Category: News

  • Shiv Sena Leader Shot Dead in Moga: Protests Erupt for Justice

    Shiv Sena Leader Shot Dead in Moga: Protests Erupt for Justice

    In Moga, a Shiv Sena leader named Mangat Rai, also known as Manga, was shot and killed on Thursday night. He was the president of the local Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The attack happened when Manga stepped out of his house to buy groceries around 10 PM. Three strangers approached him and shot at him. Their first shot missed and hit a 12-year-old boy who was walking by. Manga quickly got on his motorcycle to escape, but the attackers chased him and shot him again. He was taken to the hospital but sadly, the doctors declared him dead.

    The young boy who got hurt was taken to Moga Civil Hospital and then moved to a better hospital for treatment. Manga’s wife reported the attack, leading police to book six suspects and others who are still unknown. Investigations are ongoing. Although police think this may be due to a personal feud, Manga’s family insists he never had any enemies. His family and some local groups protested at Pratap Chowk, demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible. They shouted slogans against the government, blaming it for the poor safety situation in Punjab.

    Manga’s daughter shared that her father left home around 8 PM to buy milk and she learned of his death around 11 PM. They want justice and are determined to seek it. In a separate but related incident, three men on motorcycles entered a salon that night and shot at the owner, Devender Kumar, injuring him in the leg. He was also treated at the hospital, where an investigation is taking place.

  • Stocks Steady Amid Trade Tensions: Major Drops for BMW and UMG

    Stocks Steady Amid Trade Tensions: Major Drops for BMW and UMG

    European stocks stayed steady on Friday, but they are expected to drop for the week because of worries about trade tensions between countries. The STOXX 600, which includes many companies from Europe, was slightly up by 0.09% in early trading. However, it went down on Thursday after the President of the U.S. threatened to impose a big 200% tax on wine and other drinks from the European Union. This was in response to the EU’s taxes on American whiskey. So far this week, the index is down more than 2%.

    President Trump’s changing stance on tariffs is making investors and consumers nervous, creating a lot of uncertainty in the market. BMW saw its profits drop more than a third in 2024, causing its stock to fall by 3.7%. The auto industry index decreased by 1.3%, with Renault down 1.4%, Volkswagen down 1%, and Stellantis losing 1.2%.

    Universal Music Group (UMG) dropped 10.5% after investor Bill Ackman’s company sold some of its shares. Luxury brand Kering also fell by 9.5% when Gucci announced a new artistic director, Demna, from Georgia. On the bright side, Daimler Truck’s stock went up 4% after the company predicted that its profits would grow by 5% to 15% by 2025 and started a cost-cutting program in Europe due to last year’s poor performance.

  • Four Militants Arrested in Manipur: Details of the Operations

    Four Militants Arrested in Manipur: Details of the Operations

    On Thursday, police arrested Thokchom Ongbi Anita Devi, a 46-year-old woman, from her home in Sago band Sayang Kurao Makhong, Imphal West. They found a pistol, 33 bullets, five SIM cards, and six mobile phones in her possession.

    Another arrest was made near the India-Myanmar border where they caught Moirangtham Ricky Singh, a 22-year-old member of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF-K), from Khurai Chairenthong in Imphal East.

    Additionally, Laishram Bishorjit Meitei, a 33-year-old involved in extorting local businesses, was arrested from Sekmaijin Ningolkhong in Kakching district.

    Lastly, Yumnam Premjit Meitei, a 54-year-old man connected to the Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba), was arrested for taking money from trucks carrying timber. He was caught at a furniture shop in Kakwa, Imphal West.

  • Columbia Student Detained: Khalil’s Fight for Freedom and Free Speech

    Columbia Student Detained: Khalil’s Fight for Freedom and Free Speech

    NEW YORK — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, felt like he was kidnapped when U.S. agents took him from New York to Louisiana last weekend. His lawyers are trying to get him released. Khalil, a Palestinian activist, described being treated poorly during the journey; he didn’t even have a pillow or blanket to sleep on when he arrived at a detention center. This happened after he spoke out against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

    His lawyers filed a lawsuit, saying Khalil felt like he was being kidnapped throughout the process. A judge allowed them to speak with him, and his lawyers shared details about what happened since he was arrested. They claim he asked for a lawyer but did not get help when he was taken by agents from the Department of Homeland Security.

    President Donald Trump praised Khalil’s arrest, saying it was the first of many similar actions against students he believes support terrorism. Khalil’s lawyers are also suing Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, claiming they were wrong to detain him. Government lawyers want to move the case to a different court, arguing it must happen where Khalil has been held.

    Khalil was arrested after dinner with his wife and taken to a detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he waited in a cold room without a blanket. He was then transported by van, handcuffed, and shackled, with messages sent to agents that he shouldn’t use his phone. He was flown to Louisiana on an American Airlines flight. Now, he worries about his pregnant wife and missing the birth of their first child.

    Khalil was supposed to start a new job and receive health benefits to help with the baby’s costs. He wants to continue speaking out for Palestinian rights and was even going to speak at a documentary premiere in Copenhagen, Denmark. During the hearing, Khalil’s lawyers said they couldn’t talk to him until 10 days after his arrest, but the judge allowed them a conversation.

    This whole situation has drawn a lot of attention because it raises questions about free speech and the treatment of students who speak out on political issues.

  • Indian AC Industry Poised for Growth Amid Supply Challenges

    Indian AC Industry Poised for Growth Amid Supply Challenges

    The Indian air conditioning (AC) market is off to a great start this summer, building on last season’s strong performance. After a tough time with shortages of important parts like compressors and copper in early this year, companies have found ways to solve these issues. They secured backup suppliers and are slowly but surely getting back on track.

    The hot temperatures and more people having extra money to spend are making more folks want to buy ACs. It’s predicted that demand will grow by about 19% each year, which means there will be a bigger need for compressors and copper parts as well. Although there were some hiccups in production this January, many businesses managed their inventory well thanks to alternative sources, like Highly and GMCC. Some big names like LG and Daikin, which make their own compressors, are in a better spot.

    To keep going, the industry is importing parts from places like Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand, and they are hopeful about getting supplies from China soon. They also asked the government to extend some certifications until local manufacturers can meet the demand.

    India is set to become a major player in electronics manufacturing soon, thanks to increasing local demand and better export opportunities. The electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry is growing, with many big companies planning to expand under a government program called PLI for white goods. Since the PLI scheme started, the local value of products has increased from 25% to 45%, and it’s expected to reach 60-70% by FY27 as even more parts are made locally. We anticipate a growth rate of 14% for the RAC industry from FY24 to FY27, mostly thanks to more people buying ACs and rising incomes.

    Company Highlights:
    – Voltas: Target price is Rs 1640 (current price Rs 1400) with an upside of 17%. In 3QFY25, Voltas had an 18% revenue increase to Rs 31.1 billion. Although one segment saw lower profit margins, the company is positive about the hot summer and expects strong growth ahead.

    – Amber Enterprises: Target price is Rs 7800 (current price Rs 6340) with an upside of 23%. It saw a 65% revenue increase this quarter, driven mainly by its AC and electronics divisions. While the railway segment is facing delays, the company is ready to take advantage of increasing AC demand.

    (Note: The author is the head of research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of thellv.news)

  • U.S. and Israel’s Controversial Plan to Resettle Palestinians in East Africa

    U.S. and Israel’s Controversial Plan to Resettle Palestinians in East Africa

    The U.S. and Israel are talking to leaders in three East African countries: Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. They want to find places to move Palestinians from Gaza because of a plan suggested by former President Donald Trump. This plan has faced a lot of criticism and many people think it is wrong. Most people from Gaza don’t want to leave their homes.

    Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland are poor and sometimes dangerous places. Officials in Sudan have said no to the idea, while officials in Somalia and Somaliland say they haven’t been contacted about it.

    Trump’s plan suggests moving over 2 million people from Gaza to different countries and turning the area into a real estate project. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports this idea, but Palestinians see it as a forced relocation. Many Arab countries oppose the plan and are suggesting other ways to rebuild Gaza without moving people away.

    Some officials from the U.S. and Israel confirmed they reached out to these countries last month, seeking ways to make this plan happen. They can offer money, weapons, and support to entice these countries.

    Here is a closer look at the three places being considered:

    – Sudan: Sudan agreed to be friendly with Israel in 2020 but has been in civil war since. Sudan’s leaders said they will not accept Palestinian refugees.

    – Somaliland: This area broke away from Somalia over 30 years ago and wants international recognition as a separate place. Officials here say they have not been contacted about taking in Palestinians.

    – Somalia: This country often supports the Palestinian cause and has me0mbers in opposition to the plan. It seems unlikely that Somalia would agree to host Palestinian refugees.

    In summary, the idea of moving Palestinians out of Gaza has been met with strong resistance from several regions, and it’s uncertain if these talks will go anywhere.

  • Drunk Driver Causes Tragic Accident in Vadodara: One Dead, Several Injured

    Drunk Driver Causes Tragic Accident in Vadodara: One Dead, Several Injured

    A tragic car accident in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Thursday night resulted in the death of one woman and injuries to seven others. The driver, believed to be drunk, crashed a speeding car into several motorcycles in the Karelibag area. This shocking event was recorded on CCTV and has shocked many residents.

    The driver, Rakshit Ravish Chaurasia, a law student at MS University, was reportedly driving over 100 km/h when he lost control. He hit several two-wheelers, killing one woman instantly and injuring many others, who are now receiving treatment at a local hospital.

    Leena Patil, a senior police officer, confirmed that the driver is in custody and said, “A car crashed into a motorcycle, and a woman died in the accident. The driver has been arrested; we are investigating this case of drunk driving.”

    Witnesses described the moments before the crash as terrifying. The car sped around a turn near Amrapali Complex, causing panic. While some people were able to move out of the way, many others were not so lucky.

    A video of what happened afterward went viral online, showing Chaurasia acting strangely as he got out of the damaged car. He was seen yelling “another round, another round” and chanting “Om Namah Shivay” before a crowd became angry and started hitting him until the police arrived. Along with Chaurasia, the car’s owner, Pranshu Chauhan, was also arrested, as authorities believe both were drunk during the incident.

  • Tragic Stabbing of YouTuber Airi Sato during Tokyo Livestream

    Tragic Stabbing of YouTuber Airi Sato during Tokyo Livestream

    Police in Japan have arrested a man in connection with the deadly stabbing of a young YouTuber while she was livestreaming on a street in Tokyo. The victim, Airi Sato, was just 22 years old.

    The suspect, 42-year-old Kenji Takano, was caught by police right after the attack, which happened on Tuesday. Although he is now with prosecutors, he has not yet been formally charged.

    Witnesses described that Sato was screaming for help during the livestream before the video suddenly went dark. She was taken to the hospital but sadly passed away from her injuries.

    Reports say that Takano and Sato had a financial argument. He had lent her money, and police mentioned that she didn’t pay it back, which led to the conflict. Takano had traveled about 100 kilometers (or 60 miles) from his hometown to find Sato after seeing her location on her livestream.

    He claimed he didn’t mean to kill her. While violent crime is uncommon in Japan, there have been several shocking knife attacks and incidents involving homemade guns recently.

  • Stocks Plunge: Trade Worries Spark Market Correction

    Stocks Plunge: Trade Worries Spark Market Correction

    Global stock prices fell sharply on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 index officially entering a correction. This means it’s more than 10% lower than its highest point. Investors are worried that trade issues might cause prices to rise and slow down growth after recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose heavy tariffs on European drinks if they don’t remove extra fees on American whiskey. Additionally, Trump recently raised tariffs on all imports of steel and aluminum.

    While price data from the U.S. showed producers’ prices stayed the same and consumer prices went up more slowly than expected in February, these numbers didn’t calm investors. Many believe the trade disputes will lead to future problems. Tim Ghriskey from Ingalls & Snyder in New York noted that without the trade war worries, the market would likely be doing well.

    On Wall Street, the S&P 500 dropped 77.78 points, or 1.39%, ending at 5,521.52. The Dow Jones also fell, down 537.36 points, or 1.30%, hitting 40,813.57, about 9.4% lower than its recent high. The Nasdaq Composite fell even more, down 345.44 points, or 1.96%, sitting at 17,303.01, which is more than 14% lower than its recent peak.

    Market corrections like this happen regularly; since 1929, the S&P 500 has had corrections 56 times. Out of these, only 22 led to bear markets, which is when a market drops by 20% or more.

    Globally, stock markets also faced declines, with MSCI’s index dropping 1.12% to 821.52. In Europe, the STOXX 600 index dipped 0.15% after a previous rise. The S&P 500 is now more than 6% down this year, while European stocks are faring better, gaining 6.5% as governments support defense spending and a possible peace deal in Ukraine.

    U.S. Treasury bonds saw increased demand, causing their yields to drop. The yield on a 10-year Treasury note fell to 4.27%. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar showed mixed results against other currencies—falling against the yen but gaining against the euro and Canadian dollar.

    Oil prices dropped despite a previous rise due to lower gasoline stocks. U.S. crude prices fell by 1.67% to $66.55 a barrel, while Brent crude dropped 1.51% to $69.88.

    Gold prices climbed, reaching close to $3,000 an ounce, driven by fears over tariffs and expectations for the U.S. Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. Spot gold rose to $2,982.84, and U.S. gold futures increased to $2,983.50.

  • Columbia University Expels Students for Hamilton Hall Protest Actions

    Columbia University Expels Students for Hamilton Hall Protest Actions

    On Thursday, Columbia University took action against some students involved in a protest last spring. These students had occupied Hamilton Hall as part of a pro-Palestinian protest. The university decided to expel some students, while others got suspensions or had their diplomas revoked. Columbia did not share the exact number of students affected but said the actions were based on how serious the students’ behaviors were.

    In an official statement, Columbia University said, “The Judicial Board made decisions based on how severe the actions were during the protests and earlier behavior.” They also mentioned that these decisions came after investigations and hearings.

    Columbia University has been under a lot of pressure about how they handle protests. Recently, the Trump administration took away over $400 million in federal funding because of worries about antisemitism on campus.

    The protests started as part of a broader movement against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. While most protests were peaceful, things changed on April 30, 2024, when a group of students locked themselves inside Hamilton Hall using furniture to block the doors. The police entered the campus on May 1 and arrested many protesters tied to both the tent camp and the building occupation.

    Even though the District Attorney dropped charges for some of the arrested students, Columbia still moved forward with their disciplinary actions. The NYPD confirmed in a letter that some people involved in the building occupation were not students at Columbia. They stated, “Those who occupied Hamilton Hall damaged university property and were trespassing.”

    A university official said that holding students accountable for breaking rules is a crucial step in focusing back on the main goals of teaching and research.