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Latest news updates: Catch all the latest news developments from across the world here

Hezbollah, Middle East, Israel, Lebanon

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					Slamming the BJP, former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal asserted that he will ensure that all development and welfare works stalled due to his arrest are back on track at the earliest. Addressing the Delhi Legislative Assembly for the first time since his resignation, he lashed out at the BJP accusing it of stalling various schemes like old age pension, pilgrimage for elderly, and free medicines at hospitals, among others.</div>
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					Interacting with Haryana BJP workers through the NaMo app, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed fieldwork at the booth level for the upcoming state polls and encouraged BJP workers to devise a strategy for the party to win the election. While alleging the Congress has failed as an opposition in the past 10 years, PM Modi claimed the grand old party&#39;s maximum time goes into infighting and taking on each other.<br />
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					A Mumbai court on Thursday sentenced Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to 15 days simple imprisonment in a defamation complaint filed against him by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya&#39;s wife Medha Somaiya. The metropolitan magistrate (Sewree court) convicted the Rajya Sabha member under Indian Penal Code Section 500 (punishment for defamation) and also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on him. Medha Somaiya, in her complaint filed through advocate Vivekanand Gupta, had alleged that Raut made baseless and completely defamatory allegations against her and her husband.</div>
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				The top court has granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year in connection with a money laundering case. The top court had reserved its verdict on August 12 after hearing submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and senior advocates Mukul Rohatagi and Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Balaji.</div>
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			Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s visit to Pune has been cancelled due to the heavy rain situation in the city. PM Modi was set to to flag off a Metro train in Pune on Thursday, alongside unveiling multiple development projects valued at over Rs 22,600 crore.</div>
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		Extensive flooding, severe traffic congestion and disruptions to Central Railway services affected Mumbai as parts of the city were hit by over 200mm of rain over a five-hour span starting at 5 pm on Wednesday. Additionally, 14 flights had to be diverted. Due to a red alert issued until 8:30 AM Thursday, officials in Mumbai and Thane declared a holiday for schools and colleges.</div>
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		The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mumbai and its adjoining districts Thane, Palghar, and Raigad for Thursday morning. The Mumbai civic body and police have advised all people in the city and surrounding areas to stay indoors as much as possible. Mumbaikars, if not required, avoid stepping out of home, the BMC posted on X.&nbsp;<br />
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			The US, France and other allies have jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon in recent days. The joint statement, negotiated on Wednesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, says the recent fighting is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. We call for an immediate 21-day cease-fire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy, the statement reads.&nbsp;<br />
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		The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday filed a reply to bail plea of former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case. Special CBI judge Rakesh Syal granted time to counsel for Jain to argue the matter and listed the matter on October 5 along with the main case. Advocate Vivek Jain appeared for Satyendar Jain and informed the court that the reply has been received an hour ago.</div>
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	Slamming the BJP, former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, asserted that he will ensure that all development and welfare works stalled due to his arrest are back on track at the earliest. Addressing the Delhi Legislative Assembly for the first time since his resignation., he lashed out at the BJP accusing it of stalling various schemes like old age pension, pilgrimage for elderly, and free medicines at hospitals, among others.</div>
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Highlights: Israeli military says it killed Hezbollah drone commander in airstrike on Beirut

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Highlights: Israeli military says it killed Hezbollah drone commander in airstrike on Beirut | India News - Business Standard

Mumbai rain update: Traffic back on track post heavy rains; schools shut after IMD alert

Both road vehicles and railway operations recommenced their operations on Thursday after heavy rains battered the city, inundating low-lying areas, halting local trains in their tracks and forcing the diversion of at least 14 incoming flights. The extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to announce a holiday for all schools and colleges on Thursday. Schools and colleges in Thane, Palghar, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad will also be closed on Thursday following heavy rains.

China reaffirms no first use of nuclear weapons after ICBM launch

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	China on Thursday said it strictly abides by the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and its latest test firing of an ICBM has no bearing on it. &quot;China&#39;s nuclear policy is very stable, consistent and predictable. We strictly follow a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and pursue a nuclear strategy of self-defence,&quot; said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China&#39;s Ministry of National Defence.</p>

Constitutional courts can't allow PMLA provisions to become tools in hands of ED: SC

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	The Supreme Court on Thursday said constitutional courts cannot allow provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act to become instruments in the hands of the Enforcement Directorate to continue incarceration for a long time. The top court said when the trial of the complaint under PMLA is likely to prolong beyond reasonable limits, the constitutional courts will have to consider exercising their powers to grant bail.</div>

Hemant Soren pretending to be 'martyr' after going to jail on corruption charges: Rajnath Singh

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	Global economists predict India will become 3rd top economy by 2027 after US, China, said Rajnath Singh.</div>

Give two consecutive terms to BJP for unparalleled development of Jharkhand: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

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	At a political rally in Dhanbad,&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that a corrupt CM cannot lead Jharkhand towards development.&nbsp;</div>
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Delhi Assembly strength falls to 66 after resignation, disqualification of 4 MLAs

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	Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel on the first day of the session of the House on Thursday announced the resignations and disqualifications of four MLAs, including three from the ruling AAP. Goel said former Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri tendered his resignation on June 18 after becoming Lok Sabha MP from South Delhi. AAP MLA Rajendra Pal Gautam also resigned from his membership of the assembly, which was accepted by him on September 22, Goel said.</div>

No force on earth can prevent corrupt JMM-led coalition's exit in Assembly polls: Rajnath Singh

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	Global economists predict India will become 3rd top economy by 2027 after US, China, says Rajnath Singh in Dhanbad.&nbsp;</div>

Would have been the sixth time the same Pune Metro project would have been inaugurated: Supriya Sule

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	NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should inaugurate the new phase of Pune Metro online as he has inaugurated the &quot;same&quot; project five times in the past. PM Modi&#39;s visit to Pune on Thursday was cancelled owing to heavy rains.</div>

Have been made scapegoat ahead of Maharashtra polls: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on conviction

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	Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday claimed he has been made a scapegoat after his conviction in a defamation case and said he would challenge the judgment in a higher court. A Mumbai court on Thursday morning sentenced the Rajya Sabha member to 15 days&#39; simple imprisonment in a defamation complaint filed against him by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya&#39;s wife Medha Somaiya.</div>

Delhi govt finalises 21-point winter action plan to tackle pollution

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	The Delhi government on Wednesday finalised a 21-point &lsquo;Winter Action Plan&rsquo; aimed at reducing vehicular pollution in the city. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that drones will be used to monitor and identify sources of air pollution. <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/from-drones-to-wfh-delhi-s-21-point-winter-action-plan-to-tackle-pollution-124092600672_1.html?1727346187"><strong>Read here for more details.</strong></a></div>

Ahead of key polls, AAP slips below MCD majority as 3 councillors defect

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	Three councillors from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) switched sides to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today reducing the ruling party&rsquo;s majority in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House, several media outlets reported. This shift came just a day before the election to fill the vacant seat on the influential Standing Committee.<strong> <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/politics/ahead-of-key-polls-aap-slips-below-mcd-majority-as-3-councillors-defect-124092600673_1.html?1727346187">Read here for more details.</a></strong></div>

Centre to move confidence vote in 2 day Delhi Assembly session: Gopal Rai

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	Delhi Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday arrived at the Delhi Assembly for the first of a two-day special session of the Assembly. The first agenda of the new session will be to seek a vote of confidence in Atishi who recently took charge as Delhi CM. &quot;A discussion will be held on the current issues relating to Delhi. After the new cabinet under Atishi ji has taken charge, the new government will move vote of confidence in the House,&quot; Gopal Rai said.</div>

Terrorism won't be allowed to stage comeback, it has been buried: Amit Shah in Udhampur rally

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	Terrorism has been buried and won&#39;t be allowed to stage a comeback, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday while addressing a rally here.</div>
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	Promising a terror-free region under the BJP regime, Shah alleged that the National Conference-Congress alliance would impose Pakistan&#39;s agenda if it comes to power. Shah, who is spearheading the BJP&#39;s election campaign, said assembly elections are taking place in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir without Article 370.</div>

Omar blames Centre for low voter turnout in second phase of J-K polls

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	National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the low voter turnout in Srinagar district during the second phase of voting for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls was perhaps a people&#39;s reaction to the Centre trying to project normalcy in the union territory. His remarks came after the second phase of polling on Wednesday saw a voter turnout of over 56 per cent while the first phase held on September 18 saw an estimated 61.38 per cent voter turnout.</div>

Taliban say it's absurd to accuse them of gender discrimination

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	Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands are set to start legal proceedings against the Taliban for violating a UN convention on women, to which Afghanistan is a party.</div>

PM Modi systematically ended employment system in country: Rahul Gandhi in Haryana

At poll rally in Haryana, Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP govt of destroying state; says Congress would sweep Assembly elections.

Delhi HC seeks to know status of plea in Allahabad HC over Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

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	The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Centre to obtain a copy of a petition pending before the Allahabad High Court on the issue of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi&#39;s citizenship. The court said a petition on a similar issue is also being heard by the Allahabad High Court and two courts can&#39;t deal with the same issue simultaneously. The court said before proceeding further in the matter, it will be in the interest of justice to know the position about the pending petition in the Allahabad High Court.</div>

One dead after cloudburst in Himachal, Met dept warns of of heavy rains

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	A person died due to a cloudburst triggered by heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh&#39;s Sirmaur district as 26 roads, including a national highway, were closed due to bad weather in the district, officials said on Thursday. Heavy rains lashed several parts of the state closing around 50 roads since Wednesday evening taking the total number of roads closed in the state to 71, including NH-707, they said.</div>

These days Congress' loudspeakers which earlier were making big claims have fallen weak: PM Modi

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	One who wins polling booth wins polls; Haryana people decided to give one more chance to BJP to serve: PM Modi to party workers.</div>

Cong's maximum time goes in infighting, every child in Haryana is aware of its internal strife, says PM Modi

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	Congress failed as opposition in past 10 years, PM Modi tells BJP workers through NaMo app during &#39;Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot&#39; event.</div>

Akhilesh slams govt over prevalence of 'substandard' drugs in market

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	Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday attacked the BJP-led Central government after India&#39;s apex drugs regulatory body found that samples of around 50 drugs were of &#39;substandard&#39; quality, and asked what action has been taken. In a post on X, Yadav said, &quot;Today&#39;s corrupt BJP government should answer, will taking such medicine cure or make you sick?&quot; &quot;As long as BJP keeps collecting donations from companies, the business of low quality medicines will continue. Will any action be taken even after this report or will the matter be hushed up by increasing the rate of donations. This BJP game of playing with the lives of the public is not good. Condemnable!&quot; the former chief minister said.</div>

BSP chief Mayawati questions UP govt's food safety move, calls it electoral politics

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	Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati on Thursday slammed the UP government&#39;s directive to display names and addresses of eatery operators, proprietors and managers, saying it was more about electoral politics than food safety. Citing incidents of spitting and mixing of urine in eatables in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed that the name and address of operators, proprietors and managers should be mandatorily displayed at all food centres.</div>

Certificate can be issued to Kangana's film 'Emergency' if some cuts are made: Censor Board to HC

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	The Central Board of Film Certification on Thursday told the Bombay High Court that a certificate would be issued to Kangana Ranuat&#39;s film &quot;Emergency&quot; if certain cuts are made, as recommended by its revising committee. The movie, which was initially slated for a September 6 release, has been embroiled in a battle with the censor board for non-issuance of certificate for release of the movie. Ranaut, who has directed and co-produced the film besides playing the lead role of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, had accused the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) of stalling certification to delay the release.</div>

Fire erupts in commercial building in Lucknow

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	A fire broke out in a commercial building here on the busy Latouche Road in Kaiserbagh area Thursday morning. No casualties have so far been reported, officials said. The fire broke out around 10 am in a commercial building that has shops and godowns, they said. &quot;No one is trapped inside as the fire erupted in the morning, &quot; Chief Fire Officer, Lucknow, Mangesh Kumar told PTI.</div>

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to sentenced to 15 days imprisonment in defamation case

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	BJP leader Kirit Somaiya&#39;s wife Medha Somaiya, in her complaint filed through advocate Vivekanand Gupta, had alleged that Sanjay Raut made baseless and completely defamatory allegations against her and her husband. She said Raut had accused them of being involved in a Rs 100 crore scam over the construction and maintenance of some public toilets under the jurisdiction of the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation.</div>

Delhi HC extends interim protection from arrest for ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar

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	The Delhi High Court on Thursday extended till October 4 the interim protection from arrest granted to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar.</div>

Himachal mandates ID display for all shop owners, vendors for public safety

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	During a meeting with representatives from the Public Works Department, Urban Development, and the Municipal Corporation, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said all shopkeepers and vendors must visibly display their identification. <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/himachal-mandates-id-display-for-all-shop-owners-vendors-for-public-safety-124092600261_1.html"><strong>Read here for more details.&nbsp;</strong></a></div>

Arunachal govt effects reshuffle in bureaucracy

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	The Arunachal Pradesh government has effected a reshuffle in bureaucracy, according to a notification issued by Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta.</div>
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	Women and Child Development Secretary Mimum Tayeng was transferred as Parliamentary Affairs Secretary, replacing SD Sunderasan. Urban Development, Housing and Town Planning secretary Nyali Ete was posted as Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) member, replacing KK Singh. Ete will continue to hold the existing charges of IPR secretary.</div>

Wall collapse, boulder crash in Thane after heavy rains; no casualty

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	The wall of a drain collapsed near a housing society and a boulder crashed on a bypass after heavy rains in Maharashtra&#39;s Thane city, civic officials said on Thursday. No person was injured in the incidents which took place on Wednesday, Thane Municipal Corporation&#39;s disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said.</div>
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	Thane city received 82.02 mm rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday, he said.</div>

Former TN minister Senthil Balaji granted bail by SC in money laundering case

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	The Supreme Court today granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year in connection with a money laundering case. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih put onerous conditions while granting relief.</div>

Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Nagaland, Arunachal

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	The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, under which an area is declared as &quot;disturbed&quot; for the convenience of security forces, has been extended in eight districts in Nagaland, three districts in Arunachal Pradesh and some other areas for six more months after a review of the law and order situation in the two northeastern states. An area or district is notified as a disturbed area under the AFSPA to facilitate the operations of the armed forces.</div>

News update: PM Modi's visit to Pune for metro line inauguration cancelled due to heavy rainfall

PM Modi greets Manmohan Singh on birthday

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	Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted his predecessor and Congress leader Manmohan Singh on his 92nd birthday. He said on X, &quot;Birthday greetings to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray that he is blessed with a long and healthy life.&quot; Singh was India&#39;s prime minister between 2004 and 2014, and was the country&#39;s finance minister in the government headed by P V Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, a period marked by transformative economic reforms.&nbsp;</div>

Kolkata rainfall update: Overnight downpour affects normal life; met office predicts more rainfall

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	Normal life was partially affected in Kolkata owing to moderate to heavy rain overnight as the Met office on Thursday forecast more downpour. Fairly widespread rain is likely over West Bengal during the next three days and scattered to fairly widespread rain during the subsequent four days, it said in a forecast.</div>
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	Normal life in the West Bengal capital was partially affected as school and office-goers had a tough time reaching their destination in the morning owing to moderate to heavy downpour through the night.</div>

Goods train derail near Bokaro; 15 trains diverted

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	Two wagons of a goods train derailed near Tupkadih station in Jharkhand&#39;s Bokaro affecting movement of trains, an official said on Thursday. Fifteen trains have been diverted on the route, the official said. &quot;Two wagon of a goods trains carrying steel consignment derailed near Tupkadih station in Bokaro district last night at about 9 pm. We have diverted 15 trains including 14 Express trains,&quot; Sumit Narula, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Adra division of South Eastern Railway, said.</div>

ED files reply to Satyendar Jain's bail plea, hearing next week

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today filed a reply to bail plea of former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case. Special CBI judge Rakesh Syal granted time to counsel for Jain to argue the matter and listed the matter on October 5 along with the main case. Jain was arrested in May 2022 by the ED in a money laundering case.

US, allies call for 'immediate' 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah

The US, France and other allies have jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to allow the space for talks in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon in recent days. There was no immediate reaction from the Israeli or Lebanese governments or Hezbollah but senior US officials said all parties were aware of the call for a ceasefire and would be speaking for themselves in the coming hours.

Highlights: Israeli military says it killed Hezbollah drone commander in airstrike on Beirut

Latest news updates: Catch all the latest news developments from across the world here

Mumbai rain update: Traffic back on track post heavy rains; schools shut after IMD alert

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