Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Hindu Organisations Call for Reform, Safety in Temple Offerings

Police have arrested six terrorist associates with arms and ammunition in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesperson said on Friday.Police received specific input that a Pakistan-based Kashmiri terrorist of Jaish-e-Mohammad was in the process of identifying youths who could be motivated to join terror ranks, the police spokesperson said.

The government on Friday lifted the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice with immediate effect, a move praised by exporters.

 The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department on Friday collected samples of 'elaichi daana' or cardamom seeds being distributed as 'prasad' at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple here and sent them for testing, officials said. The action was taken following a complaint lodged through the Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS), Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chand Singh said.

Thirty-three roads are closed for vehicular traffic in Himachal Pradesh following rain with the local Met office predicting an extended wet spell in the state till Sunday. Rain continued to lash parts of the state with Jogindernagar logging the highest rainfall of 80 mm since Thursday, followed by Palampur 79.8 mm, Baijnath 65 mm, Paonta Sahib 51.2 mm, and Shimla 34.9 mm.

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Friday alleged that the BJP "stole" 10 elected state governments by misusing the central investigating agencies, the ED and CBI. Speaking in the Delhi assembly during a short duration discussion on the "misuse" of investigative agencies, the former Delhi chief minister targeted the BJP.

 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Friday that Bangladesh's situation could not improve without India.Speaking at a government function on World Tourism Day, he said the people of Bangladesh should remember India's contribution to their independence."There is no point in talking about Bangladesh. We thought that flight services to Bangladesh would start by now, but the present situation there... It will happen for sure someday as without India, Bangladesh's situation cannot improve. They should understand the kind of sacrifices our Army made, and the help our people provided for Bangladesh's independence. It shouldn't be forgotten," he said.

"Those who talk about saving constitution and Bharat jodo, they have not opened their mouths. In West Bengal, which is ruled by INDI alliance govt of TMC, it allows and promotes such kind of xenophobic feelings against students who are going from other parts of the country, especially Bihar...Tejashwi Yadav is silent...this is silence of convenience and his silence is watched by youths of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh...." BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on students of Bihar being assaulted in West Bengal. 

Kerala Travel Mart has a big role in further boosting the tourism sector in the state in the context of positive signs of quick revival in the post-COVID period, according to Tourism and Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas.

The minister said that in the last two years, Kerala has set a record for the arrival of domestic tourists, and Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) will add momentum to this.

Riyas was inaugurating the expo of the 12th edition of KTM, the country's largest travel mart here on Friday.

The minister said Kerala Tourism's recently released campaign video, 'Ente Keralam Ennum Sundaram,’ which captures the state's diversity and scenic beauty, is receiving a great response from travel enthusiasts worldwide.

The father of Badlapur sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde, who was shot dead on September 23, has sought police protection for himself and kin claiming they were getting threats.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state DGP Rashmi Shukla and Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, Anna Shinde also alleged his son was killed in a conspiracy for political gains.

"My family and I have been receiving threats," Anna said in his letter, adding his lawyer Amit Katarnavre and the latter's family too have been receiving threats.

In view of the threats, all of them should be given police protection, Anna Shinde said in the letter.

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Friday sought information from the state government regarding efforts being made to stop the sale of illegal Chinese garlic.

The case stems from a petition filed against the alleged open sale of illegal garlic, a banned commodity in the country.

On Friday, when the petitioner produced the garlic, supposedly originated in China, the state Food Safety and Drug Administration Department sealed the item before the judges and sent it for laboratory test.

The court also asked the central government to submit the order concerning ban on Chinese garlic in the country and also tell what measures are being taken to stop the import of the said banned garlic from China.

If Pakistan continues to support terrorism, it could be split into three parts, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday. Issuing the warning to the neighbouring country at an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, Adityanath said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is already prepared to merge with India.

The Congress brass on Friday chided Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh over his remarks on mandatory display of names by street vendors and told him that no one was allowed to go against the party's policies and ideologies, sources said.Amid a row over the comments, Congress general secretary in-charge organisation KC Venugopal had a meeting with Singh here during which the minister was told that the party believed in Rahul Gandhi's mantra of fighting hatred with love, they said.

The rupee declined 3 paise to settle at 83.69 against the US dollar on Friday amid subdued domestic equity markets and increased month-end demand for the American currency.However, sliding crude prices in the international market and renewed foreign fund inflows supported the local unit and restricted the fall, forex dealers said.

A Delhi court is likely to pass on November 30 an order on whether to accept the Delhi Police's closure report in a sexual harassment complaint filed by a minor wrestler against former WFI chief and then BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Additional Sessions Judge Chhavi Kapoor, who was scheduled to pass the order on Friday, adjourned the matter, saying the order was not ready.

As the festive season approaches, Indian Railways has decided to run nearly 6,000 special trains to help more than one crore passengers get home for Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath festivals.

Several train routes, especially those destined for Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal witness heavy rush during these festivals.

A total of 5,975 special trains have been notified so far for this year's festival season, up from 4,429 last year, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told a select group of journalists here.

 Former acting DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi was appointed the chairman of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) on Friday, according to a notification.

Sarangi, an IPS officer of the 1990 batch, was Special DGP (Training) and Director of the Biiu Patnaik State Police Academy in his last assignment.

"The Governor of Odisha has been pleased to appoint Arun Kumar Sarangi, IPS, Special Director General of Police (Training) and Director, Biiu Patnaik State Police Academy, Odisha as Chairman, Odisha Public Service Commission for a term of six years from the date he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-two years. whichever is earlier," the notification said.

The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the High Court order.

Chhivi Ranjan had filed a petition in the Supreme Court after the petition was rejected by the ED court and the High Court in the Army land scam.

When Chhabi Ranjan was the DC of Ranchi, during his tenure, land was bought and sold on a large scale on the basis of fake documents, the most prominent among them was the Army land located in Bariatu.

4.55 acres of Army land in Bariatu was sold to Jagat Bandhu Tea Estate by Pradeep Bagchi of Kolkata through fake documents.

The government rate of this land was Rs 20 crore 75 lakh 84200 but the sale was shown for just seven crores.

Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya singh, after meeting congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, said most of the discussions focused on strengthening the party's organisational activities. "we talked about how we can increase the organisational efforts and move forward in that direction," he stated.

On media reports concerning legal actions, singh clarified, "The interests of the party and the people of the state are our priority. whether it’s a Supreme Court hearing or a high court order, we are committed to following the legal framework. a committee has already been formed regarding the issue of eateries displaying the names of owners."

He further emphasised, "Protecting the interests of Himachal Pradesh is our duty, and we will never back down from this responsibility. A committee has been established to address the issue, and an all-party meeting, including opposition members, will be held to discuss and brainstorm solutions."

"It is a very happy day for AAP today as after 1.5 years our party's 'Ram & Laxman' - Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are in Delhi Assembly today. But it is also sad that Arvind Kejriwal is not sitting on the CM chair due to the conspiracies of the BJP...." Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. 

 Gold prices advanced to yet another record high -- for the third straight day on Friday -- rising Rs 50 in the national capital on the back of continued buying by jewellers. Continuing a firm momentum for the third straight session, gold prices rose Rs 50 to hit a fresh high of Rs 78,300 per 10 grams, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Friday said some more judges would soon be appointed in the Bombay High Court.The observation was made by the Chief Justice, who was heading a bench comprising Justice Manoj Misra, during a hearing of an appeal arising against a Bombay High Court order.

 Sending out a stern message, the Election Commission on Friday sought an explanation from the Maharashtra chief secretary and the state's police chief for failing to fully implement its orders on the transfer of officials ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.In a strongly-worded letter, the poll body said despite a directive issued on July 31 to relocate officials who had served in their home districts or current posting for over three years, the state administration had not completed the process.

 Opposition YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has cancelled his planned trip to the Tirupati Lord Venkateshwara Temple, sources close to him said on Friday.His much hyped Tirumala tour was announced as part of the YSRCP's call for prayers in temples to atone for TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's 'sin' through his allegations on the quality of Tirupati laddus.

"Never in the history of this country we have ever witnessed such a situation people have been barred from visiting temple. These are the notices given to YSRCP cadre, MLA's, corporators. The notices say that the Ex-CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is visiting Thirumana Tirupati Devasthanam and that the program does not have the approval of the government and if any party worker participates in this program, cases would be booked on them...Several times in the past we have visited Thirumana Tirupathi Devasthana even before I became the CM. After I became the CM, every year TTD invited me and I had the opportunity to give clothes to Lord Venkateswara Swamy and today to divert the topic from the deeds that have been committed by Chandrababu Naidu, they have brought up another topic to the forefront barring people from entering the temple..." Former Andhra CM Jagan Reddy said. 

"Many questions have been raised about my caste. I read the Bible at home, and I respect and follow Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. I belong to the community of humanity. What does the Constitution say? If a person equivalent to the Chief Minister is not allowed into the temple, I question how Dalits will be treated," Former Andhra CM Jagan Reddy. 

“Rahul Gandhi should be asked why did he not speak on land grabbers. The four pillars of corruption belong to the Gandhi family. Congress gave people of Haryana a govt of 'Dalaal and Damaad,” BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said. 

"Robert Vadra is crime master gogo. He is a land grabber. Around 3.5 acres of land was purchased by his company and Robert Vadra did not have a single penny to purchase that land. He sought funds from a private builder. Then Hooda government changed certain policies and land price was shot by 4 times and sold," BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said at a press conference.

 "During Chandrababu Naidu regime from 2014 to 2019 nearly 14-15 times, the Ghee was rejected due to quality issues. There is a robust process. Similarly from 2019 to 2024, 18 times it was rejected and sent back. Whatever I am saying is all facts," former Andhra CM Jagan Reddy said. 

 "CM Chandrababu Naidu is telling lies. The ghee procurement e-tender is a routine process that has been happening for decades every 6 months. Tirupati Laddu is very special. Since my childhood, I know that it is very special. The tender process takes place every 6 months, it’s a routine. It has been happening for years. Anyone who qualifies can participate," Former Andhra CM Jagan Reddy said. 

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 on Friday met representatives of the Gujarat government and those from other entities as part of its nationwide consultation on the proposed legislation.Gujarat minister of state for home Harsh Sanghavi presented the state government's suggestions to the JPC, which is meeting representatives in a hotel here.

Asserting that the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls are being held peacefully and without any violence, BJP president JP Nadda on Friday said the people of the Union Territory have rejected bullets and chosen ballots, focusing on peace and development.Addressing a press conference here, Nadda also said Kashmir's youngsters have joined the national mainstream and rejected terrorism and violence.

The Supreme Court would hear on Monday a plea of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal challenging a high court order that refused to quash a defamation case against them over remarks on the alleged deletion of the names of 30 lakh voters belonging to some communities from the electoral rolls.

The Calcutta High Court on Friday requested the West Bengal government to clarify its position on granting permission for a rally by the students' and youth wings of the CPI(M) at Esplanade here.The SFI, DYFI, and an association of junior doctors approached the court, seeking directions for the police to grant permission to conduct their respective programmes in the area.

Voting for the MCD standing committee election underway at the MCD House in Delhi.  The polling is being held in the presence of Additional Commissioner Jitendra Yadav, he has been made the Presiding Officer in the absence of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. AAP is not taking part in the elections.  Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has directed the MCD Commissioner to proceed with the election for the sixth member of the Standing Committee on 5th October.

57.31% voter turnout recorded in the second phase of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections.

In Haryana's Rewari, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Congress cannot do overall development of Haryana...Some people who have gone against the party discipline and are contesting as independent candidates, I appeal to the public to vote only for those who have BJP's 'Lotus' symbol."

"Rahul Baba, even your generations cannot bring back article 370 in J&K", said Amit Shah

Union home minister while addressing at a rally in Rewari in poll-bound Haryana, said, “Modi ji will provide government jobs with a permanent pension to all the Agniveers who come.”

Rahul Gandhi and Congress have nothing to do except spread rumours"

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to intervene and ensure the completion of Jorhat-Majuli Bridge over Brahmaputra, work for which has been halted since earlier this month.

 Local residents and political parties in Shimla take out a peace march in a bid to maintain peace and harmony in the state.

The father of the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case, who was killed in an alleged police shootout earlier this week, on Friday moved the Bombay High Court seeking a burial spot for his son.

The father’s advocate mentioned the application before a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and M M Sathaye seeking urgent intervention.

With the whereabouts unknown of Malayalam actor Sidhique, who was denied anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court in a rape case, the police have intensified their search for him by publishing a lookout notice in newspapers seeking information about him.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have jointly arrested a man who allegedly threw stones at the Seemanchal Express to get passengers near the doors to drop their phones, officials said on Friday.

ED is conducting searches at the residence of Telangana Minister of Information and Public Relations Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy on Friday.  

ED officials also carried out searches in Telangana Minister  Reddy’s properties and company Raghava Constructions and Infra offices located in Banjarahills, Hyderabad.

 Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) election taking place today. Visuals from outside Miranda House. For day classes, voting will be held from 8.30 am to 1 pm while for the evening shift, it will be held from 3 pm to 7.30 pm.  Delhi HC y'day allowed DU to continue with the DUSU elections but has imposed a crucial condition, barring the university from counting votes until it satisfies the court that all posters, hoardings, graffiti, and other campaign-related materials have been removed and public property has been restored. The court also directed that EVMs and ballot boxes must be safely stored until further orders are issued.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday launched searches at multiple places in Rajouri and Reasi districts as part of its investigation into the deadly terror attack in June on a bus carrying pilgrims who were returning from Shiv Khori temple

 Two men aged between 20 and 22 years were arrested and two minors detained on charges of raping a 16-year-old girl studying in a Pune college, whom they befriended on social media, police have said

 ED investigation revealed that Rahul Yadav alias Fazilpuria and Elvish Yadav illegally used protected species of snakes, exotic animals, such as iguanas, in the production of commercial music video and vlogs for the purpose of increasing the followers and generating money, as per the official of Directorate of Enforcement.

Israel's military says it has intercepted a missile fired from Yemen that set off air raid sirens across the country's centre.

Air raid sirens rang out across Israel's populous central area, including the seaside metropolis of Tel Aviv.

Another missile from Yemen landed in central Israel about two weeks ago.

Hezbollah Commander killed in Israeli airstrike; US calls for 21 day ceasefire

Amid the Tirupati laddu row, Hindu organisations Call for reform, safety in temple offerings in Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Mathura.

US President Joe Biden has signed a temporary government spending bill that keeps agencies operating into December, after Congress punted key spending decisions until after the November election.

The bill generally funds agencies at current levels through December 20, setting up the prospect of a government shutdown fight just before the holiday season. Lawmakers did agree to add USD231 million to bolster the Secret Service after the two assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Money was also added to aid with the presidential transition.