The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has told the Supreme Court that Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji has deliberately attempted to delay trial court proceedings in the money laundering case related to the cash-for-job scam, in which the top court had granted him bail. In an affidavit filed on a petition by one of the victims, the ED sought cancellation of bail of Balaji, who was sworn in as a minister by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi again on September 29 and was assigned the same key portfolios -- electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition and excise -- he held previously in the MK Stalin-led cabinet. On Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench headed by Justice Oka that the agency needs to file an affidavit in the matter as Balaji has been sabotaging the trial. The bench also comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal allowed the ED to file the affidavit and listed the matter for further hearing on December 18. The top court had granted bail to DMK strongman Balaji on September 26, in the money laundering case after over 15 months, noting there was no possibility of the completion of trial in the near future. 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"That the aforementioned facts unequivocally demonstrate V Senthil Balaji's blatant disregard for the judicial process and his deliberate attempts to delay the trial. Despite this court's directive to expedite the trial, V Senthil Balaji has drawn out the cross examination of PW- 4 (prosecution witness) on one pretext or another for nearly two months," it said. The anti-money laundering agency said this blatant disregard for the Supreme Court's instructions is a clear attempt to procrastinate and delay the trial proceedings. "In the light of the foregoing, it is amply clear that V Senthil Balaji has violated the direction given by this court by seeking adjournments on nonexistent or frivolous grounds or creating hurdles in the early disposal of the cases mentioned above," it said. The investigating agency said some of the key witnesses cited in the prosecution complaint (ED's equivalent of charge sheet) filed by ED are individuals who previously worked under Balaji's supervision during his tenure as transport minister. "This proximity between V Senthil Balaji and the employees of the transport corporation raises serious concerns about potential influence and impartiality in fair and effective trial now that V Senthil Balaji has reassumed office as a minister," it said. On December 2, the top court had expressed concern over reinstatement of Balaji as cabinet minister in Tamil Nadu just days after it granted bail in the case and agreed to examine a plea raising apprehensions on independence of witnesses in the case. On October 25, the top court in another matter related to Balaji was informed that a petition seeking review of an order of bail to the DMK leader in the case had been filed. The top court on September 30, directed the Madras High Court chief justice to appoint another judge for the trial against Balaji. The ED arrested Balaji, representing Karur assembly constituency, on June 14, 2023 in the case when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime between 2011 and 2015. On February 13, the TN governor accepted Balaji's resignation from the council of ministers. The top court's reprieve on September 26 ended Balaji's 471-day incarceration. The ED had filed a case of money laundering in July 2021 to probe the allegations after three FIRs were registered by the Tamil Nadu police in 2018 and on the basis of complaints by those aggrieved in the alleged scam. The agency's charge sheet claimed the entire recruitment process in the Tamil Nadu transport department during the tenure of Balaji as minister was turned into a "corrupt chiefdom", and the scam was executed under his authority. Being a public servant, Balaji "misused" his official capacity as the then transport minister and obtained pecuniary benefits by corrupt and illegal means and directly acquired the proceeds of crime, generated out of a criminal activity related to a scheduled offence, the agency alleged. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
PACS Stockholders with Large Losses Should Contact Shareholder Rights Law Firm Robbins LLP for Information About the PACS Group, Inc. Class ActionFILE PHOTO: Nov 20, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) attempts to deflect a pass intended for Merrimack Warriors guard Devon Savage (5) during the second half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images/File Photo No. 24 Rutgers will look to continue its torrid start to the season on Sunday afternoon when it visits Kennesaw State in Georgia. The Scarlet Knights' promising five-star recruits, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, have been as good as advertised. Bailey has averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds in the two games he's played, while the latter has contributed 19.5 and 5.5, respectively, in his four contests. Bailey collected 23 points and 10 rebounds and Harper added 14 and eight, respectively, to propel Rutgers to a 74-63 victory over Merrimack on Wednesday in Piscataway, N.J. After the contest, Bailey sported a toothy grin that did little to disguise the fun he's having on the court. "We play together, we're all laughing as a team, we're enjoying the game of basketball, how it should be played," Bailey said. "It's fun." Head coach Steve Pikiell might have a different take, at least when considering the game's first 20 minutes against the Warriors anyway. The Scarlet Knights held a seven-point advantage at intermission, but Pikiell wasn't pleased with what he saw on the defensive end. Bailey said he got the message. "You don't play no defense, you ain't gonna play," he said. "Communication-wise, I wouldn't say it was terrible at first, but it was not where it needed to be. It's getting better -- it's still not where it needs to be, but it's improving." It better improve considering Rutgers (4-0) is leaving the Garden State for the first time this season. The Scarlet Knights will exit Georgia after Sunday's game and venture to Las Vegas for the Players Era Festival before visiting Ohio State for the Big Ten opener on Dec. 7. "We need to figure ourselves out, but I am looking forward to the trip," Pikiell said. "I'm gonna try to get these guys to put their phones down for five minutes and really bond as a team. "We wanted to be 4-0 in this stretch, and that's what we are. I'll learn more about our team, but if they keep improving, and they keep staying together, we will have the chance to be very good." Kennesaw State, which is off to a 4-1 start for the third consecutive season, pushed its winning streak to three games on Wednesday with an 84-78 victory over Abilene Christian. Simeon Cottle followed up his 27-point performance in the Owls' 85-67 win over Presbyterian last Saturday with 22 points versus the Wildcats. Cottle sank all 12 of his free throws against the Blue Hose and all 10 versus Abilene Christian to improve to 26-for-26 on the season. "Just constant work being in the gym daily," Cottle said. "We have a little thing called 'free-throw game' at the end of the practice that we do every day. It's consistent reps. By doing that, it's allowed me to be successful with my free throws." Cottle is averaging 18.8 points and 4 assists while fellow guard and two-time Conference USA freshman of the week Adrian Wooley is contributing 15.2 and 3.8, respectively. --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now
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Assad exit puts US at perilous crossroads in SyriaWicked star Ariana Grande has said she and Cynthia Erivo were “insufferable” and “horrible” in the build-up to the film’s release. Grande, 31, also said her co-star was a “brilliant gift of a human being” while being interviewed by Gladiator star Paul Mescal for US news outlet Variety. Mescal told the singer and actor: “I’m watching you guys in the press tour. You’re obviously in love with each other.” Ariana Grande has addressed her viral press tour for Wicked (Ian West/PA) The 7 Rings singer plays Glinda, while her 37-year-old co-star plays Elphaba, in the film which is an adaption of the musical stage show of the same name and is set in The Land Of Oz before the events of The Wizard Of Oz. Their interviews for the film, which have seen the two being emotional towards one another and holding hands, have gone viral on social media. Speaking about Erivo, Grande said: “Cynthia is just an absolute brilliant gift of a human being. I think we tried to keep the pressure out of the room, obviously, as much as possible.” She also said she had not had any read throughs with her co-star before joining the cast. Grande said: “We never chemistry read together, it was three rounds for me, and I read with two different actresses. “I stayed for three and a half hours the final day, and I had cried so much. “We did Popular, Defying Gravity, (and) For Good (songs from the film), and I left my lashes on the mirror, because I left everything else in the room.” The film follows Elphaba, who is misunderstood because of her green skin, as she forges an unlikely friendship with Glinda, a student with a desire for popularity. Bullying of the green-skinned witch saw the movie, which also stars Peter Dinklage, Jeff Goldblum and Jonathan Bailey, given a PG rating by the British Board Of Film Classification (BBFC) for “discrimination”.Biden to Block Nippon Steel's Takeover of U.S. Steel on National Security Grounds
Biden to Block Nippon Steel's Takeover of U.S. Steel on National Security GroundsSalah nervelessly converted a 63rd-minute penalty, his 16th goal of the season, after French referee Benoit Bastien had been advised to take another look at Donny van de Beek’s clumsy challenge on Luis Diaz. In the process, he became just the 11th man to score 50 goals in the competition – Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe later also joined that exclusive club – on a night when victory at the Estadi Montilivi meant the six-time European champions will enter 2025 sitting proudly at the top of the table. France international Michael Olise produced a moment of magic to set the seal on Bayern Munich’s demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk and ease them towards the knockout stage. Olise’s brilliant stoppage-time run and finish capped a 5-1 victory for the Germans, in which he had early scored from the penalty spot, in Gelsenkirchen. Kevin’s fifth-minute strike had given the home side the perfect start, but Konrad Laimer levelled before Thomas Muller’s 55th goal in the competition sent the visitors in ahead at the break and set the stage for Olise’s double either side of Jamal Musiala’s strike. Jude Bellingham breathed life back into Real Madrid’s campaign as they held off Atalanta to earn a 3-2 victory in Bergamo. After Charles De Ketelaere had cancelled out Mbappe’s opener from the penalty spot, second-half goals from Vinicius Junior and Bellingham in quick succession put the visitors in charge, although Ademola Lookman’s 65th-minute strike meant the contest was alive until the final whistle. Ross Barkley took Aston Villa a step closer to automatic qualification with a late winner against RB Leipzig in Germany. Villa had led twice through John McGinn and Jhon Duran, but equalisers from Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner kept Leipzig in it until substitute Barkley struck five minutes from time to snatch a 3-2 victory. Goals from Goncalo Ramos, Nuno Mendes and substitute Desire Doue – his first in the competition – handed French champions Paris St Germain a much-needed three points after a comfortable 3-0 win at RB Salzburg. Nordi Mukiele left it late to end Inter Milan’s unbeaten Champions League record as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory at the BayArena. Mukiele struck in the 90th minute to inflict a first defeat across six games in this season’s competition on the Serie A champions – it was also the first goal they have conceded. Casper Nielsen came off the bench to fire Club Brugge to a 2-1 home victory over Sporting Lisbon after Eduardo Quaresma’s own goal had handed them a way back into the game following Geny Catamo’s early opener. Julien Le Cardinal’s first-half strike was enough to handed Brest a 1-0 victory over Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven, while Kasper Schmeichel’s save from Marko Pjaca’s close-range 80th-minute header ensured Celtic returned from Dinamo Zagreb with a 0-0 draw.
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M abuhay from Canada! The vibrant streets of Manila tell a story of economic dynamism that showcases the immense opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region, a key priority in Canada’s international trade engagement. As I conclude a highly successful Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines, one thing is crystal clear: there has never been a better time for our two nations to deepen our economic partnership. The numbers speak volumes about our existing relationship. The Philippines is our second-largest export market in Southeast Asia, with our two-way trade valued at 3.4 billion Canadian dollars, reflecting a robust commercial relationship that spans decades. At the heart of our partnership lies an extraordinary human connection that creates natural bridges between our nations. Our nearly one million strong Filipino-Canadian community serves as powerful ambassadors, facilitating business relationships and deepening cultural understanding between our countries. Meanwhile, more than 25,000 Canadians have made the Philippines their home. These bonds will soon be enhanced by Air Canada’s announcement of direct flights to the Philippines, facilitating business ties and people-to-people exchanges. The timing of our enhanced engagement couldn’t be more opportune. President Marcos’ recent signing of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) legislation signals the Philippines’ commitment to creating a more welcoming environment for international investment and partnership. Canada stands ready to respond with expertise in crucial sectors including clean technology, agriculture, infrastructure, digital innovation, and more! This trade mission has already delivered tangible results. Export Development Canada’s decision to establish an office here demonstrates our long-term commitment. Canadian technology leader OpenText is expanding its innovation center and building on its existing 1,500-person workforce, while Ostrom Climate has chosen Manila as its Asean regional hub. The partnership between Canadian AI firm Lydia AI and Philippine venture capital firm Kickstart Ventures showcases how our technology sectors can collaborate, while the agreement between Canada’s FreeBalance and the Philippine Department of Budget and Management enhances financial management systems. A particularly significant development was the signing of an administrative agreement to fulfill obligations under our 1983 Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. As a tier-one nuclear nation with expertise across the full supply chain, Canada is uniquely positioned to support the Philippines’ energy goals. The momentum in our bilateral relationship has led to an exciting new phase: we are beginning exploratory discussions toward a Canada-Philippines Free Trade Agreement. This potential agreement would create unprecedented opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Pacific, reducing barriers and fostering deeper trade and investment partnerships. Canada’s commitment to the region is backed by substantial investment, with our Indo-Pacific Strategy supported by 2.3 billion Canadian dollars over five years. Our decision to establish the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila underscores our view of the Philippines as a crucial hub for regional engagement. The foundation of our partnership extends beyond economics to shared values—commitment to the rule of law and inclusive economic growth. As we look to the future, from sustainable energy solutions to digital transformation, complementary strengths create natural synergies. The path forward is clear: through continued engagement and strategic investment, we can build a more prosperous future for both our nations. Canada stands ready as the partner of choice for the Philippines in its journey of economic transformation. —————- Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .The move is President Joe Biden’s administration’s last large-scale effort to stymie China’s ability to access and produce chips. The United States has launched its third crackdown in three years on China’s semiconductor industry, curbing exports to 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group, among other moves. The latest effort on Monday to hobble Beijing’s chipmaking ambitions also hits Chinese chip toolmakers Piotech, ACM Research and SiCarrier Technology with new export restrictions as part of the package, which also takes aim at shipments of advanced memory chips and more chipmaking tools to China. The move is one of President Joe Biden’s last large-scale efforts to stymie China’s ability to access and produce chips that can help advance artificial intelligence for military applications, or otherwise threaten US national security. It comes just weeks before the swearing-in of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to retain many of Biden’s tough-on-China measures. The package includes curbs on China-bound shipments of high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, critical for high-end applications like AI training; curbs on 24 additional chipmaking tools and three software tools; and export curbs on chipmaking equipment made in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the action aims to prevent “China from advancing its domestic semiconductor manufacturing system, which it will use to support its military modernization”. The tool controls will likely hurt US companies Lam Research, KLA and Applied Materials, as well as non-US companies like Dutch equipment maker ASM International. Chinese companies facing new restrictions include nearly two dozen semiconductor companies, two investment companies and more than 100 chipmaking tool makers. The companies include Swaysure Technology Co, Si’En Qingdao and Shenzhen Pensun Technology Co, which work with China’s Huawei Technologies. The telecommunications equipment leader has been hobbled by US sanctions and is now at the centre of China’s advanced chip production and development. The companies will be added to the entity list, which bars US suppliers from shipping to them without first receiving a special licence. Asked about the curbs, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian said such behaviour undermined the international economic trade order and disrupted global supply chains. China will take measures to safeguard the rights and interests of its firms, he added at a regular news briefing on Monday. China’s Ministry of Commerce described the new restrictions as a clear example of “economic coercion” and “non-market practices” in a statement on its website. China has stepped up its drive to become self-sufficient in the semiconductor sector in recent years, as the US and other countries have restricted exports of the advanced chips and the tools to make them. However, it remains years behind chip industry leaders like US company Nvidia in AI chips and chip equipment maker ASML in the Netherlands. The US is also poised to place additional restrictions on Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co, China’s largest contract chip manufacturer, which was placed on the Entity List in 2020 but with a policy that allowed billions of dollars worth of licences to ship goods to it to be granted. For the first time, the US will add three companies that make investments in chips to the entity list. Chinese private equity firm Wise Road Capital, tech firm Wingtech Technology Co and JAC Capital were added, the Commerce Department said, because of their role “in aiding China’s government’s efforts to acquire entities with sensitive semiconductor manufacturing capability critical to the defense industrial bases of the United States and its allies with the objective of relocating these entities to China”. Companies seeking licences to ship to firms on the entity list generally get denied. Exemptions An aspect of the new package addresses the foreign direct product rule which extends US powers to curb exports of chipmaking equipment by US, Japanese, and Dutch manufacturers made in other parts of the world to certain chip plants in China. This could hurt some US allies by limiting what their companies can ship to China. The new rule will expand US powers to curb exports of chipmaking equipment by US, Japanese and Dutch manufacturers made in other parts of the world to certain chip plants in China. Equipment made in Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan is subject to the rule while Japan and the Netherlands will be exempt. The expanded foreign direct product rule will apply to 16 companies on the entity list that are seen as the most important to China’s most advanced chipmaking ambitions. The rule will also lower to zero the amount of US content that determines when certain foreign items are subject to US control. That will allow the US to regulate any item shipped to China from overseas if it contains any US chips. The new rules are being released after lengthy discussions with Japan and the Netherlands, which, along with the US, dominate the production of advanced chipmaking equipment. The Dutch government said it would study the new restrictions, adding that “every country has its own considerations” on national security and export controls. ASML said on its website that it did not see a material impact on its business, adding that if the Dutch government makes a “similar security assessment”, it could affect exports of some of its chip-making tools. The US plans to exempt countries that adopt similar controls, sources told Reuters. Another rule in the package restricts memory used in AI chips that correspond with what is known as “HBM 2” and higher, technology made by South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix and US-based Micron. Industry sources expect only Samsung Electronics to be affected. Analysts estimate that Samsung generates about 30 percent of its HBM chip sales from China. The latest rules are the third major package of chip-related export curbs on China adopted under the Biden administration. In October 2022, the US published a sweeping set of controls on the sale and manufacture of certain high-end chips, which was considered the biggest shift in its tech policy towards China since the 1990s.