PM Modi's Decision Will Be Final, Says Shinde Amid Suspense Over Maharashtra CM

The first round of the India-Japan Dialogue on Economic Security, including Strategic Trade and Technology, was held in Tokyo on Wednesday during which the two sides underscored the need for "closer collaboration" to protect economic interests and build resilient supply chains and critical infrastructure in identified sectors.

Both sides also agreed to bring "concrete results" through enhanced holistic collaboration in focus areas, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The MEA said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid his "first official visit to Japan on Wednesday in the current capacity", and had a series of meetings and interactions with senior officials in the government of Japan.

His visit "reinforced the strong and enduring friendship" between India and Japan, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, mutual trust and commitment to regional stability, it said.

"Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the 1st round of India-Japan Dialogue on Economic Security, including Strategic Trade and Technology, in Tokyo on November 27, 2024 along with Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Masataka Okano," the ministry said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday said India was committed to shaping a sustainable, peaceful, and progressive world for future generations while asserting that the propagation of the all-embracing Indian culture was the priority.

He presented the Kailakh Sanskrit Ratna Award, 2024, to Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj at a ceremony organized by Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust here.

Addressing the event, Sinha said, "Propagation of all-embracing Indian culture, core values, artistic traditions, and the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' is our priority. India will shape a sustainable, peaceful, and progressive world for future generations." He observed that India, with its rich historical and cultural heritage and talented human resources, is steadily marching towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

 Schools in Ranchi city will remain shut on Thursday in view of the swearing-in of the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand, an official said.

The ceremony is scheduled to be held at Ranchi's Morabadi Ground and thousands of people are likely to participate in it from across the state.

The event may cause traffic jam-like situations in the city and students might face trouble, he said.

According to a circular issued by the office of district education officer, the oath-taking ceremony of the chief minister and his cabinet ministers is scheduled to be held on Thursday at Morabadi Ground.

"More than one lakh visitors are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony from the entire state. All the visitors will come in their personal vehicles or buses, due to which there is a possibility of traffic jams in the city," it stated.

"In such a situation, students coming by school buses may get stuck in traffic jams for hours, which would not seem appropriate in the interest of students," according to the circular.

The officer asked all schools to keep their institutions shut on Thursday so that students do not face any trouble.

Singapore Airlines' jumbo A380 aircraft rolled back at the Delhi airport after parking on Monday, an incident in which a cabin crew suffered a minor bruise, and later, the plane was towed back safely to its designated parking bay.

The aircraft was operating flight SQ406 from Singapore to the national capital on November 25.

In a statement on Wednesday, an airline spokesperson said the plane "experienced a rollback after parking" at the airport, and the pilot immediately applied the brakes to halt the aircraft.

Generally, after a plane lands and reaches the parking bay, the pilot first applies the toe brakes and then the parking brakes before switching off the engine. Later, the ground staff keep chocks on the front and back sides of the aircraft wheels. Once that process is complete, it is communicated to the pilot, who then releases the parking brakes.

Chocks are broadly wedges that are used to ensure there is no movement of wheels.

Also, some parking bays might have a slight slope to ensure that water does not get collected in that area.

The Sunday violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, which left four persons dead and 20 injured, triggered a political slugfest both inside and outside Parliament on Wednesday, as the state government announced strict measures, including making the rioters pay for damages and displaying their posters in public spaces.

Police said 30 teams have been formed to identify and arrest the accused using CCTV footage. Over 100 images of alleged rioters from the Kot Garvi area have been released. Despite markets and schools reopening in Sambhal, the internet ban has been extended by 48 hours as a "precautionary measure".

Tension has been brewing in Sambhal since November 19, when a court-ordered survey of the mosque was carried out following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site. Violence erupted on Sunday as protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with security personnel, leading to stone pelting and arson. Vehicles were torched, and police personnel were injured.

According to official figures, the confrontation claimed four lives, identified as Naeem, Bilal, Noman, and Kaif. The police have arrested 25 people so far and registered seven FIRs. Among those named are Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, local MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal, and 2,750 unidentified individuals.

In Rajya Sabha, the opposition demanded the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the violence in Sambhal. This led to the adjournment of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha without transacting any substantial business.

Shiv Sena MPs on Wednesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, days after the BJP-led Mahayuti registered a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Shiv Sena MPs led by Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, Ravindra Waikar, Sandipan Bhumare, Shrirang Appa Barne, Milind Deora, Dhairyasheel Mane and former Lok Sabha member Rahul Shewale met Shah in Parliament.

Mane said the MPs thanked Shah for campaigning extensively for the elections and touring almost every district of the state.

"People of Maharashtra listened to what Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, and the Mahayuti returned to power with a thumping majority," Mane said.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won the Maharashtra elections by a landslide, bagging 235 seats in the 288-member House. The BJP alone won 132 seats while the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) emerged victorious on 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Smaller parties of the coalition won five seats.

The meeting took place as Eknath Shinde, the outgoing chief minister and Shiv Sena leader, addressed a press conference in Thane and declared that he would abide by the decision of the prime minister on his successor.

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against 60 individuals, including the then Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairman Dilip Kumar Prasad, for alleged irregularities in the civil services exam, officials said Wednesday.

The CBI chargesheet has come 12 years after the central probe agency registered the case in 2012 on the orders of Jharkhand High Court to probe JPSC-two recruitment scam.

The chargesheet has been filed under various IPC sections including 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating), and under provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act, the officials said.

"It is alleged that in the said examination for the posts of Deputy Collector, DSP, Sales Tax Officer, etc., large-scale irregularities were committed to favour certain candidates. The marks of PT and Mains Exam were manipulated/inflated and in violation of laid down practice, the evaluators were handpicked," an official in the know of developments said.

While interacting with the media, Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis stated, “Very soon we will have a meeting with our leaders and decide on the CM post.” 

Newly appointed Mizoram chief secretary Khilli Ram Meena arrived here on Wednesday to assume his new role.

He was received at the airport by acting chief secretary H. Lalengmawia and other officials.

Meena is expected to officially take charge on Thursday. Following his arrival, Meena paid a courtesy visit to chief minister Lalduhoma at the latter's office.

On November 21, the Centre had appointed Meena, a 1993-batch officer, to succeed Renu Sharma, who retired in October.

Prior to his appointment, Meena served as an additional secretary in the ministry of minority affairs.

After the meeting of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena with Home Minister Amit Shah, MoS and Shiv Sena MP Prataprao Jadhav said, "Eknath Shinde had told me to meet the home minister, thank him and express gratitude for the time he gave to Mahayuti during Maharashtra elections. Wherever he held rallies, all Mahayuti candidates won with huge margins. So, Shiv Sena MPs and I, as the MoS, met him and thanked him. No discussions on the formation of government were held. Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are capable enough for that. Everyone feels that a leader of their own party should hold the high post, we too expected the same. But the decision will be taken by the leaders of Mahayuti and the prime minister-home minister. The decision will be accepted by everyone in Mahayuti."
 

On Maharashtra Chief Minister's face, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said, “Maharashtra's caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde can't comprehend what BJP leadership is. There is a big reason behind the delay in announcing the CM face.”

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "I express gratitude to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. Today, he has cleared all suspicions. He told the people that Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and our central leadership would make any decision regarding the CM post in Maharashtra. Whatever decision is made by the central leadership will be accepted by all  – this is the role that he has adopted in the interest of Maharashtra. Several people raised questions about Eknath Shinde and Mahayuti. A lot of lies were spread but today, he played a role in strengthening Mahayuti, NDA."

After meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said, "I greeted him and there was no discussion over the post of Maharashtra CM. Maharashtra, caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde has already stated in the press conference that whatever decision will be taken by PM Modi (over the post of Maharashtra CM) will be acceptable to us."

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: Maharashtra caretaker CM Eknath Shinde says, "I have told the Prime Minister that if there is any problem in forming the government in Maharashtra because of me, then do not bring any doubt in your mind and whatever decision you take, that decision is acceptable to me. You are the head of our family. The way people of BJP accept your decision, we will also accept your decision in the same way. I made a phone call to PM Modi and HM Amit Shah yesterday and told them that there will be no problem in forming the government because of me.

I Thank all the voters of Maharashtra for supporting Mahayuti and giving us a landslide victory. It's unprecedented... Amit Shah and PM Modi have fulfilled the dream of Balasaheb Thackeray to make a common Shiv Sainik, the CM. They have always stood with me.

For the past 2-4 days you must have seen rumours that someone is miffed. We are not people who get miffed...I spoke with the PM yesterday and told him that there is no obstruction from our end in forming the government (in Maharashtra). You make a decision. BJP's decision is the final. Who is the leader of NDA? PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. So, I called up both of them that there is no problem from our end in forming the government in Maharashtra. You make a decision and we will accept the decision...Whatever decision is made by the senior leaders of the BJP regarding the CM post, their candidate will be fully supported by Shiv Sena.

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: “I never considered myself as CM but a common man,” said Eknath Shinde while addressing. 

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: “Whoever is elected as the CM by Mahayuti, Shiv Sainiks will support him”, says Maharashtra caretaker and Shiv Sena chief 

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: While addressing the press conference, Eknath Shinde said, “I do not cry but fight. Our fight was not for CM’s post but for the 14 crore people of Maharashtra. People accepted our manifesto and gave us the mandate once again.” 

While addressing the press conference amid suspense over Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde said, "Asked PM Modi, Amit Shah to take decision on CM post, I won't be obstacle." 

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: Maharashtra caretaker CM Eknath Shinde says, "I have told the Prime Minister that if there is any problem in forming the government in Maharashtra because of me, then do not bring any doubt in your mind and whatever decision you take, that decision is acceptable to me. You are the head of our family. The way people of BJP accept your decision, we will also accept your decision in the same way. I made a phone call to PM Modi and HM Amit Shah yesterday and told them that there will be no problem in forming the government because of me.

I Thank all the voters of Maharashtra for supporting Mahayuti and giving us a landslide victory. It's unprecedented... Amit Shah and PM Modi have fulfilled the dream of Balasaheb Thackeray to make a common Shiv Sainik, the CM. They have always stood with me.

For the past 2-4 days you must have seen rumours that someone is miffed. We are not people who get miffed...I spoke with the PM yesterday and told him that there is no obstruction from our end in forming the government (in Maharashtra). You make a decision. BJP's decision is the final. Who is the leader of NDA? PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. So, I called up both of them that there is no problem from our end in forming the government in Maharashtra. You make a decision and we will accept the decision...Whatever decision is made by the senior leaders of the BJP regarding the CM post, their candidate will be fully supported by Shiv Sena.

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: Maharashtra caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on the decision of Maharashtra CM said, "For the past 2-4 days you must have seen rumours that someone is miffed. We are not people who get miffed...I spoke with the PM yesterday and told him that there is no obstruction from our end in forming the government (in Maharashtra). You make a decision. BJP's decision is the final. Who is the leader of NDA? PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. So, I called up both of them that there is no problem from our end in forming the government in Maharashtra. You make a decision and we will accept the decision...Whatever decision is made by the senior leaders of the BJP regarding the CM post, their candidate will be fully supported by Shiv Sena..."

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: While speaking about the CM face for Maharashtra, caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde says, "...A meeting of all three parties (of Mahayuti) will be held with Amit Shah tomorrow (28th November). Detailed discussions will be held in that meeting. After that, a decision will be made."
 

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: Maharashtra caretaker CM Eknath Shinde says, "I Thank all the voters of Maharashtra for supporting Mahayuti and giving us a landslide victory. It's unprecedented... Amit Shah and PM Modi have fulfilled the dream of Balasaheb Thackeray to make a common Shiv Sainik, the CM. They have always stood with me..."

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde while addressing the media stated that he gives “full support to the BJP.” 

Maharashtra LIVE Updates: “I have become the 'beloved brother' of everyone,” said Eknath Shinde. 

Maharashtra Live Updates: Spoke to PM Modi, conveyed him to take final decision: Eknath Shinde 

Maharashtra CM News Live Updates: “Decision taken by PM Modi would be final,” says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. 

Maharashtra Live Updates: Eknath Shinde credits Ladki Behen for Maharashtra's victory. 

Maharashtra CM Live updates: On Maharashtra CM face, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, “Whatever Decision PM Modi Takes For Maharashtra CM Would Be Final For BJP and the Shiv Sena.” 

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: Will give full support to BJP on Maharashtra CM face: Eknath Shinde 

Maharashtra CM News Live Updates:  “Maharashtra has become the number one state today. Under Devendra Fadnavis' tenure, the state was also moving in the right direction. We came into power because of the Ladki Behen Yojana, and I had told workers that if we executed the policy, we would win. I am very satisfied and proud of my tenure as Maharashtra CM. People have been asking whether I am getting ousted. But we are fighters. We are focussing on the historic verdict based on the work the government has done. The question is not what did I get but the question is what Maharashtra got. All the welfare schemes, Ladki Behen to others, we have done well,” said Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. 

Maharashtra CM LIVE Updates: Proud of my new identity 'ladka bhau': Eknath Shinde 

Maharashtra CM Live: Never worked to gain popularity, said Eknath Shinde. 

Maharashtra CM Live: “I have always worked as a worker. I never considered myself a Chief Minister. CM means Common Man, I worked by considering this...We should work for people. I have seen the pain of citizens, how they ran their household,” said Eknath Shinde. 

Maharashtra CM News Live Updates:  While addressing Eknath Shinde said, “I always followed the paths of Balasaheb. All the Mahayuti workers worked together. I addressed 80-90 rallies, worked a common party worker. I want to work for the common man of Maharhastra. I come from humble family. I have seen pain of common family. Full form of CM is 'Common Man' for me.” 

Maharashtra CM News Live Updates: I thanks PM Modi and HM Amit Shah: Eknath Shinde 
 

Maharashtra CM: While addressing the media amid suspense over Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde said, “The mandate we got in this election is a landslide victory. I thank Maharashtra voters.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's much-awaited news conference begins. 

Eknath Shinde begins press conference likely on who will be Maha CM 

Maharashtra CM race: Oath ceremony of new Maharashtra CM likely on Dec 2, said sources. 

Maharashtra CM race: The question of who will be the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra continues to dominate political discussions, as the BJP and Shiv Sena lock horns over the top post. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the answer to the question of who will lead the state as Chief Minister “will be given soon.”

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Fadnavis said, “The answer to this question will be given soon,” fueling speculation about a resolution.  

Maharashtra CM race: As the Maharashtra Chief Minister row continues, the Mahayuti leaders have been called to Delhi tomorrow. 
 

Maharashtra CM race: BJP leadership to meet Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar in Delhi tomorrow amid Maharashtra Chief Minister row. 
 

Maharashtra CM face: The large group of supporters gathered outside the residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Thane are demanding that he be made the Chief Minister. The supporters are voicing their displeasure, claiming that the "Maha Yuti" alliance had contested the elections under Shinde’s leadership and with his face as the central figure. They believe that if Shinde had contested on more than 100 seats, the alliance would have secured an even greater victory.
 

In a show of support, a large group of supporters has gathered outside the residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Thane.

Maharashtra CM Face: Many leaders reached Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's residence ahead of the press briefing.

Eknath Shinde to Address Press Conference Shortly as Deadlock Over Maha CM Continues.

The suspense over the next Maharashtra Chief Minister following Mahayuti's thumping victory in the state elections, has intensified with both the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vying for the top post. While the BJP remains firm on Devendra Fadvanis as the chief ministerial face, the Shiv Sena is adamant for Eknath Shinde to return as the Maharashtra Chief Minister. It is learnt that Eknath Shinde was given an offer to become the deputy CM which he turned down. Meanwhile, Devendra Fadnavis is likely to visit Delhi to meet top leadership on Wednesday. While sharing details about the new govt formation, Fadnavis said that all three Mahayuti parties will come together to form a govt in the state and the suspense over the CM face will be over soon.

Eknath Shinde is expected to hold a press conference shortly as suspense over next Maharashtra CM continues.

Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday removed Jhansi medical college's principal and suspended three staff members after a four-member committee submitted its report on the November 15 fire incident that claimed lives of 10 children. The action was taken by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also holds responsibility of the Health department. Based on the report of the four-member committee, constituted on the instructions of Pathak, the principal of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi district has been removed, officials said.

A 30-year-old Dalit man was allegedly beaten to death by the sarpanch and seven others over a land dispute in a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district, an official said on Wednesday. Narad Jatav was fatally attacked on Tuesday evening after he and his maternal uncle objected to a road created through their land to a hotel belonging to the sarpanch, Padam Dhakad, in Indergarh village, the official said. The accused, including Dhakad's sons and wife, are on the run.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is likely to visit Delhi to meet top leadership on Wednesday. While sharing details about the new govt formation, Fadnavis said that all three Mahayuti parties will come together form a govt and the suspense over the CM face will be over soon.

A fire broke out inside a 15-storey residential building in south Mumbai on Wednesday. However, no injuries were reported in the fire incident.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (November 27) welcomed the ceasefire between Israel-Hezbollah saying, "We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region."

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a PIL seeking the constitution of a 'Sanatan Dharm Raksha Board'. A bench headed by Chief Justice Manmohan observed that it cannot issue a direction to the authorities to constitute such a board as the issue fell within policy domain and asked the petitioner to approach the government instead. "You have to go to the government. We don't do this. They (MPs) will raise it in Parliament. We can't do anything in this. We can't say create a trust," the bench, also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, said.

BJP MLAs on Wednesday staged a walk out from the West Bengal Assembly protesting that they were not allowed to read out the contents of an adjournment motion on protection of women and children in the state. Speaker Biman Banerjee disallowed the motion brought by BJP members Tapasi Mondal and others on protection of children and women in the state, but permitted that it be read out. However, when BJP MLA Tapasi Mondal was reading out some portions which had not been allowed, the Speaker said these will not go on record.

Security forces on Wednesday launched a cordon and search operation following reports of suspicious movement near the Line of Control in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, security officials said. Troops of the Rashtriya Rifles along with police personnel cordoned off Behari Rakh forest and its adjoining villages in the Mendhar sector after getting information about the suspicious movements of some people, believed to be terrorists, they said. A cordon and search operation was also underway in Kasblari Brela, Hundai Gali and adjoining areas in nearby Mankote, they said.

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said there is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms. In the Lok Sabha, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said the Parliamentary Standing Committee should take up the issue and also called for a consensus to frame more strict laws in this regard. Earlier, there were editorial checks and it was decided whether something was right or wrong but those checks have ended. Today, social media is a platform for freedom of press but it is uncontrolled and there is vulgar content, the minister said during the Question Hour.

Lok Sabha Adjourned Till Thursday Amid Opposition Ruckus

Lok Sabha Session Resume Amid Oppn MPs Sloganeering

Parliament Winter Session: The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day and the proceedings will resume on Thursday.

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday has been adjourned till 11:30 am amid massive opposition protest. 

Following a Ruckus in Lok Sabha over the opposition demanding discussion on various issues, the proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon.
 

A fire broke out in a seven-storey residential building in Andheri area of Mumbai on Wednesday morning, officials said.There was no report of any casualty, they said.      The blaze erupted at 8.42 am in a flat on the sixth floor of the Chinchan building in Andheri (West), the officials said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Swedish rock star Kee Marcello are set to share a mellifluous date when the Darjeeling hills come alive with the sound of music on December 19 this year to kick off the second edition of the four-day Melo-Tea festival, a euphonic carnival in the region.

Equity benchmark indices began the trade on a firm note on Wednesday amid fresh foreign fund inflows and a rally in the US markets.Concerns over tariff threats by US President-elect Donald Trump, however, instilled volatility in the market during the morning trade.

Rains continued overnight in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta areas affecting standing paddy crops and the India Meteorological Department on Wednesday said heavy to very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall is likely in a few places in Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts, also part of the delta region. Rains submerged crops, partially and completely, at several places including those in and around Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayilduthurai, Vedaranyam and according to farmers' rough estimates, crops over at least 2,000 acres were affected.

A 46-year-old woman was arrested for her alleged involvement in the vandalism at residences of MLAs and ministers in Imphal Valley on November 16, police said on Wednesday. Mobs set fire to the residences of three BJP legislators, one of whom is a senior minister, and a Congress MLA in various districts of Imphal Valley following the violence in Jiribam. The violence had escalated after three women and three children belonging to the Meitei community had gone missing from a relief camp in Jiribam after a gunfight between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants resulted in the deaths of 10 insurgents on November 11. Later, the bodies of these six persons were found.

A road accident on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway early Wednesday claimed the lives of four doctors and a laboratory technician, all affiliated with the Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences in Saifai, police said. The incident took place when a high-speed SUV lost control and collided with a divider. A truck then struck the vehicle. Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand said the incident occurred around 3 am when the SUV veered off course and crashed into the median divider.

The West Bengal health department has launched a probe into the supplies of allegedly low-quality and locally made catheters at a high price to several government hospitals, posing a risk to the lives of patients undergoing treatment in these facilities, officials said. Such central venous catheters (CVCs) were allegedly supplied to at least five medical colleges and hospitals in the state, defying allocation of international standard-compliant CVCs, they said. The distribution company, which has been accused of supplying these catheters to government hospitals, admitted to the fault but placed the blame on its employees.
 

Toxic foam was seen floating on the Yamuna River in Kalindi Kunj, as pollution level in the river continues to remain high on Wednesday.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi candidates who faced defeat in the recent Maharashtra assembly polls have decided to seek verification of the EVM-Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) units in their segments, a leader of the opposition alliance said. Many losing candidates of the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) pointed fingers at the functioning of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during their interaction with party head Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday. Thackeray took stock of the lacklustre performance of his party at a meeting held at his residence in Mumbai.

A thick layer of smog engulfed the Akshardham Temple and surrounding areas on Wednesday as the air quality deteriorated to the 'Very Poor' category in several parts of the national capital, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI in Patparganj was recorded at 308.

The Winter Session of the Parliament is set to resume on Wednesday, November 27. 

Mumbai city woke up to a layer of smog lingering in the air, on Wednesday. Visuals from Marine Drive.
 

The United States and India are stronger when they work together, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has said. Blinken made the remarks in a post on X after meeting India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy on Tuesday. "The US and India are stronger when we are working together. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and I met today in Italy to discuss the importance of our continued close cooperation to promote global security and prosperity," Blinken said.

The Ministry of External Affairs has reacted strongly over the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, one of the prominent seers of ISKCON Bangladesh. In a statement, the MEA said, "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples."

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said that 27 people have been arrested in the Sambhal violence and seven FIRs have been registered following the ruckus and stone pelting incident over an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the Mughal-era mosque of the district.

Refuting the Western criticism of India's purchase of Russian oil despite its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said "this part of the world" has to understand that every part of the world has its own interests.