Trinamool Leader Arrested In RG Kar Hospital Corruption Case: CBI

A doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital and an alleged confidant of its former principal Sandip Ghosh, Ashish Pande, has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the corruption case it is investigating alongside the horrific rape-murder of a young doctor that had shocked the country. Officials of the Central agency claimed Ashish Pande is also a member of Trinamool Congress and is associated with its student wing.  There, however, has been no confirmation or comment on the matter from the Trinamool Congress. 

He will be produced in court Friday. 

This is the fifth arrest in the corruption case. 

Earlier, the agency had arrested Sandip Ghosh and three others -- his bodyguard Afsar Ali, Suman Hazra and Biplab Sinha, vendors supplying medical equipment to the hospital when Ghosh was the principal.

Ashish Pandey, who is also employed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, is reportedly associated with the Trinamool Congress Students' Wing - TMCP. He was allegedly the TMCP unit president of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (students' unit) state president and party spokesperson Trinankur Bhattacharya told news agency Press Trust of India: "We are yet to hear details about the case. But as of now, we can say that the law will take its own course and we have faith in the justice system." 

Ashish Pandey was earlier mentioned in the list of 59 people at the hospital who were issued show-cause notices by the hospital administration and asked to appear before an inquiry committee set up after the rape and murder of the second year post-graduate student. 

Ashish Pandey had to be rescued by security personnel after he was heckled and pushed by the protesting junior doctors when he went to the hospital to appear before the inquiry committee looking into complaints of harassment and intimidation on campus. 

Leader of Opposition in the Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari asserted that Pandey was a "strongman of the TMC, who was part of the propagator of the threat culture in state-run medical colleges".

"With his arrest and interrogation, CBI will be able to reach to the bottom of this culture at medical colleges and find out all those involved," Mr Adhikari was quoted as saying by PTI.

Sandip Ghosh was arrested by the CBI in connection with the case registered after allegations of financial irregularities surfaced. The Calcutta High Court had handed over the investigation to the CBI after the Kolkata Police registered a case based on complaints filed with the police.

The financial irregularities case involves irregularities in award of contracts, getting the infrastructure-related tasks of the hospital done by individuals or firms instead of getting them done by the state public works department (PWD), the sale of biomedical waste which is illegal, and sale of selling organs from unidentified bodies brought for postmortem, at "lucrative prices" outside.

Sandip Ghosh has also been arrested in connection with the rape-murder case and has undergone two polygraph tests.  He and the police officer who initially investigated the rape and murder of the doctor have been accused of attempting to hide evidence and sabotage the investigation. 

The trainee doctor was raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The key suspect, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, a was seen on CCTV during investigation after the doctor's body was found. 

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Pawan Kalyan Renounces 11-Day Penance At Tirumala Temple

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday visited the Tirumala temple here and renounced his 11-day penance (Prayaschitta Deekhsa), which he undertook to atone for the alleged sins of the previous YSRCP government at the hill shrine.

The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by his daughters Aadhya Konidela and Palina Anjani Konidela.

"Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan who undertook an 11-day penance for the protection of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) visited Sri Venkateswara Swamy on Wednesday and renounced his penance," said an official press release.

During his visit, the Deputy Chief Minister carried 'Varahi Declaration' book with him to the deity, the contents of which he will reveal in a meeting in Tirupati on Thursday.

"Deputy Chief Minister and Janasena president Pawan Kalyan had Tirumala Srivari (deity) darshanam (visit) today. Pawan Kalyan took Varahi Declaration book along with him," said a Janasena press release.

Currently, Pawan Kalyan is on a three-day visit to the temple. Following his visit to the deity, the Janasena founder had lunch at Matrasri Tarigonda Vengamamba Nitya Annadana (blessed food) centre.

Before visiting the temple, Pawan Kalyan's youngest daughter, Palina Anjani Konidela, gave a declaration at Tirumala temple that she has faith in Lord Venkateswara.

Palina Anjani Konidela is reportedly a non-Hindu and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) - the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati - rules mandate that non-Hindus have to declare their faith in the deity before making a visit to the temple.

"Palina Anjani Konidela gave the declaration for Srivari (deity) visit in Tirumala. She signed the documents provided by TTD staff. As Palina Anjani is a minor, her father Pawan Kalyan also endorsed the documents," said a Janasena press release.

The declaration assumes significance as BJP leaders and several Hindu outfits had demanded that YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, a Christian, has to issue a similar declaration before his recent cancelled visit to the temple.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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At Haryana Rally, Rajnath Singh's "Damaad Ji" Jibe At Congress

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a fierce criticism of the Congress party on Wednesday, alleging that its leadership was involved in taking land from farmers.

Speaking at a rally in Haryana's Pehowa, Mr Singh referred to Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, and said, "It is their 'damaad ji' (son-in-law) who took the land of farmers. It was not some relative of the BJP who did that."

Mr Singh accused the Congress of making false promises and not delivering on them. "They make promises and mislead the public, and then those promises are never fulfilled. They should not make promises that they cannot keep," he said.

Speaking on the alliance between Congress and the National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Singh mentioned their promise to reinstate Article 370. "Congress and NC have formed an alliance and say that they will bring back Article 370. Abrogation of Article 370 was important. It was Modi ji who abrogated Article 370. Only the central government has the authority to implement or abolish Article 370, not the state government," he emphasised. 

He also reassured the public that no injustice would be done to the Agniveers. "We need young people in the armed forces. Countries like China, America, and France engage youth in short-term military services. Political parties should unite when it concerns national security," he said.

Mr Singh also criticised Congress for questioning the armed forces' actions during the surgical strikes and airstrikes.

"When our soldiers conduct surgical strikes and airstrikes, Congress raises questions about it. Our Army has shown that India can not only defend itself on its side of the border but can also launch operations across the border if needed," he said.

Mr Singh highlighted the achievements of the BJP-led central government over the past decade, and said that India became the fifth-largest economy.

"In 2014, India was the 11th-largest economy. Today, it is the fifth-largest, and by 2027, we will become the third-largest after the United States and China. We are also the first country to reach the south pole of the moon," he said.

Comparing the financial support provided to Haryana, Mr Singh said, "When Congress was in power, they allocated Rs 21,564 crore to Haryana, whereas under the BJP, the amount increased to Rs 78,345 crore."

He urged the people to vote for the BJP in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. "I appeal to you all to support the BJP. Congress makes promises but can never fulfil them. They spoke about a one-rank-one-pension scheme but failed to implement it. Their chief ministers face corruption charges, while no BJP minister faces any corruption allegations," Mr Singh said.

Haryana will go to the polls on October 5 to elect its 90-member state legislative assembly, with the results set to be announced on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 40 seats, while Congress secured 30 seats.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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ईरान ने इजरायल पर की मिसाइलों की बारिश, बचाने के लिए आगे आया अमेरिका

ईरान (Iran) ने इजरायल (Israel) पर मंगलवार शाम को मिसाइलों से हमला कर दिया. ईरान का दावा है कि उसने इजरायल पर 400 बैलिस्टिक मिसाइलें दागी हैं. इजरायल में लगातार सायरन बज रहा है. इसके बाद वहां के लोगों ने बंकरों में शरण ले ली है. हालांकि, इजरायल का कहना है कि उसने कई मिसाइलों को हवा में ही मार गिराया है. साथ ही नागरिकों को सतर्क करते हुए कहा है कि हम सब जरूरी इंतजाम कर रहे हैं. रिपोर्ट्स के मुताबिक, मिसाइलें दागने के बाद ईरान ने इजरायल को खुली धमकी देते हुए कहा है कि युद्ध का करारा जवाब मिलेगा. 

अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति जो बाइडन ने अमेरिकी सेना को इजरायल की मदद करने का आदेश दिया है. इजरायल की तरफ से कहा गया है कि ईरान को इस हमले की सजा भुगतनी होगी. सरकारी प्रवक्ता ने ईरान को मुहतोड़ जवाब देने की बात कही है. वहीं ईरान ने भी और अधिक हमले करने की बात कही है. 

इजरायल के विदेश मंत्रालय की तरफ से कहा गया है कि कुछ ही समय पहले ईरान की ओर से इजराइल की तरफ मिसाइलें दागी गईं. इजरायलियों को सतर्क रहने और होम फ्रंट कमांड के निर्देशों का सटीक रूप से पालन करने का निर्देश दिया गया है. पिछले कुछ मिनटों में, होम फ्रंट कमांड ने देश भर के विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में जीवन रक्षक निर्देश जारी किए हैं. आईडीएफ इजराइल के नागरिकों की सुरक्षा के लिए हर संभव प्रयास कर रहा है और करेगा.  

⭕️ IDF: A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel.

Israelis are instructed to remain alert and precisely follow the Home Front Command's instructions

In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has distributed life-saving instructions…

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 1, 2024

इजरायली सेना ने मंगलवार को कहा कि ईरान ने इजरायल पर मिसाइलें दागी हैं और देश के सभी नागरिक हमलों से बचने के लिए बम से बचने के लिए बनाए गए जगहों पर हैं. 

All Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel. pic.twitter.com/bKXPdqMsBr

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

एएफपी की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार मंगलवार शाम को हवाई हमले के सायरन बजे.  जेरूसलम में कई विस्फोट हुए.  ईरान की तरफ से दावा किया गया है कि इस हमले में इजरायल में भारी नुकसान हुई है साथ ही युद्ध का करारा जवाब देने की बात कही है. आईडीएफ की तरफ से कहा गया है कि ईरान के हमले में लगभग 1 करोड़ लोग निशाने पर थे. ईरान की ओर से इज़राइल पर रॉकेट दागे जाने के कारण सभी इज़राइली नागरिक बम आश्रय स्थलों में हैं.

भारतीयों के लिए एडवाइजरी
इजरायल में बिगड़ते हालात तो देखते हुए भारत ने अपनी नागरिकों के लिए एडवाइजरी जारी है. इजरायल में भारत के दूतावास ने अपने नागरिकों से सतर्क और सावधान रहने के लिए कहा है. साथ ही कहा गया है कि स्थानीय प्रशासन के सिक्यूरिटी प्रोटोकॉल का पालन करें. एडवाइजरी में कहा गया है कि सावधान रहें, बिना जरूरत के देश में यात्रा ना करें और सेफ्टी शेल्टर के नजदीक रहें. भारतीय दूतावास हालातों पर लगातार नजदीकी से नजर बनाए हुए है और अपने नागरिकों की सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए नियमित इजरायली अधिकारियों से लगातार संपर्क में है. इसके अलावा एक हेल्पलाइन नंबर भी जारी किया गया है.

?*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL*

Link : https://t.co/OEsz3oUtBJ pic.twitter.com/llt83IwIZ0

— India in Israel (@indemtel) October 1, 2024

अमेरिका ने पहले ही किया था आगाह
पश्चिम एशिया में जारी तनाव के बीच अमेरिका ने पहले ही दावा किया था कि ईरान इजरायल पर बैलिस्टिक मिसाइल हमले की तैयारी कर रहा है. साथ ही इजरायल के रक्षा मंत्री योआव गैलेंट के साथ फोन पर बातचीत में अमेरिकी रक्षा सचिव लॉयड ऑस्टिन ने वॉशिंगटन का समर्थन की बात कही थी. हालांकि उन्होंने इजरायल-लेबनान सीमा के दोनों ओर नागरिकों की सुरक्षा के लिए एक कूटनीतिक समाधान की जरुरत पर बल दिया. 

अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति जो बाइडन ने सोशल मीडिया मंच एक्स पर लिखा कि आज सुबह मैंने और उपराष्ट्रपति कमला हैरिस ने ईरान के इजरायल पर हमले की आशंका को देखते हुए  हमारी राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा टीम की बैठक बुलाई थी. हमने चर्चा की थी कि संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका इन हमलों से बचाव में इज़राइल की मदद करने और क्षेत्र में अमेरिकी लोगों की सुरक्षा के लिए कितना तैयार है. 

This morning, @VP and I convened our national security team to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel.

We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region.

— President Biden (@POTUS) October 1, 2024

इजरायल हिजबुल्लाह के खिलाफ कर रहा है जमीनी सैन्य कार्रवाई
इजरायल ने लेबनान में हिजबुल्लाह के खिलाफ अपने अभियान को और तेज करते हुए सीमित स्तर पर जमीनी सैन्य कार्रवाई शुरू कर दी है. इजरायल लेबनान में अभी तक हवाई हमले कर रहा था, जिसके बाद उसने जमीनी हमला शुरू करने की तैयारी भी शुरू कर दी थी. इस मामले में इजरायल डिफेंस फोर्स ने सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म एक्स पर एक पोस्ट भी किया था और बताया था कि इन हमलों को पूरी तरह से राजनीतिक नेतृत्व के तहत किया जा रहा है और जो भी सटीक खुफिया जानकारी मिली है, उसके आधार पर इस कार्रवाई को अंजाम दिया जा रहा है. 

ये भी पढ़ें-:

तेल अवीव में मोसाद हेडक्वार्टर पर दागी मिसाइल, हिज्बुल्लाह का इजरायल में हमले का दावा

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As Iran Fires Over 100 Rockets At Israel, Indian Embassy Issues Advisory

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia (Middle East), the Indian Embassy in Israel has cautioned all Indians to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols advised by local authorities. The advisory was issued within hours of Iran threatening an attack on Israel in the aftermath of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah being killed in an Israeli missile attack.

Iran followed up on the threat by launching over a hundred rockets at Israel, Iran's state media confirmed. Israel's defence forces said that its nationals were already in bunkers, taking shelter from the attack.

The nearly year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza strip has intensified with Tel Aviv going after Hezbollah - an Iran-backed militant organisation which supports Hamas. Iran had vowed to avenge the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, killed last week, and had warned Israel of an imminent ballistic missile attack against it.

"In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols as advised by the local authorities," The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv said in its advisory.

"Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters," it added.

The Embassy also shared round-the-clock helpline numbers where Indian nationals can call in case of emergency. "The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals," it said, adding, "In case of any emergency, please contact the 24x7 helpline of the Embassy - +972-547520711 and +972-543278392."

?*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL*

Link : https://t.co/OEsz3oUtBJ pic.twitter.com/llt83IwIZ0

— India in Israel (@indemtel) October 1, 2024

The Embassy also shared an e-mail ID - cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in - for Indian nationals to reach out, urging those "who are yet to register with the Embassy" to please do so immediately. It attached the form along with the message.
 

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93% Of Gen Z, Gen Alpha Shape Family Travel Plans In India: Report

Family travel in India is increasingly guided by the preferences of Gen Alpha and Gen Z, revealed a new survey that found an overwhelming 93 per cent of young travellers are now actively contributing to their family's vacation planning.

The findings, part of "Small Voices, Big Choices: Hilton 2025 Trends Report", suggest a significant shift in family travel planning with India's youngest generation taking charge and shaping the future of the travel industry.

"A striking 93 per cent of Generation Alpha and Generation Z in India actively shape family travel plans, now positioning them as key decision-makers in the travel process," reads the report, adding that 76 per cent of Indian parents (compared to 70 per cent globally) choose vacation destinations based on their children's interests.

Generation Alpha, aged 14 and younger, accounts for a quarter of India's population, while Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, represents 30 per cent.

While these young travellers' input is strong in picking activities and destinations, as per the survey, the logistical decisions -- including transportation (44 per cent), dining (40 per cent), accommodation (32 per cent), budgeting (28 per cent), and trip duration (26 per cent) -- are still primarily managed by parents.

The report also sheds light on the youth of India being avid travellers, with young travellers averaging two to three trips annually, and as many as 94 per cent of them travelling at least once.

"This passion for travel is evident in their future plans, with nine in 10 (90 per cent) Gen Alpha and Gen Z in India likely to travel in the next year. Additionally, 87 per cent take pride in their ability to explore new destinations. These findings highlight the strong and growing demand for travel among younger generations," it added.

Zeroing in on Indian youth's travel preferences, the report said the Gen Alpha and Gen Z travellers in India are excited about exploring both local and international destinations, which means while they eagerly seek out India's rich landscapes and cultural heritage, they also show a growing enthusiasm for global adventures.

So, according to the report, the emerging generation is increasingly interested in travelling beyond Asia to immerse themselves in diverse cultures. Their preferred countries to travel are India (34 per cent), Singapore (28 per cent), America (22 per cent), Australia, and the United Kingdom (17 per cent).

Here, the report also talked about Gen Y (millennials), which unlike Gen Alpha and Gen Z, still gravitates towards familiar Asian destinations for convenience and comfort -- Japan (29 per cent), India (28 per cent), Singapore (25 per cent), Maldives (21 per cent), and Malaysia (17 per cent).

"The Generation Alpha and Z are redefining the landscape of travel. Their evolving preferences are driving the industry to innovate, creating opportunities for more meaningful, immersive, and culturally enriching experiences that align with their values. This shift is not just about the destinations they choose, but how they interact with and experience the world," said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

These findings are based on two surveys: a global Ipsos poll conducted from June 5 - 26, 2024, and an APAC-focused survey by OnePoll conducted from August 12 - 26, 2024.

While the Ipsos survey sampled 13,001 adults (18+) across 13 countries, the OnePoll survey included 8,000 Gen Z and Millennial parents (born in or before 1981) with children aged 6 to 19, from Australia, mainland China, India, Japan, and Singapore. 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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'Sip Cow Urine For Garba Entry In Indore': BJP Leader's Remark Sparks Row

A BJP functionary from Indore district on Monday urged organisers to make people sip "gaumutra" (cow urine) before letting them in garba pandals during Navratri festival as a Hindu can never refuse this precondition.

The Congress questioned the BJP leader's call, terming it a new tactic of polarisation by the saffron party.

Proposing "aachman", BJP district president Chintu Verma told reporters that the aachman practice has great significance in Sanatan culture.

"We have requested organisers to ensure devotees do aachaman with cow urine before allowing them to enter garba pandals," he said.

According to Hindu customs, aachaman means taking a sip of water while reciting mantras for purification before starting religious rituals.

Queried about the rationale behind this demand, Mr Verma said sometimes some people join these events which generate certain discussions.

"Aadhaar card can be edited. However, if a person is a Hindu, he will enter the Garba pandal only after aachaman of cow urine and there is no question of refusing it," he reasoned.

MP Congress spokesman Neelabh Shukla alleged that BJP leaders are silent on the plight of cow shelters and are only interested in politicising this issue.

"Raising the cow urine aachman demand is the BJP's new trick of playing polarisation politics,'' he said and demanded BJP leaders sip cow urine before entering pandals and post videos on social media. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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