India News Highlights: PM Modi to join Biden in press conference; 'Fresh charges’ against Teesta Setalvad after 14 years

16:30 (IST)

LIVE News Highlights 

Here are the important highlights of the day:

• 'Pipeline of talent' needed for India, US to maintain momentum of growth: PM Modi
• PM Modi invites Micron to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India
• PM Modi gifts sandalwood box, green diamond to US President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden
• India's PM Modi to join Biden in rare press conference, questions limited
• CM Siddaramaiah says Shah to take up matter with food ministry
• People protest against removal of a portion of a temple
• G20 nations can undertake skill mapping at global level, says PM Modi
• Delhi Court assigns the sexual harassment case against WFI Chief Brij Bhushan to ACMM
• Locals protest outside temple in Delhi's Mandawali during encroachment drive by PWD
• GE, HAL to produce fighter jets together for the IAF amidst PM Modi’s state visit to US

15:42 (IST)

Indian Fishermen Arrested LIVE Updates

22 Indian fishermen arrested for poaching in Sri Lanka's territorial waters: Sri Lanka Navy

According to authorities, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 22 Indian fishermen aboard four trawlers on suspicion of poaching in the nation's territorial seas northwest of Delft Island, Jaffna.

Late on Wednesday, the Sri Lanka Navy carried out a special operation to drive away Indian trawlers that were illegally fishing in Sri Lankan seas.

Four boats were also taken, along with the fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were apparently from the districts of Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, and Nagapattinam. They were reportedly apprehended late on Wednesday near Neduntheevu.

They were then delivered to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector at Kankesanthurai Harbour for additional legal action.

To stop foreign fishing trawlers from engaging in unlawful fishing practises, the Navy regularly patrols and conducts operations in Sri Lankan seas.

Dr. S. Ramadoss, the creator of the political party Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Tamil Nadu, has denounced the Sri Lankan Navy's detention of the state's fisherman.

15:40 (IST)

Digi Yatra LIVE Updates

Digi Yatra app user base crosses the one million mark - PIB

One million users have downloaded the Digi Yatra app, according to PIB.

By 20 June 2023, 1.74 million people would have travelled utilising Digi Yatra. Following Vijayawada in terms of the number of travellers using this service is Varanasi.

15:38 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

GE, HAL to produce fighter jets together for the IAF amidst PM Modi’s official state visit to the US

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to the United States, GE Aerospace announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. This announcement marks a significant development and is essential to advancing defence cooperation between the two nations.

It also said, the agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India, and GE Aerospace continues to work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorization for this. The effort is part of the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program, said GE Aerospace.

15:07 (IST)

Delhi Protest LIVE Updates

Locals protest outside temple in Delhi's Mandawali during encroachment drive by PWD

A big crowd gathered at a temple in east Delhi's Mandawali on Thursday to protest the removal of a grill that was part of the temple during an encroachment drive conducted by the Public Works Department (PWD) here, according to police.

According to them, the enormous demonstration caused traffic gridlock in the region, which was eventually alleviated.

The PWD was in charge of the encroachment campaign, according to police, who added that the grill intruding on a walkway was removed quietly in the presence of a large police presence.

The PWD's encroachment sweep is planned to take place on Thursday, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Amrutha Guguloth.

"We were intimated about the encroachment drive by the PWD yesterday (Wednesday). The grill which surrounded the temple was encroaching upon the footpath and it was removed peacefully. We provided assistance to the PWD officials. The law and order situation is normal," she said.

According to police, the residents who had congregated near the temple premises have now ended their protest but remain on one side of the road. After the encroachment drive was done, they sang slogans and attended temple rituals, according to authorities.

15:06 (IST)

Delhi High Court LIVE Updates

Disadvantaged group kids to be given equal opportunities to integrate in mainstream: HC

Students from disadvantaged groups and economically backward classes must be given equal opportunities to enter life and study in schools alongside other children in order to be integrated into mainstream society, the Delhi High Court ruled while ordering a private school to admit three students from the EWS category.

The high court ruled that the restricted seats available under the economically weaker section (EWS)/ Disadvantaged Group (DG) cannot be wasted since every vacant seat against this quota represents a denial of excellent education to a kid from a low-income family.

Denial of admission to a kid under the EWS/DG category would breach such children's rights under Article 21A of the Constitution as well as the rights afforded to such pupils under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, according to Justice Mini Pushkarna.

The ruling was issued in response to a contempt petition brought by three children demanding compliance with a December 2021 judgement directing a reputable private school to admit the petitioners under the EWS/DG category.

14:49 (IST)

Uttarakhand News LIVE

9 killed, 2 injured after car falls into a ditch in Pithoragarh

Police reported on Thursday that nine people were killed and two others were critically injured when the SUV car in which they were riding crashed into a ditch in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh.

"Out of 11 people travelling in the Bolero car, 9 died. Two others are also badly injured and in critical condition," said Nilesh Anand Bharne, Inspector General (IG) Kumaon.

14:46 (IST)

Wrestlers Protest News LIVE

Next hearing is on June 27, says Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava

VIDEO | "The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Rouse Avenue has transferred the (wrestlers') case of (sexual harassment against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) to Additional CMM. The matter has been listed for June 27," says public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava. pic.twitter.com/h8Dg9790Hr— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2023

14:05 (IST)

Wrestlers Protest News LIVE

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court assigns the sexual harassment case against WFI Chief Brij Bhushan to ACMM

The sexual harassment case was handed to the ACMM court dealing with MP MLA charges by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court.

The case has been scheduled for June 27.

The ACMM heard the wrestlers' motion for a court-monitored investigation into the situation. The court had requested an update on the situation. The application hearing has already been scheduled for June 27.

13:30 (IST)

2002 Gujarat Riots LIVE Updates

'Fresh charges’ against Teesta Setalvad after 14 years

Teesta Setalvad, a human rights activist, said before the Gujarat High Court, which is considering her bail application in connection with the 2002 riots, that witnesses had made inconsistent testimonies and that new claims were being made after 14 years before a new special investigative team.

On Tuesday, Setalvad finished her bail arguments before the Supreme Court. The state is due to file its reply on Wednesday.

Setalvad and R.B. Sreekumar, a former DGP of the Gujarat police, were detained on charges linked to an alleged conspiracy to manipulate the evidence in order to accuse innocent people in connection with the riots.

The FIR was filed against them, as well as jailed ex-cop Sanjiv Bhatt, after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition by Zakia Jafri, the widow of slain Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, challenging the findings of an earlier SIT that cleared then-Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi of any wrongdoing in connection with the riots.

12:57 (IST)

G20 LIVE Updates

G20 nations can undertake skill mapping at global level, says PM Modi

G20 nations can conduct global skill mapping, identify gaps that need to be filled, and play a significant role in fostering research and innovation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

During a virtual presentation to the G20 Education Ministers meeting in Pune, he emphasised the need of striking the correct balance between the benefits and challenges presented by technology.

The G20 ministers will formally adopt the conclusion documents during the conference, which will mark the completion of months of debate inside the education working group track. These result documents will serve as a road map for the worldwide community, directing concerted measures to achieve inclusive and high-quality education for all students.

"G20 countries can undertake skill mapping at the global level and find gaps that need to be plugged. Digital technology serves as an equalizer and promotes inclusivity. It is a force multiplier in increasing access to education."

12:54 (IST)

Manipur Violence LIVE Updates

Two soldiers sustained minor injuries after armed miscreants resorted to unprovoked firing in West Imphal

Two soldiers were injured in the morning hours of June 22 when armed miscreants opened fire on them in N Boljang, Imphal West Distt. Both troops are in good health. According to Spear Corps, Indian Army, one INSAS light machine gun was recovered during the first search.

12:31 (IST)

Delhi Protest LIVE

Law and order situation is normal, says Deputy Commissioner of Police (East)

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), the law and order situation is normal, and there is currently no traffic disturbance.

"The grill (of the temple) has been removed peacefully. Law and order situation is normal, and there is no traffic disruption as of now," says Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Amrutha Guguloth. pic.twitter.com/9ZJ06StbHV— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2023

12:14 (IST)

President Murmu LIVE News Updates

President Droupadi Murmu presents the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2022 and 2023 to nurses

At Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu honoured Nurses with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2022 and 2023.

12:13 (IST)

Amul LIVE News Updates

A look back at the legacy of Sylvester daCunha, the man behind Amul’s 'Utterly Butterly' girl

The creator of the eternal Amul girl, Sylvester daCunha, passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday night.

He was in his 80s and is survived by his wife Nisha, their son, and ad-master Rahul daCunha. He was the late Gerson daCunha’s (advertising genius) brother, according to IANS.

Leaders from all spheres of society sent their condolences and prayers, especially Amul, the largest dairy company in India.

Read More

12:00 (IST)

Delhi Protest LIVE

Large number of people protest against the removal of a portion of a temple in Delhi's Mandawali area

Locals and police clash during a protest against the removal of a section of a temple in Delhi's Mandawali neighbourhood. Several demonstrators were apprehended.

VIDEO | Scuffle breaks out between locals and police amid protest against authorities' move to remove portion of a temple in Delhi's Mandawali. Several protesters were detained. pic.twitter.com/A4wc2pTo5E— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2023

11:40 (IST)

Karnataka LIVE Updates

Karnataka CM discusses rice supply issue with HM Amit Shah

On Wednesday night, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss food supply to the state for its 'Anna Bhagya' plan, which distributes an additional 5 kg of rice for each member of BPL families.

According to the Chief Minister's office, Siddaramaiah reminded Shah at the meeting that the Centre's policies was impeding the provision of food for the needy. Shah stated that he will meet with Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal to examine the matter.

The "courtesy call" meeting in New Delhi is Siddaramaiah's first with the Union Home Minister since becoming chief minister.

According to the statement by CMO, Siddaramaiah opined that "the Centre's new policy is against the Food Security Act, it will directly affect two times meals of the poor, hence it will be good if the policy of not supplying foodgrains to the states is changed."

"Shah, in turn, told the chief minister that he will discuss with Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal in this regard on Thursday morning," it added.

11:13 (IST)

Karnataka LIVE Updates

Rice supply to Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah says Shah to take up matter with food ministry

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that he will take up the matter of delivering rice to Karnataka for its 'Anna Bhagya' plan with the Ministry of Food.

On Wednesday night, Siddaramaiah met with Shah and discussed the problem of food supply to the state for its plan, which distributes an additional 5 kg of rice for each member of BPL families.

"I have brought to his (Shah) notice that FCI had agreed to supply rice to the state and even issued a letter. However, the same was denied the next day. It looks like the issue was politicised. I have said that we should not indulge in the politics of enmity," Siddaramaiah told reporters here before leaving for Bengaluru.

Shah has told him that he will discuss the matter with the relevant government and get back to him.

In addition to the rice issue, the chief minister requested that the Union Home Minister allocate two battalions of the Indian Reserve Police to the state.

10:53 (IST)

China Gas Leak Explosion LIVE Updates

31 killed in massive explosion at barbecue restaurant in China

According to government media, at least 31 people were murdered and seven more were injured when a major cooking gas explosion blasted through a barbecue restaurant in northern China on Thursday.

The explosion occurred about 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday on a popular street in Yinchuan's Xingqing District, caused by a leak of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the working area of a barbecue restaurant, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

The explosion killed 38 people, with 31 confirmed dead, and seven others, including one in critical condition, needing medical care, according to the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee of the governing Communist Party of China (CPC).

10:40 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi thanks US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden for hosting him at White House

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for hosting him at the White House on Wednesday (local time). PM Modi stated that they had a "great conversation" on a variety of topics.

I thank @POTUS @JoeBiden and @FLOTUS @DrBiden for hosting me at the White House today. We had a great conversation on several subjects. pic.twitter.com/AUahgV6ebM— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 22, 2023

10:27 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

India's PM Modi to join Biden in rare press conference, questions limited

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden and visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give comments and accept questions from media during the Indian leader's state visit, which a senior White House source described as a "big deal."

Aside from the occasional interview, Modi seldom takes questions from the media. He has not given a single news conference in India since taking office over nine years ago. He gave a news conference in May 2019 but never accepted questions.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the White House understands the press conference is a "big deal."

"We are just grateful that Prime Minister Modi is participating in a press event at the end of the visit," Kirby said. "We think that's important and we're glad he thinks that's important too."

The format of the press conference will include one question from the U.S. press and one from an Indian journalist, Kirby said.

09:57 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi gifts sandalwood box, green diamond to US President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his first state visit to the United States, presented a handcrafted sandalwood box with 'das danam' to US President Joe Biden and a lab-grown green diamond to First Lady Jill Biden on Wednesday (local time).

The presents were exchanged at the White House at a private dinner given by Joe and Jill Biden for Prime Minister Modi.

A master artisan from Jaipur, Rajasthan, constructed the exquisite sandalwood box handed to US President Joe Biden. Officials claimed the sandalwood from Mysore, Karnataka, features elaborately carved flora and animal motifs.

The box contains a silver statue of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity revered as the remover of obstacles and the most revered of all gods. The idol was created by a fifth-generation silversmith family from Kolkata.

PM Modi gifts sandalwood box with 'Das Danam' to President Biden, lab-grown 7.5 Carat green diamond to US First Lady #FPWorld pic.twitter.com/KuLIUwjNwF— Firstpost (@firstpost) June 22, 2023

09:04 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

"I believe it's India's time to shine": CEO of Applied Materials after meeting PM Modi

Gary E. Dickerson, President and CEO of Applied Materials, stated after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it is India's moment to drive tremendous progress and shine.

Dickerson said, "I deeply believe this is India's time to shine. We will be announcing soon an innovation centre in India that will focus on innovation in equipment. We have very high confidence that working together with India, we can create tremendous success."

Recognising India as a reliable partner, he praised the country's remarkable ability, which is valued by many countries across the world.

08:43 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Congress takes dig at PM Modi

The Congress Party has mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for paying respects to Mahatma Gandhi's bust at the United Nations headquarters.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that despite Prachar Mantri's "maximum hypocrisy, minimum sincerity" and efforts to legitimise the Godse ideology, Gandhiji will continue to inspire us to fight to save the Republic, preserve the Constitution, and protect democratic institutions, values, and modes of governance.

He made the remarks while responding to a tweet by the Prime Minister Modi.

08:32 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

After years of strengthening ties, US-India partnership deep, expansive, says Jill Biden

According to First Lady Jill Biden, the US-India cooperation is deep and expansive following years of deepening ties as the two countries cooperatively confront global concerns.

She also gave the journalists a sneak peek at the cuisine for the State Dinner she and US President Joe Biden are hosting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"With this official State Visit, we are bringing together the world's oldest and the world's largest democracies," Jill Biden said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of President Biden and the First Lady.

Jill Biden said that "after years of strengthening ties, the US-India partnership is deep and expansive as we jointly tackle global challenges. But our relationship isn't only about governments".

07:40 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi receives warm welcome by members of Indian diaspora in Washington DC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted warmly at the Hotel Intercontinental Willard in Washington, DC.

As cries of 'Vande Mataram' resonated across the neighbourhood, the Indian diaspora greeted him.

Read More

07:38 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi invites Micron to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged American chipmaker Micron Technology to expand semiconductor production in India, citing the country's competitive advantages across the product's supply chain.

He also invited Applied Materials to India to work on process technologies and sophisticated packaging.

Modi emphasised the possibility of the company's partnership with academic institutions in India to generate a competent workforce during his meeting here with President and CEO of Applied Materials Gary E Dickerson.

"The prime minister invited Micron Technology to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India," a ministry of external affairs statement said.

07:34 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Modi invites US students to India

During his first official visit to Washington, D.C., Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited American students to study in India while having a meeting with First Lady Jill Biden.

Hundreds of US professors are already in India as part of a technology relationship, according to Modi.

07:33 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Modi flexes India’s cultural reach on Yoga Day

Praising yoga as "a way of life," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did postures ranging from cobra to corpse in front of a global gathering at the United Nations headquarters on Wednesday, kicking off the public phase of his tour to the United States.

Modi paused and bowed to a statue of the slain Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi before making a few brief words about how yoga was an all-ages, portable practise open to all religions and cultures. A checkerboard of made-in-India yoga mats covered the U.N.'s expansive north lawn.

“It is a very old tradition, but like all ancient Indian traditions, it is also living and dynamic,” Modi said. “Yoga is truly universal."

07:23 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Modi accorded ceremonial welcome, guard of honour upon arriving at Washington

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met with a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC, despite the rain.

To commemorate his arrival, the national anthems of both nations were played at the airbase. PM Modi was presented with a bouquet by two young children.