LIVE: Qatar, Kuwait summon India envoy over BJP leaders' remarks

Nupur Sharma had made some controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad

11:13 PM

Bus that fell into U'khand gorge had 28 pilgrims from MP; CM says leaving for Dehradun

The bus that fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi on Sunday was carrying 28 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh's Panna district, as per the state government.

According to the Uttarkashi administration, at least 25 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh died and three were critically injured on Sunday evening when the bus they were travelling in fell into a deep gorge en route to the Yamunotri temple in the Uttarkashi district.

Expressing condolence over the death of pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh in the bus accident, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he along with state minister Bijendra Pratap Singh, DGP Sudhir Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Rajesh Rajora and the entire team are leaving for Dehradun immediately in the night.

The MP Home Department has issued a list of 28 passengers from the Panna district who were travelling in the ill-fated bus.

I have talked to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Dhami ji over the phone and requested him to ensure adequate arrangements for the treatment of the injured, Chouhan said in a tweet.

The chief minister said he had sought information about the incident and rescue operations and is in constant touch with Dhami.

I and my team are in constant touch with the Uttarakhand government and local district administration. The arrangements are being made to treat the injured and bring the bodies to Madhya Pradesh, the chief minister said.

11:06 PM

Modi has weakened environmental laws in India, posing as eco-champion on world stage: Ramesh

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hypocrisy and alleged that while he has weakened all environmental and forest laws in India, he is posing as an eco-champion on the world stage.

Ramesh, a former environment minister himself, said this as the prime minister is set to launch the "LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment)" initiative on World Environment Day.

"Today is World Environment Day, celebrated since 1973. Vishguru is launching LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). This is maximum hypocrisy, since he's weakening all environmental and forest laws, regulations and institutions at home, while posing to be an eco-champion on world stage!" the former Union minister wrote on Twitter.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also hit out at the prime minister, saying "his understanding of climate change came out clearly when he loudly proclaimed, 'There is no climate change but only 'our tolerance and habits' have changed".

In a tweet on Saturday, Modi said, "Tomorrow, 5th June is marked as #WorldEnvironmentDay. At 6 PM, the LiFE global movement will be launched. This movement seeks to encourage practices that further sustainable living and environmentally friendly development."

11:04 PM

Manjhi complains of 'suffocation' in NDA; regrets having resigned as Bihar CM

Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday said being in the NDA as a junior partner of the BJP and the JD(U) was causing "ghutan" (suffocation) and he regretted having stepped down in 2015, less than a year after being sworn in to the highest seat of power in the state.

Manjhi, whose Hindustani Awam Morcha has four MLAs in the 243-strong assembly, was also of the view that with proper "samanjasya" (coordination) "we can make our presence felt in the upcoming legislative council polls when our support will be solicited by our bigger partners".

Manjhi, whose son Santosh Kumar Suman is a minister in the Nitish Kumar cabinet and has also been anointed as the HAM national president, was addressing the party's national executive.

NDA leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, sneered at "yet another tantrum" thrown by the septuagenarian and pointed towards his past vacillations to assert that his averments, though objectionable, were of little significance for the ruling coalition.

10:58 PM

Prophet row: BJP action against its spokespersons necessary and timely', says Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind

Prominent Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on Sunday described as "necessary and timely" the action by Bharatiya Janata Party against its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal for their alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. In a statement, Jamiat said disciplinary action by BJP was "necessary and timely" for "maintaining law and order in the country". Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, general secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, said "there is no bigger communalism and no greater offence than this, so we hope that law enforcement agencies will take legal action against them without delay and will indeed punish them, as well as take action against all such individuals who are constantly insulting the Prophet." According to the statement, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had recently passed a resolution in its national governing body meeting calling for the immediate passing of a law to protect the sanctity and dignity of all religious personalities.

Sharma was on Sunday suspended from the party and Jindal expelled after their alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad as the BJP sought to defuse the row over the issue.

10:54 PM

Over 50 feared dead in Nigeria church attack, officials say

Gunmen opened fire on worshippers and detonated explosives at a Catholic church in southwestern Nigeria on Sunday, leaving dozens feared dead, state lawmakers said.

The attackers targeted the St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo state just as the worshippers gathered on Pentecost Sunday, legislator Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole said. Among the dead were many children, he said.

The presiding priest was abducted as well, said Adelegbe Timileyin, who represents the Owo area in Nigeria's lower legislative chamber.

Our hearts are heavy," Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu tweeted Sunday. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people.

Authorities did not immediately release an official death toll. Timileyin said at least 50 people had been killed, though others put the figure higher. Videos appearing to be from the scene of the attack showed church worshippers lying in pools of blood while people around them wailed.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said only fiends from the nether region could have conceived and carried out such dastardly act, according to a statement from his spokesman.

No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win, said Buhari, who was elected after vowing to end Nigeria's prolonged security crisis.

10:47 PM

Be net savvy, inform people about Modi govt's feats: Nadda to BJP workers

BJP president JP Nadda on Sunday asked party workers of Jharkhand to be internet savvy and updated with data to disseminate information on the achievements of the Narendra Modi government to people.

The move is being seen as preparation for the parliamentary and assembly elections in 2024.

The eight years of good governance have given new hope. Before 2014 (When Modi became the PM), the political culture in the country was dynasty, appeasement and vote bank. But now, it has changed to the politics of development, he said while addressing party workers here.

The country is making a giant leap in every sector after the pandemic - from exports to GST collections to economic growth, Nadda claimed.

The per capita income which was Rs 79,000 earlier and has now reached 1.5 lakh, he said.

The BJP leader said that there were only 6.5 crore broadband connections earlier and now the figure is 78 crore.

In 70 years, merely 6.37 lakh primary schools were built in the country while during the eight years of the Modi government, 6.53 lakh such schools were set up, Nadda claimed.

Around Rs 22 lakh crore have been transferred to the beneficiaries' accounts under welfare schemes of the Modi government in the past eight years, he said.

Nadda participated in a rally at the Morhabadi Grounds here earlier in the day.

In the evening, he addressed party leaders and workers at the BJP headquarters and inaugurated two district offices virtually.

10:46 PM

Monetary reward for reporting instances of green norm violations in Bengal

Flagging instances of environmental norm violations in West Bengal will now fetch handsome monetary rewards, with the state pollution control board Sunday announcing Rs 500 for reporting such cases through its mobile app.

The novel initiative is aimed at creating more awareness among the public about the environment, West Bengal Pollution Control Board member secretary Rajesh Kumar said.

"For example, if you visit a restaurant and find certain environmental norms are flouted; you can inform us through the existing Paribesh app' of WBPCB.

Your identity will be kept secret and if the information is found to be true, we will give Rs 500 as incentive for each update. A sum of up to Rs 1 crore can be won by a citizen for multiple information," Kumar told PTI on the sidelines of a function to mark the World Environment Day at Science City here.

Kumar said WBPCB has set up around 150 monitoring units to check surface water, groundwater and river content.

"We have also installed over 120 noise monitoring units to curb sound pollution and an almost equal number of air monitoring stations across the state," he said.

He also said the board is actively coordinating with 125 urban local bodies for solid waste management.

WBPCB chairman Kalyan Rudra said that it has mobilised 2,000 children from schools and colleges, as they can be the true ambassadors for the campaign to save the planet.

 

10:40 PM

PM Modi announces ex-gratia Rs 2 lakh each to kin of deceased in Uttarkashi bus mishap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the accident in Uttarakhand.

The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each.

"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the accident in Uttarakhand. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each," tweeted the Office of the Prime Minister.

Twenty-two people were killed and six were injured after a bus carrying 28 pilgrims from Panna district in Madhya Pradesh fell into a gorge near Damta in Uttarkashi district, informed the local administration.

"As per Uttrakhand local Administration, 22 pilgrims died and six inured NDRF team rush to spot and any moment will reach there," MoS Home Nityanand Rai had told ANI.

"A bus carrying 28 pilgrims from Panna district in Madhya Pradesh fell into a gorge near Damta in Uttarkashi district. Bodies of 6 people recovered while 6 injured have been sent to the hospital. Police and SDRF on the spot," DGP Ashok Kumar had said.

Expressing grief over the accident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed the district administration to carry out relief and rescue work expeditiously.

The Chief Minister has given instructions to make arrangements for proper treatment of the injured.

10:34 PM

Flood situation in Assam improves; 40,700 still affected

The flood situation in Assam improved significantly on Sunday although over 40,700 people are still affected in two districts, an official bulletin said.

According to the daily flood report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), more than 40,700 people were suffering in Cachar and Morigaon districts.

Morigaon is the worst hit with over 30,400 people affected, followed by Cachar (10,300).

Till Saturday, over 68,500 people were suffering in four districts. A total of 38 people have died in the state this year due to floods and landslides.

At present, 137 villages have been inundated and 6,029.50 hectares of farmlands damaged, the bulletin said.

Authorities are running seven relief camps and distribution centres in three districts, where 705 people, including 165 children, are taking shelter. The authorities have distributed 423.37 quintals of rice, dal, salt and other flood relief items.

Massive erosions have taken place in Dhubri, Nalbari, Sonitpur, Tinsukia and Udalguri districts. Embankments, roads, bridges and other infrastructure have been damaged by flood waters in Kokrajhar, Nagaon and Morigaon, ASDMA said.

10:25 PM

Shah speaks to Uttarakhand CM after Uttarkashi bus accident

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday after a bus carrying pilgrims fell into a gorge in the state's Uttarkashi district and said local rescue teams are engaged in the rescue operation while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel will also reach the spot shortly.

At least 15 people are feared dead in the accident.

"It is very sad to hear about the bus of devotees falling into a gorge in Uttarakhand. I have spoken to Chief Minister @pushkardhami on this. Local administration and SDRF teams are engaged in rescue work and the injured are being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. NDRF is also reaching there soon," Shah said in a tweet in Hindi.

The bus was carrying over 30 passengers to Yamunotri, officials said.

10:00 PM

Congress holds meet to prepare for Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir

Congress held a meeting of the Central Planning Group here on Sunday to prepare for the Bharat Jodo Yatra which will be taken out from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which is aimed at connecting Kanyakumari in Southern India to Kashmir in Northern India, will begin on October 2.

"The first meeting of the Central Planning Group for Bharat Jodo Yatra took place today. The Kanyakumari to Kashmir yatra will start on October 2 and planning for it began in right earnest. Rahul Gandhi also attended the meeting," INC Member of Rajya Sabha Digvijay Singh said in a tweet.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi announced this mass campaign to counter polarisation politics with the slogan Bharat Jodo" on May 16--the last day of the Congress -led Chintan Shivir in Udaipur.

According to party sources, the five-month-long yatra which is scheduled to cover a distance of 3,500 kilometres and more than a dozen states, will commence from Kanyakumari and will conclude in Kashmir.

The yatra will include padayatras, rallies, and public meetings which will be attended by the Congress top brass including Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Earlier, the sources had said that like-minded parties, members, and organisations from civil society will also be a part of this mass campaign.

9:59 PM

Qatar, Kuwait summon Indian envoys over BJP leader's controversial remarks on Prophet

Qatar and Kuwait on Sunday summoned India's Ambassadors and handed over to them protest notes on what the Gulf countries called categorical "rejection and condemnation" of the controversial remarks of a BJP leader against Prophet Mohammed.

Seeking to defuse a diplomatic row, a spokesperson of the Indian Embassy in Qatar said that the "Ambassador conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements."

The spokesperson said that Indian Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal had a meeting in the Foreign Office in which concerns were raised with regard to some offensive tweets by individuals in India denigrating the religious personality.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu is currently visiting Qatar and on Sunday he met Qatar's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani here.

Earlier, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State, handed the note to the Ambassador of the Republic of India, the ministry said in a statement.

It welcomed the statement issued by the ruling party in India in which it announced the suspension of the party's leader and said Qatar is expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the Government of India.

"Strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks, the spokesperson of the Indian Embassy here said.

 

9:58 PM

Heatwave roasts western Odisha, Titilagarh burns at 44.6 deg C

A blistering heatwave baked parts of western Odisha on Sunday even as people in other regions of the state got some respite due to rain, the Met office said.

At least 13 weather stations recorded a maximum of over 40 degrees Celsius even as the temperatures fell by 1-2 notches in some places due to rainfall on Monday night, the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre said.

Heatwave prevailed in Bolangir, Boudh, Subarnapur and Bargarh. The conditions are likely to continue in these districts over the next two days, according to a bulletin.

Intense heat scorched Bolangir as the maximum temperature rose to 44.3 degrees Celsius in the district headquarters and 44.6 degrees Celsius in Titilagarh, the highest in the state, a bulletin stated.

Subarnapur recorded 44.7 degrees Celsius, followed by 44.3 in Boudh and 43.7 in Sambalpur. Bargarh and Bhawanipatna recorded 43 degrees Celsius each, while the mercury climbed up to 42.8 in Jharsuguda, three levels above normal, it said.

The temperature in state capital Bhubaneswar dropped by three notches below average to settle at 33.8, while it was 34 degrees Celsius in Cuttack, the department said.

There will be no significant change in the maximum temperature over the next four-five days, it said.

The weatherman forecast isolated to scattered rain with thunderstorms over the next five days under the influence of an east-west trough and strong southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.

9:45 PM

Tennessee shooting leads to 3 dead, 14 injured, say Police

A shooting near a Tennessee nightclub early Sunday led to three deaths and 14 people suffering gunshot wounds and other injuries, police said.

Fourteen people were hit by gunfire and three were hit by vehicles while trying to flee the scene, Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy said during a press conference.

Two people died from gunshot wounds and one person died after being hit by a vehicle, Murphy said. Sixteen of the victims were adults and one was a juvenile and several remained in critical condition, she said.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting at 2:42 am on McCallie Avenue near a nightclub and found multiple victims upon arrival. She said officers immediately began rendering aid and securing the scene.

There were multiple shooters and Murphy asked anyone in the community with information about the shooting to come forward. She said police believe it was an isolated incident and authorities don't believe there's an ongoing public safety threat.

Murphy said it would be a complex investigation going forward.

We're trying to determine exactly what happened and what led up to this taking place, she said.

The shooting comes the weekend after six juveniles were wounded during an exchange of gunfire in a downtown Chattanooga business district.

9:38 PM

Rajinder Nagar bypoll: BJP candidate running three illegal hotels, alleges AAP

The AAP on Sunday accused BJP candidate for Rajinder Nagar bypoll Rajesh Bhatia of running three illegal hotels in the area, a charge denied by the saffron party.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief spokesperson and MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj questioned the BJP on why the party hasn't demolished Rajesh Bhatia's and his family's hotels despite them having been recorded as illegal by the MCD.

"BJP's Rajinder Nagar bypoll candidate is running three unauthorised hotels himself; why hasn't he faced bulldozer action yet? BJP and Adesh Gupta were celebrating when bulldozers demolished homes and shops of the poor all over Delhi; they must tell the public when their candidate's hotels will be demolished," he said.

The Delhi BJP said that the AAP was rattled by BJP's move to field its popular leader, saying the ruling party is levelling baseless allegations to divert the attention of people.

In a statement, the Delhi BJP said: "These allegations have been levelled earlier also. Even in 2012, when he (Bhatia) contested for the MCD elections, Congress had made similar claims. But he had secured 62 per cent of the votes. During his tenure as councillor, he built schools and open gyms, and his tenure was free of any allegations."

The bypoll has been necessitated after the Rajinder Nagar Assembly seat became vacant as AAP MLA Raghav Chadha was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab. Chadha had defeated BJP's R P Singh in the 2020 Delhi Assembly polls with a margin of over 20,000 votes.