Ex-stuntman dies after assault during brawl, one held in TN
CHENNAI: A 25-year-old man was arrested for murdering a 50-year-old on Sunday night following a drunken brawl at Saidapet railway station, police said. The victim, Ramesh of T Nagar, a former stuntman in films, succumbed to head injuries around 2.30 am on Monday at Royapettah Government Hospital. Initially, a case of accidental death was registered after the head injuries were suspected to be from a train mishap. However, doctors found the wounds inconsistent with a fall and CCTV footage later confirmed that Ramesh had been attacked. The case was then altered to murder. According to the Mambalam Government Railway Police (GRP), the suspect was identified as K Mohamed Riyaz of Gandhi Nagar in Koyambedu, an unemployed man known to frequent railway stations in an inebriated state. A police team traced him and after being shown the CCTV footage, he admitted to the crime. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Sunday. Police said Riyaz, who was allegedly drunk, asked Ramesh, who was also inebriated, for a tobacco sachet. When Ramesh refused, Riyaz allegedly tried to snatch a packet from his pocket. Ramesh bit his finger in resistance, following which Riyaz assaulted him. He allegedly kicked Ramesh on the head, chest and stomach before fleeing. Ramesh was taken to Saidapet Government Hospital before being shifted to Royapettah GH, where he died. Riyaz has been remanded in judicial custody.
Government introduces CM with Me centre to foster citizen participation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an attempt to foster citizen participation in governance and strengthen their communication with the government, the cabinet has given its nod to a comprehensive citizen connect centre, CM with Me. The move, that aims to provide information about government schemes, welfare schemes and industry-based initiatives easily to people, plans to host consistent people participation programmes to achieve transparency in governance. Issues raised by citizens will also receive a proper response through this. Expected to function as an effective space for accurate emergency and disaster relief communication, the government also plans to compile peoples opinions to improve the quality of its schemes, too. Peoples suggestions and evaluations about day-to-day matters in fields like health, education, basic amenities, house construction, and environment will be actively considered. Through this, the government also aims to reach people from all communities, incorporate their opinions, and resolve issues within. The cabinet has appointed the Chief Secretary to issue necessary orders and reshuffle IAS officers for the centre. KAS officers and government employees will be appointed in a working arrangement for the centre. The citizen connect centre will have its office at Vellayambalam in Thiruvananthapuram, proceedings for which will be initiated by the revenue department. The cabinet has also instructed the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to provide the technological, infrastructural, and human resource support for this. The centre, which plans to empower Keralas developmental model, hopes to achieve a Kerala model in participatory governance, and will be monitored by the Information & Public Relations Department. OTHER CABINET DECISIONS Approval to notify Vizhinjam International Seaport as a public utility service under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, to ensure smooth labour environment Draft of the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 approved 10% hike in daily allowance for Bevco employees. The revised rates are as follows: For basic pay up to L37,400: L355 From L37,401 to L68,400: L415 Above L68,400: L500 The executive employees of Steel Industrials Kerala Limited will have their revised salaries implemented with effect from April 1, 2019. The long-term contract for workers of Steel Industrials Kerala Limited will be implemented with effect from April 1, 2021 Biju S has been appointed managing director of Steel Industrials Kerala Limited Harikumar S has been appointed managing director of Metal Industries Limited 15 cents of Fisheries Department land in Parappanangadi to be leased to KWA under AMRUT 2.0 for construction of a 16 lakh litre capacity overhead tank and clear water pumping main to address water shortage in coastal areas
Saatvik, GK Energy, Jinkushal Launch IPOs to Raise 1,480 Crore
Ambala-based Saatvik Green Energy announced a 900 crore initial public offering in the price band of 442465 per equity share of face value 2
Maoists announces temporary suspension of armed struggle, ask govt to declare 'ceasefire'
RAIPUR: The outlawed CPI (Maoist), in a purported statement, has announced a temporary suspension of its armed struggle to facilitate peace talks, but has asked the government to declare a one-month 'ceasefire' and halt security operations to initiate the process. Reacting to the development, the Chhattisgarh government said it was verifying the authenticity of the statement, which surfaced on social media on Tuesday. In the purported statement issued by Maoists, the rebels have appealed to the government to share their decision on the issue via the Internet and government news media, including radio. The two-page statement, dated August 15, was issued in the name of Abhay, a spokesperson of the central committee of Maoists, and came nearly four months after the killing of Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju , general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who holds the home portfolio, told reporters on Tuesday that the authenticity of the statement was being verified and the best way for Maoists is to surrender and avail rehabilitation benefits. The term 'ceasefire' is highly objectionable as there is no war-like situation that requires one. In a democracy, talks cannot be conditional, yet once again, they have set preconditions. However, after verifying the statement, discussions will be held within the government, he said. INTERVIEW | Basavaraju killing a success, but gun cant kill ideology The Maoists, in the statement, said they had proposed a ceasefire to the government earlier, asking for one month to consult with the highest leadership comrades of the outfit. But unfortunately, the central government did not express its favourable stand on it. Rather, it has further intensified its operations, the statement said. To take forward the process of peace talks that was started on the initiative of the party's general secretary (late Basavaraju), we are making it clear that in view of the changed global and national circumstances, as well as the continuous requests being made by the country's Prime Minister, Home Minister and senior police officers to give up arms and join the mainstream, we have decided to shun arms, it said. We have decided to declare a temporary halt to the armed struggle. We are making it clear that in the future, we will fight shoulder to shoulder with all political parties and organisations fighting for the public cause as far as possible, the statement added. The CPI (Maoist) offered direct talks with the Centre. We are ready to talk to the Union Home Minister or persons appointed by him or a delegation on this issue. But we will have to inform the party about our changed opinion. Therefore, our request to the Central Government is to give us one month to consult with our comrades working in different states across the country and those imprisoned, it said. We are also ready to exchange views with the government on this subject, primarily through video call. Therefore, we are making it clear once again that (the government should) immediately declare a formal ceasefire for a month, stop search operations and take forward the peace process, it said. The statement also carried a note, saying it was issued late due to several reasons. Reacting to the statement, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range Sundarraj P told PTI that police have taken note of the press release issued in the name of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee regarding the laying down of arms and the prospect of peace talks. The authenticity of the release is being verified and its contents are under careful examination, he added. It is reiterated that any decision on engagement or dialogue with the CPI (Maoist) lies solely with the government, which will take an appropriate call after due consideration and assessment of the situation and circumstances, the IPS officer added. 'Surrender or get eliminated like Basavaraju': Bastar top cop's warning to Maoist leaders
Congress MP Priyanka buys toys for Anganwadi children in Wayanad
Wayanad: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday inaugurated an Anganwadi at Sulthan Bathery here, interacted with the children and bought them their favourite toys. Priyanka inaugurated the Varipra Smart Anganwadi in Ambalavayal Panchayat and then asked the children about their favourite toys, a party statement said. She jotted down the toy mentioned by each Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
SC refuses to entertain plea by kin of slain Maoist leader Basavaraju
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea by the kin of top Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao, who was killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh in May, over the handing over of his body for performing final rites. Rao, widely known as Basavaraju, along with 26 others was killed in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
'Parallel BJP In Ambala': Anil Vij's Claim Sparks Buzz Of Internal Rift In Haryana
Anil Vij sparked speculation about an internal rift within the BJP-led Haryana government by alleging that a parallel BJP was operating in Ambala.
Dalit leader from Telangana appointed as Maoist Partys general secretary
Hyderabad: The Communist Party of India (Maoist) has appointed Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devuji as the general secretary of the banned outfit. The move follows the killing of former chief of the Maoist party Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraj, along with 27 guerrillas in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh on May 21. The Maoist party has also Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Thippiri Tirupati Appointed as CPI (Maoist) Central Committee Secretary
Karimnagar native, who joined the Maoist movement in 1983, takes charge after Nambala Kesava Raos death; carries 1 crore bounty and linked to 2010 Dantewada attack.
Fire Breaks Out In Vishal Mega Mart's Ambala Outlet | Watch Video
Firefighting operations are currently underway, as per ANI report.
Kavya, Shambala and Disciplined catch the eye
Governor to flag off procession to mark Onam fete conclusion on Tuesday
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar will flag off the closing procession of the Onam celebration at Manaveeyam Veedhi in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, state ministers, and cultural icons are expected to participate in the event, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said in a press conference on Sunday. The procession from Vellayambalam to East Fort will start by 4 pm and feature nearly 1,000 artists performing 91 art forms. Reflecting the theme unity in diversity, the procession will exhibit various art forms from Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The Indian armys band team will also be part of the event. It will also see 59 floats, under themes of Keralas culture, tradition, cinema, literature, womens safety, empowerment, science, and technology. Additional 60 floats, depicting the state governments developmental activities, will also be there. All the floats have been prepared by adhering to the green protocol, Sivankutty said. He also urged the public to follow the instructions given to them. Traffic regulations will be imposed from Kowdiar to Eanchakkal from 2 pm on the day of procession. Vehicle parking will not be allowed along the roads through which the procession will pass, City Police Commissioner Thomson Jose said. Parking grounds have, however, been arranged in different schools and colleges of the city. Diversions from key roads will also be arranged for other travellers, as other key roads will also fall under regulations. Ambulances, fire services, etc will be deployed as part of safety precautions, tourism director Shikha Surendran said. Drinking water facilities will be set up for people to avoid the use of plastic bottles. Schools and government institutions in the city will not be functioning in the afternoon.
Anil Vij orders immediate water drainage from Ambala Cantonment Industrial Area
Deepender Hooda demands urgent compensation and flood relief measures in Ambala
Deepender Singh Hooda, a senior Congress leader, toured flood-affected areas in Haryana, criticizing the state government's inadequate response to the crisis. He urged immediate relief measures, including improved drainage, compensation for farmers (Rs 50,000 per acre), and household assistance based on a special survey.
Several localities of Haryanas Ambala waterlogged after heavy rain
Rain wreaks havoc in Punjab: 37 dead, crops on 1.75 lakh hectares damaged
Punjab`s Mohali logged 18 mm of rain, followed by 14.8 mm in Gurdaspur, 6.4 mm in Amritsar, 2.3 mm in Patiala, and 0.4 mm in Ludhiana. Meanwhile, in Haryana, in the past 24 hours, Panchkula received 76 mm of rain followed 16.8 mm in Karnal, 12.6 mm in Hisar, 5.3 mm in Ambala and 1.8 mm in Rohtak
Schools across India face closures this week due to a blend of festivals and weather concerns. Delhi-NCR observes Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi on September 5th, while Kerala celebrates Onam. Teacher's Day may see brief school events. Punjab and Himachal Pradesh extend holidays due to weather, and Haryana's Ambala and Jhajjar districts are closed due to rain warnings.
Centre Clears 40km Baramulla-Uri Rail Line, Qazigund-Badgam Doubling To Boost J&K Connectivity
The planning group also cleared two capacity expansion projects in Punjab and Haryana---third line between LudhianaJalandhar Cantt and fourth line between Ambala CanttSahnewal
Kerala kicks off week-long Onam celebrations, CM says festival reflects spirit of Nava Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas week-long state-level Onam celebrations began on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasising that the festivals inclusive spirit mirrors the state governments Nava Kerala vision. Keralas unity, communal harmony, and fraternal and inclusive mindset are the reasons for the states progress and development, the CM said while inaugurating the celebrations organised by Kerala Tourism at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Kanakakkunnu. This years theme is Onam Orumayude Eenam, the Real Kerala Story. The state governments Nava Kerala concept aligns well with the concept of Onam, where even the most underprivileged person is being considered and included in our progress as a society, he added, cautioning people to remain vigilant against forces disrupting unity. Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, who presided, said, The people of Kerala, and their hospitality, are the greatest asset for marketing our tourism. He noted that Keralas peaceful atmosphere and communal harmony continue to attract visitors, while Minister V Sivankutty said the government ensured arrangements for all sections of society to enjoy the festivities. Tamil actor Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi), chief guest, said, Keralas love and hospitality made this my second home. Director-actor Basil Joseph added, Everyone, regardless of their background, celebrates Onam, which makes it special. This years expanded celebrations will feature nearly 10,000 artists, a drone show, and 33 venues in Thiruvananthapuram alone. The festival concludes on September 9 with a cultural procession from Vellayambalam to East Fort. Governor Rajendra Arlekar will flag it off, with around 150 floats.
Ambala inundated, oppn leaders slam govt
Flood situation reviewed in Ambala, crop damage reported, DC issues emergency directions
Ambala face heavy rains, flood concerns: Energy minister Anil Vij reviews situation
Haryana's Minister Anil Vij addressed Ambala Cantonment's situation after heavy rainfall, deploying SDRF and monitoring water levels in the Tangri river. An embankment protected the area, but those in the riverbed were rescued. Vij also expressed sorrow over three deaths in Hisar due to a power line contact, promising compensation and investigation.
Ambala reels under floods, opposition leaders slam administration for negligence
CHANDIGARH : A fresh spell of heavy rains compounded the flood situation in Punjab with the death toll rising to 37 on Wednesday, while crops on 1.75 lakh hectares of land in 23 districts got damaged by the worst deluge in the state since 1988. Rescue and relief operations are underway on a war footing as help poured in from several quarters for over 3.55 lakh people in 1,655 villages, desperately looking for succour. Following heavy rains, an alert has been sounded in Rupnagar and Patiala districts, urging people to remain vigilant, while all schools, colleges and universities have been closed till September 7. With rains refusing to relent in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the already swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers originating in the Himalayas and seasonal rivulets inundated towns, villages and agricultural lands, upending normal life. The Punjab government released Rs 71 crore as an immediate relief and rehabilitation measure, with the AAP dispensation reiterating that it was committed to compensating people for their losses. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit the flood-hit areas in Punjab on Thursday to review the extent of crop damage. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will also assess the flood damage on the same day. He will take stock of the relief work being carried out in the state and interact with the affected people, said the party. Rains in Punjab have aggravated the flood situation. The water level in the Bhakra dam at 6 am was 1,677.84 feet, against its maximum capacity of 1,680 feet. The inflow in the dam was 86,822 cusecs while the outflow was 65,042 cusecs. Punjab declared disaster-hit as floods submerge 3.75 lakh acres; 30 dead, 3.55 lakh affected In view of heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, the water discharge from the dam was being increased from 65,000 cusecs to 75,000 cusecs, officials said and warned that Nangal's villages may be inundated. Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the state is reeling under one of the worst floods in recent decades, with widespread crop devastation reported across 1,75,216 hectares of farmland. Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka are among the worst-hit districts, accounting for the bulk of the agricultural losses, he said. The minister said that 37 lives have been lost across 12 districts, while three persons remain missing in Pathankot. The highest fatalities have been reported in Hoshiarpur, where seven lives have been lost, followed by six in Pathankot, five in Barnala, four each in Amritsar and Ludhiana, three each in Bathinda and Mansa, and one each in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and Sangrur. The flood-related data is from August 1 to September 3. Gurdaspur alone suffered crop damage over 40,169 hectares, followed by Mansa 24,967 hectares, Amritsar 23,000 hectares, Fazilka 17,786 hectares, Ferozepur 17,620 hectares, and Kapurthala 14,934 hectares, among others. The Rupnagar district administration has asked people living near the Sutlej river to stay on alert in the wake of an increase in the discharge of water from the Bhakra dam. Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains appealed to Sri Anandpur Sahib residents living on riverbanks and low-lying areas to shift to safer places or relief camps. He visited over two dozen flood-affected villages and personally oversaw the evacuation of families stranded along the Sutlej river. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited the flood-ravaged areas in Pathankot district, while AAP leader Manish Sisodia visited the flood-hit areas in Tarn Taran district. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha announced providing Rs 3.25 crore from his Local Area Development Scheme fund for relief work. MP Sandeep Pathak visited flood-hit villages in Ferozepur district and released Rs 5 crore from the MPLADS funds for the affected villages in the border district. Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal also announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh from his discretionary funds to support the affected people. Relief and rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Border Security Force, Punjab Police and district authorities are underway in the affected areas, officials said. Meanwhile, the Patiala district administration issued an alert for villages near the Ghaggar river in the Rajpura sub-division in the wake of heavy rains in the catchment areas. According to officials, the water level of the Tangri river has risen close to the danger mark in Ambala and is expected to rise in Patiala following heavy rains in Ambala and Kala Amb.
Muslim community in Ambala extends helping hand to flood-hit Punjab
Wayanad farmers turn to value-added products to tap avocado market
KALPETTA: Once dismissed as patti pazham (dog fruit) in Wayanads backyards, avocado is now re-emerging in new avatars oil, pulp, smoothies, and even tea. Farmers in the hill district, hit by a steep price crash, are betting on value-added products to rescue their crop and carve out premium markets. The Wayanad Hills Farmer Producer Company Limited (WHFPCL), in collaboration with the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD), Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) and the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), is spearheading the initiative to launch more than a dozen avocado-based innovations. For the rest of Kerala, avocado might be considered an elite food. But here in Wayanad, we used to call it dog fruit. Not because it lacked value, but because we didnt know its value, WHFPCL chairman Sunil Kumar M R told TNIE. Almost every household has at least one tree. With proper training, farmers can earn a good income from this fruit. Just last year, a kilogram of premium avocados fetched up to Rs 340, with exports averaging 2,000 tonnes annually. Farmers expanded cultivation. Ambalavayal even crowned itself Avocado City with a festival celebrating the fruit. But this season, prices have slumped to Rs 60 to Rs 70 a kg, forcing growers to look beyond the raw market. We are not getting enough support from state or central governments to promote the fruit internationally. So farmers here, along with RARS, decided to brand Wayanadan avocado. Now, almost every shop in Kerala stocks it, and we export it to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But our aim is the global market. We believe value-added products can take us there, Sunil Kumar said. The avocados journey in Wayanad goes back 75 years, when the British introduced four varieties. One of the original trees still stands on the RARS campus. Wayanad has the potential to compete globally, said RARS associate director C K Yamini Varma. But a lack of professionalism in selecting planting materials, unscientific harvesting by plucking immature fruits, and poor packaging and marketing stand in the way. To counter these hurdles, WHFPCL and RARS have rolled out training programmes on scientific harvesting, packaging, and branding. Julys avocado fest in Ambalavayal drew about 500 farmers. The main harvest season is June to August, when farmers typically earn Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000. But some varieties bear fruit in February and March, fetching up to Rs 50,000 from a single tree. Since the crop requires little care, farmers are content with modest returns. But many continue with unscientific harvesting and packaging practices that lower quality. We are now conducting training and awareness classes to change that, Sunil Kumar added. As Wayanads dog fruit transforms into a gourmet offering, the districts farmers are learning that survival lies not just in cultivation but in innovation as well.
IMD issues red alert for Northwest India
NEW DELHI: In anticipation of extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Northwest India, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi . IMD predicts the rain intensity levels may exceed 210 mm in certain areas over the next three days. It has also predicted an imminent risk of flash floods in several watersheds and neighborhoods of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. Residents are advised to remain vigilant over the next 24 hours as severe weather conditions are expected. In Himachal Pradesh, the districts most at risk include Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan. In Uttarakhand, the vulnerable districts are Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi. The plains of Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhispecifically Ambala, Panchkula, and Yamunanagarare also threatened by potential flash floods. The IMD has also projected heavy rainfall in Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, the Gujarat region, and Coastal Karnataka during the first week of September. Furthermore, a fresh low-pressure area is expected to form over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Odisha, and will move across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat over the next 3-4 days. This will likely lead to increased monsoon rainfall in Odisha from September 2 to 4, in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh from September 3 to 5, and in Gujarat and parts of North Maharashtra from September 4 to 7. Due to these dangerous predictions, the IMD has advised fisherfolk to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea from September 1 to 6. Lake burst behind Uttarakhand flash flood, MHA told In the past 24 hours, many areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, West Rajasthan, and Telangana recorded extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 210 mm. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan received between 120-200 mm of rain. The heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding in Punjab, resulting in losses to kharif crops. The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has held a review meeting with senior officials to assess the damage caused by the heavy rainfall and discuss compensation measures. Earlier, the IMD's monthly outlook indicated that the country is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in September, with a delayed withdrawal of the monsoon. Typically, the monsoon begins to withdraw in the first week of September and is expected to be fully withdrawn by September 30. The IMD has noted a new trend in September, characterized by more rainfall and a later withdrawal. So far, the country has experienced 6% more rainfall than normal, while the East and Northeast regions have faced approximately 18% below-normal rainfall. In contrast, the Northwest region has been the wettest, with about 27% above-normal rainfall recorded in the first three months of the monsoon. Flash flood strands 189 tourists in Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers
Punjab recorded 74% excess, Haryana received 32% more than normal rain in August
CHANDIGARH: In August, Punjab received 253.7 mm of rain, the highest the state has witnessed in the past 25 years, while Haryana recorded 194.5 mm of rain against an average of 147.7 mm for the month. Punjab received deficient rainfall multiple times in the past couple of decades, but this year it recorded the highest rainfall figures for August in the last 25 years, the Met department stated. Punjab recorded 253.7 mm rainfall in August, which was 74 per cent more than the months normal of 146.2 mm. The neighbouring Haryana received 194.5 mm of rain in August against an average of 147.7 mm for the month, which was 32 per cent in excess. Both states received excess rain in August only five times in the past 25 years, including this year. Heavy rains lash several parts of Punjab, Haryana 18 out of the total 23 districts in Punjab recorded excess rain, while a few districts like Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib recorded deficient rainfall. Meanwhile, Gurdaspur recorded 577.5 mm rainfall, 181 per cent more than normal of 205.3 mm; Pathankot received 944.2 mm of rain in August which was 152 per cent in excess than the normal of 375.2 mm; while Tarn Taran recorded 208 mm of rain against the normal of 87.1 per cent in August, which was 139 per cent in excess; Ferozepur received 170.6 mm of rain against a normal of 74.5 mm, which was 129 per cent in excess; Fazilka recorded 146.8 mm of rain as against 68.1 mm, a rise of 115 per cent; Hoshiarpur received 360.6 mm of rain in August, 74 per cent in excess of the normal figures of 207.6 mm; and Amritsar received 226.8 mm of rain in August against a normal of 162.4 mm, which was 40 per cent more. 18 out of the 22 districts in Haryana recorded excess rain in the month of August while four districts including Bhiwani and Ambala, recorded deficient rain. In Haryana excess rainfall was recorded in Fatehabad (252 per cent), Hisar (68 per cent), Faridabad (31 per cent) and Gurugram (24 per cent). Meanwhile Chandigarh (Union Territory), the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded 308.5 mm rainfall in August as against the normal of 248.8 mm which was only 8 per cent more.
In Haryana, warnings have been issued for Karnal, Indri, Thanesar, Kaithal, Nilokheri, Radaur, Barara, Jagadhri, Chhachhrauli, Narayangarh, Panchkula, Guhla, Pehowa, Shahabad, Ambala, and Kalka. Chandigarh is also covered under the red alert.
Heavy rains lash several parts of Punjab, Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Rains lashed several parts of Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory Chandigarh on Monday, with Ludhiana logging the highest rainfall of 216.70 mm. According to the Met department here, several places in Punjab and Haryana received rain during the 24-hour period ending 8:30 am Monday. Among other places in Punjab which received rain included Amritsar (24.1 mm), Patiala (80.4 mm), Pathankot (3.6 mm), Bathinda (3 mm), Faridkot (10.2 mm), Gurdaspur (2.7 mm), SBS Nagar (112.7 mm), Mohali (64 mm), Mansa (42 mm) and Rupnagar (82.5 mm). Chandigarh, the joint capital of both states, received 76.5 mm of rainfall. Among other places in Haryana, Ambala recorded 48.4 mm, Hisar (11.8 mm), Karnal (12.8 mm), Narnaul (66 mm), Rohtak (13.4 mm), Sirsa (130 mm), Panchkula (57 mm), Panipat (33 mm) and Gurugram (9.5 mm). Punjab is under the grip of massive floods, caused by the swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets due to heavy rain in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Villages worst-affected by the floods were in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar districts. Relief and rescue operations by the NDRF, Army, BSF, Punjab Police and district authorities continued on a war footing in the affected areas.
YAMUNANAGAR: Incessant rains over the past few days have led to an increase in the water levels in the Yamuna river on Monday, prompting authorities to open the floodgates of the Hathnikund barrage. An official of the irrigation department here said the flow of water in the Yamuna at the Hathnikund barrage in the district rose to 3.29 lakh cusecs, the highest water flow recorded during this monsoon season. Any flow exceeding 2.5 lakh cusecs is classified as a high flood, Vijay Garg, executive engineer of the Irrigation Department, said. Water released from the barrage typically takes around 48 hours to reach Delhi. Officials said an alert has been sounded and a strict vigil is being kept on villages falling in the areas of the Yamuna in the district and some other districts. Many places in Haryana on Monday were lashed by rains, including Panchkula, Yamunanagar and Ambala. Taking note of the spate in rivers in the region due to heavy rains in their catchment areas, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had said on Sunday that his government is alert and prepared to deal with any flood situation. Saini had on Friday instructed all deputy commissioners in the state to monitor areas along rivers in their respective jurisdictions. They were told to prepare a concrete action plan in advance for villages, settlements and colonies located near riverbanks. Several districts in neighbouring Punjab are also gripped by floods as Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets are in spate following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
10.45 crore sanctioned for construction of roads in Ambalappuzha Assembly constituency
V.L.A Ambala, a SEBI-registered research analyst expects Nifty 50 to test 23,000-23,700 in the near-term amid weak momentum. She listed CDSL among her top five stocks to buy for the next one year.
2 Bishnoi Gang Operatives Arrested In Punjab, Pistols, Ammunition Recovered
Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has arrested two most-wanted Lawrence Bishnoi gang operatives from the Patiala-Ambala Highway near village Shambhu in Patiala, Director General of Police Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, said on Thursday.
Punjab Police arrests two operatives of Lawrence Bishnoi gang
In a major breakthrough, Anti Gangster Task Force (#AGTF) Punjab, arrests two most-wanted Lawrence Bishnoi gang operatives from #Patiala-#Ambala Highway near Village Shambhu, says DGP Gaurav Yadav on X
ACMWSSB exercise onPonnambalam Salai inK.K.Nagar has a ripple effect
Residents want this work to be expedited
ATFL offers affordable housing for Ambala Cantt residents
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 6: ATFL (Herman City), the first and only approved and planned township is offering the affordable housing for the residents of Ambala Cantt. The project is developed in an area of 50 Acres at Ambala Cantt, Sector 42, Ambala-Jagadhari National Highway under Deen Dayal Jan Awas Yojana. The seed of this dream is being implanted by ATFL (Monga Infratechs). The project is the first organized township of Ambala Cantt that has 8 parks, 4 commercial centres, [] The post ATFL offers affordable housing for Ambala Cantt residents appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
In Jawasia, Madhya Pradesh, Ambalal Prajapat honored his dying friend Sohanlal Jain's wish by dancing at his funeral. Sohanlal, battling cancer, requested a joyful farewell in a letter, asking for no weeping but only celebration. Ambalal's emotional tribute, a dance filled with tears and love, moved villagers and went viral, showcasing a profound friendship that transcended grief.
Man Dances at Friends Funeral to Fulfil His Last Wish in MP
In a moving tribute, Ambalal Prajapat honours his late friends heartfelt request to celebrate his final journey with dance, not sorrow
Leopard Captured at Golconda After 22-Day Hunt
The captured animal was initially shifted to the Nehru Zoological Park around 10 am on Thursday. After zoo authorities confirmed it was in good health, it was transported and released in the Kambalapalli range.
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The Train For Your Next Vaishno Devi Visit | Complete Guide
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The cities connected by the services are New Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, and Katra
Quadcopter loses connection during training sortie, falls in open area in Ambala
The Army authorities and Air Force personnel also reached there. They took the drone into their possession
Cong. slams removal of plaque from childrens park in Payyambalam
Ambalappuzha MLA Merit Award presented
People will put an end to dynasty rule of DMK in 2026 Assembly election: Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Addressing a gathering of party workers following a roadshow on Thiruchitrambalam Road in Vanur in Villupuram district, he says the people are disillusioned with the ruling party
5 crore sanctioned for amenity centre at Ambalappuzha temple
In addition to spacious parking facilities, the centre will feature separate dormitories for men and women, storage space, and restroom facilities
ED raids 11 locations in Punjab, Haryana in dunki route money laundering probe
CHANDIGARH: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at eleven locations across Punjab and Haryana as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation into a 'dunki route' case involving illegal immigrants who were deported by the United States earlier this year. Sources said that the Jalandhar zonal office of the apex agency carried out search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Moga in Punjab, and Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Karnal in Haryana. The EDs investigation is based on 19 FIRs registered by police in both Punjab and Haryana against several travel agents and middlemen. As part of the probe, the agency also raided the residence of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Totewala) leader Sukh Gill in Jalandhar. The searches were conducted at premises linked to individuals and entities whose names surfaced during the course of the investigation, said sources. According to officials, around 131 youths from Punjab were deported from the United States in February this year. They were flown back to India in handcuffs aboard US military aircraft, triggering widespread public outrage. Sources further revealed that the travel agents allegedly duped aspiring migrants out of rS 4555 lakh each. Many of these agents never met the victims in person and operated through local contacts. The youth were promised legitimate overseas placements but were instead pushed to take the illegal dunki route, passing through multiple countries. Investigators found that these donkers and their associates exerted pressure on the migrants and their families for additional payments while the youths were in transit. It is learnt that the ED has recorded statements from several deportees, which have helped map the networks operational structure and identify new suspects. The deportees were asked to submit all relevant documents, including bank account details of the travel agents who received payments. A thorough investigation was launched under PMLA as the case involves significant illegal financial transactions, said an official on condition of anonymity.
JALANDHAR: The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted searches in multiple cities of Punjab and Haryana as part of a money laundering investigation into a 'donkey route' case related to illegal Indian immigrants who were deported by the US this year , official sources said. Offices and houses of suspects and agents in at least 11 cities in the two states , Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala and Moga in Punjab and Ambala, Kurukshetra and Karnal in Haryana are being raided under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said. The money laundering case stems from 17 FIRs registered by Punjab and Haryana police departments against the travel/visa agents and middlemen who cheated various persons willing to go to the US illegally, they said. A number of Indians from these two states and few others were deported onboard US military planes in February this year and the agency later recorded the statements of few deportees. These statements and some linked investigation threw up the names of certain suspects and they are being searched, the sources said. 682 Indians deported from US since January, majority had attempted to enter illegally: MEA The agents used to arget innocent persons who were willing to go abroad and on the false promise of sending them to the US through legal channels and flights they used to charge an amount ranging from Rs 45-50 lakh per candidate. However, the agents used to dupe these people as they were sent through illegal routes (donkey route) by crossing the borders of many countries illegally through dangerous/jungle routes under the influence of 'donkers' and mafias, the sources said. These agents, in collusion with 'donkers' and mafia used to create a hreatening situation for the aspiring travellers and their families that they were forced to cough up more and more money, the sources said.
ED conducts searches across Punjab and Haryana in Donkey Route case
The searches were carried out in Punjabs Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Moga; and Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Karnal in Haryana, as part of the probe into money-laundering angle
ED Raids In Punjab, Haryana In Donkey Route Case
Jalandhar, Jul 9: The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted searches in multiple cities of Punjab and Haryana as part of a money laundering investigation into a donkey route case related to illegal Indian immigrants who were deported by the US this year, official sources said. Offices and houses of suspects and agents in at least 11 cities in the two states Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala and Moga in Punjab and Ambala, Kurukshetra and Karnal in Haryana are being raided under [] The post ED Raids In Punjab, Haryana In Donkey Route Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Panic grips Ambalamugal after underground cables catch fire
Madras High Court refuses to reject election petition against AIADMK MLA Natham Viswanathan
Justice P.T. Asha dismisses a plea by the AIADMK MLA to reject the election petition filed against him by DMK candidate M.A. Andiambalam
Chandigarh diary | All official work only in Hindi: Haryana Edu Min
Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhandas directions to his department to conduct all official work and formal communications in Hindi have become a talking point in government circles. While Danda has issued these orders, the officials in his department are struggling to implement them. The problem is finding the right words in Hindi. This announcement follows a directive from the Directorate of Higher Education issued on June 10. Even I dont know English, and 90% of the people in Haryana dont understand it either. I have ordered all work in the education department to be done in Hindi, the minister said recently. Haryana engineers dressing down over dress He shorted the power supply over a pair of shorts and paid a price for it. Executive Engineer Harish Goel of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam, posted in Yamunanagar, was denied entry to a popular club in Ambala Cantonment because he was wearing shorts. The clubs rules prohibit them. Peeved, he snapped the power supply to the club. Shailender Khanna, the president of Central Phoenix Club, submitted a complaint to Haryana Power and Energy Minister Anil Vij. He is also the MLA from Ambala Cantonment. Vij recommended Goels suspension, saying such behaviour from a public servant was unacceptable Rijijus dress-and-dance in Himachal Pradesh Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju spent a memorable three days travelling to remote tribal areas in Lahaul and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh. He donned the traditional dress and even took part in the Nati dance with the locals. BJP MP from Mandi, actor Kangana Ranaut, and local Congress MLA Anuradha Rana joined him. In a series of posts, Rijiju wrote on X, Love and affection of Spiti Valley is mesmerising! Launched various projects at Kaza, furthering the vision of PM @narendramodi ji to develop the border areas! In another post, he wrote, We joined (sic) with Kinnauri folk songs & dances! Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com
Two temples on Mambalam High Road to organise Kumbabhishekam on July 2
Transformative Governance, Security, Collective Spirit
The past decade has been a testament to Indias remarkable transformation under the decisive and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As our nation completes eleven years of this transformative journey, India stands significantly taller on global platforms, having achieved unprecedented progress across a multitude of sectors at home. Indias projected ascent to become the worlds fourth-largest economy by 2025, based on nominal GDP, is a clear reflection of the success of landmark policies, such as Make in India, and GST. The infrastructure sector has witnessed unparalleled growth, with the construction of nearly 50,000 km of national highways, including engineering marvels like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is meticulously integrating infrastructure development across various sectors. Rural India has undergone a remarkable transformation, with nearly 100% electrification, bringing light and opportunity to countless households. Our renewable energy capacity has roughly tripled. The Digital India revolution has expanded financial inclusion. The Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism has saved an astounding Rs 2.7 lakh crore by eliminating leakages and ensuring that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries directly. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, now processing over 1000 crore monthly transactions, has evolved into a global benchmark for digital finance. The semiconductor mission and the introduction of production-linked incentives are strategically positioning India as a global manufacturing hub. With over 75 crore internet users, Indias digital economy is projected to reach an impressive $1 trillion by 2030. The Modi governments commitment to social welfare has been unwavering. The Swachh Bharat Mission, with the construction of over 10 crore toilets, has brought an end to open defecation. Ayushman Bharat has emerged as the worlds largest health assurance scheme, providing vital healthcare coverage to 50 crore. The Ujjwala Yojana has empowered nine crore women by providing them with clean cooking fuel. Similarly, PM-KISAN has provided direct income support to 11 crore farmers. Beyond these, education reforms, such as the National Education Policy 2020, have modernised learning frameworks, focusing on holistic development and future-ready skills. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign has significantly improved gender ratios and girls education enrolment. The Start-up India initiative has fostered an impressive ecosystem of over 100,000 start-ups. Initiatives like Lakhpati Didis are actively promoting womens Self-Help Groups (SHGs), bringing women into the mainstream of national. Indias security posture has undergone a historic and decisive shift from a defensive to a proactive deterrence approach. This resolute approach has been evident in actions such as the surgical strikes post-Uri attack and the Balakot airstrike, which established new red lines and conveyed Indias unwavering resolve against cross-border terrorism. More recently, operations like the decisive response to the Baisaran Valley massacre through Operation Sindoor further demonstrated our commitment to countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism effectively. Our security forces have maintained relentless pressure on terror networks, neutralising 675 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019 while dramatically reducing terror incidents across the region. The revocation of Article 370 was a pivotal step that integrated Jammu & Kashmir into the national mainstream, enabling accelerated development and greater accountability. In the Left Wing Extremism affected tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, the dual strategy of a firm security response coupled with accelerated development has fundamentally transformed the Bastar region. The neutralisation of CPI(Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao, alias Basavaraju, marked a significant turning point in our determined fight against Left-Wing Extremism. Over 2,000 Maoists have surrendered, opting to participate in comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed to reintegrate them into society and provide them with new opportunities. With the staunch support of the Modi government, we are firmly on track to eliminate the Maoist threat by March 2026. Development has reached previously inaccessible areas, directly challenging the Maoist narrative and providing tangible benefits to the local population. This includes the construction of 4,500 km of new roads, providing crucial connectivity, along with the establishment of 250 new schools and 175 healthcare centres in Bastar. The Bastar Net Project has provided internet connectivity to remote villages. In Chhattisgarh, we are deeply committed to making our tribal communities equal partners in the development journey. The Modi governments unwavering focus on Van Dhan initiatives and the recognition of forest rights have significantly empowered tribal populations, both economically and socially. As we move forward, guided by PM Modis profound vision of serving the man behind the plough, we are actively building an India that future generations will undoubtedly be proud of.
Kittu Park: for a stroll by the pond at Chennais West Mambalam
It was once the temple tank of Kothandaramar Temple nearby. In the last few years, it has been renovated into a public park.
Haryana Minister Anil Vij Seeks Metro Link Between Ambala And Chandigarh To Ease Traffic Woes
Ahmedabad flight crash: A surprise that ended in tragedy
I didnt know they were coming. When they showed up at my door, I was speechless. I hadnt seen them since 2022, says Anil Ambalal Patel who lost his son and daughter-in-law in the devastating Air India plane crash
Liquor contractor shot dead on busy highway near Haryana's Kurukshetra
KURUKSHETRA: Unidentified assailants fatally shot a liquor contractor at Shahabad in Haryana's Kurukshetra district, police said on Saturday. Shantanu was shot dead near Meena Market on the national highway in Shahabad, 20 km from here, on Friday evening, they said. The victim briefly stopped his car to buy some items when two men on a sports bike pumped seven bullets into him, police said. Eyewitnesses told police that the attackers fired about eight rounds before fleeing. As panic spread on the busy highway, bystanders attempted to stop the shooters, who abandoned their bike, ran across the road, snatched a motorcycle at gunpoint and fled towards Ambala on the wrong side of the highway. Shantanu was rushed to Adesh Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. SP Nitish Aggarwal told PTI that he reached the crime scene with a police team along with DSP Ram Kumar and Shahabad SHO Satish Kumar. A case has been registered, and security has been tightened with blockades on all major routes and city borders as the search for the killers continues, he said. The SP said the victim, originally from a village in Jhajjar district, was living in Shahbad for sometime. Investigators have collected forensic evidence, questioned the shopkeepers, and began scanning CCTV footage from Meena Market and its nearby areas, the officer said. Police have found some clues and are hopeful for a breakthrough in the matter soon, he said. Checking has been intensified along the borders with Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, with multiple teams dispatched to the nearby regions, including Ambala, Saha, and Barara. A police officer said preliminary investigation suggests the murder could be linked to an old rivalry or a dispute in liquor trade.
Maoists Severely Weakened After Top Leaders Killed; Only 3 Politburo Members Left: Report
In recent months, security forces have intensified their operations against the Maoists, eliminating high-profile leaders like Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju.
Forward Bloc condemns killing of Maoist leaders, demands halt in operation
New Delhi: The All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) on Saturday condemned the recent encounter killings of senior CPI (Maoist) leaders, including Nambala Keshava Rao. In a statement issued here, the AIFB also demanded the government to halt the operations in the so-called Maoist-affected areas. The All India Forward Bloc strongly condemns the ongoing so-called encounter Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Day after Naxal leader Sudhakar's death, encounter breaks out in same area in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
BIJAPUR: A day after top Naxal leader Sudhakar was eliminated by security forces in Indravati National Park area in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, an encounter broke out in the same area on Friday, an official said. The encounter is part of the same anti-Naxal operation underway since Wednesday by personnel from the state police's Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) as well as the CRPF's specialised unit CoBRA, he added. Intermittent firing between security forces and the Maoist ultras is underway, the official said, adding further details were awaited. Senior Maoist leader Narasimha Chalam alias Sudhakar, who had a bounty of Rs 40 lakh on his head, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district on Thursday. Originally hailing from Andhra Pradesh, the 67-year-old Sudhakar was involved in indoctrination and radicalization of youth and also responsible for numerous Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the death of civilians and security personnel, police said. The killing of Sudhakar, a member of the Maoists' Central Committee, comes a fortnight after CPI (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju (70) was neutralised by security forces in the Bastar region. Basavaraju was gunned down in Narayanpur on May 21. Senior Maoist leader Sudhakar killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh
Senior Maoist leader killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh
BIJAPUR: A senior Maoist leader carrying Rs 40 lakh bounty was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday, official sources said. According to the sources, Maoists' Central Committee member Gautam alias Sudhakar was gunned down in the latest gunfight, which comes days after CPI (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju was killed by security forces in the Bastar region, dealing a major blow to the armed movement. However, Sudhakar's death is yet to be officially announced. The exchange of fire broke out in the forest of Indravati National Park area when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation based on inputs about the presence of senior cadres, a senior police official posted in Bastar Range told PTI . Personnel belonging to the Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard, both units of the Chhattisgarh police, and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action - an elite unit of CRPF) were involved in the operation, he said. The offensive was launched based on inputs about the presence of Maoist leader Sudhakar, Telangana State Committee member Bandi Prakash, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) member Pappa Rao, and a few other armed cadres, the official said. Preliminary reports suggest a strong possibility of major success for security forces in the operation, he said. Search operations were still underway in the area and more details will be shared later, he added.
Following the recent death of CPI (Maoist) leader Nambala Keshav Rao, sources report another senior Maoist, Gautam alias Sudhakar, has been killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. Sudhakar, a central committee member with a Rs 40 lakh bounty, was reportedly gunned down during an anti-Naxalite operation in the Indravati National Park area.
Another youths body found off Payambalam beach
Revised ward delimitation of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation issued; Corporation to have 101 wards
Previous one released last week faced criticisms over errors in demarcating boundaries between wards. The newly formed wards are Sainik School ward, Chenkottukonam, Karyavattom, Pangappara, Alathara, Kuzhivila, Ambalamukku, Gowreesapattom, and Karumam
11 of 16 fresh Covid cases in Haryana from Gurugram, Faridabad
Haryana saw a rise in Covid cases. Gurugram and Faridabad reported the most new infections. Karnal, Jhajjar, and Ambala also had cases. The total active cases in Haryana increased. No patients are currently hospitalised. Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has asked for vigilance. The government prioritizes citizen health and safety. People should remain careful.
Anil Vij Urges Youth to Limit Screen Time, Announces Rs 12.5 Lakh Grant for Meritorious Students
Haryana minister Anil Vij voiced concerns about youth's excessive screen time at Ambala's 'Bhavishya Jyoti Samaroh.' He urged students to limit mobile and TV use for better mental health, donating 10,000 each to 125 top students. Vij highlighted technology's dual impact, praising newspapers' role in shaping society and recognizing talent.
'Surrender or get eliminated like Basavaraju': Bastar top cop's warning to Maoist leaders
RAIPUR: In a stern and explicit warning, the Bastar range inspector general of police has asked top Maoist leaders to give up arms and surrender or else be prepared to face the same fate meted out to the general secretary of the CPI (Maoist) Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju. Basavaraju was among the 27 Maoists killed in Abujhmad area of Narayanpur district in south Bastar during a fierce encounter with security forces on May 21. Amid the ongoing offensive against the left-wing extremists in Bastar region, the range IG Sundarraj P stated that following the killing of the top Maoist commander Basavaraju, their leaders must now be fully aware that there remains no place safe for them anywhere in Bastar. Why Chhattisgarh police cremated bodies of Maoists killed on May 21 despite Andhra HC's directive We consistently get solid information about the locations of the top Maoist leaders and they can be eliminated anytime by security forces. They now have only one option remaining. Either surrender and join the mainstream or get killed in upcoming decisive operations by the troops. The banned Maoist organisation has begun crumbling, said Sundarraj, while issuing the warning to Maoist leaders including Ganapathy, Devji, Sonu, Hidma, Sujata, K Ramchandra Reddy, Barse Dewa and others who have reportedly gone into hiding. The Maoist organisation is facing a serious crisis of leadership and there are rifts emerging within. The death of Basavaraju, the highest-ranking Maoist leader, represents not only a severe operational blow but also a psychological setback to the already demoralised Maoist network, the IG added. The Maoist movement, once feared for its brutality, is now breathing its last, as peace and development take root across Bastar, he asserted. Over 400 Maoists have been killed in separate encounters across Bastar zone during the last 17 months.
Key Maoist Leader Arrested In Odisha, AK-47 Rifle, Detonators Recovered From Him
Key Maoist leader Kunjam Hidma of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) was arrested in Odisha's Koraput, days after top Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju was killed, along with 26 others, in a Chhattisgarh encounter.
End of an era in Naxalbari movement; Nambala Kesava Rao eliminated in an alleged police encounter
Hyderabad: It was a paradox that the CPI (Maoist) suffered its biggest blow this month losing general secretary Nambala Kesava Rao and 70 other comrades in encounters when the party should have actually been celebrating the anniversary of Naxalbari movement, considered the mother of all Naxalite groups. The encounters have continued unabated for Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Family of Maoist Leader Keshava Rao Files Contempt Petition After Chhattisgarh Police Defy HC Order
AP High Court order defied as Chhattisgarh police cremate Nambala Keshava Raos body without family
Chhattisgarh police cremate bodies of slain Telugu Maoists, defying AP HC order
Hyderabad: Despite the Andhra Pradesh High Court passing orders to handover the body of the slain general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) Nambala Keshav Rao to his family members, the Chhattisgarh police cremated his mortal remains along with other Maoists from Telangana and AP who were killed alongside him on Monday, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Cops step up vigil on Maoists; Naxal statement says surrendered cadres aided in May 21 gunfight
RAIPUR: Police and intelligence agencies have been keeping a close watch on activities of Maoist cadres and their overground supporters following the last week's killing of their top leader Basavaraju in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, officials said on Monday. In a statement attributed to Maoists and shared nearly a week after the encounter, the Naxals have admitted that a total of 28 cadres, including Basavaraju, were killed in the gun-battle. In one of the biggest strikes on Naxalites, security forces gunned down Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), and 26 other cadres during a fierce encounter in forests of Abhujmad along Bijapur-Narayanpur inter-district border on May 21. Two jawans of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of state police were also killed during the gunfight. In the statement dated May 25, shared on social media on Monday, Maoists claimed some cadres active in the unit of Basavaraju recently surrendered before police and helped security forces in the operation, resulting in the death of the septuagenarian Naxal leader. The three-page statement was issued in the name of Vikalp, a spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), which had been instrumental in executing several deadly attacks on security forces in south Bastar. The Maoists, in the statement said, there were 35 cadres, including Basavaraju, who were engaged in the encounter with security personnel on May 21 and of them, 28 were killed while seven others managed to escape. Police had recovered the bodies of 27 Naxalites. The body of a cadre, Nilesh, was found by Maoists, the statement said. The police intelligence was already aware of the presence of the party's (CPI-Maoist) general secretary BR Dada in Abhujmad. In the last 6 months, some people from different units active in the Maad area surrendered before police and became traitors. Police kept receiving our confidential information from these surrendered cadres. Two major operations were conducted (by security forces) in January and March targeting Basavaraju, but they were not successful, it said. After these operations, in the last one-and-a-half months, six people from the unit belonging to Basavaraju surrendered before police. A company party committee member (CYPCM), who was charged with key responsibility in Basavaraju's security, was also among them, said the statement. A member of the unified command of Maoists, which guides Naxal activities in Abhujmad, also sided with police which made their task easier. All these surrendered cadres took part in the (anti-Naxal) operation. Because of them, we had to suffer such a big loss, it said. Maoists admitted they failed to protect their leader. A senior police official said the CPI (Maoist), in the statement, has admitted to the loss of 28 cadres, including Basavaraju, Through the statement, the illegal and banned Maoist outfit was also trying to instigate their supporters to organise rallies and meetings throughout the country to glorify the death of their cruel and dreadful leadership, which was responsible for the death of thousands and thousands of innocent citizens, tribals, women, children and security personnel. Police and intelligence agencies have been keeping a strict vigil on activities of underground Maoist cadres as well as their overground workers and supporters, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P noted. Three AK-47 rifles, four Self Loading Rifle (SLR), six Insas rifles, one carbine, six .303 rifles, one Barrel Grenade Launcher (BGL), two rocket launchers, two 12 bore guns, one country made pistol, two muzzle loading guns and a huge cache of explosives were recovered from the encounter site in forests of Kudmel-Kalhaja-Jatlur villages, he said. The recovered arms included an AK-47 weapon looted by Basavaraju and his associates from security forces in April 2010 Tadmetla ambush in then Dantewada district (where 76 security personnel were killed) and those looted by Naxals after 2010 Gawadi (Narayanpur district) and 2017 Burkapal (Sukma district) attacks, the IPS officer said. Efforts were on to establish the origin of other weapons, he added. Basavaraju was one of the most wanted criminals in the country and so far records of more than 258 criminal cases, in which he had direct or indirect involvement, are being screened by the investigation team, Sundarraj said. Further lawful action and investigation procedure is being carried out by Narayanapur Police in the case, the IG said.
Why Chhattisgarh police cremated bodies of Maoists killed on May 21 despite Andhra HC's directive
RAIPUR: The last rites of Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju and seven other Maoist cadres who were among the 27 killed in Abujhmad area in a fierce encounter with security forces on May 21 were performed in the state's Narayanpur district on Monday. The funerals were held in Chhattisgarh despite the family members of five dreaded Maoists, two from Andhra Pradesh and three from Telangana, arrived in the district demanding the bodies of the deceased be handed over to them. The supreme commander and general secretary of the banned outfit CPI (Maoist) was among the eight cremated. Earlier, following the direction of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, two petitioners, one of them claiming to be relatives of Basavaraju approached the Narayanpur police seeking custody of the bodies after the completion of the post-mortem. However the Chhattisgarh police declined to hand over the bodies to the petitioners and instead cremated them amid tight security, citing that the claimed relatives could not provide any valid and legal document in support of their claims to take the dead bodies to their respective states. Handover of Maoist leader's body: Pleas filed for compliance to Andhra Pradesh HC order Speaking to TNIE, a senior police officer in Bastar said, Andhra Pradesh high court didn't issue an order to Chhattisgarh Police to hand over the bodies to the petitioners. It was only a direction given to the petitioners to approach the concerned police authorities in Chhattisgarh. In total 05 groups of claimants (including two petitioners in the high court) reached Narayanpur but couldn't produce any valid and satisfactory documents to prove their relationship with the deceased Maoist cadres. Among the eight bodies, five were found to be invalid claims, two were unclaimed, the officer stated. Reliable sources informed us that, under pressure from Maoist front organisations and their urban associates, some individuals posing as relatives arrived in Narayanpur to claim the bodies, he added. According to the officer, this was part of a broader conspiracy orchestrated by Maoists and their supporters to stage an elaborate funeral for their slain leader and cadres. The police and intelligence agencies acted promptly and lawfully to prevent such glorification, which could have furthered their propaganda, he said. However, human rights activist Bela Bhatia, who was present in Narayanpur, strongly criticised the police action. She alleged that the rights of the families who had travelled long distances to claim the bodies were violated. Despite the High Court allowing the petitioners to approach the police in Chhattisgarh to seek custody of the bodies, the authorities denied the families their right to perform the last rites according to their cultural traditions, Bhatia said. The police conducted the cremations by force, without the consent of the families, she added. The incident has sparked a debate over the balance between state security concerns and the rights of families in conflict zones. INTERVIEW | Basavaraju killing a success, but gun cant kill ideology
Authorities perform last rites of Basavaraju, 7 other Naxalites killed in Chhattisgarh encounter
Authorities in Narayanpur performed the last rites for top Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, and seven other Naxalites killed in a recent encounter in Chhattisgarh. While 20 bodies were handed over to families, some kin requested cremation due to decomposition fears.
Modern fishing village to come up at Nayarambalam
The Nervous Move That Gave Him Away: Smuggler Caught at Ambala Station With Opium Worth Rs 8 Lakh
Villagers Demolish House Of Alleged Rapist And Killer Using JCB
Rehmatullah had lured a three-year-old girl by offering her a banana while she had been playing outside her house at Kambaladinne village in Mylavaram mandal of Kadapa district on Friday - Sources
Containers from sunken ship likely to drift towards Alappuzha, Kollam coasts in 48 hours: INCOIS
Oil spill may reach the Alappuzha, Ambalappuzha, Arattupuzha and Karunagapally coasts
Kerala bypoll: Nilambur bypoll on June 23; UDF, LDF set to declare candidates
Nilambur Assembly constituency comprises Nilambur municipality and the panchayats of Vazhikkadavu, Moothedam, Edakkara, Pothukal, Chungathara, Karulai and Amarambalam.
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Naxalite killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
SUKMA : A Naxalite was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police confirmed on Friday. The gunfight broke out on Thursday evening in a forest near Kistaram, during an anti-Naxal operation carried out by a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force, and the CRPF's elite CoBRA unit. This incident followed a separate encounter on Thursday along the Sukma-Bijapur border, where both a CoBRA commando and a Naxalite were killed. Earlier on Wednesday, security forces achieved a major breakthrough when 27 Naxalites, including top Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao (alias Basavaraju), were killed in a major operation along the Narayanpur-Bijapur border. Basavaraju was the general secretary of the outlawed CPI (Maoist).
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The youngest central committee (CC) member of the banned Maoists, Madvi Hidma, is likely to be appointed as general secretary of the outfit following the death of Nambala Keshav, alias Basavaraj, in an encounter in Chhattisgarh.
RAIPUR: Actionable intelligence from surrendered Maoists about the movements of supreme commander Basavaraju alias Nambala Keshav Rao, general secretary of the CPI (Maoist), in the Abujhmad area of Narayanpur, helped security forces neutralise him and 26 others in an encounter on Wednesday, said sources. Most of the left-wing rebels killed along with Basavaraju were his bodyguards and trained cadres of the military wing of the outfit. According to a source, crucial inputs were given by recently surrendered Maoists in south Bastar region about the probable locations and activity of Basavaraju and other senior leaders in the region of Abujhmad, covering the districts of Narayanpur and Bijapur in south Bastar. One of the Maoists who provided the information had reportedly served as an armed guard in the team engaged to escort and provide protection to Basavaraju. Abujhmad, a hilly terrain in south Chhattisgarh, has been the hideout of senior leaders and commanders of the CPI (Maoist) for decades. Following the inputs, a discreet plan of action was chalked out during the past couple of weeks to reach his location, the source added. 300 left-wing extremists neutralised this year, forces on track to meet target of Naxal-free India by 2026 The encounter took place after a a 50-hour search operation by the security forces. The elimination of the topmost Maoist commander is a huge achievement towards securing freedom for Bastar region from the terror of left-wing extremists. Maoism is now taking its last breath in Chhattisgarh. The pledge taken by our Prime Minister and Home Minister will be surely met. Such stern actions against the Maoists will continue till the menace gets wiped out, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai told media persons on Thursday. Basavaraju carried a bounty of Rs 3.25 crore on his head, said the CM. This included Rs 1 crore from the Chhattisgarh government, Rs 1 crore from the Union Home Ministry, Rs 50 lakh from the NIA and Rs 25 lakh each from the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, CM Sai elucidated. Meanwhile on Thursday, a member of the 210th battalion of CoBRA, the elite unit of the CRPF, and a Maoist were killed during an exchange of fire in an anti-Maoist operation in Bijapur district. The state home minister Vijay Sharma divulged that so far 424 Maoists have been neutralised in separate encounters across Chhattisgarh since 2024.
NEW DELHI: In the first five months of 2025, security forces succeeded in neutralising close to 300 Naxalites, marking the fastest annual pace of elimination of left-wing extremists since 2009, officials said on Thursday. They said the recent successes achieved by security forces indicate that they are on track to meet the target set to completely eliminate Naxalism in the country by March 31, 2026. The last year in which security forces eliminated over 300 Naxal operatives was 2009, a senior security official said, adding, Then 314 left extremists were killed, but that was in the whole year. If the current pace continues, 2025 could mark the most successful year in the decades-old battle against Naxalites. The official said that the ongoing operations against Naxal operatives are entirely based on actionable intelligence and better coordination among the central and state forces. These factors allowed us to strike them with unprecedented precision, he added. The crackdown against Naxalites is now mostly limited to Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and parts of Maharashtra. 27 Naxalites killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh; top leader Basavaraju among them On Wednesday, in a joint operation launched by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of three districts, Naxal leader Basava Raju, also known as Nambala Keshava Rao, was eliminated. Raju, 70, was the Supreme Commander of the CPI (Maoist) and its chief strategist, having taken over the reins of the movement after Ganapathys resignation in 2018. His death, along with that of 25 others in the same operation, is being hailed as a landmark success in Indias fight against left-wing extremism. Last month, in the biggest anti-Naxal operation, forces eliminated 31 Naxals. The operation was headed by CRPF DG GP Singh. Muppala Laxmana Rao alias Ganapathi, who is almost 75 years old and functions as a senior advisor and strategist for the CPI (Maoist), is now on the security forces' radar. Two other senior Naxal leaders being tracked are 68-year-old Mallojula Venugopal alias Vivek, who is a senior central committee member and spokesperson of the CIP-Maoist, and 65-year-old Mishir Besra alias Bhaskar, who is known for coordinating logistics and communications. Officials also said the spread of Naxal influence has been declining -- from 35 severely affected districts in 2014, the number has plummeted to just six in 2025. Overall, Naxal-affected districts have dropped from 126 in 2014 to 18 now. Basavaraju: From BTech graduate to top Maoist functionary
