Latest LIVE: Air India cancels all flights to and from Tel Aviv till Oct 14

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11:29 PM

US will send a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel

The Pentagon has ordered the Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel, two US officials said on Sunday. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force.

11:04 PM

Closely monitoring developments in Israel and Gaza: IMF

International Monetary Fund on Sunday said it was closely monitoring developments in Israel and Gaza, and it was too early to assess any economic impact. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life. We are monitoring this concerning situation closely," an IMF spokesperson said, adding that it was too early to say anything about the economic consequences.

10:19 PM

Over 4.6 million pilgrims visited Char Dham so far this year, says Uttarakhand CM Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that over 4.6 million devotees embarked on Char Dham Yatra, which comprises the four holy shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, so far this year. He said that with the promotion of religious tourism, the livelihood of the local people has also increased and employment generation has gained new dimensions.

10:05 PM

India's energy sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, says Union Minister RK Singh

India's energy sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, aimed at providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to its people, Union Minister RK Singh said on Sunday. The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy was speaking after India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Riyadh in the fields of electrical interconnections, green hydrogen and supply chains.

9:19 PM

Drone recovered near International Border in Amritsar

A drone was recovered from a field near the International Border in Amritsar district, Punjab on Sunday, a Border Security Force (BSF) official said. On receiving information, BSF troops conducted a search operation on the outskirts of Panjgrain village, the official said. The drone was recovered in a broken condition from the field, the BSF official added.

8:45 PM

US biggest export destination for Indian smartphones in Apr-Jul: Govt data

India exported smartphones worth $ 4.67 billion in April-July this fiscal, following a multifold jump in shipments to the US, which emerged as the biggest destination for India-made devices, according to government data. The smartphone exports to the US jumped multiple times to $ 1.67 billion during the first four months of this fiscal against $ 284.6 million a year ago, the commerce ministry data showed.

8:00 PM

Disrupting Saudi-Israel ties may have motivated Hamas attack: Antony Blinken

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said part of the motivation for Hamas' latest attack on Israel could have been disrupting a potential normalizing of Israel-Saudi Arabia ties, adding Washington will announce new aid for Israel on Sunday.

7:41 PM

CBI searches residences of Firhad Hakim, TMC MLA Madan Mitra

The CBI on Sunday conducted searches at 12 locations, including residences of senior West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim and TMC MLA Madan Mitra, in different parts of the state in connection with its probe into alleged irregularities in recruitments made by civic bodies, officials said. Hakim, who is the minister of urban development and municipal affairs and the mayor of Kolkata, is a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress and has significant sway in the party's organisation.

7:21 PM

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrives in India on State visit

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday arrived in Delhi on a State visit to India. Union Minister of State for Education Annapurna Devi received her in New Delhi. She was welcomed with a traditional folk dance performance at the airport. Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that it is Samia Suluhu Hassan's first visit to India after assuming office.

7:05 PM

Israel-Hamas war: More than 400 Israelis dead, over 2,048 wounded

Over 400 people lost their lives and still counting after Hamas launched an attack on Israel near the Gaza Strip, Times of Israel reported on Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Hamas, claiming that it had begun a terrible war and that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) would use all of its strength to undermine their capacity.

6:50 PM

Bengaluru Metro's Purple Line to be operational from October 9

Bengaluru Metro's Purple Line also known as the Whitefield-Challaghatta Metro corridor will be fully operational from Monday, October 9, without any official inauguration, Bangalore Central MP, PC Mohan informed on Sunday.

6:14 PM

'5G, fixed wireless service from Jio, Airtel to drive smart TV growth'

Xiaomi India President Muralikrishnan B says that the second half of 2024 is going to be the biggest after a long period, starting from Independence Day to Rakhi to Onam and now headed towards Diwali coupled with the cricket World Cup tournament. He further said that high-speed 5G network and fixed wireless service offered by Jio and Airtel will drive growth of smart television in the country.

5:50 PM

Death toll from Hamas' wide-scale incursion in Israel rises to 600: Reports

Several Israeli media outlets are reporting that the death toll from Hamas' wide-ranging incursion into Israel has risen to 600. There has been no official confirmation of the number of deaths on the Israeli side since the fighting erupted early Saturday. Palestinian officials say more than 300 people have been killed in Gaza, without differentiating between fighters and civilians.

5:33 PM

British delegation to start next round of India-UK FTA talks on Oct 9

A 30-member official delegation from the UK will start the next round of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Indian team here from Monday to close remaining issues so that the two countries conclude the talks soon, an official has said.

5:03 PM

UP govt to spend Rs 31 cr to improve cattle breeds, enhance milk production during next 5 months

Uttar Pradesh government has embarked upon a mission to enhance cattle breeds, boost milk production, and augment the population of indigenous cow breeds. Recently, the government prepared a detailed action plan for three pivotal schemes under the Nand Baba Milk Mission, according to which, it would be spending Rs 31 crore in the remaining five months of this fiscal year across these schemes.

4:19 PM

Appearing for class 10, 12 board exams twice a year won't be mandatory, says Dharmendra Pradhan

Appearing for class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year will not be mandatory and the concept is being introduced as an option to reduce students' stress caused by the fear of single opportunity, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said.

 

In an interview to PTI, Pradhan said the issue of 'dummy schools' cannot be ignored and the time has come to have a serious discussion about it.

3:56 PM

Rajnath Singh to embark on 4-day visit to Italy, France from Monday; focus on industrial cooperation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will pay a four-day visit to Italy and France beginning Monday to expand bilateral strategic engagement and explore industrial cooperation for joint development of military hardware. In Paris, Singh will attend the fifth annual India-France defence dialogue with his French counterpart Sebastian Lecornu.

 

3:23 PM

Sebi tech panel permits MCX to launch new derivatives platform

Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) has received approval from the country's market regulator to launch its proposed commodity derivatives platform, put on hold last month, the MCX said in a statement on Sunday. SEBI stopped MCX from launching its commodity derivatives platform after investor group Chennai Financial Markets and Accountability urged the regulator to intervene and ensure that MCX has the requisite technical support to go ahead with its plan.

3:21 PM

I believe India has potential to win Olympic gold in hockey: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

I believe India has potential to win Olympic gold in hockey, this team has talent to make it happen. Odisha will provide whatever support Hockey India requires to make Olympic gold a reality, CM Naveen Patnaik told PTI in an interview.

2:54 PM

Stranded in Israel after Hamas attacks, actor Nushrratt on her way home

Stranded in Israel amid the deadly terror attacks by Hamas and the retaliatory air raids by the country's defence forces, actor Nushrratt Bharuccha was in the process of being brought home safely with assistance from the Indian embassy.

"We managed to get in touch with Nushrratt and with the help of the Embassy, she is being brought back home safely. We did not get a direct flight so she is on a connecting flight home. For her further safety, more details cannot be shared but as soon as she lands in India, we will inform you. We are relieved and thank god that she is safe and on her way to India," Sanchita Trivedi, Nushrratt's publicist, told ANI.

2:44 PM

Will meet CM to discuss toll hike issue, says MNS chief Raj Thackeray

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday said he would meet Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to discuss the issue of toll hike against which his party workers have been protesting.

Thackeray spoke to reporters in Thane after meeting party leader Avinash Jadhav who has been on a hunger strike for the last four days to protest the toll hike that came into effect on October 1.

2:28 PM

Air India cancels Tel Aviv flights till Oct 14 after Hamas attacks Israel

Air India on Sunday said it has cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv till October 14.

"Our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till 14th October, 2023, for the safety of our passengers and crew," an airline spokesperson said in a statement.

 

2:14 PM

Appearing for class 10, 12 board exams twice a year won't be mandatory: Min

Appearing for class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year will not be mandatory for students and the option is being introduced to reduce stress caused by the fear of single opportunity, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said.

In an interview to PTI, Pradhan said the issue of 'dummy schools' cannot be ignored and the time has come to have a serious discussion about it.

2:03 PM

No fuel price hike likely despite oil price surge as polls loom: Moody's

Petrol and diesel prices are unlikely to be increased despite firming raw material costs because of upcoming general elections next year, Moody's Investors Service said.

Three state-owned fuel retailers -- Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) -- which control roughly 90 per cent of the market, have kept petrol and diesel prices on freeze for a record 18 months in a row.

1:49 PM

7 developers booked for carrying out illegal construction in Navi Mumbai

An offence has been registered against seven developers for carrying out construction works without seeking permission from the civic authorities in Navi Mumbai, police said on Sunday.

Based on a complaint lodged by an official of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), the police on Saturday registered a case under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, an official said.

1:27 PM

Cracker shop owner detained in Karnataka after fire at godown killed 14

Karnataka police on Sunday detained the owner of the firecracker shop in Attibele of Anekal town after a massive fire accident at the shop- cum-godown killed 14 people on Saturday, said the Director General of Police Alok Mohan.

Expressing his condolences to the families of the victims of the incident, the DGP also said that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and to bring those responsible to justice.

1:17 PM

Need to enhance capabilities in view of dynamic environment: IAF chief

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Sunday called on his force to refine its strategy, enhance all-round capabilities and develop a flexible mindset to "prosecute" possible future wars, considering the current "complex" and "dynamic" strategic environment.

In an address to air warriors on the occasion of the Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff said the current geopolitical landscape has provided the force an opportunity to reduce dependency on imports by developing indigenous capability.

12:46 PM

Hezbollah, Israel exchange fire as Israeli soldiers battle Hamas on Day 2

Israeli soldiers fought to repel Hamas militants Sunday and exchanged fire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, raising the prospect of a broader regional conflagration a day after an unprecedented surprise attack on southern Israel by Palestinian militants that killed at least 250 and left Israelis stunned and reeling.

The Hamas militants broke out of the blockaded Gaza Strip and rampaged through nearby Israeli communities, taking captives, including women, children and the elderly, while Israel's retaliation strikes leveled buildings in Gaza and its prime minister said the country was at war.

12:30 PM

Accor plans to open 30 new hotels in India in 3-5 years to tap potential

French hospitality major Accor plans to open 30 new properties in India in the next three to five years to tap the huge potential here, according to its Senior Vice President Operations, India and South Asia, Puneet Dhawan.

The hotel chain, which has nine brands in India out of 40 from its global portfolio, will also consider introducing more brands in the country to cater to different segments of customers here.

12:14 PM

Power consumption grows nearly 8% to 847 bn units in first half of FY24

India's electricity consumption grew nearly eight per cent to about 847 billion units (BU) in the first half of this fiscal year from April to September, showing uptick in economic activities in the country.

According to the official data, electricity consumption rose to about 847 BU during April-September 2023 from 786 BU in the same period of the previous fiscal.