Patna: The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar Monday released findings of its much-awaited caste survey, which revealed that OBCs and EBCs constitute a whopping 63 per cent of the state’s total population.

According to the data released here by Development Commissioner Vivek Singh, the state’s total population stood at a little over 13.07 crore, out of which, the Extremely Backward Classes (36 per cent) were the largest social segment followed by the Other Backward Classes at 27.13 per cent.

The survey also stated that Yadavs, the OBC group to which Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav belongs, were the largest in terms of population, accounting for 14.27 per cent of the total.

Notably, the survey was ordered last year after the Narendra Modi government at the Centre made it clear that it would not be able to undertake a headcount of castes other than SCs and STs as part of the census.

PTI 

Harare: An Indian billionaire, with vast gold, diamonds and coal mining interests in Zimbabwe, and his son were among six individuals who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in the southern African nation.

Harpal Randhawa, the owner of RioZim, an integrated mining and metallurgical company, was flying from capital Harare to the Murowa diamond mine in southwestern Zimbabwe when the plane crashed on September 29, state-run Sunday Times newspaper reported.

The light aircraft, which reportedly belonged to RioZim, crashed in the Zvamahande area of Mashava, killing all six onboard — four foreigners and two Zimbabweans, police said.

The mid-air crash is suspected to have been caused by a mechanical fault.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports a plane crash which occurred on September 29 between 7.30 a.m. and 8 a.m., where six people are confirmed dead,” police said.

They said that the “white and red Zcam aircraft had left Harare for the mine at 6 a.m. and crashed about 6 km from Mashava”.

RioZim, which was previously part of the British-Australian mining group Rio Tinto, confirmed the crash and said it was working with relevant authorities to gather more information.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), told local media that they were still in the process of collecting additional details.

Randhawa is also the founder of the $4 billion private equity firm GEM Holdings.

Journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono said he is “deeply saddened” by the passing of Randhawa.

“He was very generous with life advice, and very humble for the wealthy man that he was. Through him I met many people in the business, diplomatic, and political worlds,” Chin’ono, who met Randhawa in 2017 via a mutual friend, wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Rest in Peace, your works and love for Zimbabwe will be your lasting legacy”.

New Delhi:  In a major breakthrough, the Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested Shahnawaz, a.k.a Shafi Uzzama, who was on the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) list of most-wanted terrorists, top police sources said Monday.

The sources said that the police have also detained some other people.

“Few other members of the module detained. Module was planning to carry out terror incidents in North India, taking instructions from foreign-based handlers,” said a senior police official.

“Incriminating material recovered including materials suspected to be used for IED fabrication,” said the official.

The NIA had previously offered a reward of Rs 3 lakh for the capture of Mohammad Shahnawaz Alam, a.k.a Uzzama or Abdullah, due to his involvement in the Pune IS case.

Shahnawaz, who works as an engineer, is a resident of Delhi and had managed to escape from police custody in Pune. Subsequently, he had been living in the national capital.

On September 30, the NIA had initiated a rigorous search operation to locate three individuals with suspected links to the Islamic State in Central Delhi.

Sources reveal that the NIA’s mission focused on locating Uzzama, Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, and Abdullah Fayaz Shaikh, all of whom are sought in connection with the Pune IS module case.

More details awaited.

New Delhi: Ambassadors of the US and France Monday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 154th birth anniversary.

“On Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, I’m deeply moved by his enduring legacy. His message of non-violence remains a beacon of hope for equality and justice worldwide.

“#Gandhi’s profound influence on Dr. Martin Luther King and the U.S. civil rights movement reminds us of the power of his ideals,” US ambassador Eric Garcetti posted on X.

On Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, I'm deeply moved by his enduring legacy. His message of non-violence remains a beacon of hope for equality and justice worldwide. #Gandhi's profound influence on Dr. Martin Luther King and the U.S. civil rights movement reminds us of the power of his… pic.twitter.com/wA6kcjN88H

— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) October 2, 2023

The French embassy also paid tributes to the Father of the Nation.

“On #GandhiJayanti, Ambassador-designate Thierry Mathou and everyone at the Embassy pay tribute to the Mahatma and the values of peace, tolerance and non-violence that he staunchly upheld.

“Gandhiji is deeply admired in France, as reflected in statues in Strasbourg and Vauréal,” the embassy posted on X.

On #GandhiJayanti, Ambassador-designate Thierry Mathou and everyone at the Embassy pay tribute to the Mahatma and the values of peace, tolerance and non-violence that he staunchly upheld.

Gandhiji is deeply admired in France, as reflected in statues in Strasbourg and Vauréal. pic.twitter.com/YKsTPTZmtv

— French Embassy in India (@FranceinIndia) October 2, 2023

Patna: A class 12 student from Bihar’s Patna attempted suicide by jumping off a building, after failing in her board examination.

The girl, however, was saved by a young man, who reacted promptly. The video of the girl trying to jump off the building went viral on the internet, shocking netizens.

As per reports, the girl had failed in 12th board exams and was allegedly going through depression which led her to take the unfortunate step.

“Trigger warning: A girl in #Patna attempted suicide by plunging from apartment roof. As per reports, she was depressed after she flunked in 12th. A young man saved her from hitting floor, she is injured and hospitalized. Talk to your young ones,” an X user tweeted.

Trigger warning

A girl in #Patna attempted suicide by plunging from apartment roof. As per reports, she was depressed after she flunked in 12th. A young man saved her from hitting floor, she is injured and hospitalized.
Talk to your young ones.#Biharpic.twitter.com/Gh2Fz2JNnS

— बिहार | Bihar ● (@Biharyouth1) September 30, 2023

The girl was somehow been saved by a young man, who held her before hitting the floor. As per reports, the girl had some injuries and as of now undergoing treatment.

In a similar incident, a 24-year-old postgraduate student of AIIMS Patna had allegedly died by suicide. The deceased was identified as Nilesh Kumar, a first-year student in the department of anesthesiology at AIIMS Patna.

“His colleagues wanted him to accompany them for a cup of tea and knocked at his door. Getting no response, they broke open the door and found his body lying on the bed,” said AIIMS Patna officials.

PNN & Agencies

New Delhi: Thousands of central and state government employees from across the country gathered at the Ramlila Maidan here Sunday to demand the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, with several opposition parties also extending support to the protesters.

Opposition leaders including AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his Congress colleagues Arvinder Singh Lovely, Sandeep Dikshit and Udit Raj, and Bahujan Samaj Party MP Shyam Singh Yadav, besides farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, joined the rally.

The protesters who had gathered under the banner of the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS) and National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) said they were worried about their post-retirement future.

“The employees who joined government service after January 1, 2004 are strongly opposing the New Pension Scheme. They are worried about their future after retirement because they have been deprived of the Old Pension Scheme and forced into the New Pension Scheme,” said Shiv Gopal Mishra, National Convener and General Secretary of All India Railway Men’s Federation.

At the maha rally, the organisers claimed that government employees from 20 states were participating in the rally. The protesters said that the party which promises to restore the Old Pension Scheme should be voted to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Holding placards and flags, the protesters raised slogans of ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ and ‘Karamchari Ekta Zindabad’.

“We had given a call to bring back the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and we had successfully brought back the OPS in several states with our struggle.

“Our team believed that if the central government ratifies this (OPS), then the onus won’t be on the state government. This is why we had come to Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan (to protest),” National Movement For Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS) leader Vijay Kumar Bandhu, told PTI Video.

Noting that Congress-ruled states have restored OPS, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and other party leaders said as soon its government is formed at the Centre, it will implement OPS in the entire country.

“These OPS protests show the anger of our steel frame, the government officers, against the ruling regime,” AICC general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal said.

“We implemented OPS in Congress-ruled states because it is their right. This crowd of 20 lakh people tells a story – the BJP’s days are numbered,” Venugopal said on X.

At the rally, while Tikait assured the protesters that the farmers were with them, AAP’s Sanjay Singh said that he has always raised the issue of the old pension scheme in the Parliament.

“On this stage, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme. A resolution was passed in the Delhi Legislative Assembly on the matter while the Punjab government took a cabinet decision to implement it.

“Only Kejriwal gives guarantees and does not make false promises. I have always raised your issues in the Parliament.

“I am suspended right now but I assure you whenever I will return to the House, I will raise your issues. An MLA or MP gets a pension even if elected for 40 days and our government employees who have worked for 40 years will not get a pension,” he asked.

Raj said that if the Congress comes to power at the Centre, the Old Pension Scheme will be implemented on the first day itself.

He said the party had implemented the OPS in Chhatisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan where it had governments.

Taking to X, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal voiced support for the Old Pension Scheme and said he has requested the Centre to implement it for Delhi government employees.

“We strongly support the demand of govt employees to bring back OPS. NPS is an injustice against employees. We have implemented OPS in Punjab and have written to the Centre for implementing it for Del govt employees. Some other non-BJP govts have also implemented OPS,” Kejriwal said in a post on ‘X’.

Under the OPS, a government employee gets a monthly pension equivalent to 50 per cent his/her last drawn salary. There was no need for contribution by employees.

Under the NPS, a state government employee contributes 10 per cent of his/her basic salary plus dearness allowance with the state making a matching contribution.

The money is then invested in one of the several pension funds approved by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority and returns are market-linked.

PTI

Guwahati: The Assam Police Sunday said the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA has been extended in four districts of the state for six more months.

At the Assam Police Day 2023 celebrations here, DGP Gyanendra Pratap Singh said the ‘disturbed area’ tag, which allows enforcement of the AFSPA, has, however, been withdrawn from four other districts.

“From today, only four districts in Assam will have AFSPA. These are Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar and Charaideo,” he said.

The AFSPA has been withdrawn from Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao with effect from October 1, Singh said.

The Assam government had last extended the ‘disturbed area’ notification under the AFSPA for another six months with effect from April 1 in these eight districts.

The AFSPA empowers security forces to conduct operations and arrest anyone without any prior warrant, besides giving immunity from arrest and prosecution to the forces if they shoot someone dead.

“Assam has reached a peaceful stage after passing through a volatile phase during the last 30-40 years. Due to the hard work of Assam Police, Army and para military forces, we have this peaceful atmosphere. I thank all of them,” the DGP said.

During this period, the maximum contribution was received from lower-ranked personnel like the constables of all forces, he said.

“I would like to say that we cannot forget the contributions of the home guards and VDP (village defence party). We have around 25,000 VDPs and 10,000 home guards,” Singh said.

He also said that Assam Police is continuously working towards improving the overall law and order situation of the state.

September 9, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said that the cabinet approved recommendation for withdrawal of the ‘Disturbed Area’ tag under AFSPA from the remaining eight districts.

The AFSPA was first imposed in Assam in November 1990, and has been extended every six months since then after review by the state government.

PTI

New Delhi: In a joint operation with the Army and Manipur Police, the CBI Sunday detained four people in connection with the murder of two teenage students in the northeastern state who had gone missing in July, officials said.

They said two men and as many women were detained by the federal agency from Churachandpur district in Manipur.

Two children, who are juveniles, of one of the accused were taken along with the four as they were flown out of Manipur, the officials said.

They added that the children are likely to be handed over to their relatives.

The officials said the four people detained will be questioned and are likely to be placed under arrest.

The CBI recently registered a case to probe the death of the two teenagers after photos of their bodies went viral last month, sparking violent protests in the Imphal valley.

PTI

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu Sunday said Mahatma Gandhi’s strong and vibrant ideology will always remain relevant for the world and asked people to follow his values?? and teachings for the welfare of the country.

“Gandhiji ideals of truth and non-violence paved a new way for the world. Gandhiji not only fought for non-violence throughout his life but he also took up the cause of cleanliness, women empowerment, self-reliance, and farmers’ rights and fought against untouchability, social discrimination, and illiteracy,” she said in a message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.

Gandhiji inspired the nation to participate in the freedom struggle and led a huge movement that changed the course of history and got Independence, Murmu said.

“On behalf of all citizens, I pay my humble tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his 154th birth anniversary,” the President said.

She said Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, and many other politicians of the world were influenced by Gandhiji’s ideas.

“Gandhiji’s strong and vibrant ideology will always remain relevant for the world. On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us pledge to follow his values?? and teachings in our thought, speech, and action to dedicate ourselves to the welfare of the country,” President Murmu said.

PTI

New Delhi: Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti Sunday assumed charge as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. He succeeds Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru, who retired after more than 38 years of illustrious service, officials said.

Vice Admiral Sobti was commissioned into the Indian Navy July 1, 1988, and is a navigation and direction specialist.

In his career spanning over 35 years, he has held a variety of command and staff appointments — both ashore and afloat. The flag officer has commanded INS Nishank, a missile boat, INS Kora, a missile corvette, and guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata.

In his staff tenures, he served in the directorate of staff requirements and directorate of personnel, and as the naval attache at the Indian embassy in Moscow.

On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral in 2019, he was appointed as the deputy commandant and chief instructor at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and subsequently as the flag officer commanding of the Eastern Fleet.

On elevation to the rank of Vice Admiral in 2021, he took over as director general of ‘Project Seabird’ under which India is developing the Karwar naval base.

The flag officer was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022.

PTI

New Delhi: Helped by improved compliance, GST collections increased by 10 per cent to over Rs 1.62 lakh crore in September, crossing the Rs 1.6 lakh crore mark for the fourth time during current financial year.

Gross GST revenue collected last month was Rs 1,62,712 crore. Of this, Central GST was Rs 29,818 crore, State GST was Rs 37,657 crore, Integrated GST was Rs 83,623 crore (including Rs 41,145 crore collected on import of goods) and cess was Rs 11,613 crore (including Rs 881 crore collected on import of goods).

The revenue in September 2023 was 10 per cent higher than the GST revenue of Rs 1.47 lakh crore in the same month last year, the finance ministry said in a statement Sunday.

“During the month, the revenues from domestic transactions (including import of services) are 14 per cent higher than the revenues from these sources during the same month last year. It is for the fourth time that gross GST collection has crossed Rs 1.60 lakh crore mark in FY 2023-24,” it said.

Gross GST collection in the first half (April-September) of FY24 stood at Rs 9,92,508 crore, an increase of 11 per cent from the year-ago period.

Average monthly gross collection in April-September FY24 was Rs 1.65 lakh crore, 11 per cent higher than the year-ago period, it said.

As the normal period of limitation for FY17-18 ended September 30, some of this increased collection could be linked to businesses having settled issues with payment of taxes for the said period, KPMG Indirect Tax Head Abhishek Jain said.

While Rs 1.6 lakh crore plus seems to be the new normal, this could see a further uptick with the festive season round the corner, he said.

According to Deloitte India partner M S Mani, the September GST collections augur well for the coming months of the festive season and is in line with the other high frequency indicators which reflect an uptick in the economy.

EY Tax Partner Saurabh Agarwal said increased GST collection indicates that the economy continues to be on a stable growth trajectory and rising collections from domestic transactions is an indicator that ‘Make in India’ policies of the government have started showcasing its impact.

Consistent rise in collections in J & K, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh indicate an increased consumption in these areas, Agarwal said.

PTI

Mahabubnagar (Telangana): Indirectly hitting out at the ruling BRS government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said the people of Telangana want a change, because they do not need false promises, but solid work on the ground.

Speaking at a public meeting here, Modi said the BJP is committed to improving the lives of Telangana people.

“Telangana wants a change, because it wants BJP government here,” Modi said, adding that the state wants a change because it does not want a corrupt government, but a transparent and honest one.

The ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ has been passed recently and now the voice of women will be strengthened more than before, not only in Parliament but in every state assembly, the PM told the cheering crowd.

Earlier today, Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure projects and inaugurated others, in total worth more than Rs 13,500 crore.

PTI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday teamed up with fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuriya in a cleanliness exercise as part of his call for everyone to undertake sanitation measures for an hour on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

“Today, as the nation focuses on Swachhata, Ankit Baiyanpuriya and I did the same! Beyond just cleanliness, we blended fitness and well-being also into the mix. It is all about that Swachh and Swasth Bharat vibe,” Modi posted on X along with a video.

The video shows the prime minister and Baiyanpuriya wielding brooms and cleaning and picking up trash.

Besides Modi, several other BJP leaders, including Union ministers, took up cleanliness programmes in different parts of the country.

Home Minister Amit Shah participated in Ahmedabad while BJP chief JP Nadda did so in Delhi.

People from all walks of life responded to the prime minister’s appeal and participated in the hour-long “shramdaan (voluntary labour)”.

According to the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, more than 9.20 lakh sites across the country were adopted for the mega drive.

In a recent episode of “Mann Ki Baat”, Modi appealed for “one hour of shramdaan for swachhata” October 1 by all citizens and said it would be a “Swachhanjali” to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his birth anniversary.

PTI

Washington: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was struck by how little people in the US, specially officials he met over the last days including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan,, knew about Canada’s permissive attitude towards terrorism and the thriving nexus of crime, extremism, and human trafficking that exists in that country.

This lack of awareness, the minister said “is a part of the problem”.

It was important, therefore, for him to present to them the “accurate picture” and “our point of view” so that the ongoing debate is not confined to just one or two issues but “the bigger picture which has been going on for some time, and it’s a very serious picture”.

“A lot of Americans are astonished,” the minister told reporters on Friday, unlike Indians who won’t be surprised if told there are people in Canada “who are advocating violence or advocating separatism; there is a history out there”.

“I suspect very few American know this,” he went on to say, and added: “So, in a way, a lot of what I said at the meetings, I think, was new to the Americans.”

At an event at Hudson Institute, a think tank, Jaishankar first raised this difference in the way Americans look at Canada and how Indians look at Canada.

“When Americans look at Canada they see something; when we in India look at Canada we see something else.

“And that’s part of the problem,” the minister said, in a thinly veiled criticism of American officials who have been calling on India to cooperate in Canada’s investigation into allegations by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that India was behind the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani activist, in June.

White House and state department officials have expressed “deep concern” over Trudeau’s allegations and have said they support the investigation and want India to cooperate.

In fact, according to reports, it’s the US that provided key information to the Canadians about alleged India links to the killing as part of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing agreement that the two countries have with the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Jaishankar said it did not come up in the meetings. “It’s important that we, you know, talk it out with the Americans. After all, they are very close to Canada, they are good friends of ours,” the minister said about why he brought up the larger context for his American interlocutors.

“It’s important that they also have an accurate picture, that they have our point of view on this matter as well.”

This is a conversation that should continue with focus on all issues. “I’m not prejudging issues. I’m not taking absolutist positions,” the minister said. “What we have taken is a very reasonable stance. It should not be that the entire debate focuses on issue one, issue two, and the bigger picture which has been going on for some time, and it’s a very serious picture.”

To underscore the seriousness of issues at hand, Jaishankar brought up threats faced by Indian missions. “When was the last time that any of our missions was intimidated to a point where it could not continue with its normal functioning? And if someone says this could happen in a G7 country, in the Commonwealth countries it gives you a lot to think about.”

IANS 

Hyderabad: A poster war erupted between BRS and BJP in Hyderabad, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Telangana Sunday.

While ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has put up posters questioning the Prime Minister over not fulfilling the promises made to Telangana during the last 10 years, BJP has hit back calling Chief Minister KCR as Telangana’s biggest MLAs buyer every five years.

The BRS supporters have pasted posters near Shamshabad Airport where the Prime Minister will be landing before heading to Mahabubnagar to launch various projects and address public meetings.

“Welcome Modi Ji, What happened to your promise of national status for Palamuru-Rangareddy project,” reads a banner.

‘Step motherly treatment,” says another poster. It also reads that Modi has no moral right to visit Mahabubnagar. It depicts national status for Polavaram and Upper Bhadra projects in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka respectively with the same being denied to Palamuru-Rangareddy project.

Another poster highlights Prime Minister Modi’s promises to Telangana. These include ITIR, textile park, defence corridor, Kazipet coach factory, Mission Bhagiratha funds, Bayyaram steel plant, turmeric board, medical colleges and IIM.

Through another poster, BRS said Modi has no right to visit Telangana after insulting the state.

The poster carries four different images of Modi speaking in Parliament on different occasions about Telangana formation.

The poster also refers to the Prime Minister’s quote, “Mother was killed to save the child”.

It also carried quotes from Modi’s speeches made in 2018, 2022 and 2023. The latest quote ‘Telangana kush nahi tha’ was from his remarks made September 18, 2023.

Meanwhile, BJP has hit back at BRS by pasting posters targeting Chief Minister KCR. A poster termed him as Telangana’s biggest MLAs’ buyer every five years.

IANS

New Delhi: People from all walks of life, from politicians to students, participated in an hour-long “shramdaan” Sunday, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for a nationwide cleanliness drive.

According to the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, more than 9.20 lakh sites across the country have been adopted for the mega drive.

In a recent episode of “Mann Ki Baat”, Modi appealed for “one hour of shramdaan for swachhata” on October 1 by all citizens and said it would be a “Swachhanjali” to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his birth anniversary.

Wielding a broom, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a cleanliness drive in Ahmedabad. BJP chief JP Nadda also took part in the drive in Delhi’s Jhandewalan area.

Taking part in the “shramdaan (voluntary labour)”, Union Power Minister RK Singh told reporters, “We (Centre) have taken a resolve to make the country clean. It is a big challenge but we will do it.”

Union ministers and BJP leaders across the country grabbed brooms and took part in the ‘Swachhata hi Seva’ campaign.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in a cleanliness drive in Ahmedabad. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma, who also took part in a clean drive, said “swachhata (cleanliness)” has become the face of the country.

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari took volunteered for a cleanliness activity in New Delhi.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi said it held cleanliness drives at 500 locations across the national capital.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, urging people to join the drive, said in a post on X, “Come, let’s create a new history! At 10 am today, let’s volunteer for an hour, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi through cleanliness.”

“Scan or visit local cleanliness programmes to join. Dream of a #GarbageFreeIndia Together, we’ll make it happen,” he said.

Cricketers such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also appealed to the people to come together for “Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” and join the largest citizen-led movement to strengthen the resolve towards cleanliness.

BJP MP Meenakashi Lekhi said, “We hope that people stay connected with the Swachh Bharat Mission that was launched by PM Modi.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who took part in a ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ in Lucknow, said such events are being organised across the country on the prime minister’s appeal.

He appealed to everyone to participate in the drive.

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said NGOs, market associations, self-help groups, faith groups, trade bodies and private sector companies, among others, volunteered for the “shramdaan” in more than 22,000 market areas, 10,000 water bodies, 7,000 bus stands/toll plazas, 1,000 gaushalas, 300 zoos and wildlife areas and various other locations in rural and urban India.

Among the states, Uttar Pradesh adopted more than a lakh sites for cleanliness drives while Maharashtra will conduct the programme in over 62,000 locations, including the beaches, religious places, schools, colleges and water bodies.

In Telangana, temples of historical significance were cleaned during the drive.

PTI

Udupi (Karnataka): After some students posted pictures and videos of a party at a bar, the Karnataka Police conducted a raid there and detained the group in Karnataka’s Udupi district, officials said Sunday.

The incident had taken place in the limits of Manipal police station. According to police, the students were smoking hookah, consuming liquor and partying without permission at the S. Stacy bar in Vidyanagar near Manipal.

The students had posted pictures of the party late in the night on their Instagram handles. The police on weekend patrolling got alerted about the incident and raided the bar.

The raid was conducted by a team led by the Manipal Circle Inspector and the students were detained. The case has been slapped on the owner of the bar for permitting a DJ party.

The police are on high alert as the incidents of attacks on pubs and bars attended by students are targeted by Hindu activists in the coastal region. The region is also considered communally sensitive.

The police stated that the students belong to a reputed college in Manipal and hail from all various parts of the country.

More details are yet to emerge regarding the incident.

IANS

New Delhi: Jet fuel or ATF price Sunday was hiked by 5 per cent — the fourth straight monthly increase since July, and commercial cooking gas (LPG) rates were raised by a steep Rs 209 per 19-kg cylinder, in line with the firming up seen in international benchmarks.

However, the price of domestic LPG – the one used in household kitchens for cooking purposes – remained unchanged at Rs 903 per 14.2-kg cylinder.

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price was increased by Rs 5,779.84 per kilolitre, or 5.1 per cent, in the national capital to Rs 118,199.17 per kl from Rs 112,419.33, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers.

The increase comes on back of the steepest-ever 14.1 per cent increase (Rs 13,911.07 per kl) effected on September 1, and a 8.5 per cent or Rs 7,728.38 per kl increase on August 1.

The fourth straight increase in prices of jet fuel, which makes up for 40 per cent of an airline’s operating cost, will increase the burden on already financially strained airlines.

On July 1, ATF price had gone up by 1.65 per cent or Rs 1,476.79 per kl. In four increases, ATF prices have gone up by a record Rs 29,391.08 per kl.

Alongside, oil firms raised the price of commercial LPG – the one used in establishments such as hotels and restaurants – by Rs 209.

A 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder will now cost Rs 1,731.50 in the national capital and Rs 1,684 in Mumbai.

The increase reserves most of the Rs 157.5 per cylinder cut in commercial LPG price effected on September 1 and Rs 100 cut effected from August 1.

Saudi contract price (CP), the benchmark used for pricing of LPG, has increased following a firming up trend in crude oil prices witnessed in last few weeks over supply concerns.

Oil companies, which had on August 30, cut domestic LPG rates by Rs 200 per 14.2-kg cylinder, did not change the price of 14.2-kg cylinders.

State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) revise cooking gas and ATF prices on the 1st of every month based on the average international price in the previous month.

Petrol and diesel prices continued to remain on freeze for a record 18th month in a row. Petrol costs Rs 96.72 per litre in the national capital and diesel comes for Rs 89.62 per litre.

State-owned fuel retailers are supposed to revise petrol and diesel prices daily, based on a 15-day rolling average of benchmark international fuel prices, but they haven’t done that since April 6, 2022.

Prices were last changed May 22, when the government cut excise duty to give relief to consumers from a spike in retail rates that followed a surge in international oil prices.

PTI

New Delhi: The Afghanistan Embassy here announced Saturday night that it is ceasing its operations from October 1, citing a “lack of support from the host government”, failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests, and reduction in personnel and resources.

In a statement, the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi said it regrets announcing the decision to cease its operations, effective October 1, 2023.

“It is with profound sadness, regret, and disappointment that the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi announces this decision to cease its operations,” the statement said.

The embassy said that this decision, while deeply regrettable, was made after careful consideration, taking into account the historic ties and long-standing partnership between Afghanistan and India.

The embassy statement also listed key factors affecting its ability to continue the mission effectively and said that they were the primary reasons for the “unfortunate closure”.

The embassy cited a “lack of support from the host government”, alleging that it has experienced a notable absence of crucial support from the host government, which it said hindered its ability to carry out duties effectively.

The mission also cited “failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests” as one of the reasons.

“We acknowledge our shortcomings in meeting the expectations and requirements necessary to serve the best interests of Afghanistan and its citizens due to the lack of diplomatic support in India and the absence of a legitimate functioning government in Kabul,” the mission said.

It also said that due to unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, there has been a significant reduction in both personnel and resources available to it, making it increasingly challenging to continue operations.

“The lack of timely and sufficient support from visa renewal for diplomats to other critical areas of cooperation led to an understandable frustration among our team and impeded our ability to carry out routine duties effectively,” the statement said.

Given these circumstances, “it is with deep regret that we have taken the difficult decision to close all operations of the mission with the exception of emergency consular services to Afghan citizens till the transfer of the custodial authority of the mission to the host country,” it said.

The embassy has been headed by Ambassador Farid Mamundzay.

Mamundzay was appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government and he has been operating as the Afghan envoy even after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

In April-May, the embassy was rocked by a power struggle in the wake of reports of the Taliban appointing a charge d’affaires to head the mission, replacing Mamundzay.

Following the episode, the embassy came out with a statement that there was no change in its leadership.

The tussle for power had erupted after Qadir Shah, who was working as a trade councillor at the embassy since 2020, wrote to the MEA in late April claiming that he was appointed as the charge d’affaires at the embassy by the Taliban.

India is yet to recognise the Taliban set-up and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul, besides insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country.

In its statement, the Afghan Embassy said this step is being taken in the best interest of the people of Afghanistan.

In accordance with Article 45 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), all property and facilities of the Embassy will be transferred to the custodial authority of the host country, it said.

The embassy said it also wishes to address recent speculations and provide clarity on certain matters of importance.

In the three-page statement, the embassy categorically refuted any “baseless claims” regarding internal strife or discord amongst its diplomatic staff or any diplomats using the crisis to seek asylum in a third country.

“Such rumours are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of our mission. We remain a united team working towards the best interests of Afghanistan,” the embassy said.

The embassy also said it would like to verify the “authenticity” of an earlier communication with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the intent to close the mission.

“This communication accurately represents our decision-making process and the factors leading to the closure,” the statement said.

“We request the government of India to give serious consideration to the four requests outlined in the official note verbal submitted earlier. Specifically, we emphasize the importance of permitting the hoisting of the Afghan flag over the properties of our premises, as well as facilitating the smooth transition of the mission’s buildings and assets to a legitimate government in Kabul in the future,” the statement said.

The embassy also acknowledged that, given the gravity of this decision, “there may be some who receive support and instructions from Kabul that may differ from our current course of action”.

The Embassy of Afghanistan made an “unequivocal statement” regarding the activities of certain consulates.

“It is our firm belief that any actions taken by these consulates are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government and rather serve the interests of an illegitimate regime,” the statement said.

The embassy also said it is keen to reach an agreement with the Indian government at the earliest possible juncture.

PTI

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank Saturday extended the special drive to withdraw Rs 2,000 bank notes from the system by another week, till October 7.

The central bank said ever since it announced the move to withdraw Rs 2,000 notes May 19, Rs 3.42 lakh crore of such notes have been received into the system either by deposition into bank accounts or exchanging, from the public.

The currency returned is 96 per cent of the Rs 2,000 bank notes in circulation as May 19, the Reserve Bank said in a statement, adding only Rs 14,000 crore of such notes are in circulation now.

Earlier, the deadline to deposit/exchange Rs 2,000 notes was September 30, 2023.

“…it has been decided to extend the current arrangement for deposit/exchange of Rs 2,000 banknotes until October 07, 2023,” the central bank said in a statement.

In a surprise move, it had announced withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes in May, but maintained that it was not akin to the demonetisation carried out in November 2016 when Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were made illegal tender overnight.

In May 2023, RBI said the higher denomination notes were introduced for a faster remonetisation of the economy and the move had served its purpose. Since it had stopped printing the notes from FY19, there were also concerns surrounding the quality of the notes in circulation.

The Rs 2,000 note withdrawal move had some unseen impacts like helping banks report a higher deposit growth, a challenging aspect for the system for some time.

In the statement Saturday, RBI said the Rs 2,000 notes “shall continue to be legal tender” even beyond October 7, but asked the public to deposit or exchange the notes “without any further delay”.

From October 8, the deposit/exchange facilities at bank branches will be stopped, and people will have to get them exchanged at 19 offices of RBI, the statement said.

For exchange of the notes, a cap of Rs 20,000 per transaction has been imposed while there is none for the notes which are tendered at the RBI offices for crediting into bank accounts.

People within the country can also send Rs 2,000 notes through India Post, addressed to any of the 19 RBI Issue Offices for credit to their bank accounts in India, the statement said, specifying that such a transaction will be subject to regulation of the government and submission of documents.

RBI also said that courts, law enforcement agencies, government departments or any other public authority involved in investigation proceedings or enforcement can also deposit/exchange Rs 2,000 notes at any of the RBI offices without any limit.

“The facility for deposit/exchange of Rs 2,000 banknotes at the 19 RBI Issue Offices shall be available until further advice,” RBI said.

PTI