US Woman Arrested In Connection With Death Of 4-Year-Old Daughter

A woman in California was arrested after her 4-year-old daughter was found strangled to death, ABC News reported. The media outlet reported that the woman was arrested on suspicion of murder after the young girl was found unresponsive in a car in East Los Angeles on Thursday night. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said that the woman was identified as Maria Avalos, 38. However, it is not clear if the woman has been charged officially but as per jail records, she is currently in custody. 

The 4-year-old was identified as Mia Gonzalez. "Mia was a really good kid," her godmother Noemi Lopez told KABC. "She was the light of my home. She didn't deserve this."

Authorities found Mia in an unresponsive state following a report of a child assault, according to sources citing the police. She was declared dead at the hospital. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner classifies Mia's cause of death as a homicide, resulting from both strangulation and a sharp force injury to the wrist.

The family told KABC that the investigators said Avalos could have been driving around with Mia's body for days before she was found.

Mia's family started a GoFundMe for funeral expenses, which has raised over $1,000. 

"With pain in our hearts we are asking for help with the death of our little Mia Gonzalez," the organizer wrote. "Her dad Jose Gonzalez along with the rest of the Gonzalez family and her godmother Noemi Lopez thank you for any donation for her funeral. God bless you and multiply your generosity."

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/ml0XAdf

Explained: Why Maoists In Chhattisgarh Are Targeting New 'Tatkal Camps'

Anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh have entered a new phase after the BJP came to power in the state in December last year. Security forces have set up Tatkal Camps (Instant Camps) in the areas which are considered to be the den of Maoists. Almost a dozen camps have been set up after the BJP came to power in December which has left the Maoists baffled.

These camps have come up in regions that are badly affected by Maoist attacks. Padia, Muler, Salatong in the Sukma district, Murkarajbeda, Duled, Dumripalnar, Palnar and Mutavendi are some regions where these camps have been set up. 

Attacks On Tatkal Camps

But these camps are becoming new targets. Three security personnel were killed and 14 others were injured in a gunfight with Maoists near the Bijapur-Sukma border in Chhattisgarh yesterday when they were working to establish the camp.

The security camp was established in Tekulagudem village in the Sukma district to provide the people of the area with basic facilities and keep a check on Maoist activities. 

"Operations are being conducted daily due to which the force is on the move always. Tatkal camps are being set up and sometimes security parameters are overlooked due to which such attacks are taking place," a senior officer on the ground said when asked about the attack on Tekelgudem village on the Sukma-Bijapur border.

"When the camp was being set up in Tekelgudem, the forces were trying to secure the adjoining area and one party was attacked by Maoists," an official told NDTV. This is the second attack in this region, the official said. 

Last year, in April, when security forces entered the region, 23 soldiers were killed.

However, some locals are not happy with the setting up of camps. In the Silgir village, several villagers are protesting against the Tatkal Camps. The protest is taking place a few kilometres from where the attack took place. In Bastar, 23 protests are taking place against the establishment of these security camps.

Security Forces Putting Special Focus

Officials on the ground said Tekelgudem in the state has been infested with Maoists for the last four decades, because of which development is not taking in the area.

The official told NDTV that "Former Maoist commander Hidma lives four kilometres from here and therefore nearby villages including Tekelgudem do not have roads, electricity, school and hospitals. Maoists are forcing villagers to join their organizations. Children in the region are taught about Maoism to recruit them."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that the menace would be over in India in the next three years. Security forces have been planning operations on the ground meticulously.

Last week, on January 16, more than 400 Maoists attacked the Dharmavaram camp and tried to divert the attention of the security forces by firing more than a thousand barrel grenade launchers.

Security forces have put a special focus on Dandakaranya its neighbouring regions. Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) of the central regional bureau of the CPI(Maoist) continues to be the biggest Maoist stronghold and shelter zone of the brass.

Almost 80 per cent of the central committee members are stationed in the Dandakaranya zone, which has turned out to be a functionally compact zone administratively for the Maoists. 

This area has been marked by the government as the last stronghold of the Maoists after facing losses in other parts of the country.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/y6naWCj

Thai Woman Stranded On Wooden Bridge In Hilarious GPS Blunder

In a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy, a driver in Thailand found herself stranded on a wooden suspension bridge, her car precariously balanced in the middle, according to the Pattaya News. The incident occurred around 5:40 pm on January 28th, when the woman, seemingly relying solely on her GPS for guidance, attempted to traverse the "Wiang Thong Bridge" with her white Honda Sedan.

Unfortunately, the 120-meter-long bridge, intended for foot traffic only, proved ill-suited for the automobile. The Pattaya News reported that the car had managed to advance roughly 15 meters before disaster struck, with the front left wheel becoming lodged in a gap and bringing the vehicle to a grinding halt.

Fortunately, the driver's predicament was witnessed by passerby Makun Inchan, who promptly alerted emergency responders. Recognizing the dire situation, rescue teams arrived swiftly to assess the scene and devise a plan for extricating the car without further damaging the bridge.

In an interview with an unidentified Thai female driver, it was revealed that she hails from the Nong Muang Khai district and was on her way to visit a friend in Sung Men. Not familiar with the area, she heavily depended on a GPS system to navigate to the specific location her friend had sent her.

The driver shared that she had never been to the area before and relied solely on the GPS instructions. However, she claimed that the GPS guided her to cross the Wiang Thong Bridge, unaware of any restrictions in place.

"I was focusing on the GPS and did not look around. I thought the bridge was sturdy and likely used by others. When I became stuck, I was so scared because I was in the middle of the Yom River. I was afraid the car might fall into the river, so I got out of the car to seek help," the woman said.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/8KTYsnf

Nitish Kumar Was Feeling Trapped After Caste Survey: Rahul Gandhi's Charge

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was feeling trapped after getting a caste survey conducted under pressure from the Mahagathbandhan partners and the BJP “provided him with a way out”, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed on Tuesday.

Mr Gandhi made the remark at a rally in Bihar's Purnea district, berating the JD(U) president who returned to the BJP-led NDA two days ago, dealing a severe blow to the opposition bloc INDIA of which he was regarded as one of the architects.

"We do not need Nitish Kumar," asserted Mr Gandhi, adding that people should keep in mind that he makes a volte-face whenever he faces pressure.

"You (people) need to understand that Nitish Kumar was feeling trapped after the Congress and RJD (Mahagathbandhan's largest constituent) ensured that a caste survey was held. The BJP provided him with a way out," he said at a rally as part of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

Mr Gandhi, who addressed his first rally in Bihar since the 2020 assembly polls campaign, also recounted a joke, now popular on social media, about which he learnt from former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Singh Baghel.

The joke, which was also shared by AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh on X the day before, says Kumar had returned to Raj Bhavan to collect his shawl/muffler after being sworn in for a record ninth time, causing the Governor to wonder if the JD(U) supremo was back to take oath as leader of a different formation.

In his speech which lasted around half an hour, Mr Gandhi said, "Our aim is to ensure justice, both social and economic. For social justice, we call for a caste census which is like the X-ray of the society. Once that is done we can go for an MRI".

The Congress leader highlighted the fact that OBCs, despite their huge representation, were grossly under-represented in the bureaucracy and corporate houses and "even in the media, they are rarely allowed to rise beyond the position of reporters".

Soon after the rally, Mr Gandhi wrote in a post on X: "We had made it clear to Nitish ji that he will have to get caste survey done. We will give him no concessions. Buckling under pressure, he struck a compromise with the BJP which has always been against social justice. He got scared, but we are not going to be afraid." Like social justice, economic justice is also essential, he said and cited the example of 'makhana' (fox nuts) which is grown in abundance in Purnea and adjoining districts.

Pointing towards a 10-kg garland made of 'makhana', he said, "You should know that this can fetch Rs 1.5 lakh in American markets. But the farmers who cultivated these would be getting not more than Rs 2,500. We want this to change and the farmers to get their due." The former Congress president, who is leading the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' which commenced earlier this month from Manipur, also expressed dismay at the ethnic situation in the north-eastern state, claiming the situation there resembled 'a civil war'.

The rally was also supposed to be addressed by AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who was denied permission to land his chartered flight at a nearby airstrip, on account of bad weather.

State Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh played a video message from the party president, after alleging "Kharge has been prevented from coming here just like our allies, RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav. You can see bright sunlight all around. But the Defence ministry which controls the airstrip here denied permission to our party president claiming visibility was poor." Prasad, the RJD's founding president, who is in his 70s and suffers from various ailments, was in Patna, where he had been grilled for nine hours by the Enforcement Directorate the day before.

Mr Yadav, his son and heir apparent, was being questioned by the ED in the alleged land-for-jobs scam in which the father-son duo and many others close to them are named.

Other Congress leaders who addressed the rally included general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who has been accompanying Gandhi during the Yatra, former Union minister Tariq Anwar, Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi and former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar.

Meanwhile, a number of drones were intercepted by security personnel at the Rangbhoomi Maidan, the venue of the rally.

"We have seized nine drones. The matter has been brought to the notice of the Superintendent of Police and investigations will be launched as per his instruction," said Anil Kumar Singh, SHO of K-hat police station.

Mr Gandhi's Yatra had entered Bihar on Monday from Kishanganj district and it reached Purnea after a night halt at Araria.

After addressing the rally in Purnia where Gandhi also interacted with local farmers, the entourage left for neighbouring Katihar from where it is scheduled to leave for Malda in West Bengal on Wednesday.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/hNgJrqa

Stop Mentioning Caste, Religion Of Litigants In Cases: Supreme Court

The practice of mentioning caste or religion of litigants in court cases must be shunned, the Supreme Court has said while directing its registry and all other courts to stop it immediately.

A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah directed all high courts to ensure that the caste or religion of a litigant does not appear in the memo of parties in any petition filed before High Courts or subordinate courts under their jurisdiction.

"We see no reason for mentioning the caste/religion of any litigant either before this Court or the courts below. Such a practice is to be shunned and must be ceased forthwith.

"It is therefore deemed appropriate to pass a general order directing that henceforth the caste or religion of parties shall not be mentioned in the memo of parties of a petition/proceeding filed before this Court, irrespective of whether any such details have been furnished before the courts below," the bench said.

The Supreme Court passed the order while allowing a transfer petition in a marital dispute pending before a family court in Rajasthan.

The court expressed surprise that the caste of both the husband and wife was mentioned in the memo of the parties.

The counsel for the petitioner informed the court that if the memo of parties as filed before the courts below is changed in any manner, the Registry raises an objection, and in the present case, as the caste of both the parties was mentioned before the court below, he had no option but to mention their caste in the transfer petition.

The top court directed that its order shall be brought to the notice of the members of the Bar as well as the Registry for immediate compliance.

"A copy of this order shall be placed before the Registrar concerned for perusal and for circulation to the Registrar Generals of all the High Courts for strict compliance," the bench said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/oAvicGw

Fatwa Against Islamic Cleric For Attending Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony

A fatwa has allegedly been issued against All India Imam Organization chief Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi after he attended the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

The Imam said the fatwa was issued on Sunday but that he had been receiving threat calls since the Ram Temple event.

"As a chief Imam, I received the invitation from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. I contemplated for two days and then decided to go to Ayodhya for harmony and for the country. The fatwa was issued yesterday but I had been receiving threat calls since the evening of January 22," Ilyasi told ANI on Monday.

The Islamic cleric also claimed that he has been facing protests and receiving threatening calls since he visited the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

"I have recorded a few calls wherein the callers gave me life threats...Those who love me, love the nation will support me. Those who hate me for attending the ceremony should perhaps go to Pakistan. I have given a message of love; I did not do any crime," he added.

He further said that he would neither apologize nor resign and said, "They can do whatever they want."

Earlier on January 22, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi attended the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya and said that his job is to spread the message of love and harmony.

"This is the face of new India. Our biggest religion is humanity. For us, the nation is first," he said.

The Ram Lalla idol was unveiled at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony after the hour-long rituals in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who led the ceremony.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present inside the sanctorum during the rituals.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/0geRbTO

NASA's Hubble Detects Water Vapour In Small Exoplanet's Atmosphere

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have detected water molecules in the atmosphere of a small,blazing-hot exoplanet 97 light-years from Earth. The planet, named GJ 9827d, is approximately twice Earth's diameter and could be an example of potential planets with water-rich atmospheres elsewhere in our galaxy.

"This would be the first time that we can directly show through atmospheric detection, that these planets with water-rich atmospheres can exist around other stars," said team member Bjorn Benneke of the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets at Universite de Montreal. "This is an important step toward determining the prevalence and diversity of atmospheres on rocky planets."

"Water on a planet this small is a landmark discovery," added co-principal investigator Laura Kreidberg of Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany. "It pushes closer than ever to characterizing truly Earth-like worlds."

Water is essential for life, but the exoplanet is unlikely to host any type of life due to its searing temperatures that would turn a water-rich atmosphere into steam. However, astronomers have yet to uncover the truth of this unusual world's atmosphere. 

The findings of the study appeared in a report published on Thursday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Currently, the research team can't tell whether Hubble picked up on water vapour traces within a puffy, hydrogen-rich atmosphere or the planet has a water-rich atmosphere because the host star evaporated GJ 9827d's original hydrogen and helium atmosphere.

"Our observing program, led by principal investigator Ian Crossfield of Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas, was designed specifically to not only detect the molecules in the planet's atmosphere but to look specifically for water vapour. Either result would be exciting, whether water vapour is dominant or just a tiny species in a hydrogen-dominant atmosphere," said the science paper's lead author, Pierre-Alexis Roy of the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets at Universite de Montreal.

"Until now, we had not been able to directly detect the atmosphere of such a small planet. And we're slowly getting in this regime now," added Benneke. "At some point, as we study smaller planets, there must be a transition where there's no more hydrogen on these small worlds, and they have atmospheres more like Venus (which is dominated by carbon dioxide)."

Because the planet is as hot as Venus, at 800 degrees Fahrenheit, it definitely would be an inhospitable, steamy world if the atmosphere were predominantly water vapour, NASA said in a release. 

At present the team is left with two possibilities. One scenario is that the planet is still clinging to a hydrogen-rich atmosphere laced with water, making it a mini-Neptune. Alternatively, it could be a warmer version of Jupiter's moon Europa, which has twice as much water as Earth beneath its crust." The planet GJ 9827d could be half water, half rock. And there would be a lot of water vapour on top of some smaller rocky body," said Benneke.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/AdgTs6f

Bhutan's Liberal Tshering Tobgay Becomes PM After Fourth Free Vote

Bhutan's liberal politician Tshering Tobgay, leader of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), officially began his second term as prime minister on Sunday, following elections earlier this month.

To mark his appointment formally, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck handed a scarf to Tobgay, a statement posted on the king's official Facebook page said.

Tobgay, 58, is the country's fourth freely elected Prime Minister since democracy was established in the Himalayan kingdom 15 years ago.

A former bureaucrat and an advocate for Bhutan's Buddhist culture, he was previously prime minister from 2013 to 2018. He was also the leader of the opposition in the parliament set up after the first free vote in 2008 until 2013.

Bhutan is a country of fewer than 800,000 people, situated between China and India. It is known for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, an economic gauge that takes into account factors such as recreation and emotional well-being that are ignored by gross domestic product measures.

But Tobgay faces the challenge of revamping the $3 billion economy following the COVID-19 pandemic and creating jobs to prevent young Bhutanese people from going abroad, mainly to Australia, in pursuit of better opportunities.

Bhutan has extensive economic and cultural ties with India, which is also its largest donor and trade partner and Tobgay has made clear his wish to maintain a deep relationship with the country.

It has no formal diplomatic relations with China but is in talks with Beijing to resolve border disputes - negotiations closely watched by India, which has a border dispute with China.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/OS8tpdK

Husband Duty-Bound To Provide Maintenance To Wife: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has said even if a husband has no income from a job he is duty-bound to provide maintenance to his wife as he can earn about Rs 300-400 a day as an unskilled labourer. A bench of justice Renu Agrawal of the Lucknow bench of the High Court made the observations while dismissing a revision petition of the man against a family court order asking him to pay Rs 2,000 monthly as maintenance to his estranged wife.

Justice Agrawal directed the principal judge of the trial court to take all recourse against the husband for the recovery of the maintenance already awarded in favour of the wife.

The husband had filed the revision petition before the high court on February 21, 2023, challenging the order of the Family Court, Number 2, which had asked him to pay the maintenance under section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

According to the case details, the couple got married in 2015. The wife lodged an FIR against the husband and in-laws over dowry demand, and left their house to live with her parents in 2016.

The husband pleaded before the HC that the principal judge failed to consider that his wife was a graduate and was earning Rs 10,000 a month from teaching. He also said he was seriously ill and was under treatment. He also pleaded he was working as a labourer and lived in a rented room and has to take care of his parents and sisters.

In the order, the High Court said the husband could not produce any document to prove the wife earns Rs 10,000 from teaching. It also did not consider the man's submission that his parents and sisters are dependent on him and that he earns a little from agriculture and by working as a labourer.

The court considered that the husband was a healthy man and was capable of earning money through physical work.

"For the sake of argument, if the court presumed that the husband had no income from his job or from a rent of Maruti van, even then he was duty-bound to provide maintenance to his wife as is held by the Supreme Court in the case of Anju Garg in 2022 as, if he engaged himself in labour work he may earn as about Rs 300 to Rs 400 per day as a minimum wages as an unskilled labour," the HC observed. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/1oTrFID

Businessman Conspired With Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Case: Probe Agency

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has stated that businessman Amit Katyal, in connivance with RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, hatched a conspiracy to incorporate a company in ROC Delhi and buy land parcels situated in Bihar from prospective job seekers.

ED said that Amit Katyal hatched this conspiracy when Lalu Prasad Yadav was holding the Railways Ministry portfolio at the Centre.

Advocate Manish Jain appeared for the Enforcement Directorate and submitted before the Court that Amit Katyal knowingly aided and assisted Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members in the process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime--by way of the acquisition of the proceeds of crime, concealing the proceeds of crime and then projecting the proceeds of crime as untainted.

"In doing so, he concealed the proceeds of crime from their true origin. While doing so, he knowingly and consciously projected the receipt of Proceeds of Crime as a legitimate transaction by keeping the shareholding of AK Infosystems Pvt Ltd with himself to conceal the illegal gratification and later on transferring it to Tejashwi Yadav and Rabri Devi," Advocate Manish Jain added.

Amit Katyal shielded the real beneficiary of the PoC and then, while transferring the PoC to its real beneficiary, projected the transaction as a normal business transaction, thus indulging in the offence of money laundering, the ED lawyer said.

In the matter, ED, through its lawyer, alleged that Bihar's former Chief Minister Rabri Devi played an instrumental role in the acquisition of proceeds of crime and further usage of proceeds of crime to integrate proceeds of crime in the mainstream economy to project the acquisition of POC as untainted.

According to the Enforcement Directorate, Hema Yadav, daughter of Lalu Prasad Yadav, also acquired Proceeds of Crime under the garb of gifts received from relatives while concealing the real origin of proceeds of crime generated from the scheduled offence. She was actively involved in the process of money laundering as she was the recipient of sale proceeds generated from land parcels, i.e., an original form of POC and later transferred the sale proceeds to her family members through a maze of transactions. A firm controlled by her family members was the ultimate beneficiary of this POC, where P0C was used in day-to-day business activity.

On Saturday, after going through the recent prosecution complaint filed by ED and submissions made by ED Lawyer Manish Jain, Special Judge Vishal Gogne issued summons to all the accused named in the prosecution complaint, including Rabri Devi's two daughters, Misha Bharti and Hema Yadav and others.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne issued summons to the accused persons after taking the Cognizance of Chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The court issued a production warrant to produce Amit Katyal on the next date of hearing. Two firms, namely AK Infosystem and AB Export, have also been accused in this case.

The next date of hearing is February 9.

While taking cognizance of the chargesheet, the court said that there is sufficient material to take cognizance.

ED's had submitted that in 2006-07, A K Infosystem was formed by Amit Katyal and its business was IT data analysis. No real business was done. Instead, several land parcels were bought by the company. One land parcel pertains to the main predicate offence, which is land for a job.

Advocate Manish Jain, special public prosecutor (SPP) for ED, submitted that Amit Katyal is the only arrested accused. Other accused are Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav, A K Infosystem, A B export and Hridyanand Chaudhary. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a Prosecution Complaint (Chargesheet) in Land for job scam money laundering case.

ED has named Bihar's former CM Rabri Devi, her daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, Hridyanand Chaudhary and Amit Katyal. Two firms, AB Export and AK Infosystems, have also been accused.

Advocates Manish Jain and Ishan Baisla also submitted that A B Export was supposed to be in the business of export. It was incorporated in 1996. In 2007, Rs. five crore came through five companies and a property in the New Friends colony was purchased.

According to the ED, the PMLA investigation conducted so far has revealed that several pieces of land at prominent locations in Patna and other areas were illegally acquired by the family of the then Rail Mantri, Lalu Prasad Yadav, in lieu of jobs provided by the railways.

Further, investigation under PMLA revealed that the property situated at New Friends Colony, Delhi (independent 4-storey bungalow registered in the name of AB Exports Private Limited, a company owned and controlled by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and family) was shown to have been acquired at a value of mere Rs 4 lakhs, the present market value of which is approximately Rs 150 Crore.

It is suspected that a huge amount of cash or proceeds from crime has been infused into purchasing this property and a few Mumbai-based entities dealing in the gems and jewellery sector were used to channel ill-gotten proceeds from crime in this regard. The property has been, on paper, declared the offices of AB Exports Private Limited and AK Infosystems Pvt Ltd.; it is being exclusively used as residential premises by Tejasvi Prasad Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, a statement said.

During the searches, Tejasvi Prasad Yadav was found to be staying at this house and was found to be using this house as his residential property.

An ED investigation has found that four parcels of land acquired by the family of Lalu Yadav in just Rs 7.5 lakh from poor Group-D applicants were sold to Syed Abu Dojana, a former RJD MLA, by Rabri Devi with huge gains of Rs 3.5 crore in a collusive deal.

ED investigation further revealed that a major portion of the amount thus received was transferred to the account of Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. Investigations revealed that, in a similar fashion, lands were taken from several poor parents and candidates in lieu of Group D jobs in the railways. It has been revealed during the investigation that in many railway zones, more than 50 per cent of recruited candidates were from Lalu Yadav families' constituencies, ED said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/qcY7ism

"Prime Ministerial Starring Spectacle": Shashi Tharoor On Temple Event

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday asserted that the presence of opposition leaders at the consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya could have relegated them to a supporting role in a programme which, he claimed, belonged to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Supporting the Congress leadership's decision to skip the January 22 event, Mr Tharoor expressed willingness to visit the temple after the general elections are over when all the political focus on the shrine dies down.

"The Congress' position is very very clear. The Congress party members are free to have their own religion and religious beliefs, and everyone's religion is respected by the party. So I go to temples to pray, and not to political events," the Thiruvananthapuram MP said.

"This particular event (consecration of Ram temple) was essentially going to relegate the opposition invitees to a kind of supporting role for a prime ministerial starring spectacle. I did not think that Congress needed to play such a supporting role," he told reporters.

Senior Congress leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, former chief Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have 'respectfully declined' the Ram Temple consecration ceremony invite.

Mr Tharoor further emphasised that people should understand that the BJP has no monopoly on either Lord Ram or any of the Hindu deities.

“But I am quite sure that a large number of Congress people will go outside the political context. I, myself, would love to go and see the temple (at Ayodhya) but I would do it only after the elections, after all the political focus dies down. We do not want to be part of BJP's political exercise,” he told reporters.

Unwilling to take questions on the ongoing seat-sharing fiasco between the Trinamool Congress and the Congress, Mr Tharoor said that the matter is being looked after by the leadership of his party.

"This whole alliance or seat-sharing is being discussed on a state-by-state basis. No one is going to have a one-side fix-all solution,” he said.

Mr Tharoor also dodged a question on whether the Congress is looking to survive in West Bengal with the support of the TMC.

He said, "We are all focused on the imperative need of changing the Union government. The government of Mr Modi and the BJP in New Delhi will need to be changed and that is the ultimate objective of all of us," he said.

On the possibility of Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar joining hands with the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Tharoor said, “I am following this in the media. This is not in my area of responsibility. When such a development occurs, you will hear it from the party.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/dcr7xuC

Mamata Banerjee's 7-Day Ultimatum To Centre Over Pending Funds

West Bengal CM and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday gave the Centre a seven-day ultimatum to clear all dues failing which the party would launch a massive protest.

Ms Banerjee made these remarks during a programme at Raj Bhavan to celebrate the 75th Republic Day.

Ms Banerjee said, "If the central government does not clear the funds, then we (TMC) will initiate a massive protest." According to West Bengal government's figures, the Centre owes the state Rs 9,330 crore under the PMAY, Rs 6,900 crore under MGNREGA, Rs 830 crore under National Health Mission, Rs 770 crore under PM Gram Sadak Yojna, Rs 350 crore under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Rs 175 crore for mid Day Meals, as well as money under other schemes.

Ms Banerjee had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, and discussed the issue of pending central funds.

After the meeting, she said PM Modi proposed that officials from state and Centre can sit together and clear the issues.

Earlier this week, a team of state government officers visited New Delhi and met their central counterparts.

According to officials, they submitted a detailed report on alleged irregularities in the 100 days' work scheme and the measures taken to address them.

The delegation also met Union ministry of rural development secretary Shailesh Kumar Singh.

In November, TMC MLAs led by the party chief had staged a protest within the state assembly premises against the alleged delay in the release of central funds by the Modi government.

Earlier, the party's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, led a protest dharna at Rajghat in New Delhi on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, demanding the release of funds by the Centre.

In a jibe at the Trinamool Congress supremo, senior BJP leader Rahul Sinha said Ms Banerjee has threatened to launch an agitation after her nephew Abhishek Banerjee's threats to wage a sustained movement against the Centre on the same issue turned out to be a non-starter.

"Bhaipo (nephew) has stopped giving calls for a movement on the same issue after finding no support among people. Now pishi (aunt) has decided to prop up the same issue which has already been rejected by the public," Mr Sinha, a former state unit president of the party, told PTI.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/a4HNvRz

Viral Video Shows 3,000 Engineers Queuing Up For Job Interview In Pune

In a viral video, over 3,000 engineers were seen queuing outside a Pune-based company for a recent walk-in drive targeting junior developer positions, typically sought by freshers. 

The event garnered immense interest, with more than 2,900 resumes submitted. Hinjawadi, known for attracting IT talent, witnessed long queues, each hopeful engineer holding their resume. 

The video, widely shared on social media, has sparked discussions about the evolving IT job market and challenges faced by young professionals.

Despite Pune's vibrant IT sector, the overwhelming response for around 100 positions raises concerns about skills training, automation impact, and the need for job market diversification in India. 

The incident highlights the intense competition affecting both recent graduates and experienced professionals.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by job4software (@job4software)

Following the viral spread of the video across various platforms, a lively discussion erupted in the comment section, attracting numerous social media users eager to share their perspectives.

"An IT company collecting CVs in an analog manner is the height of irony," commented a user.

A user pointed out, "If you think this queue is bad, try applying for a job at a Canadian grocery store; their lines are longer than this."

Adding a touch of humor to the conversation, a third user quipped, "Where's that uncle who said to complete your engineering, and after that, everything will be fine?"

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/uzjqUng

At Republic Day Parade Today, 'Nari Shakti' To Lead The Way: 10 Points

1. Based on the twin themes of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat - Loktantra Ki Matruka', this year's parade will see the participation of 13,000 special guests.
2. For the first time ever, the parade will be heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade would start with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. to be played by these women artists.
3. It will also see the first participation of an all-women tri-service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots will also enthral the audience during the flypast, representing "Nari Shakti". The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also consist of only women personnel.
4. The Republic Day parade will start at 10,30 am and run for a duration of 90 minutes. The ceremony will start with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial.
5. Kartavya Path will be witness to a march past by a combined band and marching contingent of the French armed forces. A 30-member band contingent will be headed by Captain Khourda, which will be followed by a 90-member marching contingent, led by Captain Noel. A multirole tanker aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets of the French Air and Space Force will fly above the contingents.
6. The first Indian Army contingent leading the mechanised column will be of the 61 Cavalry, led by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world.
7. The Indian Navy contingent will consist of 144 men and women Agniveers, led by Lt Prajwal M as Contingent Commander and Lt Mudita Goyal, Lt Sharvani Supreiya, and Lt Devika H as Platoon Commanders. It will be followed by the naval tableau, depicting the themes 'Nari Shakti' and 'Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation'.
8. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will comprise 144 airmen and four officers, led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur. Squadron Leaders Sumita Yadav and Pratiti Ahluwalia, and Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil will march past as supernumerary officers behind the Contingent Commander.
9. Many critical systems and technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be showcased during the parade. The DRDO tableau is based on the theme 'Women power in protecting the nation by providing the defence shield in all five dimensions, namely land, air, sea, cyber, and space'.
10. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Delhi Police will be led by women personnel. Border Security Force marching contingent will be headed by Assistant Commandant Monika Lakra; Central Industrial Security Force by Assistant Commandant Tanmayee Mohanty; Central Reserve Police Force by Assistant Commandant Megha Nair; Indo-Tibetan Border Police by Assistant Commandant Moniya Sharma; Sashastra Seema Bal by Deputy Commandant Nancy Singla; and Delhi Police by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Shweta K Sugathan.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/RuVziS0

California Homeless People Found Living In Deep Caves Stocked With Drugs

In a clear example of California's homelessness crisis, authorities found caves along the Tuolumne River where people had been living. These 20-foot-deep underground dwellings, reached by makeshift stairs, were filled with makeshift furniture and personal belongings, revealing the desperate measures some take for shelter. Located near Modesto, the caves were cleared over the weekend by police and volunteers from local homeless outreach organizations. Authorities expressed concern about safety risks from unstable structures and potential flooding from the nearby river.

"This particular area has been plagued by vagrancy and illegal camps, which have raised concerns due to the fact that these camps were actually caves dug into the riverbanks," the Modesto Police Department said in a statement.

"During the operation on Saturday, a total of 7,600 lbs of trash, as well as two truckloads and a trailer of garbage, were successfully removed from the area," the police department said.

While details about the number of people and the length of their stay are still emerging, the discovery highlights the dire need for affordable housing and support services for the state's growing homeless population.

The Modesto Police Department confirmed they are working with Pathways to Hope and other agencies to connect the former cave dwellers with resources and find them safer accommodations. However, officials acknowledge this is just one instance of a widespread problem.

California currently faces a severe housing shortage, with skyrocketing rental costs pushing more people onto the streets.

According to CNN, California has spent a stunning $17.5 billion trying to combat homelessness over just four years. But, in the same time frame, from 2018 to 2022, the state's homeless population actually grew. Half of all Americans living outside on the streets, federal data shows, live in California.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/KxUG4VA

Padma Vibhushan For Venkaiah Naidu, Actor Chiranjeevi. See Full List

The government today announced the prestigious Padma Awards on the eve of the 75th Republic Day celebrations.

The Padma Vibhushan has been awarded to Vyjayantimala Bali, Konidela Chiranjeevi, M Venkaiah Naidu, Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumous), and Padma Subrahmanyam.

BJP leader Ram Naik, singer Usha Uthup and actor Vijaykanth (posthumous) are among the 17 who have been awarded the Padma Bhushan.

The first woman judge of the Supreme Court Chief Justice M Fathima Beevi (posthumous), actor Mithun Chakraborty, and Bombay Samachar owner Hormusji N Cama are also among the Padma Bhushan awardees.

Young Liu, the CEO of Taiwan's Foxconn, has also been honoured with Padma Bhushan.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/eMHpl0i

"Prayed To God To Show Me The Way": Ram Lalla Idol's Outfit Designer

Manish Tripathi who designed the outfit adorned by the Ram Lalla idol in the newly constructed temple in Ayodhya said a divine connection with the deity helped him achieve the task.

Explaining about the material and design of the outfit, Mr Tripathi told PTI, "We got a pitambari (yellow) cloth prepared for the lord in Kashi (Varanasi)," He added that along with silk, gold and silver wires were used in preparation of the clothing material.

"The embroidery done on the outfit has Vaishnavite symbols," the designer said.

Asked about the challenges faced in the conceptualisation and making of the outfit, Mr Tripathi said, "The biggest challenge was prepare a cloth which suits the grandeur of a prince and a god. I prayed to god to show me the way and he showed me signs and gave wisdom so that I could prepare apt clothing for him."

The young designer, who was born and brought up in Lucknow, said it was also a challenge for him to live up to the imagination and expectations of devotees who have been waiting for over 500 years the temple to get built.

"I had a thought in my mind about how people full of devotion would react to the outfit. I am feeling very proud after receiving appreciation from everyone," said Mr Tripathi.

"I got the best response from my mother and wife who complimented the outfit with smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/7YxNTSq

Boxing Great Mary Kom Announces Retirement, Cites "Age Limit"

Six-time World Champion and 2012 Olympic medallist Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom on Wednesday announced her retirement from boxing. Mary Kom hung her boxing gloves as the International Boxing Association's (IBA) rules allow male and female boxers to fight in elite-level competition only till the age of 40. During an event, Mary, 41, admitted that she still has the hunger to compete at the elite level, but she has to bring curtains down on her career because of the age limit.

"I have the hunger still but unfortunately because of the age limit it is over I cannot compete in any competition. I want to play more but I am being forced to quit (due to the age limit). I have to retire. I have achieved everything in my life," Mary said during an event.

Mary is the first female boxer in boxing history to have captured six world titles. The five-time Asian champion was the first female boxer from India to take home a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games.

The experienced pugilist won a bronze medal in the London 2012 Olympic Games leaving any record or title untouched from her reach. She introduced herself to the world at the age of 18 in the inaugural world meet in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

With her near-flawless boxing style, she impressed everyone and made it to the final of the 48kg category. She fell short in the final but left a mark of the success that she was going to achieve in the future.

In the coming years, she went on to become the first Indian to win a gold medal at the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships. She went on to clinch the World Championships titles in 2005, 2006, 2008 and the 2010 editions. After winning the 2008 title, Mary went on a break after giving birth to her twins.

After winning the 2012 Olympic medal, Mary once again went on a break after giving birth to her third child. She marked her return but sealed her place at the summit in the 2018 World Championships which was held in Delhi.

She dominated with a 5-0 win over Ukraine's Hanna Okhota for her sixth world title. A year later, she went on to clinch her eighth world medal, the most by any male or female boxer.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/zVNncBb

On Camera, Telangana Cops Drag Protesting Student By Hair

A shocking video of two Telangana policewomen dragging a protesting student by her hair has emerged online and is being widely circulated. The video shows the policemen on a scooty chasing a young woman. She runs for a few steps then falls as the policewoman riding pillion grabs her long hair.

The student reportedly belonged to ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), a student group linked to the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

They were protesting against the state government's recent decision to allocate land belonging to Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) for the construction of the new High Court complex.

"The recent incident involving Telangana police is deeply concerning and absolutely unacceptable," posted Kavitha, leader of the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samith, on X, formerly Twitter..

The recent incident involving Telangana police is deeply concerning and absolutely unacceptable. Dragging a peaceful student protester and unleashing abrasive behaviour on the protestor raises serious questions about the need for such aggressive tactics by the police.

This… pic.twitter.com/p3DH812ZBS

— Kavitha Kalvakuntla (@RaoKavitha) January 24, 2024

"Dragging a peaceful student protester and unleashing abrasive behaviour on the protestor raises serious questions about the need for such aggressive tactics by the police. This arrogant behavior demands an unconditional apology from the Telangana Police," she added.

She has urged the Human Rights Commission "to take swift and strict action against those involved".

"This behavior cannot become a norm and must be condemned by all alike," she wrote, tagging the Commission.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/QFLYgwW

Man Arrested Twice In 3 Days For Stalking Taylor Swift Outside Her US Home

A man was arrested twice within three days after stalking singer Taylor Swift outside her home in New York City, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.

The man has been identified as David Crowe, 33, and was charged by the police with harassment and stalking, the report added.

Crowe, a resident of Seattle, was first arrested near the pop star's residence in Manhattan over the weekend.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/38pys1d

After Ayodhya Ram Temple Consecration, Grand Plan For 13 More Temples

Elaborate plans are in place to make Ayodhya a global spiritual tourist hub. This involves building of at least 13 new temples, six of which will be inside and seven outside the massive temple complex.

Elaborating on the plan, Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Swami Gurudev Giriji told NDTV that all the projects, including the work on completing the main temple, are in progress.

The main temple, which got consecrated yesterday in a ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, only has its first floor.

"Work is in progress on the second floor after which the shikhar -- the central dome -- will have to be done," Gurudev Giriji told NDTV.

"Then there is work on the five key temples of the Ram parivar," he said. Since Lord Ram is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, there has to be temples dedicated to Lord Ganapati, Shiva, Surya or the Sun god and Goddess Jagdamba.

These temples will be located in the four corners of the main temple. There will also be a separate temple dedicated to Hanuman, the biggest devotee of Lord Ram.

Work is already in progress on these temples, where the statues have been installed. There is the work of polishing and finishing touches also have to be given.

Near the Sita rasoi, the spot considered the kitchen of Goddess Sita, there will be a temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna.

Outside the temple complex, there will be seven temples across a huge area. These will be dedicated to the "people who shared in the life of Lord Ram," he said.

"These would be for Saints Valmiki, Vashist, Vishwamitra, Devi Shavari, and the huge bird Jatayu, who laid down his life for Ram," he added.

The Ram Temple opened its doors to people today and lakhs of devotees braved the freezing weather and thronged Ayodhya for a glimpse of the deity. Around 3 lakh devotees offered prayers to Ram Lalla today, reported news agencies, quoting un-named government officials.

The "Pran Pratishtha" of Ram Lalla was held amid massive celebrations yesterday. Celebrations were also held across the country.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/qJSBwVQ

Massive Public Meet At Manipur's Ancient Fort Today Amid Unprecedented Security

Hundreds of central and state security forces have taken up defensive positions around the Kangla Fort in the heart of Manipur's capital Imphal, 24 hours before the start of a public meeting called by a valley-based village defence group inside the fort, the seat of power of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom.

The group, Arambai Tenggol (AT), has invited all MLAs to the meeting, where the leaders are expected to clear their position about the violence in Manipur. The group's call for the public meeting was prompted by the killings of four woodcutters, a village defence volunteer, and two police commandos by suspected insurgents in the past two weeks.

A special three-member team of the Home Ministry came to Imphal on Monday night and held talks with the AT; they met again on Tuesday. The team headed by the adviser on northeast affairs to the Home Ministry AK Mishra met the AT leaders at the Imphal home of Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba.

The other two members of the Home Ministry team are Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB) Delhi joint director Mandeep Singh Tuli, and SIB joint director Imphal Rajesh Kumble.

Amid all this, 35 MLAs including leaders from the Naga tribes have asked the Centre to scrap the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with 25 Kuki insurgent groups. If this demand is not met, the leaders would take "appropriate action" after consulting the people, they said.

The "action" they referred to is being speculated as a threat to resign and let Manipur's BJP government fall. The state assembly has 60 seats.

The MLAs in a resolution on Monday said the security forces will be able to launch a full-scale operation against Kuki insurgents once the tripartite SoO agreement signed between the Centre, the state and the 25 Kuki insurgent groups is permanently scrapped.

Under the SoO agreement, the insurgents are housed in designated camps. There have been allegations that full attendance at many of the SoO camps has not been observed ever since violence broke out in May last year between the hill-majority Kuki tribes and the valley-majority Meiteis over disagreements on land, resources, political representation, and affirmative action policies.

Manipur Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh last week told reporters there was a possibility of insurgents from Myanmar attacking security forces in the border town Moreh, but there was no evidence yet. The Security Adviser had, however, confirmed the involvement of "Kuki militants" in the attack on state forces.

Over 180 have died in the ethnic clashes and thousands have been internally displaced.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/YUjHtKw

Tamil Nadu To Start IPL-Like Matches To Revolutionise Jallikattu Festival

Tamil Nadu is set to revolutionise the Jallikattu festival, the traditional bull-taming sport, by introducing cricket's famous Indian Premier League (IPL) like matches at a new state-of-the-art stadium in Madurai's Alanganallur, which is renowned for this traditional sporting event.

The stadium will be inaugurated by Chief Minister MK Stalin tomorrow. The initiative to have IPL-like league matches aims to give a "boost" to the traditional festival and put it on India's tourism map.

The new Jallikattu stadium, is spread across 66.8 acres, and has seating capacity of 5,000 and a dedicated museum showcasing the Jallikattu bulls and the significance of the sport.

The new stadium will have emergency response measures such as a hospital for bull tamers and veterinary center for bulls.

The ancient sport of valour has an infamous history of injuring, maiming and even killing hundreds of people including spectators besides acts of cruelty against the animal like intoxication, pulling them by their tail and squeezing lime juice into their eyes.  

Meanwhile, the existing Jallikattu venues will continue to host events and the new breed of league matches will be conducted here by the Madurai District Administration and the State Sports department, which is presently under Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The festival has been commercialized with corporate funding for prizes including gold coins, motor bikes and cars. With new plans, this ancient sport could become a contemporary money spinner.

Last week, the Tamil Nadu police filed a case against a YouTuber after he posted a video showing his Jallikattu bull being force fed a rooster. The disturbing video, from Chinnappampatti in Salem district, shows the bull being forced to chew the rooster.

Three men are seen holding the bull to keep it in check while another man first feeds raw meat and then shoves the chicken in the bull's mouth, shows the 2.48 minute video posted on YouTuber Ragu's social media accounts.

Animal rights activists have expressed concerns that the new grand form of this sport will only increase cruelty against bulls, amplifying their trauma.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/V913Ozd

Left Trying To Control INDIA Bloc's Agenda, Won't Accept: Mamata Banerjee

Amid the internal discord within the INDIA bloc in the state over seat-sharing, Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee asserted on Monday that the Left is striving to control the opposition bloc's agenda, underscoring that no one confronts the BJP as directly as she does.

Addressing an all-faith rally in the city, the TMC leader expressed her unwillingness to accept the Left Front led by CPI(M) controlling the agenda of the INDIA bloc meeting.

"I suggested the name INDIA during the opposition bloc meeting. But whenever I attend the meeting, I find the Left trying to control it. This is not acceptable. I cannot agree with those with whom I had fought for 34 years," she said.

Ms Banerjee remarked, "Despite such insults, I have adjusted and attended the INDIA bloc meetings."

In an apparent reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being stopped in Assam from visiting the birthplace of Vaishnav saint Srimant Sankardeva, Ms Banerjee remarked, "Just going to the temple isn't enough."

She highlighted her proactive stance against the BJP, stating, "How many politicians today took on the BJP head-on? Somebody went to one temple and thought it was sufficient, but it was not. I am the only one who visited the temple, gurudwara, church, and mosque. I have been fighting for a long time. When the Babri Masjid issue (demolition) happened, and violence was taking place, I was on the streets."

Ms Banerjee's remarks came as she embarked on a symbolic journey of religious harmony, leading an all-faith rally that included visits to diverse places of worship, such as a temple, mosque, church, and gurdwara, aligning with the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya earlier in the day.

The CPI (M)-led Left Front, Congress, and TMC collectively constitute the 28-party strong INDIA opposition bloc. However, in West Bengal, the CPI(M) and Congress have aligned against the TMC and BJP.

Without explicitly mentioning the Congress, Ms Banerjee criticised them for delaying seat-sharing discussions in the state.

"I have the power and mass base to take on the BJP and fight against them. But some people don't want to listen to us about seat sharing. If you don't want to fight the BJP, then at least don't give away seats to them," she remarked.

Her comments followed her assertion during an internal party meeting three days ago that the TMC is prepared to independently contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal if not given due importance.

Fissures within the INDIA opposition bloc have become evident, particularly between its key allies, Congress and TMC, regarding seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.

The TMC's offer of two seats based on Congress's 2019 Lok Sabha election victories was deemed insufficient by the grand-old party, escalating tensions between the two parties.

The development coincided with state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a vocal TMC critic, asserting that his party wouldn't "beg" for seats from the TMC.

In the 2019 elections, TMC secured 22 seats, Congress won two, and BJP secured 18 seats in the state.

Mr Chowdhury, also the Congress leader in Lok Sabha, won the Baharampur seat, while Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury, a former Union minister, secured a third consecutive term from Malda Dakshin seat.

The TMC recently decided to abstain from an INDIA bloc virtual meeting and emphasised the necessity for Congress to recognise its limitations in Bengal and permit the TMC to spearhead the state's political battle.

The TMC had previously allied with the Congress in the 2001 assembly polls, the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, and the 2011 assembly polls, leading to the ousting of the CPI(M)-led Left Front government of 34 years. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/uG3pV7C

Trump's Sexual Assault Defamation Trial Delayed Over Juror's Covid Symptoms

Donald Trump's sexual assault defamation trial was delayed after a juror reported Covid symptoms Monday, the eve of the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary vote.

The juror in the civil case, at which Donald Trump says he will testify, reported symptoms of fever, as did one of Donald Trump's lawyers who had a separate exposure, the federal court in New York heard.

"We sent him home... We will not take testimony today, we will take the day off," said Judge Lewis Kaplan of juror number three.

Following the announcement of the delay, which will be reviewed Tuesday to determine if the case in its final stages can proceed, Donald Trump was whisked away in a metallic black Chevrolet SUV.

E. Jean Carroll, a successful writer, is seeking more than $10 million in damages for defamation by Donald Trump, whom another New York civil jury found liable for sexual assault against her.

Donald Trump separately faces four serious criminal cases, including his alleged attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election in which he lost to Biden.

He has shuttled between New York to attend the defamation case and a separate civil fraud trial and New Hampshire campaign stops.

The primary is seen as the last, best chance for Haley to stop Donald Trump, who despite being twice impeached as president and now facing four criminal cases, has succeeded in imposing his far-right brand on the entire Republican party.

A new Washington Post/Monmouth poll Monday showed Donald Trump, 77, backed by 52 percent in New Hampshire to Haley's 34 percent.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/qmuQVSd

"Sachin Greatest Ever, Virat Would Have...": Akhtar's No-Nonsense Verdict

Legendary Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar on Saturday lauded star India batter Virat Kohli for completing 50 ODI centuries, saying that he is the best batter of modern era and wished that he would get a century of centuries. Shoaib is in UAE for International League T20 season two, a league with which he is associated as a brand ambassador and commentator. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Akhtar also said that had Virat played in his era, he could have faced difficulties but still would have scored the runs he has scored so far.

"Back then, Sachin was playing with one ball, which would reverse swing against some of the best bowlers in the world. There was only one circle. Today, Sachin would have made a lot of runs. He is the greatest ever...Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara etc. Wasim Akram and Shane Warne too," he said.

"Virat would have been competitive (in our era). He could have faced difficulties but he would have scored the runs he has scored now. We would have faced a similar beating. But playing Wasim Akram is not easy. Virat is Virat. He is the greatest batsman of this era. Both eras cannot be compared. Hats off to him. I want him to get hundred centuries," he added.

Virat and Sachin are two of the greatest batters to have played the sport. Virat has drawn comparisons with the Master Blaster because of his consistency and how Team India depends on his batting.

In 522 international matches, Virat has scored 26,733 runs at an average of 54.11, with 80 centuries and 139 half-centuries in 580 innings. His best score is 254*. He is also the first player to get 50 ODI centuries.

In 664 international matches, Sachin has scored 34,357 runs at an average of 48.52, with 100 centuries and 164 fifties. His best score is 270*.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/GmaunZ9

PM At Ram Temple Inauguration Today, History At Ayodhya: 10 Points

1. The consecration ceremony will be celebrated across the country and Indians abroad with special prayers and various programmes at local temples. The occasion has been hailed as a Diwali -- the festivities that marked Lord Ram's homecoming after the battle with Ravan and temples and houses have been strung with festive lighting.
2. PM Modi has been observing a series of strict 11-day religious rituals to prepare for the consecration ceremony at noon. He will also address the gathering on the occasion, read a statement from his office.
3. "The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of the country. People from all walks of life including representatives of various tribal communities will also attend the ceremony," read the statement.
4. PM Modi will interact with labourers who have been building the Ram temple. He would also visit Kuber Tila, where the ancient temple of Lord Shiv has been restored, and offer prayers.
5. The 380x250 feet temple is being built in the traditional north-Indian Nagara style. Its 392 pillars, 44 doors and walls have elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses. The idol of five-year-old Lord Ram has been placed at the sanctum sanctorum. The Kuber Tila stands at the southwestern part of the complex. Near the temple is a well (Sita koop), believed to be dating back to the ancient era.
6. Various leaders of the BJP and its ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have already been camping out at Ayodhya, which has prepared to receive over 11,000 visitors. Over the last weeks, the sleepy temple town has had an international airport and a renovated railway station. Hotels, guest houses and homestays have mushroomed, bursting it at the seams and bringing in the long awaited economic boom.
7. The opening of the Ram temple -- which has been at the heart of a decades-long political storm -- has been cold-shouldered by most Opposition parties including the Congress, Left, Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party, which accused the BJP of gaining political mileage from religion on an election year.
8. The BJP has hit back, censuring all who declined the invite, including the Congress's Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Calling the parties anti-Hindu, the BJP has declared that they will get their punishment from the people at the hustings.
9. The event has also drawn other controversies -- including the one that involves the Shankaracharyes of four premier monasteries staying away. The Puri and Joshimath Shankaracharyas have said consecration of an incomplete temple cannot be held. They have also questioned why PM Modi will be inside the sanctum sanctorum when the Shankaracharyas have been allotted seats outside. The event, they have alleged, is being given a political angle.
10. The building of the temple started after the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment of 2019, awarded the disputed land for a temple and asked that Muslims be given an alternate plot for a mosque. The matter, which went to court shortly after Independence, had escalated after hundreds of Karsevaks razed a 16th Century mosque on the site, believing it was built over a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Ram.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/FvrzWEo

Dhol, Chants Of 'Jai Shri Ram' At US' Iconic Times Square Ahead Of Ram Temple Opening

A huge crowd has gathered at New York Times Square to celebrate the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Dhols and chants of Jai Shri Ram rang out loud at the iconic business hub as hundreds of Hindus participated in the festivities. NDTV's Namrata Brar reports.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/MOUrplJ

Bilkis Bano Case Convicts Surrender In Gujarat Days After Supreme Court Rap

All 11 convicts in the 2002 Bilkis Bano gangrape case surrendered at a Gujarat jail as the Supreme Court deadline ended today.

The Supreme Court on January 8 asked the convicts, released prematurely on Independence Day in 2022, to surrender before jail authorities by January 21. On Friday, the court refused to grant them more time.

The convicts had cited reasons such as health issues, impending surgery, marriage in the family and harvest work and sought more time to surrender.

The apex court noted that the reasons cited by applicants to seek postponement of surrender and report back to jail "have no merit".

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/wZy0M2u

Watch: 100+ Teslas Put Up Light Show In Houston Ahead Of Ram Temple Event

Barely hours away from the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, enthusiastic devotees in Houston arranged an awe-inspiring and innovative Tesla car light show dedicated to Lord Ram.

Over 100 Tesla car owners, calling themselves "Ramji ki Gilahariyan of Greater Houston", gathered at Shri Guruvayurappan Krishna Temple for the light show on Friday evening, attracting hundreds of Ram Bhakts and passersby in the neighbourhood.

The Tesla show at Houston, America#JaiShreeRam #AyodhaRamMandir pic.twitter.com/REPmQSBZ1q

— SINGH___Jee (@BADALSINGH20450) January 20, 2024

The cars had a giant-sized Ram Rath in the backdrop, with a life-size temple oil painting, and loud music of "Jai Sri Ram" giving the place a divine look and feel of being at the temple.

Tesla Car drivers use a key feature wherein the headlights can be programmed to off and on at the same time.

Soon after the beautiful light show, they assembled at the temple for aarti, joined by other bhakts who sang resounding bhajans dedicated to Lord Rama and Krishna and distributed Prasad amongst the devotees.

According to the organisers of the Tesla Light Show, participating car owners had to register for the event in advance.

"We requested all the Ram Bhakts to register for the show, acknowledge and sign the waiver form, to provide vehicle plate numbers for security reasons. Everybody who registered got a magnetic decal or sticker for their car along with a screen-printed T-shirt of Ayodhya temple." The cars were lined up in such a way that when drones took pictures, an unusual letter of "RAM" in red illuminated the surroundings.

"Despite chilly weather and long workday, it was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm amongst hundreds of participants as well as attendees at the temple for this show," said Achalesh Amar from Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), one of the organisers of the event.

"Throughout the USA, we noticed unprecedented enthusiasm for these events. Since mid-January we (VHP) organised 51 massive car rallies in 21 states and 41 cities around the US and participation has been at its peak," he said.

"The Tesla light shows in Houston, DC and San Francisco, or rallies and rath yatras are a small gesture of love for the beginning of the celebration of the Ram Temple inauguration in India as the Hindu community has waited for over 25 generations (495 years) for this moment," said Umang Mehta, one of the active volunteers.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/cgNfq8W

Ishita Dutta And Vatsal Sheth Share Pics From Son Vaayu's Annaprashan

Ishita Dutta and Vatsal Sheth, who became parents to a baby boy Vaayu last year, shared pictures from his Annaprashan ceremony (Rice Ceremony) on Instagram. The couple celebrated the special occasion with friends and family. In the first picture shared, Ishita can be seen kissing her baby boy on his forehead. In a family picture, Ishita's sister Tanushree Dutta can be spotted. For the occasion, Vatsal Sheth wore a kurta while Ishita chose a saree. Sharing the pictures they wrote in the caption, "Happy 6 months my baby.Vaayu's Annaprashan ceremony. For those who don't know it's a Bengali traditional ceremony which also known as the rice ceremony where solid food is introduced to the baby by his mama for the first time..Off course the baby is too small to eat so we only touch the food to introduce him to flavours." Bobby Deol shared a bunch of heart emojis in the comments section. Take a look:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ishita Dutta Sheth (@ishidutta)

Announcing the arrival of the baby, Vatsal Sheth posted a picture of himself with wife Ishita and their baby boy. "Us," he wrote, adding a heart emoji and added in the caption, "We have been blessed with a baby boy. Thank you all for the love and wishes." Take a look:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vatsal Sheth (@vatsalsheth)

The couple also shared a video from his son's namkaran ceremony. They wrote in the caption, "Namkaran Ceremony of our little one. Vaayu Sheth. Thankyou for all the love and blessings." Take a look:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ishita Dutta Sheth (@ishidutta)

Ishita Dutta and Vatsal Sheth got married on November 28, 2017. The couple fell in love during the shoot of the TV show Rishton Ka Saudagar - Baazigar. In terms of work, Ishita Dutta was last seen in the thriller Drishyam 2, co-starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran. Meanwhile, Vatsal Sheth recently starred in Om Raut's Adipurush, alongside Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon.

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/CR9fm0I