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Himachal Pradesh: Heavy rains claim 50 lives, houses washed away in flash floods, roads blocked in catastrophic landslides

OpIndia Staff
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Himachal Pradesh: Heavy rains claim 50 lives, houses washed away in flash floods, roads blocked in catastrophic landslides

The State of Himachal Pradesh witnessed over 50 deaths between August 13 and August 14 this year after heavy rains resulted in catastrophic landslides.

As per reports, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted heavy rainfall in 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh and issued a yellow warning for Tuesday (August 15.)

In disturbing visuals that have surfaced on social media, landslides and flash floods are seen washing away residential buildings and blocking key roads including the Shimla-Chandigarh road. In total, 621 roads remain blocked in Himachal Pradesh.

SP (Shimla) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi informed that 14 people were killed in two Shimla landslips. The bodies of 9 of the deceased were recovered from the debris of a Shiv temple in the Summer Hill area. The bodies of 5 other victims were retrieved from the Fagli area.

The deceased were identified as Harnam, Kamal Kishore, Hemlata, Rahul, Neha, Raksha and Golu. The catastrophic floods and landslides have led to the suspension of the Chardham yatra for a period of 2 days.

The Indian Army is working alongside Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to expedite the rescue and relief work.

Due to the incessant rain, the earth beneath the Kalka-Shimla railway track between Jutogah and Summer Hill was washed away. As such, the State government cancelled the movement of trains between Kandaghat and Shimla.

In the meantime, the Himachal Pradesh government also shut down schools and other educational institutes and moved people to shelters in vulnerable areas.

In a statement, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “Over 50 people have lost their lives in the state in last 24 hours. Over 20 people are still trapped, the death toll can also increase. Search and rescue operation is underway. We have taken the decision not to organise any cultural programme on the occasion of Independence Day.”

The State has reportedly incurred a whopping loss of 7020.28 crores, caused due to heavy monsoon rains.

Former US President Donald Trump indicted by Georgia grand jury in 2020 election interference case: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Former US President Donald Trump indicted by Georgia grand jury in 2020 election interference case: Details

The grand jury in Georgia has indicted Donald Trump in the 2020 election interference case. Trump is now formally accused of attempting to overturn his defeat in the state in the 2020 Presidential election. The 98-page indictment is the fourth criminal case against the former US President.

The charges have been approved by the grand jury for the violation of Georgia’s Racketeer Influencer and Corrupt Organisation (RICO) law. Several conspiracy charges have also been approved against Trump including several counts of pressurising public officials to violate their chair. Trump is also accused of false statements and writing and filing false documents.

A total of 19 people have been indicted in the case including Trump, who is in the forefront for the Republican nomination for the 2024 Presidential elections. Trump campaign officials, lawyers, and Trump government officials have been charged. The case has been brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who has become a hero in the Democrat corridors.

In the course of her investigation, Willis examined the alleged efforts by Trump to pressure state leaders to reverse his loss. Trump had lost by 11,000 votes to the now-President Joe Biden. The angle of manipulating voting equipment also emerged in the course of the probe.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote that Willis was out to get to him and accused her of prosecutorial misconduct. “She (Willis allowed Atlanta to become one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world,” he wrote. Trump has attacked Willis several times of being politically motivated as he denied the charges levelled against him.

The 77-year-old has been indicted three times this year and has been impeached twice. In January 2021, in a conference call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the former US President insisted the latter to “find” enough votes to reverse his loss, which Raffensperger turned down.

‘India has demography, democracy, and diversity to realise dreams’: PM Modi at Red Fort on Independence Day

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‘India has demography, democracy, and diversity to realise dreams’: PM Modi at Red Fort on Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India has “demography, democracy and diversity” and these factors have the potential to realise the dreams of the country.

“Today, we have demography, democracy and diversity – these three together have the ability to realise the dreams of the nation,” PM Modi said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day.  

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and three service chiefs.

As soon as the national flag was hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals were showered at the venue by two Advanced Light Helicopters Mark-III Dhruv of the Indian Air Force.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi announces ‘Vishwakarma scheme’ from September

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In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi announces ‘Vishwakarma scheme’ from September

In his 10th consecutive Independence Day speech Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the launch of the Vishwakarma Yojana with an initial spending of Rs 13,000-Rs 15,000 crore in the next month for those with traditional skills.

Addressing the country from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort, the prime minister said, “The government will launch ‘Vishwakarma scheme’ with an allocation of Rs 13,000 to 15,000 crore in the next month for those with traditional skills.”

Vishwakarma Scheme was announced in the Budget 2023. 

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims at improve the quality, scale and reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to integrate them with the domestic and global value chain. This would result in the economic empowerment of such workers, especially those belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Communities, women, transgender and other weaker sections of the society. 

The scheme will be launched in September on the Vishwakarma Jayanti. Vishwakarma Jayanti falls on September 17, 2023.

Meanwhile, in his address to the nation from Red Fort, the Prime Minister emphasised the significant role of women in making the country embrace new heights of development.

“I want to thank the mothers, sisters and daughters of my country for their capability. I pay my deep regards to our parivaarjans, our farmers, our labourers… Our professionals, be they scientists, engineers, nurses, teachers or professors, everyone is giving their best to ensure a bright future for Maa Bharti,” the PM said. 

He also thanked farmers for their efforts that India is moving ahead in the agriculture sector. 

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and three service chiefs.

As soon as the national flag was hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals were showered at the venue by two Advanced Light Helicopters Mark-III Dhruv of the Indian Air Force.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

‘We are living in Amrit Kaal, decisions taken today will impact India’s next 1000 years’: PM Modi

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‘We are living in Amrit Kaal, decisions taken today will impact India’s next 1000 years’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that decisions taken by the country today and the work done will impact its future for 1000 years.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that there is a tremendous opportunity before the country due to the trinity of democracy, demography and diversity.

He said India faced a struggle for several centuries before it gained Independence in 1947.  

“I am talking about the last 1000 years because I see that there is opportunity before the country once again. What we do in this era, the steps we take, and the decisions we take one after the other will decide the direction, future of the country in the coming 1000 years,” he said.

“Today, we have demography, democracy and diversity – these three together have the ability to realise the dreams of the nation. The trinity of demography, democracy and diversity has the power to realise the dreams of the nation,” he added. 
Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and three service chiefs.

As soon as the national flag was hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals were showered at the venue by two Advanced Light Helicopters Mark-III Dhruv of the Indian Air Force.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

“Country is with Manipur”: PM Narendra Modi says in his Independence Day speech, highlights the importance of peace

OpIndia Staff
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“Country is with Manipur”: PM Narendra Modi says in his Independence Day speech, highlights the importance of peace

On the 77th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi. During his 10th speech from the Red Fort, among other things, PM Modi also addressed the violence that recently broke out in the Northeastern state of Manipur.

During his address, among the first things PM Modi talked about was the importance of maintaining peace in the state. He said, “Many lost lives in Manipur. Mothers and daughters were ashamed. The country is with Manipur and a solution can only be achieved through peace. The state government and Centre are trying to find a way to solve the problem and only peace can find the way.”

Notably, the opposition had disrupted the recently concluded Monsoon session of the Parliament over the violence in Manipur. A no-confidence motion was also brought against PM Modi over the same issue, which was soundly defeated via a voice vote.

Addressing the same issue again during his speech, PM Modi also noted that the state is already headed towards peace now and reassured the people of Manipur that the country is with them.

Violence in Manipur

Violence erupted at several places in Manipur in early May during protests by tribal groups against the demand for ST status by the Meitei community. Protests by the tribal groups turned violent at various places in the state, where large-scale arson took place.

The recent violence first took place in Churachandpur district on 27 April, when a mob led by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) burnt down a newly constructed gym-cum-sports facility a day before it was scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. 

Since then, over 160 people have died in the violence and finally after over 3 months of violence, the state is headed back to normalcy.

US extends wishes to India on 77th Independence Day, hails strong bond between the two countries

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US extends wishes to India on 77th Independence Day, hails strong bond between the two countries

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has extended wishes to the people of India on its 77th Independence Day. He stated that India and US have a “strong bond” as the two nations work together for a world that is open, prosperous, secure, stable and resilient. 

“On behalf of the United States of America, we send our warmest wishes to the people of India as they commemorate 76 years of independence this August 15. On this momentous day, we reflect on the depth and breadth of our strategic partnership, and we celebrate the proud history of the Indian people, who are the key to the bright future we are building together,” Antony Blinken said in a statement. 

Antony Blinken noted that the relationship between India and US has grown “deeper” and it has become “more expansive than ever.” He said that the US stands with India in the shared commitment to tackle the most pressing challenges to ensure the peace and prosperity of people. 

“This last year has shown that the US-India relationship is deeper and more expansive than ever. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, we’ve created a strong bond between our nations, a bond that grows ever closer as we work together for a world that is open, prosperous, secure, stable, and resilient,” Antony Blinken said. 

“On behalf of the American people, I extend to the people of India best wishes on this important day. We stand with you in our shared commitment to tackling the most pressing global challenges to ensure the peace and prosperity of our peoples,” he added. 

With the nation echoing with zeal and enthusiasm on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday hoisted the tricolour at his residence in New Delhi.

Various iconic buildings and monuments in India have been illuminated in the Tricolours lights on Independence Day. Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station and India Gate were light-up as the city soaks in Independence Day fervour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in marking its 77th Independence Day as the grand stage is all set for celebrations on Tuesday at the iconic Red Fort in the national capital. As per a release by the Ministry of Defence issued on Sunday, PM Modi will hoist the National Flag and deliver the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the historic monument.

This year’s Independence Day will culminate the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which were launched by PM Modi from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021, and will, once again, usher the country into ‘Amrit Kaal’ with renewed vigour to realise PM Modi’s dream of making India a developed country by 2047.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Himachal rains: Over 50 dead in last 24 hours, rescue operation underway

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Himachal rains: Over 50 dead in last 24 hours, rescue operation underway

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday informed that over 50 people have lost their lives within the past 24 hours due to landslides and continuous rainfall in the area. He also expressed concerns that over 20 people are feared to be trapped under debris.

CM Sukhu further informed that ongoing search and rescue efforts are in progress within the region. In light of the unfortunate situation, the state has decided not to hold any cultural festivities for Independence Day.

The chief minister said, “Over 50 people have lost their lives in the state in the last 24 hours. Over 20 people are still trapped, and the death toll can also increase. A search and rescue operation is underway. We have taken the decision not to organise any cultural programme on the occasion of Independence Day,”

“President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP chief JP Nadda, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi have called to provide all possible help to the state government,” the CM added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the loss of lives at various places in the state is extremely distressing and that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are engaged in rescue and relief operations.

Shah took to microblogging site X (formerly Twitter) to express his deepest condolences to the bereaved families praying to God to give them strength to bear the sorrow and wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“The loss of lives due to heavy rains and landslides at various places in Himachal Pradesh is extremely distressing. NDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations along with the local administration. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Shah shared in a tweet. 

Meanwhile, the state government informed that the movement of trains between Kandaghat-Shimla is cancelled.

“Kalka-Shimla railway track at km 92/6-92/7 between Jutogh & Summer Hill railway stations is washed away after a landslide hit Shimla’s Summer Hill area. The movement of trains between Kandaghat-Shimla is cancelled”, the government said in a release.

Shimla DSP Vijay Raghuvanshi said that the rescue operations are underway in the Summer Hill area where the landslide occurred adding that the rain is causing trouble.

“Since morning we have recovered eight dead bodies. It is very difficult to work here. The people are cooperating… We are not sure right now about the number of people who were here…SDM, SP and SDRF all are present here…The rain is causing trouble but we are constantly carrying out our rescue operations…,” the Shimla DSP said.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief at the deaths of several people in rain-related mishaps in Himachal Pradesh.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of many people in unfortunate accidents due to excessive rains in Himachal Pradesh. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” read a rough translation of her message in Hindi on X, formerly Twitter.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda spoke to CM Sukhu and state BJP President Rajeev Bindal and enquired about the loss due to a cloudburst and landslide in the state. He extended full support to Himachal Pradesh by all means.

Earlier today, seven people died after the cloudburst at Jadon village in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan. Two houses and one cowshed also got washed away in the incident.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a possibility of rain in areas of Punjab and Haryana for the next two to three days.

“The areas of Punjab and Haryana which are bordering states to Himachal Pradesh may receive heavy rains,” said Manmohan Singh, Director of the Meteorological Department.

Along with these areas, rain is also expected in Chandigarh as well.

“The temperature which is being recorded at 34 to 36 degrees Celsius in Punjab and Haryana will also see a decrease in the coming weeks.”

The HP Traffic, Tourist and Railways Police informed that the road from Anu-Hamirpur town is closed temporarily. “Use Pakka Bharo or Dang Kawali Road for Anu”, the police shared in a tweet.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Assam: Police arrest Imam Mukhsin Rahman Khan in connection with the murder case of a 12-year-old madarsa student

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: Police arrest Imam Mukhsin Rahman Khan in connection with the murder case of a 12-year-old madarsa student

On Monday (14 August), the Assam Police arrested an Imam (Muslim cleric) in connection with a murder case of a madarsa student. The accused has been identified as Mukhsin Rahman Khan. 

A day earlier, on Sunday, a beheaded body of a 12-year-old madarsa student was found inside the hostel at the Darus Salam Hafizia and Alia madarsa in Hawaithang of Cachar district. 

When the student’s roommates tried to wake him up for namaz, they found his dead body inside the hostel, police officials stated. Subsequently, the madarsa authorities alerted the Cachar Police. Upon getting the information, the police officials rushed to the spot and sent the body for a post-mortem.

Sensing the sensitivity of the case, the district administration sealed the madarsa as part of the investigation. According to an ABP News report, around 13 students of the madarsa were detained by the Dholai police for questioning.

Speaking to the media, Cachar Superintendent of Police (SP) Numal Mahatta informed about the incident. SP Mahatta said, “On Sunday morning, the deceased’s friends found him lying dead. We immediately rushed to the spot to investigate the matter. During the preliminary investigation, we found that the incident may have taken place between 3 and 4 AM. We have called all the students and teachers of the madarsa for questioning. The deceased’s brother also studies in the same madarsa.”

As per police officials, Khan was angry at the student as a few days earlier, he was asked to apologise to the deceased student after he physically tortured him for eloping from the madarsa. 

Cachar SP said, ”A few days ago, the teacher, identified as Mukhsin Rahman Khan, was asked to apologise publicly after he had beaten Rabijul for allegedly eloping from the madarsa.” 

The SP further stated that when the parents of the student came to know about this incident, they made a complaint to the Head Cleric of the madarsa. Afterwards, Khan was asked to write an apology. 

The Police added, ”This incident angered the accused teacher Hafiz Mukhsin Rahman Khan. On Sunday night, when everyone in the madarsa was sleeping, the teacher slit the throat of the 12-year-old student Rabijul Hussain Laskar with a sharp weapon and fled.” 

SP Mahatta added that the accused has been booked under section 302 (committing murder) of the IPC and further investigation is ongoing in this matter.

‘I’m Mohammad, slave of Allah’: Passenger onboard Malaysian Airlines flight threatens to bomb the plane if co-passengers did not submit to be Allah’s slaves

OpIndia Staff
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‘I’m Mohammad, slave of Allah’: Passenger onboard Malaysian Airlines flight threatens to bomb the plane if co-passengers did not submit to be Allah’s slaves

On Monday, August 14, a video went viral on social media wherein a man onboard a Malaysian Airlines flight threatened to blow up the plane if his co-passengers and cabin crew members did not submit that they were Allah’s slaves.

Due to the inconvenience caused by the passenger, who identified himself as Mohammad, flight MH122, which was bound for Kuala Lumpur had to return to Sydney, Australia. The flight was carrying 194 passengers and five crew onboard. Post landing back in Sydney, the man was arrested by the Australian Federal Police.

The viral video shows the passenger standing in the aisle. He is wearing a light blue T-shirt and a backpack on his chest. He threatens the passengers and the cabin crew by pointing at them and saying, “My name is Mohammed, the slave of Allah,” he said while demanding that other passengers also repeat the same. “Are you a slave of Allah, say it, say it,” he is heard saying.

The passenger reportedly went on to threaten to blow up the plane. Media reports suggest that later, the crew members onboard the flight checked his backpack and found no explosives in it.

In a statement, Malaysian Airlines addressed the return of the flight back to its base and said that the flight was turned around due to a “disruptive passenger onboard”.

“In the interests of safety, the commander of the flight made the decision to return to Sydney.”

“The flight, carrying 194 passengers and five crew onboard, landed safely at 3.47 pm hours. The safety and comfort of our crew and passengers are of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines,” they added.

“The safety and comfort of our crew and passengers are of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines. The aircraft will be thoroughly inspected by the police. Passengers will be transferred to the next available flights after obtaining clearance from the authorities,” the airlines said.

Without providing specifics regarding the alleged offence, Australian Federal Police stated in a statement that they responded to an “emergency incident” at the airport and that the man was arrested and will face charges on Monday night.

“The AFP will not divulge operational matters, however, an emergency response plan was enacted and an evacuation was initiated once it was deemed safe for passengers and crew,” the AFP said in a statement.

The plane was parked on the end of a runway hours later with emergency vehicles nearby, Nine News reported.

Meanwhile, Sydney Airport took to X, formally Twitter, to announce that as a result of the incident, 32 domestic flights were cancelled, and other domestic flights faced a delay of up to 90 minutes. No international flights were cancelled.

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