LIVE: Oppn should work in a coordinated manner for 2024, says Rahul Gandhi

Live news updates: "My main focus right now is for a united India, we should fight against hatred. My focus is only to unite India," he said.

3:04 PM

Security beefed up, special trains to run as Mumbai gets ready for New Year's Eve revelry

As Mumbai gears up to ring in the new year without any COVID-19 restrictions after two years, the police on Saturday beefed up security across the city to prevent any untoward incident.

 

Besides this, to ensure smooth travel for Mumbaikars on the New Year's Eve, the Railways and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST), have announced special services after midnight on December 31.

 

As part of the security arrangements, 10,000 police constables, 1,500 officers, 25 deputy commissioners of police and seven additional commissioners of police have been deployed to maintain law and order, an official said.

2:59 PM

UK's problems won't go away in 2023, warns PM Rishi Sunak in New Year message

Rishi Sunak struck a cautious note with his first New Year message as British Prime Minister on Saturday as he warned that the UK's problems won't go away in 2023, at the end of an tough 12 months.

The 42-year-old Indian-origin leader, who took charge as the UK's Prime Minister towards the end of October following turmoil within the ruling Conservative Party, recalled his inaugural address on the steps of 10 Downing Street to reiterate his promise to work relentlessly" on the things that matter.

"I'm not going to pretend that all our problems will go away in the New Year," said Sunak.

But 2023 will give us the opportunity to showcase the very best of Britain on the world stagedefending freedom and democracy wherever we find it under threat," he said.

He highlighted the "barbaric" war in Ukraine as one of the dominating challenges ahead.

2:50 PM

PNB case: Diamantaire Nirav Modi's Pune flats to be auctioned in Feb 2023

Multi-billionaire scamster diamantaire Nirav D. Modi may become poorer by Rs 18 crore in the New Year.

The Debt Recovery Tribunal-I (DRT-I), Mumbai, Recovery Officer Ashu Kumar has ordered the auction of two prime properties belonging to Modi and others in one of the cases filed by Punjab National Bank (PNB), to recover a part of its dues.

The e-auction of these properties is considered a year-ender attempt to recover a part of the PNB's staggering due of over Rs 11,653 crore, calculated till early 2023.

The properties are two adjoining flats on the F1 building, 16th floor of the YOOPUNE housing scheme at Hadapsar, Pune, measuring 398 sq. metres and 396 sq. metres.

The PNB has set a reserve price of Rs 8.99 crore and Rs 8.93 crore, respectively, for these two flats, which shall go under the hammer on February 3, 2023.

2:37 PM

Opposition should work in a coordinated manner for 2024, says Rahul Gandhi

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the opposition should coordinate properly in order to fight against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

 

Addressing a press conference here, he said: "The sense I am getting is that if the opposition comes together and fight in coordinated way, the BJP will find it tough in 2024. I think the opposition should stand effectively on ground and work in a manner to counter the BJP."

 

When asked about a Prime Ministerial face, the Congress leader said: "My main focus right now is for a united India, we should fight against hatred. My focus is only to unite India."

 

He further said that there were many like-minded parties who want India to be in harmony. "I know Akhikeshji and Mayawatiji want India to be free of hatred and want harmony in the country."

 

Rahul Gandhi also said that "his is not a tactical political fight the BJP has dominated the political space and to defeat them now there should be ideological framework and this only Congress can give".

2:34 PM

With 2022 poll outcomes, AAP poised to become national party; but challenges galore

The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national ambition got wings in 2022 following its electoral feat in Punjab and foray in Goa and Gujarat assemblies but the party had to fire-fight a bevy of corruption charges against its Delhi leaders.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led party had a head start in the beginning of 2022 itself when it recorded a stupendous victory in the Punjab assembly polls held on February 20.

With 92 out of a total 117 assembly seats coming to its kitty in the elections, the AAP stormed to power in Punjab, crushing the ruling Congress under its victory chariot.

2:32 PM

1,668 journalists killed worldwide in past 20 years: Media watchdog RSF

What with murders, contract killings, ambushes, war zone deaths and fatal injuries, a staggering total of 1,668 journalists have been killed worldwide in connection with their work in the last two decades (2003-2022), according to RSF's tallies based above all on its annual round-ups.

This gives an average of more than 80 journalists killed every year, according to Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

"Behind the figures, there are the faces, personalities, talent and commitment of those who have paid with their lives for their information gathering, their search for the truth and their passion for journalism," said Christophe Deloire, RSF secretary-general.

"In each of its annual round-ups, RSF has continued to document the unjustifiable violence that has specifically targeted media workers. This year's end is an appropriate time to pay tribute to them and to appeal for full respect for the safety of journalists wherever they work and bear witness to the world's realities," Deloire added.

2:15 PM

Investment worth Rs 73,000 crore brought to Andhra in 3 yrs: Minister

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh as a favoured destination for investment, state Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath on Friday said investment worth Rs 73,000 crore has been brought in the state in the last three years.

 

Addressing a press conference, Minister Amarnath said that Jagan Mohan Reddy government gave impetus to the industrial sector which was neglected by the previous governments in the state.

 

"In the last three years, 21 large and very large industries have been brought in the state with an investment of Rs 73,000 crore, thereby providing employment opportunities to 60,000 people," he said.

 

He informed that the foundation stone will be laid next month for the solar panels' industry to be set up in the state with an investment of Rs 4,000 crore.

 

1:59 PM

Global Investors Summit: UPSIDA receives investment proposals worth over Rs 1 trn

The UP State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) has received proposals worth over Rs 1 lakh crores from investors for setting up industrial units in various districts of the state.

Of these investment proposals, letters of intent (MoUs) worth Rs 83,000 crore have been signed, the UP government said in a statement issued here.

These MoUs will be finalised during the Global Investors Summit to be held in Lucknow from February 10-12, 2023.

1:16 PM

UP police tightens security to ensure trouble-free New Year celebrations

Tightening security ahead of New Year celebrations, the Uttar Pradesh police has issued directives to all security personnel and deployed adequate number of patrolling vehicles at crowded places to prevent any law and order situation in the state.

"In order to celebrate New Year in a peaceful manner, we have issued state- wise directives to all police personnel. We have instructed the officers to ensure there is no ruckus in the state, especially at malls, market places, clubs and bars,"

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Law and Order, Prashant Kumar said.

1:06 PM

EAM Jaishankar lauds role of Indian peacekeepers under UN during visit to Cyprus

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has lauded the role of Indian peacekeepers under the flag of the United Nations as he visited a street here in Cyprus named in memory of General K S Thimayya.

Jaishankar is currently on his first official visit to Cyprus as India and this Mediterranean country celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.

"So nice to see the street in Larnaca named after General K S Thimayya. Indian Peacekeepers serving under the UN flag are appreciated around the world," Jaishankar tweeted on Friday along with pictures.

12:50 PM

EPFO implements Supreme Court order, gives option for higher pension to eligible subscribers

Retirement fund body EPFO has asked its field offices to provide an option for higher pension to eligible subscribers in accordance with the Supreme Court order on November 4, 2022.

According to the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) circular on December 29, 2022 the central government has directed to implement the directions in the Supreme Court order.

The field offices have been directed to implement "the directions contained in para 44 (ix) of the Supreme Court judgement on November 4, 2022" within stipulated timeline and to ensure adequate publicity of the decision taken by the EPFO to implement the said directions, the circular said.

Earlier in November 2022, the Supreme Court had upheld Employees Pension (Amendment) Scheme 2014.

12:32 PM

Pakistan has a lot to learn from China: Minister

Pakistan should learn from China about economic and technological development, says Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

To ensure economic development, the country should have a peaceful environment, he said, adding that "we must first ensure political stability, continuity of policies, and social solidarity because economic development does not take place in an atmosphere of conflict and polarisation", The Express Tribune reported.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing the award ceremony held in recognition of outstanding Pakistani staff of the CPEC Projects 2022 at the Chinese embassy.

12:24 PM

Himachal: Atal tunnel craze, snowfall in Manali increase tourist footfall in Kullu on New Year

Snowfall in Manali, craze to see Atal Tunnel and no entry to tourist vehicles without bookings in Shimla city has increased the tourist footfall in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district on New Year.

Tourists are flocking to Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) and it has increased the footfall in the twin districts of Lahaul and Spiti and Kullu besides snowfall in Manali is a major attraction, president of Manali Hoteliers' Association Mukesh Thakur said, adding the occupancy is about 90 percent.

Gondola at Solang, Igloo stays in Hamta, winter sports activities in and around Manali, skiing and snowboarding courses offered by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports Manali too are the major tourist attractions, he said.

12:12 PM

Will airlift Pant to New Delhi if medically advisable, says DDCA president Rohan Jaitley

Injured India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant will be shifted to New Delhi for further treatment, especially for plastic surgery resulting from the burn injuries he suffered in the car accident in which he was involved on Friday morning.

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley said if needed and medically advisable, his organisation will airlift Pant from Dehradun to New Delhi for his plastic surgery.

"If medically advisable, we'll airlift Rishabh Pant to Delhi for plastic surgery. We are in constant touch with Max Hospital Dehradun," DDCA president Rohan Jaitley told IANS on Saturday.

12:09 PM

India abstains on UNGA resolution asking ICJ opinion on 'violation' of Palestinian rights

India has abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that asked the International Court of Justice for its opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's prolonged occupation and annexation of the Palestinian territory.

The draft resolution Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem' was adopted by a recorded vote on Friday, with 87 votes in favour, 26 against and 53 abstentions, including by India.

The resolution decided to request the UN's highest judicial body to render an advisory opinion on what are the legal consequences arising from the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, from its prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and from its adoption of related discriminatory legislation and measures.