The unfortunate incident occurred while the boat was en route from Patharseni Kuda to Banjipalli in Bargarh district in Odisha.
Tag: Breaking News
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Indian Navy Warship Thwarts Hijacking Of Iranian Vessel By Armed Pirates In Arabian Sea
The Indian Navy on Friday said that it successfully intercepted the Iranian Fishing Vessel ‘Al Kambar 786’, which had been hijacked. The incident occurred this evening, approximately 90 Nautical Miles South West of Socotra in the Arabian sea. It was reported that the vessel had been boarded by nine armed pirates. Further details awaited.
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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Sustains ‘Major’ Injury, Rushed To Hospital |
KOLKATA: In an unpleasant development, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee sustained a ”major” injury, her party said in a post on X. The Trinamool Congress supremo was immediately taken to the state-run SSKM hospital in Kolkata. Her party, TMC, also shared pictures of Mamata Banerjee in which her forehead can be seen bleeding.
”Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury. Please keep her in your prayers,” West Bengal’s ruling party posted on X.
Our chairperson @MamataOfficial sustained a major injury.
Please keep her in your prayers pic.twitter.com/gqLqWm1HwE
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 14, 2024
In one of those photos, the Trinamool Congress chief can be seen lying on a hospital bed with a deep cut in the middle of her forehead and blood on her face. The 69-year-old politician slipped and hit her head on a furniture at her Kalighat residence. She suffered major injuries to her forehead after which she was immediately rushed to the state-run SSKM Hospital by her party workers.
As the news spread, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal expressed shock and grief over Mamta Banerjee’s injury and wished her a speedy recovery.
”Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u,” Kejriwal posted on X.
Shocked to see this. Pray for ur speedy recovery Didi. God bless u https://t.co/Cc9fn1cNMO
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 14, 2024
Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar also reacted to the news and said, “We wish for the speedy recovery of the West Bengal Chief Minister. We pray to God that she recovers soon and returns to her normal health.”
#WATCH | Balurghat: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee sustained ‘a major injury’, State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar says, “We wish for the speedy recovery of the chief minister…” pic.twitter.com/bTKhgt0Mqr
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024
Mamata Banerjee had shortly returned from an event in South Kolkata’s Ballygunge and was at her home when the incident occurred.
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Karpoori Thakur, ‘Jan Nayak’ And Former Bihar CM, To Be Awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ Posthumously |
NEW DELHI: In a major development, the Centre on Tuesday announced that Karpoori Thakur, the former Bihar Chief Minister and great Socialist leader, will be awarded India’s highest civilian award – Bharat Ratna – posthumously. Thakur was a former Bihar Chief Minister and was known for championing the cause of the backward classes.
Karpoori Thakur awarded the Bharat Ratna (posthumously).
He was a former Bihar Chief Minister and was known for championing the cause of the backward classes. pic.twitter.com/nG7H80SwSZ
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2024
The announcement to honour Thakur with India’s highest civilian award comes a day before his 100th birth anniversary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X and expressed his happiness over the Centre’s move to felicitate the late Bihar politician with ”Bharat Ratna.” ”I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social justice, the great ‘Jan Nayak’ Karpoori Thakur Ji and that too at a time when we are marking his birth centenary. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalized and a stalwart of equality and empowerment. His unwavering commitment to uplift the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on India’s socio-political fabric. This award not only honours his remarkable contributions but also inspires us to continue his mission of creating a more just and equitable society,” PM Modi wrote on X.
I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social justice, the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji and that too at a time when we are marking his birth centenary. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring… pic.twitter.com/9fSJrZJPSP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2024
Bihar’s political parties, especially the ruling Janata Dal-United and top politicians, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, had been demanding a ”Bharat Ratna” for the ‘Jan Nayak’ (people’s leader) for championing the cause of the poor and the downtrodden.
Who Was Karpoori Thakur?
Born in Bihar’s Samastipur, Thakur served as the state’s chief minister for two terms. He also served as the state’s education minister and deputy chief minister. Embarking on his political career with the Praja Socialist Party, he later joined forces with the Janata Party during his initial tenure as the chief minister of Bihar from 1977 to 1979. Over time, he established connections with the Janata Dal, marking a significant shift in his political affiliation.
Thakur was born on January 24, 1924 and died on February 17, 1988.
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‘RSS-BJP Event’: Congress Says Won’t Attend Ram Temple Inauguration In Ayodhya |
NEW DELHI: In a major political development, the Congress party on Wednesday said that it has decided to skip the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya slated to be held on January 22. The move, according to a party statement, is attributed to concerns over the event being strategically advanced for electoral gains by the BJP and RSS. ”The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been brought forward for electoral gain,” the statement issued by the Congress party said.
Congress Leaders Decline Invitation
The statement emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to upholding the 2019 Supreme Court judgment while respecting the sentiments of millions who hold Lord Ram in high regard. Notable party figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, have gracefully declined the invitation, characterizing the event as distinctly aligned with the RSS and BJP, according to the statement.
“Last month, the Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury received an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya to be held on January 22nd, 2024,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in the statement.
“Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event,” the statement added.
Here is the statement of Shri @Jairam_Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2024
Sonia, Kharge, Chowdhury On The Guest List
Previously invited to the consecration ceremony on January 22, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were individually extended invitations. The ongoing invitation process is expected to include former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda, along with various other opposition leaders in the coming days.
Diverse Guest List Raises Eyebrows
While the heads of major national political parties have received invitations, chief ministers and governors are notably absent from the list, despite their party leadership roles. The inclusive guest list features figures from various domains, including spiritual leaders, actors, industrialists, and heads of temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Vaishno Devi.
Advani, Joshi Invited Amid Health Concerns
In a notable move, the Vishva Hindu Parishad has extended invitations to BJP veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, key figures from the ’90s Ram Mandir movement. Both leaders, now in their nineties, expressed their intent to participate, contingent on their health conditions.
PM Modi To Attend Idol Installation
The grand ceremony is set to witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be attending the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla. As per temple officials, the ceremony will be held over seven days starting from January 16. Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22.
Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony. A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds great spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India.
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Magnitude Of PDS Scam In West Bengal ‘Enormous’, Likely To Be Around Rs 10,000 Cr: ED |
KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday made startling revelations, saying that the magnitude of the alleged Public Distribution System (PDS) scam in West Bengal is enormous and its investigation points to a massive scale of corruption. The central agency while claiming that the investigation carried out so far has unveiled the colossal magnitude of the scam said that the proceeds of crime transferred by a suspect are likely to be between Rs 9,000 – 10,000 Crore. Notably, a substantial amount, around Rs 2,000 Crore, is suspected to have been illicitly transferred to Dubai, either directly or through Bangladesh, the agency added.
“The investigation carried out so far indicates that the magnitude of the scam is enormous, and the proceeds of crime received and further transferred and layered by one suspected person itself are suspected to be at least to the tune of Rs 9,000 – 10,000 Crore and out of that, Rs 2000 Crore were also suspected to be transferred to Dubai either directly or through Bangladesh,” the agency said according to ANI.
On the alleged PDS scam in West Bengal, the Enforcement Directorate says, “The investigation carried out so far indicates that the magnitude of the scam is enormous, and the proceeds of crime received and further transferred and layered by one suspected person itself are…
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2024
Trinamool Congress Leader Remanded To ED Custody
Shankar Adhya, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), who is at the centre of the alleged multi-crore scam in West Bengal, has been remanded to Enforcement Directorate custody for 14 days. He was arrested by the agency following ED searches at properties linked to him and his family members.
Allegations Of Widespread Corruption
During the court hearing, the ED asserted that the ration distribution scam involved widespread corruption amounting to at least Rs 10,000 crore. Shockingly, the probe agency revealed that a significant portion of this sum, nearly Rs 2,000 crore, was siphoned off to Dubai through Adhya’s company. The Enforcement Directorate disclosed that Shankar Adhya’s involvement surfaced through a letter from the arrested former Food Minister, Jyotipriya Mallick, who is also implicated in the ration corruption case.
Foreign Exchange Firms Linked To Adhya Identified
In response to queries from the court, the ED unveiled that as many as 90 foreign exchange firms connected to Adhya had been identified. Approximately Rs 2,000 crore was allegedly exchanged and sent abroad through these firms, primarily situated in border areas. The ED raised concerns in court about the potential misuse of these funds, questioning the likelihood of “anti-national activities.”
Attack On ED After Adhya’s Arrest
Following the arrest of Shankar Adhya, his supporters reportedly attempted to obstruct ED officials from taking him into custody. The situation escalated as supporters, led by women, tried to impede the officers, even resorting to stone-throwing. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel accompanying the ED officials intervened to bring the situation under control.
This incident marked the second attack on the agency, reminiscent of the one in Sandeshkhali in the neighbouring South 24 Parganas district during a raid at the residence of TMC leader Sahajahan Sheikh in the same case. The challenges faced by the ED highlight the gravity of the allegations and the tense atmosphere surrounding the unfolding investigation.
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BREAKING: Lalan Singh Steps Down As Janata Dal-United President, Sends Resignation To Nitish Kumar, Say Sources |
NEW DELHI: In a major political development, Lalan Singh, the president of Bihar’s ruling party, Janata Dal-United (JDU), has tendered his resignation from his position, sources said on Tuesday. As per sources, Lalan Singh, a key figure in JDU’s leadership, has forwarded his resignation to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This decision comes amid speculations and political discussions about the party’s future course of action.
Resignation Not Accepted Yet
As of now, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not accepted Lalan Singh’s resignation. The political circles are abuzz with discussions about the possible reasons behind this unexpected move. The development is set to be officially addressed on December 29th during a crucial meeting in Delhi.
Speculations Surrounding The Resignation
While the exact motives behind Lalan Singh’s resignation remain unclear, political observers are actively speculating about its potential implications on the party’s internal dynamics. This unexpected move has added an element of uncertainty to the political landscape in Bihar, leaving many to ponder the possible ramifications.
December 29th Meeting To Seal Fate
All eyes are now on the crucial JDU meeting scheduled for December 29th in Delhi, where the fate of Lalan Singh’s resignation is expected to be determined. The party leadership is likely to provide insights into the reasons behind this development and outline the future course of action for the Janata Dal (United).
This sudden turn of events within the JDU has not only triggered discussions within the party but also caught the attention of political analysts, making it a significant development in the current political scenario. It was earlier speculated that Nitish Kumar would soon remove Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh as the Janata Dal (United) chief.
While there is no official confirmation in this regard as yet, sources also said that Nitish Kumar may himself take over as the party chief. Nitish is also believed to have been advised by his close confidantes that he should take over as the party president as it will help avoid any rumbling within the party, which may otherwise be triggered if a new face replaces Lalan Singh.
According to sources, Nitish Kumar is upset with Lalan Singh over the way he has been functioning and especially his growing proximity with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav. Reports said Lalan Singh was keen on contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections again from Munger and he might contest on an RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) ticket.
Reports said Nitish was also upset with Lalan Singh for his failure to co-ordinate well with INDIA bloc partners to fulfill his national ambitions.
If officially removed as the party chief, Lallan Singh will join the league of other party senior leaders, like George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, RCP Singh, Upendra Kushwaha and poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who were previously replaced, despite being extremely close to Nitish Kumar.
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Parliament Winter Session: 49 More Opposition MPs Suspended From Lok Sabha Over ‘Unruly Behaviour’ |
New Delhi: As the Opposition continues to spar with the Narendra Modi government demanding answers on the recent breach in Lok Sabha’s security, more opposition MPs from Lok Sabha were suspended for the remaining winter session of Parliament for unruly behaviour and irresponsible conduct.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal proposed to suspend more Opposition MPs including Supriya Sule, Manish Tewari, Shashi Tharoor, Md Faisal, Karti Chidambaram, Sudip Bandhopadhyay, Dimple Yadav and Danish Ali. A total of 141 Opposition MPs have been suspended from both houses of Parliament for unruly behaviour.
Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal in Lok Sabha proposes to suspend more Opposition MPs including Supriya Sule, Manish Tewari, Shashi Tharoor, Md Faisal, Karti Chidambaram, Sudip Bandhopadhyay, Dimple Yadav and Danish Ali pic.twitter.com/vHlNsMh2Oh
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023
The latest suspension comes a day after 78 opposition MPs were suspended for the remainder of the ongoing ‘Winter Session’, for raising a ruckus and disrupting proceedings in both Houses on Monday to push for their demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Parliament security breach incident.
A total of 78 MPs – 33 from Lok Sabha and 45 from Rajya Sabha – were suspended on Monday, following a ruckus over the demand by the Opposition for a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach incident, taking the total number of lawmakers suspended for the remainder of the ongoing Winter Session to 92 on Monday.
While 34 opposition Rajya Sabha MPs, including Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala were suspended for the remainder of the ‘Winter Session’, the ‘misconduct’ of 11 others was also referred to the Privileges Committee, which has been asked to give its report in three months.
The members will remain suspended till a report is submitted by the panel. The reason for the suspension of opposition MPs for the rest of the Winter Session was cited to be ‘misconduct’ and failure to adhere to the directions of the Chair.
Meanwhile, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance MPs staged massive protest outside the Gandhi statue in Parliament over the security breach issue
Following the suspensions on Monday, Opposition MPs lashed out at the BJP-led Centre, terming it ‘autocratic’. Kharge said, “democratic norms are being thrown into the dustbin by an autocratic Modi government by suspending 47 MPs”.
“With an Opposition-Less Parliament, the Modi government can now bulldoze important pending legislations, crush any dissent, without any debate,” the Congress national president posted on X.
He added that the Opposition’s demands include a statement from Shah on the security breach and a discussion in both Houses.