Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE updates: India's Met Department issues red alert for Saurashtra, Kutch coasts

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE updates

Health Minister inspects hospitals in Gujarat

Mansukh Mandaviya, the union minister of health, visited hospitals in Kutch, Gujarat, to learn more about the availability of oxygen, ventilators, and beds for critical patients. He also went through the measures taken to make sure that any potential post-cyclone medical services would be available.

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE updates

4,500 people shifted to shelter homes in Dwarka

As a preventative safety step before Cyclone Biparjoy reached the Gujarat coast, some 4,500 people were relocated from their houses to shelter homes, according to Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Parth Talsania.

"We have shifted 4,500 people from the coastal areas to various shelter houses," Talsania said in a statement to ANI. The shelter homes also make arrangements to cover food and medical requirements. We are keeping a close eye on the issue.

He said that Cyclone Biparjoy has shifted a little to the west and is less likely to hit the shoreline of Dwarka. However, a wind speed between 100 and 80 km per hour is predicted.

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE updates

India, Pakistan coasts on high alert a day before landfall

Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from the coastal areas of Pakistan and India on Wednesday, a day before Cyclone Biparjoy was forecast to make landfall.

The storm is currently packing maximum sustained winds of up to 145 kilometres per hour (90 mph), according to the India Meteorological Department. On Thursday, it is anticipated to make landfall close to Jakhau port in the Gujarat state of India.

Gujarat residents within 5 kilometres (3 miles) of the shore were asked to leave, and those within 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) may also have to go, according to officials.

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE updates

Thousands of people evacuate homes in Pakistan

Before Cyclone Biparjoy, which is due to make landfall in Pakistan on Thursday, thousands of residents of coastal towns and tiny islands fled their homes for safer locations.

Cyclone Biparjoy, which means catastrophe or tragedy in Bengali, arrived with strong winds, precipitation, and high seas.

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE updates

India's Met Department issues red alert for Saurashtra, Kutch coasts

Due to the extremely violent cyclonic storm Biparjoy, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Gujarat's Saurashtra, Dwarka, and Kutch beaches. Today's cyclonic storm is predicted to wreak significant damage, and numerous states have received a severe rainfall alert.

By Thursday evening, the cyclone is predicted to move almost north-northeastwards, cross the Saurashtra and Kutch and adjacent Pakistani coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan), near Jakhau Port (Gujarat), as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 km/h gusting to 150 km/h.

Navalny LIVE News Updates

Navalny campaigner jailed for 7.5 years for 'extremism' by Russian court

According to the rights organisation OVD-Info, a former campaign manager for imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was given a seven-year and six-month prison term on Wednesday for "creating an extremist organisation."

The verdict against Liliya Chanysheva, the former director of Navalny's campaign in the Urals city of Ufa, incited fury among his fans.

Lyubov Sobol, a Navalny aide, referred to it as a political decision and claimed that President Vladimir Putin had "put one more hostage in a penal colony".

Sports LIVE News Updates

Lakhsya Sen, Priyanshu Rajawat storm into second round of Indonesia Open

India's Lakshya Sen entered the second round of the men's singles at the Indonesia Open World Tour Super 1000 event Wednesday with a straight game win over Zii Jia Lee of Malaysia.

Lakshya, who is a world championship bronze medallist and ranked 20th in the world, will next face the winner of the match between Lu Guang Zu of China and compatriot Kidambi Srikanth.

Priyanshu Rajawat got a walkover from Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.

Aakarshi Kashyap however crashed out after losing to second seed An Se Young of Korea 10-21, 4-21.

Bollywood LIVE News Updates

On Sushant Singh Rajput's third death anniversary, Rhea Chakraborty shares unseen video

On the third anniversary of Sushant Singh Rajput's death, actress Rhea Chakraborty has released an unseen video with the late Bollywood actor. On 14 June 2020, Sushant Singh Rajput died. At the time of his death, he was dating Rhea.

Rhea shared a sweet vintage video with SSR on her Instagram account. Rhea can be seen clutching Sushant tight as they enjoy a romantic holiday at an unidentified place in the video. Pink Floyd's legendary song 'Wish You Were Here' was added to the video by Rhea.

Bollywood LIVE News Updates

When Sushant Singh Rajput opened up about not being part of so-called camps in Bollywood

The devastating news of actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death arrived on 14 June 2020, precisely three years ago. The outsider, who had an incredible journey from the tiny screen to the big screen, had a large fan following across the country.

Known for his candidness, we stumbled upon an interview, where the Kedarnath actor shared his thoughts on not joining any so-called camps in Bollywood. “There are camps, I didn’t know? Nobody told me. Clearly, I am not important enough,” said SSR in an interview with TOI as per HT.

Manipur Violence LIVE Updates

Kukis objects CM Biren’s inclusion in peace panel, Meiteis welcome move

Days after the government established a committee to encourage peace-making among diverse ethnic groups in strife-torn Manipur, Kuki members included on the panel expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that they were not contacted before their names were put on the panel.

Several Kuki organisations also objected to Chief Minister N Biren Singh's membership on the 51-member panel led by Governor Anusuiya Uikey.

Members of the Meitei community, on the other hand, applauded the founding of the Peace Committee.

Senthil Balaji Money Laundering LIVE Updates

Stalin meets Senthil Balaji in hospital, says DMK will not be cowed down by BJP's intimidation

MK Stalin, the DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister met V Senthil Balaji at Omandurar government hospital on Wednesday, where he was sent for a medical checkup after the minister was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case.

Senthil Balaji Money Laundering LIVE Updates

Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji develops chest pain after ED arrest

The Enforcement Directorate has detained Tamil Nadu power, prohibition, and excise minister V Senthil Balaji in connection with a cash-for-jobs fraud.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the minister was transported to Tamil Nadu government multi super specialty hospital (Omandurar hospital) in Chennai after complaining of chest trouble shortly after the Enforcement Directorate told him that he will be detained.

Senthil Balaji Money Laundering LIVE Updates

Tamil Nadu Minister arrested by ED, breaks down at hospital

When the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK politician V Senthil Balaji to a hospital for a medical checkup on Wednesday morning, he burst into tears. The minister has been detained in connection with an alleged money laundering scheme.

The ED raided Mr Balaji's residence on Tuesday before bringing him away for interrogation. After hours of interrogation, the minister was detained this morning.

There were dramatic scenes at a government hospital in Chennai as the investigation agency took Mr Balaji for a medical test following his detention. The DMK chief was seen sobbing profusely in an ambulance as his followers outside chanted anti-Enforcement Directorate chants.

Senthil Balaji Money Laundering LIVE Updates

‘Unconstitutional, totally illegal’: DMK MP Elango on ED custody of Senthil Balaji

Hours after Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), DMK Rajya Sabha MP and counsel NR Elango claimed on Wednesday that the agency's method was 'totally illegal' and 'unconstitutional'.

Senthil was apprehended by the investigation agency last night in connection with an alleged money laundering case.

Elango said that Tamil Nadu minister Balaji was held without being informed of the reason for his detention.

The DMK MP stated that the case will be litigated in court. 

Senthil Balaji Money Laundering LIVE Updates

ED arrests Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji for alleged money laundering

According to persons familiar with the situation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji on Wednesday for alleged money laundering after questioning him for hours, and he was hospitalised after complaining of discomfort.

The arrest occurred only hours after Chief Minister MK Stalin criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for using "backdoor tactics" against political opponents, as the ED raided locations associated to Balaji as part of its investigation into him in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, Karur, and Erode on Tuesday.

The raids included Balaji's official apartment in Chennai and his office at the state secretariat.

US-China LIVE Updates

Asian chip-making stocks rise on hopes of easier US-China sanctions

Asian chip-making stocks surged on Tuesday after a report claimed that South Korean and Taiwanese manufacturers will be permitted to keep facilities in China despite US sanctions against the nation.

After the Wall Street Journal reported that the three firms will be allowed to maintain and upgrade their chip-making infrastructure in China, Taiwan's TSMC  rose more than 3 per cent, while South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and SK Hynix Inc rose 1.6 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively.

The three, who are among the world's largest chipmakers, initially received a one-year reprieve to preserve their Chinese infrastructure after the United States imposed export curbs aimed to limit Beijing's access to cutting-edge chip technology.

US-China LIVE Updates

Blinken says discussed 'open channels of communication' with Chinese FM

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a phone discussion with China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Tuesday that he discussed "open channels of communication" ahead of his travel to Beijing next week.

"I spoke by phone tonight with PRC State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang." "Discussed ongoing efforts to keep communication channels open, as well as bilateral and global issues," Blinken stated on Twitter.

Blinken also "made clear that the U.S. would continue to use diplomatic engagements to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation," according to Miller. 

US-China LIVE Updates

China FM tells Blinken relationship with US facing 'new difficulties': ministry

China's foreign minister, Qin Gang, informed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday that the two nations' relations were experiencing "new difficulties and challenges," according to Beijing.

"Since the beginning of the year, Sino-American relations have faced new difficulties and challenges. It's clear who is responsible," Qin Gang said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout of a phone call between the two diplomats.  

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE Updates

Action plan being put in place to tackle medical, health emergencies, says Union Minister Mandaviya

Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister, stated on Tuesday that an action plan is being implemented to deal with medical and health emergencies. Mandavia made the remarks after meeting with Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel in Bhuj to discuss the preparations for Cyclone 'Biparjoy'.

According to a statement, the union minister has guaranteed the state of the Centre's help. Mandaviya stated that the cyclone situation is being constantly watched in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) states and regional offices and that central medical fast-reaction teams are on standby.

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE Updates

Pakistan to evacuate around 100,000 people as cyclone Biparjoy intensifies

According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman Inam Haider Malik, Pakistan will evacuate around 100,000 people as part of its measures to safeguard the safety of those living along the country's coast as Cyclone Biparjoy intensifies.

The evacuations would be finished by early Thursday, when Biparjoy is scheduled to make landfall between Keti Bandar in Sindh province and Kutch in Gujarat, the NDMA chairman said during a press conference, according to Xinhua.

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE Updates

Cyclone Biparjoy won't impact monsoon further, says IMD

Cyclone Biparjoy has now separated from the monsoonal flow and will have no effect on the rain-bearing system's progress or performance, according to the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday.

The cyclone, according to IMD Director Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, aided the monsoon's progress over southern sections of the peninsula by enhancing the cross-equatorial flow over the Arabian Sea.

"Now, it is completely detached from the monsoonal flow. We do not expect any largescale impact either on the monsoon advance or its performance," he said.

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE Updates

37,800 people evacuated from coastal areas in Gujarat

As Cyclone Biparjoy approaches the Kutch coast in Gujarat, the administration reports that almost 37,800 people living near the sea in eight districts of the state have been evacuated.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe storm will make landfall near Jakhau port on the evening of June 15.

Senthil Balaji Arrest LIVE Updates

Congress President condemns arrest of TN Minister Senthil Balaji by ED 

Japan LIVE Updates

Two dead in shooting at Japan army training range: local media

The death toll in a shooting at a Japan army training range has risen to two, the military said Wednesday, after a recruit opened fire at the facility.

NHK and the Jiji Press agency both reported the fatality, which occurred after the government acknowledged three members of the Self-Defense Forces had been injured and a person was being held in custody in connection with the event.

United Nations LIVE Updates

Record 110 million people now forcibly displaced: UN

The United Nations announced Wednesday that a record 110 million people have been forcefully displaced from their homes throughout the world, calling the massive increase an "indictment" of the world.

The overall number of refugees compelled to seek shelter abroad, as well as those displaced within their own countries, has reached an all-time high as a result of Russia's war in Ukraine, people from Afghanistan, and violence in Sudan, according to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. 

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE Updates

Cyclone Biparjoy now 380 kilometers away from Karachi, authorities on alert

Cyclone Biparjoy has deteriorated to a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) and is moving north-northwestward. According to Pakistan-based ARY News, it is presently roughly 380 km south of Karachi.

Cyclone Biparjoy has travelled further north-northwestward in the last six hours, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and is presently roughly 380 kilometres south of Karachi and 390 kilometres south of Thatta.

Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE Updates

95 trains to remain cancelled, short-terminated in Gujarat till June 15, says Western Railway

Around 95 trains passing through, originating in, or ending in Biparjoy-affected districts of Gujarat would be cancelled or short-circuited till June 15, according to a statement from Western Railway.

Cyclone Biparjoy is projected to make landfall on Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch areas, as well as the nearby Pakistan beaches, on June 15.

Donald Trump LIVE Updates

Trump pleads not guilty to mishandling US secrets, blames 'corrupt sitting president' for his prosecution

Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 37 allegations of mishandling some of the US government's most sensitive secrets, making him the first former US president to face criminal charges.

During Trump's arraignment Tuesday in a federal courthouse in Miami, his lawyers requested a jury trial. "We most certainly enter a plea of not guilty," Trump attorney Todd Blanche told the judge, according to CNN.

Earthquake LIVE Updates

Earthquake of magnitude 4.3 jolts J&K's Katra 

In the early hours of Wednesday, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.

The earthquake struck at 2:20 p.m. at a depth of 10 kilometres, 81 km east of Katra, according to the National Centre for Seismology.