Days before the assembly election, Ashok Gehlot announces the Rajasthan Congress manifesto and promises a caste census.

 

On Tuesday, the Congress released its manifesto for the Rajasthan assembly elections. The manifesto titled 'Jan Ghoshna Patra' was released at the state party office by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party in-charge for Rajasthan Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, chief minister Ashok Gehlot, state party president Govind Singh Dotasra, manifesto committee chairman CP Joshi, and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot.

In its Rajasthan election manifesto, Congress promised a new scheme for panchayat recruitment and a caste census if it returns to power in the state.

"...The people of Rajasthan will be proud of the way we have managed the state's financial situation... Rajasthan's per capita income has increased by 46.48 per cent. Our ambition is to be the highest-income country in the world by 2030. "The state GDP reached 19.50 in 2020-21, the highest in the decade," Gehlot said at the press conference.

If the Congress is re-elected, Gehlot has already made seven "guarantees" or promises to the people of Rajasthan.

Among the seven "guarantees" are

• A yearly honorarium of ₹10,000 is guaranteed by the Griha Lakshmi Yojana for the female head of the family.
• LPG cylinders for households ranging from ₹500k to 1.05k.
• purchase of manure for ₹2 per kg from cattle rearers with the Gowdhan guarantee.
• legislation for the previous government employee pension plan.
• Tablets or laptops are given to students applying to government colleges.
• Insurance that covers up to ₹15 lakh per family for education in the English language and natural disaster losses.
• The ₹25 lakh to ₹50 lakh Chiranjeevi health insurance scheme will be implemented.

The manifesto of the Bharatiya Janata Party is already available.

"We fulfil the promises we make," stated Kharge upon the manifesto's release. This is a significant victory for Rajasthan and the Congress party if any party implements 90% of the manifesto."

The assembly election in Rajasthan is scheduled for November 25. The results will be tallied on December 3. In the 2013 legislative assembly elections, the BJP secured 163 seats and took power in Rajasthan.

In the 200-member House, the Congress secured 99 seats and the BJP 73 seats in the 2018 assembly elections. Gehlot eventually sworn in as chief minister with the backing of Independents and BSP MLAs.

The first images of workers trapped in the Uttarkashi Tunnel for ten days

New Delhi/Dehradun: Workers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand were spotted for the first time early this morning as a camera fitted through a pipe captured their images.

Last night, an endoscopic flexi camera was slid into a six-inch pipe inserted through the rubble to provide food to the 41 workers who have been trapped since a part of the tunnel collapsed on November 12.

The workers, who had thick beards, were seen waving to the camera in their hard hats and work gear, indicating that they were doing well. Rescue personnel were observed requesting the workers to come in front of the camera while communicating with them via Walkie Talkies or radio phones.

"Aap camera ke paas walkie talkie pe aake baat karein (come in front of the camera and talk to us through the Walkie Talkie)," an official was heard urging.

"We will bring you out safely, do not worry," rescuers were heard telling the men.

Last night, khichdi in glass bottles was pushed through the pipe, providing the stranded workers with their first hot meal in 10 days. They had previously survived on dry fruits and water.

सिलक्यारा, उत्तरकाशी में निर्माणाधीन सुरंग के अंदर फँसे श्रमिकों से पहली बार एंडोस्कोपिक फ्लेक्सी कैमरे के माध्यम से बातचीत कर उनका कुशलक्षेम पूछा गया। सभी श्रमिक बंधु पूरी तरह सुरक्षित हैं। pic.twitter.com/vcr28EHx8g

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 21, 2023

Colonel Deepak Patil, the man in charge of rescue operations, stated that mobile phones and chargers would be delivered to the workers via the pipe soon.

Attempts to rescue the workers have failed several times in the last week due to obstacles such as topography and the nature of the rocks in the area. Last week's efforts were hampered by falling debris and landslides.

Rescuers reported great progress after a vertical drilling machine entered the tunnel from the top. A driver told news agency ANI that it took 13 hours and three vehicles to get the machine to the location.

The Centre has prepared a five-option action plan that includes digging from three sides in order to gain access to the besieged workers. Each operation has been assigned to five separate agencies.

Two tunnels will be drilled horizontally from the right and left sides of the main tunnel, with a vertical shaft excavated from the top.

Multiple organisations, including the NDRF, SDRF, BRO, and the ITBP, are working around the clock to save people. Yesterday, an international tunnelling specialist team arrived and joined the efforts. A robotics team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has also arrived.

According to officials, all workers are safe and are receiving food and water through steel pipes bored into the aperture.

The tunnel is part of the ambitious Char Dham project, a national infrastructural programme that aims to improve access to the Hindu holy sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Israel-Hamas conflict: Biden says he thinks an agreement to free the hostages in Gaza is close.

According to Reuters, US President Joe Biden stated on Monday that he thinks an agreement to exchange a truce for the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is near. During a Thanksgiving ceremony at the White House, the US President responded, "I believe so," when asked if a deal was imminent.

Last week, Reuters revealed that Qatari mediators were trying to broker an agreement between Israel and Hamas to swap 50 hostages for a three-day cease-fire. The agreement, according to the mediators, would facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza's civilian population.

About 240 people—including women and children—were captured on October 7 as Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel. There are perhaps 33 kids among the hostages. Israeli data indicates that this surprise attack by Hamas, the bloodiest in Israel's 75-year history, claimed the lives of roughly 1,200 Israelis, the majority of whom were civilians. Israel, which views Hamas as an Islamist militant organisation, invaded Palestinian territory in response to this unexpected attack in order to destroy the organisation.

Since then, the Israeli army's relentless bombardment of Palestinians has resulted in the deaths of at least 13,000 people, including 5,500 children, according to the Hamas-run government in Gaza.

In the meantime, the Hamas-run health ministry said that Israel had carried out a fatal attack on the Indonesian hospital in Gaza, forcing 28 preterm babies to be evacuated from the war-torn region to Egypt.

The WHO revised by one the number provided by Egyptian media, saying that 28 preterm newborns rescued from Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, had been transferred to safety in Egypt through the Rafah crossing.

Although the Israeli army claimed to have "helped facilitate" the transfer, the WHO stated that "all babies are fighting serious infections and continue needing health care."

Israel claims that Hamas has employed extensive military tunnel networks beneath Al-Shifa. Additionally, it has displayed weapons that have been retrieved, and on Sunday, Israel declared that it had found a tunnel but had not yet found any indications of a significant military headquarters underground.

Interim Bail Is Converted To Regular Bail For Chandrababu Naidu

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted regular bail to Telugu Desam Party leader Chandrababu Naidu in connection with the alleged 371 crore Skill Development Corporation scandal.

The former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, who was arrested over two months ago, is already out of jail; he was granted interim medical release for four weeks last month to have cataract surgery on his right eye.

Mr Naidu will no longer be required to return to prison on November 28, as originally directed.

Significantly, Mr Naidu was also allowed permission to engage in political activity. The approval comes too late for the poll this weekend in nearby Telangana, which votes on November 30.

Mr Naidu, on the other hand, is expected to issue a statement on his detention, which was widely condemned by his party's cadre, followers, and family, as well as on his opponents, the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi.

When he was released, he said, "I was in trouble." This is something I will never forget... not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in Telangana and around the world."

The TDP opted out of the Telangana election last month since Mr Naidu was still imprisoned at the time.

According to a senior party source, the decision was made following a meeting between the TDP's state chairman, Kasani Gnaneswar, and Mr Naidu, who was then being held in the Rajahmundry Central Jail.

The TDP chief allegedly stated that with him behind bars, the leadership may not be able to campaign in Telangana, and hence Mr Gnaneswar must explain these facts to the cadre.

The TDP enjoys some support in Telangana, where it won 15 seats in the 2014 Assembly election and two in 2018. However, the elected MLAs later switched their allegiance to the ruling party.

Mr Naidu's supporters in Telangana are furious with the BRS because it did not condemn his detention and because they were not permitted to conduct a protest in his favour in the Hitech City region.

Following Mr. Naidu's detention last month, there were violent altercations and political unrest. Party chiefs denounced the government of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy for engaging in a "witch hunt".

What’s the Difference Between Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB-C?

Up to five devices can share power, video, and high-bandwidth data transfers with Thunderbolt™ technology's best-in-class capabilities. Using a strong connectivity standard, gamers, creators, and workers can all enjoy a tidy desktop with several monitors and accessories.

Thunderbolt™ Technology: What Is It?

An Intel-developed connectivity standard called ThunderboltTM technology allows power, data, and video to be delivered over a single cable. To promote higher dependability and vendor and device compatibility, the Thunderbolt™ certification sets obligatory minimum specifications for cables, PCs, and accessories. When connecting accessories, Thunderbolt™-based solutions provide an excellent user experience for end customers.

Where to Find Devices Enabled by Thunderbolt™ 4

Many contemporary PCs come equipped with Thunderbolt™ 4, which works with Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS. All laptops with Intel® Core™ vPro® processors and all Intel® Evo™ laptops must include at least one Thunderbolt™ 4 port.

• Find Thunderbolt™ on Intel® Evo™ laptops
• Shop for Thunderbolt™ accessories

The Distinction In between USB-C and Thunderbolt™ 4

Although Thunderbolt™ 4 employs the USB-C connector type, which is distinguished by its oval form, it is not the same as USB-C.

Thunderbolt™ 4 Initiates Elevated Minimum Conditions

For Thunderbolt™ 4 certification, a consistent 40 Gbps bandwidth must be supported for power, data, and video. There is no guarantee of display quality and a fluctuating data speed range for USB cables, devices, and ports. The Thunderbolt™ logo provides a straightforward, reliable representation of the power of a device connection.

Easily identifiable by a simple lightning symbol, Thunderbolt™ 4 certification guarantees 40 Gbps bandwidth compared to the wide range of USB options.

Interoperability between USB and Thunderbolt™

The USB-C connector type is also used by several USB standards, such as USB 3.2 and USB4, and these cables and ports are compatible with Thunderbolt™ 4 devices. Only the lowest common data rate will be supported when devices with varying capabilities are connected. A Thunderbolt™ 4 port, for instance, can negotiate data, power, and video signal capabilities with a connected device at a USB 3.2 level when a USB 3.2 cable is plugged into it.

Advantages and Features of Thunderbolt™ 4

With a more adaptable and extensive set of features than USB-C, Thunderbolt™ 4 has clear advantages over that technology. With its cleaner workspaces and increased bandwidth to accommodate more accessories, Thunderbolt™ 4 technology can be advantageous for productivity, multimedia creation, and gaming applications.

Power, Transmission of Data, and Visual Display in The trifecta of power charging, data transfer, and bidirectional movement with visual display in one interface is supported by one Thunderbolt™ 4 connector and cables. For instance, if the laptop, display, and cable are all ThunderboltTM compatible, the laptop can simultaneously charge the monitor and provide a visual signal to it. The Thunderbolt™ 4 offers:

High bandwidth: 40 Gbps of dynamically allocated data and video capacity is perfect for large tasks or quick file transfers.

Rapid charging Maximum of 100W of electricity can be used to charge laptops, and up to 15W can be used for computer accessories.

Several options for displays: one 8K 60 Hz display or up to two 4K 60 Hz displays on a single connection1.

More Rapid Data Transfer

A 40 Gbps total bandwidth is needed by the Thunderbolt™ 4 standard, which dynamically divides it between data and video for any device connected to the same network. This standard guarantees connections always deliver peak file transfer speeds to support work, gaming, and content creation—a far cry from the unpredictable speeds of USB4.

Docks, Hubs, and Daisy Chains

Create a daisy chain by connecting several Thunderbolt™ devices together. The computer can send signals for power, data, and video down the chain to five more gadgets. To combine all accessories into a single connection, connect several devices to a Thunderbolt™ hub or dock that may be hooked into a Thunderbolt™ computer.

PCIe enclosures, storage, and external graphics

End customers can connect their computers to external GPUs, storage drives, and PCIe enclosures thanks to Thunderbolt™ 4's fast bandwidth. While PCIe connectivity is optional for USB 4 and not supported by USB 3, Thunderbolt™ 4 allows you to connect the widest range of devices.

Even on tiny and light notebooks, gamers can play at recommended visual settings and greater frame rates with external graphics. Rendering and exporting times can be greatly shortened by creators to increase output and productivity.

PCIe enclosures, storage, and external graphics

End customers can connect their computers to external GPUs, storage drives, and PCIe enclosures thanks to Thunderbolt™ 4's fast bandwidth. While PCIe connectivity is optional for USB 4 and not supported by USB 3, Thunderbolt™ 4 allows you to connect the widest range of devices.

• Even on tiny and light notebooks, gamers can play at recommended visual settings and greater frame rates with external graphics. Rendering and exporting times can be greatly shortened by creators to increase output and productivity.
• Gamers may now play large-file games straight from an external drive thanks to external storage, which frees up important PC storage space. For added peace of mind, creators may easily back up large video and photo files.
• There are even more options available when an external PCIe enclosure is connected, including video capture cards.

Lightning® Four Cables

With Thunderbolt™ 4 cables, customers have greater configuration options for their workstations and gaming centres, as they can connect to USB and DisplayPort devices up to two metres in length.

PC-to-PC Communication

Computers with Thunderbolt™ support can be connected to one another at speeds greater than a 10 GB Ethernet connection to create a secure connection. Fast and simple file sharing is made possible via this connection, especially with huge files.

Windows 11's support for OS drivers

Microsoft brought Thunderbolt™ drivers from the firmware level and integrated them into Windows 11 with its release. Snap layouts in Windows 11 will also function with multiple 4K screens connected via Thunderbolt™.

Thunderbolt™ for Creating, Gaming, and Productivity

Thunderbolt™ technology will assist workers who require everyday productivity as well as gamers and content creators. With unified connectivity and high bandwidth in a single connection, this standard contributes to a clutter-free desktop. End users can quickly transport large files, activate the best possible display settings, and add necessary peripherals using docks, hubs, and daisy chains.

Source: Intel!

Supreme Court requests ED's answer about Sanjay Singh's appeal against his detention and arrest in the Delhi Excise Policy scandal

Sanjay Singh and Supreme Court

In response to a plea filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh contesting his arrest and remand by the ED in the money-laundering case about the Delhi Excise Policy scam [Sanjay Singh vs Union of India and anr], the Supreme Court on Monday requested the Central government's and the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) response.

Singh has not submitted a bail request in this case, according to a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti.

"Why do you avoid doing that? Notice will be given, but you must file (standard bail plea). "I don't believe that requesting bail will prevent you from coming here for additional relief," Justice Khanna said.

The Court further stated that the Central government and the ED must file their responses to the petition by the week that starts on December 11.

Singh was also allowed by the judge to apply for bail before the relevant jurisdictional court.

Singh's plea contesting his arrest was denied by the Delhi High Court in October.

As per the High Court's statement, attributing political motivations to the ED might potentially affect the nation's reputation.

The ED searched Singh's home on October 4 and then took him into custody.

The accusations made against Singh centre on his alleged involvement in the formulation and execution of the now-cancelled Delhi Excise Policy, which was purportedly designed to favour specific spirits producers, distributors, and retailers.

He was first placed under ED custody on October 5 and kept there until October 10, which was then extended until October 13.

He was placed in judicial prison for a period of 14 days on October 13. Singh subsequently filed a motion with the High Court, claiming that the arrest was an improper use of the judicial system.

Due to the plea's rejection, the Supreme Court is currently considering this appeal.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended Singh before the Supreme Court today.

With Singh's arrest, the AAP leader in the excise policy matter has been arrested three times in a high-profile manner.

In-charge of AAP communications While Manish Sisodia, the former deputy chief minister of Delhi, was arrested in February 2023, Vijay Nair was taken into custody in September 2022.

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: The government claims it'might reach stranded workers in two and a half days if...'

 

Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: A rescue operation for 41 stranded workers was halted on Sunday, November 19, while authorities focused on planning for the next step, which included using different methods to reach the men who had been trapped for many days. Here are the most recent developments in this story: 

1) According to a story published by the news agency PTI, officials stated a road to the top of the hill was created in a single day for excavating a vertical shaft down into the tunnel.

2) The Tehri Hydroelectric Development Corporation planned to start "micro tunnelling" Sunday night from the Barkot end of the Char Dham route's under-construction tunnel, a portion of which collapsed on November 12.

3) The American-made heavy-duty auger equipment faced a hard impediment after roughly 22 metres of boring into the wreckage of the collapsed 60-meter section from the Silkyara end, according to PTI. 

4) In addition, the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has commenced work on a vertical pipeline to provide critical products when the approach road to the top of the hill is completed.

5) The multi-pronged effort is the result of a series of setbacks, including a part of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel collapsing the previous Sunday morning, barring the route out for workers finishing the night shift.

Also Read: Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: PM Modi calls Uttarakhand CM

6) On Sundays, Road, Transport, and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain stated that the government has launched a five-pronged action plan to rescue the 41 workers who have been stranded at the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi since November 12. 

7) Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari visited the collapsed tunnel site on Sunday and stated that digging horizontally through the rubble with a massive auger machine looked to be the best option. In two and a half days, he expected a breakthrough.

8) "The most important priority is to save the trapped workers and evacuate them as soon as possible." "Preparations are being made to restart the auger machine and resume tunnel drilling and pipe-laying," Gadkari added.

9) "Though I am no technical expert, horizontal digging appears to be the best option in the given circumstances." "If there are no obstacles, the auger machine could reach the trapped workers in two and a half days," he added.

10) In case a replacement was required, a comparable machine was dispatched from Indore. The vertical drilling equipment arriving next is too large to be transported by plane and will be transported to the site by road, according to officials.

Who is the underground specialist overseeing the rescue operation of the collapsed Uttarkashi tunnel, Professor Arnold Dix?

Professor Arnold Dix has gained attention as a result of the collapse of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on November 12, which trapped 41 workers. He is a well-known authority on disaster investigations and tunnel safety worldwide. Professor Dix is leading the intricate rescue effort with his experience, demonstrating his skill at handling difficult subterranean circumstances.

LIVE updates on the collapse of the Uttarkashi tunnel

Renowned for his knowledge of disaster response and tunnel safety, Professor Dix is the President of International Tunnelling Underground Space. His qualifications attest to his knowledge in this area. Dix plays a critical role in the current crisis. He is well-known for his ability to investigate technical details and have an intuitive understanding of the subtleties of each project.

Following the tunnel collapse, Dix emphasized the significance of careful planning and safety, noting that while the current situation appears promising, it still needs to be carefully evaluated to prevent additional risks. His method emphasizes the importance of carefully examining and analyzing every facet of these crucial operations.

There's a race against time for the rescue attempt, which involves ' micro tunnelling' and other creative tactics. A road has already been built to the top of the hill to facilitate the drilling of a vertical shaft that will allow workers who are trapped to be rescued. The difficulty of the process is demonstrated by the employment of American-made auger equipment that encountered difficulties when drilling through the trash.

The career of Professor Arnold Dix

Throughout his career, Professor Dix has received several honours, which attest to his important contributions to tunnel safety on a global scale. He was awarded the semi-annual Alan Neyland Australasian Tunnelling Society Award for achievement in tunnelling, with a focus on tunnel fire safety, in 2011.

His revolutionary efforts to improve tunnel fire safety have been acknowledged. In 2022, the National Fire Protection Association of the United States of America presented him with a Committee Service Award, recognising his ongoing and significant contributions to the development of tunnel safety norms and standards.

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: PM Modi calls Uttarakhand CM, saying 'workers will be evacuated safely'

PM Modi emphasized that the workers would be evacuated safely with mutual coordination between central and state agencies.

At least 41 workers have been stranded in the Silkyara tunnel since November 12th when a section collapsed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to discuss the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse and assured him that the central government would provide all necessary rescue equipment and resources. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to maintain the morale of the stranded workers and stated that the central government is providing the necessary rescue instruments and resources. He also assured that the workers will be evacuated securely thanks to the cooperation of national and state authorities.

The Prime Minister has met with Dhami three times to discuss the Silkyara tunnel rescue efforts. The Chief Minister has shared information on the workers stuck in the tunnel, who are receiving regular air supplies, nutritious food, and water. Dhami also updated him on the rescue activities, stating that all authorities cooperate and consult with professionals to carry out the rescue operations.

Dhami has inspected the location and is continuously keeping an eye on the rescue efforts. He emphasized that every effort is being made to get the workers out as soon as possible. He told PM Modi that in addition to a team from the Prime Minister's Office supervising rescue efforts, medical teams are positioned at the location.

This morning, large vehicles intended to aid in the rescue operation made their way to the Silkyara tunnel via the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway. Neeraj Khanna, the Nodal Secretary, stated that the rescue team had been instructed to finish the operation as soon as possible. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has declared that the government's top priority is saving the trapped workers and getting them out as soon as possible.

Source: Here!

Why Delhi Has Said It Will Be Dry On November 19, the Day of the World Cup Final

New Delhi: In anticipation of Team India's attempt to win their third ICC ODI World Cup championship when they play Australia in the World Cup 2023 final, Delhi has proclaimed Sunday to be a dry day. 

Due to Chhath Puja on Sunday, the national capital's liquor stores will be closed.

According to a formal directive released on Thursday by Commissioner (Excise) Krishna Mohan Uppu, all alcohol stores would remain closed on Sunday, Pratihar Shashthi, also known as Surya Shashti (Chhath Puja), is a dry day.

The people of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar celebrate Chhath, a well-known festival, as a way to honour the Sun.

On November 17 of this year, the four-day celebration got underway. During the final two days, believers give 'arghya' to the Sun God and fast.

The Delhi Excise Commissioner has the authority to declare days off on special occasions such as national holidays and the anniversaries of notable national figures. There is no payment to excise licence holders on dry days.

Earlier in the year, on March 8 (Holi), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), October 24 (Dussehra), and November 12 (Diwali), around 637 liquor outlets operated by four government organisations stayed closed.

The Delhi government's Excise department released a list indicating that Christmas (December 25) will be the next dry day.

On November 19, India and Australia will face off in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final.

The game is set to start at 2:00 PM IST at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. 

India, who haven't won an international championship since the 2013 Champions Trophy, is going for their third ODI World Cup trophy, having won two previous ones in 1983 and 2011. Australia is going for a record-breaking sixth ICC ODI World Cup victory.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed Sanjay Singh's petition against his arrest by the ED in the Excise Policy case.

On Friday, the Delhi High Court dismissed Sanjay Singh's appeal contesting his detention by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy scam case and his subsequent arrest for money laundering. Sanjay Singh is a member of parliament for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The ED is a top-tier investigative agency, and Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed Singh's appeal today evening while noting that doing so could damage the nation's reputation.

The Court added that there is now insufficient evidence to draw the conclusion that Dinesh Arora, an approver whose remarks helped lead to Singh's arrest, gave false information or acted illegally.

Sanjay Singh's attorney's claims that evidence was fabricated against the AAP leader cannot currently be taken into account, it was said.

The High Court is hearing a case involving Singh's arrest on October 4 following an ED search of his home. He was remanded to ED custody on October 5 for a period that was initially set for October 10 but was later extended to October 13. He was sent in judicial custody on October 13 for a period of 14 days.

Singh filed a petition with the High Court, claiming that the legal system had been abused by his arrest.

Singh was represented by Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari, who contended that Singh is a well-known leader who has never been summoned or asked to appear in court.

He added that the grounds for the arrest must be provided in writing by the ED prior to making the arrest, citing the Supreme Court's October 3 ruling in the M3M Reality case (Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India).

"The Supreme Court made a pretty unusual statement. The ED is a prime agency, and as such, it must be fair, according to one paragraph. According to the Supreme Court, they cannot be retaliatory. Nevertheless, they are still the juror, judge, and executioner," Chaudhari continued.

The accusations made against Singh centre on his alleged involvement in the formulation and execution of the now-cancelled Delhi Excise Policy, which was purportedly designed to favour specific spirits producers, distributors, and retailers.

With Singh's arrest, the AAP leader in the excise policy matter has been arrested three times in a high-profile manner.

In-charge of AAP communications September 2022 saw the arrest of Vijay Nair. Manish Sisodia, the former Delhi deputy chief minister, was taken into custody in February 2023. They are both still incarcerated.

According to VFS Global, its visa application centers would continue to be open in 10 Indian locations.

Following Canada's announcement that it will be removing 41 of its diplomats from India, the supplier of visa services VFS Global stated that their centers for applying for Canadian visas will still be operating in 10 Indian locations.

In a statement released on October 20, VFS Global said: "Please note that our Canada visa application centers across 10 Indian cities continue to operate properly, as instructed by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)".

In the cities of New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune, VFS Global runs visa application centers for Canada.

Significantly, IRCC is Canada's main immigration authority and is in charge of reviewing the numerous applications submitted by Indian citizens seeking visas for study, travel, or permanent residence.

After IRCC's statement that the reduction in Canada's diplomatic representation in India will influence the processing time for visas, VFS Global provided the explanation.

"The IRCC is downsizing from 27 to 5 personnel in India. Reduced personnel levels are anticipated to affect processing timelines, but IRCC will still accept and handle applications from India, it said.

Nevertheless, the Canadian immigration board explained that "89% of India's applications are processed through the worldwide network," meaning that the vast majority of applications from India have already been processed outside of India.

The five IRCC employees with Canadian bases who are still in India will concentrate on tasks that call for in-country presence, like expedited processing, printing visas, risk assessment, and managing important partners, it added.

Melanie Joly, the foreign minister of Canada, announced the removal of 41 diplomats from India on October 19 during a press conference in Ottawa. She claimed that the decision by New Delhi to grant diplomatic immunity to only 21 out of the 62 Canadian diplomats now stationed there made the move necessary.

I can confirm that, as of right now, India has formally communicated its intention to dishonestly revoke diplomatic immunity for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents based in Delhi by October 20. This would put the personal safety of 41 Canadian ambassadors and their 42 dependents in peril of having their immunity revoked on an arbitrary date, she told the news agency ANI.

Joly continued by saying that the action will have an impact on diplomatic operations in several Indian cities. What this signifies for our business in India may be a question on the minds of Canadian viewers. Without a doubt, India's choice will affect the level of services provided to Consulates in both nations. Sadly, all in-person services at our consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore must be suspended "She spoke.

Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that there was a "possible link" between the two countries "in relation to the assassination of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar to Indian officials in Canada. The accusation has been refuted by the Indian government.

By 2035, India hopes to have its own space station and send astronauts to the moon.

India hopes to send an astronaut to the moon by 2040, according to the government, which announced the goal on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also instructed the space agency to develop plans for a space station by 2035.

India became the fourth nation overall to successfully complete a soft landing in August, just days after a similar Russian attempt failed. This achievement helped India's aspirations for space travel to soar.

After that achievement, India launched a rocket to study the sun, and this week, as part of a crewed space mission, a test is planned.

According to a statement from the government, the prime minister ordered that India should now set new and ambitious targets, such as establishing the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the moon by 2040.

The Department of Space will create a roadmap for moon exploration in order to carry out this vision, it continued.

In addition, PM Modi urged scientists to work on Venus and Mars expeditions.

ISRO is "extremely busy" with a number of exploratory missions in the works. Chairman

Aside from the first human spaceflight programme, ISRO has a number of exploration missions planned, including trips to Mars, Venus, and the Moon once more, according to Chairman S Somanath.

The head of the space agency told reporters on Sunday that the agency has also planned to launch missions to research Earth's climate and weather patterns.

Moreover, Somanath, who is also the Secretary of the Department of Space, stated here that ISRO is also focusing on routine scientific missions such as communication and remote sensing satellites.

In reference to the Gaganyaan programme, he stated that the first TV-D1 test flight is planned for October 21.

He explained the planned missions being carried out by the space agency with its Bangalore headquarters, saying, "We have exploratory missions. We have plans to visit Mars, Venus, and the Moon once more in the future. We also offer programmes that examine Earth's climate and weather. He emphasised that ISRO scientists would be focused on carrying out routine missions like launching satellites for communications and remote sensing, but added that there are also scientific missions planned to look at topics like aeronomy, thermal imaging, and assessing the effects of climate change.

We are quite busy with all of this since there are so many things to accomplish, he remarked.

In response to a question about whether scientists were able to get any feedback from the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft's Vikram lander, which made a successful soft landing on the surface of the Moon on August 23, he said Vikram had performed admirably during the lunar day (equivalent to 14 Earth days) during which it was programmed to carry out its duties.

"It is sleeping peacefully on the Moon." It has done an excellent job. Allow it to wake awake if it so desires. "We'll wait until then," he said. ISRO made efforts to re-establish connection with rover Pragyan and lander Vikram after they were put into sleep mode in September after the Moon's nighttime began.

"There have been no signals from them." ISRO stated that "efforts to establish contact will continue."

Following the historic landing on August 23, lander Vikram and rover Pragyan carried out a variety of duties on the lunar surface, including detecting sulphur and monitoring relative temperature.

Concerning ISRO's first mission to study the Sun, Somanath stated that the spacecraft is'very healthy' and is on a 110-day voyage to the Lagrange point L1, where it is projected to arrive by "middle of January." "It's going to be a long journey." It has been nearly 110 days and has traveled considerable distance. We adjusted a little portion of its trajectory because reaching the L1 point requires early adjustment. "After tracking, we discovered that it is heading in the right direction towards the L1 point," he explained.

Somanath, observing the rocket's 'complicated voyage,' stated, "It takes nearly another 70-75 days to reach." It will get there by the middle of January. Following that, we will make certain adjustments to let it to reach the Halo orbit at the L1 point." "After that, the instruments will be turned on and the scientific data streaming will begin." "Right now, everything on Aditya L1 is very healthy," he said.

Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2, and it is the first Indian space-based observatory to study the Sun from a halo orbit around the first Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1), which is approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.

Earlier, Somanath paid a visit to the home of renowned agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan, who died on September 28. He met the family members of a famous plant geneticist known as the driving force behind India's 'Green Revolution' in the city.

"I am here today only to express my gratitude and affection for his (M S Swaminathan's) contribution... "Whoever works in whatever field, whether it's space, agriculture, or sustainability, or many other domains, we all find a way to collaborate," he remarked.

"I sincerely appreciate the chance, thank you. More young people in the nation will be motivated to pursue careers in science and technology thanks to his (M S Swaminathan's) legacy. Added Somanath.

As per the law, Agniveer Amritpal Singh committed suicide and received no military honours: Army

In a statement released on Sunday, the Indian Army said that Agniveer Amritpal Singh killed himself while doing sentry duty and that his funeral did not get military honours since self-inflicted wounds are not accorded such respect.

According to the Army, it does not make a distinction between soldiers who joined the army before or after the Agnipath system was put into place.

There have been claims that because Singh was an Agniveer soldier, military honours were not accorded to his funeral.

On Saturday, the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps of the Army said that Singh had self-inflicted gunshot wounds when he passed away while performing sentry duty in the Rajouri sector.

The Army claimed in a statement on Sunday night that certain facts surrounding the untimely death of Singh had been "misunderstood and misrepresented."

According to the Indian Army, Agniveer Amritpal Singh's suicide by shooting himself while on sentry duty was a "sad loss to the family and the Indian Army."

According to the statement, "in accordance with the established protocol, the deceased remains were conveyed under Army arrangements along with an escort group to his native town for the last rites" following the completion of medico-legal proceedings.

According to the Army, in terms of eligibility for benefits and protocols, the Armed Forces do not distinguish between soldiers who enlisted before or after the adoption of the Agnipath system.

According to the statement, "the Military Forces accord due respect to unfortunate incidents of mortality stemming from suicide/self-inflicted injuries, irrespective of the kind of entry, coupled with deep and enduring empathy with the family."

"According to the current Army Order of 1967, which is in style, such cases are not entitled to military funerals. Since then, the relevant policy has been routinely upheld without exception, "It read.

The Army reported that since 2001, there have been an average of 100 to 140 troops lost each year as a result of suicides or other self-inflicted injuries. In these cases, no military burial was held.

According to the statement, financial help and relief payments made in accordance with entitlements—including emergency financial support for holding funerals—are given top priority.

"Such tragic instances of loss weigh heavily on the family and the Forces as a whole." "During such times, it is important and incumbent on society to uphold the family's respect, privacy, and dignity while empathizing with them in their time of grief," the Army said.

"Armed Forces are known for adhering to policies and protocols and will continue to do so." "The Indian Army requests the assistance of all segments of society while adhering to its established protocols," it stated.

Shardiya Navratri 2023: Learn about the date, history, significance, and festivities.

Millions of people in India fervently celebrate Navratri, a festival that has a particular place in their hearts. For Hindus, Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is one of the most important and eagerly anticipated religious celebrations. In 2023, Shardiya Navratri would last nine nights, from October 15 to October 24, with a lot of excitement.

History:

Goddess Durga is worshipped on Shardiya Navratri, which falls during the lunar month of Ashwin. The holiday of Navratri, which means "nine nights" in Sanskrit, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga fought the demon Mahishasura during this time for nine days and nine nights before finally slaying him. The holy feminine energy that defeats the powers of evil is symbolized by these nine nights.

Significance:

Shardiya Navratri is observed with great enthusiasm and dedication. It is a time for prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection. Many Hindus think that during these nine nights, Goddess Durga's heavenly energy is at its strongest. People who follow her ask for her blessings in order to be prosperous, happy, and safe from evil. During Navratri, rituals are carried out in accordance with each day's association with a particular manifestation of the goddess. The effigies of the demon king Ravana are burned on the tenth day, which is called Vijayadashami or Dussehra and represents the triumph of good over evil.

Celebrations:

There are many different rituals and traditions that distinguish the Shardiya Navratri celebrations. Temples and homes are exquisitely decorated, and goddess idols are decked up in bright garb and jewelry. Devotees observe fasts and abstain from eating particular foods and grains. The ancient folk dances of Garba and Dandiya Raas, where participants dress in vibrant clothing and dance in a circle to the rhythm of music to celebrate the joy of life and the triumph of good over evil, provide vitality to the nights.

People frequently go to Goddess Durga's temples during Navratri to seek her blessings and take part in special prayers and aartis. Gift- and candy-exchanging with loved ones is another custom. As people gather to dance, pray, and rejoice, the event fosters a sense of community and solidarity.

The celebration has a distinctive regional flavor in different parts of India. In West Bengal, the festival of Navratri is known as Durga Puja and is commemorated by lavish processions and idols of the goddess. While Ramlila performances in the northern regions tell the legendary tale of Lord Rama, the frenetic Garba dance is all the rage in Gujarat.

The Congress Party has released the first list of 144 candidates for the Madhya Pradesh elections, including Chhindwara's Kamal Nath.

On Saturday, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Kamal Nath and other party leaders met at the AICC office in New Delhi to finalise candidates for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. (ANI)

On Sunday, the Congress party released its first list of 144 candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, which includes state unit president and former chief minister Kamal Nath of Chhindwara. Jaivardhan Singh, the son of former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, has been nominated for the Raghigath seat. He served as a minister in the previous Kamal Nath government, which fell apart in March 2021 when 22 sitting Congress MLAs resigned and joined the BJP under the leadership of Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The announcement was made the day after the party's Central Election Committee met at the AICC office in New Delhi to select the final candidates.

During "Pitru Paksha," the time when Hindus pay respect to their ancestors, Nath had stated that the Congress will declare its candidates for the assembly elections. Pitru Paksha ended on Sunday, and the fortunate Navratri holiday officially began.

Out of the 230 assembly districts in the state, 136 have already had candidates from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced.

Election day in the state is November 17, and the results will be tallied on December 3.

Here's the list of 144 candidates for Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections:

The first list of 30 candidates from the Congress was also made public, along with a second list of 55 candidates for the Telangana assembly elections scheduled for next month. In Chhattisgarh, the party ran both Bhupesh Baghel, the chief minister, in the Ambikapur assembly seat and T S Singh Deo, the deputy chief minister.

Anumala Revanth Reddy, the state unit chairman for the Congress party, ran for the Kodangal assembly seat in Telangana, while Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, the leader of the CLP, ran for the Madhira-SC seat.

While Telangana assembly elections will take place on November 30, Chhattisgarh assembly elections will be held in two stages on November 7 and November 17.

Kukis fighting for Israel and opposing Hamas far from the Northeast of India

Over 200 Kukis are prepared for battle, their community is praying for them, and they are a part of a force tasked with reacting to horrific acts of brutality committed by armed organizations - and this is happening in...Israel.

The tale of Kukis who serve in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) is obscured by the deluge of news about Israel's military response to Hamas in the international media.

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The 3,60,000 reserve soldiers that Israel has mobilized include 206 Kukis who are originally from Manipur and Mizoram. These Kukis and roughly 5,000 other members of their group reside in Israel as a result of their immigration under the nation's policy of open doors for people belonging to what Tel Aviv refers to as a "lost Jewish tribe."

And as it happens, when Hamas militants entered Israel, this small village was right in the line of fire. The majority of Kukis reside in Sderot, which is near to Gaza and experienced some of the worst violence. No one was hurt, however one family's home was destroyed by fire.

The Hebrew name for this group is Bnei Menashe, which means "children of Manasseh." Menashe was the first child of Joseph, who was regarded in Jewish tradition as the first prophet, according to Shavei Israel, an NGO that aids "lost tribe" Jewish communities emigrate to Israel.

The Bnei Menashe, according to Shavei Israel, are descended from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, who were exiled by the Assyrian Empire more than 27 centuries ago. According to Shavei Israel, these tribes "wove through Central Asia and the Far East for centuries before settling in what is now northeastern India, along the border with Burma (Myanmar) and Bangladesh."

There are about 5,000 members of his community in India, with 4,000 living in Manipur and 1,000 in Mizoram, according to Lalam Hangshing, chairman of the Bnei Menashe Council, India. Many Kukis from this village have been uprooted by the ethnic violence in Manipur, according to Hangshing.

Over the course of 30 years, 5,000 of these Kukis have immigrated to Israel, according to Hangshing. However, they have blended in wonderfully. "Dozens of our boys are regular soldiers in the IDF," he stated. "The exact number is not put out by Israeli armed forces."

"A few days ago, I received a list of 206 boys from our community who have been called for duty, joining those who are already in the IDF," Hangshing stated. He emphasizes that "many of the boys in the IDF have received commendations".

According to Hangshing, 5,000 of these Kukis had relocated to Israel over the span of 30 years. They have, nevertheless, assimilated beautifully. "Dozens of our boys are regular soldiers in the IDF," he said. "The exact number is not put out by Israeli armed forces."

"A few days ago, I received a list of 206 boys from our community who have been called for duty, joining those who are already in the IDF," Hangshing said. The fact that "many of the boys in the IDF have received commendations" is stressed by him.

Why walking, jogging, and climbing stairs are the best forms of exercise, according to fitness professionals

Sitting for extended periods of time raises the risk of a number of health problems, including weight gain, weakened muscles, and poor blood circulation. They act as catalysts for chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health issues like sadness and anxiety.

How do you manage deadlines, numerous PPTs, endless Zoom sessions, and the demands of your family and job? If you're like most people, you undoubtedly spend a lot of time in front of a computer before unwinding on a soft couch. It's just the way things are now; it's not your fault. But, did you know that excessive sitting might be bad for your health?

You can't stop any of the aforementioned, so it's time to live by the simple but effective maxim, "Move more, sit less." for your own health's sake.

While everyone is aware of the numerous health advantages of walking, jogging, or climbing stairs, the trick is to put this knowledge into practise. Why is this such a big deal? Because a sedentary lifestyle and long periods of uninterrupted sitting are doing more harm to your body than you can possibly conceive.

Problems caused by prolonged sitting:

Several studies have demonstrated that spending extended periods of time sitting increases the risk of a number of health problems, including the dreaded trinity of weight gain, weakened muscles, and poor blood circulation. They act as catalysts for chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health issues like sadness and anxiety.

It's never too late to change course, which is wonderful news. It's time to put your worries aside and begin improving your health. We explain how.

Make walking a daily habit: It's time to get started because a simple action like walking can greatly enhance your health. Walking is a fantastic strategy to enhance physical activity, according to doctors. A 30-minute daily brisk walk can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve mental health. It also helps to strengthen muscles, improve joint health, and manage weight. Choose your favorite Spotify music, download a step-counting app, or even better, challenge your friends and family to a step challenge and start walking today.

Regular jogging can lower the risk of coronary artery disease, enhance circulation, and boost well-being. (Image courtesy of Canva.)

Begin jogging for a healthy heart: While sitting for lengthy periods of time creates health problems, jogging provides heart health benefits by activating your cardiovascular system, improving cardiac efficiency, and expanding lung capacity. Jogging on a regular basis can lower the risk of coronary artery disease, enhance circulation, and increase overall well-being. According to research, even brief, modest jogs can result in noticeable health benefits. So, the next time you take a vacation from your computer, go for a jog. Remember that breaks are necessary, but jogging during those breaks is the best option.

Climbing stairs is good for your health since it burns calories, strengthens your leg muscles, and improves your cardiovascular fitness. (Image courtesy of Canva)

What if you don't like going to the gym? Try stair climbing for a full-body exercise. Stair climbing can help you get a full-body workout. It also offers a number of health benefits: It burns calories while simultaneously strengthening your leg muscles and improving your cardiovascular fitness. If you want to tone your lower body and burn calories, stair climbing is an excellent option. So, the next time you're in a mall or a theater, skip the elevator or lift and instead take the stairs.

Every step you take to improve your health, whether it's a brisk walk during your lunch break, a jog in the park, or using the stairs instead of the elevator, counts. Here are a few recommendations to get you moving more:

Ditch the desk: Instead of spending your lunch break tied to your desk, pack a healthy lunch and go for a midday walk. Take a leisurely walk around your workplace or explore the neighboring park. It's not just a food break; it's a break from sitting.

Leave the conference room: For walking meetings, leave the boring meeting room behind. These meetings not only increase productivity but also revitalize the mind and body. Walking and talking at the same time is a beneficial approach to engage with your colleagues while also improving your health.

When at all possible, ditch the car: If your workplace is within walking distance, avoid the steering wheel and rely on your two feet. Walking to work not only adds exercise to your day but also lowers your carbon footprint. It benefits both your health and the environment. If you must drive, consider parking your car further away; this simple change will encourage you to walk more.

One step at a time: Always take the stairs. Take stairway breaks during your workday if your office is in a nice multi-story building. Climbing the stairs for a few minutes during breaks has a number of health benefits.

Track your progress: If technology can make you sit still, it can also help you exercise more. We're discussing fitness tracking applications. These apps track your steps, track your progress, and turn your everyday routine into an exciting adventure. Set attainable daily step targets and observe how tracking your progress becomes an enjoyable way to incorporate walking into your daily life.

Bank OTP bypass fraud is on the rise; here's how to avoid it.

In an age dominated by digital transactions and online banking, the ease of controlling our funds at the tips of our fingers is accompanied by a growing concern—financial security. Recent occurrences, particularly the one-time password (OTP) bypass schemes, have generated serious concerns about the security of our financial transactions. As we rely more on digital banking, it's critical to recognize the developing threats and, more crucially, how to avoid falling victim to these frauds. This tutorial seeks to shed light on the growing OTP bypass scams and offer you with critical techniques to maintain your money security in the ever-changing world of digital banking.

The bank OTP bypass scam is on the rise: here's how to avoid it.

• One of the most important things to remember here is to use caution when sending SMS and email. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources should be avoided. Be wary of SMS or email demands for personal information or OTPs, and report any suspected frauds to your bank and local law enforcement as soon as possible. If something appears weird, trust your instincts and seek explanation from your bank.

• Users should only download apps from authorized app stores and keep their banking apps updated to take advantage of improved security features. Additionally, it is best to regularly update your smartphone's operating system and applications to ensure that you have the most recent security fixes. To lessen the chance of installing dangerous malware, download only apps from legitimate app shops and install reputable mobile security programs.

• The most recent cybersecurity dangers and scams should be kept up to date, and one should be informed of the latest bank security rules and changes on their official website.

• Whenever possible, users should turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for their banking accounts. This extra layer of security needs a password that only you know, such as a PIN or password, as well as a one-time password (OTP).

• It is always prudent to be wary of unwanted phone calls. Be cautious if someone pretends to be from your bank. Never give out personal information, account information, or OTPs over the phone. It is also critical to confirm the validity of the call. If you receive a call from your bank, hang up and dial the official customer support number to verify the call's legitimacy.

• Finally, it is recommended to use secure Wi-Fi networks. When managing your bank accounts, try to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks and instead utilize a trusted and encrypted network.