Balakot air strikes a demo of our intent, capability, says President Kovind
Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist by the UN in May this year after China withdrew its long-standing block to the move
By HT Correspondent | Hindustan Times, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JUN 20, 2019 02:02 PM IST
The listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in the United Nations is proof that the world stands with India on issue of terrorism, President Ram Nath Kovind said in his address to a joint session of Parliament on Thursday.
“Today the whole world stands with India on the issue of terrorism. Designation of Masood Azhar, responsible for dastardly terrorist attacks on our soil, as a global terrorist by United Nations, is a major testimony to this fact,” said President Kovind.
In his address, President Kovind said the people of India have given a “clear mandate” in the Lok Sabha elections to accelerate the country’s development journey that started in 2014 to build a New India. He said the Narendra Modi government is moving ahead to create a strong, secure and inclusive India.
President Kovind said the New India will be sensitive and also, economically prosperous but for this to happen, nation’s security is of utmost importance. “My Government accords top most priority to national security. Therefore, effective steps are being taken to tackle Terrorism and Naxalism,” he said.
“India has amply demonstrated both her intent and capabilities, first through surgical strikes and then through air strikes after the Pulwama attack at terrorist hideouts across the border. In future too, all possible steps will be taken to ensure our security,” he said.
Masood Azhar, the chief of Pakistan-based JeM, was designated a global terrorist by the UN in May this year after China withdrew its long-standing block to the move, marking a major diplomatic and political victory in the Indian government’s efforts to counter cross-border terrorism.
Also read: ‘Brief the boss’: The backstory of Masood Azhar’s global terror tag
Azhar was listed by the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee for his association with al-Qaeda and his role in financing, planning and facilitating terrorist acts by the Jaish. The terror tag meant that Pakistan is required to take three steps – freeze the funds and financial assets of Azhar, enforce a travel ban on him, and cut off his access to arms and related materials.
Somnath Bharti gets bail; to remain in jail
By HT Correspondent, Lucknow
PUBLISHED ON JAN 16, 2021 06:03 AM IST
Somnath Bharti had reached Rae Bareli on Sunday night to inspect its state-run primary schools, and was stopped by the police when he was leaving the guest house on Monday morning,Bharti, however, will remain in prison in connection with a second case against him that will be heard on Saturday.
Will march in strength to Delhi, say farmers
By Anvit Srivastava, New Delhi
PUBLISHED ON JAN 16, 2021 05:27 AM IST
On Thursday, protest at Singhu border continued to be peaceful with farmer groups raising slogans, carrying out marches, cooking and distributing food at langars and delivering speeches. Manmeet Singh, a farmer from Jalandhar said more people known to him have joined the protest since he left home.
Boy made to undergo sex change surgery
PTI, New Delhi
PUBLISHED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:15 AM IST
The victim was allegedly intoxicated and beaten up. After a few days, he was forced to undergo a sex-change operation. At that time, he was 13 years old. He said he was given hormones to make him look like a girl. The accused repeatedly raped him and pushed him into prostitution.
Build confidence in Covid vaccines, govt tells districts
By Abhishek Dey, Anonna Dutt, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:17 AM IST
This week, the revenue districts have been directed to systematically launch awareness programmes focused on confidence-building and addressing vaccine hesitancy.Starting Saturday, Covid vaccine will be administered to health care workers, their numbers estimated at 300,000 in Delhi.
Delhi HC objects to WhatsApp asking judge not to hear PIL
By Richa banka, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:24 AM IST
Justice Pratibha M Singh said the e-mail, which was later withdrawn, was completely unwarranted because she was anyway going to recuse herself from hearing the case filed by lawyer Chaitanya Rohilla, who has contended that WhatsApp’s updated policy violates the individual’s Right to Privacy.
Farm bills have potential but cannot ignore those adversely affected: IMF
PTI, Washington
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 05:55 AM IST
There is, however, a need to strengthen the social safety net for those who might be adversely affected by the transition to the new system, Gerry Rice, Director of Communications at IMF, said at a news conference in Washington on Thursday.
BJP fields former IAS officer as its candidate for UP MLC elections
By HT Correspondent, Lucknow
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:17 AM IST
On Thursday, former Gujarat cadre Indian Administrative Service officer Arvind Kumar Sharma had joined the party after taking voluntary retirement from service earlier this week. He was due to retire in July 2022.
Congress won’t relent till Centre repeals ‘black’ laws, says Rahul
By HT Correspondent, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:21 AM IST
“Congress will stand by the farmers in their protest as the three agricultural laws have been passed to destroy them, and help and benefit the big industrialists,” Rahul Gandhi said.
After protests, Goa CM announces relocation of IIT project from Melaulim
By HT Correspondent, Panaji
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:18 AM IST
The decision caps more than six months of protests largely by the residents of Melaulim village who had refused to concede land and had set up a blockade at the entrance to the site refusing to allow government surveyors to enter the village to demarcate the land.
BJP leaders meet Shah over Bengal poll
By HT Correspondent, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:32 AM IST
Bengal BJP leaders said that Friday’s meeting was held to review the Bengal poll preparedness against the backdrop of the report five central leaders prepared for Shah. Induction of leaders from the Trinamool Congress and other parties was also discussed at the meeting, said a BJP leader.
Will go it alone in Uttarakhand, UP, says Mayawati
By HT Correspondent, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 05:57 AM IST
Mayawati, who turned 65 on Friday, said just like 2007, the BSP will form a government in Uttar Pradesh on its own in 2022. “I have never compromised with principles for the sake of getting power. All BSP workers must unitedly start preparing for these elections,” she said.
CBI ‘bribe-for-relief’ racket was running since 2018, finds probe
By Neeraj Chauhan, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:22 AM IST
The agency has identified bribes worth ₹55 lakh paid to two of its officers– Deputy Superintendent of Police , R K Rishi ( ₹30 lakh) and Inspector Kapil Dhankad ( ₹25 lakh) – in lieu of favours extended to at least three companies.
Panel ignored advice on bidder: Officials
By HT Correspondent, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:26 AM IST
The Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, 2018 gave “in-principle” approval for leasing out six airports of the state-run Airports Authority of India through the public private partnership appraisal committee.
Army displays drone swarming prowess
By HT Correspondent, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:24 AM IST
The army’s drone swarming capability is under development, though it has been tested for HADR roles, which are largely dropping medicines and essential items. The technology is being developed by the army in partnership with a Bengaluru-based start-up NewSpace Research and Technologies.
Don’t test India’s patience, Army chief warns China
By Rahul Singh, New Delhi
UPDATED ON JAN 16, 2021 04:31 AM IST
General Manoj Mukund Naravane, in a media briefing on January 12, said the army was prepared to hold ground in eastern Ladakh “for as long as it takes” to achieve national objectives in case the ongoing military and diplomatic talks with China to reduce tensions are “prolonged”.