India News LIVE | Over 30 BRS leaders join Congress days after KCR skipped Opposition meet

That's all from us for today, keep following Republic World for further updates. Two accused involved in Pragati Maidan's tunnel daylight robbery have been apprehended by the police on Monday, informed the Delhi Police. Further raids are being conducted to nab the remaining accused. As per police source, four accused have been identified in the case and search operation is being conducted to arrest them. Delhi Police have provided security to Singer and Rapper Honey Singh, after he filed a complaint about receiving death threats allegedly from gangster Goldy Brar. Two armed gunmen have been provided to him by the Delhi Police, who will provide him security 24 hours, even outside Delhi. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval called on Sultan of Oman Haitham Bin Tarik on Monday and delivered a personal message of greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official visit to Oman. He also held wide-ranging discussions with General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office, and Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman. The Hyderabad Customs undertook the destruction of various Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances totally weighing around 8946.26 kgs, which were seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Hyderabad Customs on various counts. The destruction included 2655.94 Kgs of Cannabis(Ganja), 11 Kgs of Heroin, 409.39 Kgs of Alprazoalam and related materials, 142.932 Kgs of Ephedrine Hydrochloride and related materials, 74.92 Kgs of Ketamine Hydrochloride, 2.95 Kgs of Mephedrone, 53.983 Kgs of Methaqualone and 5595.14 Kgs of chemicals used for the clandestine manufacture of Ephedrine. Famous comedian and YouTuber Devraj Patel of 'Dil Se Bura Lagta Hai' fame dies in a road crash in the capital city of Chhattisgarh, Raipur. His bike was hit by a truck, which led to his death. A senior police official of the Chhattisgarh Police said, "Devraj Patel died after he was hit by a truck. He suffered severe injuries to the head and other body parts. The accident took place in Raipur. The truck driver has been detained. Devraj's friend was also on the bike, he sustained injuries." India has summoned a senior diplomat of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest against the recent attacks on the Sikh community members in Pakistan. As per official sources, four incidents have taken place between April and June 2023 and India has taken serious note of these incidents. India has demanded that Pakistani authorities investigate these violent attacks on Sikh community with sincerity, and share the investigation reports. It has also been conveyed that Pakistan should ensure the safety and security of its minorities, who live in constant fear of religious persecution. Indian Army has been adjudged as the best organisation in the Ministry of Defence for procurement on Government e-Marketplace for the financial year 2022-23. Army Vice Chief Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar on Monday received the award on behalf of the force from Union Minister Piyush Goyal at an event. The single-lane road of the Chandigarh-Manali national highway in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh has been opened for traffic movement, after it was blocked by the debris amid heavy rainfall. #WATCH | Single-lane road of the Chandigarh-Manali national highway in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh has been opened for traffic movement. pic.twitter.com/drHeFWh8GM — ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2023 Leader of Opposition of West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Monday slammed CM Mamata Banerjee over development of the state. He said, "They (TMC) have the habit of lying. Mamata Banerjee's party contested in UP and Tripura as well. They got a big zero (seats) in Goa. There is no development in Bengal, no industry, no business-friendly environment, no new airport, no employment in Bengal. Mamata Banerjee spends Rs 500 crore in her programs and Rs 300 crore in the court to save the accused in the recruitment scam." Delhi Police has apprehended one Bangladeshi woman photographer for flying drone in prohibited area near Akshardham Temple. An official of the Delhi Police said, "On receiving information about a flying drone near Akshardham Temple, a police team from Police Station Mandawali reached the spot, where one Bangladeshi woman photographer was found with a drone today. The drone has been taken into possession and further enquiry is underway." Kerala Congress chief K Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan met party leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on Monday. Both leaders discussed with Rahul Gandhi about the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government's attitude towards opposition party leaders, apart from discussion on the organisational issues. The political tussle in the state of West Bengal has escalated between the TMC-led state government and the BJP-led central government as the election campaign for the upcoming panchayat election intensifies. Meanwhile, the members of West Bengal Trinamool Chhatra Parishad showed black flags to Governor CV Ananda Bose at North Bengal University, Siliguri. TMC State General Secretary Kunal Ghosh on Monday slammed the WB Governor, saying, “If Governor CV Ananda Bose continues to act like a BJP agent, he will have to face black fags and slogans like 'Ananda Bose go back'.” He further attacked the BJP, “The political process of the 2024 Lok Sabha has started already and the next meeting is scheduled to be held in Shimla. We are confident that the BJP government will be toppled and the opposition will come to power. The current Panchayat election is the start of the process of Lok Sabha polls." #WATCH | Members of West Bengal Trinamool Chhatra Parishad showed black flags to Governor CV Ananda Bose at North Bengal University, Siliguri pic.twitter.com/2RdfxzVdSy — ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2023 Amid heavy rainfall in various parts of Himachal Pradesh, the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation has urged tourists to prioritize their safety when planning a visit to the state. Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) RS Bali informed that the past 24 hours have witnessed substantial rainfall in the state, resulting in landslides on multiple routes leading to tourist destinations. Tourists are advised to check the website of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) before planning their visit to the state. Furthermore, tourists, who are already in the state on a trip, are cautioned against approaching rivers and hilly areas. The Nandanagar motorway in Uttarakhand has been blocked due to debris coming from the hill at Chaman Mandir near Nandprayag. As per reports, many vehicles are stuck on both sides due to road blockade. Police and administration are engaged in the operation to open the road at the earliest. Over 30 BRS leaders including former MP Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and former Telangana minister Jupally Krishna Rao joined the Congress in the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at the AICC headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday Due to the possibility of heavy rains on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh has been postponed, informed Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The CM said, "Due to the possibility of heavy rains tomorrow, June 27th, PM Modi's visit to Lalpur and Pakaria (of Shahdol) has been postponed. Soon, the new date of his visit will be decided. The arrangements for the program will also continue in Lalpur. PM Modi's programs in Bhopal will remain the same." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday reiterated India’s stand on the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Addressing a public event in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Singh said, “Occupying Jammu and Kashmir illegally does not make it Pakistan's locus standi. PoK was, is and will always be a part of India. At least three proposals to this intention have been passed. The Indian Parliament has passed a unanimous resolution regarding PoK. People living in PoK have been suffering a lot, and they will raise slogans and demand to merge POK with India.” Maharashtra Police have arrested 11 people in two different cases related to violent incidents on the allegations of transporting animals and carrying beef. Special Inspector General of Maharashtra Police, Nasik, BG Shekhar on Monday said, "11 people have been arrested in two separate cases. In the first case, some people attacked those who were transporting animals in Igatpuri. In another case, people were attacked for allegedly carrying beef in a car. We urge people not to take the law into their hands." The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday sent a letter to the West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) seeking details of the need for additional 485 companies of central forces, for which it has sent a requisition. An official confirmed the news, saying, the MHA, in its letter, also sought details of the deployment of the 337 companies of central forces which have been sent so far for the upcoming panchayat election in the state. West Bengal SEC, Rajiva Sinha has written thrice to the MHA seeking more central forces for the panchayat election in the state, slated to be held on June 8. The SEC has asked for a total 822 companies of central forces from the MHA for the rural poll. The central government official said, "The MHA has sent a letter to the SEC asking for reasons behind the requisition of additional 485 companies of central forces, for which State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha had written to it. It has also been inquired how the central forces sent so far have been utilized. The MHA has asked the SEC to share details of the districts where these forces have been deployed so far." Accused involved in sensational robbery incident Delhi's Pragati Maidan tunnel have been identified. The robbers were caught on CCTV camera. Police have launched search operation to nab the accused at earliest. Pertinently, it was on Saturday, when 4 bike-borne robbers intercepted a cab in Pragati Maidan's tunnel and robbered passenger's bag containing cash around Rs 2 lakh on gun point. The entire incident was caught on CCTV camera installed in the tunnel. Maharashtra Police has registered an FIR at Buldhana police station against unknown person for allegedly raising slogans in support of Aurangzeb during AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's rally in the area. Buldhana police has registered the FIR under sections 153 (A) and 505 (1) (B) of the IPC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch two mission in Madhya Pradesh, during his visit on June 27th. The PM will attend a public programme in Shahdol, where he will launch the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and kickstart distribution of Ayushman cards. Sickle Cell disease is widespread among many tribal population groups in India with prevalence of heterozygotes varying from 1-40 per cent. PM Modi will also flag off Vande Bharat train in MP. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted a review meeting with the Uttarakhand officials and took stock of the preparations for 'Kanwar Yatra 2023' at Haridwar. The annual Kanwar Yatra is going to start from July 4 this year. Heavy rainfall has predicted in some districts of Kerala and adjoining coastal areas of neighbouring states on Tuesday. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alert in districts Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Wayanad and 'orange' alert has been issued in Idukki district for tomorrow. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke on former US President Barack Obama's remarks about the rights of Indian Muslims and said, "Obama ji should not forget that India is the only country which considers all the people living in the world as family members... He should also think about himself as to how many Muslim countries he has attacked." #LIVE | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh comes down heavily on Barack Obama's minority statement, says 'There is no discrimination in India. Obama must re-think on comment.'#BarackObama #RajnathSingh #DefenceMinister https://t.co/6CjsNJ9CEq pic.twitter.com/qcV7tnH14l — Republic (@republic) June 26, 2023 BJP on Monday held a press conference and slammed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the hike of power tariff and accused the Delhi government of cheating the citizens. A massive fire broke out at a gas godown on Morbi Maliya Highway near Gala Village of Rajkot District, earlier today. Fire tenders are present at the spot and an operation is underway to control the fire. #WATCH | Gujarat: A massive fire breaks out at a gas godown on Morbi Maliya Highway near Gala Village of Rajkot District, earlier today. Fire tenders are present at the spot and operation underway to control the fire. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/6suTgQfoiv — ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2023 For the second time this month, an IndiGo flight entered the Pakistani airspace on Sunday. Flight 6e-2124 from Srinagar-Jammu entered the Pakistan airspace for a while, but was later diverted to Amritsar. According to the airline company, the flight was forced to enter Pakistani airspace due to bad weather conditions. Authorities in both countries were reportedly informed before the flight was diverted. “IndiGo 6e-2124 flight entered Pakistan airspace for a while due to bad weather and the flight was diverted to Amritsar,” IndiGo officials told ANI. The flight's diversion was expertly planned by air traffic controllers in Jammu and Lahore, and the plane landed safely in Amritsar, the official said. READ MORE Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh on June 27, 2023. At around 10:30 AM, Prime Minister will reach Rani Kamalapati Railway Station and flag off five Vande Bharat Trains. Prime Minister will attend a public programme in Shahdol at around 3 PM, where he will honour Rani Durgavati, launch the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and kickstart the distribution of Ayushman cards. Prime Minister will also visit Pakaria village in Shahdol District. Several districts across Karnataka are facing a rainfall deficit despite the arrival of monsoon. The water level in the reservoirs and the groundwater has started depleting, posing a significant threat to the conduct of daily activities. Adding to the woes, the water levels in the rivers too have receded and the lakes have dried up. It has led to a massive problem for the people in rural areas as they struggle to arrange drinking water. People have resorted to water supply from tankers and are forced to pay a high price for the same. In a few areas, women are seen going the extra mile in search of water. READ MORE Several districts across Karnataka are facing a rainfall deficit despite the arrival of monsoon. The water level in the reservoirs and the groundwater has started depleting, posing a significant threat to the conduct of daily activities. Adding to the woes, the water levels in the rivers too have receded and the lakes have dried up. It has led to a massive problem for the people in rural areas as they struggle to arrange drinking water. People have resorted to water supply from tankers and are forced to pay a high price for the same. In a few areas, women are seen going the extra mile in search of water. READ MORE Addressing an event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "I am not claiming that we have rooted out corruption. Nobody can. It cannot be reduced only by giving speeches and can be done only by making changes in the system and PM has started this process." #WATCH | I am not claiming that we have rooted out corruption. Nobody can. It cannot be reduced only by giving speeches and can be done only by making changes in the system and PM has started this process: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Jammu pic.twitter.com/AaSqYdW1uX — ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2023 Addressing the media on PM Modi's US visit, he said "Several foreign policies focusing on India were signed during the visit. India and US are coming together as a big force. PM Modi's visit is considered a milestone globally. India has now become a force to reckon with." He said that 35 agreements related to emerging technology including AI, semiconductors and Space were signed between both countries. The Railway Minister lauded the semiconductor deal and called it a significant "milestone". Railway Minister and BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnaw addresses the media on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent US visit. "The US has accepted India as an equal partner. This is a significant takeaway from PM Modi's US visit," the Minister said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has started the Panchayat polls campaign for TMC amid the poll violence in the state. "In the next elections, there will be no more BJP government in India. There will be a new government in India in the next elections," she said addressing the rally. Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to brief him on the Manipur issue as the situation continues to remain tense in the state. This came a day after HM Shah met Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh in Delhi. On Saturday, Amit Shah chaired an all-party meeting to discuss the resolution of the violence in Manipur. During the meeting, the opposition parties expressed concern over the failure of the Biren Singh government to tackle the situation. Many parties, including Congress, demanded PM Modi's intervention. To this, Amit Shah responded, saying, "PM Modi has been monitoring the situation in violence-hit Manipur since day one and guiding us with full sensitivity to find a solution to the problem." READ MORE Union Home Minister Amit Shah extends his greetings on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. He said, "In the last few years, the MHA has revamped the entire strategy to realise PM's vision of a ‘Drug-Free India’..., I applaud NCB and other organisations for their relentless efforts". On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I extend my greetings to all the anti-narcotics warriors for putting up a brave fight against the menace of Drugs. In the last few years, the MHA has revamped the entire strategy to realize PM @narendramodi Ji’s… pic.twitter.com/fyIf0MAs1K — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 26, 2023 Congress has now come out in support of former US President Barack Obama for his remarks on the condition of minorities in India. The grand old party stated that 'Minorities are under threat' An ex-United States official has hit out at Barack Obama for his remarks on the condition of minorities in India, suggesting that the former US President should spend more energy complimenting the nation. Johnnie Moore, a former Commissioner of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, praised India's diversity and emphasised its strength. "I think the former president (Barack Obama) should spend his energy complimenting India more than criticising India. India is the most diverse country in human history. It's not a perfect country, just like the US is not a perfect country, but its diversity is its strength... Even in that critique, President Obama couldn't help but also compliment PM Modi, and I certainly understand why, having spent some time with him," Johnnie Moore said. READ MORE Just days after a Hyderabad student was stabbed to death by her Brazililan flatmate in London, yet another death of an Indian student has rocked the community. The body of 25-year-old Jeevanth Sivakumar from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, was pulled out of a canal in Birmingham on Wednesday. He was pursuing Strategy and International Business M.Sc. at London's Aston University, and had received his BE in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from the Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology from Coimbatore. READ MORE Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday slammed former US president Barack Obama's statement about minority rights in India, saying his remarks were surprising as six Muslim-majority countries had faced US "bombing" during his tenure. She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received the highest civilian awards from 13 countries, including six with predominantly Muslim population. The finance minister alleged that "organised campaigns" were being run to level "baseless" allegations on the treatment meted out to minorities at the behest of the Opposition as it cannot defeat the BJP electorally under Modi. In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Obama reportedly said if India does not protect the rights of “ethnic minorities”, there is a strong possibility at some point that the country starts pulling apart. Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh issued his first response after wrestlers withdrew their protest following the submission of chargesheet in the court against him. He said, "The matter is in the court, and the court will do its work. I do not want to make any comment on this". #WATCH | BJP national president JP Nadda reaches Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram; welcomed by party workers He will address a public meeting here today on the completion of 9 years of the Modi government. pic.twitter.com/LXmXl9PfYz — ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2023 Karnataka BJP leader and MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal issued his response on the Congress infighting and predicted that the grand old party's regime won't last for 5 years. "Congress party is not going to last even five years in Karnataka. CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar will soon get into a fight and hit each other with slippers," said Yatnal. As many as 12 people lost their lives and several injured after a private bus collided head-on with an OSRTC bus near Digapahandi on Berhampur-Taptapani road in Odisha's Ganjam district on late Sunday night. The injured were immediately rushed to the MKCG Medical College in Berhampur for treatment. "Two buses collided in which 12 people died. The injured were immediately admitted to MKCG Medical College for treatment. Investigation into the case is underway. We are trying to provide all possible help to the injured," says Dibya Jyoti Parida, DM Ganjam. BJP MLA Mukutmani Adhikari's family members-- father, brother and mother were beaten and attacked in Bengal. The incident took place in the Mazdia NaGhata area of Krishnaganj police station in Nadia. The BJP MLA has alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sheltered miscreants. As per the sources, an election campaign procession of BJP workers and supporters was taken out in the evening. After that, Trinamool-affiliated miscreants were accused of targeting the house of a local BJP Panchayat Samiti member with a bomb. Several BJP workers and supporters were injured. Later on BJP MLA Mukutmani Adhikari's father, and brother was beaten very badly, and even his mother was attacked, the allegation against TMC. The top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia have called off their protest, stating that the government has fulfilled its promise of filing a chargesheet against Wrestling Federation Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom they have accused of sexual harassment. Wrestler Bajrang Punia took to Twitter announcing that they were taking a short break from social media and the fight will now be fought in court, not on the roads. "As per the talks held on June 7, the government has implemented our demands. The Delhi Police on June 15 had submitted before the court the chargesheet after conducting a probe into allegations of sexual harassment (against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh), on the basis of an FIR filed by six women wrestlers. Now, the fight will continue in court and not on roads till justice is delivered", tweets Wrestler Bajrang Punia. Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik also posted identical tweets on their official handle. pic.twitter.com/dRoiMnivaC — Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) June 25, 2023 A large number of pilgrims thronged the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati to offer prayers to Goddess Kamakhya as the annual Ambubachi Mela started at the historic temple. Today the doors of the temple reopened after being closed for three days. The Ambubachi Mela's Nivritti is performed today. The Ambubachi Mela is the biggest Hindu religious event held at Kamakhya temple situated atop the Nilachal hill. Credit: ANI Heavy rainfall in the Mandi district led to the landslide on the Chandigarh-Manali highway nearly 7 miles in Himachal Pradesh. The landslide caused a heavy traffic jam. #WATCH | The flood situation in Assam's Barpeta district is still grim as nearly 1.70 lakh people have been affected. NDRF, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services personnel are engaged in the rescue operations. (Visuals from Barpeta district) pic.twitter.com/6G9nQ3gkjq — ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2023 In the last 24 hours, Mumbai city has received 31 mm of rainfall, Eastern Suburbs received 54 mm of rainfall & Western Suburbs received 59 mm of rainfall. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) informed that moderate to heavy rain likely to occur in the city and suburbs and there is a possibility of occasional intense spells. After returning to India from his foreign visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked BJP president J P Nadda and other leaders what was happening in India, party leaders, who had gone to receive him at the airport here, said. Modi returned to India in the early hours of Monday after his six-day visit to the US and Egypt during which several landmark agreements were signed. He was received at the Delhi airport by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi and BJP chief Nadda. BJP leaders and party MPs from Delhi such as Harsh Vardhan, Hans Raj Hans and Gautam Gambhir were also present. "He asked Nadda ji how it is going here, and Nadda ji told him that party leaders were reaching out to people with the report card of the nine years of his government, and the country is happy," BJP MP Manoj Tiwari told reporters when asked what the prime minister asked them after meeting them at the airport. Bharatiya Janata Party West Bengal unit chief Sukanta Majumdar took a swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Panchayat polls campaign for her party Trinamool Congress (TMC) and claimed that her return after 12 years for the local elections validates the growing strength of the BJP in the state. "These people (Trinamool Congress) were saying after May 2, 2021, (State Assembly election results) that the BJP has gone. But today, a leader like Mamata Banerjee has to return to the ground after 12 years for the Panchayat elections, this shows how strong the BJP has become," Majumdar said on Sunday. READ MORE The National Investigation Agency on Monday (June 26) conducted raids across 12 locations in the Kashmir valley in connection with a conspiracy hatched by terrorist organisations based in Pakistan to destabilize India through terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. A case regarding the same has already been registered at the NIA Jammu Police Station. While confirming the raids to Republic, sources in the agency said, ”Raids have started today morning at around 6 AM and are underway in more than 10 locations in four districts of North and South Kashmir. The raids are aimed at decimating Pakistan’s overground terror network in Kashmir valley”. READ MORE