Kolkata, June 8 (IANS) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police on Monday issued a fresh notice to Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party’s Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, asking him to be present at the CID headquarters in south Kolkata by 5 p.m. on Tuesday for questioning in relation to an ongoing CID probe into alleged mismatches in the signatures of some Trinamool Congress legislators in a crucial resolution pertaining to appointments to key posts in the West Bengal Assembly reserved for the Opposition bench.

This is the third notice for interrogation that has been served on Abhishek Banerjee, also the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in the matter.

In the first notice served on May 30, Abhishek Banerjee was asked to appear for interrogation at the CID headquarters on June 1. However, on June 1, he sent a communique to the CID seeking 15 days’ time to appear, citing medical issues after being assaulted at Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district on the afternoon of May 30.

The CID then served a second notice asking him to appear for interrogation by 12 noon on Monday.

However, on Monday morning, Abhishek Banerjee, who is currently in New Delhi along with Mamata Banerjee to attend the crucial meeting of the Opposition India National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, sent another communique to the CID seeking more time to appear for interrogation.

However, on Monday afternoon, a team of CID officials appeared at his residence on Kalighat Road in south Kolkata and served the third notice there.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Abhishek Banerjee returns to Kolkata from New Delhi and appears for interrogation within the stipulated deadline of 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Incidentally, a crucial hearing is scheduled for June 10 before a single-judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court on Abhishek Banerjee’s petition challenging the CID summons and seeking protection from coercive action, including arrest, in the matter.

Last week, while approaching the Calcutta High Court with his petition challenging the CID summons and seeking protection, he also moved a plea for an expedited hearing.

However, the single-judge vacation bench of Justice Chaitali Chatterjee Das rejected the plea for an expedited hearing and fixed June 10 as the next date of hearing.

–IANS

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Imphal/Itanagar, June 8 (IANS) BJP candidates in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh on Monday filed their nomination papers for the June 18 elections to the Rajya Sabha seats from the two Northeastern states.

In Manipur, state BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi filed her nomination papers at the Manipur Assembly Secretariat for the election to the state’s sole Rajya Sabha seat.

Sharda Devi submitted her nomination in the presence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, BJP observer and Assam MLA Rajdeep Roy, state Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh and several party legislators.

Addressing the media after filing her nomination, Sharda Devi said that if elected to the Rajya Sabha, she would prioritise issues concerning women in the state.

“If elected to the Upper House of Parliament, my foremost priorities would be the restoration of lasting peace in Manipur and the rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced by the ethnic violence that has affected the state,” she said.

No opposition candidate has filed nomination papers so far.

In the 60-member Manipur Assembly, the BJP has 36 MLAs, followed by the National People’s Party with six members. The Naga People’s Front and the Congress have five MLAs each, while the Kuki People’s Alliance has two members and the Janata Dal-United has one. There are also three Independent legislators in the Assembly.

All parties, save the Congress, are allies of the ruling BJP.

The Rajya Sabha election in Manipur has been necessitated as the term of the sitting BJP member Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba is scheduled to end on June 21.

In Arunachal Pradesh, former state BJP President Tai Tagak on Monday filed his nomination papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state.

Accompanied by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Home Minister Mama Natung, BJP observer and Assam Minister Ashok Singhal, Tagak filed his nomination before Returning Officer Tadar Meena at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat in Itanagar.

Tagak has been associated with the BJP for several years and is widely credited with strengthening the party’s organisational base across the Northeastern state.

The Rajya Sabha election in Arunachal Pradesh has been necessitated as the tenure of incumbent MP Nabam Rebia is set to conclude on June 23. With the ruling BJP enjoying an overwhelming majority in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, Tagak is widely expected to secure victory in the election.

–IANS

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Islamabad, June 8 (IANS) The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) on Monday strongly condemned the firing by Pakistani security forces on peaceful and unarmed protesters in the Rawalakot region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) that left several people dead and injured.

Describing the incident that unfolded on Sunday night as a “massacre”, the UKPNP said, “Peaceful protest is a democratic right. Pakistan must immediately halt this cycle of tyranny and brutality against unarmed Kashmiris.”

The organisation appealed to the United Nations and the international community to intervene and take immediate steps to ensure the protection of the lives and fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people.

UKPNP further called on the international media to highlight the ground realities in PoK.

It also urged the international media and human rights watchdogs to immediately report from Rawalakot and other affected areas of PoK and bring the real facts before the global community.

Rawalakot has become the epicentre of a widening wave of protests across PoK after authorities launched a crackdown on activists linked to the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (J&KJAAC), a report stated.

Citing local activists and members of the movement, the ‘European Times’ reported that tensions intensified after authorities designated the J&KJAAC as a banned organisation and rolled out a series of security measures ahead of its planned Long March on June 9. The protesting leaders also alleged that internet services across PoK had been suspended since the night of June 5, severely disrupting communication throughout the region.

According to the report, public outrage intensified following reports that Shahzaib Habib and Amjid Kashmiri, both J&KJAAC members, lost their lives during confrontations tied to the ongoing demonstrations. It added that their deaths have become a focal point of the movement, with protesters accusing security forces of using excessive force against peaceful protesters.

Reports from various parts of PoK suggest that the protest movement has expanded beyond Rawalakot, with demonstrations and shutter-down strikes reported in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Tata Pani, and Plandari. In Plandari, local activists reportedly blocked key access routes as part of the widening agitation.

The report highlighted that the worsening situation in PoK has drawn strong reactions from the Kashmiri diaspora, with solidarity demonstrations held in the United Kingdom and concerns over human rights conditions in the region raised at international forums in the United States and Australia.

“As Rawalakot remains at the centre of the unfolding crisis, the coming days are expected to be critical. With the Long March approaching and public anger continuing to grow, the situation in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir appears poised to remain a major flashpoint, drawing increasing regional and international attention,” the European Times noted.

–IANS

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Kabul, June 8 (IANS) Afghan police in the drive against illegal drugs have discovered illegal drugs and also destroyed drug processing labs in the southern Uruzgan and western Farah provinces of the country, said a statement of the Ministry for Interior Affairs on Monday.

A total of 21 kg of illegal drugs and 273 stimulant tablets (locally known as Tablet K) have been seized. Police also destroyed drug processing labs along with around 1,000 kg of objects used in manufacturing heroin in Uruzgan and Farah provinces, the statement posted on the ministry’s social platform X asserted.

Police have also taken into custody five individuals on charges of involvement in the black business, the statement went on to say, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Without providing more details, the statement noted that the counter-narcotics police would continue the war against illegal drugs until Afghanistan gets rid of the drug menace.

Earlier in May, Afghan counter-narcotics forces have seized a substantial quantity of narcotics and drug-processing materials during ongoing operations in southern Helmand province, the state-run Bakhtar News Agency reported.

According to the report, authorities confiscated approximately 8,170 kg of heroin, along with materials used in the processing and production of illegal drugs. The seizure is part of continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and dismantle criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of narcotics.

Similarly, security forces confiscated 55 kg of methamphetamine in Nimroz province in western Afghanistan.

On April 26, Ministry of Interior Affairs said that Afghan law enforcement authorities have arrested 80 individuals on charges of drug trafficking following a series of coordinated operations carried out across multiple provinces.

According to the ministry, counter-narcotics police conducted targeted raids in several regions, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of illegal substances, including hashish, narcotic tablets, and materials used in the production of heroin.

The statement added that the arrests are part of ongoing nationwide efforts to curb drug trafficking and dismantle distribution networks.

–IANS

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New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said India’s 7.7 per cent GDP growth reflected sustained policy interventions and economic reforms undertaken by the government over the past decade, which have ensured that the country remains the fastest-growing economy.

“I don’t think any of you would have imagined that last year would close with a GDP growth of 7.7 per cent. This is not an accident, it is a decade of structural reforms,” he said.

The minister launched the BHAVYA portal to accelerate the development of 100 investment-ready industrial parks across India. On May 23, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) released the detailed operational guidelines for the implementation of the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) Scheme, which provides for the development of 100 industrial parks over a period of six years from 2026-27 to 2031-32, with a total financial outlay of approximately Rs 33,660 crore.

In the first phase, up to 50 industrial parks will be taken up through a challenge-based competitive selection process. Up to 20 Industrial parks will be selected from the applications received by July 31, and 30 more will be selected from applications received in the subsequent 4 months.

The minister said that the government has been endeavouring with hard work and sincerity to improve the lives of 1.4 billion Indians. Giving them a good quality of life, ease of living and ease of doing business has been at the fulcrum of the government’s efforts towards promoting more and more economic activity, he added.

“More than 250 million people have come out of extreme poverty. Many obsolete laws have been taken off the books, and we have a listening and vigilant government, recognising what, when and where we need to act,” Goyal said.

The minister said that to maintain this momentum, India’s exports rose last year despite the 50 per cent US tariffs and global wars in Ukraine and West Asia.

He further stated that the country attracted record FDI last year despite geopolitical tensions.

“The government has finalised five FTAs in a span of six months. The world is looking up to India as a trusted partner, and all see India as an investment destination, not only for the large-scale demand it generates but also for its young talent and youthful energy. It is an opportunity of a lifetime, and as we conclude 12 years today, we rededicate ourselves to do much more in the future, prepare the nation for the challenges ahead, and continue to work for the people of India,” Goyal added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) India could sign the first tranche of its long-awaited bilateral trade agreement with the United States as early as July, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday.

Speaking to media on the sideline of an event, Goyal further indicated that negotiations between the two countries are nearing a crucial stage despite recent tariff-related concerns.

The minister’s remarks have raised expectations of an early breakthrough in trade talks that have been underway for months, with both sides seeking to strengthen economic ties and improve market access for businesses.

The proposed agreement is expected to provide a significant boost to bilateral trade and enhance opportunities for Indian exporters in key sectors.

Speaking about the progress of the negotiations, Goyal suggested that discussions between officials from India and the United States have advanced considerably in recent weeks and that efforts are underway to resolve the remaining issues.

The latest comments build on statements made by the minister last week, when he highlighted the rapid pace of engagement between the two countries.

On June 5, Goyal said that a full team of US trade officials had visited New Delhi and held extensive discussions with their Indian counterparts to push the negotiations forward.

“We had a full team of officials from different divisions of trade from the U.S. in Delhi,” Goyal had said.

According to the minister, both sides are working to close the remaining gaps in the proposed agreement and are focused on reaching a mutually beneficial outcome.

He had expressed confidence that the first phase of the trade pact could be finalised by the middle of July, describing it as a “very vibrant first tranche” that would lay the foundation for deeper economic cooperation between the two countries.

The proposed trade agreement is seen as a key step in expanding India-US economic relations at a time when both nations are looking to diversify supply chains, increase investment flows and strengthen strategic partnerships across sectors.

If concluded, the initial tranche could pave the way for a broader and more comprehensive trade framework in the future.

–IANS

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Agartala, June 8 (IANS) Hundreds of surrendered extremists belonging to the now-disbanded National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) on Monday threatened to launch a 72-hour blockade of highways and railway lines from June 12, protesting the alleged non-implementation of key provisions of a tripartite rehabilitation agreement signed with the Centre and the Tripura government.

Leaders of the surrendered militants, while announcing the proposed blockade, claimed that despite repeated assurances, the government has yet to fulfil several commitments made under the tripartite agreement signed on September 4, 2024, in New Delhi.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, senior political leaders, and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Tripura government.

Under the agreement, NLFT and ATTF militants formally surrendered before Chief Minister Saha during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the 7th Battalion of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) at Jampuijala in Sepahijala district on September 24, 2024.

At the ceremony, cadres of the two insurgent outfits laid down a substantial cache of arms and ammunition and returned to the mainstream under the state’s peace and rehabilitation process.

Former NLFT leader Prasanjit Debbarma said that around 1,200 former militants had surrendered before the Government of India and the Tripura government under various peace accords with the expectation of rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration.

He alleged that several commitments made under the tripartite agreement remain unfulfilled despite repeated appeals and representations submitted to the authorities over the years.

Debbarma further claimed that although more than two years have passed since many former militants renounced violence and returned to normal life, only 79 cadres have so far been identified as beneficiaries of the rehabilitation package.

According to him, the Central government had announced a rehabilitation package worth Rs 250 crore, which included provisions for economic assistance, livelihood generation, welfare measures and other initiatives aimed at ensuring a secure and sustainable future for those who abandoned insurgency and joined the democratic mainstream.

However, the surrendered militants alleged that a large number of former cadres continue to face financial difficulties and social hardships because several provisions of the package have not been implemented in full.

The leaders of the surrendered militants said that they had submitted several memoranda outlining their grievances to both the state and Central governments on multiple occasions, including recently to Chief Minister Manik Saha, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma and Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, but claimed that no concrete response had been received.

“Getting no response from the government to our demands and issues, we are compelled to launch a 72-hour blockade of national highways and railway lines at least at three locations in West Tripura and Khowai districts,” Prasanjit Debbarma told the media.

The surrendered militants also warned that if their demands remain unresolved, they would intensify their agitation and could extend the blockade for an indefinite period.

Following the surrender of NLFT and ATTF militants, Chief Minister Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, had stated that the decades-old insurgency in Tripura had effectively come to an end, marking a significant milestone in the state’s peace process.

–IANS

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Warsaw (Poland), June 8 (IANS) Latvia and the United States claimed the respective men’s and women’s titles at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland.

Latvia defeated Germany 20-15 in the men’s final to win its first 3×3 World Cup title. The victory also made Latvia the first men’s team to complete a collection of major international honors: Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, the European Cup in 2017, and the World Cup in 2026 on Sunday.

Serbia edged France 20-19 to secure bronze.

In the women’s competition, the United States beat Australia 21-20 in a closely contested final. Mikaylah Williams scored the winning basket and was named the tournament’s MVP, reports Xinhua.

The triumph marked the fourth 3×3 World Cup title for the U.S. women, following previous victories in 2012, 2014, and 2023, while Australia made the women’s final for the first time.

The Netherlands secured the bronze medal with a 21-14 victory over Azerbaijan.

The seven-day tournament brought together 40 teams from around the world, attracting more than 100,000 spectators.

The inaugural tournament, originally named the FIBA 3×3 World Championship, was held in August 2012 in Athens, Greece. In the first edition, there was a mixed event where each team was composed of 2 men and 2 women. But now that has been discontinued, and there are only two events in the tournament: one for men and another for women.

Serbia is the most successful country in the men’s competition with six gold medals, one silver, and two bronze, while the United States is the next best with one gold and two silver medals. Latvia, Qatar, and Oman are the other countries to win the gold medal in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

The United States is the most successful nation in the women’s FIBA 3×3 World Cup with four titles and one third-place finish. France, Russia, China, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Italy are the other nations to win the title in the competition that has had 10 editions so far.

–IANS

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Tumakuru (Karnataka), June 8 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara has spoken about his leadership journey and his repeated disappointment over not being made Chief Minister on three occasions, including the recent formation of the Congress government when D.K. Shivakumar was considered for the top post, and he was assigned the Deputy Chief Minister’s role.

Parameshwara said on Monday that in 2013, he lost the Assembly election and believes that had he won, Siddaramaiah may not have become Chief Minister at that time. “Due to my loss, Siddaramaiah became CM,” he said.

It may be noted that there were strong allegations that Siddaramaiah ensured Parameshwara’s defeat in the Assembly elections to secure the Chief Minister’s post. However, Siddaramaiah has clarified that he had no role in Parameshwara’s defeat.

Parameshwara further noted that in 2018, despite the Congress winning a larger number of seats, the JD(S), which had only 30 MLAs, formed a coalition government, and H.D. Kumaraswamy went on to become Chief Minister due to political circumstances.

“I would have become Chief Minister, but for some unknown reasons, I was not made CM. This is the second time it was missed. This time, I made an attempt and was confident, but political decisions depend on several factors. Ultimately, I was given the post of Deputy Chief Minister,” he said.

He also revealed that he had at one point told the party high command that if he was not being considered for the Chief Minister’s post, he should be allowed to step aside, as he carries greater responsibilities.

Parameshwara said that political office comes with responsibility and discipline. “We cannot behave as we wish. The people are watching us. I always tell my colleagues that people observe us under a magnifying glass, and we must be careful,” he said.

According to sources, the Deputy Chief Minister became emotional and reportedly broke down in tears in front of close associates, expressing disappointment over being denied the Chief Minister’s post on three occasions.

Parameshwara made the remarks while interacting with staff at Siddhartha College, recalling his entry into politics. “Politics was never my plan. Everything happened by chance. When Rajiv Gandhi came as Prime Minister to our campus, I got an opportunity to meet him, and I eventually joined the party,” he reportedly said.

He added that he has completed nearly 40 years in politics and has held several key positions, including party president and Deputy Chief Minister, but has never been given the Chief Minister’s post.

His remarks have gained political significance amid reports that the Congress party is preparing to project D.K. Shivakumar as its Chief Ministerial face for the 2028 Assembly elections in Karnataka as part of its strategy to counter the BJP and JD(S) alliance.

Party sources say Parameshwara’s statement has created concern within the leadership, as he is a prominent Dalit leader, and any perceived sidelining could send a negative message to key voter groups.

–IANS

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New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) Fresh from their historic ODI World Cup triumph earlier this year, India will head into the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup with hopes of ending another long wait — lifting their first-ever T20 world title. Beyond the team’s pursuit of glory, several Indian stars are on the verge of achieving iconic records of their own during the tournament in England and Wales.

India’s tournament journey starts against archrivals Pakistan in Birmingham on June 14 before facing the Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia in Group A.

Harmanpreet set for 200 T20I appearances.

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is on the cusp of a historic moment as she stands one cap away from becoming the first-ever player in either men’s or women’s cricket to register 200 T20 International appearances.

The seasoned batter currently has 196 T20 International caps and requires only four more matches to achieve the unprecedented record. What makes the achievement all the more special is that Harmanpreet made her T20I debut during the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup in England in 2009. Seventeen years later, she could reach this incredible landmark in the same country where her T20 International journey began.

Harmanpreet set to join elite 10-World Cup club.

As well as the potential T20I cap milestone, the World Cup will also witness Harmanpreet’s 10th outing at a Women’s T20 World Cup, which places her among a very elite seven players who have featured in every single edition of the competition since its inception.

She joins an esteemed group alongside Ellyse Perry, Chamari Athapaththu, Marizanne Kapp, Stafanie Taylor, Sophie Devine, and Suzie Bates.

Deepti eyes historic 200-wicket milestone

India’s premier all-rounder Deepti Sharma could become the first woman in history to reach 200 T20 International wickets.

The Indian spinner holds the record for the most wickets in women’s T20Is after surpassing Australia’s Megan Schutt and remains one of India’s key players leading into the global tournament.

Deepti’s unique all-round record

The Indian all-rounder is already the only cricketer – male or female – in history to register a staggering double of 1000+ T20 International runs and 150 wickets. With a strong World Cup campaign under her belt, she could extend her already remarkable advantage in this department further and get closer to the 200-wicket landmark.

Will India finally claim the T20 World Cup title?

While a host of individual records are set to be created, the primary aim for the Indian team will be to finally win their first Women’s T20 World Cup.

India have taken part in every edition of the tournament since its inauguration in 2009 and have regularly reached the business end of the competition. The team have made it to the semi-finals in 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2023, respectively, and their best showing was reaching the finals of the 2020 tournament in Australia, where they were beaten by the host nation in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Following a successful year in which the team finally broke their ODI World Cup hoodoo thanks to outstanding individual performances from Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and Richa Ghosh, India will now look to combine their historic achievements with the ultimate prize and claim the Women’s T20 World Cup crown.

–IANS

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