Evening brief: NewsClick editor's custody extended; BJP MP slams Mahua Moitra's walkout, all the latest news

Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakraborty, the founder and HR head of NewsClick, have been sent to judicial custody until December 1 by a Delhi court. The Delhi Police's special cell arrested them on October 3 in a case involving allegations of receiving foreign funds through Chinese firms to disrupt India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. An FIR was registered under various sections of the UAPA and IPC. The police claimed the founder conspired with a group to sabotage the 2019 general elections and Chinese firms incorporated shell companies to infuse foreign funds with the intention of disrupting the country's sovereignty. According to secret inputs, the police alleged that Indian and foreign entities illegally infused funds worth crores, with the intent to disrupt India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Purkayastha and Chakraborty had approached the High Court challenging their arrest and remand, but it was dismissed on October 13, and the matter is now pending before the Supreme Court. NewsClick has refuted the allegations, calling them an attempt to muzzle the free press in India. Dig deeper

More news on NewsClick case

SC seeks response to pleas of NewsClick founder, HR head against arrest

NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha arrested under UAPA after day-long raids

Tensions flared in the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha during a meeting focused on the cash-for-query scandal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, along with Opposition members, stormed out, alleging that ruling party members asked her "unethical and personal questions." BJP MP Vinod Sonkar, who chairs the committee, later claimed Moitra had used unparliamentary language before her departure. This incident triggered strong reactions, with BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accusing the Opposition of failing to accept that a Scheduled Caste member, Vinod Sonkar, chaired the panel. Dubey had previously lodged a complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, asserting that Moitra allowed businessman Darshan Hiranandani to post questions on her parliamentary portal account in exchange for expensive gifts. The Ethics Committee's investigation was focused on these allegations. The incident has been described as a low point in parliamentary history by some members, exacerbating the ongoing political tensions. Dig deeper

The Latest News

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India News

Ethics panel chief says Mahua Moitra used 'unparliamentary' words; Opposition MPs claim ‘unethical’ queries Dig deeper

Four villagers killed by Maoists in two separate incidents in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker and Bijapur districts Dig deeper

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Global Matters

20 Chinese Air Force planes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Thursday afternoon, alleges Taiwan's defence ministry Dig deeper

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Sports Goings

In a World Cup 2023 match, former India captain Virat Kohli showcased his exceptional form by scoring 88 runs against Sri Lanka. Kohli achieved a significant milestone by amassing 1,000 runs in the calendar year 2023, becoming the third Indian batsman to do so, following Shubman Gill (1,426 runs) and Rohit Sharma (1,060 runs). This feat marked Kohli's eighth instance of scoring over 1,000 runs in a single year during his illustrious career, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record of seven such instances. Kohli now ranks second for the most fifty-plus scores in World Cups, trailing only Sachin with 21 such scores. Dig deeper

Lifestyle and health

In the quest for sustainable weight loss, fitness enthusiasts are turning to age-old wisdom, valuing holistic approaches over quick-fix diets. Fad diets may offer initial results but can lead to long-term harm due to their extreme restrictions. Instead, exploring the benefits of ancient spices and superfoods can promote weight loss and overall well-being. This edition of Ancient Wisdom highlights five ancient spices known for their weight management properties. Cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar levels, turmeric reduces inflammation and aids weight loss, ginger supports metabolism, black pepper enhances nutrient absorption, and mustard seeds boost metabolism and calorie burning. These spices, when integrated into a balanced diet, can facilitate weight loss and improve overall health. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are making significant dietary changes. Dig deeper

Entertainment Focus

While Sunny Deol remains an anomaly in today's star-studded landscape, eschewing endorsements, chiseled physiques, and opting for just one film a year, his younger brother, Bobby Deol, has carved a unique path to stardom. Sunny played a pivotal role in shaping Bobby's debut in the 1990s, putting his own successful career on hold. Despite challenges, including a director change for "Barsaat" (1995) and Bobby's injury, the launch was a triumph. Over the years, Bobby continued to work with directors who had previously delivered hits for Sunny. However, his career took a downturn in the late 2000s, leading to a period of unemployment and personal struggles. But Bobby's resurgence can be attributed to three factors: brand building, physical transformation, and optics, marking a departure from Sunny's approach to stardom. Dig deeper