Daily wrap: 'Money routed to Dhoni-linked firms', terror law amended
Buoyed by support from 2 BJP MLAs, Kamal Nath dismisses threat to govt
Following the success of “Operation Lotus” in Karnataka, a BJP leader claimed in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday that the Kamal Nath government in the state can be toppled within 24 hours — if the party’s top leadership ordered. The statement by Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava, coming a day after the collapse of the Congress-JD(S) regime in Karnataka, prompted chief minister Nath to state that he was ready to face a floor test anytime.
Amrapali group entered into sham deals with Dhoni-linked firms, SC told
Amrapali Group had entered into “sham agreements” with Rhiti Sports Management Pvt Ltd (RSMPL), which promotes the brand of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, to “illegally divert” home buyers money, the court appointed forensic auditors have told the Supreme Court. The forensic audit report accepted by the top court said on Tuesday (July 24) that Amrapali Sapphire Developers Pvt Ltd had paid ₹6.52 crore, out of the total amount of ₹42.22 crore, to RSMPL during 2009-2015.
Armed with more power against terror, govt vows to crush ‘urban naxals’
Amidst a heated debate and a Congress walkout, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Unlawful Activities Prevention (Amendment) Bill with 284 votes in its favour and eight against it. Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday defended amendments to the anti-terror law, saying they are was essential to keep law enforcement agencies one step ahead of terrorists. Responding to a debate in Lok Sabha on a bill seeking to amend the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, he asserted anti-terror laws would not be misused and used only to root out terrorism.
Not in a hurry, BJP keeps Yeddyurappa waiting to form Karnataka govt
BJP’s Karnataka president BS Yeddyurappa said Wednesday he was awaiting instructions from his party central leadership on staking claim to form an alternative government in the state. The 14-month old Congress-JDS coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy collapsed on Tuesday after losing the vote of confidence in the assembly in a climax to three-week-long intense power struggle.
I did not clear Trump of obstruction of justice, says Robert Mueller
Former Trump-Russia special counsel Robert Mueller told lawmakers on Wednesday he could not exonerate US President Donald Trump of obstruction of justice and that the President’s claims that he had done so in his report are not correct. “The President was not exculpated for the acts that he allegedly committed,” Mueller declared at the opening of congressional hearings into his investigation of Russian interference to help Trump win the 2016 election.
Security reduced for several VIPs, 1,300 commandos freed
Over 1,300 commandos have been freed after the Centre removed the VIP security cover of several politicians and lawmakers across the country, officials said on Wednesday (July 24). A comprehensive security review of about 350 VIPs and dignitaries was undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) early this week, they said. More than 1,300 security personnel drawn from forces like CRPF, CISF, NSG and Delhi Police stand to be relieved after this review, the officials said.
College suspends students after video of clash in Chennai bus goes viral
Two students, involved in a violent clash and seen on a viral video brandishing weapons, running in and out of an MTC bus in Chennai, have been suspended by their college. Arunmozhi Selvan, principal of Pachaiyappa’s College said the students who were involved in the clash have been “suspended with immediate effect, pending inquiry”. “The management and the police department will take necessary action against the students who bring weapons to college,” he said.
Boris Johnson takes charge as UK PM, to use ‘personal relations’ to build India ties
Boris Johnson officially became Britain’s new Prime Minister on Wednesday and promised to leave the European Union on October 31 “no ifs, no buts” under a “new deal” with the 28-member economic bloc. In reference to India-UK relations, Johnson is on the record saying he wants to pursue a new trade deal and is expected to build on his self-confessed “personal relationship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver a “truly special” bilateral relationship
