Highlights: PM Modi addresses a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur ahead of Phase 7 elections

From death of newborn babies in fire at Delhi's hospital to PM Modi's poll rallies catch all the live updates here

7:53 PM

AAP, Congress hug each other elsewhere, turn enemies when they enter Punjab: Amit Shah

AAP, Cong hug each other elsewhere, turn enemies when they enter Punjab, says Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Ludhiana.

7:15 PM

Dipa Karmakar scripts history, becomes first Indian gymnast to win gold in Asian Senior C'ships

Top Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar on Sunday became the first from the country to win a gold medal in the Asian Senior Championships as she clinched the yellow metal in the women's vault event here.
 

The 30-year-old Dipa secured an average of 13.566 in the vault final on the last day of competitions in Uzbekistan's capital city.
 

North Koreans Kim Son Hyang (13.466) and Jo Kyong Byol (12.966) grabbed the silver and bronze medals respectively.
 

Dipa, who had finished fourth in the vault final at the 2016 Rio Olympics, had won a bronze medal in the same event in the 2015 edition.
 

Ashish Kumar had a won bronze medal in individual floor exercise in 2015 Asian Championships. Pranati Nayak had also bagged a bronze each in vault event in the 2019 and 2022 editions.
 

Dipa, who returned to action last year after a 21-month suspension for a doping offence, is out of contention for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

6:40 PM

Veteran Pakistani actor Talat Hussain dies at 83

Talat Hussain, one of Pakistan's most accomplished and celebrated actors, died on Sunday at a private hospital here following a prolonged illness. He was 83.

A radio, TV, theatre, and cinema veteran, Hussain was known for serials such as "Bandish", "Karwaan", "Hawain" and "Parchaiyan" as well as movies "Chiragh Jalta Raha", "Gumnaam", "Actor in Law" and Indian film "Sauten Ki Beti". Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi President Ahmed Shah confirmed the news of Hussain's death, adding that the actor had long been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi. "An acclaimed actor like Talat Hussain is born after centuries," he said. Delhi-born Hussain was famous for his baritone voice and unique acting style, which also won him the Pride of Performance award, the highest national literary award of Pakistan confers upon its citizens, in 1982 and Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the third-highest honour and civilian award in the country, in 2021.

6:29 PM

Lt Governor directs chief secy to 'institute inquiry' into east Delhi hospital fire that killed seven newborns

Lt Governor VK Saxena directs chief secretary to "institute inquiry" into east Delhi hospital fire that killed seven newborns

5:27 PM

Lok Sabha polls live: PM Modi's 'mujra' remark an insult to Bihar, says Kharge

 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 'mujra' remark against opposition leaders and said that he "insulted Bihar" by making such a comment. Addressing an election rally in favour of Manoj Kumar, Congress leader and Mahagathbandhan nominee for Sasaram Lok Sabha seat, Kharge said, "Modi ji insulted Bihar by using this word... it means mujra happens here. This is an insult to Bihar and its people. This is not how a PM should talk. He should be talking in a statesman-like manner." The Congress president's attack came after Modi vowed to thwart alleged attempts to rob Dalits and backward classes of reservation by INDIA bloc, which he accused of being "enslaved" and performing "mujra" for its Muslim vote bank.

4:36 PM

Raut claims Fadnavis, Shah worked against Gadkari in LS polls; draws flak from BJP, Cong leader

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis worked for Nitin Gadkari's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. Raut's claim has drawn sharp reactions from the BJP and Congress's candidate from Nagpur. Raut alleged that Fadnavis had unwillingly campaigned for Gadkari, who contested from the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, when he realised the Union minister couldn't be defeated. Nagpur is the hometown of both BJP leaders. "Modi, Shah and Fadnavis worked for Gadkari's defeat in Nagpur. Fadnavis unwillingly joined the campaign for Gadkari when he realised he couldn't be defeated. The RSS people in Nagpur are openly saying Fadnavis helped the opposition to get Gadkari defeated," he wrote in an article in his party's mouthpiece "Saamna".

4:34 PM

Five terrorists killed, two soldiers lose lives in military operation in Pak: Official

At Least five terrorists were killed while two Pakistani Army soldiers, including a Captain, lost their lives during a military operation against the militants in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, according to an official statement. The incident happened when the security officials launched a intelligence based operations in the province's Hassan Khel area, some 35 kms west of the Peshawar district. "The operation was conducted in the restive Hassan Khel area some 35 km west of Peshawar district. The troops 'effectively engaged' with the terrorists and killed five of them while injuring three others. The operation was launched on the reported presence of terrorists in the area," said the statement issued by the Pakistan Army's media wing ISPR. It said that in the operations two soldiers, including a Captain of the Pakistan Army, lost their lives. At least 92 per cent of all fatalities and 86 per cent of attacks, including those related to terrorism and security forces operations, were recorded in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces in the first quarter of 2024.

3:39 PM

BharatPe, PhonePe amicably settle all long-standing trademark disputes on 'Pe' suffix

Fintech unicorns BharatPe Group and PhonePe Group have amicably settled all long-standing legal disputes pertaining to the use of the trademark with the suffix 'Pe', both companies said in a joint statement.

BharatPe and PhonePe had been involved in long-drawn legal disputes across multiple courts, over the course of the last five years. The settlement will put an end to all open judicial proceedings, the statement said.

3:22 PM

UCC, 'One Nation, One Election' to be implemented in next term, says Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said a Uniform Civil Code for the entire country will be implemented within the next five years after extensive consultations with all stakeholders if the BJP returns to power. In a wide-ranging interview with PTI, Shah said the Modi government in its next term will also implement 'One Nation, One Election' as the time has come for the elections to be held simultaneously in the country.

2:51 PM

Hospital fire tragedy: PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh each for kin of deceased

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased in the fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi, in which at least seven new-borns were killed.

"In the wake of the fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi, the Prime Minister has announced that an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to each of those injured," the Prime Ministers' office posted on X.

2:37 PM

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri slams Kejriwal, questions relation between voting and going back to jail

 "...After coming back from the 'state hospitality' in Tihar jail for 50 days, now he (Arvind Kejriwal) is saying that if you make AAP win, I won't have to go to jail. What's the relationship between voting outcome and his going to jail? I think he was jailed due to a scam and him being charge-sheeted...", says Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Kejriwal's interim bail

 

2:24 PM

Lok Sabha polls Phase 7: PM Modi addresses another rally in UP's Ghosi

"Today I have come to Purvanchal to alert the people of Ghosi about the conspiracy of INDI alliance. The INDI alliance of SP and Congress is making all the castes fight among themselves. These people want Dalit, Brahmin, Rajputs, Chauhan, Yadav... to become weak by fighting among themselves", says Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a public meeting at UP's Ghosi

1:44 PM

LS polls Phase 7: Here's what BJP candidate S Jaishankar had to say during his Varanasi visit

"I don't need to convey any message to Varanasi, Varanasi itself is conveying a message to the entire country that on June 4 the Modi govt will be formed with a big majority and we will cross 400 mark. I think the people understand the fact that the respect of India which has increased at the international level in the last 10 years is due to the leadership of PM Modi. They Know if their children are trapped in Ukraine, there be some pressure from other countries or some challenges at the borders, the Modi govt takes care of the national interest with Bharat first, and it works for human welfare as well...", says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his Varanasi visit

1:28 PM

Cyclone Remal: IMD scientist Dutta says it is likely to intensify into severe cyclonic storm

 "It is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and cross between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts around May 26 midnight with maximum sustained wind speed 110 to 120 kilometre per hour, gusting to 135 kilometres per hour.", says IMD scientist Dr Somenath Dutta over Cyclone Remal

1:18 PM

Krishna Nagar fire accident: Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva comments on the unfortunate incident

"3 people have lost their lives. 10 people are undergoing treatment and the reason being said is a short circuit of electrical wires. Now there is a short circuit of wires and electricity in such dense areas and this is not the first incident in Delhi. There have been 10, or 12 such incidents since 2019. What is the government doing? Every time there is talk of investigation it is abandoned...To date, nothing has come out of the investigation into what happened in the two hotels of Karol Bagh...There is a need to see and decide the responsibility of every person...", says Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva after three people died in Delhi's Krishna Nagar

1:05 PM

Here's what chairman of Nursing Home Forum had to say over the deaths of newborn babies

On the fire incident at a New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar, Chairman, Nursing Home Forum, Dr VK Monga says, "Such an unfortunate incident has happened in Delhi where more than six infants have died...If a person is willing to open a clinic or nursing home in a residential area...There are a few guidelines given by 'Masterplan 2021'...The building should be at least 100 sq meters...The height of the building should not be more than 15 metres...On the other hand, the Nursing Home Forum says that these are the hospitals providing services in the nearby areas...They are permitted activity if they are operating on more than 100 sq meters...They should meet all the guidelines like infrastructure, qualified nurses, beds and qualified doctors...Every three years the registration has to be renewed..."

 

12:46 PM

Leh-bound SpiceJet plane suffers glitch; returns to Delhi

A SpiceJet aircraft enroute to Leh suffered a glitch on Sunday morning and returned to the national capital, according to a source.

The source told PTI that the plane, carrying around 135 people, landed safely at the Delhi airport. A full emergency was declared at the airport and the aircraft, operating the flight SG 123 that took off at around 1030 hours, landed safely at about 1100 hrs. The plane returned due to engine vibrations, the source said.

12:43 PM

PM condoles loss of lives in fire at east Delhi hospital

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the fire tragedy at a hospital in east Delhi is heart-rending, and his thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time.

A massive fire broke out at a private children's hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar, leaving seven newborns dead, officials said on Sunday.

The officials of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said the blaze broke out at the Baby Care New Born Hospital at around 11:30 pm on Saturday and soon spread to two other adjacent buildings.

12:32 PM

Here's what S Jaishankar had to say about G20 summit and Kashi

"Even today when I talk to any minister of G-20, they remember the time when they visited Kashi... We all know that our civilisational capital and civilisational centre is Kashi. It's true when we say that Kashi is the world's longest-continuous city... If I have to sum up Teaching For a Better Tomorrow in three words in English, it would be Technology and Tradition. These are not my words, these are the words of the person you're going to elect on June 1", says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

12:20 PM

Here's what Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal had to say over the upcoming poll results

"I have prepared a table. 4th June 2024 is written on top of the table and tie is written below it. If the machine (EVM) is opened at that time, it will reflect that time, if the machine is opened at that time and it reflects another time, it means that the machine has been opened earlier. This time must tally with the time when the machine is opened. If there is a difference that means the machine has been tampered with earlier...", says Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal

 

12:01 PM

Ahead of Phase 7 election, PM Modi addresses a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur

 "On June 4 'phir ek baar Modi sarkar'...In six phases the public has confirmed BJP government once again...", says Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur

11:45 AM

Punjab Police, BSF bust drugs smuggling module with arrest of seven people, recovers 5 kg heroin

The Punjab Police has busted an "international" drugs smuggling module with the arrest of seven people and recovered 5.47 kilogrammes of heroin in the Fazilka district, the state's top officer said on Sunday.

 

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the arrested accused were in touch with a Pakistan-based smuggler.

 

During the joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF), the police also recovered Rs 1.70 lakh in cash and 40 cartridges.

11:37 AM

Bihar CM Kumar slams RJD for instilling fear in people, says only few children had access to education

"Earlier, even if they (RJD) got the opportunity before we (NDA) come to power in 2005, what was there? Was anyone getting out of their homes, there was fear. No one has this courage. Fewer children had access to education... They got the opportunity but they did nothing, we have done so much work be it in health, education or any other sector...", says Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at a public meeting in Patna

11:21 AM

President Murmu condoles loss of lives in UP bus accident

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday grieved the loss of lives in a road accident in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

 

At least 11 devotees headed to Uttarakhand's Purnagiri temple were killed and 10 seriously injured when a dumper truck overturned on their bus, a senior police officer said on Sunday.

 

The accident occurred late on Saturday at Hajiyapur in the Khutar area where the bus had halted at a roadside restaurant on its way to the temple, the officer said.

11:19 AM

Children's hospital fire tragedy: Saurabh Bharadwaj sends directions to Health Secretary and Chief Secretary

According to a tweet, Delhi Health Minister directs for speedy enquiry into the incident, and to provide the names and designations of officers or private people responsible for this negligence. Directions have been given to ensure free treatment of rescued children in the best private hospitals (under the Farishtey scheme). Directions for speedy compensation to the families of deceased and injured. Directions to expedite the arrests of those who were running this Centre

 

11:07 AM

Death of children due to fire in Delhi hospital heart-rending, says President Droupadi Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of children in a hospital fire in Delhi and extended prayers for strength to the grieving parents. She also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured children. The incident, which claimed the lives of at least seven newborns, occurred at a children's hospital in Vivek Vihar, east Delhi.

 

10:50 AM

Children hospital fire heart-rending, guilty won't be spared, says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

CM Arvind Kejriwal, termed the tragic fire at the children's hospital in east Delhi, resulting in seven newborn deaths, as heartbreaking. He warned that those accountable for negligence would face consequences. Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj echoed this sentiment, emphasizing severe punishment for any negligence or wrongdoing. Kejriwal assured support to the families affected by the incident and highlighted ongoing efforts for the injured. Investigations into the fire's cause are underway, with a commitment to hold accountable anyone found negligent.

 

10:20 AM

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami offers condolences for lives lost in Shahjahanpur road accident

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Shahjahanpur road accident, which claimed 11 lives. The accident occurred when a truck carrying ballast stones collided with a parked bus carrying devotees to Uttarakhand, resulting in casualties. The victims were residents of Jetha village in Sitapur district.

 

10:04 AM

Three dead in fire at residential building in east Delhi's Krishna Nagar

According to officials from the Delhi Fire Services, a significant fire erupted in a residential building located in the Krishna Nagar area of east Delhi, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. The fire was reported at 2:35 am, and it was extinguished by 7:20 am with the assistance of five fire tenders dispatched to the scene, as stated by DFS chief. Thirteen people were rescued, but unfortunately, three of them died.

9:48 AM

4 labourers killed, 5 critically injured as bus crashes into roadside shanties in South Goa

Private bus collided with two roadside shanties at Verna Industrial Estate in South Goa district, resulting in the death of four laborers and critical injuries to five others, said police. The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on Saturday while the laborers, who were involved in road construction, were sleeping in the shanties. The bus driver has been apprehended. According to one laborer, the driver was allegedly intoxicated and threatened to harm others if they reported the incident.