LIVE: Army rescues over 3,500 stranded tourists from landslide-hit Sikkim

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11:24 PM

Maharashtra sees 19 coronavirus cases, no fatality

Maharashtra on Saturday recorded 19 fresh coronavirus cases and zero fatalities, the health department said in a bulletin. With the new additions, the state's COVID-19 tally rose to 81,69,654 and the death toll to 1,48,553.

Maharashtra is now left with 142 active cases.

Currently, the dominant variant of COVID is Omicron XBB.1.16 and a total of 1,685 cases were found to be infected with this variant. A total of 19 fatalities occurred in the cases of this variant, the bulletin said.

11:06 PM

LIC announces relaxations for victims of Biparjoy Cyclone

Following insurance regulator Irdai directive, LIC on Saturday announced concessions to mitigate the hardships of the claimants of policies and also of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana affected by the Cyclone Biparjoy.

LIC in a statement said it is reaching out to the affected people to provide assistance although the loss of lives has been minimal.

Nodal officers have been nominated at Divisional level to liaison with Chief/Secretary/Officer concerned of the State Government in this regard, it said.

10:56 PM

Over 2,400 stranded tourists rescued from North Sikkim

Altogether 2,413 stranded tourists were on Saturday rescued from North Sikkim after they were stuck in Lachen and Lachung areas following a massive landslide triggered by heavy rain, officials said.

The landslide at Pegong-Chungthang caused a road blockade, disrupting vehicular traffic in the region, they said.

In a day-long rescue operation launched jointly by officials of Chungthang Sub-Division, the General Reserve Engineer Force and members of the local panchayat, 2,413 individuals, who were stranded in the area, were successfully rescued.

10:13 PM

Chhattisgarh: Man held with Rs 10 lakh in Rs 2000 notes belonging to Naxalite leaders

An alleged Maoist supporter was arrested in Bijapur in Chhattisgarh with Rs 10 lakh in Rs 2000 notes belonging to leaders of the outlawed movement, a police official said on Saturday.

The Reserve Bank of India had recently announced the withdrawal of Rs 2000 notes from circulation and had asked people to deposit it in banks or get it exchanged till September 30.

Dinesh Tati (23), resident of Palnar village in Gangaloor police station limits, was held on Friday from a tractor showroom in Bijapur town, Additional Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Gavarna said.

9:52 PM

Assam: CBI books senior BSNL employees for Rs 22 crore fraud

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR against BSNL Assam Circle employees, including a deputy general manager, assistant general manager, and chief accounting officer, as part of its ongoing investigation into an alleged fraud involving 21 Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) officials, sources said.

According to a CBI officer, searches were conducted at 25 locations, including the accused's offices and residences across Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Haryana, after the FIR was filed recently.

The officials booked were posted at multiple locations in Jorhat, Sivasagar, Guwahati, etc.

9:32 PM

27 die due to heatwave in Bihar

At least 27 people have died in Bihar due to the intense heatwave in the state with the mercury soaring beyond 40 degrees Celsius in most places, an official said on Saturday.

Six persons have died in Bhojpur district, four each in Rohtas, Banka, and Arwal, three in Aurangabad, and one each in Nalanda, Jamui, Jahanabad, Bhagalpur, Gaya and Patna due to the heat wave.

On Saturday, Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 44.7 degrees Celsius. Sheikhpura was the hottest in the state at 45.1 degrees Celsius.

The Met department has predicted that the heat wave would continue for the next 24 hours.

9:11 PM

Amit Shah conducts aerial survey of cyclone-hit areas in Gujarat

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday took an aerial tour of Kutch and Jakhau in Gujarat to survey the areas hit by Cyclone Biparjoy, which made its landfall on Gujarat's coasts on June 15.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel accompanied him during the inspection.

Shah also engaged in a comprehensive review meeting with Patel and other high-ranking officials to discuss the current scenario.

The aerial survey covered Jakhau port and Mandvi in Kutch, both of which were severely impacted by the cyclone. Additionally, Shah made a visit to the Civil Hospital in Mandvi to meet those who received injuries due to the cyclone.

8:55 PM

Manipur violence: Opposition parties led by Cong urge PM Modi to intervene, seek meeting

Ten opposition parties of Manipur led by the Congress on Saturday questioned the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the continued violence in the northeastern state, while urging him to meet them and make an appeal for peace.

Addressing a press conference with other leaders, Manipur's three-time former chief minister O Ibobi Singh said they have sought a meeting with the prime minister and were awaiting his response before he leaves for his foreign tour on June 20.

The Congress leader said that the violence was continuing in the state since May 3 and the "silence" of Prime Minister Modi is "hurting" Manipur.

"There is a hue and cry everywhere, with 20,000 people, including women and children, taking shelter in camps. However, the prime minister has not yet expressed anything regarding Manipur. Is Manipur a part of India or not? If it is, why hasn't the Prime Minister of India spoken about it," he asked.

8:38 PM

Deadly winds rock Surat; 1 killed, 1 injured

Surat in Gujarat is witnessing grave incidents caused by high-speed winds since the last two days, which resulted in the killing a man while a pedestrian has been injured.

The high-speed winds, ranging from 45 kmph to 55 kmph, have uprooted trees, damaged electric poles, with several hoardings collapsing in different parts of the city.

The fire department reported over 25 incidents of tree uprooting and several instances of electric poles getting damaged within the city.

In the Wall City area of Nanavat, a part of a roof of an aging building crumbled and fell on Krunal Jariwala (26), who was standing below. Jariwala, a resident of Wadifalia area, succumbed to his injuries late on Friday at the SMIMER hospital in Surat. The building was in a poor state, and the high-speed winds caused the roof to collapse onto him.

8:34 PM

Indian elected vice-chairman of global UN advocacy body

A senior Indian advocate was unanimously elected vice-chairman of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), a global UN advocacy body.

The WFUNA is a global non-profit organisation representing and coordinating the membership of over 100 national United Nations Associations (UNAs) and their thousands of constituents.

Suresh Srivastava, a senior advocate and secretary general of the Indian Federation of United Nations Associations (IFUNA) --- an affiliate body of WFUNA, got unanimously elected as vice-chairman of the world body during its executive committee meeting on Thursday, according to a UNA press release.

8:24 PM

Four wagons of goods train derail in Odisha

Four wagons of a goods train derailed near Ambadola in Odisha's Rayagada district on Saturday, a railway official said.

There was no immediate report of any loss of life or injury to anyone, he said.

The four wagons jumped the rails while the goods train was on its way to a Vedanta Ltd plant in Lanjigarh from Ambadola on a special route, the official said.

The train services remained unaffected as the derailment took place on the special route, he said.

7:55 PM

Centre shielding WFI president: Rakesh Tikait

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait on Saturday accused the Centre of shielding Wrestling Federation of India president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing sexual harassment allegations.

Country's top wrestlers including Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, accused the WFI chief of sexual harassment and intimidation.

Alleging that the wrestlers who have revolted against Singh are under government pressure, Tikait, an influential leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), accused the central government of trying to save the BJP MP.

7:22 PM

PM Modi had ordered to make all arrangements before landfall of Cyclone: Amit Shah

6:57 PM

Biparjoy aftermath: Amit Shah conducts aerial survey of affected areas in Kutch

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday conducted an aerial survey of areas affected by cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat's Kutch district. He met injured people at a hospital in Mandvi town and also interacted with farmers and personnel of NDRF and BSF.

Shah landed at Kutch district headquarters Bhuj in a chopper and conducted an aerial survey of Jakhau, which bore the brunt of the powerful cyclone on Thursday night. He was accompanied by Gujarat chief minister Bhupendera Patel.

He visited the Mandvi sub-district hospital and met injured people and pregnant women who were shifted from coastal villages hit by the cyclone, which had made landfall near Jakhau port.

6:47 PM

Millions hooked to mobile games; India to become $7 bn market by 2025

Mobile gaming has come a long way since the early days of the 'Snake' game on Nokia phones to next-generation smartphones offering high-definition graphics and immersive gameplay that rival even the most popular console games.

Mobile gaming has evolved as much as the mobile device itself.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed during that time, the mobile gaming segment shone as it catered to the entertainment-seeking public eagerly, and the Indian mobile gaming market witnessed a boom during the period, which is still ongoing for the sector.

During the waves of Covid-19, consumers made a significant shift towards online channels.

6:39 PM

US regulator gives nod to Amazon's $1.7bn iRobot acquisition

The UK's antitrust regulator has cleared Amazon's proposed $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot, which designs and builds consumer robots, including robot vacuum cleaners sold under the 'Roomba' brand.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that iRobot's market position in the supply of robot vacuum cleaners in the UK is modest and that it already faces several significant rivals.

"On this basis, the CMA considered that the loss of potential competition from Amazon wouldn't have a substantial impact on market outcomes," it said in a statement.

6:29 PM

Ensure availability of critical health services in flood-affected Assam: Mandaviya to officials

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday directed officials to ensure the availability of critical health services in flood-affected regions of Assam and stressed on strong coordination between central and state institutions for effective management of the situation.

Addressing a virtual meeting with central and state health agencies, Mandaviya directed them to prepare an online database listing information like the availability of beds, oxygen and other health facilities to ensure efficient management of any health emergency.

Assam's flood situation worsened on Friday with incessant rainfall inundating new areas across 11 districts and impacting over 34,000 people. He underscored the need for the preparedness of critical health services as well as the availability of clean drinking water in flood-affected regions in Assam.

6:15 PM

Irdai directs insurers to fast-track claim settlement process due to Biparjoy

Insurance regulator Irdai has asked insurers to settle claims in the states affected by cyclone Biparjoy in an expeditious manner.

In a circular to CEOs of all general insurance companies, and standalone health insurance companies, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) said it needs to be ensured that all claims are surveyed immediately and claim payments/on account payments are disbursed at the earliest and in any case not exceeding the stipulated timeline.

"The insurer shall encourage the policyholder to use electronic communication wherever possible for correspondence while initiating the claim and filing all the relevant documents. Efforts shall be made to ensure that digital processes are resorted to the extent possible for assessment of claims," it said.

Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to have caused loss to property (homes and businesses) and infrastructure in various states.

6:10 PM

Cyclone Biparjoy: Amit Shah meets CM Bhupendra Patel in Gujarat to take stock of situation

6:09 PM

Self-reliance a necessity as India faces double threat on borders: Rajnath Singh

Self-reliance is not an option but a necessity, as India is facing a double threat on its borders, along with new dimensions of warfare that are emerging in today's fast-changing world, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lucknow on Saturday.

Rajnath Singh was speaking at a defence dialogue on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' organised by STRIVE think-tank, a veterans' initiative in Lucknow.

He termed a strong and self-reliant military as the backbone of a sovereign nation, which besides protecting the borders, safeguards the country's civilisation and culture. He asserted that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is ensuring that the Armed Forces are not dependent on foreign weapons and equipment, emphasising that the real strength lies in being 'Aatmanirbhar', especially when an emergency situation arises.

6:01 PM

Our protest is not politically motivated: Sakshi and her husband Satyawart

Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik and her wrestler husband Satyawart Kadian on Saturday insisted that their protest was not politically motivated and they kept mum for years despite facing harassment because the wrestling fraternity was not united earlier.

In a video posted on Twitter, Kadian said a false narrative was being created around their protest and they wanted to clear the air.

Country's top wrestlers including Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, accused outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation.

5:54 PM

Para teachers protest outside CM Hemant Soren's residence in Jharkhand

5:39 PM

PM Modi's State Visit to US will have significant outcomes: EAM Jaishankar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the US will have "significant outcomes", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday.

Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of a function here, he also said that it will be the first time that an Indian prime minister will be addressing the US Congress twice.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. They will host Modi at a State Dinner on June 22. The visit also includes an address to the Joint Session of the Congress on June 22.

5:08 PM

Good coordination between Centre, Gujarat govt during Cyclone Biparjoy: Sources

Very good coordination among the central and Gujarat governments, the NDRF and all agencies concerned during Cyclone Biparjoy successfully saved precious lives, sources said on Saturday.

The weather system, which hit the landmass near Jakhau port as a very severe cyclonic storm on Thursday evening, turned into a deep depression and will further lose steam to become a depression, the India Meteorological Department said in its latest update.

Home Minister Amit Shah visited the cyclone-affected areas of Jakhau and Mandvi in Gujarat to take stock of the relief operation.

5:07 PM

NIA takes over probe into attacks on Indian Missions in US, Canada

The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the attacks carried out by Khalistan supporters on Indian Missions in the US and Canada in March, police sources said on Saturday.

Earlier, the probe into violent protests and attempted vandalisation at the Indian High Commission in London in March this year was also handed over to the agency.

The Delhi Police's Special Cell had registered FIRs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the attacks which took place in March, sources said.

The investigation has now been transferred to the NIA, they added.

4:59 PM

Govt mulls constructing tunnels for all-weather connectivity to upper Shimla: CM Sukhu

The Himachal Pradesh government is mulling to construct tunnels to ensure all-weather connectivity to the upper areas of Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday.

Surveys will be conducted for the construction of tunnels under Kharapathar on Kotkhai-Hatkoti road as well as to connect the landlocked Dodra-Kawar area of the district, he said.

A proposed tunnel on National Highway 705 under Kharapathar will reduce the distance from Shimla to Rohru by around 10 to 12 kilometres and ensure all-weather connectivity to the whole upper Shimla area, Sukhu said in a statement.

4:39 PM

Indian Army rescues over 3,500 stranded tourists from landslide-hit Sikkim

The Indian Army rescued about 3,500 tourists who were stranded at Chungthang in North Sikkim due to landslides and roadblocks, said an official release on Saturday.

According to the release, heavy torrential rains were witnessed in Lachen, Lachung and Chungthang valleys on Friday.

"Over 2000 tourists have been rescued till 3 pm on June 17, 2023. Efforts are on to restore the road connectivity, while the evacuation of tourists would continue," the release read.

3:56 PM

India-UK FTA has to be win-win for both sides, says FICCI president

Free trade agreements (FTAs) need to ensure they provide a level playing field and the India-UK FTA, which recently completed its 10th round of negotiations, has to be a win-win scenario for both sides, the head of India's leading business chambers has said.

Subhrakant Panda, President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), was in the UK this week for the FICCI Forum of Parliamentarians, a bipartisan initiative for political outreach.

The delegation from India was briefed on areas of interest in the bilateral relationship over a series of discussions with businesses and parliamentarians.

As far as Indian businesses are concerned, we are competitive, confident and looking to engage with the world, said Panda.

3:39 PM

Cyclone Biporjoy: Amit Shah visited Mandvi Civil Hospital and met the people admitted there

3:29 PM

Balasore train accident toll mounts to 291

The death toll in the Balasore train accident mounted to 291 after a passenger from Bihar succumbed to his injuries at SCB Medical College Hospital here on Saturday, officials said.

The passenger was identified as Sahil Mansur (32) of Roshanpur in Bhagalpur district of Bihar. He was undergoing treatment at the ICU of trauma care, hospital sources said, adding that the patient was also suffering from a kidney-related ailment. He was also under dialysis, they said.

SCB Medical College Hospital Superintendent Dr Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra said the patient died due to cardiac arrest. He had multiple injuries both internal and external and also had renal issues.

Mishra said of the 205 patients admitted at the SCB medical college hospital, 46 patients are still under treatment which included 13 patients in ICU. "Of the 13 patients in ICU, the condition of two to three people remain critical," he said, adding that the condition of the remaining patients was stable.