LIVE updates: Curfew reimposed in Manipur's Imphal valley, say officials

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10:31 PM

Curfew reimposed in Manipur's Imphal valley: Officials

10:03 PM

Punjab Police launches crackdown against associates of gangsters; one arrested, 30 detained

In an effort to dismantle the gangster-terrorist network in Punjab, the state police conducted a widespread crackdown, raiding over 1,159 suspected locations and hideouts associated with various gangsters. The operation, directed by Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, resulted in one arrest and 30 detentions for further interrogation. As per the police statement, these simultaneous raids occurred across all 28 police districts in the state, encompassing residences and other premises linked to gangsters' associates, relatives, and friends. The operation aimed to disrupt the nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers, both domestically and internationally. Approximately 625 police teams, involving over 2,500 personnel, participated in these operations, leading to the recovery of narcotics and weapons, as well as the detainment of suspicious individuals. The information collected during the searches is currently under examination. The crackdown followed the questioning of individuals arrested in recent modules associated with various gangsters.

 

8:51 PM

Violence in Manipur again, many injured as protesters clash with Police: NDTV

Violence spiked once again in parts of Manipur valley, including state capital Imphal, as protesters clashed with police in multiple areas. Batons and tear gas shells were used and many people were injured, reported NDTV.
 

The situation has been escalating since the arrest of five men, who were caught in the uniform of security forces and carrying with sophisticated arms on September 16.

 

It led to widespread protests and demonstrations in the valley areas. Demanding the unconditional release of the detained men, a 48-hour lockdown was enforced in the Valley from Tuesday by the locals. Monday was the unofficial strike.

8:02 PM

India takes Vienna convention very seriously, expects same from Canada: MEA

Amidst the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised its commitment to upholding the Vienna Convention's obligations regarding the security of foreign diplomats in India. MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi reiterated that India takes its obligations under the Vienna Convention seriously and will provide necessary security to foreign diplomats in the country. Bagchi also urged the Canadian authorities to display similar sensitivity and ensure the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada. He added that while security measures are in place, discussing them in public is not appropriate.

 

7:56 PM

Shashi Tharoor on India-Canada row

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed concerns regarding the India-Canada row, highlighting the issue of immigrants who have become Canadian citizens but are allegedly involved in actions detrimental to their country of origin. Tharoor emphasised the need for Canada to examine its approach to such individuals and questioned why Canadian citizens are allowed to engage in activities that threaten the sovereignty and interests of a friendly nation. While acknowledging the tragic killing of a citizen in Canada, Tharoor called for a closer examination of the situation and suggested that the actions of certain fringe terrorist groups could have alternative explanations. He urged Canada to address these concerns.

 

7:15 PM

Glenmark to sell 75% stake in life sciences arm to Nirma

Glenmark, a pharmaceutical company, has announced its intention to sell a 75 per cent stake in its life sciences division to Nirma for a total sum of Rs 5,651.5 crore. This strategic move was confirmed in a company filing.

 

6:49 PM

ICICI Bank to invest in Quantum Corphealth

ICICI Bank to acquire 9.99% stake in Quantum CorpHealth Private Limited for Rs 5 crore. Quantum CorpHealth Private Limited is a healthcare services platform aggregating services like preemployment health checks, annual health checks, occupational health centres and ancillary services for enterprises and corporates.

 

6:49 PM

Rupert Murdoch steps down as Fox chairman

Rupert Murdoch announced Thursday that he will step down as chairman of Fox Corporation and Fox News. “For my entire professional life, I have been engaged daily with news and ideas, and that will not change,” Murdoch wrote in a memo to employees. “But the time is right for me to take on different roles, knowing that we have truly talented teams and a passionate, principled leader in Lachlan who will become sole Chairman of both companies.”

 

4:46 PM

Safe haven is being provided in Canada: MEA

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "Safe haven is being provided in Canada, we want the Canadian govt to not do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them here to face justice...We've sought either extradition request or assistance related to that, at least more than 20-25 individuals we've requested over the years but the response has not been helpful at all."

4:41 PM

The issue is the incitement of violence, inaction by Canadian authorities: MEA

The issue is not about travel to India. Those who have valid visas, OCIs are free to travel to India. The issue is the incitement of violence, inaction by Canadian authorities and the creation of an environment that disrupts the functioning of our consulates which is what is making us stop temporarily the issuance of visa services. We will review this situation on a regular basis": MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

4:36 PM

Canada has growing reputation of safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organized crime: MEA

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "If you're talking about reputational issues and reputational damage, if there's any country that needs to look at this, I think it is Canada and its growing reputation as a place, as a safe haven for terrorists, for extremists, and for organized crime. And I think that's a country that needs to worry about its international reputation."

4:35 PM

Will ensure security of Canadian diplomats, expect reciprocity from them as well: MEA

Will ensure security of Canadian diplomats, expect reciprocity from them as well: MEA

4:17 PM

High Commission and Consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications: MEA

On Visa services in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and Consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and Consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis..."

4:16 PM

No one takes Pakistan seriously: MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

Pakistan is the last country that should talk about terrorism. No one takes them seriously: MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

4:12 PM

Larger issue of terrorism, and it is supported and funded by Pakistan: MEA

Larger issue of terrorism, but it is supported and funded by Pakistan: MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

4:10 PM

We have shared information with Canada: MEA

We have shared information with Canada about activities on their soil: MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

4:10 PM

No information shared by Canada about any case now or earlier: MEA

No information shared by Canada about any case now or earlier: MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

4:09 PM

There must be parity about the strength of members in both embassies/consulates: MEA

Yes, we've informed the Govt of Canada that there should be parity in strength in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number is very much higher than ours in Canada... I assume there will be a reduction from the Canadian side: MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

3:19 PM

From 21 Sept, Indian visa services in Canada have been suspended till further notice: BLS International

2:30 PM

Karnataka CM, Dy CM meet Jal Shakti Minister, inform inability to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday called on Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat here and informed him of the state's inability to comply with the CWMA's order of releasing 5,000 cusecs of water per day till September 28 to Tamil Nadu, citing a drought-like situation.

2:25 PM

Canada-based gangster Sukhdul Singh killed in Winnipeg by unidentified people

Gangster Sukhdul Singh alias Sukha Duneke, one of Punjab's most wanted criminals, was killed in the Canadian city of Winnipeg by unidentified people, PTI reported on Thursday. The killing of the Canada-based gangster, who had at least 18 cases against him including those for murder, attempt to murder and robbery, took place on Wednesday night Canada time, the sources told PTI.

1:52 PM

'Sikhs are being associated with terrorism,' says Akali Dal President on India-Canada row

1:46 PM

Two MLAs are being expelled from the Biju Janata Dal: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

"Two MLAs are being expelled from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the first is Sudhanshu Shekhar Parida, MLA Remuna and the second is Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, MLA Khandapada. You'll be getting a detailed press release very shortly," Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said while speaking to ANI.

1:08 PM

BLS International removes its notification on suspension of Indian visa services for Canadians

The notification displayed by BLS International, which runs the visa application centres in Canada, regarding the suspension of Indian visa services has been removed. The ticker earlier said, "Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking BLS website for further updates"

12:33 PM

Andhra Assembly Speaker suspends slogan shouting TDP members from House for a day

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Tammineni Sitaram on Thursday suspended three members, two from Telugu Desam Party and one of the YSR Congress, for the current session and the other opposition legislators for the day for 'disrupting' House proceedings.

12:12 PM

DGCA suspends approval of Air India's Flight Safety Chief for one month due to certain lapses

Aviation watchdog DGCA on Thursday said it has suspended the approval of Air India's Flight Safety Chief for one month for certain lapses.
 

On July 25 and 26, the regulator's team carried out the surveillance of Air India in the areas of internal audit, accident prevention work and availability of required technical manpower.

11:37 AM

India wins bid to host international conference on cement in 2027

India has won the bid to host the International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) here in 2027, where global leaders, academicians, and professionals would deliberate on progress of research in this sector, an official statement said.

The bid was won against UAE and Switzerland.

11:31 AM

Revenue minister Pramila Mallik resigns, set to become Odisha's first woman Speaker

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management minister Pramila Mallik on Thursday resigned from the Naveen Patnaik cabinet, sources said. Malik, a six-time MLA handed over her resignation letter to the chief minister which was subsequently forwarded to the governor for approval, they said.

Mallik is all set to become the next Speaker of the OLA as the ruling BJD has 113 MLAs in the House of 147 members.

11:28 AM

Siddaramaiah-led delegation meets Jal Shakti Minister in New Delhi

A delegation of Karnataka ministers led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday met Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekawat seeking to hold discussions on the Cauvery water issue.

 

During the meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday, the visiting delegation had detailed discussions with the Union minister over the Cauvery issue, they said.

 

The meeting comes amid Karnataka government seeking a stay on the Cauvery Water Management Authority order passed earlier seeking to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days till September 26.

11:21 AM

India to clock GDP growth of 6.5% in FY24 despite high crude oil prices: NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani

The Indian economy will grow at around 6.5 per cent in the current fiscal, notwithstanding high crude oil prices and increased uncertainty due climate changes, NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani said on Thursday.
 

Virmani also asserted that the gross household savings ratio in India has consistently gone up.

In an interview with PTI, he said: "My growth projection (of India's GDP growth) is 6.5 per cent plus minus 0.5 per cent... because my experience is that the fluctuations in global GDP more or less has balanced out for us, assuming normal changes.