Hyderabad, June 16 (IANS) Telangana’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) questioned Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and former minister K. T. Rama Rao in the Formula E case for nearly eight hours on Monday.Rama Rao subsequently returned to BRS headquarters, Telangana Bhavan, to a huge welcome by the party leaders and workers.A tense situation prevailed at the ACB office in Banjara Hills throughout the day as a large number of BRS workers tried to gather to show solidarity with Rama Rao, who had stated in the morning that he may be arrested by the ACB.The ACB officials wanted to seize KTR’s mobile phone, but he told them that he was not carrying it. The former minister was directed to surrender his phone he used at the time of the Formula E race by June 18.Talking to media persons at Telangana Bhavan, KTR reiterated that he was not scared of arrest. He said the ACB officials kept repeating a question since morning. He said he asked the ACB officials to show him where is corruption was in the case.Targeting Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the BRS leader said that ACB officials kept asking questions which they had been given. “Since Revanth Reddy was jailed once, he is trying to jail others just for sadistic pleasure. If I am put in jail, I will take rest. I will not be scared even if a hundred cases are filed and even if I am sent to jail,” he said.KTR reached the ACB office in the morning amid tight security for the second round of questioning in the case.He reiterated that the Chief Minister should come forward to undergo a lie detector test. “We both have ACB cases against us. I am ready for a lie-detector test, are you ready?” he asked.Claiming that the Formula-E race boosted the image of Telangana, he alleged that the actions of the Revanth Reddy government were maligning the state.The former minister had appeared before the ACB on January 9 in the case relating to the conduct of the Formula E race in Hyderabad in January 2023, when BRS was in power.The ACB in December last year booked a case against KTR, former Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD), Arvind Kumar and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority’s (HMDA) former Chief Engineer B.L.N. Reddy for alleged Rs. 54.88 crore irregularities in the Formula-E deal.The FIR was registered on a complaint by Principal Secretary, MA&UD, M. Dana Kishore, who stated that foreign remittances were made without prior approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities, which resulted in additional tax burden to HMDA to the tune of Rs. 8.06 crore.The complainant also alleged that the payment was made while the Model Code of Conduct was in effect for the elections to the state Assembly without any prior approval of the Election Commission.The FIR was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act as well as under the Indian Penal Code’s (IPC) Sections 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).–IANSms/vd

Mumbai, June 16 (IANS) Both the Chennai Bulls and Bengaluru Bravehearts had a superb day on the field, on a rainy Monday, as they registered comprehensive wins in their games during Season 1 of the Rugby Premier League, here at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex.The Chennai Bulls defeated Mumbai Dreamers on the second successive day to win two out of two and lead the points table, while the Bravehearts are second, with one win and a draw.In the first match of the day, the Bengaluru Bravehearts were in superb form and stormed past the Kalinga Black Tigers, winning the game 35-10.However, it wasn’t an easy start for the Bravehearts, as the Kalinga Black Tigers went ahead in the first quarter through Lucas Lacamp’s try. After that, the Bravehearts cranked up the style and turned the game on its head as Philip Wokorach scored two tries, and the troika of Akuila Rokolisoa, Iowane Teba, and Mohit Khatri added a try each as well.Whilst the Kalinga Black Tigers failed to convert any of their kicks, the Bravehearts were able to place theirs within the goalposts, to pick up an additional ten points. Philip Wokorach, Iowane Teba (three kicks), and Akuila Rokolisoa were the kicktakers for the Bravehearts, who eventually won at a canter. The Bravehearts are now unbeaten in their opening two games, having drawn the first and won the second.In Match 2 on the day, the Chennai Bulls took on the Mumbai Dreamers and overcame the challenge with relative ease. The Bulls won comfortably with the score at 31-17. The Bulls were out of the blocks faster than their opponents, and pretty much kept the Mumbai Dreamers at arm’s length. However, in the final quarter, the Dreamers got into their act and attempted what could have been a comeback for the ages, before the Bulls nipped it in the bud with a fine counter-attack in the final minutes of the contest.For the Bulls, Vaafauese Maliko and Joseva Talacolo scored a couple of tries each, and Filipe Sauturaga added another. Joaquin Pellandini then had two chances to score his kicks, and Filipe Sauturaga added another couple of points to the tally.For the Dreamers, Waisea Nacuqu, James Turner, and Briar Barron bagged a try each, and Waisea Nacuqu managed to register the only conversion on the night. The Dreamers have now lost both their games, whilst the Bulls have won two out of two so far.–IANSbsk/

Patna, June 16 (IANS) Train operations were disrupted on Monday evening as four wheels of a goods train derailed near the Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) section of Muzaffarpur Junction at around 6 p.m. No casualties, however, were reported.The goods train was returning towards Narayanpur after unloading track ballast (stones) and had originated from the Madipur side.According to a Railway official, a wagon went off the track shortly before the derailment, causing the train losing its balance on the track.A Group-D railway employee who was present on the wagon jumped in time and escaped unhurt.The loco pilot acted swiftly, stopping the train immediately and preventing a major mishap.Due to the derailment, Lichhavi Express is stranded at Madipur Outer, Muzaffarpur–Porbandar Express has been halted, Samastipur–Siwan Passenger is also stationed at Silaut apart from other express and passenger trains on this route.Railway officials are working rapidly to normalise operations.All wagons ahead of the derailed one have been removed, and efforts are underway to clear the rear part of the wagons.Sonpur Division DRM Vivek Bhushan Sood, along with officials from Engineering, Operating, Carriage and Construction, and personnel from RPF and GRP, reached the site promptly and are overseeing the restoration efforts.”The goods train had gone to unload ballast. The accident occurred while it was returning. Currently, the main line is closed. Accident Relief Train (ART) has been called and will arrive shortly. The cause is yet to be determined, and a full investigation will follow,” said DRM Sood.The derailment took place when the goods train was moving at a low speed of 10 kmph, which minimised the impact.Thanks to the timely intervention of the train crew, a larger tragedy was averted.The railway officials will take the statements of drivers, a guard, linemen and other employees who were present at the spot at the time of the derailment.–IANSajk/pgh

Bengaluru, June 16 (IANS) The Karnataka government has written to the Ministry of External Affairs, seeking the safe return of students who are currently in Iran to the state.

Authorities have also stated that they are in constant touch with the concerned officers and staff, and action is being taken on a need basis, evaluating the existing conditions.The Office of the Deputy Chairman of the NRI Forum of Karnataka issued an official statement regarding this on Monday. H.S. Satish, Special Officer attached to the Deputy Chairman, stated that the strife between Israel and Iran has caused concern and panic among foreigners currently residing in Iran.About nine students from Karnataka, studying at Shahid Beheshti Medical University near the capital city of Tehran, are anxious about the prevailing situation in Iran. One of the students, Nadeem Hussain, and his parents have contacted the NRI Forum of Karnataka and shared their concerns, Satish stated.The student has expressed his wish to return to his home country, India. In response to this request, Arti Krishna, the Deputy Chairman of the NRI Forum of Karnataka, immediately wrote a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs, appealing for all nine students to be brought back to India from Iran, Satish stated.Earlier, on Sunday, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, held a video call with several Kannadigas currently stranded in Israel due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. He inquired about their well-being and safety.The Union Minister, who returned to New Delhi from Bengaluru on Sunday evening, spoke with the Kannadigas from his official residence. During the conversation, the Minister inquired about their well-being and assured them of the Indian government’s complete support.The Minister stated that he would immediately discuss the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe and swift return of the people to their homeland.All the Kannadigas who spoke via video call informed the Minister that they were safe and that officials at the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv were providing all necessary assistance. They informed the Minister, “We are being well taken care of,” and expressed their gratitude to the Embassy for this.Furthermore, Minister Kumaraswamy also lauded the efforts of the Indian Embassy staff, appreciating the officials’ commitment during such a difficult time.The Minister emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is doing everything it can to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad.Union Minister Kumaraswamy stated, “I spoke with several Kannadigas currently stranded in Israel during the ongoing conflict, inquiring about their well-being and safety. I have assured them that urgent measures will be taken for their safe and swift return to their homeland and will hold discussions with the Ministry of External Affairs officials.“I informed them that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has taken all necessary urgent steps for the safety of Indian citizens in conflict-affected foreign countries. The efforts of the Indian Embassy officials in Israel in providing timely assistance to our citizens during such difficult times are commendable,” he added.–IANSmka/uk

Mumbai, June 16 (IANS) The first round of the Junior Section of the Aurionpro Mumbai International Chess Tournament saw its first surprise as fourth-seeded Avirat Chauhan (ELO 2168) was held to a draw by the lower-rated Tanmay R here on Monday.
Playing with white pieces, Avirat opened with 1.e4, to which Tanmay responded with the sharp Dragon Variation of the Sicilian Defence. The game remained evenly balanced, with regular exchanges of material. Despite Avirat’s experience, Tanmay held his ground with composure, and the players agreed to a draw after 29 well-fought moves.Apart from this result, the rest of the top seeds had smooth sailing. Top-seed FM Aansh Nerurkar, second-seed Madhesh Kumar, and third-seed Advik Agarwal notched up comfortable wins to advance to the second round of this ₹15.00 lakh prize money event.The tournament is being organised by the Indian Chess School under the aegis of the Maharashtra Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation.Over 400 players from 17 countries have confirmed their participation in the Grandmaster section, which includes an impressive lineup of 16 Grandmasters and 13 International Masters. With a combined prize fund of ₹40.00 Lakhs, the event stands as one of India’s richest chess tournaments — ₹25.00 Lakhs earmarked for the Grandmaster section and ₹15.00 Lakhs for the Junior (Under-13) section, the latter billed as the ‘Richest Tournament for Children’ in the world.Key Results: Round 1:Vihaan, Ravi Rao 0 Lost to 1 Aansh NerurkarMadhesh, Kumar S 1 Beat 0 Ishaan, BhansaliKrithik, Reddy N 0 Lost to 1 Advik, Amit AgrawalAvirat, Chauhan ½ Drew ½ Tanmay, RTvesha, Ashish Jain 0 Lost to 1 Madhvendra SharmaKrishay, Jain 1 Beat 0 Shlok, Vinay KulkarniDev, Dharshan S 0 Lost to 1 Aadik LeninSamuel, Stephen Noble S 1 Beat 0 Ayaanraj, KottapallyAgashe, Vyom Mandar 0 Lost to 1 Badole, Shaunak–IANSbsk/

Jerusalem, June 16 (IANS) Israel issued on Monday evacuation warning to a municipal district in Tehran, calling its residents to urgently leave ahead of Israeli airstrikes.In a post on Persian and Arabic on social media platform X, Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the Israeli miliary, called residents of District C, located in the northeastern part of the city, to evacuate.”In the coming hours, the Israeli army will operate in this area, as it has over recent days in other parts of Tehran, to strike military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime,” Adraee said.”Your presence in this area endangers your life,” he said. “For your safety and security, we urge you to immediately evacuate.”Several important state institutions, government offices, and semi-governmental organisations, as well as communication and intelligence facilities are located in District C, Xinhua news agency reported. The Israeli military said in a statement that since the morning hours, Israeli warplanes have struck trucks containing weapons and surface-to-air missile launchers, advancing from western Iran toward Tehran.Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz visited the Tel Nof airbase in the south of the country. During the visit, Netanyahu said that the Israeli Air Force “controls the skies over Tehran.” He claimed: “We are on our way to achieving our two main objectives: eliminating the nuclear threat and eliminating the missile threat.”The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday Israel seeks to expand the war to other countries in the West Asia region.He made the remarks at a weekly press conference while condemning the ongoing Israeli “aggression” against Iran, which has started since early Friday.Baghaei said, “We have no doubt that Israel wishes to fan the flames of the war as much as it can and spread the flames to other countries and players in the region,” adding that Israel had attacked residential buildings in Iran and a children’s hospital in Tehran.He stressed that Iran’s nuclear programme was merely a pretext for Israel as no evidence was available indicating a diversion from the “peaceful path” in Iran’s nuclear programme.–IANSint/as

Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 (IANS) Dissent has risen in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government over a proposed Electronic Cluster project for which the State IT and Industries Department has given a preliminary nod, with state Agriculture Minister and CPI leader P. Prasad on Monday expressing his deep displeasure at the development. The project is proposed at the same place where the then-proposed Aranmula Airport was planned in the Pathanamthitta district.During the Oommen Chandy-led Congress government, when the proposed airport project got wings, strong opposition surfaced when Prasad, the then CPI Pathanamthitta district Secretary, along with environmentalist Sugathakumari, then Hindu Aikya Vedhi Secretary Kummannam Rajasekheran, and Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran came up in arms against it, terming it a project which will kill the environment at Aranmula, as a huge chunk of the land was wetlands.Following huge protests and the Supreme Court upholding an order of the National Green Tribunal verdict declaring the Aranmula airport project in violation of environmental requirements, the Centre withdrew its sanction for the airport, leading to the termination of the project.With Pinarayi Vijayan assuming office in 2016, it kept its word in its manifesto, which stated that if they were elected, they would cancel all clearances issued to the Aranmula International Airport project, and Vijayan’s cabinet announced that the project had been scrapped once and for all.With everything in limbo, a fresh controversy surfaced when the promoters of the Aranmula Airport decided to come out with a fresh proposal to develop an electronics cluster in the same area that was proposed for the airport.With Vijayan heading the IT Department and CPI-M leader P. Rajeeve, the state Industries Minister, the proposal of the electronic cluster gathered steam and papers for this started to move, and the preliminary clearances were all set to be given by these two departments, when Prasad raised objections.Speaking to the media on Monday, Prasad said nothing is going to move which will be against the laws.”We staunchly opposed the airport, and our stand is the same towards any project, as these are precious wetlands and it cannot be converted at any cost. Maybe the IT and Industries department staff might not be aware of what happened then,” he said.Also strongly opposing this new project was Sudheeran, who said that the NGT verdict is there for anyone to look into, and hence, this new project cannot go forward.Soon after Vijayan’s cabinet cancelled the airport project, the Chief Minister, along with the then Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar, had launched paddy cultivation at the airport site.–IANSsg/vd

Nicosia, June 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a guided tour along the ceasefire line in the historic city of Nicosia along with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.

“Tour with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi along the ceasefire line, in old Nicosia. Where the signs of the Turkish occupation remain visible,” the Government of the Republic of Cyprus posted on X along with the photographs of the two leaders visiting the area.PM Modi’s nearly 24-hour visit to Cyprus remains significant as it came in the middle of India’s tensions with Turkey over the latter’s continuous support to Pakistan.Ankara’s recognition of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the northern region that was seized by Turkish forces in 1974 and differences over gas exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean remain a constant source of tensions between Turkey and Cyprus.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the two leaders took a walk through the historic heart of Nicosia — a city standing firm and resilient in its onward march, reflective of the indomitable spirit of the proud people of Cyprus.”Gratitude to President Christodoulides for showing me parts of the very historic city of Nicosia. We look forward to closer people-to-people linkages with Cyprus!” PM Modi posted after his departure.The June 15-16 visit was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades and massively strengthened New Delhi’s relationship with Nicosia – a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the European Union.”This landmark visit underscores the enduring friendship and trusted partnership between our two countries. In his remarks to the media, Prime Minister Modi spoke about the strategic direction of the India-Cyprus partnership. This partnership also holds significance in the broader context of the India-EU strategic partnership and India’s growing engagement with the Mediterranean region,” said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as the PM concluded his Nicosia visit.Several agreements were signed on Monday between the two countries, reaffirming their shared commitment to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union.Earlier, Christodoulides conferred upon Prime Minister Modi the country’s honour – the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III – at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.The award marks the 23rd international recognition bestowed on PM Modi by a foreign country. Underlining his unmatched stature, several analysts reckoned that no Prime Minister of India has ever had such a profound global impact as a global statesman.PM Modi was welcomed at the palace by Christodoulides while a military band paid tribute. The National Anthems were played and then the Prime Minister of India laid a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III. A private meeting between the two leaders followed.Welcoming Prime Minister Modi, the President of the Republic said: “It is a great pleasure and honour to have you with us on this historic visit, 23 years since the last visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus.”Your visit also reflects the clear political will to further strengthen our bilateral relations in a multitude of sectors, from economy, trade, defence and security, technology, tourism and connectivity. We saw yesterday at the forum with businessmen, the strong interest that exists from both Indian and Cypriot businessmen.”The Joint Declaration adopted later demonstrated in practice the new page in bilateral relations between India and Cyprus, also more generally at the European and international level.”Cyprus is a predictable and secure ally of India in a region of particular geostrategic importance, such as the Eastern Mediterranean, the wider Middle East. At the same time, it is a Member State of the European Union (EU) that constitutes India’s gateway to Europe, and in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU that will begin on 1 January 2026, we will work to further strengthen India’s strategic relations with the EU,” said Christodoulides.’I also want to publicly thank you for your long-standing stance on the Cyprus issue and our efforts to end the Turkish occupation and reunite our homeland. At the same time, I want to publicly express the support of the Republic of Cyprus in your efforts to confront both international and cross-border terrorism,” he added.–IANS/as