Reformation main aim of justice system: Bilkis case convict to SC

One of the 11 convicts, all of whom have been granted remission in the case of gang rape of Bilkis Bano and killing of 14 of her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots, told the Supreme Court on Thursday that reformation is the main purpose of criminal justice system and that there was no error in the decision of the Gujarat government in granting them the same.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/mrHFPQv

Neeraj Chopra finishes second in Zurich Diamond League

Newly-crowned world champion Neeraj Chopra was not at his best but still finished second with a final round throw of 85.71m in the men's javelin event of the Diamond League Meeting here on Thursday. The 25-year-old Chopra, also the reigning Olympic champion, produced three legal throws of 80.79m, 85.22m and 85.71m while the remaining three were fouls.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/7LAcMfT

IAF erects air defence shield for Delhi-NCR for G20 summit

The IAF is going full steam ahead in making the airspace over the Delhi-National Capital Region as impregnable as possible, with fighter jets, surface-to-air missile systems, anti-drone systems, airborne early-warning and control systems (AEW&C) and other sensors being deployed for the G20 summit on September 9-10.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/9tkSM1j

Sharad Pawar camp eyes seats under INDIA in Haryana & Rajasthan

The Sharad Pawar camp of NCP has engaged its functionaries from north India to start the party’s preparations to contest some seats in Haryana and Rajasthan assembly polls. Some politicians from northern states have been called to Mumbai to discuss the issue of getting seats for NCP under INDIA in Haryana and Rajasthan when its allies meet on August 31 and September 1.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/HlXhQPR

Judgments written by lawyers, delivered by courts: Ashok Gehlot

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot questioned the state of jurisprudence in the country on Wednesday, alleging that corruption had seeped so deep into the judicial system that “many lawyers write judgments and take them to courts, and the same judgments are delivered, be it the lower or upper judiciary”.

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US mission offers technical help as glitches hit new visa system

Getting an appointment date for a US visa has become a difficult affair for applicants ever since Uncle Sam moved to a new system for the same recently. The problem, say travel agents, arises while trying to pay the fees and then getting an appointment date.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/oOP8J3C

INDIA bloc set to get coordination panel during its Mumbai meet

A coordination committee of the opposition INDIA bloc is set to be announced at the alliance’s meeting that will be held in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1, said Shiv Sena (UBT) members. The committee is likely to have prominent members from across the parties which are part of the alliance, and it will plan details for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/1lvVbiY

'Pulwama strike forced govt to decide on scrapping Article 370'

Stating that it was the jehadi terror attack at Pulwama in February 2019, claiming the lives of 40 CRPF jawans, which caused it to make up its mind to pull the plug on the special status for J&K and integrate the state fully into the Indian Union, the Centre on Monday lobbed the “violation of the Constitution” charge back into the court of the petitioners who have challenged the decision of August 5, 2019.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/QH7BhoV

Worrying rainwater volume dip in 101 sub-basins: IMD

A recent India Meteorological Department evaluation shows a significant decrease in rainwater volume compared with the long-term average in various sub-basins across the country following a bad monsoon and impact of the El Nino phenomenon. The analysis of 101 sub-basins — situated within 27 major basins in India — points to a worrying decline in water volumes, ranging from -149 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) to -528 TMC compared to the established benchmarks.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/zDq5vNj

Ambani succession plan picks up pace, children appointed to RIL board

Reliance Industries, India’s largest company in terms of market value, has appointed chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani’s three children — Isha, Akash and Anant — to the board, an indication that they will eventually helm the oil-to-telecom conglomerate.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/bvyAKH5

SC disposes of plea against Mathura demolition drive

The Supreme Court on Monday disposed of a plea filed against demolition drive near Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura to remove alleged encroachment on government land and refused to grant any protection to those removed from the land and asked them to raise their grievances before lower court where the suit is pending.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/BGxmEc4

After successful Moon mission Chandrayaan-3, India to shoot for Sun on September 2

As Vikram and Pragyan, the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover, continue to do science on the Moon, Isro has set the date for the launch of its solar mission — 11.50am, on September 2. The agency has completed the integration of the Aditya-L1 spacecraft — India’s first solar observatory mission — with its workhorse launch vehicle, the PSLV, at Sriharikota.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/nLX7DBt

Man hires contract killer to murder son to rile estranged wife

A retired armyman, in his mid-50s, allegedly got his 27-year-old son killed by a contract killer to take revenge on his estranged wife. The incident occurred at Chhur village in the Sardhana area of UP’s Meerut, said police. According to officials, the accused, Sanjeev Kumar, allegedly conspired with a local man, identified as Amit (30), and paid him Rs 5 lakh to get rid of his son, Sachin Kumar.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/TDSqOIl

Soon-to-wed couple, businessman killed in Mumbai hotel fire

A couple, who were soon to get married, and a businessman from Gujarat died while three others suffered injuries in a fire that broke out in a second-floor room at Hotel Galaxy located in Prabhat Colony at Santacruz (E) on Sunday afternoon. The three victims, who had come from Ahmedabad and were flying to Nairobi, were accommodated in the ground-plus four-storey hotel by the airlines as their flight was rescheduled.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/apZV3F5

CBDT gives relief, but I-T dept may reopen big old cases

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), guided by a Supreme Court (SC) order issued in April, has sent out comprehensive instructions to tax officials regarding reopening of past cases under the Income-tax (I-T) Act. The instructions dated August 23 — aimed at ensuring a uniform practice — state that there will be no reopening and reassessment of completed cases only where the decision of the appellate authorities has become final.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/DgfqMnb

In investment pitch, PM invokes ‘mutual trust’, takes aim at China

PM Modi invoked “mutual trust” and “democratic values” to pitch for investments in India, as he cited disruptions in the supply chain during Covid to hit out at China. “A profitable market can be sustained when there is a balance in interests of producers and consumers. Treating other countries only as a market will never work. It will harm producing countries sooner or later. Making everyone equal partners in progress is the way forward,” he said at B20 meet.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/cQpVmv7

India has got best picture of Moon, payloads have time till September 3 for all tests: Isro chief

Days after leading the country’s elite space agency to do the most difficult task in the world of landing a spacecraft on the most difficult terrain on the lunar south pole where nobody has ventured before, Isro chairman S Somanath said on Sunday that India has the “best picture of the Moon”.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/CFNh2Ym

Govt to take up with RBI penal charges imposed by bank

The government is expected to take up the issue of penal charges levied by banks for non-maintenance of minimum balance with the Reserve Bank of India, as these yielded Rs 21,000 for state-run and private lenders over the last five years. While a government official insisted that state-run banks such as SBI do not adopt such practices, he acknowledged the problem and said the issue will be taken up with RBI.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/CcPaSln

Ahead of polls, Shivraj inducts 3 new ministers

Three new ministers — Gauri Shankar Bisen, Rajendra Shukla, and Rahul Singh Lodhi — were inducted into the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government on Saturday, barely three months ahead of elections. Lodhi was sworn in as a minister of state while Bisen and Shukla were made cabinet ministers. There’s barely a month and half left before the model code of conduct kicks in, and only three-four cabinet meetings are likely to be held before then.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/a4JzLnd

Kids opt for rowing rafts, fight snakes to reach school

School children need to take flimsy rafts and fight off water snakes to make it to school every day across the reservoir of one of Maharashtra’s largest dams, making their parents wonder in Chandrayaan-3’s glory season if demanding a bridge for their hamlet is asking for the moon.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/xwHFCSQ

20% export duty on parboiled rice; MEP on basmati coming

The government is initiating fresh measures to ensure that rice prices remain under control and overall inflation comes down. On Friday, the Centre imposed 20% export duty on parboiled rice (rice partially boiled with husk), barely a week after imposing 40% duty on exports of onion. Besides, it is expected to notify a minimum export price (MEP) for basmati rice, pegged at $1,200 (Rs 99,000) a tonne.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/TWLOdG9

INDIA's Mumbai meet comes amid Pawar stand uncertainty

An 11-member coordination committee will be finalised at the meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance on September 1. The panel, comprising members of the principal parties, is expected to run the affairs of the bloc that is looking to challenge BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/J1P4F2Y

Train fire in Madurai claims 9 lives: Smuggled gas stove used, coal & firewood found in coach

Tragedy struck as a private train coach caught fire in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in the deaths of nine pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh at a railway yard about 1km from Madurai junction in Tamil Nadu. Railway authorities said the fire is suspected to have originated from a gas cylinder, smuggled into the coach for cooking meals.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/KP0iE6C

Nuh tense again: Internet suspended; outfits defiant on yatra

Internet and bulk SMS services were suspended once again in Nuh after right-wing outfits pledged to bring out a Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra on August 28 since the previous one was disrupted because of the communal clash on July 31. Officials said the internet shutdown, which came into force on Friday evening, would continue till August 29. Haryana had suspended internet and SMS services in Nuh, besides imposing a curfew, after the July 31 clash, and restored it only on August 11.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/qJUn0ia

India, Greece elevate ties to a strategic partnership

PM Modi's visit to Greece, the first by an Indian PM in 40 years, saw the two nations upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership with focus on expanding political, defence & security cooperation. The visit also had Greek President Katerina N Sakellaropoulou conferring the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour on Modi, making him the first foreign head of government to receive it.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/TnM0xYv

Manipur clashes: Pre-trial work of cases moved to Guwahati

On CBI's request, SC on Friday entrusted pre-trial procedural work in the 27 cases being investigated by central agency, arising from the ethnic clashes in Manipur and including the parading of two women naked by a mob on May 4, to magisterial and sessions courts in Guwahati in Assam. Of these 27 cases, 20 pertain to molestation, rape and murder of women, three concern looting of weapons, two are cases of murder of male members, and a case each relating to rioting and conspiracy.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/FzOwtCM

Teacher encourages students to slap classmate in UP; stirs row

The teacher, seen seated, can be purportedly heard saying in Hindi in one of the clips: "I have declared that there are Muslim children... Why don't you slap him with full force."

from Times of India https://ift.tt/ZBH9Fqk

Govt cites Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s opposition to buttress Article 370 stand

BJP has always maintained that J&K would not have got the special status that it enjoyed under Article 370 if Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, country’s first home minister who played a crucial role in the integration of the erstwhile princely states into the Indian Union, had his way. The reverence for the “Iron Man” and the architect of unified India found robust mention in the Centre’s arguments before the Supreme Court on Thursday.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/3BgaSZi

Fighter squadrons depleting, IAF eyes 100 more Tejas Mk-1A

The IAF now plans to order around 100 more Tejas Mark-1A jets to meet the shortfall in the number of its combat squadrons till a much more powerful and capable version of the indigenous fighter is operationally ready. This proposed deal for around 100 Tejas Mark-1A jets will add to the 73 such jets and 10 trainers already ordered under the Rs 46,898 crore contract inked with HAL in February 2021.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/4pM1qcB

Global body suspends WFI, no India flag for wrestlers at WC

The national anthem will not be played and the tricolour will not go up inside the arena when an Indian wrestler finishes on the podium at the World Championships in Serbia next month. Indian wrestlers will participate there as ‘neutral athletes’ because UWW – the sport’s global governing body – Thursday suspended the Indian federation (WFI) for its failure to hold elections in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against outgoing chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/5kZdVP2

Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram ‘full on’, Pragyan does Moonwalk

A day after Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram touched down on Moon’s south polar region, Isro on Thursday switched on the payloads on Vikram and started moving Pragyan, the rover, on the lunar surface. On why the rover took more than four hours to roll out, Isro chairman S Somanath told TOI: “After the landing, we had to check the inclination, terrain condition and temperatures, and wait for the lunar dust to settle. The rover came out late last night.”

from Times of India https://ift.tt/LMdZC0n

Article 370 amputated to save nation: Centre to Supreme Court

Citing the surgical necessity of having to amputate a limb to save life, the Union government on Thursday told the Supreme Court that removal of Article 370 to scrap special status of Jammu and Kashmir had become imperative to preserve integrity of the nation and for uniform application of the Indian Constitution to all states.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/r8zskEd

IIT-Bombay gets Rs 160 crore from anonymous donor

The Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay has received its first ever anonymous donation of Rs 160 crore. The cheque has come from an alumnus who wishes to maintain complete privacy about his gift. The donation has come at a time when the institution has been hit by budget cuts and is taking loans from the Higher Education Financial Agency (HEFA) for expansion. The donated funds will go towards setting up a Green Energy and Sustainability Research hub (GESR) on campus.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/aiuE8H1

Modi, Xi meet on Brics sidelines, agree on LAC disengagement

Maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas and respect for the LAC are essential for the normalization of Sino-Indian ties that remain in deep-freeze because of the unresolved military standoff in eastern Ladakh, PM Narendra Modi told president Xi Jinping ahead of the G20 summit. PM highlighted India’s concerns over the ``unresolved issues’’ along the LAC and both leaders agreed to work towards early disengagement and de-escalation.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/DOijMfs

Isro’s shoestring budget raises question. It's a secret, says chief post Chandrayaan-3 success

Every time an Isro rocket takes off or a mission like Chandrayaan-3 is completed, project comparisons — even with movies — become commonplace. How does India do it? “That’s a secret,” said Isro chairman Somanath in half jest after Vikram’s touchdown on Wednesday. Isro scientists said three factors make its missions cost-effective: Indigenisation, ingenuity, affordable manpower.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/ibRqBLy

PM Modi bats for expansion of Brics club, by consensus

Addressing the open Brics plenary session, Modi made five suggestions to further intensify intra-Brics cooperation including the creation of a Brics space exploration consortium. He was speaking hours before India's Moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, successfully landed on Moon.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/ZT9pLik

23 workers killed as partially built rail bridge collapses in Mizoram

The search for an unspecified number of workers reported missing was suspended after sundown because of the difficult terrain and the possibility of rain, state disaster management and rehabilitation minister Lalchamliana told TOI.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/zQaC3FI

SC rejects bid to link impact of constriction of Article 370 to north-eastern states

Arunachal Pradesh Congress leader Padi Richo, through Senior Advocate Manish Tiwari, said the SC must take into account the possible fallout of the Union government's "arbitrary" and "unconstitutional" exercise to end the special status of J&K under Article 370, which was promised by the framers of the Constitution in 1950, for the N-E states.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/Mei5ht8

389 foreign sats launched, Rs 3,300 cr earned, 123% rise in budget

Buoyed by the success of various space programmes, increasing space activities in the country and Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Modi government on Wednesday released a series of posts unveiling its report card on the country's achievements in the fast-growing space sector.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/3bkI2eQ

'Every person has right to undergo sex change'

While passing the directive, Justice Ajit Kumar observed that if a person suffers from gender dysphoria and except for physical structure, her feeling and traits are of opposite sex, so much so that that there is a complete misalignment of her personality with physical body, such a person does possess a constitutionally recognized right to get her gender changed though surgical intervention.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/LVJyM9e

'Wagner chief on list of passengers on plane that crashed'

The head of the Wagner group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who attempted to overthrow Russia's military leadership in June, was reportedly on a plane that crashed in Russia. Russia's ministry for emergency situation said 'There were 10 people on board, including 3 crew members. According to preliminary information, all those on board died'.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/HMqf0Nm

Judiciary has become part of an unholy alliance: Madras HC judge

The Madras High Court has criticized the current approach of special courts dealing with disproportionate assets cases against politicians, stating that it could lead to the end of such cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court observed that the change of power in the state often results in the identities of the accused and the prosecution being obfuscated.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/C8YkWav

Madras HC to review suo motu discharge of 2 more DMK ministers

The Madras High Court has initiated a suo motu revision of the discharge of two more DMK ministers, Thangam Thennarasu and KKSSR Ramachandran, from disproportionate assets cases against them. This comes after a similar action was taken against DMK minister K Ponmudy on August 10.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/jJVFtnM

IMA opposes NMC norms on prescriptions, bar on meets

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the Union health minister to withdraw regulations requiring doctors to prescribe generic drugs until the quality of all medicines can be assured. The IMA also expressed concerns about regulations prohibiting doctors from attending conferences sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. The association called for exemptions for associations and organizations from the regulations.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/QIfGgtd

Vikram all set for soft landing as India reaches for the Moon today

India is set to make history by landing a probe in the polar region of the Moon. The Chandrayaan-3 lander, named Vikram, is scheduled to touchdown on Wednesday, followed by the release of the rover named Pragyan. If successful, India will be the first to land close to the lunar south pole. Vikram has been equipped with sturdier legs to withstand landing velocities.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/lrkc7nN

If factors unfavourable, we will postpone landing to August 27: Senior Isro scientist on Chandrayaan-3

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is considering an alternative landing date of August 27 for the Chandrayaan-3 mission if conditions are not favourable on August 23. ISRO has taken precautions and learned from the mistakes of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, strengthening the legs of the Vikram lander and conducting rigorous testing. ISRO is prioritizing a smooth landing and will delay if necessary, even though it may result in a loss of four Earth days for rover and lander operations.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/MRE1tlv

Infiltration bid foiled, 2 terrorists killed along LoC in Balakote

Two terrorists were killed by Army troops during an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Meanwhile, in Pulwama district, two to three terrorists believed to be trapped in Parigam village managed to escape during a combing operation.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/Ta7P8rt

Aeroflex Industries IPO opens today: All you need to know

The IPO of stainless steel flexible hose manufacturer Aeroflex Industries Limited (AIL) will open on August 22 and close on August 24. The company has already raised Rs 104 crore from anchor investors. The IPO includes a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 162 crore and an offer for sale of up to 1.75 crore equity shares by promoter body Sat Industries.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/mBlZM6L

Pak special court grants FIA 4-day custody of ex-FM Qureshi

Former Pakistan Foreign Minister and politician Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been granted four days' physical remand by a special court in a cipher case. Qureshi and his jailed boss, Prime Minister Imran Khan, are accused of using a diplomatic cipher for political gain. The court approved Qureshi's remand after the Federal Investigation Agency prosecutor sought 10 days' custody for the recovery of the allegedly missing cipher.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/jd6mPiN

Four arrests as police investigate large-scale violence at Derbyshire kabaddi event

Violence erupted during a circle kabaddi tournament in Derby, UK, where gunshots were fired and individuals fought with swords, rods, and machetes. Four arrested men are suspected of firearm possession and violent disorder. The tournament was organized by the England Kabaddi Federation (EKF), with yellow Khalistan flags present. The incident occurred despite crowd barriers protecting the pitch, and EKF stressed that those involved weren't linked to their affiliated clubs.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/BKyHXoP

Why this US state is attracting Indian medical students

The number of Indian students studying in Georgia is increasing, with around 8,000 estimated to be studying there in 2021. Most Indian students go to Georgia for medical studies, attracted by the affordability and safety of the country. Georgia has over 20 universities approved by India's National Medical Commission, offering exposure to patients and degrees recognized by the World Health Organization.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/Bi49Vzv

NSCN(IM) links Naga outfit to Manipur killings

Terming the act of targeting the Kuki trio "within the jurisdiction of Nagalim" an "unwarranted intrusion", the NSCN(IM) said the August 18 killings at Sipijang village near Thowai were the handiwork of the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and a Naga outfit that it said "doesn't represent the community's interest and welfare".

from Times of India https://ift.tt/EMoRDfi

Bumrah reveals a 'difficult' situation for him as India captain

After India sealed the three-match series 2-0 on Sunday, India skipper Jasprit Bumrah revealed a difficult situation for him as the captain of the young side. India took an unassailable 2-0 lead by registering a comfortable 33-run victory against Ireland in the second Twenty20 International in The Village, Dublin.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/kC9APFL

From Rs 260 peak, tomato now down to under Rs 100/kg

The data of prices compiled by the consumer affairs ministry shows that tomatoes were selling at more than Rs 200 a kg across 31 centres on August 4 and the maximum price was Rs 257. But a fortnight later, on Friday, the retail price of the kitchen item was over Rs 200 only at two centres in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/mb1r8Aw

Centre puts 40% export duty on onions to boost supplies, tame prices

The latest step comes after official data showed retail inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, soared to a 15-month high of 7.4% in July, up from the previous month's 4.9%. PM Modi, in his I-Day speech, promised to control inflation and minimise the burden on citizens.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/dMzFVp8

Srinagar’s tulip garden enters record books with 1.5mn flowers

At the garden on Saturday, J&K administration’s secretary (floriculture, gardens and parks) Fayaz Sheikh was honoured with the certification by World Book president and CEO Santosh Shukla. World Book editor Dilip N Pandit, the J&K director of floriculture, other officers and the garden staff were also present on the occasion.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/lPMkZjH

I-T returns growth signals prosperity, compliance: PM

PM Narendra Modi on Friday cited two independent reports on income taxpayers to argue that income levels have increased in the country and there is better compliance due to the trust shown by the government.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/oXdTxE5

Bihar journalist gunned down at his doorstep

Vimal Kumar (35), a journalist with a prominent Hindi daily, was shot dead by four unidentified persons at the doorstep of his home in Bihar's Araria district early on Friday, weeks before he was to testify as a prime witness in his younger brother's 2019 murder.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/NPURueT

Hill states make headlines but Bihar tops monsoon toll

That Bihar's big death toll (518), compared to Himachal's 330, received so little attention is essentially a matter of magnifying the dramatic. Even the startling fact that 160 of the 518 dead in Bihar perished to lightning has received little notice. But every landslide in the hill states is on prime time.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/XIo6wsQ

'Didn't feel I missed out a lot': Bumrah on his comeback

Jasprit Bumrah, who was leading the side on his return after an 11-month injury layoff, led India to a two-run win over Ireland in the first T20I of the three-match series, claiming 2 for 24 with nine dot balls and forming a formidable pair with Prasidh Krishna.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/dh1rZKm

Did RPF man purposely shoot victims off-camera? Probe on

None of the four shootings that took place on the Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express on July 31 have been captured on camera, which has led investigators to probe whether this was deliberate.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/kVgpQ32

Praggu first Indian after Vishy Anand to enter WC semis

R Praggnanandhaa defeated his friend Erigaisi Arjun in the quarterfinals of the World Cup chess tournament in Baku. However, Arjun managed to secure a spot in the Candidates Tournament in 2024. Praggnanandhaa will face Fabiano Caruana in the semifinals, while in the women's semifinal, Nurguyl Salimova of Bulgaria defeated Anna Muzhychuk of Ukraine. Salimova will go on to play Aleksandra Goryachkina in the two-game title clash.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/lXa8ENs

Baghel vs Baghel: BJP fields Durg MP from C’garh CM's home turf

BJP has named its candidates for 21 seats in Chhattisgarh along with 39 shortlisted for Madhya Pradesh for the coming assembly polls months before the elections. Durg MP Vijay Baghel, who previously polled 54.4% of the votes in Patan segment of his LS constituency, has been pitted against Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel from Patan.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/WfAZ7FU

Rapist freed for ‘good conduct’ rapes again, survivor critical

A 35-year-old rape convict in MP's Satna district, released in 2021 because of "good conduct" after serving seven years of a 10-year sentence, raped a minor again on Wednesday. He has been booked under Pocso.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/jEzgX2T

India, China likely to hold Major General-level talks

India and China are set to conduct Major General-level talks to strengthen confidence-building measures and reduce friction and trust deficit between the two countries' armies till the two main face-offs at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh can be resolved. Preserving the buffer zones, adhering to border protocols, exchanging prior information on patrols, and not increasing force levels are some of the CBMs that will be strengthened.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/TLpswPH

Gujarat & Centre: Bilkis Bano case not rarest of rare; Supreme Court: Why selective remission?

The Centre and Gujarat state have defended their decision to release 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, pleading that they did not commit a "rarest of rare crime," and should be allowed to reform and reintegrate at society. However, the Supreme Court asked why the remission policy was applied selectively and why convicts in a similar position continue to remain in jail.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/rG6l0Ba

Ashok Gehlot's rare open support for Pilot, thanks to BJP

from Times of India https://ift.tt/b7aqHUv

Woman says no frisking, attacks CISF cop at Bengaluru airport

A woman allegedly refused to be frisked and assaulted a CISF cop at terminal 2 of Bengaluru airport on Tuesday. Neha Gupta from Siliguri, who was scheduled to fly to Bagdogra, was handed over to the airport police.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/1SBN9ke

After McD's, Burger King drops tomatoes from menu

Amid high inflation, items ranging from tomatoes to cheese slices are slowly disappearing from the menu of restaurants. Patrons of Burger King India will now be served burgers without tomatoes as the US chain has dropped the veggie from its menu across several Indian outlets.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/6H4SjE5

Himachal rain toll 71; 1,700 rescued as dam water floods Kangra

Rain-related deaths since Sunday in Himachal rose to 71 even as 1,700 people were evacuated with the help of the armed forces in flood-hit Kangra district following release of water from the Pong dam.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/szMLr2H

JEE aspirant hangs self in Kota, 20th suicide this year

An 18-year-old Bihar student was found dead in his Kota PG hostel room, the latest suicide and fourth since the last fortnight. Identified as Valmiki Prasad, the engineering entrant had been preparing for his IIT-JEE exam since last academic session. His last reported activity was a call to his parents on Monday evening to which they replied by arriving in Kota the following day.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/qgvyYzi

The young sued US state on climate change and won

A Montana judge ruled that state agencies had violated plaintiffs' constitutional rights by allowing fossil fuel development to continue, which is harming the environment. The lawsuit was brought by young environmental activists, aged between 5 and 22 - making it the first climate change case of its kind to go to trial in the US.

from Times of India https://ift.tt/Zko8LKT

Maoists kills 2 policemen on eve of Independence Day in Jharkhand

Suspected Maoists active in the forested regions of West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand attacked joint security forces and killed two policemen on the eve of Independence Day.

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No concrete breakthrough in India-China military talks

There was yet again no concrete breakthrough in resolving the festering troop face-offs at Depsang Plains and Demchok in eastern Ladakh despite the latest round of top-level military talks being held with China after a gap of almost four months.

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Far-right 'rockstar' leads in Argentina's president primary

Far-right populist candidate Javier Milei emerged as the biggest vote-getter in Argentina's primary elections for presidential candidates. With around 92% votes counted, Milei had around 30% of the total vote, making him an unexpected but real contender for the presidency. Milei, an admirer of Trump, wants to abolish the central bank, legalise the sale of human organs, and make it easier to own handguns.

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Independence Day: More medals for cops in anti-Maoist operations than those in J&K

Police medals for bravery in fighting left-wing extremism in India are more numerous than for counter-terrorism operations in J&K, repeating the same trend witnessed earlier this year on Republic Day. Of the 954 police medals announced, 125 were for gallantry in combating left-wing extremism, and 71 for counter-terrorism in J&K.

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Share your Independence Day greetings

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Now, RPF to test mental fitness of its personnel

In the wake of the incident where an on-duty Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable gunned down four people on a train, the force will be carrying out psychiatric screenings of its personnel and holding counselling sessions. Sources said senior RPF officers are in an advanced stage of discussions with a non-profit group that works in the field of mental health.

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Some 'well-wishers' want me to go with BJP, says Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday reiterated that his party will "never" go with BJP at any stage. "BJP's ideology does not suit us," Pawar told reporters at Sangola in Solapur district a few minutes after he shared the dais with Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis at the unveiling of a statue of Peasants and Workers Party leader, the late Ganpatrao Deshumkh.

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5th T20I: How India lost the series decider against WI

The Indian team, led by Hardik Pandya, made a valiant comeback in the third and fourth T20Is but were outclassed by the West Indies in the fifth match, losing the series 2-3. No team has made a successful comeback from 0-2 down in a T20I series, and India also failed to change the outcome in the deciding match in Florida.

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Sharad-Ajit 'secret meeting'? Reveal truth, says Chavan

Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan demanded that NCP chief Sharad Pawar "clarify his stand" after reports about a "secret meeting" with nephew and Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar at a real estate developer's residence in Pune Saturday evening. Chavan's statement came after visuals of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar leaving developer Atul Chordia's Koregaon Park residence in separate vehicles. However, neither spoke to the media.

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With BNS, long arm of law set to extend to foreign shores

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023 seeks to introduce a provision for attachment and forfeiture of proclaimed offenders' properties located not just within the country but also outside India. Also, new sections are proposed to be added to make waging of war against the government of a foreign State at peace with India as well as committing of depredation on the territory of such foreign State, an offence punishable with up to seven years in prison.

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Eye on China, PSUs to put 12 hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh on fast track

The government has deployed three public sector hydro power companies to fast-track 12 languishing hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh, including the 2,000MW Upper Subansiri project, as a strategic response to China's dam-building spree near the northeast border. Three public sector hydel companies - NHPC, SJVN and NEEPCO, a subsidiary of thermal power giant NTPC - signed MoUs with the Arunachal government in Itanagar for taking over the projects with aggregate capacity of 11,517MW.

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4th T20I: How India blew away West Indies for series-levelling victory

India made a complete mockery of the 179 chase as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill's belligerent opening stand powered India to a series-levelling nine-wicket victory in the fourth T20I against West Indies in Lauderhill, Florida on Saturday. Jaiswal and Gill smoked dazzling half-centuries as the duo toyed with the West Indies bowling attack during the chase, helping India cross the finish line without breaking a sweat.

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Another student suicide in Kota, 3rd in 11 days and 19th this yr

Yet another teenager, preparing for IIT-JEE in Kota for the past one year, died by suicide just hours after his father left for home after spending five days with him. Manish Prajapat (17), a class 12 student from Azamgarh in UP, hanged himself with a bedsheet from the ceiling fan in his hostel room in the city's Mahaveer Nagar area on Thursday night.

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After July surplus, poor August rains push monsoon into -ve

After the month had begun with a 5% surplus on the back of a wet July, the monsoon slipped into the negative zone on Friday with an overall deficit of 1% following a sustained dry spell in August that is likely to continue across most regions of the country for a few more days. Meanwhile, El Nino has strengthened from a "weak" to a "moderate" state and the latest update from US weather agencies late Thursday said there was a 66% chance of it developing into a "strong" event later this year.

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'Endangering unity and integrity of India’ could result in life term

One of the key changes proposed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, is doing away with the much-misused Section 124A of the existing Indian Penal Code, which deals with the rather loosely defined offence of “sedition”. The proposed law still provides for stiff punishment for “secessionist, armed rebellion and subversive activities” aimed against the country’s sovereignty as well as its unity and integrity.

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Withdraw Assam Rifles, 40 Manipur MLAs write to PM

The tug of war over Assam Rifles' deployment in Manipur has led MLAs and ministers on either side of the divide to send memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with one group asking for the paramilitary force to be entirely replaced in the state and the other wanting it to stay. The political sparring was played out against the backdrop of continuing street protests by women activists against Assam Rifles' presence in the state.

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Give borrowers option to prepay, switch rates: RBI

RBI is worried about the long extension of home loan tenures. Deputy governor M Rajeshwar Rao on Thursday said that the regulator is not considering defining an "unreasonable elongation" as the bank's board will have to consider this. "It is for the bank board to decide having regard to the tenor and the repayment capacity of the individual borrowers," he said.

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Govt bill in RS seeks to drop CJI from panel selecting CEC, ECs

The Centre on Thursday introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha proposing a new mechanism to select the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) — replacing the Chief Justice of India in the three-member selection panel with a Union Cabinet minister — in effect giving the government a decisive say in appointments to the poll body.

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Rajasthan will hike OBC quota from 21% to 27%: CM Gehlot

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot announced on Wednesday that the state would raise OBC reservation from 21% to 27%, with the additional 6% being for the benefit of the most backward sections within the category. The change, if and when it takes effect, will raise overall reservation in Rajasthan from 64% to 70%.

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100+ houses ‘illegally built’ on railways land being razed

Local administration, railway officials and a large number of cops reached areas regarded as “sensitive” near Mathura’s Shri Krishna Janmasthan Wednesday morning with bulldozers and began demolishing over 100 houses in the Nai Basti area, which has a predominantly minority population, that were said to be “illegally developed on government land”.

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Get ready to pay more for coffee as bean shortage hits market

Coffee enthusiasts may find themselves paying more for their cup of joe over the next several months due to a global shortage of beans in major producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam, coupled with untimely rains in India damaging crops and inflating prices domestically.

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Kid’s sex-selective operation can’t be parents’ call: Kerala HC

Any non-consensual sex-selective surgery on a minor is tantamount to violating the child’s dignity and privacy, the Kerala high court said while dismissing a plea by the parents of a seven-year-old with ambiguous genitalia to allow a genital reconstructive procedure so that they could raise their child as a female.

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Gogoi sent in ahead of Rahul, tweaked line-up sparks drama

High drama erupted in Lok Sabha on Tuesday ahead of the discussion on the no-confidence motion after Congress, contrary to indications, chose to field Gaurav Gogoi instead of Rahul Gandhi for opening the attack. The line-up came as a surprise after the excitement that had built up about Rahul firing the first salvo, and led BJP to question the “last-minute” change.

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No question of Brexit-like referendum on J&K: SC on Article 370

The Supreme Court on Tuesday firmly said there is no question of a 'referendum' relating to Jammu and Kashmir's accession or application of the entire Constitution through the nullification of Article 370 to end the state's 70-year-long special status and its bifurcation into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.

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Derek O’Brien suspended from Rajya Sabha, then allowed to be back

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the suspension of TMC leader Derek O’Brien only to let him come back as the House reconvened post adjournment at 12 noon. O’Brien was allowed to attend the House proceedings after Dhankhar said he had taken a “far-sighted” decision to not allow voting on the motion to suspend him which did not fructify.

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Malayalam filmmaker-screenwriter Siddique passes away at 63

Siddique, popular Malayalam filmmaker and scriptwriter, passed away at the age of 63 in Kochi. He had been undergoing treatment for various ailments and was on ECMO support . Known for movies like ‘Nadodikkattu’, ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’, and ‘In Harihar Nagar’, Siddique had won acclaim for his 2010 movie, ‘Bodyguard’, which was remade in Tamil and Bollywood. His last directorial was the film ‘Big Brother’ starring Mohanlal that released in 2020. Siddique is survived by his wife and three children.

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SC sends TN minister Senthil Balaji to ED custody till Aug 12

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the plea of Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji challenging his arrest and upheld his custody given to Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. It ruled that the agency is empowered to seek custody of an accused and not bound to follow Section 41A of Criminal Procedure Code which mandates that notice be served to the accused for appearance before arrest.

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Giant 400kg lock made for Ram mandir

A 66-year-old locksmith from Aligarh has made a giant-sized 400kg lock — almost 10 feet high, 4.6 feet wide and 9.5 inches thick — for the Ram mandir in Ayodhya, reports Mohammad Dilshad. Satya Prakash Sharma, the locksmith, termed it “the world’s largest handmade lock”.

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2nd T20I: West Indies register thrilling two-wicket victory over India

Despite Tilak Varma's brilliant performance, scoring his first international half-century, India couldn't avoid a thrilling two-wicket defeat in the second T20I against West Indies in Guyana on Sunday.

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Mehbooba, other netas put under ‘house arrest’: PDP

Protests and contrasting sentiments were witnessed in J&K on the fourth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the former state into Union territories, reflecting the continuing divide on the decision that stripped its statehood and special status on August 5, 2019.

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Truth always wins, says Rahul; restore LS membership, demands Cong

In an understated reaction, Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that truth ultimately prevails, and he will continue to champion the people’s cause, even as party chief Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that his Lok Sabha membership be restored with the alacrity that he was disqualified.

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House clears tweaked law to set off undersea mineral hunt

India’s mining sector is in for a sea change, literally, with Parliament on Thursday passing the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023 to begin a serious hunt for mineral treasures buried under water.

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Donald Trump pleads not guilty to conspiracy charges in 2020 election case

Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges that he orchestrated a plot to try to overturn his 2020 election loss in what US prosecutors call an unprecedented effort by the then-president to undermine the pillars of American democracy.

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1st T20I: West Indies secure narrow victory over India

West Indies started the five-match T20 International series on a winning note at the Brian Lara Stadium on Thursday as India made a mess of a modest run-chase, losing the opening match by a mere four runs. After winning the toss, the West Indies captain Rovman Powell made the bold decision to bat first on what seemed to be a challenging pitch. Powell (48 off 32) then played a captain's knock to help the hosts put on a competitive total of 149 for six in their allotted 20 overs.

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Quota in promotion cannot be claimed as a right: Uttarakhand High Court

A single bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari of the Uttarakhand high court (HC), citing a division bench decision of 2012 regarding reservation in promotion in government jobs, ruled that “it cannot be claimed as a right.” The order, delivered on Monday and made available on Wednesday, came while dismissing a petition filed by Navmi Devi, a ‘group D’ employee in the state education department, who had approached the court in 2018 seeking reservation in promotions.

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Celebrate Rakshabandhan with Muslim women: PM Modi to BJP MPs

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