Mumbai : Bollywood actress Nushrratt Bharuccha is en route to India after being stranded in Israel due to the ongoing conflict. Nushrratt was in Israel to participate in the Haifa Film Festival, and with the assistance of the Embassy, arrangements have been made for her return home. However, her journey involves a connecting flight.
Nushrratt’s publicist shared, “We have finally managed to get in touch with Nushrratt, and with the help of the Embassy, she is being safely brought back home. We did not get a direct flight, so she is on a connecting flight home. For her further safety, more details cannot be shared at this time, but as soon as she lands in India, we will inform you. We are relieved and thankful that she is safe and on her way to India.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated, with overnight rocket attacks by Hamas leading to Israeli retaliation against Gaza, including the use of bulldozers on Hamas positions.
Hamas, an Islamist organization with a military wing, originated in 1987, stemming from the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist group founded in Egypt in the late 1920s. Hamas currently controls the Gaza Strip, a region inhabited by nearly two million Palestinians, often witnessing civilian casualties during confrontations between militants and Israeli forces.
Hamas has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on Israel over the years and has been designated a terrorist organization by the US, the European Union, and Israel. Israel has accused its archenemy Iran of supporting Hamas, as reported by CNN.
Toronto : A small plane crash in Canada’s British Columbia province has resulted in the tragic loss of three lives, including two trainee pilots from India. Abhay Gadru and Yash Ramugade, both 25 and hailing from Mumbai, were aboard the twin-engine light aircraft, a Piper PA-34 Seneca, which crashed near Chilliwack’s local airport on Friday.
Abhay Gadru, who had moved to Canada three years ago to pursue pilot training, was on the verge of completing his program and was scheduled to graduate in November. His cousin, Sdradha Trisal, shared her grief, saying, “He was such a pure soul. I can’t believe he’s gone, and I’m just left with memories now.”
The crash claimed the lives of three individuals in total.
Gadru’s sibling, Chirag, residing in British Columbia, is actively working to repatriate his brother’s remains to their parents in India.
Meanwhile, Yash Ramugude, the second person among the victims and also a Mumbai native, was identified. However, further details about Ramugade were not readily available.
The plane involved in the crash, identified by its registration number on the tail, is a Piper Seneca owned by SkyQuest Aviation, a flight school based in Langley. The aircraft, constructed in 1972, sustained significant damage.
An employee, who requested anonymity, commented on the situation, stating, “We’re looking into it but we’re not issuing any statements. There is nothing we can say at this time.”
During his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Rajasthan last year, he highlighted that the OBC delegation met Rahul Gandhi and strongly advocated for a caste-based census.
File photo via Getty
New Delhi : Following the Rajasthan government’s announcement of a caste-based survey in the state, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized its significance in formulating policies for the OBC, SC, and ST communities. He also raised questions regarding the implementation of such surveys in BJP-ruled states and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue.
Jairam Ramesh recalled a crucial moment when a delegation of OBCs met Rahul Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Rajasthan last year. During this meeting, they strongly advocated for a caste-based census. Ramesh, who serves as the party’s general secretary communication in-charge, noted that Rahul Gandhi took their demands seriously.
“The Rajasthan government has now decided to initiate a caste-based survey in response to their sentiments. This is a commendable move that will facilitate policy-making for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. It plays a vital role in ensuring social justice and equitable representation,” Ramesh stated.
He also took a dig at the BJP, pointing out that such initiatives have not been undertaken in any BJP-ruled state. Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue of caste-based census.
Ramesh’s comments come in the wake of the Rajasthan government’s order to conduct a caste survey in the state. This decision follows Bihar’s recent release of findings from its own caste survey and precedes the upcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan.
Varanasi : The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a temple-shaped twin-tower building in Varanasi. This impressive structure, to be located in the Commissionerate complex, will span 10 floors and serve as the consolidated home for all divisional level offices. In a nod to corporate-style efficiency, the building will also allocate space for essential business activities.
The estimated cost for this state-of-the-art multi-storey building stands at a whopping Rs 275 crores.
Abhishek Goyal, the vice-chairman of the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA), shared that the proposed construction will occupy an area of approximately 6.5 acres. The building is expected to house around 59 divisional level offices and is envisioned as one of Uttar Pradesh’s most modern and iconic structures. Goyal emphasized that this green infrastructure project will adhere to all environmental protection standards and be built in line with international standards.
Furthermore, the building’s design incorporates provisions for essential services such as banks, cafeterias, stationery shops, and related businesses. It will also feature a gym for the convenience of employees.
Historic Milestone: GP Capt. Shaliza Dhami Commands First Air Force Day Parade
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari Unveils New IAF Ensign on 91st Air Force Day” – X-Indian Air Force
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari marked a historic moment on Sunday by unveiling a new ensign of the Indian Air Force (IAF), replacing the existing one that had been in use for over seven decades.
The unveiling ceremony took place during the 91st IAF Day celebrations in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This significant change in the ensign comes over 72 years after the last update was made, aligning it with the IAF’s core values.
“On this historic day of October 8, the Chief of Air Staff has unveiled the new IAF ensign,” stated the IAF.
The new ensign prominently features the Indian Air Force crest in the top right corner, representing a symbolic shift in the organization’s identity.
The IAF, officially established on October 8, 1932, underwent changes in its name and ensign over the years. It was initially designated as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) in 1945 due to its commendable performance during World War II. However, in 1950, following India’s transition to a republic, the “Royal” prefix was dropped, and the ensign was modified to incorporate the Indian tricolour in place of the Union Jack.
The new IAF ensign has been designed to better reflect the values of the Indian Air Force. It features the IAF crest with the national symbol, the Ashoka lion, and the words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ in Devanagari below it. Additionally, a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, signifying the IAF’s fighting spirit, is positioned below the Ashoka lion. A light blue ring encircles the Himalayan eagle, bearing the words ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena.’ Below the Himalayan eagle, the IAF motto, derived from the Bhagavad Gita, reads, “Touch the Sky with the Glory.”
The Air Force Day parade and air display were held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari were among the top military officials in attendance.
This year’s parade held special significance as Group Captain Shaliza Dhami, a female officer and a helicopter pilot, led the Indian Air Force Day parade at the Air Force station Bamrauli in Prayagraj. Earlier in the year, Captain Dhami became the first woman to command a frontline combat unit in the IAF, heading a missile squadron in the western sector.
In his address to air warriors, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari emphasized the need to refine the IAF’s strategy, enhance its capabilities, and cultivate a flexible mindset to address the challenges of the current complex and dynamic strategic environment. He urged the force to reduce its dependency on imports by developing indigenous capabilities and adapt to evolving air power dynamics.
“In this complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining our strategy, building robust all-round capabilities, and more importantly, developing a flexible mindset to prosecute future wars will prove decisive,” stated Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari during the event.
The unveiling of the new ensign and the IAF Day celebrations underscore the commitment of the Indian Air Force to uphold its traditions while embracing modernization and inclusivity in the ranks.
Hyderabad : Controversial casino organizer Chikoti Praveen has made headlines by officially joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections. Praveen, who is currently facing criminal charges for his involvement in organizing gambling clubs and casinos both in India and abroad, had been planning to join the BJP, claiming to have received approval from the state party leadership.
However, Praveen’s entry into the BJP was not without its share of drama and opposition. Some BJP leaders raised objections to his induction into the party, citing his notorious background and the criminal charges he faces. This opposition created uncertainty regarding his acceptance within the party.
Chikoti Praveen’s initial attempt to join the BJP was marked by a political blunder. He had organized a ceremonial induction event into the party and even erected hoardings across the city to announce his entry into the political arena. However, the event took an unexpected turn when he received news that senior BJP leaders, including Telangana BJP chief and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, had discreetly left the BJP office before his arrival. This left Praveen disappointed and raised questions about the level of support he had within the party.
Chikoti Praveen’s background is indeed colorful and controversial. He has been known for his exotic interests, which included the possession of snakes, lizards, and even ostriches. However, beyond these unusual hobbies, Praveen has made headlines for his involvement in gambling-related activities, both in India and abroad. He was once caught in Thailand during a casino raid, although he claimed to have been an unwitting guest at the hotel where the gambling activities were taking place.
Praveen has been involved in various legal troubles, including being booked by the police for organizing a rally in violation of prohibitory orders amid communal tension. He organized the rally to pay tribute to Maratha ruler Shivaji after a man allegedly defiled his statue. Additionally, he is facing an Enforcement Directorate probe in a money laundering case and has several criminal cases filed against him in various police stations.
Despite his controversial reputation and legal issues, Chikoti Praveen has expressed a strong interest in securing a BJP ticket to contest from the LB Nagar seat in the upcoming elections. This move has caused unease within the BJP ranks, as some members within the party have raised concerns about his suitability as a candidate. Praveen’s entry into politics and the BJP has undoubtedly added an element of intrigue to the political landscape in Telangana ahead of the upcoming elections.
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram alleged discrimination against minorities under Prime Minister Modi’s regime in Hyderabad. He highlighted that minorities live in fear and face unequal representation in government and the judiciary. Chidambaram also expressed concerns about India’s democracy and rising inflation, emphasizing the need for change in Telangana.
In Hyderabad on Saturday, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram alleged that minorities in the country are living in fear and facing discrimination during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime.
Addressing a ‘Christian Rights Meeting’ organized by Congress leaders in Telangana, Chidambaram highlighted that all communities in the country are grappling with challenges such as unemployment, inflation, decreased household savings, and increased household debt, resulting in a lack of their rightful share.
However, he asserted that minorities face an additional factor, discrimination, which prevents them from receiving their rightful share. He urged minorities not to live in fear, emphasizing their equal status as citizens of the country.
Chidambaram claimed that discrimination against minorities is prevalent across various sectors. He cited the underrepresentation of Christians in the Modi government, with only one Christian among 79 ministers, and the absence of any Christian judges among the 34 judges in the Supreme Court.
Referring to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, Chidambaram pointed out that between 2017 and 2021, there were 2,900 incidents of communal conflict in which minorities were disproportionately affected.
He also mentioned reports of alleged attacks on churches and a U.S. government report on international religious freedom that suggested a deterioration in religious freedom in India.
Chidambaram discussed the cancellation of Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) registrations for 6,622 organizations by the NDA government between 2017 and 2022, emphasizing the importance of charitable work done by various organizations.
Furthermore, he expressed concerns about the state of India’s democracy and its impact on minorities if democracy were to weaken in the country.
Regarding rising prices, Chidambaram highlighted that inflation has exceeded six percent for the past 20 months, with food inflation at 9.2 percent, disproportionately affecting the poor.
He also commented on the recent Congress public meeting in Hyderabad and the indication it provided that Telangana is ready for change, expressing his belief that the state would have progressed faster with a Congress government since its formation in 2014.
“Congress Eyes Telangana Victory, Leans on Gandhi Family’s Campaign Efforts”
The Congress party is gearing up for the upcoming Telangana state elections with a strategic plan that involves prominent party leaders, particularly those from the Gandhi family. Telangana has been a challenging political battleground for the Congress, as it has faced strong competition from the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent years. However, the Congress party is now displaying renewed energy and determination in the state.
One of the key strategies that the Congress is employing in its bid to capture Telangana is the active involvement of prominent party leaders from the Gandhi family. This includes Rahul Gandhi, who represents the Wayanad constituency in Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who serves as a party general secretary, and Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of the party.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to embark on a four-day bus yatra across Telangana starting on October 16. This yatra is expected to focus on engaging with voters from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, especially the youth. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi is planning to launch her campaign tour later in the month, and Sonia Gandhi may address several rallies in the state.
The party believes that the combined appeal of these leaders will help mobilize various sections of the electorate. Rahul’s campaign will target economically marginalized voters, while Priyanka and Sonia will concentrate on appealing to women voters, with a particular focus on tribal communities.
The Congress is also streamlining its candidate selection process, traditionally a complex and faction-driven affair in the party. To avoid internal conflicts and ensure a swift and unified approach, the party’s screening committee is scheduled to meet on October 8 to discuss the selection of candidates. The tentative list will be finalized the next day by the Central Election Committee. The final list of all 119 candidates will be announced in one go, following the notification of the election schedule by the Election Commission.
Another notable development is the return of several leaders to the Congress fold. Several influential leaders who had previously left the party to join the BRS or the BJP have rejoined the Congress. This includes figures like former MP Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, former MLA Jupally Krishna Rao, Malkajgiri MLA Mynampally Hanumantha Rao, and Nakrekal MLA Vemula Veeresham, among others. The return of these leaders is seen as a positive sign for the Congress, as they bring with them significant support bases in their respective constituencies.
In essence, the Congress party is making a concerted effort to regain political prominence in Telangana by deploying the Gandhi family, streamlining candidate selection, and welcoming back former leaders. This comprehensive strategy is aimed at challenging the incumbent BRS and the BJP in the upcoming state elections.
Hyderabad: A wrestling competition took a violent turn as two groups of wrestlers clashed at LB Stadium in Hyderabad. The brawl occurred during the Modi Kesari wrestling competition, involving participants from various “akharas.”
The altercation began over a dispute between two wrestlers, leading to their respective supporters engaging in a physical confrontation. Chairs were thrown during the brawl. The groups involved were reportedly relatives of Zafar Pehlwan and Salam Bin Yousuf Pehlwan from the old city.
A total of ten individuals, including Ali Bin Yousuf Pehlwan, sustained injuries in the clash, causing panic among spectators, who fled the scene. Police swiftly arrived, bringing the situation under control and transporting the injured to the hospital.
Hyderabad : A heart-wrenching incident unfolded at Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad as an animal keeper lost his life in an encounter with an elephant on Saturday.
The victim, identified as 23-year-old Shahbaz, was diligently performing his duties when he was unexpectedly attacked by a male elephant within its enclosure at approximately 3 pm. The violent encounter left Shahbaz severely injured. Fellow staff members promptly rushed him to Apollo DRDO Hospital for immediate medical attention. Tragically, doctors at the hospital declared him dead at 4 pm.
The untimely demise of Shahbaz has sent shockwaves through the zoo community, with zoo officials expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident.
