India News LIVE: Congress sowed the seeds of hatred in Manipur, says Anurag Thakur

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande reviewed commissioning of 185 officer cadets as army officers at Sovereign’s Parade in the UK. The 201st Sovereign's Parade of Commissioning Course took place on August 11 at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom. 

A 11-year-old boy was recovered dead from bed box in Delhi's Inderpuri area. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), Vichitra Veer stated, "Last night, Inderpuri Police Station received information from a hospital, wherein it was informed that a child was brought to the hospital, who was found dead. Some nail scratches were found on the neck of the child leading to the suspicion of murder. The police went to the hospital and examined the matter. On the statement of the deceased's mother, we registered a murder case and started an investigation. On the basis of our investigation, we are considering a lady identified as Pooja as the prime accused and we are looking for her."

The Directorate of Revenue Intellilgence (DRI) has intercepted one foreign national indulged in smuggling of drugs at Mumbai Airport based on specific intelligence. As per officials, the DRI intercepted one male Ugandan passenger suspected to be carrying drugs, at the CSMI Airport, Mumbai on Aug 7. On questioning the passenger, he admitted to having ingested capsules containing drugs and carrying the same in his body for smuggling into India. A total of 65 capsules containing 785 grams of cocaine, valued at Rs 7.85 Crores, were recovered from his body and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Chhatisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel says, "We will organise Sankalp Shivir in every Vidhan Shabha and all our senior leaders will participate in it… The no-confidence motion was brought for Manipur. He talked about Manipur in the end and only for two minutes. He didn't talk about any solution... They are making all efforts to stop Rahul Gandhi but he won't stop...''

Fire breaks out at BBMP main office in Bengaluru, around 8 BBMP employees suffer burn injuries, exact reason of the fire yet to be ascertained

A minor fire broke out Friday in a transformer at the Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital in central Delhi. 

When asked about his call for deploying the Army to control violence in Manipur and BJP's criticism for it, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, "I have never heard/seen anywhere in India, never been told that if you take this person as a security officer with you, we will put a bullet in his head. I heard it twice in Manipur. That means there is no dialogue in Manipur, there is pure violence taking place in Manipur. The first step is to stop violence and put an end to it...What I mean is that the PM has multiple instruments in his hands, he is not using them. He is not doing anything and he is laughing..."

Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "PM at least could go to Manipur, talk to communities and say I am your PM, let's start talking but I don't see any intention...The question is not whether PM Modi will become PM in 2024, the question is Manipur where children and people are being killed."

He added, "When the PM becomes a PM, he ceases to be a politician. He becomes the representative of the voice of the country. Politics should be put aside and the PM should speak not as a petty politician but the PM should speak with the weight of the Indian people behind him. It is tragic to post Mr Narendra Modi, it is sad. The PM does not understand what he actually is..."

"Yesterday the PM spoke in Parliament for about 2 hours and 13 minutes. In the end, he spoke on Manipur for 2 minutes. Manipur has been burning for months, people are being killed, rapes are happening but the PM was laughing, cracking jokes. It doesn't suit him," says Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as he holds a news briefing.

"A state doesn't exist anymore. That is why I said Bharat Mata is murdered in Manipur, it is a fact," Gandhi said, adding "In 19 years of experience, I have never seen what I saw and heard in Manipur. In Parliament, I said 'PM aur HM ne Bharat Mata ki hatya ki hai, Manipur mein Bharat ko khatam kar diya'. These are not empty words...In Manipur, when we visited Meitei area, we were clearly told that if there is any Kuki in our security detail, they should not be brought here as they will kill the person. When we went to Kuki area, we were told that they will shoot down any Meitei person we bring...So, it is not one state, there are two states. State ki hatya ki gayi hai aur usko cheer diya gaya hai..."

On Manipur violence, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "Indian Army can stop this nonsense in 2 days but PM wants to burn Manipur and does not want to extinguish the fire."

The charred body of an unidentified woman was found at an open plot in Shamshabad here on Friday.

A police official said that a watchman after noticing fire in the plot after midnight on Thursday informed the police, and a police team reached the spot and found that a body was being burnt.
 

Twenty-four students of a municipal school in Delhi's Naraina area were taken ill on Friday allegedly due to a gas leak incident nearby, officials said.

Nineteen students were rushed to the RML Hospital while the rest nine were sent to the Acharya Shree Bhikshu Hospital, a senior official of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi said.

"The students fell sick apparently due to some gas leak incident near the school. All students are fine, they are being attended to by doctors at the two hospitals," he said.

BRS leader K Kavitha has said she would be contesting from the Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency, where she lost to sitting BJP MP D Arvind in the last general elections, in the 2024 polls.

Speaking to reporters, she hit out at the incumbent MP saying he did not do anything for the development of Nizamabad.
 

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday announced the suspension of AAP MP Sanjay Singh.

He said, "I find it expedient to refer the matter to the Committee of Privileges...suspension order dated 24th July 2023 may continue beyond the current session till the Council has the benefit of recommendation by the Committee of Privileges."

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha has been suspended from Rajya Sabha pending the findings of the privilege committee.

"I suspend Raghav Chadha from the service of the Council till the Council has the benefit of the report by the Committee of Privileges, "Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an accused Prem Prakash in the Jharkhand land scam case. He has already been arrested in an illegal mining case. ED had recovered two AK47 rifles during searches at his residence.

"The Department of Consumer Affairs has decided to commence the release of stocks from the onion buffer of 3 lakh metric tonnes created this year. Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department took a meeting with the Managing Directors of NAFED and NCCF on 10.08.2023 and finalised the modalities for the disposal," the official statement of GoI.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath responds to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in UP Assembly, asserts "Those are born with a silver spoon won't fathom pains of poor."

Gujarat High Court has refused to grant an interim stay on the defamation proceedings initiated against Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and his party's MP Sanjay Singh for their defamatory statements against Gujarat University.

The Supreme Court has criticised the petitioner on a petition seeking to stop the opposition parties from using the acronym 'I.N.D.I.A' for their alliance, saying that the petition has been filed with the aim of gaining publicity. The top court refused to hear the petition, following which the petitioner has withdrawn the plea.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to hold a news conference on Friday afternoon days after launching a scathing attack on the government over the situation in Manipur during the debate on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi, who was earlier reinstated as MP after the Supreme Court suspended his conviction in a criminal defamation case, is scheduled to address the media at the All India Congress Committee office in Delhi at 3 pm.

Speaking to reporters, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "Those who want the rights, respect and similar social standing, as prescribed in the Constitution given by BR Ambedkar, also want caste-based census." He demanded a caste-based survey in Uttar Pradesh.

Security has been scaled up across Udhampur district in view of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, with security forces patrolling and manning the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

"As India gears up to celebrate Independence Day, security measures have been significantly heightened in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur region, with a special focus on the crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. In a proactive measure, round-the-clock security checks and frisking of vehicles are being conducted across the region," sources said.

The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR) Range, Sunil Gupta on Thursday led a comprehensive security assessment and case evaluation during his visit to Kishtwar district. The primary objective of the visit was to ensure robust security arrangements in anticipation of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations and the "Meri Matti Mera Desh" campaign.

The Lakshadweep administration has introduced a new pattern of stitched school uniforms, including belts, ties, shoes, socks, etc., for children studying in its schools but its directive is silent on hijabs or scarves for girl students in the Muslim-majority Union Territory. This has prompted Mohammed Faizal, who represents the islands in the Lok Sabha, to allege that there was a complete ban on scarves or hijabs for girls studying in schools under the Education department.

In a circular dated August 10 issued to the principals and headmasters of the schools under the Lakshadweep administration, the Education Department said school children wearing uniforms will ensure uniformity and also inculcate the spirit of discipline among students.

"Wearing items other than prescribed uniform pattern will affect the concept of uniformity among school children. To maintain discipline and uniform dress code in schools are the responsibility of principals and head of schools," the circular said.

Faizal claimed a protest has erupted in the islands against the "autocratic decision" of the UT administration, and the students will boycott their classes till their rights are granted.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra took a dig at Congress leader Kamal Nath over the latter's participation in Baba Mahakal Sawari. "The question isn’t if he (Kamal Nath) will participate (in Baba Mahakal Sawari), but the question is why now? He is participating now because the Congress’ condition is bad. He is trying to be a so-called Hindu,” Mishra said.

A protest was staged by Ariha Shah's mother, advocating for her Indian baby in German foster care, at Jantar Mantar. The objective was to secure permission for the child's participation in Independence Day celebrations with the Indian Community in Germany.

"In June the court took away the total custody of her (Ariha Shah) and gave it to German Child Services. This was the court's one-sided decision. We were not given a chance to put out our point...They are not even allowing Ariha to use the Indian items...We have no clue about her situation now... We are very concerned about her safety... Ariha's cultural rights need to be preserved...We want Ariha to celebrate 15th August."

NDA spokespersons' one-day media workshop is underway at Parliament House Annexe. It was inaugurated by Union Minister Smriti Irani, accompanied by Chirag Paswan, the leader of LJP (Ram Vilas), and Sanjay Nishad, the Chief of the Nishad Party.

Addressing a news briefing on the allegation made by contractors, BJP leader C. N. Ashwath Narayan said, "'The government has been in power for 2.5 months and corruption is dancing in front of our eyes, complete lawlessness in this government. We demand Lokayukta inquiry in this matter."

President of Karnataka Contractor Association Kempanna holds news briefing, accuses Congress of corruption.

Attacking the Centre, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, "The work is not happening. No statements on places where the incidents took place... House (Parliament) is functioning and you are roaming outside. Did this happen earlier?.. Now only one side of things is shown...Whatever others say does not come out...It is the right of the Opposition to put their point forward and they are doing it."

Delhi High Court has issued notice to PPK Newsclick Studio Private Limited, which owns the news portal NewsClick, and founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha on Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea seeking direction to vacate its interim order asking ED not to take any coercive action against them.

United Kingdom's Security Minister Tom Tugendhat has announced £ 95,000 funding to enhance Britain's capability to tackle "pro-Khalistan extremism". 

Notably, British High Commission in India said, "During a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday (10 August), UK’s Security Minister Tom Tugendhat announced new funding to enhance the UK’s capability to tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism. The £95,000 investment will enhance the government’s understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan Extremism, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force."

Speaking on Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, Union Minister of Law Arjun Ram Meghwal said, "Supreme Court had given a decision in this regard...So we brought the law according to the decision of the Supreme Court... In the new Bill, we are forming a Search Committee which will be led by the Cabinet Secretary...After that, there will be a Selection Committee which will be led by the Prime Minister. What is wrong with that?"

BJP has launched the 'ATM sarkara' campaign against the Karnataka government alleging corruption by CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM DK Shivakumar. The saffron party in its office has placed life-size ATM machine and suitcase cutouts stating that the government has become an ATM sarkara for the Gandhi family in Delhi.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Red and orange alerts have been issued by the Meteorological Department in many districts of the state. All the residents and tourists are requested to avoid unnecessary travel. The district administration and SDRF have been instructed to remain in alert mode for 24 hours. I myself am also monitoring every situation by establishing contact with the concerned authorities."

The regional meteorological department in Shimla has issued a yellow alert for light to moderate rainfall with thunder likely to occur in parts of Himachal Pradesh. 

According to the warning, light to moderate rainfall is expected in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Chamba and Una over the next three hours. In addition, heavy rainfall is expected at one or two places in Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra and Mandi.

As per the agency, Light to Moderate rainfall with thunder likely to occur at many places in the district of Chamba (Bhalai, Dalhousie, Bhattiyat Sinhuta and Chamba) Kangra (Jawali, Shahpur, Nurpur, Harchakkiyan, Dehra Gopipur, Kangra, Baroh Jaswan and Rakkar) Hamirpur (Nadaun, Sujanpur Tira) Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, Bilaspur, Una (Amb and Bharwain) Mandi, Kullu with the possibility of isolated heavy in the districts of Solan Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, Mandi. "Possibility of light rainfall at isolated places in remaining districts," they further added. 

A blaze erupted in the basement of a multi-storey building in the Bowbazar area of Kolkata on Friday, a fire official said. No injuries have been reported in the incident so far, said the official, adding that five fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the blaze under control.

According to officials, the fire broke out in an adhesive godown located in the basement of the B+G+6 building on BB Ganguly Street at 7.35 am. Efforts were underway to bring douse the blaze, officials said.

In Kerala, fervent preparations are currently in full swing for the much-anticipated Nehru Trophy Boat Race which is scheduled to take place on Saturday in the Alappuzha district.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur slammed Congress and other Opposition parties for staging a walkout during PM Modi's speech in Lok Sabha saying, "When Congress saw its black history in the northeast, it ran away. It ran away when it saw PM Modi's resolve and love for the northeast, for Manipur...This shows that the 'Ghamandia' alliance could not listen to the truth of their allegations and it ran away. Their arrogance is such that they did not Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury speak. We allowed him to speak...Unhone gud ka gobar kiya."

Bombay High Court to hear applications of Edelweiss office bearers Rashesh Shah and others in Nitin Desai abetment to suicide case, seeking to quash the FIR by Khalapur police against them. The matter to be heard today by Justice NW Sambre and Justice RN Laddha's bench.

Following a period of closure stemming from violent incidents, schools in Haryana's Nuh district resumed today.

Shimla-Kalka road on the National Highway-5 was closed after a landslide occurred in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district in the early hours of Friday, police said. "Today Aug 11, at around 2:35 am to 2:40 am, due to rains, Shimla National Highway 5, between Thambu Mod and Chakki Mod, has been closed due to landslides from the hill," an official said. 

'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally was flagged off by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, from Pragati Maidan in Delhi. Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Anurag Thakur and Shobha Karandlaje are also participating in the rally.

Ahead of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' bike rally in the national capital, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said, "On the coming 15 August, the citizens of the country should display the tricolour at their homes. This is the concluding program of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' and everyone should be a part of it."

ISRO has congratulated the Russian space agency ROSCOSMOS for the successful launch of its moon mission Luna-25. Notably, ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 and Lunar-25 are likely to touch Moon's surface on August 23. 

On Friday morning the Border Security Forces foiled Pakistan's intrusion bid in Punjab's Tarn Taran. According to officials, alert BSF troops observed suspicious movement of a Pakistani miscreant/intruder ahead of border fencing, in the area falling near bordering Thekalan village in Punjab's Tarn Taran.

"Troops challenged the miscreant/intruder, but he did not stop and continued moving ahead. Sensing an imminent threat and to stop further misadventure, BSF troops fired upon the miscreant in self-defence, killing him on the spot," the officials said.

Two Red Pandas, Teesta and Nira, joyfully welcomed two cubs each on April 15, 2023, at Singalila National Park in Darjeeling, West Bengal. The well-being of the pandas is meticulously overseen from a respectful distance, ensuring their tranquillity, said Padmaja Naidu, Director of Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling.

"A snow leopard, Zima gave birth to a cub on 28th July 2023. At the age of 13 years and three months, she is the oldest snow leopard to give birth in the last three decades of snow leopard conservation breeding programme at Darjeeling Zoo," Naidu added.

Congress Lok Sabha MPs will convene at 10.30 AM today for a meeting called by CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to discuss the suspension of the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The meeting has been called at the CPP office at the Parliament.

BJP president JP Nadda is set to embark on a three-day visit to West Bengal from August 11 and will hold a meeting with office bearers of the party’s state unit to take stock of the organisation ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year. During this tour, Nadda will participate in a Panchayat State Conference and hold meetings with the Bengal BJP Core Committee, MPs and legislators to review preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.