India

Jammu, March 16 (IANS) The Army, on Friday, arrested one suspicious person near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.

“The person was nabbed in Nowshera sector of the LoC, late Friday night,” officials said.

“He is shifted to a nearby army camp where questioning is going on,” he added.

There was no official word on whether any weapon was recovered from the possession of the nabbed person.

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 16 (IANS) Sheikh Alamgir, the younger brother of the suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, the accused mastermind behind the January 5 attack on ED and CAPF personnel at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas District, is being grilled by the CBI.

Sheikh Alamgir arrived at the Nizam Palace office of the CBI in central Kolkata on Saturday morning along with a few other associates of the suspended leader, to face interrogation by the central agency sleuths in the matter.

On March 13, the CBI issued a notice to Sheikh Alamgir asking him to be present at its Nizam Palace office on March 14, but he did not turn up on that date.

However, ending speculation on whether he would appear to face the CBI’s interrogation, he reached the Nizam Palace office at around 11.45 am on Saturday.

He was accompanied by some other close associates of Sheikh Shahjahan, who had also been summoned by the CBI for interrogation in connection with the attack on ED and CAPF sleuths.

Meanwhile, the ED on Saturday issued a notice to Sheikh Alamgir for interrogation in connection with the multi-crore ration distribution case in West Bengal.

The ED sleuths have also issued a similar notice to Sheikh Siraz, another brother of Sheikh Shahjahan, who is currently in the custody of the CBI.

Both Alamgir and Siraz have been asked to be present at the ED’s office at the Central Government Office (CGO) complex at Salt Lake.

In the latest raids at multiple locations at Sandeshkhali the ED had secured crucial clues linking two aspects of the PDS case to Alamgir. They are, the investment of the scam proceeds in the fish export business owned by his brother Shahjahan, and the subsequent diversion of the funds abroad using the hawala route.

According to sources, since Alamgir played an important role in day-to-day operations of the fish export business, his interrogation has become imperative.

--IANS

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Chennai, Mar 16 (IANS) With the Election Commission of India set to announce the 2024 poll dates today, political parties will soon announce the list of candidates from Tamil Nadu.

However, regarding the Thoothukudi seat, the INDIA bloc, headed by DMK, is to retain its representative Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, daughter of iconic DMK leader and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Late M. Karunanidhi, and sister of present Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.

Kanimozhi is well accepted across the constituency and has the advantage DMK enjoys in the state.

The port city of Thoothukudi, however, elected both AIADMK and DMK from this constituency.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Kanimozhi had won the Thoothukudi seat with a margin of 3,47,209 votes, defeating her nearest opponent, Tamilisai Soundararajan of NDA. While Kanimozhi polled, 5,63,143 votes, Tamilisai could garner only 2, 5,934 votes.

The Thoothukudi Lok Sabha constituency comprises Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Srivaikuntam, Ottapidaram and Kovilpatti assembly segments.

Of these six assembly constituencies, five are with INDIA bloc and one seat, Kovilpatti, is won by AIADMK's Kadambur S.Raju. This shows that the DMK-led INDIA bloc is strong in Thoothukudi Lok Sabha constituency.

In 2019, Kanimozhi had defeated Tamilisai of BJP who contested as a joint NDA candidate supported by AIADMK, BJP and PMK. However, with NDA now split with AIADMK and BJP not seeing eye to eye, and PMK undecided on the alliance, Kanimozhi seems to be in a pivotal position in this high profile constituency without a significant opposition.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) Actress Deepika Singh has shared that even after her busy schedule, she continues to pursue her passion for dance, honing her skills, and spending time with her child, which helps her find balance and stay true to herself.

Deepika is currently playing Mangal in the show 'Mangal Lakshmi', which is a story of two sisters striving to uphold each other's dignity in their relationships.

In the current storyline, Mangal is juggling between portraying a loving mother, a supportive wife, and an ideal daughter-in-law.

Similarly, in her real life, Deepika, who is best known for her work in 'Diya Aur Baati Hum', is juggling between her motherhood days, acting, and professional dance.

Talking about the same, Deepika shared: "Balancing motherhood, acting, and dance is certainly a challenge, but it's also incredibly rewarding for me. Each role brings its own set of joys and responsibilities, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion while being there for my child. I believe hard work is the key to success."

The actress said the love she receives from her family is the key strength that helps her to balance these diverse roles and manage everything at the same time.

"When I go home after a late shift and hug my child, it’s the best feeling for me. My child enjoys co curriculars and hence he has willingly asked to join classes which keep him busy. Being a mother and an artist at the same time has helped me grow both personally and professionally," she added.

In the current episodes, Lakshmi almost catches Adit (Naman Shaw) at Saumya's (Jia Mustafa) house, but he narrowly escapes. However, Mangal sustains an injury due to Adit's actions and is rushed to the hospital by Lakshmi (Sanika Amit) and Kartik (Shubham Dipta).

Meanwhile, Mangal, is preparing for her new house Griha Pravesh in full swing. Later, Adit invites his colleagues to the house for the Griha Pravesh puja.

'Mangal Lakshmi' airs on Colors.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, March 16 (IANS) Nothing can stop Hollywood royalty Tom Cruise if he has set his mind to filming some of the most nerve-racking stunts.

The Hollywood star is using helicopters to ensure that the latest 'Mission: Impossible' film isn't disrupted by roadworks, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Tom has found an innovative way of ensuring that the cast and crew of 'Mission: Impossible 8' have been able to get to and from work, amid road works on the M25 in south-east England. The M25 road encircles most of Greater London.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The M25 closure is a headache for most people but not for Tom. He is so keen to keep 'Mission: Impossible 8' in production that he’s got helicopters on standby in London to fly his crew over to Longcross. It sounds excessive but delaying work on the film is a bigger problem and Tom is such a professional - he’d move heaven and earth to keep the show on the road.”

The source further mentioned, quoted by ‘Female First UK’, “Staff on the movie or stars who are needed for filming have been told if they can’t get to Longcross because of the M25 closures they’ll be flown in by chopper. It’s a feat that is just like a scene out of one of Tom’s films.”

Last year, Hayley Atwell admitted to feeling inspired by Tom.

The 41-year-old actress has worked with Tom, 61, on the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, and Hayley confessed to being wowed by his work ethic, describing her co-star as "deeply inspiring".

The actress told 'ET Canada': "He’s a one-man studio.”

“There is nothing this man doesn’t know about movie-making and the cinematic experience for the audience,” she added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) Director-choreographer Farah Khan recently hosted a bash for the British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran ahead of his concert in Mumbai.

The party was attended by many A-listers along with Farah’s kids, who she said missed the earlier party that she hosted for the ‘Perfect’ singer back in 2017.

On Saturday, the ‘Main Hoon Na’ director took to her Instagram, and shared then and now pictures of Ed Sheeran with her kids, who now seem all grown up.

The first picture is of the singer meeting her kids last night, and the second picture is from 2017 when the kids weren’t allowed to attend the bash given that it was for the grown ups.

However, Farah shared with her followers that Ed Sheeran put up the sweetest gesture for her kids as he went to their room and clicked a picture with them back in 2017 as the party was out of bounds for the young ones.

The director-choreographer wrote in the caption: “Last time I had a party for Ed Shereen, the kids were not allowed up on their own terrace, as they were too small for a grown up party... so @teddysphotos very sweetly went to their bedroom to click pics with them. This party I threw... guess who were the 1st ones there! Time FLIESSSSSS (sic).”

Farah is married to film editor Shirish Kunder, who worked with her on ‘Main Hoon Na’.

Earlier, actress Huma Qureshi also shared the pictures from last night’s party on her Instagram.

The actress said that Ed Sheeran told her that he absolutely loves the 2012 gangster-drama film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’.

Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran’s +-=÷x Tour, organised by BookMyShow Live, will be held at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai on March 16.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, will embark on a three-nation tour to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23 - 27 to strengthen bilateral relations.

The visit to the Southeast Asian nations will provide an opportunity for engagement on regional issues of mutual concern, a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said on Saturday.

Focused on enhancing bilateral relations, the visit comes just after EAM Jaishankar's trip to Japan to take stock of bilateral ties and explore ways to transform the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries.

Dr Jaishankar last visited Singapore in October 2023 to deepen the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, where he met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

At the invitation of Dr Jaishankar, then Malaysian Foreign Minister, Zambry Abdul Kadir, paid an official visit to India in November 2023, to co-chair the sixth India-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi.

In June 2023, EAM Jaishankar and Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo, co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The two leaders held wide-ranging and substantive discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to an MEA release.

Acknowledging that both countries have a shared interest in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, the two nations underlined the need for peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international laws.

--IANS

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Srinagar, March 16 (IANS) Central government on Saturday declared the Yasin Malik-led Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) as an unlawful association for a further period of 5 years.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in an X-post said that: “The Modi government has declared the 'Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction)' as an 'Unlawful Association' for a further period of five years.”

He said: “The banned outfit continues to engage in activities that foment terror and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. Anyone found challenging the security, sovereignty and integrity of the nation will face harsh legal consequences.”

The Central government has so far declared all anti-national and secessionist armed or political organisations and trusts as unlawful associations.

This is part of the government’s larger policy to target the ecosystem of terror that sustained and supported various terrorist groups and individuals so violence started in J&K in late 1989.

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 16 (IANS) As the Election Commission is all set to announce dates for polling and counting for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal on Saturday, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has issued a strong warning against the recurrence of poll-related violence for which the state has become infamous over the years.

The Governor also said that besides violence, he will also not tolerate corrupt practices adopted by the political parties during the polling process.

"I want violence and corruption to end in elections. These are my top priorities. The tradition of political 'Holi' with human blood cannot be tolerated anymore. These things should end now in the state," he added while speaking to mediapersons on Saturday.

"I will hit the streets at 6 a.m. I will be available to the people. The political 'holi' with human blood that happened in the panchayat elections last year should not be allowed anymore," Governor Bose said.

The Governor's comments are in line with the observations made by Election Commission.

During the recent visit of Election Commission to West Bengal, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar gave a strong message to the state administrative machinery to ensure peaceful polls at any cost.

"Under any circumstance the voting should be conducted in a festive mood. The higher administrative and police functionaries have been directed to spread the message to all levels of their subordinates so that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure violence-free polls. If the state administration and police fail to do that, we will make them do it," he said during the interaction with mediapersons after meeting senior bureaucrats and police officials of the state.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) In a three-page statement, alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, lodged in national capital's Mandoli jail, has levelled allegations against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal involving "threats, harassment and corruption".

Chandrashekhar has said that despite threats and mental harassment allegedly directed through the Jail Superintendent, Dhananjay Rawat, he will not retract complaints and statements made under Sections 164 of the CrPC and Section 50 of the PMLA against Chief Minister Kejriwal and his associates.

He has vowed to continue his fight to expose and ensure legal action against the Chief Minister and his close associates.

Chandrashekhar, who is accused to be the kingpin in a Rs 200 crore extortion case, has alleged that threats to him and his family by associates of Kejriwal, are aimed at intimidating him through Jail Superintendent Rawat.

"I will now expose your proximity with Rawat and how he had collected Rs 1.5 crore from me on your bestie Satyendar Jain's instructions in 2020. And how he collected two high-end Patek Philippe watches worth Rs 2 crore in 2021, everything with existence I will provide. I will also expose how brazenly you have purposefully appointed Rawat to the jail where I am currently lodged in," he has said.

He has also accused AAP MLA Somnath Bharti of involvement in corrupt practices, including facilitating a fake international news article on former jailed Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's school model and handling illicit funds.

Chandrashekhar has challenged Bharti to undergo a polygraph test over the allegations and threatened legal action for defamation against his accusers.

"Mr. Bharti in your press statement you are asking which Rs 10 crore I was talking about let me brush your memory its the same Rs 10 crore your corrupt brother and associate Satyendar Jain received from me as jail protection money, which you are very well aware of," the statement said.

Chandrashekhar has expressed his intent to contest against Kejriwal in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, irrespective of the outcome, aiming to expose the Chief Minister's "real worth".

He concluded the press statement with defiance against Kejriwal's alleged lies and corruption, predicting a dismal performance for the AAP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and has challenged Kejriwal to face investigations by the ED and CBI if the allegations against him were baseless.

--IANS

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