New Delhi: Apple, which is all set to hand over 'Make in India' iPhone 15 as well as locally-assembled iPhone 15 Plus to the Indian users on September 22, has received tremendous response to the pre-orders for the iPhone 15 series in the country -- nearly 50 per cent more from last year -- reliable industry and retail sources said on Wednesday.
Apple doubling the pre-orders from last year's iPhone 14 series indicates the company has made deeper inroads in the Indian smartphone market, driven by the premiumisation trend that is now maturing, uptick in first-time users who are shifting from Android to the Apple ecosystem and a young, aspirational population.
Sources told IANS that Apple Online Store has seen stupendous traffic for pre-orders, offering attractive schemes, trade-ins and more.
According to industry experts, Apple is riding on the “premiumisation” trend, where smartphone users in the country are looking to buy their third or fourth smartphone.
“iPhone being one of the most aspirational smartphones, coupled with big features upgrade for the iPhone 15 series, is attracting those increasingly 'smartphone dependent' users to upgrade to the best,“ Neil Shah, research vice president at Counterpoint Research, told IANS.
Further, easier access to financing and greater resale value is making premium iPhones more and more accessible to the mainstream users.
“With iPhone 15 base version now being made in India from the onset, if Apple decides to make the pricing of the new iPhones more attractive in coming months, it could have a blockbuster Diwali season,” Shah added.
Both the locally-manufactured iPhones will be available in India, at Apple Online and its own-branded retail stores (Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in Delhi) on the global sales day on September 22.
iPhone maker Foxconn is assembling both iPhone 15 and 15 Plus at its Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu. Both the 'Make in India' iPhones will also be exported to other countries as well, which is also first for the country.
There are estimates that the iPhone 15 shipments in the launch quarter, which heralds the massive festive season in India, will hover around 65 per cent, driven by an increased 'Make in India' initiative.
The base iPhone 15 models will see a solid uptick in India as "there is a significant upgrade for those shifting from previous iPhone 11, 12 and even 13-gen models,” according to industry experts.
Apple set a June quarter record in India, driven by the robust sales of iPhones, according to its CEO Tim Cook.
"We still have a very, very modest and low share in this smartphone market, so I think it's a huge opportunity for us. And we are putting in all of our energies to make that occur," the Apple CEO said last month.
—IANS

Apple, which is all set to hand over 'Make in India' iPhone 15 as well as locally-assembled iPhone 15 Plus to the Indian users on September 22

Apple doubles pre-orders for new iPhones in India from last year, gears up for bumper Diwali

New Delhi: Indian tech major Infosys (NS:INFY) and graphics chip giant Nvidia on Wednesday announced to expand their strategic collaboration with the aim to help enterprises worldwide drive productivity gains with generative AI applications and solutions.The alliance will bring the Nvidia AI Enterprise ecosystem of models, tools, runtimes and GPU systems to Infosys Topaz — an AI-first set of services, solutions and platforms that use generative AI technologies.
Through the integration, Infosys will create offerings customers can adopt to easily integrate generative AI into their businesses.
Infosys also plans to set up an Nvidia Center of Excellence, where it will train and certify 50,000 of its employees on Nvidia AI technology to provide generative AI expertise to its vast network of customers across industries.
“Infosys Topaz offerings and solutions are complementary to Nvidia’s core stack. By combining our strengths and training 50,000 of our workforce on Nvidia AI technology, we are creating end-to-end industry leading AI solutions that will help enterprises on their journey to become AI-first,” said Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder and Chairman, Infosys.
Infosys uses the full-stack Nvidia generative AI platform, including hardware and enterprise-grade software to innovate across its business operations, and it is helping customers create generative AI applications for business operations, sales and marketing.
“Generative AI will drive the next wave of enterprise productivity gains,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO, Nvidia.
“Together, Nvidia and Infosys will create an expert workforce to help businesses use this platform to build custom applications and solutions,” he added.
Infosys and NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) are also co-developing AI-powered solutions in areas like 5G, cybersecurity and energy transition.
—IANS

Indian tech major Infosys (NS:INFY) and graphics chip giant Nvidia on Wednesday announced to expand their strategic collaboration

Infosys, Nvidia partner to help firms adopt generative AI, boost productivity

Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced SBI Life as official partner for its domestic and international season 2023-26.
SBI Life – the insurance company – has signed a three-year deal with the BCCI and their partnership will begin with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting September 22, 2023.
Roger Binny, president, BCCI said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with SBI Life as the official partner of BCCI for both domestic and international cricket. SBI Life has been one of the torchbearers in the insurance sector and we are looking to build a solid partnership to take Indian cricket forward.”
Jay Shah, secretary, BCCI said: “We are delighted to welcome SBI Life on board as an Official Partner for BCCI’s Domestic and International Season for the course of the next three years, ahead of the prestigious ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. SBI Life's commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with BCCI's vision for cricket. This collaboration reflects our commitment to promoting and supporting the sport of cricket at all levels. We look forward to a fruitful partnership that will enhance the cricketing experience for fans and players alike.”
Ravindra Sharma, chief of brand, Corporate Communication and CSR, SBI Life Insurance, said, “In the context of sports in India, cricket as sport has unfailingly united our nation over the years and BCCI’s undeniable role in nurturing the sport across the length and breadth of the country is well respected. As a brand driven to make a meaningful connect with the consumer, SBI Life’s association as the official partner of BCCI with its undisputed reach and impeccable credibility is a marketer’s delight. We look forward to leveraging SBI Life’s association with BCCI to establish a deeper connect with the consumer and impress upon the need for insurance as an enabler for individuals to pursue their dreams. We sincerely hope the visibility offered by the sport will go a long way in spreading awareness about the importance of insurance and furthering the national agenda of ‘Insurance for all’ by 2047.”
—IANS

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced SBI Life as official partner for its domestic and international season 2023-26

BCCI announces SBI Life as official partner for domestic, international season 2023-26

Mumbai: Actress Aditi Dev Sharma, who has become a fan favourite for her endearing role as Katha in the show 'Kathaa Ankahee', will be seen ditching the quintessential red bridal attire, and will opt for a trendy look for the upcoming wedding sequence. Katha’s bridal look draws inspiration from one of Bollywood's most beautiful brides, Kiara Advani, who perfected the contemporary bridal look.
'Kathaa Ankahee' has etched a place in the hearts of viewers with its exhilarating love story born out of repentance. Featuring Adnan Khan and Aditi as Viaan and Katha, the plot follows their journey as they confront life's obstacles together.
'Kaviaan' fans are in for a treat as the most awaited chapter of Katha and Viaan’s life will now unfold as they welcome their happily ever after. While Viaan and Katha’s wedding celebrations have begun with much galore, Viaan’s aunt Maya (essayed by Anjali Mukhi), is conspiring to drive a wedge in their relationship and cancel the wedding.
Pondering on the hints thrown by Reet about how Katha arranged funds for Aarav’s operation, Maya talks to Ehsaan and finds a lead that will leave everybody shocked.
For the wedding sequence, Katha will be seen donning a lovely pastel pink lehenga with exquisite embroidery, eye-catching jewellery, and minimal makeup, making for a picture-perfect bride.
Excited about this bridal look, Aditi said: "The team and I decided to keep the outfit subtle as Katha has always found solace in simplicity. Less is more for Katha, and this is not just another wedding, but also a celebration of second chances and the love that she feels for Viaan."
"Hence, we went ahead with a simple yet elegant attire with hues of pink, white, and cream that stand for love and happiness. So, in the different wedding functions, you will get to see all these shades in her attire, Also, in line with the new trend we see these days, the creative team kept the makeup and hair style minimalist," said the 'Gangaa' fame actress.
She further said: "Kiara Advani's bridal image was considered when designing the wedding gown; I think she looked stunning in her pastel pink lehenga. I was in awe of her when I saw the images of the wedding."
"I truly appreciate the entire team of 'Kathaa Ankahee' for their efforts to transform Katha into a stunning bride. Enacting this scene made me nostalgic as it took me back to my wedding day, and this sequence made me feel like a bride once again. I hope Kaviaan fans enjoy watching the beautiful wedding festivities as much as we enjoyed creating it," she added.
'Kathaa Anakhee' airs on Sony.
Meanwhile, Aditi was also seen last in the 2021 Punjabi film 'Teeja Punjab'.
—IANS

Actress Aditi Dev Sharma, who has become a fan favourite for her endearing role as Katha in the show 'Kathaa Ankahee', will be seen ditching the quintessential red bridal

Aditi Dev Sharma's bridal look in 'Katha Ankahee' draws inspiration from Kiara Advani

Mumbai: Singer Neeti Mohan, who has sung a heartfelt ode to Lord Ganesha, ‘Hey Ganaraya’, called it an expression of devotion, love and gratitude.
On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Neeti and Suhit Abhyankar released ‘Hey Ganaraya’. This divine musical creation is a harmonious fusion of tradition and contemporary flair celebrating unwavering faith, spiritual love, and the deep connection that devotees share with Bappa, the remover of obstacles.
Cherishing the bond between Lord Ganesha and his devotees, the track is composed and penned by Suhit, and sung by Neeti. Hey Ganaraya’s video is a visual delight taking viewers on a poignant journey from the creation of the Ganapati murti to its visarjan.
Featuring Neeti, the video beautifully portrays the love, excitement, passion and the profound place that Ganpati Bappa and the festival holds in the hearts of the people.
Talking about the track, Neeti said: ” ‘Hey Ganaraya’ is not just a song, it’s our heartfelt expression of devotion, love and gratitude towards Lord Ganesha. It is a song straight from the heart and we hope it touches the hearts of all our listeners and is a part of their beautiful celebrations.”
Composer and lyricist Suhit shared: “Creating ‘Hey Ganaraya’ has been a spiritual journey in itself. We aimed to capture the innocence and love every devotee feels for Lord Ganesha and Neeti’s voice brings that magic. This soulful track promises to be a musical and spiritual revelation, as we start the festive season with unmatched fervour and devotion.”
Meanwhile, Neeti is currently seen as the judge in ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’, alongside Himesh Reshammiya, and Anu Malik.
—IANS

Singer Neeti Mohan, who has sung a heartfelt ode to Lord Ganesha, ‘Hey Ganaraya’, called it an expression of devotion, love and gratitude.

Neeti Mohan: 'Hey Ganaraya' is a song straight from the heart

Los Angeles: Popstar-actress Selena Gomez has said that she will never revisit her mental health documentary ‘My Mind and Me’ because it’s ‘so hard’ to watch.
The 31-year-old laid bare her personal and professional struggles in the candid film for Apple TV Plus which touched on her 2016 breakdown and stint in a treatment centre as well as her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and later battles with mental health issues – and she has now revealed she was reluctant to make the film over fears it would jeopardise her career, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
Speaking during an appearance at Thrive Global’s Music and Health Conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, she explained: “I was very against it. There was a very long period of time where I just didn’t know if it was a good idea. I knew, eventually, one day I wanted to maybe just be an actress for a while, and I didn’t know if it would jeopardise things in my life.
“I don’t know what I’m doing, letting people into my life. And then the moment it was released … I had no choice at that point. And I was relieved. I felt like a huge weight was lifted.”
However, she admitted she can’t bring herself to watch it again.
Gomez added: “I felt like I got to say things that I’ve been keeping in for years. It’s very hard for me to watch. I will never watch it again, but I’m very proud of it. I couldn’t have been luckier to have the people that worked on it with me.”
During the appearance, she also spoke about her relationship with social media – insisting she’s not bothered about numbers of followers but feels the “heavy” responsibility of interacting with fans who are going through tough times.
She said: “I’ve never really cared about that stuff [social media]. I suppose I’m grateful for the platform, and I would love to continue to use it for what I’m able to do, but numbers are just numbers.”
Gomez added: “It can be a little heavy. I feel for people, and I think that’s what kind of keeps me in check, to be honest. I think I can be a little reckless with my emotions and having conversations with young people, women who are going through divorces or going through chemo – it’s not just about me, and I’m fully aware of that. I will just always cherish it. It’s a big responsibility, though. It’s a little scary.”
—IANS

Popstar-actress Selena Gomez has said that she will never revisit her mental health documentary ‘My Mind and Me’ because it’s ‘so hard’ to watch.

Selena Gomez will never watch her mental health documentary again

Mumbai: Actor Varun Dhawan visited the Lalbaugcha Raja here on the second day of the Ganeshotsava.
The actor shared pictures of his visit on Instagram for his followers. Varun wore a yellow ethnic kurta, and is seen seeking blessings from Bappa. He has red tikka on his forehead, and is posing before the huge idol of Lord Ganpati. The video shows him praying to the god.
Varun captioned the post: “Had the best darshan today at #laalbaghcharaja.”
Fans wrote in the comment section: “From Bhediya Movie This Man Literally Doing Better And Then Bawaal Movie Just As It’s Name BTW Ganpati Bappa Morya.”
“May appa Bless You Humesha.”
“Sanskari ladka,” added another: “Wow sir aapke saath saath hamare bhi darshan ho ganpati ji ke.”
On the work front, Varun is currently shooting for his next project ‘VD 18’. In July, the Cine 1 Studios and A for Apple Studios had joined hands for the biggest action entertainer with Varun as the lead. It is written and directed by Kalees, and produced by Murad Khetani and Priya Atlee.
The film ‘VD 18’ is presented by Atlee. It is slated to release on May 31, 2024.
Meanwhile, he was last seen in ‘Bawaal’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Earthsky Pictures. It stars Janhvi Kapoor opposite him.
—IANS

Actor Varun Dhawan visited the Lalbaugcha Raja here on the second day of the Ganeshotsava.

Varun Dhawan seeks blessings at Lalbaugcha Raja, fans call him 'sanskari ladka'

Los Angeles: Ariana Grande, Gabrielle Union, and Guillermo del Toro are among 175 Hollywood personalities who have signed an open letter published denouncing the recent trend to ban books in schools across the USA.
The letter — backed by Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton and MoveOn Political Action organisation — calls out the “restrictive behaviour” and “chilling effect” book bans have “on the broader creative field” and how they are “antithetical to free speech and expression,” reports People magazine.
“We cannot stress enough how these censorious efforts will not end with book bans,” the letter reads, as per The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s only a matter of time before regressive, suppressive ideologues will shift their focus toward other forms of art and entertainment, to further their attacks and efforts to scapegoat marginalised communities, particularly BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks.”
As per People, the signatories concluded the letter by writing that they “refuse to remain silent as one creative field is subjected to oppressive bans” and that they will “band together, because a threat to one form of art is a threat to us all.”
“It’s embarrassing that we are banning books in this country, in this culture, in this day and age. And it’s dangerous that a handful of individuals are deciding that any book with Black and queer people is divisive,” Burton added. “We are calling on everyone to join us in raising their voices to uphold artistic freedom, embrace multicultural history and put a stop once and for all to book bans”.
—IANS

Ariana Grande, Gabrielle Union, and Guillermo del Toro are among 175 Hollywood personalities who have signed an open letter

Ariana Grande, Gabrielle Union, Guillermo del Toro denouncing book bans in US

Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Wednesday took a decision that the salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff at the state universities will be directly credited from the state treasury now.
In the earlier system, funds for the salaries were transferred to the designated accounts of the state universities, which then disbursed the salaries to the teaching and non- teaching staff.
In simple words, the payment system for state university staff will be the same as direct state government employees from now on.
The decision was taken at a meeting with the finance officials of 11 state universities.In the changed system, the drawing and disbursing officers (DDOs) for the state universities will be bureaucratic representatives from the state higher education department, which will virtually bring an end to the financial autonomy for these state universities.
This apprehension of ending the financial autonomy of the state universities had been doing the rounds for some time now following the caution from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to create economic blockades by stopping funds supply from the state exchequer to those state universities, which will operate as per the directives of the Governor.
Different teachers' associations had also threatened to take the legal recourse in case there is any attempt by the higher education department to end the financial autonomy of the state universities.
Now with the changed system of payment of salaries, that apprehension has turned true to a great extent.
—IANS

The West Bengal government on Wednesday took a decision that the salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff at the state universities

Salaries of state university staff in Bengal to be directly credited from treasury

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday dismissed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain’s applications seeking transfer of proceedings in money laundering and corruption cases to a different judge, saying that they hold no merit or substance.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna of the Rouse Avenue Court dismissed the applications seeking transfer of pending proceedings before Special Judge Vikas Dhull to another judge, citing that allegations of bias or prejudice are easy to plead, but difficult to establish.
The court said the strong observations made by a judge cannot itself be the basis to conclude that he or she is not holding the trial in a fair and impartial manner.
It said: “A judge is supposed to conduct proceedings without fear and favour. During the course of proceedings, some orders may favour the prosecution, and some may favour the defence, but such orders cannot be made the basis of attributing bias to the judge concerned.”
It is in Jain’s case that Dhull, while deciding his bail plea in the money laundering case, had pre-decided the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case and had prima-facie declared him guilty in the case under Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI case against Jain has to next come up for arguments on charges.
To which, Sessions Judge Chandna said that parameters for granting bail and legal requirements for framing of charges are different.
She clarified: “For the purpose of framing of charge, the court is required to take prima facie view of the facts and evidence contained in the charge sheet and to come to the conclusion whether there is sufficient material to proceed with the trial of the case. In this way, although the parameters are different, some overlapping issues are required to be dealt with by the court.”
The judge also observed that transferring a matter on the basis of apprehension of bias has larger repercussions, saying that it not only derails the trial, but is also demoralising and demotivating for the judge concerned.
“Therefore, the transfer cannot be allowed on flimsy grounds as also law is well settled in this regard,” she said.
She went on to say that high courts are there for scrutiny of judicial orders, and some orders being against a particular side, cannot be a ground for transfer of case.
Chandna said: “I find that Ld. Judge has been dealing with the matter properly by following the rules of natural justice. I find nothing against the neutrality and impartiality of Ld. Judge and the plea of bias as perceived by the applicant and pleaded in the transfer application is not correct.”
Jain, who is being prosecuted by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in two related cases, is currently on interim medical bail in the money laundering case.
—IANS

A Delhi court on Wednesday dismissed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain’s applications seeking transfer

Delhi court refuses to transfer Satyendar Jain's cases to another judge

New Delhi (The Hawk): The Indian Army and the United States Army will co-host 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of Chiefs of Armies and delegates of 35 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September 2023.
The central theme for this forum is “Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.” The conference will provide an opportunity for Army Chiefs and senior-level leaders from land forces, primarily of the Indo-Pacific region, to exchange ideas and views on security and contemporary issues. The core effort of the forum will be to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, dialogue and friendship amongst the littoral partners.
This event will be organised in Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt and will see over 150 delegates participate in various plenary and round-table sessions. A joint press conference will be held at 9 a.m. with General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army and General Randy George, Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army. This will be followed by an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on 26th September 2023, at the Manekshaw Centre. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri and General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff will attend the opening ceremony.
The conference will feature plenary sessions and informal meetings in three tiers. The Army Chiefs conference will discuss issues of mutual interest and areas of cooperation to synergise efforts of all stakeholders for effecting peace and stability in the region. The IPAMS is a military seminar for Army Officers between the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel to Major General to exchange views on regional security issues and best practices. The SELF will involve the participation of tactical level sub unit commanders to hold open dialogue, share lessons learned and provide understanding about Armies participating in the forum.
The attendees will hear from distinguished guest speakers and participate in lively discussions on topics, such as peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance/ disaster relief, leadership development and empowering women. The delegates will also visit the National War Memorial and pay homage to our fallen heroes. The event will also showcase Atmanirbhar Bharat Equipment Display. The participants will get a glimpse of India’s rich cultural diversity by visiting some heritage sites in the capital. They will also be witnessing various initiatives undertaken by the Army Wives Welfare Association.
During the Curtain Raiser event conducted today in Manekshaw Centre, Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army briefed the media about the framework of the event. He highlighted that Indian Army has made significant contribution in promoting peace and stability in the Indo- Pacific region. He also emphasised that Indian Army remains committed for humanitarian endeavours and relief efforts in the region. During the Curtain Raiser event, Foreign Service Attaches of the United States of America, France, Japan, Maldives and Singapore participated in a round table discussion conducted on the topic “Collaborative Approach in Combating Non-Traditional Security Threats in Indo-Pacific.”
The conference will emerge as a testimony to the shared resolve of participating countries and facilitate fruitful discussions. This will allow the partnerships between the participating countries to be further enduring by exchanging views and sharing best practices.

The Indian Army and the United States Army will co-host 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of Chiefs of Armies and delegates

India, US armies to host Indo Pacific ‘Chiefs of Armies’ conference

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday fixed October 17 for final hearing on pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Citizenship Act's Section 6A relating to illegal immigrants in Assam.
Section 6A was inserted by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985 to carve out a special category of citizens in Assam in accordance with the Assam Accord.
A 5-judge Constitution Bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna, M.M. Sundresh, J.B. Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra said that the common compilation having a common index will prepared by the nodal counsel in accordance with the circular issued to streamline filing of soft copies.
It said that the title of the proceedings will be "In Re: Section 6A Citizenship Act, 1955."
The Assam National Register for Citizens seeks to identify the illegal immigrants in the northeastern state who migrated from Bangladesh after March 24, 1971.
—IANS

The Supreme Court on Wednesday fixed October 17 for final hearing on pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Citizenship 

SC fixes Oct 17 for final hearing on pleas challenging constitutional validity of Citizenship Act's Section 6A

Gandhinagar: Four persons have been killed in Gujarat's Gandhinagar district after the car in which they were travelling plunged into a lake, an official said on Wednesday.
The accident happened on September 18, the police said, adding they suspect that the car driver might have misjudged the route due to darkness and waterlogging.
Five persons were present in the car when the accident took place. One of the occupants is still missing.
The police said that the car was returning from Rajasthan when it plunged into a lake near Dashela village, leading to the drowning of four of the five occupants.
"The car driver might have misjudged road conditions during the night and inadvertently drove the vehicle into the lake as the adjacent road was waterlogged due to rain," an official said.
All five individuals, in their late 20s and close friends, were returning from Rajasthan on September 18 night when the incident occurred.
They were en route to the Naroda area of Ahmedabad, with four hailing from Naroda and one, Gaurang Bhatt, was a resident of Dashela village.
The group had embarked on a holiday trip to Rajasthan a few days ago in a car.
The bodies of the four men were recovered from the lake near Dashela village in Gandhinagar district.
A search operation was initiated to locate the missing car occupant.
—IANS

Four persons have been killed in Gujarat's Gandhinagar district after the car in which they were travelling plunged into a lake

Gujarat: 4 killed, 1 missing as car plunges into lake

New Delhi: A 35-year-old delivery man, who turned thief to increase his earning, was nabbed in Delhi while he was in search of his next prey on a stolen Scooty, an official said on Wednesday.&nbsp;
The accused, Malay Kumar Gupta, a resident of sector-17 in Rohini, also disclosed his role in committing many crimes in the area during the current year. Consequently, as per his disclosure, a total 23 criminal cases of snatching, theft, and pickpocketing registered in north Delghi’s Kotwali police station, have been worked out with his arrest.
According to police, during patrolling on Tuesday at about 07:00 p.m., one person riding on a Scooty without a helmet coming from Main Gate, Labour Chowk side was noticed.&nbsp;
The police officer signalled the Scooty rider to stop in order to check him and for the purpose of enquiry, but he tried to flee from the spot by taking a U-turn.&nbsp;
“However, valorous police officers on patrol instantly swung into action and started to chase him. Ultimately, the Scooty was intercepted and the rider was apprehended and overpowered by the dedicated police officer after a high-voltage chase of about 50 meters,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (north), Sagar Singh Kalsi.&nbsp;
On verification and checking in police records, the Scooty being used by the culprit was found to be stolen from the Adarsh Nagar area.&nbsp;
During the interrogation, Gupta disclosed that he had taken the recovered button-actuated knife from one Sameer, about two months ago, and he was using the knife for committing criminal activities as well as to terrorise innocent people if anyone opposed him while committing the offence.&nbsp;
“Further, the accused also disclosed that he usually snatches, steals, and pickpockets mobile phones and valuables from people in crowded areas and hands over the stolen mobile phones and articles to Sameer, who sells the same to the needy passersby, and after it, they share the amount among themselves,” said the DCP.&nbsp;
—IANS

A 35-year-old delivery man, who turned thief to increase his earning, was nabbed in Delhi while he was in search of his next prey

Delivery man who turned thief to increase earning held in Delhi, 23 cases solved

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department will be conducting an annual monitoring of tiger population in The Nilgiris district as per the protocols established in the Madumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), officials said on Wednesday.
Addressing media persons, Conservator of Forests, and Field Director, MTR, D. Venkatesh, said: “The Nilgiris landscape, including MTR, Sathyamangalam, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Wayanad has the third highest tiger population anywhere in India, which is spilling over into the surrounding Nilgiris division. As a result, we have decided to conduct yearly monitoring of the population, similar to monitoring of the population in MTR.”
He said that other than the death of a tiger in Emerald Village in Kundah, suspected to be due to poisoning, the other tiger deaths were due to natural reasons including fights.
“While we suspect that all six cubs belonging to two tigresses were abandoned, the other three tigers died due to fight with other tigers. Tigers are known to even cannabalise young cubs and tigresses are known for abandoning cubs. We suspect that this is what happened with the most recent deaths of four cubs. However, we will continue our search for the tigress to ensure that she is safe.”
He said that the department will set up anti-poaching camps in Kundah, Korakundah, Udagai South, Naduvattam, Parsons Valley and Pykara ranges surrounding the Mukurthi National park. Camera traps are to be fitted and forest staff have already undergone one session of training to monitor and count the tigers in the division.
—IANS

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department will be conducting an annual monitoring of tiger population in The Nilgiris district as per the protocols

Pankaj Sharma

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