PM MODI CELEBRATES DIWALI WITH SECURITY FORCES IN HIMACHAL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Himachal Pradesh’s Lepcha today to celebrate Diwali with security personnel, said for him, a place where Armymen are is no less than a temple.

Addressing the soldiers, Modi said the circumstances of the world are such that the expectations from India are constantly rising. “At such an important time, it is necessary that India’s borders are protected and there is an environment of peace in the country and you have a big role in this,” Modi, dressed in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) fatigues, said.

“India is protected till the time my bravehearts are standing on the borders like the Himalayas,” the Prime Minister said. He added: “After Independence, these bravehearts (Army personnel) fought so many wars and won the country’s heart… Our jawans have snatched victory in the face of challenges.”

“It is said that ‘parv’ is where the ‘parivaar’ is. On festivals, being away from the family and deployed on the borders exemplifies the commitment to duty… The country is indebted to you,” Modi told the soldiers.

“Therefore, on Diwali, one ‘diya’ is for your safety, and in every prayer, people wish for your safety,” the prime minister said.

“Since 30-35 years, there has been no Diwali that I have not celebrated with you. When I was neither the PM nor the CM, I celebrated Diwali amongst you in border areas,” Modi said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also shared his Diwali wishes, expressing a desire for India to be illuminated with truth, justice, and love. “Let the darkness of lies, injustice and hatred disappear, May our India be illuminated with truth, justice and love,” he wrote in a post on X.

TRUDEAU'S FRESH BARB AT INDIA AMID DIPLOMATIC ROW

In his fresh remarks on the diplomatic face-off with India, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that the world will become "more dangerous" for everyone "if bigger countries can violate international law without consequences".

Responding to a question on whether the US should take up the matter with India on Canada's behalf, he said, "From the very beginning, when we learnt of credible allegations that agents of the Indian govt are involved in the killing of a Canadian citizens on Canadian soil, we reached out to India to ask them to work with us in getting to the bottom of this matter. We also reached out to our friends and allies, like the United States, and others to work on these really serious violation of international law and sovereignty of a democracy. This is something we are taking very very seriously, we will continue to work with all partners as law enforcement and investigative agencies continue to do their work."

"We have reached out to the Indian govt and to partners around the world to get to the bottom of this, to take it seriously. That's why we were so disappointed when India violated the Vienna convention and arbitratrily revoked the diplomatic immunity of over 40 Canadian diplomats in India," he said.

Trudeau said Canada has tried to "work constructively" with India and that it will continue to do so. "This is not a fight we want to be having right now but we will always unequivocally stand up for the rule of law," he said.

In a firm response to Trudeau's allegations, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that they have told Ottawa that "this is not the govt of India's policy". "We told them that look, if you have something specific, if you have something relevant, let us know. We are open to looking at it," he said. "In the last few years, Canada actually has seen a lot of organised crime relating to the secessionist forces, organised crime, violence, extremism. They're all very, very deeply mixed up," he added.

Dr Jaishankar also raised concern over Indian diplomats and consulates facing threats in Canada. "We have a situation where actually our diplomats are threatened, our consulates have been attacked and often comments are made about 'there's interference in our politics'. And, a lot of this is often justified as saying, well, that's how democracies work," he said.

S JAISHANKAR MEETS RISHI SUNAK, GIFTS BAT SIGNED BY VIRAT KOHLI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at 10 Downing Street and conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Diwali on Sunday.

Jaishankar met with the UK PM and presented him a Lord Ganesha Statue and a cricket bat signed by Indian batting great Virat Kohli.

Taking to his official handle on X, EAM S Jaishankar shared details about his meeting with the UK PM, posting, "Delighted to call on Prime Minister @RishiSunak on #Diwali Day. Conveyed the best wishes of PM @narendramodi. India and UK are actively engaged in reframing the relationship for contemporary times. Thank Mr. and Mrs. Sunak for their warm reception and gracious hospitality."

S Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, during which he is scheduled to hold a meeting with his UK counterpart James Cleverly. He arrived in Britain on Saturday and will conclude his visit on November 15.

"India and the UK share a warm and thriving relationship. The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030," the MEA stated in its release. "The Roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both the countries," it added.

INDIA SUPPORTS UN RESOLUTION CONDEMNING ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS IN PALESTINE

India voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that condemns Israeli settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The draft resolution secured 145 votes in favour, seven against and 18 abstentions.

Those voting against the resolution were Canada, Hungary, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and the United States.

By the terms of the resolution, the Assembly would condemn settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan and any activities involving the confiscation of land, the disruption of the livelihood of protected persons, the forced transfer of civilians and the annexation of land, whether de facto or through national legislation.

The resolution Condemns settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan and any activities involving the confiscation of land, the disruption of the livelihood of protected persons, the forced transfer of civilians and the annexation of land, whether de facto or through national legislation.

The resolution Reaffirms that the Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan are illegal and an obstacle to peace and economic and social development.

The voting on the resolution came just days after India had abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict leading to a cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza strip.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

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2 MAJOR GAZA HOSPITALS SUSPEND SERVICE AS ISRAEL HUNTS HAMAS

Two major hospitals Hospitals in northern Gaza — Al-Shifa and Al-Quds — closed to new patients on Sunday, with staff saying that Israeli bombardment and a lack of fuel and medicine meant those already being treated could die. Hospitals in the north of the Palestinian enclave are blockaded by Israeli forces and barely able to care for those inside, staff said.

The Gaza health ministry said there are still 1,500 patients at Shifa, along with 1,500 medical personnel and between 15,000 and 20,000 people seeking shelter.

Health officials and people trapped inside Al Shifa rejected Israel’s claims that it was helping babies and others evacuate Sunday, saying fighting continued just outside the facility where incubators lay idle with no electricity and critical supplies were running out.

Health ministry undersecretary Munir al-Boursh said Israeli snipers have deployed around Shifa, firing at any movement inside the compound. He said airstrikes had destroyed several homes next to the hospital, killing three people, including a doctor. “There are wounded in the house, and we can’t reach them,” he told Al Jazeera television. “We can’t stick our heads out of the window.”

Israel says Hamas has placed command centres under and near the hospitals and it needs to get at them to free around 200 hostages the militants took in Israel on a killing spree just over a month ago. Hamas has denied using hospitals in this way.

PARIS MARCH AGAINST ANTI-SEMITISM RALLIES OVER 100,000 PEOPLE

More than 100,000 people turned out on Sunday to march against anti-Semitism in Paris, after days of bickering by political parties over who should take part and a surge in anti-Semitic incidents across France. “Our order of the day today is... the total fight against anti-Semitism which is the opposite of the values of the republic,” Senate speaker Gerard Larcher, who organised the demonstration, before the marchers set off.

At the front of the march were Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, the two speakers and dignitaries including former presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, as well as religious leaders. Earlier Sunday, thousands of people gathered in major French cities including Lyon, Nice and Strasbourg behind the same slogan as the Paris march: “For the Republic, against anti-Semitism”.

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RESCUE OPS ON AFTER UNDER-CONSTRUCTION TUNNEL COLLAPSE IN UTTARAKHAND TRAPS SEVERAL WORKERS

An under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway partially collapsed on Sunday morning, leaving 40 workers trapped inside. Rescue operations are underway at the tunnel, which was being built to connect Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district.

Officials said the workers are safe, have access to oxygen cylinders, and are being supplied with additional oxygen through a pipe. They also said, however, that there has been no communication with the trapped workers.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with police and local administration personnel, are carrying out the rescue operations. JCB and other machines are being used to remove the debris.

SDRF Inspector Jagdamba Bijalwan, who is heading the operation, said that the situation did not appear to be life threatening. “Oxygen supply is provided using temporary pipes, We are giving our best and making all possible efforts. As of now, the situation is under control and not life threatening,” he said.

WOMEN WILL GET RS 15,000 ANNUAL ASSISTANCE IF CONGRESS RETAINS POWER IN CHHATTISGARH: CM BAGHEL

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said if the Congress retains power in Chhattisgarh, women will be given an annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000 in the state.

The announcement, which comes ahead of the second phase of Chhattisgarh elections scheduled for November 17, is being seen as a counter to the opposition BJP’s promise in its poll manifesto of giving Rs 12,000 per year to married women.

“Today, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi ji and Chhattisgarh Mahtari, an important decision has been taken for women empowerment,” Baghel told reporters in Raipur.

After the Congress Govt is formed again in Chhattisgarh, women in the state will be provided an annual assistance of Rs 15,000 directly into their bank accounts under the “Chhattisgarh Gruha Lakshmi Yojana’, he said.

The first phase of polling in 20 out of the total 90 assembly seats in the state was held on November 7. The remaining 70 seats will see voting on November 17.

MAHARASHTRA CM SHINDE TAUNTS UDDHAV TACKERAY

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde on Sunday dismissed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s outburst over the demolition of his party’s ‘shakha’ in the Thane district, calling it an empty threat.

Talking to reporters after attending a Diwali programme here, Shinde said Thackeray had to turn back when he attempted to visit the spot of the ‘shakha’ in Mumbra on Saturday.

Thackeray’s visit was nothing but an attempt to create a hurdle during the Diwali festivities, the chief minister said.

“The people of Mumbra showed their power during Thackeray’s visit. Nothing works in front of people’s power,” he said. Many senior leaders from Shiv Sena UBT had accompanied Thackeray, but Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske was tough enough to take them on, Shinde said.

PARL PANEL DELIBERATES ON SENTENCE FOR DEATH BY NEGLIGENCE

A parliamentary committee has noted that the seven years’ imprisonment prescribed in the proposed new criminal law for causing death by negligence is “high” and it should be reduced to five years.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on home affairs, headed by BJP MP Brijlal, also observed that the 10 year jail suggested in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for those who cause death of a person by rash or negligent act and escape from the scene of the incident or fail to report the incident to police or a magistrate, needed to further be deliberated for whether the clause should be retained at all.

According to Section 104 (1) of the BNS, whoever causes the death of any person by any rash or negligent act, not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend up to seven years, and shall also be liable to a fine. For the same offence, the Indian Penal Code (304A) says: whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

The committee is of the view that the clause 104(2) of the BNS may be against the Article 20(3) of the Constitution of India which says “No person accused of an offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.”

FSSAI WITHDRAWS ORDER TO DECLARE 'BEST BEFORE DATE' ON LOOSE SWEETS

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn a September 2020 order that made it mandatory to declare ‘Best Before’ date on containers and trays of non-packaged loose sweets.

The directive for withdrawal was issued on November 7, 2023, barely days before Diwali.

The FSSAI said that the original order was issued in parity with the declaration required for packaged food products under the erstwhile Food Safety Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations of 2011. 

However, it said that food business operators may declare ‘Best Before Date’ on non-packaged sweet or loose sweet containers on a voluntary or optional basis.

TRAI ASKS TELECOM COMPANIES TO QUICKLY DEPLOY CONSENT DRIVEN ANTI-SPAM TECH

The TRAI has directed telecom service providers (TSPs) to quickly rope in banks, financial institutions, business entities, insurance firms, trading and real estate companies into its new authorisation system aimed at curbing spam calls and commercial text messages.

The new Digital Content Authorization (DCA) - a unified platform to seek, maintain and revoke the consent given by customers for receiving commercial communication from businesses - has been mandated by the sector regulator to rein in exponentially rising cases of spam and excessive tele-calling in the country.

4 OF 5 LIVING ORGAN DONORS IN INDIA ARE WOMEN, 4 OF 5 RECIPIENTS MEN: STUDY

For every woman who received an organ, four men got transplants in the country. Data from 1995 to 2021, indicates that 36,640 transplantations were carried out, of which more than 29,000 were for men and 6,945 were for women.

As per a paper published in Experimental and Clinical Transplantation Journal in 2021, it was found that a huge gender disparity prevails in the country when it comes to living organ transplantation.

The data analyzed the organ transplants that took place in 2019 and found that 80% of the living organ donors are women, mainly the wife or the mother while 80% of the recipients are men.

The study also found that the primary reasons for more women donors are the socioeconomic pressure on them to be the caretakers and givers in the family and as men are the bread earners in most cases, they hesitate from undergoing any surgery.

MARKETS KICKOFF SAMVAT 2080 ON BULLISH NOTE

The Indian markets were ushered into the new Hindu calendar year — Samvat 2080 — on a bullish note on Sunday. After the ceremonial one-hour trading session, the benchmark Sensex and the Nifty closed with gains of over half a per cent.

The undertone was even more bullish in the broad market as the Nifty Midcap 100 index and the Nifty Smallcap 100 index finished 0.6 per cent and 1.14 per cent higher, respectively.  This was the sixth straight year when the markets have ended positive on Muhurat trading day, when making ceremonial purchases is considered auspicious.

During Samvat 2079, the Sensex and the Nifty rose about 10 per cent each. Experts say the returns for the benchmark indices could be in high double-digits in Samvat 2080 because valuations have slipped below historical levels. Barring ITC, all five top stocks in the indices have underperformed during Samvat 2079.

Analysts say returns on midcaps and smallcaps could plateau after skyrocketing last year. In Samvat 2079, the Nifty Midcap 100 rose 32.7 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index gained 38.4 per cent — their best showing since Samvat 2070.

WORLD CUP MATCH 45: INDIA REMAIN UNBEATEN WITH BIG WIN OVER NETHERLANDS

KL Rahul's pillaging hundred, the fastest by an Indian in World Cup, and Shreyas Iyer's doubts-allaying 128 lit up the Diwali day as India mowed down Netherlands by 160 runs in Bengaluru on Sunday, registering their ninth consecutive victory in the showpiece.

It helped India finish their league engagements with 18 points, and now they will move to Mumbai for the high-stakes semi-final clash against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Rahul's blitz and Iyer's posh unbeaten 94-ball hundred combined well with fifties by Shubman Gill (51), Rohit Sharma (61) and Virat Kohli (51), powering India to a mammoth 410 for 4, their second highest World Cup total.

The Indian bowlers did not have to sweat much to skittle the Dutch for 250 as even Kohli and Rohit, who took the final scalp, found themselves among the wicket-takers.

While India ended up on top in the points Table, Netherlands ended up last, 4 points.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

One can't have something for nothing. Happiness has got to be paid for. - Aldous Huxley

OFF TRACK

A woman goes into a sporting goods store to buy a rifle. "It's for my husband," she tells the clerk.

"Did he tell you what gauge to get?" asked the clerk.

"Are you kidding?" she says. "He doesn't even know that I'm going to shoot him!"