World

Indian Air Force refuels Egyptian Rafale fighters as part of Exercise Bright Star-23

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IAF IL-78 tanker refuelled Mig 29 M and Rafale fighter aircraft of the Egyptian Air Force as part of the Exercise Bright Star-23

Published Date – 01:35 PM, Tue – 12 September 23


Indian Air Force refuels Egyptian Rafale fighters as part of Exercise Bright Star-23



Cairo: An Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-78 tanker refuelled Mig 29 M and Rafale fighter aircraft of the Egyptian Air Force as part of the Exercise Bright Star-23, Indian Air Force said on Tuesday.

The IAF Mig 29 UPG was also seen as part of the mission. “Interoperability in the Egyptian skies! An IL-78 tanker of the Indian Air Force refuels Mig 29 M and Rafale fighters of the Egyptian Air Force as part of Ex Bright Star 23. IAF Mig 29 UPG also seen as part of this mission,” the Indian Air Force said. Yesterday, the IAF highlighted that Exercise Bright Star-23 has moved to its last phase.

The last phase will involve assets of all participating forces and follow a build-up to more complex joint missions.

Taking to their social media ‘X’, the Indian Air Force stated, “Exercise #BrightStar 23 moves on to its culmination phase. The last phase follows a build-up to more complex joint missions and will involve assets of all participating forces. @indembcairo #DiplomatsInFlightSuits.”

Earlier this month, the IAF IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force during Exercise Bright Star-23, informed the Indian Air Force.

Taking to X, (formerly Twitter), IAF said, “Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Exercise Bright Star, where the Indian Air Force IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force”.

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sumedha arrived at Port Alexandria, Egypt on September 6 to participate in ‘Exercise Bright Star- 23’. This edition of the multinational Tri-Services military exercise will see participation from 34 countries.

This multinational Tri-Services military exercise marks a historic occasion, with 34 countries participating, making it the largest joint military exercise ever held in the Middle East and North Africa region.

This is the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in Ex Bright Star, which will also see the participation of Naval ships from other friendly foreign navies. The exercises will span over two weeks with intense operations and training, aimed at reaffirming the ability of the participating navies to operate together as an integrated force and to highlight their shared commitment to maritime security and global stability through collaborative training and mutual understanding.

Sports

Asia Cup 2023: Bangladesh opt to bowl first against Sri Lanka

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Hosts Sri Lanka are playing their first match of the Super Fours stage while Bangladesh
have played one match against Pakistan which they lost by seven wickets

Published Date – 03:24 PM, Sat – 9 September 23


Asia Cup 2023: Bangladesh opt to bowl first against Sri Lanka

Photo: X

Colombo: Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023.

Hosts Sri Lanka are playing their first match of the Super Fours stage while Bangladesh
have played one match against Pakistan which they lost by seven wickets.

These two teams are meeting each other for the second time in the ongoing tournament. Sri Lanka ended up on the winning side by five wickets in the Group B match.

“We will field first, no particular reason, there could be some rain around. We have one extra bowler and we will bowl first. A must-win situation, but playing against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka isn’t easy. There is no room for complacency, it’s a bit different to Pakistan and we’ll have to adjust. One change, Nasum replaces Afif Hossain,” said Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan after winning the toss.

“We would have batted first, it’ll seam and spin a bit under lights. The rules in ODIs mean it’s difficult to defend totals, but we do have class bowlers like Pathiran and Theekshana, that helped us fight back against Afghanistan. The talk is about trusting yourselves and following the process. The guys have been delivering and that’s key to being a good side. Same team for us,” said Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka after the toss.

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Shamim Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana.

Business

Govt cuts windfall tax on domestic crude, hikes levy on export of diesel, ATF-Telangana Today

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The government on Friday cut special additional excise duty on crude petroleum to Rs 6,700 per tonne with effect from September 2

Published Date – 06:40 AM, Sat – 2 September 23


Govt cuts windfall tax on domestic crude, hikes levy on export of diesel, ATF

The government on Friday cut special additional excise duty on crude petroleum to Rs 6,700 per tonne with effect from September 2

New Delhi: The government on Friday cut special additional excise duty (SAED) on crude petroleum to Rs 6,700 per tonne with effect from September 2.

In the last fortnightly review on August 14, windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil was set at Rs 7,100 per tonne.

Besides, SAED or duty on export of diesel will increase to Rs 6 per litre from Rs 5.50 per litre, currently. The duty on jet fuel or ATF will be doubled to Rs 4 per litre effective Saturday, from Rs 2 per litre currently, according to a finance ministry notification.

It said SAED on petrol will continue at nil. India first imposed windfall profit taxes on July 1, 2022.

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"How Low Will You Go?": BJP Attacks Sonia Gandhi On "Sanatan Dharma" Row

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'How Low Will You Go?': BJP Attacks Sonia Gandhi On 'Sanatan Dharma' Row

Ravi Shankar Prasad also sought to explain Sanatan Dharma by quoting the Rig Veda.

New Delhi:

Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad today questioned why was Congress leader Sonia Gandhi “silent” on the controversy surrounding remarks on ‘Sanatan Dharma’. Calling her alleged silence “an indication of approval” to what is being said by some Opposition leaders, the BJP leader asserted that his party was proud of the Sanatan tradition, which he said gives an opportunity for all to be equal, regardless of caste or community. The Congress has said it does not agree with the remarks, but Mrs Gandhi hasn’t yet made any individual comment.

“You are your party’s biggest leader, you have all the authority, and your silence on this makes the nation anxious,” Mr Prasad said.

The “silence on all else” but “open, shameless, unending criticism” of Sanatan is very painful. he added, referring to a recent remark by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, who blamed Sanatan Dharma for promoting division and discrimination among people and said it should be eradicated. “Sanatana (Dharma) ought to be eradicated like malaria, dengue and mosquito and not opposed,” he said.

DMK leader A Raja had also reportedly said ‘Sanatan Dharma’ should be compared to diseases such as AIDS and leprosy that have a social stigma attached to them.

“How low will you go, and for how long, just to get votes?” Mr Prasad said while addressing the media in Delhi and questioned if Sonia Gandhi ever felt like visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Not even one big Congress leader has visited Ram Janmabhoomi yet, he alleged.

Ravi Shankar Prasad also sought to explain Sanatan Dharma by quoting the Rig Veda.

“Truth is one, wise men interpret it differently,” he said, quoting a couple from the holy scripture.

“That is your path of truth, you are free to walk on it; This is my path of truth and I will walk on it. Respect my path and I will respect yours because both our paths reach one truth which is the ultimate truth — eternal, perennial, individual. This is Sanatan.” he added.

“Why are you insulting Sanatan Dharma just for the sake of votes? Why this shameful denigration of Sanatan?” Mr Prasad repeated.

The Congress last week said it does not agree with the remarks of DMK leaders Udhayanidhi Stalin and A Raja on ‘Sanatan Dharma’ and asserted the party believed in “sarvadharma sambhav” (equal respect to all religions).

The opposition party also asserted that every single member of the INDIA alliance has immense respect for all faiths, communities and beliefs.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin had said his son had only spoken about “inhuman principles preached by Sanatan… that discriminate against Scheduled Castes, tribes and women” and “had no intention to offend any religion or religious beliefs”.

India

No matter how many times PM Modi counts achievements, inflation is skyrocketing: Cong

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Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday lashed out at the BJP-led Central government over inflation and unemployment.

Published Date – 01:39 PM, Tue – 12 September 23


No matter how many times PM Modi counts achievements, inflation is skyrocketing: Cong



New Delhi: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday lashed out at the BJP-led Central government over inflation and unemployment, and said “no matter how many times Prime Minister Narendra Modi counts achievements, inflation is skyrocketing”.

He also said that instead of taking some concrete measures, the government is only trying to divert attention from these issues.

In a post on X, Ramesh, who is also the party’s general secretary said, “No matter how many achievements the Prime Minister and his ecosystem count, the reality is that the government has failed to control inflation. Just look at this report – Thali has become costlier by 24 per cent in one year.

“On one hand, unemployment is breaking records. On the other hand, inflation is skyrocketing. And instead of taking some concrete measures, the government is only trying to divert attention from these issues,” he said, attaching a news report.

The Congress has been attacking the government over the issue of inflation and unemployment.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Twin festivals to keep cops on their toes

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With Ganesh Chaturthi and Milad-un-Nabi falling around the same time this year, police are going all out to ensure peace

Updated On – 10:53 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Hyderabad: Twin festivals to keep cops on their toes

With Ganesh Chaturthi and Milad-un-Nabi falling around the same time this year, police are going all out to ensure peace

Hyderabad: The city police are burning midnight oil to ensure peace ahead of the 10-day Ganesh festival and the Milad-un-Nabi month.

With both the festivals falling around the same time this year, the police personnel are on their toes and senior officials in the tri-commissionerates are holding meetings with the local officials, mandap organisers, peace committee members and community leaders.

The 10-day Ganesh festival commences on September 19 and the immersion is slated to be on September 28. The month of Rabi-ul Awal begins around the same time with the 12th day likely to fall either on September 28 or September 29 when a big rally is taken out. “Between September 19 and 28 there will be hectic religious activities of both the communities including processions, food camps, meetings and other events. We are carefully examining requests for permissions,” Hyderabad Commissioner of Police CV Anand said.

A few big religious meetings are held prior to the 12th day of Rabi ul Awal day, including one at the Darussalam grounds. Gatherings are expected during the religious meetings as usual and arrangements are made to provide 360 degree security for them and also beef up security in surrounding areas.

“A major challenge is to convince local youngsters who take out processions from their colonies to Charminar. We are reaching out to them through local community leaders and suggesting either rescheduling their bike rallies or taking some alternate routes,” an official of the south zone said.

For instance, the procession from Vattepally, Nawab Sahab Kunta is likely to be allowed till Fateh Darwaza, take a left turn and pass through Chandulal Baradari before heading back. Similarly, those from Yakutpura and Rein Bazaar will stop near Etebar Chowk and head towards Bibi Bazaar. “Local community elders are reaching out to the youth directly and seeking cooperation in ensuring peace,” the official said.

Sports

Veer Ahlawat drops to 81 in Korea

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Veer Ahlawat, the only Indian to make the cut in the Shinhan Donghae Open, crashed to a round of 79 and dropped to 81st on the leader board after three days.

Published Date – 06:38 PM, Sat – 9 September 23


Veer Ahlawat drops to 81 in Korea

Veer Ahlawat, the only Indian to make the cut in the Shinhan Donghae Open, crashed to a round of 79 and dropped to 81st on the leader board after three days.

Incheon: Veer Ahlawat, the only Indian to make the cut in the Shinhan Donghae Open, crashed to a round of 79 and dropped to 81st on the leader board after three days.

Ahlawat, who was tied-23 after two rounds, had five bogeys and a double bogey and no birdies in a disappointing round.

Former champion Richard T Lee and South Korea’s Guntaek Koh, in form with two domestic wins this year, staked their claim for the Shinhan Donghae Open on Friday after taking a share of the third-round lead.

Lee, the winner in 2017 at a different venue, fired a five-under-par 67 and Koh a 66 to lead the way on 15-under-par on the Ocean Course at Club72, which is located near the Incheon International Airport.

The overnight leader Wooyoung Cho (71), Korea‘s amateur star, compatriot Taehoon Ok (67) and Australia’s Anthony Quayle (67) are one back in an event which has been tri-sanctioned by the Asian, Japan and Korean Tours.

Quayle had looked set to finish in front by one but double-bogeyed the par-five 18th.
Japan’s Ryuko Tokimatsu (66) and Spaniard David Puig (68) are another stroke back.

Business

ED arrests Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in bank fraud case-Telangana Today

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Goyal, 74, is expected to be produced before a special PMLA court in Mumbai on Saturday where the ED will seek for his custodial remand

Published Date – 07:00 AM, Sat – 2 September 23


ED arrests Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in bank fraud case



Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate late Friday night arrested Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in a money laundering case linked to an alleged bank fraud of Rs 538 crore at the Canara Bank, official sources said.

He was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a long session of questioning at the central agency’s office here.

Goyal, 74, is expected to be produced before a special PMLA court in Mumbai on Saturday where the ED will seek for his custodial remand.

The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Jet Airways, Goyal, his wife Anita and some former company executives in connection with an alleged Rs 538-crore fraud case at the Canara Bank.

The FIR was registered on the bank’s complaint which alleged that it sanctioned credit limits and loans to Jet Airways (India) Ltd (JIL) to the tune of Rs 848.86 crore of which Rs 538.62 crore is outstanding.

The CBI had said the account was declared “fraud” on July 29, 2021.

The bank alleged that the forensic audit of JIL showed that it paid “related companies” Rs 1,410.41 crore out of a total commission expenses, thus siphoning off funds from JIL.

“As per sample Agreement of Jet Airways (India) Ltd (JIL), it was noted that the expenses of General Selling Agents (GSA) was to be borne by GSA itself and nor by JIL. However, it was observed that JIL has paid various expenses amounting to Rs 403.27 crore which is not in tune with the GSA,” the complaint now part of the CBI FIR alleged.

It said personal expenses such as salaries of staff, phone bills and vehicle expenses among others of the Goyal family were paid paid by JIL.

Among other allegations, it surfaced during the forensic audit that funds were also siphoned off through Jet Lite (India) Ltd ( JLL) by way of making advance and investing and subsequently writing off of the same by making provision.
JIL diverted the funds for the subsidiary JLL in the form of loans and advances and investments extended.

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Sikkim Bans Homestays From Leasing, Renting Out To Any Third Party

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Sikkim Bans Homestays From Leasing, Renting Out To Any Third Party

Homestay Association of Sikkim has been demanding a ban on homestay leasing to any third party. (File)

Gangtok:

The Sikkim government has banned homestay owners in the Himalayan state from leasing and renting their establishments to any third party, an official said on Tuesday.

Homestays will now be run and operated only by the local entrepreneur owning the business.

An advisory issued by the state government’s Tourism and Civil Aviation department September 11 stated that as per rule of the Sikkim Registration of Homestay Establishment Rules of 2013, the homestay owners are not permitted to lease, rent their homestay unit to any third party and that the homestay owners are advised to comply with the same.

Further, any report on violation of the same shall be dealt with strictly by the department, it said.

The Homestay Association of Sikkim (HAS) has been demanding a ban on leasing and renting of homestay establishments to any third party.

The Sikkim government provides subsidised loans for the establishment of homestays in the Himalayan state to promote entrepreneurship amongst local stake holders in the Tourism industry.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)