Jaipur, Feb 20 (PTI) Rajasthan minister Manju Baghmar said on Thursday that the LPG tanker accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in December last year was caused due to the negligence of two drivers.

An LPG tanker collided with a truck on December 20, sparking a massive fireball that turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno, engulfing more than 35 vehicles. While 11 people were killed on the day of the accident, the toll later increased to more than 20.

Baghmar, who is the minister of state for public works department, was replying to supplementary questions raised in this regard during the Question Hour session of the state assembly.

The accident happened due to the negligence of the drivers of the truck and the tanker, she said, adding that it could have been avoided had there been other 'safeguards'.

The state government is sensitive towards such road accidents and is taking every possible measure to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future, the minister said.

The government is also reviewing the existing rules to make the transportation of inflammable materials safe, she said.

Taking action after the accident, the government closed 32 of the 33 unauthorised 'cuts' on the Ajmer road, besides transferring an official of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Baghmar said.

The state government has also prepared an action plan with a target to reduce road accidents by 50 per cent by 2030 and by 75 per cent by 2033. PTI AG ARI

Raebareli (UP), Feb 20 (PTI) Reflecting on the Gandhi family's ties with Raebareli, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remarked that it might be the only Lok Sabha seat in the country with "two MPs" -- himself and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Speaking at an event in the Unchahar area, Gandhi thanked party workers and the people of Rae Bareli for their support in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"Rae Bareli might be the only constituency in India with two MPs -- one is me and the other is Priyanka. Invite her (here) too sometimes. She calls me to Wayanad and I go. She is also an MP from Rae Bareli, so you should call her here as well," he added.

Gandhi contested Rae Bareli and Wayanad seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. After winning both, he chose to retain Rae Bareli and vacate Wayanad from where his sister later won in a bypoll.

Before him, their mother and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi represented Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha. Their grandmother and former prime minister Indira Gandhi won the seat in 1967, 1971 and 1980, followed by friends and members of the Gandhi family.

Assuring his commitment to the welfare of the people in the constituency, Gandhi said, "Whatever issues you have, whether in Rae Bareli or Parliament, I am always available. Just let me know what needs to be done, and I will get it done."

Concluding his speech, Gandhi, sporting his trademark white t-shirt with cargo pants, emphasized his bond with Raebareli. "This is not just a political relationship; it is a family relationship," he said.

After the event, Rahul Gandhi stopped at a roadside eatery in Munshiganj where he enjoyed samosas and interacted with people.

Among those accompanying him were Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, Congress district president Pankaj Tiwari, former MLA Ajay Pal Singh, and several other party leaders.

Gandhi is on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency. PTI COR KIS NSD

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Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI) A major fire broke out in the huts near the gate of the iconic Film City in Mumbai's Goregaon area on Thursday, though there was no report as yet of anyone getting injured, civic officials said.

The blaze broke out at 7:30pm in Santosh Nagar, and seven fire tenders and other equipment have been deployed at the site for dousing operations, a Fire Brigade official said.

"The fire is confined to 150 to 200 hutments. The blaze has been covered from all sides and operations are underway. There is no report of anyone getting injured," he said.

The BMC has made arrangement for food and shelter for at least 200-250 residents of these huts at Gokuldham municipal school, the official added.

All concerned agencies as well as the 108 ambulance service are at the site, he said. PTI KK BNM

Shillong, Feb 20 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said that climate change is not just an environmental challenge but a fundamental issue of justice and equity.

Speaking at the Climate Investments Coalition for the Global South in New Delhi, he said that those who have contributed the least to climate change are suffering the most, and it is essential to address this disparity, a statement issued here by the state government said.

He said that Meghalaya has taken climate concerns seriously, and has charted out intervention for mitigation.

The CM informed the gathering on the traditional conservation knowledge and practices which are being adopted to address the global crisis.

"Our communities are deeply rooted in nature, their knowledge about conservation and protection of natural resources is being widely promoted and adopted for sustainable solutions," he said.

Talking about erratic monsoons affecting lives, he spoke on the unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather which have impacted agriculture and livelihood for millions globally, with Meghalaya not being an exception.

"Climate change threatens economic stability and future growth, making it essential to realign global climate platforms with the realities of the Global South," he said, while reaffirming the government's commitment to sustainability.

He said that Meghalaya is leading in forest conservation and community-led environmental initiatives.

"We are implementing programmes such as Green Meghalaya to encourage community partnership in conservation of forest and protection of catchment areas and rejuvenation of water sources," he said, while underscoring the importance of such policies.

He also informed the gathering on the investments being made in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Speaking on importance of collaboration and cooperation among the northeastern states in addressing climate-related issues, he said the region's unique geography makes it vulnerable to extreme weather events, which can have far-reaching consequences.

"For instance, a severe weather event in Arunachal Pradesh can affect Assam, and rising water levels in the Brahmaputra River can cause flooding not only in Assam but also in western parts of Meghalaya," he said, adding that to effectively tackle these challenges, the northeastern states have to work together, sharing their expertise and resources to develop strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change.

He also spoke on the potential benefits of forging partnerships with countries in South and Southeast Asia, particularly through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

He informed the gathering on the bud rot disease that has affected areca nut plantations in Garo Hills and Western Khasi Hills region.

"This disease has not only affected the local economy but has sent alarm bells ringing on the need for sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient farming systems," he said.

The Climate Investments Coalition for the Global South (CICS) organised by the state government in collaboration with National Law University, Meghalaya is aimed at providing a platform to drive discussions on mobilising climate finance, accelerating green investments, and strengthening South-South cooperation.

The programme also showcased Meghalaya's model of sustainable development. PTI JOP ACD

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) The Railway Protection Force has nabbed a juvenile and initiated criminal proceedings against unnamed accused for allegedly damaging window panes of AC coaches of the Swatantrata Senani Express in Madhubani on February 10.

The Railway Ministry, in a press statement, said the violent act of damaging windows had caused panic and led to chaos among the passengers.

"Miscreants took advantage of the fact that there was no RPF (Railway Protection Force) or GRP (Government Railway Police) post in Madhubani. After damaging railway property, the miscreants fled," it said.

The RPF and East Central Railway registered a case under the Railways Act and a special team was constituted to identify the culprits, the ministry said.

During the enquiry, a juvenile was identified and nabbed, the ministry said, adding the boy has confessed his involvement in the incident and expressed remorse.

The enquiry into the case is under progress, it said, adding that the RPF is committed to taking strict action against miscreants involved in destroying or damaging railway property.

Under the Railways Act, anyone who endangers the safety of a person travelling on a train can be punished with up to five years in prison, the ministry said. PTI JP NSD

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Shimla, Feb 20 (PTI) The Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh on Thursday inaugurated a 'HIMKARA' store focusing on bakery products at the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau headquarters in Shimla.

The store was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Director General (DG) of Prisons and Correctional Services Sanjeev Ranjan Ojha.

The department aims to promote public participation of inmates lodged in jails across the state along with showcasing their creative abilities and skill development, with this store.

Additionally, the department also aims to demonstrate how vocational training and correctional programs in prisons can lead to positive transformation among inmates.

Speaking on the occasion, Ojha said that four HIMKARA stores are already operational in Shimla district where products made by inmates are being sold.

"Following the success of these stores, today the fifth HIMKARA store has been launched with bakery products being the main focus. The aim is to integrate inmates into the mainstream society and make them self-reliant with this establishment" the DG said.

He said the initiative will not only assist in their rehabilitation but also provide local residents with affordable and high-quality products.

The products are prepared with utmost cleanliness and high-quality standards to ensure customers receive excellent taste and quality, he added.

"This store is not just a commercial venture but also a part of the correctional and rehabilitation program. It offers inmates an opportunity for skill development, which will help them lead a dignified life after their release from prison," Ojha said.

Locals can also support this social initiative by adopting these products, thereby strengthening the corrective justice system, he said. PTI COR OZ

OZ

Pune, Feb 20 (PTI) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said India was an oasis of stability amid conflicts around the world and had the fastest growing economy.

Speaking at the the 6th Asia Economic Dialogue jointly organised by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Pune International Centre (PIC) on the theme 'Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation', he also highlighted the rapid progress in India's engagement with innovation, particularly in AI, machine learning, and women's empowerment.

Reiterating the government's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he said sustainability is at the core of India's development agenda.

"What is needed is action and India will not be wanting on climate action," the Union minister asserted.

Advocating free trade agreement between India and USA, Goyal said it would be a "win-win" for both nations.

However, the problem always was that the US Congress would never allow the United States to enter into any new free trade agreement, Goyal opined.

"But now the rules of the game have changed. President Trump is taking bold decisions and we will not have a free trade agreement in the conventional sense. But what we can certainly do, and what we are going to attempt to do, is ensure we have fair trade between both countries," Goyal said.

Speaking to reporters later, Goyal said the issue of USAID funds in connection with Indian polls was a very poignant and serious comment due to which every nationalist Indian is concerned.

Elements who have used foreign forces and funding and who have friends like George Soros and intend to destabilise the Indian economy and are unhappy with a nationalist leader like Narendra Modi at the helm must be exposed, he said.

Asked about electric carmaker Tesla's plans for India, Goyal said everyone is welcomed to invest in the country.

"India has its own rules and regulations and FDI policy. Barring countries that are inimical to India's interest, integrity and security, all else can invest by following our FDI policy," Goyal said. PTI SPK BNM

Bhubaneswar, Feb 20 (PTI) Days after the unnatural death of an engineering student from Nepal and subsequent attacks of students from the neighbouring country, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) founder Achyuta Samanta on Thursday tendered an apology to the parents of the Nepalese pupils and urged all those vacated the campus to come back.

The video of Samanta's first public statement on the incident was posted on KIIT's X platform, hours after he was summoned by the Odisha government's high-level committee probing the matter to appear before it on Friday.

Sitting in a gathering of students and two Nepal Embassy officials, Samanta said, "We all are very sorry and saddened over the unfortunate incident that happened on February 16 night. I am also personally feeling sad. We have taken action against some people."

"Your university is running calm and quiet and students are attending classes. We all are happy. A few students from Nepal who are in KIIT are also attending the classes. So, I humbly advise all the KIIT students from Nepal please join your own university and attend classes.

"I want to assure you there will be no harm, regarding academics, campus placement or discipline. I beg apology before the parents of Nepalese students studying at KIIT. My lovable KIITians please come back soon, we are all interested to see you," he said.

Earlier in the day, Odisha government's Higher Education Department, in a letter to Samanta, said, "You are requested to appear before the high-level committee on 21.02.2025 at 6.30 pm at State Guest House to adduce evidence with adequate documentary evidence before the committee on the term of reference as stated in the office order."

The three-member committee, headed by Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Satyabrata Sahu, is mandated to ascertain the circumstances leading to the suicide, alleged high-handed action by the institute authority, reasons for issuing notice to only a specific group of students and closing the institute sine die for them and other incidental matter that emerges during inquiry.

The committee, also comprising the secretaries of higher education department and Women and Child Development (WCD), had visited the KIIT campus on Wednesday and held a discussion with some of the Nepalese students who were allegedly mistreated by the staffers of the private institute for staging demonstration on the campus.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, "The high-level committee is empowered to summon anyone for the purpose of inquiry into the matter. The committee is functioning on the basis of law."

"The state government has also discussed with the officials of Nepal Embassy and apprised the students about the developments," he said.

The unrest in KIIT began after the alleged suicide of 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, a student from Nepal, on Sunday afternoon. Other Nepalese students staged agitation and demanded justice. However, the KIIT authorities issued suspension notices to about 1,000 Nepalese students and asked them to leave the campus on Monday.

Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh, meanwhile, said the police have obtained a three-day remand of a 21-year-old engineering student, who was arrested on the charge of abetting the woman's suicide. The accused was nabbed at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here while attempting to flee the city on Sunday evening, hours after the woman's death. He has been accused of blackmailing and verbally abusing her.

Following the intervention of the Centre and the state government, the KIIT authorities had tendered an apology and requested the Nepalese students to return to the campus. The state government has opened a round-the-clock help desk, to facilitate the Nepalese students' safe return.

The police, on the other hand, arrested five more staffers of KIIT on the charge of assaulting Nepalese students on Monday while they were vacating the hostel following a direction of the institute authorities.

With this, the number of people arrested in the KIIT fiasco increased to 11, including the engineering student who was booked for allegedly abetting the suicide of the Nepalese woman.

Earlier on February 18, the police had arrested five employees of KIIT, but they secured bail. The police were criticised from different quarters for the five accused getting bail.

The police have registered two cases in connection with the alleged suicide of the Nepalese student and the subsequent attacks on the youths from the neighbouring country allegedly by the staffers of KIIT.

Normalcy is slowly returning to KIIT campus and students have started attending classes even as different student organisations held demonstration outside the campus demanding action against those responsible for the death of the woman and attack on Nepalese students. PTI AAM RBT ACD NN AAM ACD

Johannesburg, Feb 20 (PTI) The inaugural Fusion Fest to be hosted in South Africa’s capital city of Pretoria on Saturday by the local subsidiary of Mahindra is an innovative attempt which will also support a number of charities through fusing the arts and culture of the diverse communities that make up what is popularly known as the Rainbow Nation.

The event will also provide opportunities for emerging artists on a huge platform.

“The idea for the Fusion Fest was born out of Mahindra’s motto of ‘Rise’ and if it works this year, we will certainly consider making it a regular affair,” Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, told PTI in an interview.

Gupta said this was the first time that that there would be a fusion of the different music genres among the various population groups, combined with leading fashions designers and artists work on display on such a massive scale.

He said there had been wide consultation with partners who concurred that music touches the lives of every person in South Africa, while ethnic fashion also has a very huge following here.

“We added art and created the Mahindra Fusion Fest, which we felt would add unique value to the concept. It is the first time in South Africa that a concert of this nature is happening, where the top 12 leading chart-busting artists are being engaged by us to perform in four separate fusion acts of around 35 minutes each.

“Our partners in the venture have also agreed to contribute by donating to their favourite charities,” Gupta said.

“The very different genres of South African music give resonance with everybody and them coming together and creating a fusion is where the ‘Together We Rise’ theme comes into play – creating something new that will appeal to everyone,” he said.

Gupta said the works of emerging artists who participated in a competition with Mahindra would also feature at the show.

“We invited them to bring their original creations and play them in our vehicles at our showrooms on the Harmon Kardon equipment in them. We got multiple entries with some brilliant artists and that has led to a further depth in the Fusion Fest to also provide a platform for new artists.

“We have involved leading fashion designer Thula Sindi, whose store ‘Africa Rise’ ties in well with Mahindra’s motto of ‘Rise’. He is working with 60 budding fashion designers and at the Fusion Fest he will be rolling out a new line of fashion clothing which showcases their work as well. This is another way of furthering our theme of ‘Together we Rise’,” Gupta said.

“We have also engaged street artists who have already started sculpting some work which they will continue with on the side of the stage for unveiling at the end of the show,” he added. PTI FH GSP

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Islamabad, Feb 20 (PTI) Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Thursday that Pakistan had lost its “credibility” as the country struggled to achieve economic stability.

He was speaking at a Senate climate change committee meeting, where he discussed the country’s climate financing challenges and its negotiations with international lenders, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

“We have lost our credibility as a country,” Aurangzeb stated, adding that urgent economic reforms were necessary to restore the trust.

He revealed that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had committed USD 500 million, while Pakistan expects to secure USD 1 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) next week.

The government is also working on issuing “green panda bonds” to attract further investment, he said.

The green panda bonds are issued in Chinese yuan by a foreign entity and the proceeds from these are used for green projects or assets.

Aurangzeb also announced a major shift in tax policy, stating that the Finance Ministry will now oversee tax policy, while the Federal Board of Revenue will focus solely on tax collection.

The minister also stressed the need for structural reforms to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth, according to the paper.

His remarks came as the country was still struggling to rebuild its economy after it narrowly escaped default in 2023 due to timely intervention of the IMF. PTI SH GSP

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Johannesburg, Feb 20 (PTI) As a premier forum for international economic cooperation, the G20 needs to play a leading role in the global agenda for people, planet and prosperity, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.

Ramaphosa made the remarks in his opening address at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and several world leaders.

South Africa holds the Presidency of the G20 for this year, the first time that it is being hosted on the African continent.

"Just as cooperation supported the progress of early humans, our modern-day challenges can only be resolved through collaboration, partnership and solidarity. That is why South Africa has placed solidarity, equality and sustainability at the centre of our G20 Presidency,” Ramaphosa said.

"We would like our G20 Presidency to be one in which all voices are heard and in which all views count,” he added.

Ramaphosa highlighted geopolitical tensions, rising intolerance, conflict and war, climate change, pandemics and energy and food insecurity as issues that “threaten an already fragile global coexistence.”

“These challenges are interconnected. They require responses that are inclusive and coordinated. Yet there is a lack of consensus among major powers, including in the G20, on how to respond to these issues of global significance.

“Extreme poverty and growing inequality within and among nations weigh heavily on the conscience of the world,” the president said.

Ramaphosa said that the G20 nations should not waiver in attempts to meet the ambitious targets set by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which was just five years away.

"As the international community, we committed ourselves to this ambitious agenda to end poverty and hunger, to protect the planet, to achieve gender equality, universal education and health coverage, and to promote decent work and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Pointing out that the G20 represents over two-thirds of the world’s population, Ramaphosa said the nations of the world look to the G20 for leadership on the most pressing issues confronting the world.

“Its decisions and policies must reflect the needs and aspirations of all who form part of the G20 family. The G20 must also seek to reflect the needs and aspirations of all people who call this planet home,” he said as he reiterated the call for reform at the UN as well.

“The UN was established to reaffirm fundamental human rights, to promote social progress and to save successive generations from the scourge of war. While these essential goals of the United Nations remain, the world has changed in fundamental ways. The UN must change accordingly,” Ramaphosa said.

"We continue to call for the UN Security Council, the multilateral trading system and the international financial architecture to be reformed to make them more representative, more agile and more responsive to today’s global realities. As the G20, the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and international law must remain at the centre of all our endeavours,” he affirmed.

Referring to the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Sudan, in the Sahel and Gaza, Ramaphosa called for the G20 to continue advocating for diplomatic solutions.

“Our own experience as South Africa is that the peaceful resolution of conflict through inclusive dialogue is the foremost guarantor of sustainable, lasting peace,” he said, referring to Nelson Mandela leading the nation to a peaceful transition to democracy in 1994 after decades of white minority rule that disenfranchised the majority Black citizens.

Ramaphosa called on G20 delegates to address in deliberations that will continue on Friday the four priorities that South Africa has identified for its G20 Presidency.

“Firstly, we should take action to strengthen disaster resilience and response, (including) climate-induced natural disasters (that) affect countries around the world.

“Secondly, we should take action to ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries, (because) developing economies are currently experiencing the highest borrowing costs in nearly two decades. The third priority identified was mobilising finance for a just energy transition.

“Although climate change affects developed and developing economies alike, the impact is uneven. Every nation has a responsibility to contribute to the global climate effort in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,” the president said.

The fourth priority is to harness critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“We will champion an inclusive G20 framework on green industrialisation and investment to promote value addition and beneficiation of critical minerals. South Africa will seek to take forward the recommendations of the 2024 report of the UN Secretary General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals,” he said.PTI FH ZH

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FGN39: US-TRUMP-INDIA-FUNDING

****'Trying to get somebody else elected': Trump on Biden admin's decision to allocate USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout'

New York: US President Donald Trump has once again questioned the Biden administration's decision to allocate USD 21 million to India for “voter turnout”, guessing that they were trying to "get somebody else elected".****

FGN59: SAFRICA-JAISHANKAR-LD BILATERALS

****EAM Jaishankar meets counterparts from Singapore, Brazil in Johannesburg

Johannesburg: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his counterparts from Singapore, Brazil and Ethiopia and discussed with them global developments and ways to enhance bilateral ties.****

FGN20: PANAMA-US-INDIAN-DEPORTEES

****Indian deportees from US arrive in Panama; Embassy team gets consular access

Panama City: Panama has informed India about the safe arrival of a group of Indians deported from the US and the Indian mission in the country is working closely with the host government to ensure their wellbeing after obtaining consular access to them.****

FGN55: PAK-PTI-BAIL

****Pakistan high court orders release of over 120 arrested workers of Imran Khan's party

Islamabad: A high court in Pakistan on Thursday ordered the release of over 120 arrested workers of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party after approving their bail.****

FGN52: UK-STARMER-UKRAINE

****UK PM Keir Starmer supports Ukraine’s Zelensky after Trump criticism

London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered support to Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone call soon after US President Donald Trump dubbed the Ukrainian President a “dictator”, remarks which followed other criticisms of his handling of the conflict with Russia.****

FGN50: LANKA-INDIA-SOLAR

****Sri Lanka says it reached agreement with Indian govt to set up solar power plants

Colombo: Sri Lanka and India have reached an agreement for setting up of solar power plants in the island country's eastern port district of Trincomalee, official spokesman and health minister Nalinda Jayathissa said on Thursday.****

FGN56: PAK-JUDGES

****Five high court judges challenge recent transfers in Pakistan's Supreme Court

Islamabad: The controversy over the appointment of judges in the Islamabad High Court deepened on Thursday after five judges of the court challenged the recent transfers in Pakistan's Supreme Court.****

FGN53: NEPAL-STUDENT-DEATH

****Nepal’s diplomatic efforts resolved issue related to student’s death at Odisha university: Deuba

Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba on Thursday said the government has resolved the issue arising out of the death of a Nepalese female student studying at an Odisha University through diplomatic channels.****

FGN48: PAK-X-BAN

****Pakistan marks 1 year of X ban amid tightening restrictions on free speech

Lahore: The Pakistan government's ban on social media platform X has completed one year this month, with authorities showing no signs of reversing the decision despite growing criticism.****

FGN19: US-TRUMP-TESLA-INDIA

****Trump says it will be 'very unfair' to US if Musk built Tesla factory in India

Washington: President Donald Trump has said if Elon Musk's Tesla built a factory in India to avoid that country's tariffs, it would be unfair to the US.****

FGN34: CHINA-MILITARY-DRILLS

****Chinese military holds nuclear, biological, chemical defence drills

Beijing: The Chinese military has conducted nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) drills using UAVs, robotic dogs and explosive ordnance disposal robots, official media here reported on Thursday.**** PTI

GSP

Islamabad, Feb 20 (PTI) The controversy over the appointment of judges in the Islamabad High Court deepened on Thursday after five judges of the court challenged the recent transfers in Pakistan's Supreme Court.

Pakistan authorities last month appointed three judges to the IHC by transferring them from other high courts and shortly after appointed Justice Sarfraz Dogar as the chief justice.

Dogar made headlines when he was transferred to the IHC from the Lahore High Court (LHC). The move drew the ire of judges, lawyers and opposition parties as he was 13th on the seniority list of the judges but rose to the second position in IHC.

He rose to the top and was appointed as acting chief justice after the elevation of his predecessor, Aamer Farooq, to the Supreme Court.

His transfer to IHC and subsequent elevation was contested by five judges, including justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Babar Sattar, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Saman Rafat Imtiaz, and Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, who claimed that they were senior to him and his appointment as chief justice was a violation of rules.

   They filed a 49-page constitutional petition under Article 184(3) through senior lawyers Munir A. Malik and Barrister Salahuddin, arguing that the recent transfer of judges violated relevant rules.

The petition contends that judicial transfers cannot be made without public interest and should not affect the seniority list. It further states that Article 200 only allows temporary transfers, and the current process violates Article 175(A) of the Constitution.

The judges have urged the Supreme Court to invalidate the Islamabad High Court’s current seniority list, citing its inconsistency with Article 194 and the Constitution’s Third Schedule.

The petition specifically challenges the appointment of Justice Dogar as acting Chief Justice of IHC, stating that he had only served two weeks in the high court before assuming administrative control. It also calls for Justices Khalid Soomro and Muhammad Asif to be barred from judicial work.

The challenge comes following last week's appointment of Dogar as acting chief justice of the IHC, a move that sparked reservations among some judges over seniority.

It is alleged that the authorities transferred three judges, including justices Dogar, Soomro and Asif from Lahore, Sindh and Balochistan high courts, respectively, to the IHC to stop the appointment of any of the five judges as the chief justice.

The legal fraternity and opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had opposed the move, with the PTI alleging that the transfers aimed to influence the cases of Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. PTI SH ZH

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Kathmandu, Feb 20 (PTI) Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has honoured ten individuals for their outstanding contributions in various fields with the National Talent Award 2025 during the 75th National Democracy Day.

The ceremony held on Wednesday honoured various individuals, among them was Dr Om Murti Anil, a medical graduate from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), who received a certificate of honour and a cash prize of Nepali rupees 500,000.

Dr Anil, a renowned cardiologist of Nepal, has been actively involved in the health sector for the past 15 years and is credited for providing medical services to 10,000 cardiac patients.

Others who received the award include Purnima Shrestha, who scaled Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, three times in a single season in 2024; Dr Tshering Lama, working in telemedicine field; Hari Ram Shrestha, working in the field of science and technology; Biraj Singh Thapa, working in the field of technological innovation; and Rabindra Puri working in the field of heritage conservation.

“The recognition highlights the importance of India’s assistance in Nepal’s medical education, particularly through scholarships in the field of medicine,” said Dr Anil, who had set a Guinness World Record for a health awareness initiative in 2023. PTI SBP GSP

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Islamabad, Feb 20 (PTI) A high court in Pakistan on Thursday ordered the release of over 120 arrested workers of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party after approving their bail.

They were among hundreds of supporters of the PTI arrested by police on the occasion of a protest by the party in November last year.

The Islamabad High Court’s two-judge bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif, heard the case and granted bail to the detainees after each submitted a surety bond of Rs20,000.

The court directed them to submit an affidavit at their respective police stations, pledging that they would not engage in similar actions in future.

Imran Khan's party had launched a major protest on Nov 26 from Peshawar and its supporters reached Islamabad a day later after battling police and removing barricades. However, police launched a major operation during the night and dispersed the crowd while arresting more than 1,000 of them.

They are fighting legal battles to secure release through courts. PTI SH  ZH

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Kathmandu, Feb 20 (PTI) Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba on Thursday said the government has resolved the issue arising out of the death of a Nepalese female student studying at an Odisha University through diplomatic channels.

Deuba, addressing the media at Tribhuvan International Airport upon her arrival from Oman where she had gone to attend the 8th Indian Ocean Summit, said, “The Nepal government has resolved the problem surrounding the death of a Nepali student in KIIT Odisha through diplomatic channels by handling the situation seriously.”

The foreign minister also said that she had talked to Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj regarding the matter and ensured an impartial investigation is conducted into the death of the female student and a safe environment is created for Nepalese students to return to their hostels and resume classes.

After the initiative taken by the Foreign Ministry of Nepal, the Odisha government has taken the issue seriously and a high-level investigation committee has also been formed, she said.

“After our response, the college has apologised for the incident and taken action against its staff who misbehaved with Nepalese students,” she said.

Prakriti Lamsal, 20, a third-year B Tech (Computer Science) student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, allegedly died by suicide at her hostel room on February 16, leading to unrest on the campus.

There are around 1,000 Nepalese students studying in KIIT, Odisha.

Meanwhile, 95 Nepalese students allegedly expelled from KIIT University have returned home through the Birgunj border in Parsa district.

Republica daily quoted acting Chief District Officer of Parsa Nishan Raj Gautam as saying that a total of 76 male and 19 female students have reached Nepal via Birgunj border entry point.

On Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said the Odisha government has issued a notice to the Higher Education Department which has notified that “it has formed a 24x7 help desk to facilitate the safety and security of students affected by the incident, their safe return and protection of their academic interest”. PTI SBP GSP

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Pune, Feb 20 (PTI) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said India was an oasis of stability amid conflicts around the world and had the fastest growing economy.

Speaking at the the 6th Asia Economic Dialogue jointly organised by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Pune International Centre (PIC) on the theme 'Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation', he also highlighted the rapid progress in India's engagement with innovation, particularly in AI, machine learning, and women's empowerment.

Reiterating the government's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he said sustainability is at the core of India's development agenda.

"What is needed is action and India will not be wanting on climate action," the Union minister asserted.

Advocating free trade agreement between India and USA, Goyal said it would be a "win-win" for both nations.

However, the problem always was that the US Congress would never allow the United States to enter into any new free trade agreement, Goyal opined.

"But now the rules of the game have changed. President Trump is taking bold decisions and we will not have a free trade agreement in the conventional sense. But what we can certainly do, and what we are going to attempt to do, is ensure we have fair trade between both countries," Goyal said.

Speaking to reporters later, Goyal said the issue of USAID funds in connection with Indian polls was a very poignant and serious comment due to which every nationalist Indian is concerned.

Elements who have used foreign forces and funding and who have friends like George Soros and intend to destabilise the Indian economy and are unhappy with a nationalist leader like Narendra Modi at the helm must be exposed, he said.

Asked about electric carmaker Tesla's plans for India, Goyal said everyone is welcomed to invest in the country.

"India has its own rules and regulations and FDI policy. Barring countries that are inimical to India's interest, integrity and security, all else can invest by following our FDI policy," Goyal said. PTI SPK BNM

Jaipur, Feb 20 (PTI) Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sumit Godara on Thursday said 73.82 lakh women in the state have benefitted from the Ujjwala scheme.

Speaking during the Question Hour in the Assembly, he said the Ujjwala scheme was launched in 2016 to free poor women from the toxic smoke emitted from traditional stoves. Under this scheme, of the more than 1.83 crore LPG gas connections issued in the state, 73.82 lakh women have been given the benefit of Ujjwala Yojana.

He said at the start of the Ujjwala scheme, a target was set to provide five crore connections in the country. At present, 10.33 crore LPG connections have been provided through this scheme. This achievement reflects the commitment of the government and the success of the scheme, which has benefited millions of poor families with clean and safe fuel.

Godara said under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, 12 subsidised gas cylinders are provided every year for refilling to Ujjwala connection holders.

Responding to a supplementary question, Godara said the state government is committed to providing the benefits of the Food Security Scheme to eligible persons.

He said the portal has been opened by the state government from January 26, 2025 to add the names of deprived eligible families under the Food Security Scheme. To avail of the benefits of this scheme, eligible persons are continuously applying through e-Mitra and departmental portal. PTI AG SDA TRB

Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI) International Maritime Organisation (IMO) continues to engage with all the countries in relation to any crisis around the world, its Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said on Thursday even as he said that the Red Sea issue is "geopolitical" which it cannot control.

"... geopolitics, we can't control them. And the Red Sea is geopolitics. We get affected by it. What we're doing is engaging with all the necessary actors in order to first guarantee the safety and security of the people on board the ships and the ships," Dominguez said here addressing a media conference at the Green Shipping Conclave 2025.

He said that his organisation facilitates conversations between the key players, either directly at IMO or with the relevant UN agencies.

"And I continue to engage with all the countries at IMO in relation to the Red Sea crisis and any crisis around the world," Dominguez added.

Stating that countries can play a part (in resolving such issues), he said, "I have asked India and many other countries if you have connections because the world is about connections, if you can reach out to some countries, send a message."

He thanked the Indian Navy, saying that "it provided support and continues to do so in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

"When it comes to piracy and robbery, that's not new. We have improved considerably in relation to where we were just over 10 years ago with piracy off the coast of Somalia. We're supporting in particular implementation of projects in the areas which are more prone to piracy around the world, enhancing the governance of the member states."

Dominguez said that last November he visited Africa just to focus on those that border the Red Sea and where the gaps are, and this is how we can then support, he said.

"Sometimes it's directly at IMO, sometimes it's through other UN agencies, other countries that can provide that assistance. But the awareness is there, and we continue to raise awareness." PTI IAS MR

Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday said the upcoming Coastal Shipping and Merchant Shipping Bills will integrate stronger environmental standards and compliance measures, ensuring that India remains a global torchbearer for the industry's sustainability.

Delivering the valedictory address at the Green Shipping Conclave 2025 here, Sonowal -- the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways -- also called for a united approach and collaborative strategies for the transformation to be effective.

The conclave was also attended by junior minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Secretary General of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez, Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan, senior ministry officials, and industry leaders.

The conclave served as a high-impact platform for policy dialogues, technical discussions, and roundtable meetings, engaging key stakeholders from the industry, government, and academia.

The IMO Secretary-General chaired a CEO Round Table on Renewable Energy, focusing on clean fuel investments and green port infrastructure.

"Our upcoming Coastal Shipping and Merchant Shipping Bills will integrate stronger environmental standards and compliance measures, ensuring that India remains a global torchbearer for maritime sustainability," Sonowal said.

The two bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament last December.

The Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 seeks prohibition of trade in the coastal water without licence by vessels other than Indian vessels and permitting inland vessels to engage in coastal trading, subject to certain conditions.

It also seeks to empower the director general to issue licence after taking into consideration certain factors, including citizenship of the crew and building requirements of the vessel, so as to create major jobs for Indian seafarers and to promote shipbuilding in the country.

On the other hand, the Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 empowers the central government to take charge and detain vessels within India or in coastal waters as a vessel without nationality, if such vessel is not legally entitled to fly the flag of a state or has lost such right.

The bill seeks to repeal the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 and provides for "contemporaneous, futuristic, and dynamic legislation to meet the requirements of India as an emerging economy".

The minister emphasised that the seas "do not belong to one nation alone", and that they are shared by all.

"Our approach must be united (and) our strategies collaboratives for this transformation to be effective," he said.

He said the maritime sector must act decisively, embracing green in all areas -- energy, ships, gateways, recycling, capital, alliances, and governance -- as the pillar of this decarbonisation.

"India is not merely following global standards, we are setting those standards," he said.

Sonowal added that the Rs 25,000-crore maritime development fund announced in the Union Budget for 2025-26 is catalysing investment in green ports infrastructure, fleet modernisation, and alternative fuel ecosystem, ensuring that India remains a leader in decarbonisation.

Sustainability is not merely a regulatory obligation -- it is an economic opportunity and a moral responsibility, he added.

Stating that shipping has been the backbone of commerce for centuries, which now must become the backbone of sustainability, he said "the oceans that carry our vessels also bear the burden of emission, pollution and climate change".

"The responsibility to correct the course lies with us. Green shipping is no longer an aspiration, it is an imperative," he said.

The future of maritime transport lies in clean fuels, green hydrogen, ammonia, biofuel and LNG, he said, adding that India's National Green Hydrogen Mission is paving the way for zero-emission fuels, ensuring our ports are not just fuelling trade, but also a sustainable future.

Through hydrogen, bunkering and alternative fuels, and supply infrastructure, we are positioning India as a regional hub for green energy solutions, the minister said.

"The challenge is immense, but so is our resolve. At the heart of this transformation are green ships, vessels that no longer run on yesterday's fuel, but embrace the technology of tomorrow. Indian shipyards are leading the charge in constructing low-emission, hybrid and fully electric ships, reinforcing our commitment to make in India, make for the world," Sonowal said.

Speaking at the conclave earlier in the day, Thakur said, "India is leading the maritime sector's green transformation through clean energy, sustainable ports, and innovative shipbuilding. With bold policies, global collaborations, and investments in alternative fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for decarbonisation." PTI IAS TRB

Kolkata, Feb 20 (PTI) A common platform bringing together all stakeholders will help accelerate the growth of the horticulture sector, which holds immense potential in the state, a senior official said on Thursday.

Such a platform will facilitate a greater exchange of ideas on advancing the sector while bringing farmers, investors, and the government together as facilitators, said Dipanjan Bhattacharyya, MD of West Bengal State Food Processing and Horticulture Development Corporation Limited.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Horti Food Festival 2025, organised by the Department of Food Processing Industries & Horticulture in collaboration with the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I).

Agriculture Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay said, "Despite stepmotherly treatment by the Centre, we have become number one in several crops and are inching toward self-sufficiency in items like eggs and poultry."

All major districts have showcased their agricultural and horticultural products at the three-day event.

Around 80 stalls have been set up at the fair, and over the next two days, it is expected to witness public interest along with B2B meetings focused on trade and investment opportunities, Bengal Chamber officials said. PTI BSM NN

Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI) Kotak Mahindra Bank on Thursday announced some senior-level appointments, under which Vyomesh Kapasi will move to the private sector lender as the head of products in the consumer bank.

Kapasi was earlier leading its in-house NBFC Kotak Mahindra Prime. Company veteran Shahrukh Todiwala has been elevated to replace Kapasi, as per a statement.

*****

Chinese Wok plans to add 25 outlets in East India

* Chinese Wok, which claims to be India's largest quick service restaurant chain devoted to the cuisine, is planning to add 25 outlets in East India as part of its expansion efforts.

The company is targeting to increase revenues to Rs 1,000 crore after closing the March quarter of FY25 with an annual revenue of Rs 650 crore, as per a statement. PTI AA TRB

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Music composer AR Rahman's former wife Saira Rahman underwent surgery after she was hospitalised due to a "medical emergency", according to a statement issued by her lawyer Vandana Shah.

In the statement, Saira Rahman sought privacy during this period and expressed gratitude for the understanding from her well-wishers, including AR Rahman, sound designer Resul Pookutty and his wife Shadia, and Shah.

"A few days ago Mrs Saira Rahman was hospitalised due to a medical emergency, and underwent surgery. During this challenging time, her sole focus is on a speedy recovery.

"She deeply appreciates the concern and support from those around her and requests prayers for her well-being from her numerous well-wishers and supporters... She is truly grateful for their kindness and encouragement," the statement read.

AR Rahman and Saira Rahman announced their separation after 29 years of marriage in November. They share three children — daughters Khatija, Raheema, and son Ameen. PTI RDS RDS

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) There is no time to rest or recover on "Reacher", says the show's lead star Alan Ritchson while opening up about the physical toll of playing the titular character in the Prime Video series.

Over the course of two seasons, Ritchson has earned praise for perfectly embodying the character's towering physique and imposing presence as described in author Lee Child's long-running book series "Jack Reacher".

Getting the physique right and maintaining it for a long duration is no mean task, said Ritchson.

"I think the toll it takes on the body and mind is daunting and it's one of those things where I can't wait to get back into another season of 'Reacher' and see what kind of world we can bring to life. And on the other hand, I know how hard it is every year to film the show.

"There's never time to rest, there's never time to recover. You're constantly pushing the body... It's a hard show to make," the actor told PTI in an interview.

The show, which returned with its third season on Prime Video on Thursday, requires a lot of mental preparation as well, added Ritchson.

"It's not like I just learn a couple of lines and go stand there and talk. You're abusing the body and making a lot of demands all the time. I know what it's going to take and how I'm going to feel at the end of the season because I've done it three times now. I'm going to be a little beat down at the end... but that is what it is," he said.

The third chapter of the action thriller will see Reacher hurtle into the dark heart of a vast criminal enterprise while trying to rescue an undercover DEA informant whose time is running out, according to the official logline.

"There he finds a world of secrecy and violence—and confronts some unfinished business from his own past," it said.

There's a level of wish fulfilment in the show for most people, said Ritchson, explaining the reason why the show has resonated with audiences all over the world.

"We want to live in a world where corruption and injustices are met with some sort of immediate retribution. So it keeps evil in check. It's kind of fun to see what that world would look like and Reacher shows us that. There's something cathartic... He's got his own set of rules, but they're generally pretty spot on.

"He doesn't like bad people or bad institutions getting away with things. I rather enjoy Reacher's way of doing things. But it's fantasy and we can't be Reachers all the time in the real world. We have to let due process run its course and that's not nearly as fun, but it is what it is," the actor said.

When asked how portraying the character for three seasons has influenced his personal life, Ritchson admitted that the role has toughened him up a bit.

"Reacher has his own set of boundaries, he has no problem saying no. And telling people like it is. He's brutally honest. And I think I think some of that has probably rubbed off in my own life. It's just a more efficient way to live. I see myself doing a little Reacher from time to time," he said.

The third season will also feature Maria Sten, who returns as Reacher's comrade Frances Neagley as well as newcomers Anthony Michael Hall, Sonya Cassidy, Brian Tee, Johnny Berchtold, Robert Montesinos, Daniel David Stewart, and Olivier Richters.

“Reacher”, developed by Nick Santora, started with its first season in February 2022 and returned with its second season in December 2023.

The series, which is already renewed for a fourth season, is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Skydance Television, and Paramount Television Studios. PTI RB BK

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Kolkata, Feb 20 (PTI) German filmmaker Wim Wenders, known for classics such as “Paris, Texas”, “Wings of Desire” and "Perfect Days", visited the residence of the late cinema icon Satyajit Ray here during his trip to the West Bengal capital.

Wenders is on his maiden trip to the country as part of the five-city ‘King of the Road - India Tour’ that will see the screening of 18 of his films.

He spent time in Kolkata after arriving in the city earlier this week before moving to Delhi where he will hold a masterclass.

Film Heritage Foundation director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur on Wednesday shared photos from Wenders' visit to Ray's house.

The photos feature Ray’s son Sandip Ray and veteran actress Madhabi Mukherjee, who starred in the Indian stalwart's three films -- "Mahanagar" (1963), "Charulata" (1964) and "Kapurush" (1965).

"It’s Ray all around spent the afternoon with Wim at Satyajit Ray’s house… Sandip Ray found a letter which Wim wrote to him always amazed how in one life time Satyajit Ray did so much and then we met our “Charulata” Madhabi Mukherjee..." Dungarpur wrote.

Earlier this month, Wenders shared his deep admiration for Ray's works at a masterclass in Mumbai.

“I started to watch movies at the Cinemathèque because it was the cheapest cinema... So, first I saw one film, then two films a day, and finally, I saw everything they had, and it was the entire world cinema. I saw a huge dose of Indian films with subtitles. Later on, I realised Satyajit Ray was one of the great filmmakers of his generation, and he was still alive,” Wenders said.

  Wenders said he met Ray at the 1973 Berlin Film Festival, where the latter’s movie, “Ashani Sanket” (‘Distant Thunder’), was screened.

The 79-year-old director, who has garnered acclaim for his films such as “Paris, Texas” and “Wings of Desire”, said he literally “looked up to” Ray.

“I met him, and I was amazed at how tall he was, he's one of the few filmmakers I had to look up to,” Wenders said, adding that he had a long talk with Ray.

"He was very kind and gentle, looking down at me, and answering all my questions. My heart was beating, but I was amazed that he answered all my questions. He was such a gentleman. I saw his film, it was playing the next day, and when he won the film, I was very proud that I had spoken to him," he said.

The King of the Road tour is organised by the Goethe Institut, Goethe Zentrum, Film Heritage Foundation and Wim Wenders Foundation. PTI RB RB BK

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Bangkok-based company Diversion has acquired worldwide sales rights to "Village Rockstars 2", the latest directorial of critically-acclaimed filmmaker Rima Das.

The movie, a sequel to Das' multiple award-winning movie "Village Rockstar", had its European premiere at the 75th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival.

“I'm happy to share that we are now collaborating with Diversion for sales. Looking forward to this journey and hoping to bring the film to theatres in India soon," Das said in a statement.

At Berlinale 2025, "Village Rockstars 2" was screened under the Generation 14 Plus Competition category, a sidebar section dedicated to children and youth films, earlier this week.

“We had a packed screening at the beautiful Zoo Palast theatre, and the audience gave us so much love. It feels like things are slowly coming full circle, opening the film to European audiences.

"I truly love the Berlin International Film Festival—the energy of the audience and the enthusiasm of the festival team make it such a soulful experience. It’s always an honour to be back," Das said.

"Village Rockstars 2" follows a teenage girl’s relentless pursuit of her musical dream.

"In a charming village, a teenage girl passionately pursues her musical dream. However, life's harsh realities challenge her innocence. As she faces these trials, she embarks on a journey to rediscover the profound connection between music and life, seeking a new harmony in the symphony of her dreams," read the official logline.

The film, produced by Flying River Films and Akanga Film Asia, stars Bhanita Das, Basanti Das, Junumoni Boro, Boloram Das, and Manabendra Das.

"Village Rockstars 2" had its world premiere at the 29th Busan International Film Festival where it won the coveted Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film. The movie was also screened at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 in the South Asia Competition. PTI RB BK

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Los Angeles, Feb 20 (PTI) Hollywood star Daniel Craig has exited DC Studios war movie "Sgt Rock", which would have reunited the actor with director Luca Guadagnino after "Queer".

According to The Hollywood Reporter, reasons for Craig's departure remain unclear.

Some insiders said the former Bond star's schedule overlapped with that of his wife, actor Rachel Weisz. Others said Craig had a fallout with Guadagnino after "Queer" performed poorly at the box office and failed to make a mark in the awards season.

DC hopes to start shooting "Sgt Rock" in summer in the UK hub and has already reached out to other actors, including "The Bear" star Jeremy Allen White. The studio had no comment.

Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, "Sgt Rock" is a World War II soldier who first appeared in comics in 1959. He is described as "a tough-as-nails leader of Easy Company, with the unit's exploits delighting readers for decades as one of DC's longest-running books".

The film has a script from Justin Kuritzkes, who wrote Guadagnino's "Queer" and "Challengers". PTI RDS RDS

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Actor Nikhat Khan Hegde, known for films such as "Pathaan" and "Mission Mangal", is set to feature in "L2: Empuraan", fronted by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.

Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the action film will release in theatres on March 27 in Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

"L2: Empuraan", a sequel to Prithviraj's 2019 release "Lucifer" which also starred Mohanlal, is produced by Lyca Productions and Aashirvad Cinemas.

Nikhat, who is the elder sister of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, will play a character named Subhadra Ben in the upcoming movie.

"Character No: 14 Presenting Nikhat Khan Hegde as Subhadra Ben in #L2E. The rise of #Empuraan continues! #L2E Releasing on 27th March 2025 | Malayalam | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada | Hindi @mohanlal @PrithviOfficial #MuraliGopy @LycaProductions #Subaskaran @gkmtamilkumaran

"@antonypbvr @aashirvadcine @prithvirajprod #SureshBalaje #GeorgePius @ManjuWarrier4 @ttovino @Indrajith_S @deepakdev4u #SujithVaassudev #NirmalSahadev #Mohandas #SilvaStunt #EMPURAAN #L2EFrom27March2025," Lyca Productions said in an X post.

In the second installment of the action franchise, Mohanlal reprises his role of Stephen Nedumpally aka Khureshi-Ab'raam.

Sukumaran also features in "L2: Empuraan" alongside Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Saniya Iyappan and Arjun Das. PTI RDS RDS

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Netanya (Israel), Feb 20 (PTI) Amid government efforts to make India a global film production hub, and in the build up to WAVES 2025, an Indian film festival kicked off here with the screening of filmmaker Kiran Rao's acclaimed feature "Laapataa Ladies".

"Dangal", "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", "Mimi", "English Vinglish" and "777 Charlie" are the other five movies to be screened in the film festival, which will run till March 8.

The lineup showcases India's diversity, rich traditional heritage, contemporary challenges and its creative genius.

"Laapataa Ladies", which was India's official entry to the 2025 Academy Awards, is a family drama about discovering oneself, womanhood, and life itself. The film drew huge applause from movie enthusiasts in Israel after the screening on Wednesday.

"I laughed and cried and had no control over my emotions as the beautifully crafted movie kept me spellbound all along. I had no control over my emotions", Lev Aran, a senior Israeli journalist, told PTI after the screening.

The film festival is being organised by the Embassy of India in collaboration with Movieland, Netanya.

India's Ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, discussed the role of the Indian Film Festival in providing the opportunity to explore the commonalities that unite the two countries.

"As we celebrate these films, I am hopeful that this film festival shall not only provide a glimpse of quality entertainment to the audiences here, but also pave the way for further cooperation between the film industries of our two countries", Singh said.

Highlighting ongoing activities of cooperation, including several other screenings, delegational visits of film producers as well as interactions between filmmakers and other stakeholders of the two countries, the Indian Ambassador also mentioned that the first official film under the India-Israel Audio-Visual Co-production agreement is at an advanced stage of post-production.

"I would like to highlight that the Government of India is committed to making India a global film production hub by offering significant incentives, including up to 40 per cent reimbursement of production costs. India has stunning locations, skilled technicians, large market and cutting-edge technology, making it an ideal destination for international filmmakers," Singh said.

Calling upon Israeli producers to explore opportunities for co-productions with India, Singh invited stakeholders from the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector to attend the first edition of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025.

"With India's M&E industry poised for significant growth with a potential market size of USD 50 billion by 2029, WAVES will shape its future", he stressed.

The Indian envoy also encouraged participation in the Create in India Challenge (CIC): Season 1, a precursor to WAVES 2025, featuring competitions across animation, gaming, comics, films, broadcasting, music, new media, emerging technologies etc.

In his remarks, deputy mayor of Netanya, Adir Benyamini, underscored the role of the India Film Festival in broadening the understanding of Indian cinema amongst the Israeli audience.

"Netanya is proud to host the Indian Film Festival 2025. An event that brings together culture, creativity and shared appreciation....We all hope that this event will not be a one time event but the beginning of a tradition", the deputy Mayor said.

"I believe that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship", he said.

Tsahi HaLevi, one of the most well-known actors in Israel who featured in the popular series "Fauda" and also acted in Bollywood film Akelli, also participated in the event.

He recalled his visit to India where he met a lot of people from the Indian film industry and said he hopes that "there would be future opportunities to know it better and more cooperation between the two countries".

"It is also an opportunity to thank India as a whole for such a good, warm relationship with the state of Israel with the ongoing support of what we are experiencing....We truly believe that art is a great way to build bridges, to build friendships. So I truly believe that we will keep on developing this great relationship," HaLevi said.

He had the audience at their feet, singing the popular track "Tujhe dekha to ye Jaana Sanam" from Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's 1995 hit "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge". PTI HM RB BK

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Kolkata, Feb 20 (PTI) Jamshedpur FC defeated Mohammedan SC 2-0 in their Indian Super League match at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan here on Thursday.

The visitors held the upper hand throughout the proceedings, taking eight shots on target as compared to the two of Mohammedan SC.

Jamshedpur FC thus completed a league double over the home side, getting to 37 points from 21 games as a result of this win - trailing second-placed FC Goa (39) by two points, though the Gaurs have a game in hand (20).

Jamshedpur FC had their foot on the pedal right from the onset of the game. Their offensive actions showed cohesion early on as they made a breakthrough into the Mohammedan SC half as early as in the second minute from the flank courtesy of Imran Khan.

Imran made a rather straightforward pass for Jordan Murray away from the box, and the attacker's shot was quickly blocked by the home side before it could trouble the goalkeeper.

The Red Miners did not have to wait for long to land the ball into the Mohammedan SC net though.

In the sixth minute, Imran again found an opening as his precise eye for Murray meant that he delivered him a sumptuous cross that the latter headed from the right side of the six yard box.

The aerial effort was blocked, but Javi Hernandez pounced upon the second ball to try his luck.

That, too, got lost amid a crowded Mohammedan SC box and it eventually required the finishing touch of Ritwik Das from very close range to bury the ball into the bottom left corner from his right foot to round off the move in the visitors’ favour.

Jamshedpur FC kept probing the Mohammedan SC defence and Murray continued to be at the centre of it all.

One such move culminated with Javi Siverio showing exceptional awareness inside the box to lay out a headed pass in Murray's path, which the attacker shot from the middle of the box, but couldn't keep the ball on target in the 25th minute.

Khalid Jamil's men began the second high with similar beaming intent, as Javi Hernandez and Javi Siverio joined hands to bring about a quick move in the 46th minute within the Mohammedan SC penalty area.

Hernandez's ball to Siverio on the right side of the box was accurate, but pressure from the home team's defence ensured that the ball strayed away from the post on the right side.

Siverio brought his aerial prowess to the fore when he was at the receiving end of a lateral delivery from Murray in the 52nd minute. The former showed athleticism and precision to head the ball towards the top right corner but an alert Padam Chettri saved the blushes for Mohammedan SC.

Jamshedpur FC did not let loose on exerting such attacking pressure as they unleashed their entire offensive personnel to find the second strike that could give them a greater cushion. PTI AH AH UNG

Dubai, Feb 20 (PTI) The Pakistan team was on Thursday fined five percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during their match against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The tournament hosts and defending champions lost to the Kiwis by 60 runs on Wednesday.

Pakistan were found one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration, the ICC said.

While on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Alex Wharf levelled the charge, match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction, deducting five percent of match fee.

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan pleaded guilty to the offence with no formal hearing required thereafter.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over if their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Hosting an ICC tournament for the first time since 1996, Pakistan were comfortably defeated by the Black Caps in the Group A opening fixture.

Rizwan and his side will be in action against India next in a must-win contest in Dubai on Sunday. PTI AH AH UNG

Dubai, Feb 20 (PTI) Scoreboard of the Champions Trophy Group A contest between India and Bangladesh here on Thursday.

India innings:

Rohit Sharma c Hossain b Taskin 41

Shubman Gill not out 101

Virat Kohli c Sarkar b Hossain 22

Shreyas Iyer c Shanto b Mustafizur 15

Axar Patel c&b Hossain 8

KL Rahul not out 41

Extras: 3 (w-3)

Total: 231/4 in 46.3 overs

Fall of wickets: 1-69, 2-112, 3-133, 4-144

Bowling: Taskin Ahmed 9-0-36-1, Mustafizur Rahman 9-0-62-1, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 8.3-0-58-0, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 10-0-37-0, Rishad Hossain 10-0-38-2. PTI DDV

Dubai, Feb 20 (PTI) Riding on Mohammed Shami's 5/53 and Shubman Gill's excellent hundred, India registered a comfortable six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their opening match of the Champions Trophy here on Thursday.

Pacer Shami returned to an ICC tournament with a five-wicket haul to help his team bowl out Bangladesh for 228. In reply, India completed the chase with 21 balls to spare.

Gill made an unbeaten 101 off 129 balls, and skipper Rohit Sharma blazed away to a characteristic 36-ball 41 while completing 11,000 runs in ODIs. This was Gill's eighth ton in the format.

Earlier, Towhid Hridoy's (100) maiden international century, and his a sixth-wicket partnership of 154 runs with Jaker Ali (68), lifted Bangladesh after they slipped to a hopeless 35/5.

On the day, Shami also picked up his 200th ODI wicket.

Axar Patel (2/43) would have had a hat-trick if India skipper Rohit had not dropped a regulation catch from the blade of Ali (68 off 114 balls) at first slip. On his way to century, Towhid was helped by Hardik Pandya who gave him a lifeline on 23.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh: 228 all out in 48.4 overs (Towhid Hridoy 100, Jaker Ali 68; Mohammed Shami 5/53), Harshit Rana 3/31)

India: 231/4 in 46.3 overs (Shubman Gill 101 not out, Rohit 41, KL Rahul 41 not out; Rishad Hossain 2/38). PTI AH AH UNG DDV

Dubai, Feb 20 (PTI) The Pakistan cricket team arrived here on Thursday for the marquee Champions Trophy clash against arch-rivals India scheduled for February 23, hoping to get their campaign back on track after the 60-run loss to New Zealand in the tournament opener.

The team had left for Dubai without senior batter Fakhar Zaman, who got hurt during the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, and he was later ruled out owing to a recurring knee injury and replaced in the squad by Imam-ul-Haq.

The Pakistan team reached here from Karachi via a special Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft.

The squad was accompanied by six Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who will oversee the arrangements for the high-profile clash between the tournament hosts and fierce rivals India, who will be playing all their matches in Dubai as per the hybrid model agreement.

Earlier in the day, the PCB swapped Zaman with Imam after getting the approval from the International Cricket Council's Event Technical Committee.

The 34-year-old, who has played 86 ODIs and averages a little over 46, had suffered a muscle strain while fielding in the New Zealand innings and remained away from the field for most part of the innings.

The injury happened while he was chasing a ball to the boundary in the first over of the contest. Zaman's ouster is a blow to the side as he has been in reasonably good form.

He wasn't able to open the batting in the second innings on Wednesday, forcing Saud Shakeel to take stance as a stop-gap opener.

Zaman batted at No.4, scored 24 off 41, but seemed visibly struggling during his knock during the match which Pakistan lost by 60 runs.

Zaman had made a comeback to the Pakistan side for the Champions Trophy after last playing in the 2023 World Cup in India. The opener has a long history of knee problems. PTI AH AH UNG

Pune, Feb 20 (PTI) Indian pair of Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth made it to the doubles semifinals, while Uzbekistan's Khumoyun Sultanov bounced back to beat Bernard Tomic to reach quarterfinals of Maha Open ATP Challenger 100 Men’s Tennis Championship, here on Thursday.

Jeevan and Prashanth defeated another Indian pairing of Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan 6-3, 3-6, 12-10 and will face India’s Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha and Zimbabwe's Courtney John Lock in the semifinal.

Poonacha and Lock upset the fourth-seeded Australian pair of Blake Ellis and Tristan Schoolkate 7-6 (4), 6-7 (4), 10-8 in their quarterfinal clash.

Sultanov came from behind to stop the run of the Australian and former world No 17 Bernard Tomic to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to make it to the men's singles last-eight.

"It feels very nice to play here and I like the conditions, I played solidly knowing that Tomic is a tricky player and very experienced, so I didn’t want to give him a chance,” he said after the win.

Top-seeded Billy Harris of Great Britain recorded a 7-5, 6-3 win over qualifier Hiroki Moriya in one hour 38 minutes, while the fifth-seeded Ugo Blanchet stopped the winning run of Kyrian Jacquet winning 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 in an all-French battle.

Jacquet, who won two Challengers events on the trot in Chennai and Delhi, went down in the contest that lasted an hour 48 minutes.

Sixth-seeded Brandon Holt of the USA was made to work hard for a 6-4,6-4 win by Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg from France. PTI DDV TAP

Chennai, Feb 20 (PTI) Haryana reigned supreme at the 23rd National Paralympic Athletics Championship, clinching a staggering 106 medals, including 49 gold here on Thursday.

With an additional 32 silver and 25 bronze, they topped the medals tally to emerge overall champions.

Hosts Tamil Nadu finished second with 17 gold, 18 silver, and 12 bronze, while Uttar Pradesh secured the third place with 14 gold, 17 silver, and 11 bronze. Rajasthan and Maharashtra rounded off the top five in the three-day event.

On the final day's action, Haryana made a clean sweep in the men’s discus throw F37 event, where Bhavishay claimed gold with a throw of 44.27m, narrowly beating his state mate Haney, who took silver with an effort of 44.13m. Ankit, also from Haryana, secured bronze.

In the men's discus throw F51 event, Haryana's Dharambir clinched gold with a best attempt of 10.91m, while Uttar Pradesh's Ram Ratan Singh and Tamil Nadu's Alexander Mani settled for silver and bronze, respectively.

In the men's discus throw F62/F64 category, Pradeep Kumar from SSCB clinched gold with a throw of 44.00m, while Rakesh of SSCB won the F42/F43/F44 event with 49.52m effort.

Haryana's Devender Kumar secured silver with 49.01m, followed by Shubham Dhull's bronze who produced 46.23m effort.

Haryana's Ekta Bhyan maintained her supremacy in the club throw F32/F51 event, winning gold with a distance of 20.14m, while Rajasthan's Durga Gahlot took silver and Haryana's Geeta Rani secured bronze.

In the women's 200m T35/T36/T37 final, Delhi's Priyanka Sharma sprinted to gold in 38.11 seconds, with Karnataka's Harshita Tater and Chandigarh's Babanpreet Kaur securing silver and bronze, respectively.

The endurance events saw Rajasthan's Rajesh Yadav win the men's 5000m T13 category in 16:26.75s, while Karnataka's Sharath MS claimed the T12 title in 15:50.49s.

The championship witnessed participation from 1,476 para-athletes across 30 states and Union Territories, competing in 155 events. PTI TAP SSC

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Noida, Feb 20 (PTI) Two alleged burglars were arrested with stolen jewellery and weapons following an exchange of fire with police near Sector 18 here, officials said on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ram Badan Singh said that police personnel were conducting checks near DLF Mall late on Wednesday night, when they noticed two persons riding a motorcycle without a number plate.

Despite signalling them to stop, the two persons started to flee, leading to a chase, the officer said.

The duo abandoned their motorcycle near a multi-level parking in Sector 18 and opened fire at police. In retaliatory firing, both the accused were injuries in their legs, the DCP said.

Stolen jewellery, weapons and a motorcycle were seized from them, he said.

The arrested accused have been identified as Shahzad (27), hailing from Nainital, and Shakir Ahmed (38) of Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district, Singh said.

During interrogation, the accused revealed that they were involved in multiple burglaries, police added. PTI COR NB OZ

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Gurugram, Feb 20 (PTI) A parking attendant at a bus stand here was arrested for allegedly misbehaving with a female inspector and assaulting a sub-inspector, police said on Thursday.

An FIR was registered against the accused, Abhishek alias Sunny, a parking attendant at Sohna bus stand, and he was produced before a city court, which sent him to judicial custody, officials said.

Police said the incident took place on Wednesday afternoon when inspector Rajma Devi and sub-inspector Rajjak Khan were patrolling near the Sohna bus stand.

A parking attendant, who was issuing parking slips, got into an argument with them and insisted on charging the inspector for her vehicle, despite them standing outside the parking area, they said.

When the sub-inspector questioned the accused, he allegedly got enraged and started a scuffle. As the lady inspector intervened, he allegedly pushed her and also threatened to kill the officers, police said.

A police team soon arrived at the spot and detained Abhishek from Lala Kherli village, they added.

A video of the incident has surfaced, showing the accused throwing the sub-inspector against a car and slapping him. Abhishek was also seen pushing the lady inspector.

The sub-inspector suffered a chest injury and was referred to a hospital in Gurugram, police said.

“We have arrested the accused and registered an FIR against him. He was produced before a city court and sent to judicial custody,” Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sohna, Jitender Kumar said. PTI COR OZ

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Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI) New India Cooperative Bank's general manager and head of accounts Hitesh Mehta, the main accused in an embezzlement case connected to the lender, used to call two bank employees on phone asking them to hand over Rs 50 lakh at a time from the safe to persons he used to send, police officials said on Thursday.

Mehta and real estate developer Dharmesh Paun are in custody since Sunday in connection with a Rs 122 crore embezzlement case at New India Cooperative Bank, which came to light following an inspection by the Reserve Bank of India. The Economic Offences Wing of Mumbai police is probing the case.

"Mehta had access to the safes of the banks as he was the custodian. The statements of two bank staffers have been recorded. They have said how they used to give cash to those sent by Mehta. These bank staffers, who are witnesses in the case, have said they handed Rs 50 lakh cash more than once to several persons," the official informed.

The probe so far has found that a former employee of the lender wrote to RBI about the prevailing situation, he said, adding this information is being verified with the RBI.

Authorities were aware the bank was in an unhealthy state since non-performing assets (NPAs) were rising following disbursal of money to ineligible persons, the official said.

"Considering the bank's situation in the last two years, we are probing why the misappropriation of funds was not pointed out in audits. We have started recording statements of those who conducted the audits. While cash as per the books was Rs 138 crore, an RBI inspection found Rs 122 crore of this missing from two safes of the bank. The EOW is verifying if the money went missing at one go," the official said.

The official said the statement of Abhijeet Deshmukh, a partner of the chartered accountancy firm involved in the audit of the bank, was recorded by EOW at the commissionerate in south Mumbai.

"The statement of the bank's former CEO Abhimanyu Bhoan was recorded on Wednesday, He was called again today as part of the probe. Meanwhile, accused Unnathan Arunachalam alias Arun Bhai, to whom Mehta gave Rs 50 crore, is still absconding," the official informed. PTI DC BNM

Noida, Feb 20 (PTI) Police have arrested three people for their alleged involvement in burglary, following an encounter, officials said on Thursday.

During the firing, one of the accused was injured in the leg, they said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Shakti Mohan Awasthi said that police, near a checkpoint at a nursery, saw some people travelling in an auto-rickshaw. When they signalled the driver to stop, he increased the speed of his vehicle and attempted to flee.

The police chased and surrounded them but the passengers in the auto-rickshaw began firing. In retaliation, police also fired at them and injured Surendra (30), Awasthi said.

The other two accused -- Rohit (22) and Ajay (28) -- tried to flee but the police arrested them.

Surendra was rushed to a hospital for treatment, Awasthi said.

During interrogation, the accused revealed that they would rob houses at night and were on their way to sell stolen goods, he said.

Surenda, a resident of Bulandshahr, has several cases of robbery and theft registered against him in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, Awasthi added.

Awasthi said that the police have recovered a country-made pistol, cartridges, Rs 10,000 cash, the auto rickshaw used in the incident, a gold ring, a silver belt, a battery inverter, LED TV etc. from the accused. PTI COR HIG

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Two murders in different parts of east Delhi were reported on Thursday but CCTV footage in both cases showed the same five suspects, all juveniles. This led to a manhunt that was completed within 13 hours with police apprehending all the five minors.

At around 3 am, police in New Ashok Nagar got a call about an 'accident' near the Jal Board Treatment Plant in which one person was injured, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania said in a statement the incident which was reported as an accident later turned out to be a murder.

"When teams reached near the treatment plant between Kondli Bridge and Dallupura turn, they noticed a large amount of blood on the main road," he said.

The injured man, in his mid-30s, was rushed to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, where doctors declared him dead, the DCP said, adding that the victim had multiple stab wounds.

Following this, an FIR was registered in the matter. A probe was launched and the police started scanning CCTV footage from the nearby areas.

As New Ashok Nagar police was probing this case, the Ghazipur Police Station received a distress call around 11.30 am informing that a man was found dead behind a liquor shop in the Paper Market area, the officer said.

A team rushed to the spot and found the body at an empty plot. The deceased was later identified as 49-year-old Ramesh, a resident of Ghazipur’s Kumhar Basti.

His son, Sunny, confirmed the identification, the DCP said.

The crime team inspected the scene and found three deep cut marks on the victim's left thigh, he said.

“CCTV footage from the vicinity revealed a disturbing sequence wherein four young men were seen attacking the victim," the DCP said.

Soon the incidents, which occurred in different locations, were found to be linked, with the same group of assailants responsible for both crimes.

Four police teams were formed under the leadership of ACP Kalyanpuri and ACP Operations. Teams of New Ashok Nagar, Anti-Narcotic Squad, Special Staff and Ghazipur Police Station started probing the matter. 

The teams reviewed CCTV footage, tracking movements via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, the officer said.

"The investigators managed to identify and apprehend four juveniles directly involved in the crimes. Subsequently, the fifth suspect was also held,” he said.

Forensic analysis and video surveillance footage established that the same group of offenders was involved in both the murders, the officer said.

“The juveniles first committed the Ghazipur murder in a drunken state and later targeted a passerby in New Ashok Nagar," said the DCP.

According to the police, the New Ashok Nagar incident happened sometime after the Gazipur incident, information about which was received around 11.30 am.

Sharing details of the motive behind the Ghazipur murder, the officer said the juveniles gathered at a liquor shop in Paper Market to celebrate a birthday. 

An argument broke out between them and Ramesh, which escalated and they stabbed him, he said.

After committing the first crime, they went to New Ashok Nagar and in a drunken state attempted to rob a passerby near Dallupura Road. 

When the victim resisted, they fatally stabbed him before fleeing the scene, he said.

All of the juveniles were apprehended around 4 pm, ending a manhunt that lasted for 13 hours, the police said. PTI COR BM BM NB

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Two murders in different parts of east Delhi were reported on Thursday but CCTV footage in both cases showed the same five suspects, all juveniles. This led to a manhunt that was completed within 13 hours with police apprehending all the five minors.

At around 3 am, police in New Ashok Nagar got a call about an 'accident' near the Jal Board Treatment Plant in which one person was injured, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania said in a statement the incident which was reported as an accident later turned out to be a murder.

"When teams reached near the treatment plant between Kondli Bridge and Dallupura turn, they noticed a large amount of blood on the main road," he said.

The injured man, in his mid-30s, was rushed to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, where doctors declared him dead, the DCP said, adding that the victim had multiple stab wounds.

Following this, an FIR was registered in the matter. A probe was launched and the police started scanning CCTV footage from the nearby areas.

As New Ashok Nagar police was probing this case, the Ghazipur Police Station received a distress call around 11.30 am informing that a man was found dead behind a liquor shop in the Paper Market area, the officer said.

A team rushed to the spot and found the body at an empty plot. The deceased was later identified as 49-year-old Ramesh, a resident of Ghazipur’s Kumhar Basti.

His son, Sunny, confirmed the identification, the DCP said.

The crime team inspected the scene and found three deep cut marks on the victim's left thigh, he said.

“CCTV footage from the vicinity revealed a disturbing sequence wherein four young men were seen attacking the victim," the DCP said.

Soon the incidents, which occurred in different locations, were found to be linked, with the same group of assailants responsible for both crimes.

Four police teams were formed under the leadership of ACP Kalyanpuri and ACP Operations. Teams of New Ashok Nagar, Anti-Narcotic Squad, Special Staff and Ghazipur Police Station started probing the matter. 

The teams reviewed CCTV footage, tracking movements via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, the officer said.

"The investigators managed to identify and apprehend four juveniles directly involved in the crimes. Subsequently, the fifth suspect was also held,” he said.

Forensic analysis and video surveillance footage established that the same group of offenders was involved in both the murders, the officer said.

“The juveniles first committed the Ghazipur murder in a drunken state and later targeted a passerby in New Ashok Nagar," said the DCP.

According to the police, the New Ashok Nagar incident happened sometime after the Gazipur incident, information about which was received around 11.30 am.

Sharing details of the motive behind the Ghazipur murder, the officer said the juveniles gathered at a liquor shop in Paper Market to celebrate a birthday. 

An argument broke out between them and Ramesh, which escalated and they stabbed him, he said.

After committing the first crime, they went to New Ashok Nagar and in a drunken state attempted to rob a passerby near Dallupura Road. 

When the victim resisted, they fatally stabbed him before fleeing the scene, he said.

All of the juveniles were apprehended around 4 pm, ending a manhunt that lasted for 13 hours, the police said. PTI COR BM BM NB

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Chandigarh, Feb 20 (PTI) Punjab Police on Thursday said it has arrested an associate of foreign-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa Harike.

Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said the accused, Sukhchain Singh alias Bhujia, from Matti village in Mansa was arrested and a .32 caliber pistol along with five cartridges were seized from his possession.

The officer said based on a tip-off police teams under the overall supervision of Additional Director General of Police Promod Ban launched an operation and arrested the accused from the Bhikhi area in Mansa.

Sukhchain was wanted in a recent attempt to murder case at Bhikhi. He also is a history sheeter with a number of criminal cases including attempt to murder registered against him, the DGP said.

He said preliminary investigation revealed that Sukhchain was planning to target rival gang members.

In another case, police apprehended a shooter of the notorious Bambiha gang and seized two pistols and 10 cartridges from him.

He was arrested from Liddharan village under Maksudan police station, officials said.

The accused, Aman Kumar alias Golden, hailing from Padraunan village in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, was currently residing in Jalandhar, they said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jalandhar Rural, Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh, said following specific intelligence, a special operation was conducted on Wednesday.

A police team intercepted the accused near Onkar Cold Store, Liddaran village, where they seized two 30-bore pistols along with 10 live cartridges from his possession, the officer said.

During interrogation, the accused revealed his connection with Harmandar Singh, a Bambiha Gang leader who is currently lodged in Rohini Jail in Delhi, he said.

The accused was involved in several serious crimes in the past, police said.

In June 2018, he was booked for sexually assaulting a minor in Jalandhar. His criminal record expanded in May 2022 when he attempted murder and participated in a riot in Kabirpur, Kapurthala, where illegal weapons were also recovered from his possession, they added. PTI CHS OZ

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Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI) Mumbai police on Thursday received mails threatening to blow up Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's car, an official said.

According to the official, mails threatening to bomb Shinde's car were received at Goregaon and J J Marg police stations in the morning, after which a probe began in the case.

"The IP address of the sender is being tracked. All angles are being probed," the official informed.

A senior Mumbai police official had earlier said a threat call had been received.

Hours after the mails, an FIR was registered at the Goregaon police station in suburban Mumbai against an unidentified person under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 351(3) - criminal intimidation -- and 353(2) - statements conducing to public mischief, a senior official said.

Further investigation was underway, he added.

The opposition parties, meanwhile, attacked the state government over the law and order situation.

A threat to Shinde has created doubt among people about whether law and order exists in the country, said Congress MLC Satej Patil.

The deputy CM must be given appropriate security, Patil added.

What happens to the common man if the deputy chief minister gets a death threat, questioned NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase. PTI DC PR KRK BNM RSY

Ghaziabad (UP), Feb 20 (PTI) A 20-year-old man has been arrested here for allegedly raping a minor and filming the act, police said on Thursday.

Police said the accused was in a "relationship" with the 14-year-old girl.

A case has been filed against him based on the complaint lodged by the girl's mother on Wednesday, an official said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ajay Kumar Singh said the girl informed her mother about her "relationship" with the accused and that he had filmed their intimate moments.

The officer said that the girl was not willing to have sexual relations with the accused recently, following which he threatened her of making the videos of their physical relations public and even sent a clip to a friend of the girl's mother.

When the victim's mother came to know about the video, she lodged a police complaint under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 65(1) (rape on woman under 16 years of age) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the officer added.

The accused was arrested and sent to jail, the ACP said. PTI COR KIS OZ

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Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI) A man allegedly involved in money laundering to the tune of Rs 14 crore in connection with the Torres jewellery brand fraud case was held from Vashi in Navi Mumbai, a police official said on Thursday.

Lallan Singh, who was held by Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing, is the seventh person to be arrested in the case, he added.

"Singh was absconding since registration of the case at Dadar police station. He is allegedly involved in converting Rs 14 crore black money into white by depositing the amount in dummy firms and obtaining cheques from them. Other accused had approached Singh after seeing his online profile which stated he was a financial consultant," the official said.

As per Mumbai police, Platinum Hern Pvt Limited, which owns the Torres jewellery brand, has cheated investors of several crore rupees through a combination of Ponzi and multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes.

More than 10,848 investors have so far approached Mumbai police with cheating complaints, with the fraud amount crossing Rs 57 crore. PTI DC BNM

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Three men have been arrested from Manipur with 10 kilograms of high-grade heroin worth over Rs 50 crore in the international market, an official said on Thursday.

The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has claimed to dismantle an inter-state narcotics syndicate with the arrest of -- Mitralal Khatiwoda alias Manoj (45), Krishna Neopani (21), and Akash Karki (25) -- all residents of Manipur.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (Special Cell) Amit Kaushik said the Special Cell unit had been tracking an inter-state drug network operating across Manipur, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR.

The syndicate was actively involved in smuggling heroin from Myanmar into India via Manipur and further distributing it across different states, Kaushik said.

He said investigators spent more than four to five months gathering intelligence through technical and manual surveillance. During this period, police teams visited West Bengal and Manipur multiple times to track the movement of the traffickers and develop local sources.

On January 23, a raiding team was formed based on a tip-off about Mitralal and Akash, who were planning to deliver a heroin consignment in Delhi's Mangolpuri Industrial Area, the officer said.

The two arrived at the designated spot in an e-rickshaw along with their associate Krishna and as soon as they were identified by the informer, police apprehended all the three suspects, he added.

A thorough search led to the recovery of 10 kilograms of high-quality heroin, hidden inside their belongings, he said, adding that a case was registered an investigation was launched.

During interrogation, the accused revealed that they were part of a well-organised drug syndicate that smuggled heroin from Myanmar into India, DCP Kaushik said.

The operation began with raw opium being procured from the Myanmar border, which was then processed into heroin in Thoubal, Manipur, police said.

The drug was subsequently transported via carriers to Dimapur (Nagaland), Guwahati (Assam), and Siliguri (West Bengal), before reaching Delhi-NCR, officials said.

Traffickers concealed heroin in secret cavities within trucks to evade detection, making it nearly impossible to spot during routine checks, police said. PTI BM BM OZ

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol on Thursday said the occasion of World Social Justice Day called for reflecting upon how far the ideals of social justice had been realised in the country and also for confronting harsh truths such as the divide between the haves and the have-nots.

He was speaking at a seminar marking the World Day of Social Justice and the announcement of the establishment of the K K Luthra and Nirmal Luthra Centre for Comparative Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Studies at the O P Jindal Global University.

Justice Karol said the day served not only as a reflection on the country's progress but also as a reminder of the immense challenges that remained in achieving the true essence of social justice.

"As we commemorate World Social Justice Day in 2025, we must reflect on how far we have come in realising social justice goals set out in our Constitution. While it is undeniable that India has made significant strides in areas such as economic growth, education and health care, we must also confront the uncomfortable truth that the gap between the haves and the have-nots remains wide, and it is in many cases even violent in recent years," Justice Karol said.

The apex court judge said in the 75th year of the adoption of the Constitution, the promise of social justice remained unfulfilled for a significant portion of the population, the issue of poverty still prevailed and several communities continued to face systemic discrimination and exclusion.

"In fact, the concentration of wealth in the hands of few has become even more pronounced while millions of our fellow citizens struggle to meet their basic needs. The recent debates around inequality in India show that the wealthiest one per cent of the population holds a disproportionate share of the nation's wealth, while vast sections of society remain excluded from the benefits of economic growth," Justice Karol said.

Underlining the importance of the opening of the new centre, he said the study of research in comparative criminal law in criminal justice was crucial for advancing social justice on a global scale.

"By comparing different legal systems, scholars can identify practices that promote equality, fairness and access to justice for marginalised and deprived communities. Understanding how various nations address issues like over-incarceration and the treatment of world women populations, allows the development of more inclusive policies and reforms.

"This comparative approach not only highlights disparities but also fosters the exchange of ideas that can lead to more economical justice systems, ultimately ensuring justice serves all, regardless of background and status," Justice Karol said.

Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General R Venkataramani, former apex court judge Arjan K Sikri, senior advocates Salman Khurshid, Sidharth Luthra and Geeta Luthra also spoke at the event. PTI MNR KSS

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Youtuber Ashish Chanchlani has moved the Supreme Court seeking to quash or transfer to Mumbai an FIR registered in Guwahati in connection with a case of allegedly promoting obscenity in an online show.

Chanchlani is one of the persons named in the case registered in Assam, in which podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia is the key accused because of his controversial comments on the YouTube show 'India's Got Latent'.

The plea is listed for hearing before an apex court bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh on Friday.

In his plea, drafted through advocate Shubham Kulshreshtha and filed by advocate Manju Jaitley, Chanchlani has sought quashing of the FIR registered at Cyber police station Police Commissionerate, Guwahati Crime Branch, Assam.

"Quash the FIR bearing No. 03 of 2025 registered at Cyber PS Police Commissionerate, Guwahati Crime Branch, Assam as it was registered later," the plea said.

Alternatively, the Youtuber has sought transfer of the FIR registered at Cyber PS Police Commissionerate, Guwahati Crime Branch, Assam to Mumbai Police Station Nodal Cyber, Mumbai as FIR bearing No. 05 of 2025 registered at Mumbai Police Station Nodal Cyber, Mumbai was registered first.

The Gauhati High Court Tuesday granted interim bail to Chanchlani while hearing his anticipatory bail petition and asked him to be present before the investigating officer within 10 days.

Chanchlani's counsels had argued that their client did not utter anything in the show and the allegations in the FIR were made against the co-accused persons only.

The FIR was registered by the Guwahati Police on a complaint of an individual on February 10 under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhtia (BNS), Information Technology Act, Cinematograph Act and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.

The top court on February 18 granted interim protection from arrest to podcaster Allahbadia over his comments on a YouTube show while calling it "vulgar" and saying he had a "dirty mind" which put society to shame. PTI PKS NSD

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Baripada (Odisha), Feb 20 (PTI) A court in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Thursday sentenced a 35-year-old man to imprisonment for 10 years for raping a disabled woman in 2022.

Mayurbhanj district additional sessions judge, Satyanarayan Patra also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict Bikash Chandra Mohapatra.

The judgement was delivered based on the statement of the victim, six witnesses and the medical report, additional special public prosecutor Krushna Chandra Das said.

On November 21, 2022, the convict raped the woman when she was alone at her home.

Later, the victim lodged an FIR at Badasahi police station.

The police registered a case and arrested the accused. PTI COR BBM NN

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Frowning upon the protracted trial in heinous offences, the Supreme Court has said indefinite incarceration would violate the expanded meaning of liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution as it granted reliefs to two alleged Maoist sympathisers, booked under the stringent anti-terror law UAPA.

Two different benches of the apex court granted relief to the accused after noting delayed trial. In one case, the trial was expedited while in the other, bail was granted by the top court.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh said the Centre should seriously think of setting up special courts to try Maoist related cases, so that the trial is expedited.

The bench, which was perturbed by the fact that even after six years of arrest Ning Kham Shangtam, accused of allegedly transporting ammunition and parts of AK-47 automatic rifles from Manipur to Bihar for banned organisation Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), a splinter group of CPI (Maoist), only 59 witnesses out of 98 have been examined.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the NIA, submitted that the court in which the trial is going on in Bihar, was a regular court and there are other matters which are dealt by it.

"It is true that the petitioner has spent nearly six years in custody and indefinite incarceration would undoubtedly violate the expanded meaning of liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. However, taking into consideration the fact that the trial in the instant case can be concluded within a specified time-frame, we do not deem it necessary to go into the merits of the petitioner's claim at this stage...," the bench said in its February 13 order uploaded on Thursday.

It issued certain directions for expediting the trial in the case.

The bench directed the trial court, before whom the subject-trial is pending, is directed to take up the case at least twice in a month for recording the remainder of the prosecution evidence.

It directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and its public prosecutor to ensure that sufficient prosecution witnesses, who are yet to be examined, remain present for their deposition before the trial court.

"Counsel for the petitioner as well as his co-accused are directed to extend full cooperation to the trial court for expeditious disposal of the trial for which they will not seek avoidable adjournments for cross-examination etc," it said, adding that the trial court shall make an endeavour to conclude the pending trial within six months.

The bench said in case, the public prosecutor or defence counsel do not extend cooperation to the trial court, a report to this effect shall be sent to this court for appropriate directions.

"However, if for some unforeseen circumstances, beyond the control of the court, trial is not concluded within six months, liberty is granted to the petitioner to move a fresh application for bail before the trial court and such an application shall be considered as per its own merits without being influenced by the observations made in the impugned order of the high court or by this court," it said.

Similarly, a bench of Justices JP Pardiwala and R Mahadevan granted bail to one Tapas Kumar Palit, accused of allegedly transporting shoes, electric wires, LED lens, walkie-talkie and other articles for Naxal activities in Chhattisgarh.

The bench noted that Palit was arrested on March 24, 2020 and till now only 42 witnesses out of over 100 witnesses have been examined so far.

"If an accused is to get a final verdict after incarceration of six to seven years in jail as an undertrial prisoner, then, definitely, it could be said that his right to have a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution has been infringed," it said.

The bench said it's been five years that accused has been in judicial custody and the state's counsel has no idea as regards the time likely to be consumed to complete the recording of the oral evidence.

"In such circumstances, we are left with no other option but to order release of the appellant on bail. We do not undermine the seriousness of the crime that has been alleged," the bench said in its order of February 14.

The bench said it has made clear many times that howsoever serious a crime may be the accused has a fundamental right of speedy trial as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.

"Before we close this matter, we would like to observe as to why the public prosecutor wants to examine 100 witnesses. Who are these 100 witnesses? We are aware that it is the public prosecutor who could be said to be in-charge of the trial and he has to decide who is to be examined and who is to be dropped. But at the same time, no useful purpose would be served if 10 witnesses are examined to establish one particular fact," the bench observed.

It added that examining too many witnesses results in indefinite delay in conclusion of trial.

"It is expected of the public prosecutor to wisely exercise his discretion in so far as examination of the witnesses is concerned," the bench said, adding where the number of witnesses is large, it is not necessary that everyone should be examined.

"We would say that delays are bad for the accused and extremely bad for the victims, for Indian society and for the credibility of our justice system, which is valued," it said, while directing the accused not to enter Kanker district of Chhattisgarh. PTI MNL ZMN

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) A Delhi court on Thursday dismissed a defamation complaint against former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in a criminal defamation case filed by a businessman, noting that the complainant had expired while his heir failed to establish that he was aggrieved by the alleged statement.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal dismissed the complaint field by S P Gupta on an application filed by Koshyari and other accused, including former Congress MP Raashid Alvi, seeking acquittal in the case.

"The application filed by the accused for acquittal is allowed and disposed of. Since the complainant has since deceased and there is no aggrieved person to continue prosecution of the present complaint, the accused No. 4 (a private company) is also acquitted," the judge said.

The judge said that neither the original complaint nor the application of the legal heirs of the deceased complainant could show that they were "aggrieved person" of the offence of defamation.

According to the complaint, complainant S P Gupta was the managing director of Sunair Hotels, a private limited company, and after certain business dealings with another company, VLS Finance Ltd, turned sour and under various litigations, both parties made allegations of mismanagement, etc., against each other and were investigated by several investigating agencies, including the CBI and SFIO.

It alleged that Gupta was "pressurised by then senior ministers" on behalf of VLS Finance Ltd, while Koshiyari, Alvi and others wrote defamatory letters on behalf of the company with the intention to damage his reputation.

The judge said that after going through the entire complaint as well as pre-summoning evidence, "this court can see that the complainant has expressed personal trauma by the alleged letters".

"However, the complainant has not alleged that the letters caused any harm to the reputation of his company or to his family. The complainant throughout his complaint has averred that attempt was made to harm the reputation of the complainant, but nowhere any grievance to his family or to his company has been stated," the judge said, holding that the legal heir was "not aggrieved". PTI UK ARI

Hyderabad, Feb 20 (PTI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy appeared before a special court here on Thursday in connection with multiple cases, including alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct during past elections in the state.

Reddy appeared before the Special JFCM Court for Excise Cases—designated as the MP-MLA court—where he was examined.

He denied the allegations levelled against him and opted for trials in the cases.

The court scheduled the cases for hearings on different dates.

Earlier, the court had issued summons to Reddy and others in connection with cases registered against them at various police stations, including those related to poll code violations and certain remarks made against the police. PTI VVK GDK SSK VVK SSK ROH

Lucknow, Feb 20 (PTI) The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Thursday adjourned the bail plea of Congress MP Rakesh Rathor accused of sexual exploitation and posted it on February 24.

When the matter came up before Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan, the judge said he could not hear it due to paucity of time and asked the parties to file their responses in the meantime.

The court previously rejected Rathor's anticipatory bail plea on January 29, following which the police arrested him and he was remanded to judicial custody.

Rathor was arrested on January 30 during a press conference at his residence. An MP/MLA court in Sitapur had also rejected his anticipatory bail plea on January 23 following which he moved the high court

On January 15, a woman filed a complaint against Rathore, alleging he sexually exploited her for four years. According to her complaint, Rathor repeatedly raped her on the pretext of marriage and to help her build a political career.

Since his arrest, Rathor has been lodged in Sitapur District Jail. On January 29, the court rejected the MP's anticipatory bail plea and disposed of the petition leading to his arrest and imprisonment.

Rathore's lawyers, advocates Arvind Masdalan and Dinesh Tripathi on January 20, filed a petition seeking anticipatory bail in Sitapur court. PTI ABN AMK

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside Madras High Court's directions, including the one asking a private company to pay Rs 42 crore to the Tamil Nadu government in connection with the Formula 4 Racing event in Chennai in 2023.

A bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra held the Madras High Court "overstepped" its jurisdiction by interfering in the contractual terms between the Tamil Nadu government's sports body and event organiser Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL).

"Once the high court was satisfied that the decision to hold the sports event is a matter of policy, it could not have proceeded to interfere with the specific terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) entered into between the authority and RPPL. Issues such as the mutual obligations, including the apportionment of expenditure that the contracting parties must bear, are beyond the scrutiny of the high court in a public interest litigation,” held Justice Narasimha, authoring the judgement.

Acting on a PIL, the high court passed several directions including ones by which the RPPL was to reimburse Rs 42 crore to Tamil Nadu government. The state had spent the amount from the public exchequer before the event was organised.

The high court said, “In future, the state is expected to take upon itself the responsibility of conducting such an event in furtherance of its policy to encourage the racing sport and seek the support of private bodies having experience and expertise in the field. This will ensure fairness and also dispel any doubt as to mala fides in distribution of the state largesse.”

RPPL had signed a three-year MoU with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) on August 16, 2023, to organise the event.

Under the agreement, RPPL committed to spending Rs 202 crore on the event, while SDAT was responsible for Rs 42 crore expenditure, including licensing fees, road improvements, and other miscellaneous costs.

The state government issued a statement on November 2, 2023 for organising the event between December 8 and 10.

PILs were filed in the high court raising multiple objections such as public inconvenience, lack of safety measures, noise pollution, environmental and ecological damage, and the lack of transparency in the use of public funds for the event in a manner that benefits a private party.

Though the high court said it would not interfere with the government's policy decision to promote motor racing as a sport, it said a private party was organising the event and the role of the state government was limited to facilitating the event and the revenue and profits would accrue only to the firm.

The private firm had no objection with respect to the reservations expressed by the high court on public safety and health but was aggrieved after being directed to reimburse Rs 42 crore spent by the state.

The sport development authority, the bench said, acted as a nodal governmental authority for promoting sports and the welfare of sports persons and it was nobody’s case that it distributed the largesse or "frittered away" public funds.

"The scope of judicial review in matters concerning the contractual relationship of the State or its instrumentality with private participation, particularly as regards the scope and ambit of work and finances, are limited,” it added. PTI SJK AMK

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) A day after the Supreme Court rebuked a lawyer who sought adjournment citing senior advocate Harish Salve's unavailability in appearing in the matter, the senior counsel informed the top court on Thursday that the request was made on his behalf without his knowledge.

A bench of Justices A S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan was informed by a lawyer from Salve's office that it was very unfair to the court that he was not intimated at all about it.

Justice Oka said there would be no harm if an apology was tendered to the court by the lawyers.

"You may not like judges but there is no harm in apologising to the institution. You may not like an individual judge but even that remorse is not shown by junior members of the bar. That will be harmful to them in the future. The apology has to be to the institution and not to the individual judges. And even that practice has disappeared with the passage of time because perhaps the junior members of the bar are under the impression that judges may come here stay for few years and go away," he said.

The senior advocate, the lawyer said, was not kept in the loop that such an adjournment was sought.

"We are not on individuals. It is very unfair. This is not the first time," the bench added.

When the court asked the lawyer what action should be taken against the lawyer who took adjournment in Salve's name, the advocate appearing from Salve's office said, "One thing we were taught repeatedly was never take the court for granted. That it is your temple, that is where you have to appear and that is where you have to bow down. There are people who are doing things in his (Salve's) name and he is aggrieved that he does not even get to know about it and people go and mention on his behalf."

The counsel who sought the adjournment on February 19 appeared before the bench and said he was acting on the client's instructions. The lawyer asked the court to adjourn the matter for four weeks, saying Salve would argue the matter.

The top court then expressed its disapproval.

"Are you under an impression that we will adjourn a matter if you take the name of a senior counsel? This tendency of the lawyers at the bar must stop. We are not going to adjourn matters just because you take the name of any senior counsel," it said.

When the matter later came up for hearing, the court said it wanted to dispel the impression that it could adjourn the matter in the name of a senior counsel.

However, it accepted the request and adjourned the hearing. PTI PKS AMK

Bengaluru, Feb 20 (PTI) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday reserved its order on a petition filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi B M, and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, seeking to quash the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons issued in connection with the MUDA land allotment scam.

On January 27, the High Court stayed the ED’s notice directing Parvathi and Minister Suresh to appear for questioning in the site allotment case.

During the hearing, senior advocate Sandesh J Chouta, representing Parvathi, argued that she had already surrendered the sites in question and had never benefited from any alleged illegal proceeds.

He cited the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary vs Union of India case, emphasising that under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), an offence requires three essential components—the existence of a scheduled offence, the generation of proceeds of crime from that offence, and the accused’s direct or indirect involvement in using or handling those proceeds.

Chouta maintained that Parvathi returned the disputed properties on October 1, 2024, meaning she neither retained nor profited from them.

He also questioned the ED’s jurisdiction, arguing that the agency launched its investigation solely based on a hastily filed FIR by the Lokayukta.

Furthermore, he contended that the ED was overstepping its mandate by attempting to probe the predicate offence, which was already under investigation by the relevant anti-corruption authorities.

He challenged the ED’s claim that its probe extended beyond the 14 sites, calling it an attempt to expand the case beyond its original scope.

In response, Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath, representing the ED, defended the ongoing investigation arguing that the MUDA site allotment scam was not limited to a few transactions but indicated systemic violations.

Kamath claimed that the ED had uncovered a pattern of sites being allotted to relatives of politicians and key officials, often in violation of existing regulations.

"This case involves corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation is not just about 14 sites but a broader scheme where MUDA allotted properties in violation of the law," Kamath stated.

He also questioned the unusually swift approval of Parvathi’s site surrender request, suggesting that it raised red flags.

"It was processed at lightning speed. If we accept the argument that a person must ‘enjoy’ the property for money laundering to apply, then anyone facing PMLA charges could simply return the asset and claim innocence," Kamath argued.

During proceedings, the High Court examined whether the ED’s probe genuinely involved money laundering or was merely an extension of the initial corruption investigation, which had already been closed by the Lokayukta’s B-report.

"Where are the proceeds of crime in this case? The sites were allotted in exchange for land usage, not through purchase or sale. There is no evidence that proceeds of crime emerged from this process," the court observed.

Kamath, however, maintained that the ED had the authority to conduct an independent investigation, even if the Lokayukta had closed its case.

He stressed that the closure of the predicate offence probe did not automatically nullify the ED’s inquiry into potential money laundering activities.

With the High Court reserving its verdict, the next hearing in the Lokayukta case is scheduled for February 24.

Siddaramaiah is facing allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife by MUDA.

He, along with his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, and Devaraju—who had sold land to Swamy, which was later gifted to Parvathi—were named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police in Mysuru on September 27.

The FIR was based on a complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, following an order from the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs.

On September 30, the ED filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against the Chief Minister and others, taking cognisance of the Lokayukta FIR. PTI CORR AMP SSK ROH