Latest News: Delhi Court Rejects Atishi's Plaint Against Gambhir

Catch the latest news updates of the day here.

PM Modi Likely to Visit Saudi Arabia on 29 Oct for Investment Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Saudi Arabia on a day-long visit on 29 October to participate in an annual investment forum to be held there, official sources said.

(Source: PTI)

Cong to Hold Nationwide Protest Against Centre Over Economic Slump

Congress will hold a protest across the country from the first week of November, against Central Government over economic situation.

(Source: ANI)

Probe Begins Into Hospital Fire Tragedy in Hyderabad

An inquiry has commenced into the fire that broke out in a local private children's hospital in which a three-month-old baby boy died, official sources said.

Additional Director in health department, who has been asked to conduct the inquiry, commenced the probe, the sources said.

(Source: PTI)

Ashok Malik Appointed Policy Advisor in MEA With Rank of Additional Secy

Ashok Malik, former press secretary to the president, has been appointed policy advisor in the Ministry of External Affairs with the rank of additional secretary, an order by the Department of Personnel and Training said.

(Source: PTI)

Former US Pres Jimmy Carter Hospitalized After Fall at Georgia Home

Former President Jimmy Carter had another fall at his home in Plains, Georgia, fracturing his pelvis and going to the hospital for treatment and observation, a spokeswoman said.

(Source: AP)

ED Arrests Woman in Iqbal Mirchi Money Laundering Case

The ED on Tuesday arrested a woman in connection with its money laundering probe against late gangster Iqbal Mirchi for allegedly forging documents, officials said.

They said Rinku Deshpande, about 45 years of age, was placed under arrest under the provision of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

(Source: PTI)

4 Held Guilty of Stabbing, Shooting Dead Cong Corporator

A Mumbai court convicted four men for the brutal killing of a Congress corporator in Thane district in 2010 and said it will announce the quantum of punishment on Wednesday.

Ajay Pandey, Gulam Rasul, Vishal Mhatre and Rajesh Singh were found guilty of murder under IPC section 302 by Additional Sessions Judge KM Jaiswal.

(Source: PTI)

Delhi Court Dismisses Atishi Marlena's Complaint Against Gautam Gambhir

A Delhi court dismissed a complaint against BJP MP Gautam Gambhir by AAP leader Atishi Marlena who accused him of concealing the information that he was enrolled as a voter in two Assembly constituencies of Delhi, an offence punishable under law.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal said the allegation against Gambhir was “baseless and not legally sustainable.”

(Source: PTI)

WeWork Accepts SoftBank Bailout Plan at $8 Billion: Source

WeWork has accepted SoftBank bailout plan valued at $8 bn, sources stated.

(Source: AFP)

IAF Fires 2 BrahMos Missiles in Andaman & Nicobar Islands As Part of Training

Two BrahMos Surface to Surface Missiles were fired by Indian Air Force at Trak Island in Andaman Nicobar group of islands on 21 and 22 October.

The twin firings have been carried out as a part of the routine operational training.

(Source: ANI)

3 JeM Terrorists Killed in Encounter in Kashmir's Tral

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists killed in encounter in Kashmir’s Tral area, said DGP Dilbagh Singh.

(Source: PTI)

Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee Reaches Kolkata to Rousing Welcome

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee received a rousing welcome at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport when he reached the city today evening for the first time since winning the global award to meet his mother.

He was received by Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and several senior ministers of the state government.

(Source: PTI)

3 Kids Drown in Bihar's Damodarpur

In Bihar, three children drowned while taking bath in a pond, in Samastipur district's Damodarpur.

(Source: ANI)

British PM Warns of New Election If Bill Nixed

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that if lawmakers reject his accelerated three-day timetable for Brexit bill he will pull it and seek an election.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Johnson told lawmakers that if they rejected the timetable, “the bill will have to be pulled and we will have to go forward to a general election.”

(Source: AP)

'No Question of Alliance With Anybody': Deve Gowda on Karnataka's Local Bodies Election

Janata Dal (Secular) Chief and Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on election for local bodies in Karnataka: “We are going to contest on our own. There is no question of any alliance with anybody.”

(Source: ANI)

Junior Army Officer Killed After Terrorists Fire at Him in J&K's Naushera

A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army succumbed to injuries after being fired upon by terrorists at a post (500m inside the LoC) in Naushera sector earlier today. The area has been cordoned off, and an exchange of fire is underway.

(Source: ANI)

Amit Shah to Celebrate Diwali During 4-Day Visit to Gujarat

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be on a four-day visit of Gujarat from 25 October to dedicate and lay foundation stones of various projects in his Lok Sabha constituency Gandhinagar.

He is expected to celebrate Diwali and Gujarati New Year on 27-28 October along with his family in his home state, a senior BJP leader said.

(Source: PTI)

Portion of Chamundi Hill Road in Karnataka Damaged Due to Rains

A portion of Chamundi Hill Road in Mysuru, Karnataka was damaged today after heavy rainfall in the region.

(Source: ANI)

Gold Worth Rs 1.77 CR Seized From Seven Passengers

Gold worth Rs 1.77 crore has been recovered from seven passengers over the past 24 hours at the international airport in Chennai, Customs officials said.

In the first incident, the air intelligence wing of the customs seized six gold chains and a bracelet, totally worth Rs 24.3 lakh from the luggage of two Sri Lankan woman passengers who arrived from Colombo.

(Source: PTI)

Union Cabinet Meet at Delhi's Lok Kalyan Marg on Wednesday

Union cabinet meeting to be held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi on Wednesday, 23 October.

(Source: ANI)

Encounter Breaks Out Between Forces, Terrorists in J&K's Awantipora

In Jammu and Kashmir, an encounter has broken out between security forces and terrorists in Awantipora.

(Source: ANI)

JP Nadda Meets BJP Gen Secretaries at Party HQ

BJP Working President JP Nadda held a meeting with General Secretaries of BJP at party headquarters in Delhi.

(Source: ANI)

No Ramrajya in UP, BJP Govt Taken Lessons From Ravan: Akhilesh Yadav

Trashing the BJP claim of good governance in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav said calling the state “Ramrajya” was unfair to Lord Ram.

Ram ko dhoka hai, Yadav said while accusing the BJP in the state of having taken lessons from Kalyugi Ravan, the demon king.

(Source: PTI)

DMRC to Take Over RMGL, RMGSL Operations & Maintenance

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is going to take over the operations and maintenance of the Rapid Metro Link, Gurugram developed by Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon Limited (RMGL) and Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon South Limited (RMGSL).

(Source: PTI)

Prez Kovind Attends Enthronement Ceremony of Japan's Emperor Naruhito

President Ram Nath Kovind attended the enthronement ceremony of Japan's new Emperor Naruhito who completed his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his father's abdication earlier this year.

The 30-minute ceremony in the Imperial Palace — featuring elements of ancient protocol which was immersed in the traditions and glory of a monarchy that claims 2,000 years of history — was attended by roughly 2,000 guests, including dignitaries from about 190 countries and international organisations.

(Source: PTI)

2 New Police Stations to Deal With Cyber Crimes in J&K

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up two new police stations in the state to register cases and undertake investigation of cyber crimes, an official said.

The number of cyber police stations in Jammu and Kashmir has now gone up to four with two more coming up in Jammu and Srinagar, a state home department official said.

(Source: PTI)

'Import of Firecrackers Restricted' Principal Commissioner of Customs

Principal Commissioner of Customs said, “Import of firecrackers is ‘Restricted’ and if a person acquires possession of or is in any way concerned carrying, keeping, concealing, selling or purchasing or in any manner dealing with Chinese firecrackers will be punished under Customs Act 1962.”

(Source: PTI)

Axis Bank Posts Standalone Net Loss of Rs 112 CR in Q2

Axis Bank reported a net loss of Rs 112.08 crore on a standalone basis for the second quarter ended September of the current fiscal due to a one-time tax impact.

The private sector bank had posted a net profit of Rs 789.61 crore in the corresponding July-September quarter of the previous fiscal.

ED Arrests Humayun Merchant in Case Related to Don Iqbal Mirchi

A team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai has arrested Humayun Merchant, in a case related to underworld don Iqbal Mirchi.

A special PMLA Court has sent Humayun Merchant to ED custody till 24 October.

(Source: ANI)

Congress' Navjot Kaur Resigns From the Party

Congress' Navjot Kaur, wife of Navjot Singh Sidhu has resigned from the party.

(Source: Times Now)

'CM Must Do Something About it': Priyanka Gandhi on Kamlesh Tiwari Murder

In Rae Bareli, Congress General Secretary for UP (East), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “The state is at the top in crime against women, it is shameful and the Chief Minister must do something about it.”

(Source: PTI)

2 Killed, 4 Injured as Car Rams Into Truck UP's Banda

Two people were killed and four injured when their car rammed into a stationary truck at a village in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, police said.

The accident occurred around Monday midnight when the car was on its way to Kanpur, SHO of Chilla police station Vinod Kumar Singh said.

(Source: PTI)

Centre Relaxes Gift Policy for Employees, Hikes Monetary Limits

The Central government has raised the monetary limits for accepting gifts for all its employees, relaxing the ceiling by more than three-fold, officials said.

All officials under Groups 'A' and 'B' categories shall not accept any gift without the sanction of the government if the value exceeds Rs 5,000, they said. The limit to accept gifts for these groups of employees stood at Rs 1,500 earlier.

(Source: PTI)

2 BSP Leaders Garlanded With Shoes, Paraded Outside Party Office in Rajasthan

Two BSP leaders were garlanded with shoes, faces blackened and paraded outside the party office by some of the BSP workers who alleged corruption in ticket allocation.

The BSP workers blackened the faces of Ramji Gautam, the national coordinator, and Sitaram, former in-charge of the party's state unit, and garlanded them with shoes. They also made Gautam sit on a donkey and paraded outside the party office in Banipark.

(Source: PTI)

Production Warrants for Malvinder, Shivinder Singh

A court has issued production warrants for Malvinder and Shivinder Singh — arrested for allegedly misappropriating funds of Religare Finvest Ltd (RFL) — for settlement talks on Wednesday in the Religare Finvest .

(Source: ANI)

ED Custody of Rakesh, Sarang Wadhawan Extended Till 24 October

A Special Court in Mumbai has extended Enforcement Directorate custody of accused Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan till 24 October.

(Source: ANI)

Pakistan Violates Ceasefire Along LoC in Balakote

Pakistan on Tuesday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Balakote sector of Mendhar, Jammu and Kashmir.

(Source: ANI)

PMC Bank Scam: Ex-Director's Police Remand Extended

A Mumbai court on Tuesday extended till 24 October the police remand of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank's former director Surjit Singh Arora, arrested in connection with the multi-crore scam in the bank.

Arora was last week arrested by Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with the alleged Rs 4,355 crore scam.

He was produced before metropolitan magistrate S G Shaikh, after his police remand ended on Tuesday. The court extended his police custody till Thursday.

(Source: PTI)

Govt Employees of J&K, Ladakh to Get Salaries as per 7th Pay Commission from 31 Oct

The goverment employees of the new Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh — will get salaries and other benefits as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission from 31 October, officials said on Tuesday.

The Union Home Ministry has issued the necessary orders in this regard.

Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the proposal of payment of all 7th CPC allowances to the government employees of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh, which shall come into existence from 31 October.

(Source: PTI)

Taliban Storm Checkpoint, Kill 15 Policemen: Afghan Official

An Afghan official says the Taliban have stormed a checkpoint in northern Kunduz province, killing at least 15 policemen in the latest attack by insurgents.

Ghulam Rabani Rabani, a provincial council member, said on Tuesday that two other police officers were wounded on Monday night's attack in Ali Abad district.

Rabani says the attack was followed by an hours-long gunbattle. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in Kunduz.

(Source: AP)

Social Media Norms: All Cases Transferred to Supreme Court

The Supreme Court today directed for all the cases concerning regulation of social media to be transferred from various High Courts to itself. The order was passed in the transfer petition filed by Facebook and WhatsApp seeking transfer of various pending cases to the Supreme Court.

(Source: Bar & Bench)

Abhijit Banerjee Meets PM Modi

Abhijit Banerjee, winner of the 2019 Economics Nobel, on Tuesday met PM Modi, who tweeted a photo of the meeting and said "India is proud of his accomplishments".

“Excellent meeting with Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee. His passion towards human empowerment is clearly visible. We had a healthy and extensive interaction on various subjects. India is proud of his accomplishments. Wishing him the very best for his future endeavours,” PM Modi tweeted after the meeting.

ED Arrests Humayun Merchant in Case Related to Underworld Don

A team of Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai has arrested Humayun Merchant, in a case related to underworld don Iqbal Mirchi.

(Source: ANI)

IMD Lifts Red Alert for Rainfall Across Kerala

India Meteorological Department on Tuesday lifted its red alert for rainfall across Kerala. There is now an arange alert for Idukki and a yellow alert in Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad.

(Source: ANI)

Japanese Emperor Naruhito Ascends Chrysanthemum Throne

Emperor Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on Tuesday, proclaiming himself Japan's 126th emperor as the audience shouted "banzai" to wish him a long and prosperous reign.

(Source: AP)

Ajay Misar Appointed Special Public Prosecutor to Represent EOW in PMC Case

Advocate Ajay Misar appointed as the special public prosecutor to represent special Economic Offences Wing in Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC) fraud case.

(Source: ANI)

Nawaz Sharif's Son-In-Law Arrested in Hate Speech Case

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar has been arrested for allegedly passing comments against the Army chief and the judges of the apex court.

The Lahore Police, in a statement, said Safdar was arrested late Monday night near the Ravi Toll plaza.

Police said he was wanted in a case of hate speech he made against the state institutions on 13 October.

(Source: PTI)

Robert Vadra Admitted to Noida Hospital

Robert Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has been admitted to Noida's Metro Hospital. Vadra is reportedly admitted due to an orthopedic ailment.

(Source: ANI)

Auckland Blaze Blankets City in Black Smoke

A huge fire at a construction site sent clouds of acrid black smoke billowing over Auckland on Tuesday, forcing large parts of the downtown area to be cordoned off as firefighters battled the blaze.

The fire broke out on the roof of the SkyCity convention centre site shortly after 1:10pm (0010 GMT) and quickly spread, Fire and Emergency NZ said.

Office workers were warned to stay inside and turn off air conditioning as a thick pall of smoke engulfed the centre of New Zealand's largest city, but there were no reports on injuries.

(Source: AFP)

4 Girls Go Missing From Shelter Home in Bihar, 1 Found

Four girls went missing from a shelter home in Bihar’s Motihari on Monday. One girl has been found and a search is underway for the three missing girls.

(Source: ANI)

PM 2.5 at 209 in 'Poor' Category

On Tuesday morning, major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 209, the 'Poor' category, in Delhi’s Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

(Source: ANI)

4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Nicobar Islands Region

An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 on the Richter scale struck Nicobar Islands region at 6:36 am on Tuesday, 22 October, the Indian Meteorological Department said.

(Source: ANI)

Holiday Declared for Schools Post Heavy Rainfall in Ramanathapuram

A holiday has been declared for Tuesday in all schools of Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram, due to heavy rainfall in the district.

(Source: ANI)

Support Direct Dialogue Between India-Pak as Outlined in Shimla Agreement: US

The US on Tuesday said it supports a direct dialogue between India and Pakistan as outlined in the Shimla Agreement, asserting that the "chief obstacle" to talks remain Islamabad's continued support to extremist groups that engage in cross-border terrorism.

"We believe that direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, as outlined in the 1972 Shimla Agreement, holds the most potential for reducing tensions," Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells told Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.