News Highlights: ED Director Sanjay K Mishra gets one-year extension

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38 Indians, victims of job offers of transnational crime syndicates, repatriated from Myanmar

Thirty-eight Indians, who were victims of job offers of transnational crime syndicates in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar, were repatriated on Thursday.

Last month, 13, who were among the group trapped in the Myawaddy area, had been rescued. In September, 32 Indians were rescued from Myawaddy following joint efforts by Indian missions in Myanmar and Thailand.(PTI)

ED Director Sanjay K Mishra gets one-year extension

The Union government on Thursday extended by one year the tenure of ED Director Sanjay Kumar Mishra, according to an official order.

The order issued by the Personnel Ministry said the 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer has been given the extension till November 18, 2023.(PTI)

UK's crime agency pursues India-linked illegal steroid smuggling ring

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has ordered a busted drug smuggling ring led by the CEO of an India-based pharmaceutical company to hand over GBP 2 million following an intensive proceeds of crime investigation.

Jacob Sporon-Fiedler, the 38-year-old CEO of India-based Alpha Pharma, had been directly linked to illegal imports while working with a network of UK-based fixers, including 65-year-old Gurjaipal Dhillon.(PTI)

UN chief urges 'loss and damage' deal at climate talks

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Thursday urged divided nations holding climate talks in Egypt to agree on an "ambitious" deal to cover losses suffered by vulnerable nations hammered by natural disasters.

"There is clearly a breakdown in trust between North and South ... The most effective way to rebuild trust is by finding an ambitious and credible agreement on loss and damage and financial support to developing countries," Guterres said at the COP27 conference.(AFP)

Uttarakhand-Nepal border to remain sealed for 3 days due to polls in Himalayan nation

The Uttarakhand-Nepal border will remain sealed for three days from midnight Thursday due to elections in the neighbouring country, officials here said.

Nepal is voting in national and provincial elections on November 20.(PTI)

Pelosi to reportedly pass leadership torch as top US House Democrat

USHouse of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to pass the leadership torch for House Democrats and throw her support behind Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, news website Puck reported on Thursday.

Pelosi plans to announce her intentions in remarks before the House at noon (1700 GMT), where she will say she plans to stay in Congress as a backbench lawmaker.(Reuters)

McLaren Automotive enters Indian market with new 765LT spider model

McLaren Automotive on Thursday unveiled its new 765LT spider model of its high-performance supercar, marking its entry into the Indian market.

The British supercar maker also launched its first car showroom in Mumbai.(PTI)

IAEA board passes resolution criticising Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors has passed a resolution criticising Iran's lack of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, as per diplomats.(AFP)

No way back for Ronaldo at Manchester United, says Neville

Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at Manchester United should be terminated by the club, said former United captain Gary Neville.

In an explosive interview with TalkTV, Ronaldo has said he does not respect United manager Erik ten Hag and claimed he is being forced out of Old Trafford.(AFP)

Awkward moment when different song played instead of national anthem during Bharat Jodo Yatra

An awkward moment was witnessed on Wednesday night during Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra when a different song began to play instead of the national anthem. The incident took place after Gandhi ended his speech at Washim in Maharashtra on Wednesday night and announced that there would be ''Rashtrageet".(PTI)

FTX CEO John Ray says company locayted and secured only 'fraction' of digital assets

New CEO John Ray says FTX has located and secured only a 'fraction' of digital assets it hopes to recover in bankruptcy case.(Reuters)

Japan PM says conveyed concerns to China's Xi about peace in Taiwan Strait

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida conveyed concerns to Chinese leader Xi Jinping over peace in the Taiwan Strait, Kishida said on Thursday.

The Japanese premier spoke after a summit between the two leaders held in Thailand, which marks the first leadership-level talks between the two countries in almost three years. (Reuters)

Man lifts, flings girl on road in Kerala, arrested

A 31-year-old man was arrested for lifting a minor and flinging her to the road without any provocation in Manjeshwar in this district on Thursday, police said.

The horrifying incident occurred this morning when the eight-year-old girl was waiting outside the Madrassa for her uncle to pick up. The accused, Aboobacker Siddique, a local resident, was arrested later, police said.(PTI)

UN 'alarmed' over detainee hunger strike at Libya jail

The United Nations' mission in Libya voiced alarm Thursday at reports that dozens of detainees at a prison near the capital Tripoli are on hunger strike.

"UNSMIL is alarmed by reports that more than 70 inmates at Mitiga Central Prison are on a hunger strike," it said in a statement.

They had launched the strike last month to protest "the prolonged arbitrary detention of many inmates, conditions of detention and ill treatment, including denial of family visits and medical care", it said.(AFP)

Hunt sets out plans to reduce energy consumption by 15% by 2030

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt on Thursday said he wanted the country to become more energy efficient, outlining a new goal to reduce energy consumption by 15 per cent over the next eight years to save money.

"By 2030, we want to reduce energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15 per cent," Hunt said.(Reuters)

Hunt says Sizewell C nuclear plant will go ahead

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday the government would push forward with the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project, saying it marked "the biggest step in our journey to energy independence".(Reuters)

UK's Hunt says to raise energy price cap to 3,000 pounds a year

Macron says World Cup in Qatar 'should not be politicised'

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that "sports should not be politicised," days after it was announced — to criticism — that he would attend the World Cup in Qatar if France reaches the semifinals.

Speaking in Bangkok, Macron said issues about Qatar's human rights record and the environment were "questions you have to ask yourself when you award the event."(AP)

UK finance minister Jeremy Hunt unveils new budget

UK finance minister Jeremy Hunt on Thursday unveiled a fiscal plan that he said will bring down government debt as a percentage of economic output within five years and tightened a raft of tax measures.(Reuters)

Britain's Hunt announces 8 billion pound package for health and social care

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt on Thursday said the country's health and social care system would receive a 8 billion pound package within two years, which he said health chiefs had indicated would help fulfil key priorities.

Hunt said he would increase the state-run National Health Service budget in each of the next two years by an extra 3.3 billion pounds.(Reuters)

Some G20 meetings being planned in India's northeast region: G Kishan Reddy

We are planning to have some G20 meetings in Northeast region: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy(PTI)

Japan PM Kishida urges open dialogue with China leader Xi ahead of summit

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged Chinese leader Xi to engage in a frank and open discussion ahead of a summit between the two countries being held on Thursday in Thailand.

"Both China and Japan hold responsibilities in ensuring the security and peace of this region and wider international community," Kishida said to Xi at the opening remarks of the talks.(Reuters)

Australia cruise to six-wicket win over England in first ODI

A superb Dawid Malan century was in vain as Australia cruised to a six-wicket win over England in their first one-day international at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Malan hit a stylish 134 as England made 287-9, but it never looked enough on a flat batting track that offered nothing for the bowlers.

Australia were largely untroubled as they reached the target with 3.1 overs remaining.(AFP)

Delhi murder accused Aaftab Poonawala consents to narco test

Accused Aaftab Amin Poonawala gives consent to undergo a Narco analysis test, court permits police.(PTI)

Assam and Mizoram governments hold talks over the inter-state border issue

Indian Navy conducts two-day coastal defence exercise

The Navy on Thursday said Exercise Sea Vigil-22, a two-day coastal defence exercise, was conducted from November 15-16.

The conceptual and geographical expanse of Sea Vigil included contingencies ranging from peace to war-time across the entire coastline and EEZ of the country. In addition, mitigation measures, on shore, in case of any breach in coastal security mechanism were also validated, it said.(PTI)

Bengal govt allows minor mineral mining on private land

The West Bengal government has come out with a new policy that allows private land owners to get licences to harness natural resources. The new policy aims to overcome land acquisition hurdles for mining 'minor minerals' and curbing illegal excavation in the state. The policy will also help enrich government coffers with license fees and royalties, state Industry Minister Shashi Panja said addressing the CII organised Global Mining Summit 2022.(PTI)

Police custody of Shraddha murder accused Aftab Poonawala extended for next 5 days

Delhi court extendspolice custody of Shraddha murder accused Aftab Poonawala for next five days. Police submitted in the court that the accused Aftab is to be taken to Uttrakhand and Himachal Pradesh for investigation. The court also allowed the police application seeking permission for the Narco analysis test of accused Aftab.(ANI)

Kazakhstan detains group planning 'riots' ahead of vote

Authorities in Kazakhstan said Thursday they had detained seven people suspected of planning "riots" during this weekend's presidential elections, which being held months after deadly unrest rocked the Central Asian country.(AFP)

Xi wasn't criticising Trudeau at G20 sidelines: China's foreign ministry spokeswoman

Chinese President Xi Jinping wasn't criticising Canada PM Justin Trudeau in a video shot on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali

"I don't think that should be interpreted as Xi Jinping criticising or blaming anyone", China's foreign ministry spokeswoman said.(AFP)

Motorcycle-borne gunmen kill nine in protest-hit Iran

Gunmen on motorcycles in Iran killed nine people, including two children, in mysterious attacks as protests over Mahsa Amini's death intensified on the anniversary of a bloody 2019 crackdown.(AFP)

Xi urges nations to reject Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation

China's president Xi Jinping in his APEC speech urged countries to jointly reject Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation.(Reuters)

Rupee falls 37 paise to close at 81.63 (provisional) against US dollar

Sensex falls 230.12 points to settle at 61,750.60; Nifty declines 65.75 points to 18,343.90

PM Modi will visit Arunachal & Uttar Pradesh on November 19

PM Modi will visit Arunachal & Uttar Pradesh on November 19. At around 9:30 AM, he'll inaugurate Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar & dedicate 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station to the Nation. After that, he'll reach Varanasi, UP, where he'll inaugurate ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ at around 2 PM.(ANI)

Shraddha murder case: Accused Aftab Poonawala to appear before court through video conferencing

An application for the appearance of accused Aftab Poonawala through video conferencing was allowed, due to the security and sensitivity of the case. Now he is to be produced before court through VC.(ANI)

Aleksandr Gorshkov, half of first ice dance Olympic gold medal pair, dies

Russian skater Aleksandr Gorshkov, the first Olympic ice dancing champion and president of the Russian Figure Skating Federation, has died at the age of 76, the federation said Thursday.(AFP)

COP27 draft text omits India's proposal of phasing down all fossil fuels

The United Nations published a first draft of the climate deal on Thursday and it doesn't mention a phase down of all fossil fuels, a proposal that was put forward by India and supported by the European Union and many other countries.

The draft encourages "the continued efforts to accelerate measures towards the phase down of unabated coal power and phase out and rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, in line with national circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards just transitions".(PTI)

'Fertiliser crunch' needs addressing after Black Sea deal's renewal - UN official

A senior UN official involved in the Black Sea grain initiative negotiations on Thursday welcomed an agreement to extend the deal, adding that work needed to continue on easing fertiliser exports.

"The renewal of the Black Sea grain initiative is good news for global food security and for the developing world," Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development said on Twitter, calling it a "beacon of hope".

"Solving the fertiliser crunch must come next," she added, in an apparent reference to Russian demands that the global body help ease Russia's food and fertiliser exports. - Reuters.

Delhi Court extends ED remand by 4 days of businessmen Sharath Reddy and Binoy Babu

Samyukta Kisan Morcha to hold nationwide marches to Raj Bhawans on Nov 26 alleging breach of assurance by Centre on farmers' pending demands - PTI

Ukraine grain deal extended 'under current terms', Turkish official says - AFP

NCB recovers 20 kg heroin from Ludhiana, 1 arrested

One person has been arrested and over 20 kg heroin was seized during a raid in Ludhiana district of Punjab, the Narcotics Control Bureau said here on Thursday.

Besides heroin, cash amounting to Rs 5.86 lakh, foreign currency worth Rs 2,850, two bullets, 20 branded watches, some silver coins, have also been recovered by the NCB Chandigarh unit, a senior official said.

"We have seized more than 20 kg heroin," said Gyaneshwar Singh, deputy director general, NCB (Chandigarh unit) while speaking to the media here.

Two more accused have been identified and efforts are on to nab them, he said. - PTI.

I-T team conducts raid at residence, office of Bihar minister Samir Kumar Mahaseth

NGT files suo-moto case in Mizoram quarry collapse

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has registered a suo-moto case in the stone quarry collapse in south Mizoram's Hnahthial district and directed authorities concerned to appear before it on November 28.

Seven officials, including the member secretary of Mizoram pollution control board and the director of the state's disaster management directorate, have been asked to appear at the tribunal's Faridkot House office in Delhi, according to the notice issued by the NGT on Wednesday.

District Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Kumar said that suo-moto case into the incident has also been filed at Hnahthial police station.

Meanwhile, the toll in the stone quarry collapse in south Mizoram's Hnahthial district climbed to 11 after one more body was recovered from the site, an official said on Thursday. - PTI.

Mick Schumacher to leave Haas Formula One team at end of season

French President Emmanuel Macron says 'must not politicise sport' ahead of Qatar World Cup - AFP

Myanmar junta to deport former British envoy, Australian adviser, Japan journalist - AFP

India's active Covid cases decline to 7,175

India logged 635 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of Covid cases to 4,46,67,311, while the active cases declined to 7,175, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

The death toll climbed to 5,30,546 with 11 fatalities which includes nine deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. - PTI.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren to appear before ED in money laundering case today, reports say

Twitter's ex-CEO Jack Dorsey says will not retake role

Former Chief Executive Officer of Twitter Jack Dorsey said on Wednesday that he will not accept the position of CEO of Twitter.

When asked by a Twitter user if he would accept the position as Twitter CEO, he replied "nope". - Reuters.

Myanmar junta to release 700 prisoners, including four foreigners

Myanmar's junta said Thursday it will release 700 prisoners, including a former British ambassador, a Japanese journalist and an Australian adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi's ousted government.

Former British ambassador Vicky Bowman, Australian economics adviser Sean Turnell and Japanese journalist Toru Kubota "will be released to mark National Day," a senior officer told AFP.

Japanese filmmaker jailed in Myanmar to be released Thursday

Japanese documentary filmmaker Toru Kubota, who had been jailed in Myanmar on charges of sedition and violating immigration and other laws earlier this year, will be released on Thursday and return home, Kyodo News reported.

Kubota was arrested in July at a protest in Myanmar's main city of Yangon and last month was sentenced to a total of 10 years. - Reuters.

North Korea fires 'unidentified ballistic missile', Seoul's military says

North Korea has fired an "unidentified ballistic missile", Seoul's military said Thursday, the latest in a record-breaking blitz of launches that came just hours after Pyongyang warned of a "fiercer" military response to the US and its regional allies.

"North Korea fires an unidentified ballistic missile into East Sea," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. - AFP.

Joe Biden congratulates top House Republican Kevin McCarthy on Republicans winning US House majority

Republicans win US House majority, setting stage for divided government

Punjab: Man nabbed; heroin, opium, drug money seized