Home Blog Page 47

EC Orders Crackdown on Money Power, Freebies Ahead of Bihar Elections

By
Web Team
-
bihar eci, eci, bihar elections, election commission of india
EC Orders Crackdown on Money Power, Freebies Ahead of Bihar Elections 2

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued strict directives to all enforcement agencies to curb the use of money power, freebies, and illicit substances during the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in eight constituencies.

Expenditure Observers have been deployed across all constituencies to closely monitor the candidates’ spending since the election schedule was announced on October 6. These observers are coordinating with field teams to ensure transparency and adherence to expenditure rules.

Flying Squads, Surveillance Teams, and Video Surveillance Teams have been ordered to maintain round-the-clock vigilance to detect and prevent any attempts to influence voters through cash or inducements. To strengthen enforcement, the ECI has activated the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), an online platform for real-time reporting of seizures and interceptions during the election period.

Since the announcement of the polls, enforcement agencies have seized ₹33.97 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and other illegal inducements. The ECI emphasized that while strict action is being taken, ordinary citizens must not face undue inconvenience or harassment during inspections.

The Commission also urged voters to use the C-Vigil App to report any violations or suspicious activities, ensuring that citizens play an active role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.

Rupee Slips 9 Paise to 88.77 Against US Dollar Amid Global Risk-Off Mood

By
Afternoon Voice
-
Rupee, Dollar, Rupee vs Dollar, Business
Image: PTI

The Indian rupee depreciated 9 paise to 88.77 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, weighed down by the greenback’s strength in overseas markets and persistent foreign fund outflows.

Forex traders said that optimism around the ongoing India-US trade talks failed to support the domestic currency as a global risk-off sentiment dominated investor mood. They added that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is closely monitoring the USDINR pair as it edges toward the 88.80 level.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 88.73 and slipped to 88.77 against the greenback, down 9 paise from its previous close of 88.68.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, was slightly lower by 0.07% at 99.19. Brent crude futures rose 0.36% to USD 63.55 per barrel.

Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director at Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, said, “Trade tariffs are the only point of concern for now. The rupee’s cautious movement near key technical levels like 88.80 and 88.50 suggests a finely balanced market. RBI actions and global trade developments will determine USDINR’s direction.”

A team of senior Indian officials is in the US this week to advance talks on the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with both sides aiming to conclude the first phase by the fall of 2025. So far, five rounds of negotiations have been completed.

On the domestic front, equity markets opened higher, with the Sensex climbing 246.32 points to 82,573.37 and the Nifty rising 83 points to 25,310.35. However, Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded equities worth ₹240.10 crore on Monday, exchange data showed.

LG Electronics India Shines on Dalal Street: Shares Soar Over 50% on Market Debut

By
Web Team
-
LG, LG Electronics, IPO, Market, Dalal Street, Life's Good
LG Electronics India Shines on Dalal Street: Shares Soar Over 50% on Market Debut 5

LG Electronics India Ltd made a spectacular debut on the stock market on Tuesday, with its shares listing at a premium of over 50% against the issue price of ₹1,140 per share.

On the BSE, the stock opened at ₹1,715, a 50.43% jump, and later surged further to ₹1,736.40, marking a gain of 52.31%. On the NSE, it debuted at ₹1,710.10, reflecting a solid 50% premium. With this impressive start, the company’s market capitalization touched ₹1,12,380.95 crore during morning trade.

The ₹11,607-crore initial public offering (IPO) received a massive response from investors, subscribing 54.02 times on the final day of bidding, largely driven by strong institutional participation. The IPO had a price band of ₹1,080–₹1,140 per share and was entirely an Offer-for-Sale (OFS) of 10.18 crore shares, representing about 15% stake, by the South Korea-based parent company.

LG Electronics India is the second South Korean firm to enter the Indian stock market after Hyundai Motors India’s listing in October last year.

A dominant player in home appliances and consumer electronics, LG Electronics India manufactures and sells products such as washing machines, refrigerators, LED TV panels, inverter air conditioners, and microwaves. It also offers installation, repair, and maintenance services through its facilities in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Pune, Maharashtra.

With its blockbuster debut, LG Electronics India has lived up to its tagline—“Life’s Good”—on Dalal Street.

Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur Sent on Leave Amid IPS Officer’s Suicide Row Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s Visit

By
Web Team
-
DGP Shatrujeet Kapur, Y Puran Kumar, IPS Officer, suicide, haryana
Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur Sent on Leave Amid IPS Officer's Suicide Row Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's Visit 7

The Haryana government has sent Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur on leave amid mounting political pressure and public outrage over the alleged suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. The move comes as the opposition intensifies its attack on the BJP-led government, and the deceased officer’s family demands action against senior officials accused of harassment.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to meet Kumar’s family later today.

The decision was confirmed late on Sunday night, just days after the government transferred Narendra Bijarniya, the then Superintendent of Police of Rohtak. “Yes, the DGP has been sent on leave by the government,” said Rajiv Jaitly, media adviser to the Haryana Chief Minister.

In an eight-page note believed to have been left by Kumar, he accused eight senior IPS officers, including Kapur and Bijarniya, of “blatant caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation, and atrocities.”

Kumar’s wife, senior IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, has demanded that both Kapur and Bijarniya be named in the FIR for abetting her husband’s suicide. The family has refused to allow the post-mortem and cremation until their demands for arrests are met.

The 52-year-old officer, a 2001-batch IPS officer, allegedly shot himself dead on October 7. Following the registration of an FIR, Chandigarh Police formed a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a “prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation.”

The police have maintained that all aspects of the case are being examined transparently and that no angle will be left unexplored in the probe.

Western Railway Halts Platform Ticket Sales at Bandra, Surat and Two Other Stations Amid Festive Rush

By
Web Team
-
mumbai local, local train, rush, mumbai
Western Railway Halts Platform Ticket Sales at Bandra, Surat and Two Other Stations Amid Festive Rush 9

In view of the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivities, the Western Railway (WR) has temporarily suspended the sale of platform tickets at four major stations to prevent overcrowding and ensure passenger safety.

According to a WR release issued on Monday, the restriction will be in force from October 15 to 31 at Bandra Terminus in Mumbai, and at Vapi, Udhna, and Surat stations in Gujarat.

The decision comes as a precautionary step, following last year’s festive rush in October when nine passengers were injured in a stampede while attempting to board a train at Mumbai’s Bandra station.

WR Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek said the temporary measure is aimed at ensuring smooth passenger movement within station premises during the peak travel season.

However, exemptions will be granted in genuine cases such as individuals assisting senior citizens, women travellers, persons with disabilities (divyangjan), illiterate passengers, or those requiring special care.

The Western Railway has appealed to passengers to plan their journeys in advance and cooperate with railway staff to maintain order and safety during the festive period.

Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe Into Karur Stampede, Ex-Judge Ajay Rastogi to Oversee Inquiry

By
Web Team
-
vijay stampede Karur stampede
Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe Into Karur Stampede, Ex-Judge Ajay Rastogi to Oversee Inquiry 11

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives and appointed former apex court judge Ajay Rastogi to oversee the investigation.

A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria criticised Madras High Court judge Justice N. Senthilkumar for entertaining petitions related to the September 27 stampede at actor Vijay’s rally and ordering a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

“There was no occasion for the single judge of the main seat to entertain the petitions without the chief justice’s orders when similar matters were already pending before the Madurai bench,” the Supreme Court observed.

The bench also noted that Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and its members were not made parties to the case, yet adverse observations were passed against them without an opportunity to present their side.

“The judgment is completely silent about how the single judge reached such conclusions or what materials were examined. The order merely refers to submissions made by the additional advocate general,” the bench remarked.

The order comes after the Supreme Court reserved its verdict on October 10 on a plea filed by TVK and others seeking an independent probe under the court’s supervision. The petitioners argued that a fair investigation could not be expected from the Tamil Nadu Police alone and alleged a possible pre-planned conspiracy behind the tragic incident.

The plea also objected to the Madras High Court’s sharp criticism of actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, which had accused them of abandoning the site after the tragedy without expressing remorse.

According to Tamil Nadu Police, around 27,000 people attended Vijay’s rally in Karur — nearly triple the expected turnout — and a seven-hour delay in the actor’s arrival contributed to the chaos that led to the stampede.

Heavy Vehicles Banned on Ghodbunder Road Till Oct 14 Amid Repair Work, Traffic Diversions Announced

By
Web Team
-
ghodbunder road, ghodbunder, repair work, repair, thane, heavy vehicles
Heavy Vehicles Banned on Ghodbunder Road Till Oct 14 Amid Repair Work, Traffic Diversions Announced 13

The Mira-Bhayandar Vasai Virar Police has announced a temporary ban on heavy and oversized vehicles on the Ghodbunder Road’s Gaymukh Ghat section till October 14 due to ongoing repair work. The restriction will remain in force until 12 am on October 14, officials said.

According to the official notification, the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation is carrying out geometric improvement and asphalting work on the Thane-Ghodbunder State Highway (No. 42) at the Gaymukh Ghat stretch. The section, which has long suffered from deep potholes and severe congestion, has been a major cause of inconvenience for daily commuters between Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai, Virar, and Thane.

The police have issued diversion routes to ensure smoother traffic flow during the maintenance period. Light vehicles and those providing essential services, however, are permitted to use the route as usual.

Alternative Routes for Commuters:

  • From Palghar–Virar: Shirsat Phata → Parol → Akololi (Ganeshpuri) → via Ambadi.
  • From Palghar–Vasai: Chinchoti → Kaman → Kharbav → Anjur Phata → via Bhiwandi.
  • From Mumbai / Kashimira: Versova Bridge → Gujarat Highway → via Shirsat Phata or Chinchoti.
  • From Thane / Mumbai (for heavy vehicles): Entry restricted at Y Junction / Kapurbawdi → Kharegaon Toll Plaza → Mankoli → via Anjur Phata.

Officials have urged motorists to follow the advisory and use the suggested alternate routes to avoid congestion. Repair work is expected to improve the road’s surface and ease long-standing traffic woes once completed.

BMC Confirms Citywide Water Disruption After Technical Glitch at Panjrapur Pumping Station

By
Web Team
-
panjrapur pumping station, punjrapur, water cut, bmc
BMC Confirms Citywide Water Disruption After Technical Glitch at Panjrapur Pumping Station 15

Several parts of Mumbai experienced low water pressure on Monday after a technical fault at the 3A Pumping Station in Panjrapur disrupted the city’s main water supply system. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that the issue was caused by a failure in the 230-volt AC contactor of the diesel generator (DG) set, which led to the tripping of multiple pumps.

According to BMC officials, the damaged component requires immediate replacement, and engineers are carrying out a complete electrical isolation for around one hour to complete the repair. The civic body said the work is being conducted on a “war footing” to restore water supply as soon as possible.

During the maintenance period, Mumbai’s water supply will continue but at considerably reduced pressure. Areas depending on the Panjrapur pumping station — one of the city’s key water supply facilities — are expected to experience low pressure until the fault is fixed.

Civic engineers are already at the site, working with the electricity department to minimize downtime. “The team is working round the clock to restore normal operations. Once the replacement is completed, water pressure will return to normal levels,” a senior BMC official said.

The BMC has urged residents to cooperate and use water judiciously until the supply stabilizes. Tanker services have been kept on standby for emergencies, officials added.

The Panjrapur pumping station handles a major share of Mumbai’s daily water distribution. While short-term disruptions for maintenance are routine, today’s technical glitch has once again highlighted the strain on the city’s aging water infrastructure. The BMC expects normal water supply to resume later in the day once repairs are completed.

CBI Court Frames Cheating and Corruption Charges Against Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav in IRCTC Case

By
Web Team
-
lalu prasad, rabri devi, tejashwi yadav, lalu prasad yadav, irctc scam, irctc, cbi court
CBI Court Frames Cheating and Corruption Charges Against Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav in IRCTC Case 17

A special CBI court in Delhi on Monday framed charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, and others in connection with the IRCTC hotel tender case, clearing the way for trial at Rouse Avenue Courts.

Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne passed the order after all accused pleaded not guilty. Lalu Prasad, who appeared in court on a wheelchair, along with Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, faces charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating under the Indian Penal Code, in addition to offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), during Lalu Prasad’s tenure as Railway Minister, two IRCTC hotels in Ranchi and Puri were leased to Sujata Hotels through a manipulated tender process. In return, prime land parcels were allegedly transferred at undervalued rates to a company linked to his family.

The defence has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and denied any wrongdoing. The court proceedings were held in person as per earlier directions mandating the presence of the accused.

With charges now framed, the case will move into the evidence stage unless a higher court intervenes. The court recorded that all accused pleaded not guilty and will face trial for offences related to corruption, conspiracy, and cheating.

The CBI claims the alleged quid pro quo occurred between 2004 and 2009, involving undervalued land transfers and undue benefits to a private firm. The prosecution will now present evidence to support the charges, while the defence plans to challenge the credibility of the tender and valuation processes.

Tragedy at Chirala Beach: Three Telangana Engineering Students Swept Away by Strong Currents

By
Web Team
-
drowning, beach, rescue, telangana, andhra pradesh
Tragedy at Chirala Beach: Three Telangana Engineering Students Swept Away by Strong Currents 19

A tragic incident unfolded at Chirala beach in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district on Sunday evening, where three engineering students from Telangana were swept away by strong sea currents while taking a bath, police said.

According to officials, a group of seven students had arrived from Telangana and went for a swim around 5.30 pm when the mishap occurred. “Three students were pulled away by powerful tides in the Bay of Bengal at Chirala beach while enjoying a sea bath,” said Bapatla Superintendent of Police B. Umamaheshwar.

The victims include two students from Hyderabad and one from Jadcherla in Telangana, he added. Police have registered a case and are taking preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

1...464748...5,590Page 47 of 5,590