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ED issues second summons to Uddhav Sena leader Amol Kirtikar in ‘khichdi’ scam

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Kirtikar had skipped the first summons served to him on Wednesday after the party announced him as its candidate from the Mumbai North-West constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Updated On – 29 March 2024, 05:23 PM


ED issues second summons to Uddhav Sena leader Amol Kirtikar in ‘khichdi’ scam


New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday issued a second summons to Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha candidate Amol Kirtikar for questioning in his alleged involvement in the ‘khichdi’ scam.

“ED’s second summons! Khichdi thief still absconding. Such is the candidate for #MVA. Humble question, will you campaign from jail?” Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam asked in a post on X.

Kirtikar had skipped the first summons served to him on Wednesday after the party announced him as its candidate from the Mumbai North-West constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Amol Kirtikar’s father and senior politician Gajanan Kirtikar is now with the Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra chief minister) faction of the Shiv Sena and also the incumbent MP from the said seat.

Earlier on January 30, Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut’s brother, Sandeep Raut, reached the ED office for questioning and called the scam baseless and ‘politically motivated’.

The ED summoned Sandeep Raut for questioning in connection with the alleged scam case on January 28.

On January 18, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Suraj Chavan and an alleged close aide of party leader Aaditya Thackeray were sent to ED custody in the case.

Chavan was alleged to have been involved in financial irregularities worth Rs 1 crore linked to the distribution of “khichdi” to migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In June last year, the ED conducted raids at 15 locations in Mumbai, including Suraj Chavan’s residence, recovering documents in connection with the scam.
The ED has alleged that agents linked to some politicians used influence to ensure the BMC awarded khichdi contracts to their associates.

The khichdi suppliers cheated the BMC by supplying less than the agreed quantity and after submitting inflated bills, it was alleged.

Middle East

ISIL an American, Israeli organization: Senior cleric

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Ayatollah Khatami made the remarks while speaking at the sermons of Friday prayers in the Iranian capital.

Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Moscow, he said, “We condemn terrorism everywhere in the world. ISIL is nothing but America. The producer of ISIL is America. ISIL is an American and Israeli organization.”

Referring to the ongoing Israeli war in the Gaza Strip, Khatami underlined that this year’s Quds Day would be held more magnificently.

Emphasizing that the Zionist regime does not have the ability to defeat the Resistance, he said that the Resistance is already emerged victorious over the Zionists.

Their crimes in Gaza show the desperation of the usurping Israeli regime, he stressed.

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Iran: Israeli strikes on Aleppo an attempt to heal humiliation in Gaza

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Iran has denounced Israel’s airstrikes on the Syrian city of Aleppo, saying the attack is a failed attempt to heal the regime’s humiliated image in the the besieged Gaza Strip.

“These attacks are a clear violation of international laws and regulations and Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a serious threat to regional and international peace and security,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani said on Friday.

“It is necessary for the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take preventive measures and hold the aggressor Zionist regime accountable in addition to condemning such assaults,” he added.

A number of Syrian civilians and military personnel were killed and injured in an Israeli aerial assault that targeted several areas in Aleppo countryside earlier in the day.

Syria’s official news agency SANA said the Israeli aggression coincided with airstrikes by foreign-backed Takfiri terrorist groups from the neighboring province of Idlib on the same area.

Expressing his condolences and sympathies with the Syrian government and people as well as the families of the victims of the attacks, Kan’ani called for global action to hold the Israeli regime to account.

Such attacks, which were coordinated and synchronized with the attacks of terrorist groups in Syria, are a “clear testimony to the support of the terrorist regime of Israel for terrorist groups and ideologies in Syria”, he said.

“They have for many years threatened the national security of Syria and jeopardized the security of the region and sacrificed the lives of thousands of innocent citizens for their sinister goals and those of their supporters,” he added.

Pointing to Israel’s defeat in the Gaza Strip, Kan’ani said, “The aggressive attacks on Syria are a desperate and failed attempt to continue and expand the crisis in the region with the aim of healing the humiliated image of this regime in front of the Palestinian nation and the resistance groups.”

Kan’ani stressed that dealing with the Israeli regime’s dangerous adventurism that violates the security and stability of the region is an international and global responsibility.

Israel unleashed its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for the regime’s intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. 

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a “complete siege” on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed more than 32,500 Palestinians and injured nearly 75,000 others.

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Kohli Stares At Gambhir Ahead Of IPL Game. KKR Posts Photo That 'Hit Hard'

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The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash in the IPL 2024 on Friday has a separate sub plot. The Kolkata Knight Riders are being mentored by Gautam Gambhir while Virat Kohli is one of the batting mainstays of RCB. The two share quite a bit of history. The last time the duo faced each other at the IPL 2023, it made for one of the lasting images in Indian cricket. Last year, Gambhir was associated with Lucknow Super Giants and after a match against RCB, had a heated on-field argument with Virat Kohli.

Both of them were heavily fined after that incident. That was not the first on-field altercation between the two. Now, with the duo again coming face to face in a cricket match, KKR couldn’t help but post two interesting photos. KKR posted the photos, with the caption: “Cricket images that hit hard.” In one of the photos, Kohli can be seen towards the direction of  Gambhir.

In a chat with Star Sports ahead of the Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers match, India star pacer Varun Aaron said that he is eagerly looking forward to the match-up outside the boundary rope, hinting at the Kohli vs Gambhir duel.

“I don’t want to stir anything but I’m looking forward to the match-up outside the boundary line. Gautam Gambhir is going to be there right beside the Bengaluru dug-out, I don’t know what’s going to happen there. We know Virat likes to have fire in his belly and if he just looks at the Kolkata dug-out, he’s going to get fired up,” said Aaron.

Gambhir and Kohli famously clashed during an RCB vs Lucknow Super Giants match in IPL 2023. Kohli initially locked horns with LSG’s Naveen-ul-Haq before Gambhir went into the ground and had a verbal war with the former.

On the chaotic episode, Gambhir had said last year: “It is not about Naveen-ul-Haq. I would have defended any player, that is my job, that is how I am. Why should I not defend my players just because someone has a broadcaster working for him, left right and centre, someone who has more social media presence doesn’t have any right to walk over someone.”

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Hyderabad

Shriram Life Insurance supports differently-abled cyclist Tameem Ansari

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The company pledged its support to the cyclist in his endeavour to spread awareness of insurance through his cycling voyage across the country.

Published Date – 29 March 2024, 05:05 PM


Shriram Life Insurance supports differently-abled cyclist Tameem Ansari


Hyderabad: Shriram Life Insurance felicitated the well-known cyclist, Tameem Ansari, a resident of Chennai on Thursday. The company recognised his efforts in spreading awareness of insurance across India by embarking on a cycling journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

As part of his awareness campaign across India, the differently-abled cyclist is in Telangana. The company pledged its support to the cyclist in his endeavour to spread awareness of insurance through his cycling voyage across the country.

He embarked on a monumental journey, cycling from the serene valleys of Kashmir to the southern tip of Kanyakumari.

Tameem’s journey transcends physical endurance; it symbolizes a powerful message of resilience and hope. Despite facing physical challenges, he has chosen to conquer unimaginable distances, inspiring countless hearts along the way.

Through his remarkable journey, he has become a beacon of inspiration for all, proving that obstacles are mere stepping stones to greatness.

In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions abound, he has taken it upon himself to advocate for mindful living and financial security. Such initiatives not only reflect his altruistic spirit but also underscore the importance of societal well-being.

The entire team at Shriram Life Insurance celebrated his achievement and felicitated him in Hyderabad.

Top News

US Aviation Agency Issues Travel Warning Ahead Of Total Solar Eclipse

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Solar Eclipse 2024: US Aviation Agency Issues Travel Warning Ahead Of Rare Celestial Event

Solar Eclipse 2024: The celestial event will not be visible in India. (Representative pic)

As the Solar Eclipse, also known as Surya Grahan, is set to take place on April 8, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning for flying ahead of this celestial event. In a press note, the US government civil aviation agency advised that aircraft should be prepared for possible delays, reroutes, and changes in departure schedules for all the domestic (Instrument Flight Rules) IFR flights. The FAA’s website also listed the airports in the path of the upcoming Solar Eclipse that will be affected. 

“The purpose of this notice is to inform airmen of the possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path during the period April 7, 2024, 1000 UTC through April 10, 2024, 0400 UTC,” the press note read. 

“Aircraft should be prepared for potential airborne holding, reroutes, and/or Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCTs) that may be issued for all domestic IFR arrivals and departures. Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs) are possible,” it added. 

According to NASA, the April 8 Solar Eclipse, also known as the “Great North American Eclipse”, will be visible in several countries, including the United States, Mexico and Canada. The eclipse will cross North America, creating a spectacle for observers. As a result, air traffic is expected to intensify, particularly between Texas and New England, as skygazers prepare to witness the rare event, the FAA said. 

“There may be a higher traffic volume than normal anticipated at airports along the path of the eclipse. Traffic should anticipate delays during peak traffic periods. Parking may be limited – particularly at the smaller, uncontrolled airports,” the aviation agency added. 

Also Read | What Scientists Hope To Learn From Total Solar Eclipse In US

Further, the agency recommended early planning and vigilance for both pilots and airports to mitigate potential challenges during this period. “Special security provisions may be in effect for this event, including, but not limited to, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), two-way radio communications, and discrete transponder requirements,” it said. 

Notably, the Solar Eclipse will not be visible in India. It will be visible in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the eclipse. The eclipse will then move to Canada before exiting North America on the Atlantic coast. Hundreds of schools across the United States are set to close on April 8th due to a total solar eclipse. 

Middle East

Iran, Arab states to hold naval parades in solidarity with Palestinians

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The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy vessels and local Iranian sailors take part in naval parades on April 13, 2023 to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Palestine. (Photo by Tasnim news agency)

Iran and a number of Arab countries will hold simultaneous naval parades in their territorial waters to demonstrate unflinching support for Palestinians.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri said thousands of vessels from Iran and other members of the Axis of Resistance, including Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, will take part in the parades on the eve of the International Quds Day.

More than 3,000 light and heavy vessels of the IRGC Navy, the Basij volunteer force will partake in the parades to voice support for the Palestinian cause, he said.

IRGC marines and local sailors will parade along the southern and northern coasts of Iran in solidarity with the people of Palestine in the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of ​​Oman.

Adm. Tangsiri said the parades are meant to demonstrate the naval prowess of the Axis of Resistance, and send a stern warning to the ominous and oppressive Israeli regime.

“This year’s Quds Day will be commemorated more widely than ever across the globe,” he said.

Every year on the last Friday of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, worldwide rallies are held to support the Palestinian people’s resistance against Israel and the struggle to liberate their territories which have been occupied since 1967.

The annual event is seen as an opportunity for freedom-seeking people across the world, regardless of faith, to voice their support for the Palestinian cause and vent their anger at Israel.

The International Quds Day is among the legacies of the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini. Back in 1979, shortly after leading an Islamic Revolution which toppled the US-backed Shah of Iran, Imam Khomeini named the last Friday of Ramadan as the Quds Day.

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www.presstv.co.uk

Top News

After Congress, Communist Party Gets Rs 11 Crore Tax Notice: Report

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After Congress, Communist Party Gets Rs 11 Crore Tax Notice: Report

Sources said Left party is consulting lawyers to challenge notice of tax authorities (Representational)

New Delhi:

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has received a notice from the income-tax department, asking it to pay “dues” of Rs 11 crore for using an old PAN card while filing tax returns during the last few years, sources said on Friday.

They said the Left party is consulting its lawyers to challenge the notice of the tax authorities.

The sources said the “dues” to be paid to the I-T department include penalties and interest due to authorities for “discrepancies” in the use of an old PAN card by the party.

“We are seeking legal assistance and consulting our lawyers,” a senior CPI leader told PTI.

Earlier, the Congress said it had received I-T notices, asking the party to pay dues of more than Rs 1,823 crore for discrepancies in tax returns filed for previous years.

Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale has also claimed that he has received 11 I-T notices in the last 72 hours.

The Congress has been alleging that the BJP-led Centre is trying to “cripple” the opposition in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls.

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

India

Drugs worth over Rs 2 cr seized, two arrested in Jharkhand

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On Friday, police in Jharkhand’s Chatra district arrested two individuals and confiscated drugs valued at over Rs 2 crore from them, according to reports.

Published Date – 29 March 2024, 04:26 PM


Drugs worth over Rs 2 cr seized, two arrested in Jharkhand

Representational Image

Chatra: On Friday, police in Jharkhand’s Chatra district arrested two individuals and confiscated drugs valued at over Rs 2 crore from them, according to reports.

During a naka checking in Gidhaur area along the inter-district boundaries of Chatra and Hazaribag on Thursday, 45 kg of opium worth Rs 2 crore and 25 gm of heroin worth Rs 5 lakh were seized from a car and a two-wheeler respectively in separate incidents, Chatra Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar Pandey told reporters.

“Two persons, identified as Lalan Dangi (28) and Rajendra Dangi (50), were arrested,” he said.

Chatra Police had arrested one person and seized 138 gm of brown sugar worth Rs 15 from his possession during a naka checking on Wednesday.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad Metro Rail welcomes French delegation

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In an engaging session, L&TMRHL and Keolis Hyderabad showcased the various aspects of Hyderabad Metro Rail through insightful presentations.

Published Date – 29 March 2024, 04:39 PM


Hyderabad Metro Rail welcomes French delegation

Mr. KVB Reddy explaining the various aspects of HMR OCC to His Excellency Dr. Thierry Mathou.

Hyderabad: L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd. welcomed a delegation led by Dr. Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India. The visitors included Thierry Berthelot, Consul General of France, Pascal Loreau, Deputy Consul at Bureau de France – Hyderabad, and Bertrand de La Forest Divonne, Economic Counselor – Regional Economic Service (South India).

The delegation was greeted by key figures from L&TMRHL and Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), including NVS Reddy, Managing Director of HMRL, KVB Reddy, Managing Director & CEO of L&TMRHL, Sudhir Chiplunkar, Chief Operating Officer of L&TMRHL, and SC Mishra, Managing Director of Keolis Hyderabad, the Operations and Maintenance partner for Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR).

In an engaging session, L&TMRHL and Keolis Hyderabad showcased the various aspects of Hyderabad Metro Rail through insightful presentations. These presentations shed light on the network’s cutting-edge technology, operational excellence, and commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

A highlight of the visit was the tour of the Operations Control Centre (OCC), considered the nerve center of Hyderabad Metro Rail. Here, the delegation experienced firsthand the advanced technologies employed by the metro, including the Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system, a pioneering initiative in India.

Expressing admiration for Hyderabad Metro Rail, H.E. Dr. Thierry Mathou praised the system as a beacon of innovation and technological advancement in urban transportation. NVS Reddy, MD, HMRL, highlighted the potential for future partnerships. “We are delighted to welcome Ambassador Mathou and his delegation to the Hyderabad Metro Rail’s OCC. This visit ignites a spark for future collaboration, aiming to exchange knowledge and develop innovative solutions for sustainable urban mobility.”

KVB Reddy, MD & CEO of L&TMRHL, highlighted the significance of the visit, noting the growing international recognition of Hyderabad Metro Rail’s technological prowess. He expressed gratitude for the delegation’s visit, emphasizing its role in fostering valuable cooperation and partnerships.