.” The Assam government had recently instructed the authorities concerned to probe into the alleged singing of Bangladesh's national anthem at a meeting of the Congress Seva Dal in Sribhumi district. Sarma said ‘Love jihad' and encroachment are issues of concern for the state, and these will remain a priority for his government along with Garg's case.

Previous 1 2 3 4 Next