Big Stories Today: Akhilesh Yadav not to contest Uttar Pradesh polls, Covaxin gets Australia okay, NEET results out, SC sets aside Calcutta HC order banning crackers
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Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone asks parties in Jammu and Kashmir to create enabling environment for Centre to deliver
Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone on Monday asked parties in Jammu and Kashmir to create enabling environment for Centre to deliver.He denounces those keen to start a new round of confrontation at the cost of Kashmir’s people.
NTA announces NEET results, sending scorecards via emails
The National Testing Agency has started distributing the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Examination (NEET) 2021, the entrance test for undergraduate medical courses via email.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is sending NEET-UG scorecards to the registered Email ID of the students and the mail sent to candidates also assures that the result will be declared on the official website shortly.
Flight passengers need to be fully vaccinated or furnish RT-PCR negative report at Kolkata airport
As per guidelines of the West Bengal government, all inbound flight passengers to the state shall have to be either fully (doubly) vaccinated or furnish an RT-PCR negative report for a test conducted within 72 hrs of such flight departure the Kolkata airport
Coal minister Pralhad Joshi calls upon Coal India limited to ensure 18-day coal stock by November end
Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday called upon Coal India limited to ensure 18-day coal-stock with power plants by November end.
CIL had earlier said it is marshalling all its efforts to bridge the demand-supply gap to the extent possible.
Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal output.
10 Zika virus cases confirmed in Kanpur
The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday said that ten cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in Kanpur as it stepped up surveillance to check its spread, officials said.
Since the confirmation of the state’s first case of Zika virus in October, the Uttar Pradesh government is carrying out testing of samples on a large scale, an official statement said.
Nawab Malik targets Fadnavis over drug cartel amid Aryan Khan row
Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik has made a series of exposes on Twitter over the past week targeted at NCB officer Sameer Wankhede. Malik had alleged Wankhede was involved in extortion and had forged a caste certificate to clear the civil services examination.
If AAP comes to power in Goa, Arvind Kejriwal proposes to send every community to its Ram Mandir
Ahead of Goa Polls, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said that if AAP forms government in Goa, we will arrange free pilgrimage to Ayodhya for Hindus and to Velankanni for Christians. For Muslims, he said, will provide a free trip to Ajmer Sharif and to Shirdi temple for those who revere Sai Baba
Power rates slashed by Rs 3 for domestic consumers in Punjab from today, says Punjab CM Charanjit Channi
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi on Monday announced that the power rates slashed by Rs 3 for domestic consumers in Punjab from today.
Channi said that Rs 3 per unit reduction in power tariff for consumers have who sanctioned load of up to 7 kW. This, he said, would make power cheap for 95 per cent of the consumers. This reduction is estimated to cost the exchequer Rs 3,316 crore.
Mayawati reacts to Akhilesh’s Jinnah remark, alleges collusion between SP, BJP
In the midst of a war of words between the ruling BJP and Samajwadi Party over Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the poll-bound state of Uttar Pradesh, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati hit out at them saying they were playing a fixed match on caste and communal issues.
4 get death penalty in 2013 Patna Gandhi Maidan serial blasts case
The National Investigation Agency special court in Patna on Monday pronounces quantum of punishment for 9 convicts in the 2013 Patna Gandhi Maidan serial blasts case. 4 get capital punishment, 2 get life imprisonment, 2 get 10-year imprisonment and one gets 7-year imprisonment.
UP government to light 12 lakh earthen lamps, bettering previous Diwali record
The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday informed that it will light in Ayodhya 12 lakh earthen lamps, nine lakh of which will be lit on the banks of Saryu, bettering the previous Diwali record.
Last year, over six lakh earthen lamps were lit during the Deepotsav to celebrate the festival, creating a world record.
Supreme Court sets aside Calcutta HC order putting blanket ban on cracker bursting in West Bengal
The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the Calcutta High Court order putting a blanket ban on cracker bursting in West Bengal.
The top court said that it had allowed the use of green crackers if ambient air quality is moderate.
SC said: “The order of the SC will be applicable to all states uniformly and WB cannot be an exception.”
Ministry of Minority Affairs releases new guidelines for Haj 2022
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi released an online application form and new guidelines for the upcoming Haj on Monday. He previously stated that the entire Haj process in India in 2022 would be entirely digital. Starting today, the application process will begin.
According to a statement, the Haj 2022 process is being planned after discussions between the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Haj Committee of India, Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and India’s Consul General in Jeddah, as well as other agencies, taking into account all aspects of the pandemic’s challenges.
Sachin Vaze sent to Mumbai Police custody till Nov 6
Former Mumbai Police officer Sachin Vaze was sent to Mumbai Police custody till November 6, after being produced before Killa court on Monday. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has sought 10-day custody for interrogation in connection with an extortion case.
Earlier, Mumbai Police approached the court to seek Sachin Vaze’s custody to investigate the extortion case registered against him and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh at Goregaon police station by businessman Bimal Agarwal.
Income Tax raids on major road contractors in Bihar and Jharkhand, seizes Rs 5.71 cr cash
The Income Tax Department has carried out search and seizure operations on prominent road construction contractors in Bihar and Jharkhand. The search action was initiated on October 27 at various premises located in Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, the Ministry of Finance informed. Ministry of Finance: The search resulted in the seizure of unaccounted cash of Rs 5.71 crore. Ten bank lockers were placed under restraint. The investment made in fixed deposits of about Rs 60 cr is under verification. It also led to the detection of unaccounted income of about Rs 100 crore.
Former Mumbai Police officer Sachin Vaze produced before Mumbai court, Crime Branch seeks 10-day custody
Former Mumbai Police officer Sachin Vaze was produced before Killa court on Monday. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has sought 10-day custody for interrogation in connection with an extortion case.
Earlier, Mumbai Police approached the court to seek Sachin Vaze’s custody to investigate the extortion case registered against him and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh at Goregaon police station by businessman Bimal Agarwal.
Bhima Koregaon Commission suspends all future hearings citing lack of suitable accommodation
The Bhima Koregaon Commission of Inquiry has suspended all its future hearings in Mumbai till the Maharashtra government provides them a suitable location to conduct the hearings. A hearing at Mumbai was proposed from 8th November to 12th November. The two-member commission headed by retired Justice J N Patel was formed by the government for probing into the cause of Bhima Koregaon violence of January 1, 2018, in which one person was killed and several others were injured.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chairs review meeting on dengue in Delhi
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday chaired a review meeting over the alarming surge in dengue cases in Delhi. During the meeting, the health minister discussed ways on how the Centre can assist the Delhi government led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in curbing the surge in cases.
Akhilesh Yadav not to contest next UP assembly elections
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said that he would not be contesting the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections early next year. He also said an alliance between his party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) for the polls had been finalised.
Delhi cinema halls, theatres reopen with full capacity
Cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes reopen with full seating capacity from today, also increasing the number of people allowed to attend weddings, funerals from 100 to 200. The DDMA order said that it will be the responsibility of the owners of cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes for strict adherence to standard operating protocol (SOP) and official guidelines as well as Covid-appropriate behaviour at the premises.
Delhi schools reopen for all classes with strict Covid-19 guidelines
After remaining closed for 19 months Delhi schools reopened for all classes with strict Covid-19 guidelines in place. Students were seen streaming into Delhi schools early this morning, but not before they were thermally screened and their hands spritzed with sanitisers.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has determined that India’s Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, manufactured by Bharat Biotech and BBIBP-CorV, manufactured by Sinopharm, China vaccines would be recognised for the purpose of establishing a traveller’s vaccination status.
This recognition is for travellers aged 12 and over who have been vaccinated with Covaxin, and those 18 to 60 who have been vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV.
India has responded to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the United Nations, delivering a strong message on terrorism and warning that such actions will have consequences.
The response came after Mr Sharif addressed the UN and raised issues concerning India and Pakistan. New Delhi rejected the narrative presented by the Pakistani prime minister and highlighted the issue of terrorism.
India’s message was delivered by Petal Gehlot, who represented New Delhi in the response to Pakistan.
India warns Pakistan over terrorism
India’s response focused on Pakistan’s record and its approach towards terrorism. New Delhi made clear that terrorism cannot be separated from its consequences and that those responsible cannot expect such actions to go unanswered.
The Indian side also pushed back against the claims and allegations made by Mr Sharif during his UN speech.
The exchange comes amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, with terrorism remaining a major point of disagreement between the two countries.
Shehbaz Sharif’s UN remarks
In his address, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke about India-Pakistan relations and raised several issues concerning New Delhi.
India subsequently exercised its right of reply to respond to Pakistan’s statements at the United Nations.
New Delhi’s response underlined its position that terrorism remains a serious issue in the relationship and that there would be consequences for terrorist actions.
The latest exchange at the UN adds to the continuing diplomatic confrontation between the two neighbouring countries.
Veeramani POCSO case: Vijay questions Stalin over earlier probe
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has questioned MK Stalin over the handling of the Veeramani POCSO case, while Stalin has rejected allegations that the previous DMK government protected anyone.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay has questioned DMK president MK Stalin over the handling of the POCSO case involving Gem Granites founder R Veeramani. The political exchange follows renewed investigation into allegations involving minor girls.
Vijay’s remarks came as the ruling TVK stepped up its questions about how the case was handled during the previous DMK government. The party’s IT wing has alleged that the earlier investigation was weakened and questioned why a final report was filed.
The allegations have been rejected by the DMK. Stalin has said that no order was issued by the DMK government to protect anyone in the case and has called the allegations false and defamatory.
What did Vijay say about the Veeramani case?
Vijay questioned Stalin over the handling of the case and demanded an explanation from the former chief minister.
The TVK has specifically questioned why action was not taken against Veeramani during the previous administration and why the earlier investigation resulted in a closure report.
The party has also raised questions about the role of officials involved in the earlier investigation. These are political allegations made by the TVK and have not been established as facts.
What is the Veeramani POCSO case?
The case concerns allegations of sexual abuse of minors involving R Veeramani, the founder of Gem Granites.
The case came under renewed scrutiny after a special POCSO court rejected an earlier closure report and ordered further investigation. The expanded probe has subsequently identified additional alleged survivors who were minors at the time of the alleged offences, according to current reporting.
The investigation is also examining the circumstances surrounding the earlier probe and whether there were any lapses in how the case was handled.
What has MK Stalin said?
Stalin has rejected allegations that the previous DMK government protected Veeramani.
He has said that no order was issued by the DMK government to shield anyone in the case. Stalin has also said that everyone responsible for the alleged offences, including anyone who aided or attempted to protect the accused, should face the law.
The DMK president has further said that the focus should remain on securing justice for the affected girls rather than making political allegations.
Why has the case become a political issue?
The Veeramani case has become the subject of a political dispute between the ruling TVK and the DMK over the handling of the earlier investigation.
The TVK is questioning the previous government’s handling of the case, while the DMK has denied that it intervened to protect the accused.
At this stage, claims about political interference or deliberate weakening of the earlier investigation should be treated as allegations unless established by the ongoing investigation or judicial proceedings.
Women wrestlers challenge Brij Bhushan’s acquittal in sexual harassment case
Four women wrestlers have challenged the acquittal of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case.
Four women wrestlers have approached a Delhi court challenging the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case.
The wrestlers have also challenged the acquittal of co-accused Vinod Tomar. The matter is scheduled to be heard by a Special Judge at the Rouse Avenue Courts.
The appeal challenges the order passed by an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate on August 3, 2026, when Brij Bhushan and Tomar were acquitted in the case.
Wrestlers challenge court’s reasoning
In their appeal, the wrestlers have argued that the acquittal order is legally unsustainable and that the evidence was not assessed appropriately.
They have also alleged that the order relied on assumptions about how victims of sexual assault and harassment were expected to behave instead of assessing the evidence and circumstances of the complainants.
The challenge seeks judicial scrutiny of the findings that resulted in the acquittal of Brij Bhushan and Tomar.
Brij Bhushan was acquitted in August
The Rouse Avenue court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on August 3 in the sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The court’s decision followed consideration of the evidence and statements presented during the proceedings.
The case had emerged after several women wrestlers accused the former WFI chief of sexual harassment. The allegations had led to a major protest by wrestlers in 2023.
The latest appeal means the acquittal is now being challenged before a higher court.
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