LIVE: PM Modi takes out mega roadshow in poll-bound Karnataka

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11:15 PM

Delhi Police to provide security to wrestlers-complainants, record their statement

Sources in Delhi Police on Saturday said it will extend security to wrestlers party to the case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was earlier booked under sections of outraging the modesty of a woman, stalking, and section 10 of POCSO Act in two FIRs.

The BJP MP has been accused of sexual harassment by seven women wrestlers, and a minor girl.

Police will now move to recording the statements of the seven complainants.

11:14 PM

Twitter to allow publishers to charge users on a per article basis starting May

Twitter Inc CEO Elon Musk said on Saturday that the social media platform will allow media publishers to charge users on a per article basis with one click, calling it a win for both the public and media organizations.

The feature, to be rolled out in May, will enable users who do not "sign up for a monthly subscription to pay a higher per article price for when they want to read an occasional article," billionaire owner Musk tweeted.

On Friday, Musk had said that Twitter will take a 10% cut on content subscriptions after the first year, noting that the company will not take a cut for the first 12 months. These subscriptions include long-form text and hours-long video.

10:38 PM

US conducts first evacuation of its citizens from Sudan war

Hundreds of Americans fleeing two weeks of deadly fighting in Sudan reached the east African nation's port on Saturday in the first US-run evacuation, completing a dangerous land journey under escort of armed drones.

American unmanned aircraft, which have been keeping an eye on overland evacuation routes for days, provided armed overwatch for a bus convoy carrying 200 to 300 Americans over 500 miles or 800 kilometers to Port Sudan, a place of relative safety, US officials said.

The US, which had none of its officials on the ground for the evacuation, has been criticised by families of trapped Americans in Sudan for initially ruling out any US-run evacuation for those among an estimated 16,000 Americans in Sudan who wish to leave.

9:58 PM

Food conclave attracts Rs 7,000 crore investments to Telangana: Govt

The inaugural 'Food Conclave 2023' on Saturday concluded here on a strong note attracting investment of over Rs 7,000 crore that would lead to over 58,000 direct jobs, the state government said.

A press release from the state government said the one-day conclave, which boasts a reputation as one of the most prestigious and influential gatherings in the food-agri community, featured an array of new partnerships and investments, further cementing its position as a key platform for shaping the future of the industry.

Industries Minister K T Rama Rao, in his inaugural address, said Telangana identifies food processing as a core thrust area and during the past five years, the state has added more than Rs 7,000 crore worth fixed capital base to food processing capacities in order to boost the sector.

9:38 PM

FM asks CBIC to begin automated GST return scrutiny by next week

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday directed the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) to introduce its automated GST return scrutiny by next week, and to implement an action plan to increase the taxpayer base through enhanced use of technology.

In a review meeting of the CBIC, she directed the board to intensify its drive against fake billing and input tax credit (ITC).

Sitharaman desired that the CBIC may undertake a comprehensive root cause analysis by studying the typology of cases already booked, and come up with recommendations on technology-based solutions to address the menace and prevent its occurrence.

9:32 PM

Excise 'scam': Delhi court extends Manish Sisodia's judicial custody

A Delhi court on Saturday extended till May 8 the judicial custody of AAP leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise scam, a day after it denied him bail saying the evidence against him prima facie spoke "volumes" about his involvement in the alleged offence.

Sisodia, in jail for his alleged involvement in the case, was produced before Special Judge M K Nagpal. The Enforcement Directorate, which is probing the case of alleged money laundering, sought extension of his judicial remand which the court granted.

8:58 PM

Amit Shah holds roadshow in Mangaluru

BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a roadshow in the city on Saturday evening as part of the party's campaign for the May 10 Assembly elections.

Thousands of people including BJP workers gathered on the streets. Shah waved to the cheering crowd at all places on his way from Clock Tower to Govinda Pai circle in the city. Tight security was arranged for the roadshow.

Shah was accorded a rousing welcome in the city by party workers, who raised slogans in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah and state party leaders. He was welcomed with drum beats and tiger dance.

The Union Minister was accompanied by Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, BJP district president Sudarshan Moodbidri and other leaders.

8:55 PM

Maharashtra sees 489 Covid-19 cases, one death, active tally at 4,079

Maharashtra on Saturday recorded 489 COVID-19 cases and one death, which took the state's tally to 81,65,466 and the toll to 1,48,514, a health official said.

On Friday, the state had seen 597 cases and two deaths, he pointed out.

The recovery count increased by 1,126 in the last 24 hours to touch 80,12,873, leaving the state with an active caseload of 4,079, he said.

8:39 PM

Noted historian Ranajit Guha dies at 100

Noted historian Ranajit Guha has died due to old age-related ailments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday. Guha, who was 100 years old, died at his residence in Austria on Friday. He left behind his wife Mechthild.

Condoling his demise, Banerjee said Guha was instrumental in motivating young historians in pursuing studies on the subaltern society.

The CM said Guha had taught in many places across the world and has many disciples and admirers. She offered her deepest condolences to his near and dear ones.

8:20 PM

Central Bank of India Q4 profit surges 84% to Rs 571 cr

Central Bank of India on Saturday reported 84.19 per cent jump in net profit at Rs 571 crore for the quarter ended March 2023 as bad loans fell.

The bank's net profit was Rs 310 crore in January-March 2021-22.

"Operating profit has shown a growth of 16.27 per cent on year-on-year basis to Rs 2,108 crore for Q4FY23 as against Rs 1,813 crore for Q4FY22," the bank said in a statement.

8:08 PM

Sealed 11 illegal dairies, impounded 245 stray cattle this week: MCD

The MCD sealed over 10 illegal diaries and impounded 245 stray cattle across the national capital during the week, officials said on Saturday.

The action was carried out to ensure the safety of both the cattle and the general public, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said in a statement.

"As part of the operation, 11 illegal dairies were also sealed in Sangam Vihar, Seelampur, Hastaal and Aya Nagar. These dairies were operating without the necessary permits and in violation of the law," the statement said.

7:15 PM

J&K rail project: Country's first cable-stayed rail bridge in Reasi completed

The work on the country's first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji Khad in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir has been completed, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The completion of the bridge drew praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is keenly monitoring the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), which will provide rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.

In 11 months, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge (Anji Khad) is ready..., Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tweeted on Friday, sharing a video of the completed bridge. The total length of the cable strand used in the bridge is 653 km.

Reacting to Vaishnaw's tweet, the prime minister wrote excellent.

7:12 PM

UP govt launches Bijli Mitra initiative to stop electricity theft

In a novel initiative to stop electricity theft in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government has launched Bijli Mitra. The Bijli Mitra link has been introduced on Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) website, which will enable people to report electricity thefts to the UPPCL without disclosing their identities so that the culprits could be brought to book.

It is notable that the state government is taking strict measures to stop electricity theft along with providing uninterrupted power supply to every family. Recently, the government has started a campaign to identify people with illegal electricity connections and give them legal connections and Bijli Mitra is part of this drive.

6:58 PM

PM Modi takes out mega roadshow in Bengaluru

Ending a busy day of electioneering for the BJP in poll-bound Karnataka after back-to-back rallies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in a mega roadshow in north Bengaluru on Saturday drawing an enormous response from a huge crowd.

Modi, who flew into the city from Kudachi in Belagavi district in northern Karnataka around 5 pm after addressing his third public meeting in the state, rode in a specially designed vehicle.

Sporting a saffron cap, Modi was flanked by Bangalore North MP D V Sadananda Gowda and BJP MLC C Narayanaswamy. A large number of people thronged both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister and showered flowers on him.

6:41 PM

Vote for double engine govt in Karnataka: Amit Shah

The people of Karnataka should choose a double engine government in the State by voting for BJP in the May 10 Assembly elections instead of a reverse gear' government of the Congress, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday.

Addressing a massive gathering here, he said the Central government led by Narendra Modi had brought various schemes worth Rs 2,26,418 crore during the last four years in Karnataka, whereas the previous UPA government provided only Rs 99,000 crore to the State during their rule.

"A reverse gear government by Congress will only turn Karnataka into their ATM state. The BJP has to come to power to ensure prosperity, development and peace," he said.

6:34 PM

Defamation Case: Gujarat HC to resume hearing Rahul Gandhi's appeal on May 2

The Gujarat High Court said on Saturday that it will resume hearing the appeal of Congress leader and former MP Rahul Gandhi against his conviction in a criminal defamation case on May 2.

Rahul Gandhi was convicted in March by a metropolitan magistrate's court in Surat for making a remark about the 'Modi surname' during campaigning in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The matter is being heard by Justice Hemant Prachchhak after Justice Geeta Gopi recused herself from the case. Senior Congress leader and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi is appearing on Rahul Gandhi's behalf.

6:22 PM

TMC to start dharna in New Delhi over MGNREGA funds for West Bengal: Abhishek

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal on Saturday said it will soon begin a sit-in demonstration in New Delhi if the Centre fails to provide funds for MGNREGA to the state at the earliest.

Addressing a rally at Mainaguri in Jalpaiguri, senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he will quit politics if a single irregularity is found in the list of MGNREGA beneficiaries submitted to the Centre.

"Over 20 lakh people are sitting at home due to non-implementation of MGNREGA as the Centre is not providing funds. I went to the Union minister concerned in Delhi along with party MPs over the issue but he did not meet," he claimed.

6:00 PM

Kejriwal joins protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday met the wrestlers protesting at the Jantar Mantar demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and urged people to come forward and support the athletes. Some of India's top wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, along with Asian and Commonwealth Games medallist Vinesh Phogat are protesting at the Jantar Mantar, seeking action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on charges of sexual harassment.

 

5:19 PM

BJP will not forge alliance with SAD at any cost: Ashwani Sharma

There is no possibility of the BJP entering into an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal again and it will contest all elections in Punjab on its own, the party's state unit chief Ashwani Sharma said on Saturday. He added that the homage paid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, who died on Tuesday, should not be linked to politics.

 

3:53 PM

Nepal's PM Prachanda's visit to India delayed till June due to internal reasons: top aide

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda's proposed visit to India has been delayed further due to internal reasons, including the jolt in the recent by-polls, and it is unlikely that his first foreign visit will take place before June, according to his top aide.

This is the second time that Prachanda's visit to India has been postponed due to internal reasons. The visit to India would have been his first foreign trip after he assumed charge as Prime Minister for the third time in December last year.

Nepal government is preparing to present its annual budget for the coming fiscal year towards May-end and the Prime Minister's visit to India will take place only after that, the top aide close to Prime Minister Prachanda told PTI on Saturday.

3:36 PM

WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh says ready for probe but won't resign, blames Congress

Facing allegations of sexual harassment by seven women wrestlers, WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday said he is ready for "any kind of investigation" but won't resign from his post as it would mean he has accepted the charges against him.

"I am completely innocent and have full faith in Supreme Court and Delhi Police. I am ready to face any kind of investigation," Singh told reporters at his residence in Bishnoharpur, about 40 km from Gonda city. "Resigning as president of Wrestling Federation of India is not a big deal for me, but I will not resign as a criminal."

3:17 PM

Kejriwal residence renovation: Delhi LG asks officials to secure records of expenditure

Amid a row over crores of rupees spent on renovating Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence, LG VK Saxena has ordered officials to secure the records of expenditure and sought a report on the matter within 15 days.

The BJP has been attacking Kejriwal and AAP, claiming Rs 45 crore was spent on the renovation of the chief minister's residence 6, Flagstaff Road during 2020-22. The AAP has hit back, saying the BJP was trying to divert attention from real issues by raising this matter.

A Raj Niwas order issued on April 27 cited reports on alleged "gross irregularities" in the renovation of the residence by the PWD.

2:43 PM

Oversight committee constituted to probe wrestlers' allegations has not reached any conclusion, says report

The oversight committee constituted to probe the allegations levelled by wrestlers against Wrestlers Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has not reached any conclusion and the committee report has been submitted to Delhi police, said sources.

In the FIR registered by the Delhi police against the WFI President on Friday, the wrestlers have alleged that the WFI chief has sexually harassed them not only in the country but also during international events.

2:25 PM

Every village to be connected with 4G by 2024: says minister of state for telecom

All uncovered villages will be covered with 4G network by 2024, minister of state for telecom Devusinh Chauhan said on Saturday.

Speaking to PTI, Chauhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continuously motivates everyone to do more and his 'Mann Ki Baat' episodes further inspires to take government projects and services to people at the last mile.

"If we talk about 4G saturation project, about 38,000-40,000 villages don't have signal. Prime Minister says that you have done good work but reach out to every home. We have kept target to complete 4G saturation by 2024," Chauhan said.

2:07 PM

If I resign, it will mean that I have accepted their allegations: Brij Bhushan

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday made it clear that he wont resign right now as it would mean accepting the allegations levelled against him.

On Friday evening, Delhi Police registered two FIRs against the WFI president in response to the sexual harassment allegations made by the women wrestlers.

Speaking to reporters, Brij Bhushan said: "Resignation is not a big deal but I am not a criminal. If I resign, it will mean that I have accepted their (wrestlers') allegations. My tenure is almost over (next month). The government has formed a three-member committee and elections will be held in 45 days and my term will end after the elections.

1:19 PM

'Serious ex-facie vitiating factors about trial's process led to Rahul's conviction in defamation case'

Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Saturday told the Gujarat High Court that "very serious ex-facie vitiating factors" about the trial's process led to the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case over his "Modi surname" remark.

Singhvi is arguing on behalf of Gandhi in the high court, which began hearing the former Congress president's plea challenging the order of the Surat sessions court declining a stay to his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his "Modi surname" remark.

Justice Hemant Prachchhak of the high court took up the criminal revision application filed by Gandhi challenging the April 20 order of the sessions court.

1:15 PM

Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds a roadshow at Madikeri in Kodagu district, Karnataka

1:01 PM

BJP National President JP Nadda holds a roadshow at Kalaghatagi in Dharwad district, Karnataka

12:59 PM

Set up economic development corporation for welfare of ageing folk artists: Ajit Pawar urges Maha govt

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Saturday said an economic development corporation should be set up by the Maharashtra government for the welfare of elderly folk artists who have turned elderly now.

 

The corporation is necessary for the needs related to accommodation, food, medication of retired and elderly folk artists, and education of their children, Pawar said.

12:30 PM

Protesting wrestlers receive copy of 1 FIR lodged against WFI chief

Delhi Police on Saturday said that a copy of one of the two FIRs lodged against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh who is accused of sexual harassment, has been handed over to the top grapplers who are protesting at the Jantar Mantar here.

On Friday evening, the police have registered the FIRs against the WFI president in response to the allegations made by the women wrestlers.

However, the copy of the other FIR registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has not been given to the wrestlers as it will be given only to the victim's family, the police added.