Thursday, March 28TRUSTED FEARLESS INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS PORTAL

Tag: India

Politics

I do not have the kind of money to contest Lok Sabha elections: Nirmala Sitharaman | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said she declined the offer of the BJP to contest elections pleading that she did not have the 'kind of funds' required for fighting the Lok Sabha polls. The minister said that the BJP President (J P Nadda) gave her the option to contest either from Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. "After thinking over a week or ten days, I just went back to say...maybe not. I do not have that kind of money to contest. I also have a problem whether it is Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. It's also going to be a question of various other winnability criteria that they use...Are you from this community or are you from that religion? Are you from this? I said no, I do not think I am going to able to do it," she said. Sitharaman was speaking at the TIMES ...
Politics

Opposition alliance in Maharashtra hits roadblock as Uddhav Thackeray snubs MVA partners | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Maha Vikas Aghadi of opposition in Maharashtra has hit a roadblock that threatens to derail their stated objective of putting up united fight against the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday snubbed its allies - Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP - as it unilaterally released first list of 17 candidates.This even as the three MVA partners are engaged in discussions to finalise seat-sharing in the state.The Congress reacted strongly to Shiv Sena (UBT) move and urged its ally to stick to "coalition dharma". Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said the unilateral announcement was not right. "Unfortunately, coalition dharma hasn't been followed. Shiv Sena (UBT) must reconsider its decision," Thorat said.Thorat asserted that Congress was...
Politics

Taxing IndiGo aircraft grazes against stationary AI Express plane, DGCA orders probe | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday ordered probe into an incident at Kolkata Airport where an Indigo plane grazed against a stationary Air India Express aircraft while taxing.The incident caused a delay for IndiGo flight 6E 6152 heading to Darbhanga, but passengers were accommodated on another aircraft.Both IndiGo pilots have been off-rostered, and the flights have been grounded for thorough inspection. "We have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter and both the pilots of IndiGo airlines have been off-rostered. The ground staff will also be questioned during the investigation. Both the flights have been grounded for detailed inspection," DGCA official said.Speaking about the incident, an Air India Express spokesperson said, "The wingtip o...
Politics

BJP protests outside Delhi Assembly demanding Kejriwal’s resignation; AAP raises slogans against PM | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: MLAs from both the ruling AAP and opposition BJP held protests on the Delhi Assembly premises on Wednesday. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs held a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been arrested by the ED in an excise policy-linked money-laundering case, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators and their supporters raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Both parties staged their protests simultaneously.As the BJP legislators took out a march carrying placards, the AAP leaders and workers, dressed in yellow T-shirts, started raising slogans against Modi and following the saffron party's MLAs.Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said Kejriwal should resign as chief minister."The chief minister should re...
Politics

BJP TN chief Annamalai, DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran file nominations | India News – Times of India

CHENNAI: Sitting DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran and state BJP chief K Annamalai on Wednesday filed their nominations for the April 19 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu. Maran, who is seeking a successive term from the Chennai Central constituency, declared movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 7.81 crore.Annamalai is contesting from Coimbatore and he was accompanied by BJP Mahila Morcha chief and MLA Vanathi Sreenivasan among others, when he filed his nomination.In his election affidavit, senior DMK leader Maran submitted that he has Rs 7,81,05,240 of movable assets which include bank deposits and equity shares with private firms.The value of his immovable assets, which had been inherited, stood at Rs 59,000. He said both him and his wife owe no dues to government banks and had nil liabilities...
Politics

ED summons Mahua Moitra, Darshan Hiranandani on March 28 in foreign exchange violation case | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday summoned TMC leader Mahua Moitra and businessman Darshan Hiranandani for questioning in a foreign exchange violation case.The central probe agency has asked the expelled MP and Hiranandani to appear before it on March 28.ED wants to question and record Mahua and Hiranandani's statements under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) once they depose before the agency.Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December for "unethical conduct", has been renominated by her party from West Bengal's Krishnanagar seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.The case under scrutiny involves transactions linked to a non-resident external (NRE) account, along with several other foreign remittances and fund transfers, according ...
Politics

‘We take strong objection’: India summons US diplomat over state department’s comments on Kejriwal’s arrest | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday summoned US' Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena over remarks on Enforcement Directorate arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The meeting lasted for approximately 40 minutes."We take strong objection to the remarks of the Spokesperson of the US State Department about certain legal proceedings in India.In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement."This responsibility is even more so in case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents. India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted," the M...
Politics

Prakash Ambedkar’s VBA exits MVA in Maharashtra, announces candidates from 8 constituencies | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has withdrawn from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance and announced that it will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections independently in Maharashtra. The decision comes after unsuccessful negotiations regarding seat-sharing within the coalition.VBA announced candidates for eight constituencies.Among the announced candidates are Prakash Ambedkar for the Akola constituency, Rajendra Salunke for Wardha, Sanjay Kewat for Bhandara-Gondiya, Hitesh Madavi for Gadchiroli-Chimur, Vasant Magar for Buldhana, Kumari Pillewan for Amravati, and Khemsing Pawar for Yavatmal-Washim constituency.Efforts to reconcile the differences between Prakash Ambedkar and the MVA allies – Congress, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and Shiv Sena (UBT) – proved f...
Politics

Given political will, aerospace power can be effectively used beyond enemy lines: IAF chief | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Wednesday said that "Balakot-like operations" have shown that given political will, aerospace power can be effectively carried out beyond enemy lines. In his address at a seminar on "Aerospace Power in Future Conflicts", he also said that as nations increasingly rely on space-based assets for building strategic advantage, "militarisation and weaponisation of space has become an inevitable reality"."Through the annals of human history, the skies have often been regarded as realms of wonder and exploration, where dreams take flight and boundaries dissolve into the vast blue expanse," he said. Yet, beneath this calmness lies a domain "fraught with competition where contest for aerial superiority" has shaped the destiny of many nations and decid...
Politics

Lok Sabha polls: Shiv Sena (UBT) releases first list of 16 candidates; ex-Union ministers Geete, Sawant find place | India News – Times of India

The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."Read More!(function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s) { function loadFBEvents(isFBCampaignActive) { if (!isFBCampaignActive) { return; } (function(f, b, e...
Politics

Indian embassy in Washington extends condolences for Baltimore cargo ship collision, six missing | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Indian Embassy in Washington expressed condolences for the "unfortunate accident," after a cargo ship lost power and crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland on Tuesday, leading to its instant collapse and potentially disrupting a crucial shipping port for months with six people missing on board.All 22 crew members of the ship, all of Indian nationality, issued a mayday call moments before the collision resulted in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.This action enabled authorities to restrict vehicle traffic on the bridge, Maryland's governor said.According to a statement from ship management company Synergy Marine Group, the owners and managers of the Singapore-flagged container ship "Dali'' have reported that the vessel collided with a pillar of the ...
Politics

SpiceJet to settle $91 million liabilities | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: SpiceJet has reached a settlement with Export Development Canada to resolve liabilities valued at $91 million (Rs 755 crore), the airline said in a filing on Tuesday. The liabilities stem from a loan acquired by the airline in 2011 for procuring 15 aircraft. As part of the settlement, SpiceJet will pay a settlement amount and acquire ownership of 13 EDC-financed Q400 aircraft.With 12 of these Q400s currently grounded, their return to service "will enable SpiceJet to promptly launch flights on numerous routes." TNN!(function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s) { function loadFBEvents(isFBCampaignActive) { if (!isFBCampaignActive) { return; } (function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s) { if (f.fbq) return; n = f.fbq = function() { n.callMethod ? n.ca...
Politics

Welfare schemes, subsidies will go on: Delhi govt | India News – Times of India

All Welfare Schemes Will Continue, Says Delhi GovtNEW DELHI: Delhi govt on Tuesday said all welfare schemes run by it in the capital and subsidies offered to Delhiites would continue unhindered despite the arrest of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. In a press note issued by planning department, secretary Niharika Rai said there were rumours doing rounds that with the arrest of CM by Enforcement Directorate, the welfare schemes and subsidies given by Delhi govt would be stopped."Even as the law takes its own course in the process of criminal investigation, it merits clarification that administration of schemes and governance are never specific to individuals and shall continue in normal course, as in the past," Rai said. "Such rumours create an atmosphere of fear within the general public...
Politics

After Germany, US seeks ‘fair, transparent, timely legal process’ for Kejriwal | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Four days after Germany sought a fair trial for Arvind Kejriwal and was rebuffed for its "interference" by India, the United States echoed the sentiment. "We encourage a fair, transparent and timely legal process for chief minister Kejriwal," Reuters quoted a US state department spokesperson as saying. The official said the US was closely following reports of the Delhi CM's arrest.Soon after comments in the matter from the German foreign office, India had summoned a senior German diplomat to register a "strong" protest and accused Berlin of interfering in India's judicial process and undermining the independence of the Indian judiciary. Earlier this month, US expressed concern over implementation of CAA, in remarks that were quickly rejected by India as misplaced and misinfor...
Politics

Woman killed as speeding SUV rams scooty, drags it in city | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: A woman was killed while her son sustained injuries after a speeding SUV hit their scooty from behind and dragged it for several metres in Delhi's Paschim Vihar on Monday. No arrests have been made in the hit-and-run case so far, police said, adding they were looking for the driver. "When we were near Radisson Blu Hotel on Outer Ring Road, a white Creta rammed my scooty," Jagmeet Singh, a resident of New Mahavir Nagar, said. His mother Mohini, who was the pillion rider, fell down. The scooty became entangled with the SUV, resulting in mother and son being dragged. The car finally slowed down near Bhairon Gol Chakkar. An injured Singh rushed his mother to hospital where she was declared dead. She had sustained severe injuries to her head, left shoulder and hand. !(function(f, ...
Politics

CPR chief Yamini Aiyar steps down amid FCRA probe | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Yamini Aiyar, president & CEO of Centre for Policy Research (CPR) will step down from her current role from March 31, an announcement by board of the think tank said Tuesday.Srinivas Chokkakula, senior fellow at CPR and ministry of jal shakti research chair, will take over as the president and CEO from April 1, the announcement stated."An absolute privilege to have led and fought for this remarkable institutions.CPR's fierce intellectual independence and democratic spirit enriched me enormously. Delighted that CPR India leadership will now be in the very capable hands of my wonderful colleague Srinivas," Aiyar wrote on X.Yamini is an alumna of the London School of Economics, St. Edmunds College, Cambridge University and St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, according t...
Politics

Tamil Nadu: 3 Rajiv Gandhi killers will be deported to Sri Lanka in a week | India News – Times of India

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government informed Madras high court on Tuesday that Sri Lankan deputy high commission has issued temporary travel documents to three convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case - Sriharan alias Murugan, Robert Payas & Jayakumar. They will be deported to Sri Lanka within a week or once the deportation orders are issued by Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), additional public prosecutor R Muniyapparaj informed a division bench of Justices R Sureshkumar and K Kumaresh Babu.The submissions were made in response to a plea by Murugan seeking direction to the authorities of foreigners' camp at Trichy to issue him a photo identity certificate.However, recording the submissions, the bench said: "At this stage, the question of issuing any separate identit...
Politics

Parties in race to book Shivaji Park, Shinde Sena wants it for Dusshera rally too | India News – Times of India

MUMBAI: All roads lead to Shivaji Park this election season. The veteran of political rallies in Dadar is in high demand, what with the Lok Sabha election to be conducted in five phases in the state.Knowing that a message sent from Shivaji Park reverberates across the state, almost all major political parties have made applications to the BMC to book the ground for rallies in April and May.Shiv Sena led by chief minister Eknath Shinde has even applied to hold its Dusshera rally at the venue on Oct 12, after having had to hold the previous two editions at BKC in 2022 and Azad Maidan in 2023, when the Shiv Sena (UBT) was given Shivaji Park for its Dusshera gathering.Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS have both applied for use of the ground on May 17, the last day before poll campaign...
Politics

India backs Philippines amid muscle-flexing by China in South China Sea | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Amid increasing China-Philippines tensions in South China Sea (SCS), foreign minister S Jaishankar Tuesday backed the southeast Asian country's efforts to uphold its sovereignty after a meeting with his counterpart Enrique Manalo in Manila.The meeting took place a day after the Philippines summoned the Chinese ambassador and lodged a protest against China's "aggressive actions" in the SCS, nearly 90% of which is claimed by Beijing.Last week, US also condemned China's "dangerous" actions against what it called lawful Philippine maritime operations.Calling for strict adherence to a rules-based order, Jaishankar reiterated "firmly India's support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty'". The minister underlined the significance of UNCLOS (United Nations Conven...
Politics

Centre to consider revoking AFSPA, plans to pull back troops from J&K in place: Amit Shah | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the Narendra Modi government has prepared a seven-year blueprint as part of which Central troops will be pulled back from order duties in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving the J&K police exclusively in charge of that domain.“The plan is already under implementation....we have been strengthening the J&K police, which are now leading all anti-terror operations with the Central forces in a supporting role.Earlier J&K police were not trusted by the establishment in Delhi. We have brought a qualitative change in J&K police...they are now in the forefront of all operations...earlier it were the Army and Central forces who were taking the lead,” Shah said in an interview to a J&K-based news channel Gulistan News.Shah said po...