Delhi News

CJI Surya Kant-led special vacation bench to sit on Dec 22 to hear urgent matters

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will sit in a special vacation bench on December 22 to hear some urgent matters that require immediate judicial intervention. According to the cause list uploaded on the apex courts website, CJI Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, will sit in the vacation bench at 11 am 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 .

Ex-Agniveer quota for BSF constable post now 50 pc

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has increased the quota for ex-Agniveers for constable recruitment in the BSF to 50 per cent from 10 per cent, according to a gazette notification. The increase has been made by amending the Border Security Force, General Duty Cadre (Non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2015. The first batch of ex-Agniveers will 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 .

Ahead Of 2026 WPL, Delhi Capitals Set To Announce New Captain On Sunday Evening

Star Sports Network: Ahead of the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL), three-time runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to announce their new captain for the upcoming season on Sunday evening. DC were captained by Australias multiple times World Cup winning skipper Meg Lanning, but fell short of winning the WPL title in 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively. But with Meg released by the franchise and being roped in by UP Warriorz (UPW) at the mega auction in New Delhi last month, they have a leadership void to fill. IANS understands that India batter Jemimah Rodrigues and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt are in the race to be DCs new captain. Jemimah had been DCs vice-captain for three seasons, while Laura has considerable international leadership experience by leading the Proteas. It will be interesting to see who they go with, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Saturday. The new captains announcement by DC will also be made live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network channels at 6pm on Sunday evening, just before Indias opening T20I against Sri Lanka takes place at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Barring a last-minute change, DC might go in with an Indian skipper if co-owner Parth Jindals words in the mega auction are to go by. IANS understands that India batter Jemimah Rodrigues and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt are in the race to be DCs new captain. Jemimah had been DCs vice-captain for three seasons, while Laura has considerable international leadership experience by leading the Proteas. It will be interesting to see who they go with, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score DC will open their 2026 WPL campaign against defending champions and two-time winners Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 10. This is the first time a WPL season will be played in the January-February window. The final will take place at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 5. Article Source: IANS

Do Not Say One Thing In Delhi, Another In Kashmir: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his praise for the Narendra Modi government for its liberal funding to the union territory, insisting that his praise is not meant to please anybody.

PMO pushes for overhaul of PhD programmes, commercialisation of defence technology

NEW DELHI: Aimed at transforming the countrys doctoral research ecosystem and leveraging defence technology for civilian applications, the Prime Minister's Office has issued directives to the secretaries. It directed the secretaries to reexamine the selection of guides for doctoral degrees and start commercialisation of defence sector innovations, sources said on Saturday. The PMO directives outlining a fundamental restructuring of higher education research protocols stated: The method of selection of guides for doctoral degrees may be reexamined, and possibilities of selection through identified parameters may be explored. The document accessed by The New Indian Express further emphasised: PhD programmes should be reoriented to promote innovation and development of new relevant ideas and technologies through PhD topics which fit emerging needs and priorities of the country. After finding a disconnect between academic research and the countrys developmental priorities, the decision at the PMO level was taken to align things at the fundamental level. Unscrupulous 'health'journals and plagiarised research papers by doctors under MCI scanner The governments emphasis on restructuring of higher education research - PhD topics - to fit emerging needs and priorities of the country is mainly to address longstanding criticisms and demand that research lacks practical application or alignment with the countrys objectives, unlike Western or some Southeastern countries. Through Network Project System, including research by multiple research scholars, may be explored, read the directive. The PMO wants to shun the traditional doctoral research models and has proposed collaborative frameworks, the source said. The government is also working on making a strong and credible Network Project System. The changes proposed in the directives are to address the complex technological challenges that require multidisciplinary teams. The Prime Minister's Office also directed for expansion of the commercialisation of defence sector innovations. Researchers and manufacturers in defence sectors should be encouraged to use their technology for commercial manufacturing of products for civilian use to promote technological development, the document stated. This push for defence technology commercialisation is motivated by dual objectives, the source said. First, it is aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported civilian technologies, and secondly, creating revenue streams that further support defence research. The PMO has also suggested exploring reverse engineering can also be one of the valuable tools for technological advancement and in an effort to make the country Atmanirbhar Bharat. Need advanced research, AI to tackle public health challenges: Pondy LG

PVR To Open Multiplex At Saboo In Leh

NEW DELHI, Dec 20: Leading cinema operator PVR INOX on Saturday announced to open a 2-screen multiplex at Saboo, near Leh in Ladakh. Equipped with 2K projection, Dolby 7.1 and Next-Gen 3D supports big releases, this new multiplex is developed under the Companys Franchise Owned Company Operated (FOCO) model, PVR INOX said in a regulatory filing. With this launch, PVR INOX now operates the largest multiplex network with 1,774 screens at 356 properties in 112 cities (India and Sri Lanka), [] The post PVR To Open Multiplex At Saboo In Leh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Supreme Court ruling on Aravalli definition triggers huge protests in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The Supreme Courts recent acceptance of the Union Environment Ministrys definition of the Aravalli hills -- restricting the range to landforms with an elevation of more than 100 metres -- has triggered widespread protests across Rajasthan. Political leaders, environmental activists, social media influencers and citizens have expressed strong opposition and warned that the move will entail serious ecological and economic consequences. Under the revised definition, nearly 90 per cent of the Aravalli range in Rajasthan, consisting of hills lower than 100 metres, will no longer be classified as part of the protected range. According to available data, only 1,048 out of nearly 1.6 lakh hillocks in the state meet the 100-metre criterion, effectively excluding the vast majority from regulatory safeguards. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster Laxmikant Sharma, professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, said the governments stance that only hills above 100 metres qualify as Aravalli would automatically exclude most of the range. In Rajasthan, the Aravalli hills are largely between 30 and 80 metres in height. This means nearly 90 per cent of the range is directly under threat, he said. Though the Supreme Court order states that new mining is not permitted, critics argue that illegal mining continues unabated. A 2018 report by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) revealed that around 25 per cent of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan had already been destroyed. Against this backdrop, the Aravalli Heritage Peoples Campaign was launched a few days ago from Vinoba Gyan Mandir in Bapu Nagar in Jaipur. Kavita Srivastava, national president of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), urged the government to repeal the uniform definition of the Aravalli proposed by a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, calling it a threat to Indias ecological and cultural heritage. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster 'Road to hell is paved with good intentions': Congress slams government over new Aravalli definition Activists have demanded that the Aravalli rangespread across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhibe declared an Ecologically Critical Area and that the use of raw stone mined from the hills be stopped. Neelam Ahluwalia, founding member of People for Aravalli, said the recent court decision would leave more than 90 per cent of the range unprotected and vulnerable to mining. The situation is particularly alarming in Alwar district, where 31 of the 128 identified hills have reportedly been completely flattened due to mining. Environmental experts warn that excluding large parts of the Aravalli range from protection could further embolden mining mafias. Experts have also cautioned that extensive degradation of the Aravallis could alter regional rainfall patterns. Some warn that if the range is destroyed, monsoon moisture could shift westwards towards Pakistan, adversely affecting rainfall in Rajasthan. Nearly 80 per cent of the 700-kilometre-long Aravalli range passes through 27 districts of Rajasthan, forming the ecological backbone of eastern Rajasthan. Agriculture and farmers livelihoods in these regions depend heavily on the hills, as several seasonal riversincluding the Chambal, Banas, Sahibi, Sota, Katli, Kasavati, Gambhiri and Moreloriginate from the Aravallis. Modi government has 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli hills: Sonia Gandhi Rainwater stored in the hills flows through streams and underground channels, sustaining these rivers and supporting small-scale farming and animal husbandry throughout the year. The Aravallis are also home to diverse plant species and vegetation. As the worlds oldest mountain range, their rock formations have a strong water-holding capacity, allowing groundwater to be stored for long periods. Rajasthan has around 32 major potable water reservoirs, many of which depend on the Aravalli system. In a desert state like Rajasthan, environmentalists point out that nearly 22 per cent of the Aravalli hills have already been destroyed due to excessive mining. According to studies, the unique structure of the Aravallis helps recharge nearly two million litres of groundwater per hectare annually, making the range the largest source of water in the region. As protests intensify, environmental groups have demanded an immediate review of the definition, warning that Rajasthans ecology, water security and rural economy are at serious risk. It remains to be seen how the agitation unfolds in the coming days. On International Mountain Day, campaign launched to save India's oldest mountain range Aravalli

Often dismissed as fatigue: Doctor warns of silent heart attack pattern, lists signs to watch out for

A Delhi surgeon highlighted a concerning trend of heart attacks in young women, often masked by subtle symptoms like extreme fatigue and nausea. Ignoring these 'quiet' warning signs, as seen in a 36-year-old patient, can lead to severe cardiac events. This atypical presentation, unlike classic chest pain, is frequently misdiagnosed, underscoring the need for awareness.

Dense fog and severe cold wave hit normal life in Bihar, red alert issued for 12 districts

PATNA: Normal life in Bihar has been largely hit by dense fog and severe cold wave conditions, prompting authorities concerned to change the timing of schools for children. Severe cold wave condition is expected to persist till December 22. Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudharys helicopter could not take off due to bad weather conditions and poor visibility. He was scheduled to attend official functions at Sugauli and Raxaul in East Champaran district. According to authoritative sources, a pair of flights of Air India from Patna to Delhi and vice versa was cancelled, while 16 pairs of flights got delayed due to bad weather conditions and poor visibility in Patna. Similarly, more than 12 trains were running behind schedule. Officials said that the trains, including Vibhuti Express, Shramjivi Express, Sampoorna Kranti Express, Barauni-Danapur Memu, Vaishali-Kodarma Fast Memu, Danapur-Jhajha Fast Passenger and Bhagalpur Garib Rath Express, were running from three hours to 30 hours behind schedule. According to notifications issued by the authorities, classes in schools will run from 9 am and 4.30 pm till December 27. The order will apply to all government and private schools across the State. However, pre-board and board examinations have been exempted from the new order. The school authorities have been asked to adhere to the order strictly, failing which action would be initiated against them as per the rule. Humidity levels have crossed 90 per cent, significantly narrowing the gap between maximum and minimum temperatures. A red alert has been issued for 12 districts of north Bihar, warning of extremely dense fog and severe cold wave conditions. In addition, a yellow alert has been issued for 24 other districts, including Patna, cautioning residents about cold weather conditions. The State witnessed a sharp drop in both day and night temperatures, throwing normal life out of gear. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cold spell is expected to persist until December 22, with the possibility of a further decline in temperatures. The districts largely hit include West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Samastipur, Siwan and Gopalganj. In these districts, extremely dense fog is likely to disrupt road traffic both during the day and night hours. Travelling by road will be risky under such conditions, said a police officer assigned to regular traffic in Muzaffarpur in north Bihar. He said an advisory has been issued for vehicle drivers. A yellow alert has been issued for 24 districts, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnea. In Araria, two youths were killed in a head-on collision between a speeding car and a motorbike. The third person injured in the accident has been admitted to a local hospital.

Global pecking order has changed; no single power can dominate anymore: EAM Jaishankar

NEW DELHI: The global economic and political pecking order has undergone a very significant change with multiple centres of power emerging, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. Jaishankar said no single nation today can dominate global affairs across all issues. No country, however powerful, can impose its will on all issues, he said, adding that this has led to a natural competition among nations and a new global balance. Several centres of power and influence have emerged, he said, and added that power itself has become more complex -- spanning trade, energy, military strength, resources, technology and talent. Global powers are no longer capable of being universal, he said. Jaishankar said globalisation has fundamentally altered how nations and individuals operate. What separates the globalisation era from its predecessors is that when it comes to resources, supply chains, markets or partners, we are operating well beyond our own borders, he said. This, he added, has turned the world not just into a global marketplace but increasingly a global workplace. He was addressing the 22nd convocation of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in Pune. Nations blocking talent will be net losers, says EAM Jaishankar stressed the need for India to strengthen its manufacturing base alongside services. A large economy like ours must develop substantial and contemporary manufacturing if it is to keep abreast of technology and imbibe an industrial work culture, he said, arguing that manufacturing and services are closely interlinked. He said Indias global image has improved markedly in recent years. How does the world perceive us currently? The short answer is very much more positive and very much more serious than before, he said, attributing this to Indias national brand and the reputation of its people. Indians are increasingly seen as having a strong work ethic, technological aptitude and a family-centric culture, he said. In conversations abroad, I largely hear words of praise for our diaspora, Jaishankar said, adding that improvements in ease of doing business and ease of living are steadily dispelling old stereotypes about India. US has set radically new terms of engagement by dealing with countries on one-on-one basis: EAM Jaishankar Our figures vouch for this transformation, he said, pointing to the growth of global capability centres in India, rising demand for Indian talent abroad and individual success stories. Perhaps more than others, India is today defined by its talent and by its skill. Jaishankar said India now approaches the world with more confidence and with more capability, noting that while most nations assert themselves through trade, investment and services, India is distinguished by the global relevance of its human resources. On global economic shifts, he said decolonisation had allowed many countries to prosper by controlling their own destinies, though outcomes depended heavily on leadership and policy choices. The nation that has gained the most in this era is China, he said, adding that India has also done well, particularly in the post-reform period and even more in the last decade. In contrast, much of the Western world now feels that it has stagnated, a sentiment that has increasingly come to acquire a political meaning, he said, citing offshoring of production, demographic challenges and lifestyle factors as contributors to declining competitiveness. The cumulative result of all these developments is that the global economic and, thereafter, political pecking order has changed very significantly, Jaishankar said. India, Australia shoulder 'greater responsibility' amid global turbulence: EAM Jaishankar

36 former judges condemn Opposition leaders' bid to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan

NEW DELHI: Thirty-six former judges,including former Supreme Court and High Court Chief Justices, denounced theOpposition leaders' bid to impeach Madras High Court judge Justice G R Swaminathan, stating such an attempt, if allowed to proceed, would cut at the very roots of democracy and independence of the judiciary. This is a brazen attempt to browbeat judges who do not fall in line with the ideological and political expectations of a particular section of society. Even if the reasons mentioned by the signatory Member(s) of Parliament are taken at face value, they are wholly inadequate to justify resorting to such a rare, exceptional and serious constitutional measure such as impeachment, the former judges in a letter said. It further added that even during the dark period of the Emergency, the then Government adopted various mechanisms, including supersessions to penalise judges who refused to oe the line. The supersession of three seniormost judges of the Supreme Court after the decision in Kesavananda Bharati, the sidelining of Justice H.R. Khanna after his famous dissent in ADM Jabalpur, are sobering reminders of how political overreach can damage judicial independence. Despite these onslaughts, our Judiciary has stood the test of time and withstood all external pressures, the former judges said while condemning the move to try to impeach Justice Swaminathan. The present move (to try to impeach Justice Swaminathan) is not an isolated aberration. It fits into a clear and deeply troubling pattern in our recent constitutional history, where sections of the political class have sought to discredit and intimidate the higher judiciary whenever outcomes do not align with their interests, said the 36 former judges in their signatories letter. Terming the bid as not principled and as reasoned criticism of judicialdecisions, the letter written by 36 former judges sai, it was an attempt to weaponise impeachment and public calumny as instruments of pressure, a practice that strikes at the heart of judicial independence and the basic norms of constitutional democracy. The very purpose of the impeachment mechanism is to uphold the integrity of the judiciary, not to convert it into a tool of arm-twisting, signalling and retaliation, the letter said. To wield the threat of removal as a means of compelling judges to conform to political expectations is to turn a constitutional safeguard into an instrument of intimidation. Such an approach is anti-democratic, anti-constitutional, and an anathema to the rule of law, the letter said. Terming the present attempt as a razen one, to impeach a sitting High Court judge for discharging his judicial duty, the letter added that, therefore, it was not an isolated episode but part of a continuing assault on the dignity and independence of the judicial institution itself. Today, the target may be one judge; tomorrow, it will be the institution as a whole. The former judges, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, Members of Parliament across party lines, members of the Bar, civil society, and citizens at large to unequivocally denounce this move and ensure that it is nipped in the bud at the very inception. Judges must remain answerable to their oath and to the Constitution of India, not to partisan political pressures or ideological intimidation. The message from all constitutional stakeholders must be clear and firm: in a Republic governed by the rule of law, judgments are tested by appeals and legal critique, and not by threats of impeachment for political non-conformity, the 36 former judges stated. Out of 36 signatories, some of the names were former Supreme Court Judge Justice Krishna Murari, former Chief Justice of Delhi and Meghalaya, Rajender Menon and S Vaidyanathan, respectively. Also, 14 of Madhya Pradesh HC's former judges and 11 of Allahabad HC's former judges were signatories andcondemned the move to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan.

AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Scam: Delhi Court Orders Release of Christian James Michel

He will remain in jail as he is accused in a separate corruption case filed by the CBI in the matter

Delhi air on verge of severe; AQI at 398 as thick haze shrouds capital

With the sun largely obscured by clouds and suspended pollutants, visibility was greatly reduced

Delhi horror: Lover stabs woman over abortion dispute; accused locked house, fled

A 35-year-old woman was stabbed several times by her lover in Delhis Uttam Nagar area after a dispute over her forced abortion. The accused, a married security guard, allegedly attacked her at her rented home, locked the house from outside, and fled. The woman was rushed to hospital with serious neck injuries, while police arrested the accused and sent him to judicial custody.

60 FIRs for child pornography registered in 2025 based on 1,197 leads from Delhi Police special unit

This marks a nearly 56% decline compared to 2024, when 136 FIRs were registered based on 1,809 leads forwarded to district units, the data suggests

Global power shifts make US engagement and China management tougher for India: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that Indias task of engaging the United States and managing relations with China has become significantly more complicated, reflecting the deeper churn under way in the global political and economic order. His remarks underline how Indias foreign policy environment is being reshaped by shifting power balances, sharper geopolitical rivalries and a weakening of the assumptions that governed international relations for much of the postCold War period. According to reports, Jaishankar noted that dealing with the US today involves a different set of expectations and uncertainties than in the past. Washington is no longer acting primarily as the anchor of a predictable, rules-based global system. Instead, it is increasingly transactional, more focused on bilateral outcomes and domestic political considerations, and less inclined to underwrite global stability at its own cost. For India, this makes engagement with the US more layered. While strategic cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, critical supply chains and the Indo-Pacific continues to deepen, trade frictions, tariff issues and policy unpredictability complicate the relationship. Political calculations in Washington now have a direct bearing on economic decisions, making it harder for partners like India to plan on the basis of long-term continuity. At the same time, Jaishankars reference to managing China points to a challenge that is both structural and immediate. Indias relationship with China is shaped by an unresolved boundary dispute, periodic military tensions along the Line of Actual Control and a broader strategic rivalry in Asia. Even as both sides seek to prevent escalation and maintain a degree of stability, trust remains fragile. Chinas growing economic weight, technological ambitions and assertive regional posture add further complexity. For India, managing China is not only about border management but also about reducing vulnerabilities in trade and supply chains, responding to Beijings influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, and navigating competition without closing the door on limited cooperation where interests overlap. Jaishankars comments also reflect a broader assessment that the world is moving towards a phase of fragmented power and fluid alignments. No single country is able to dominate global outcomes, and traditional alliances are giving way to issue-based coalitions that shift with circumstances. This environment places a premium on diplomatic agility. India, in his framing, must engage multiple major powers simultaneously, even when those powers are at odds with each other. This makes policy choices more complex, as actions taken to strengthen one relationship can have ripple effects on others. The complications are not confined to the US and China alone. The war in Ukraine and its aftermath have made Indias engagement with Russia more sensitive, as New Delhi faces pressure from Western partners while seeking to preserve a long-standing strategic relationship. Europe, meanwhile, is emerging as an important but still evolving partner, grappling with its own economic and security challenges. Together, these dynamics reinforce the reality that Indias foreign policy choices are being made in an environment of heightened uncertainty and competing expectations. From an analytical perspective, Jaishankars remarks highlight Indias continued commitment to strategic autonomy, but also the growing difficulty of practising it. Strategic autonomy today does not mean equidistance or detachment; it means constant calibration. India must extract benefits from closer ties with the US without being drawn into confrontational blocs, manage competition with China without normalising instability on the border, and maintain diversified partnerships to avoid overdependence on any single power. The ministers assessment suggests that India sees the current global transition not as a temporary disruption but as a longer-term shift. Engaging major powers will require more negotiation, greater resilience and sharper prioritisation of national interests. In this more complicated world, Indias diplomacy is likely to become increasingly pragmatic, flexible and interest-driven, reflecting the realities of a multipolar and contested international system.

Special Vacation bench led by CJI to hear urgent cases on Dec 22

NEW DELHI: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday constituted a Special Vacation Bench to hear urgent matters during the ongoing court's winter vacation on December 22. It is notable that the SC's winter vacation formally starts on December 20 and ends on January 04. Generally, the court doesn't conduct proceedings during winter vacation. This special sitting has been arranged to ensure timely consideration of pressing cases that require immediate judicial intervention during the vacation period. On Friday, the CJI said that although the winter vacation formally begins on December 20 and ends on January 04, the Supreme Court will hold a special sitting on December 22 to hear genuinely urgent matters. On Friday, the CJI-led bench consisting of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said, We will sit on Monday to hear only the urgent matters. The CJI also clarified that the court will not burden other judges who have to study case files late at night to hear new cases. I will not bother any other bench, the CJI said, adding that the registry will find out the urgency and list the matter accordingly. CJI Kant also clarified that the decision on whether one or more benches would sit on December 22 would depend on the number of genuinely urgent matters received. The observations were made during oral mention of cases by lawyers seeking urgent listing on the last working day before the winter vacation. The Chief Justice added that no fresh matters would be listed for hearing on Friday itself, citing the heavy workload already borne by judges.

T20 WC 2026: 'Dropping Gill And Jitesh Sharma, I Didnt See It Coming', Says Dinesh Karthik

New Zealand T20I: Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik was shocked after the exclusion of India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup 2026 and the New Zealand T20I series. Along with Gill, Karthik also expressed his disappointment at the removal of Jitesh Sharma from the squad. The squad was announced by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday, and Axar Patel was named as the vice-captain. Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable comeback after showcasing explosive form while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa. Karthik admitted surprise at Shubman Gills exclusion and expressed disappointment over Jitesh Sharma missing out, terming both as shocking omissions from the squad. The big news of the day: India World Cup T20 squad is announced and guess what? Shubman Gill, the current vice captain of the T20 team, incumbent opener has been dropped. Not just from the XI but from the squad. They wanted to bring in an extra opener and they brought in Ishan Kishan and dropped Jitesh Sharma as well. And instead of Jitesh Sharma, its gonna be Rinku Singh. That is huge news. Dropping Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma. I didnt see it coming. Just tells you theres a little bit of clarity lacking. They have backed Shubman Gill for so long and come the day they pick the squad, they have let him go, Karthik said on Instagram. Karthik believes India head into the upcoming T20 World Cup with a formidable squad on paper, built around match-winners across all skillsets. Karthik said India possess the best opener in Abhishek Sharma, the best spinner in Varun Chakaravarthy, the worlds premier allrounder in Hardik Pandya and arguably the best fast bowler ever in Jasprit Bumrah, which ensures a strong playing XI even before final combinations are decided. However, he pointed out a couple of potential vulnerabilities, highlighting that for the first time India will go into a T20 World Cup without the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while also flagging concerns over Suryakumar Yadavs recent form, though he backed him to turn it into a strength once he regains touch. Karthik believes India head into the upcoming T20 World Cup with a formidable squad on paper, built around match-winners across all skillsets. Karthik said India possess the best opener in Abhishek Sharma, the best spinner in Varun Chakaravarthy, the worlds premier allrounder in Hardik Pandya and arguably the best fast bowler ever in Jasprit Bumrah, which ensures a strong playing XI even before final combinations are decided. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India's T20 World Cup campaign will start on February 7 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium against the United States. After that, on February 12, they will head to New Delhi to play Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The big match versus Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15 would come next. On February 18, India will play the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to conclude their group round. Article Source: IANS

SCBA seeks apology from Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over attempt to pull down woman doctors hijab

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday expressed its strongest condemnation of the actions of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for attempting to forcibly pull down the hijab of a woman doctor during a public ceremony held in Patna on December 15, 2025. In a statement, the President and Executive Committee of the SCBA described the incident as a grave infringement of a womans personal dignity and autonomy. The association said the alleged act, carried out by a person holding a constitutional office, was deeply disturbing and unacceptable. The SCBA also condemned the remarks made by Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad in connection with the incident, stating that such comments were derogatory and undermined the dignity of women. It is shocking that a person holding such a high office should attempt to demean the dignity and autonomy of the woman and tried to pull down her head scarf. Besides infringing her autonomy, agency and religious freedom of the young doctor, it is reflection of the depraving attitude against women in general. It is an affront to the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution of India, the SCBA said. The association demanded an unconditional apology from those involved and reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional values. We reaffirm our commitment to the protection of individual rights and the rule of law, the SCBA further said.

Karnataka: High command has shared message on leadership with me & CM, both will go to Delhi when called, says Shivakumar

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar stated that the Congress high command has communicated a message regarding power-sharing to him and CM Siddaramaiah. Both leaders will travel to Delhi together when summoned. This follows CM Siddaramaiah's earlier dismissal of any power-sharing deal, asserting his tenure depends on the high command's wishes.

Fresh PIL in SC seeks law on menstrual pain leave for women

NEW DELHI: A fresh Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Union of India, States and Union Territories to frame laws or policies recognising the problems faced by women during menstrual pain and to provide necessary relief, including the grant of leave, in consonance with Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The PIL has been filed by lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who has urged the apex court to intervene and address what he described as a legislative and policy vacuum affecting working women and female students. Issue directions to fill in the lacunae that exists regarding grant of relief in the nature of leave etc, to the working women & female students under exercise of power under Article 32 read with Articles 14, 21 and Articles 141 and 142 of the Indian Constitution, the PIL said. Tripathi highlighted in his plea that several private Indian companies have already introduced paid menstrual leave for their female employees. These include Ivipanan, Zomato, Byjus, Swiggy, Mathrubhumi, Magzter, Industry ARC, FlyMyBiz and Gozoop. He also pointed out that the Kerala government has granted menstrual leave to students in State universities, allowing them up to 60 days in a year. The prestigious institutions like NLIU Bhopal and MNLU Aurangabad have implemented menstrual leave policies. Punjab University has also approved and granted menstrual leave to the students, Tripathi said in the PIL. The petitioner further submitted that the menstrual status of a woman is a personal matter intrinsic to her privacy and must be treated with dignity and without discrimination. He argued that this requires the State to introduce measures that provide appropriate relief to women during menstrual pain so that they are able to cope with the suffering and protect their personal rights with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, sought directions to all States to frame a policy for menstrual pain leave for female students and working women under the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Earlier, Tripathi had filed a similar plea before the Supreme Court seeking directions on the issue. However, the court had asked him to approach the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), which could take an appropriate decision in the matter. After complying with the courts order, Tripathi submitted a representation to the WCD but did not receive any relief, following which he approached the Supreme Court again seeking redressal of his prayers. The petitioner has sought directions that during the menstrual period, if a woman suffers pain or other physical discomfort that makes it difficult for her to continue with her normal activities at the workplace, her request for leave or other suitable relief should be considered without discrimination, subject to reasonable and dignified conditions, keeping in mind that the issue concerns womens privacy. He also stressed that India has signed and ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which recognises the need for non-discriminatory practices and for treating women with dignity. Spain has recently enacted a law to introduce menstrual leave, thereby addressing the problem of menstrual pain. Vietnam has also enacted and implemented menstrual leave policies. Countries like the United Kingdom, Wales, China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia have different policies or laws on the grant of menstrual leave, he added in his PIL.

Indian cyber agency flags WhatsApp hijack

New Delhi: Indian cyber security agency CERT-In has flagged a vulnerability in the WhatsApp device-linking feature that enables attackers to take complete control of an account, including access to real-time messages, photos, and videos on the web version. The agency named the issue GhostPairing on Friday in an advisory that has been accessed by PTI. 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 .

Happy For My Thambi Sanju: Ashwin Reacts To Indias T20 WC Squad

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed delight at Indias T20 World Cup 2026 squad, stating that the team was ready for its itle defence. He said he was happy for his brother, Sanju Samson, and lauded Ishan Kishans selection, who has made a comeback to international cricket. In a surprising move, defending champions India have excluded Shubman Gill from their squad for next years T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand. As announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and vice-captain Axar Patel, this squad highlights notable changes. Besides Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is also omitted, as Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable comeback after showcasing explosive form while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa. Title defence loading. Superb squad. Great to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju, who will now rightfully open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta! Huge applause for Ishan, who showed his hunger by grinding hard in the domestic circuit, Ashwin wrote on X. The 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, taking place from February 7 to March 8, will feature 40 group matches, all scheduled to be played by February 20. The top two teams from each of the four groups will move on to the Super Eights, beginning on February 21. India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Mens T20 World Cup for the second time. Sri Lanka previously hosted in 2012, while India last held the event in 2016. After finishing a three-match ODI series, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur, with matches also scheduled in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. In the Mens T20 World Cup, defending champions India are in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. India kicks off its tournament against the USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, followed by a match against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12. India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Mens T20 World Cup for the second time. Sri Lanka previously hosted in 2012, while India last held the event in 2016. After finishing a three-match ODI series, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur, with matches also scheduled in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan. Article Source: IANS

Delhi HC tells petitioner to approach SC on BS-IV vehicle ban

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Saturday asked a petitioner to approach the Supreme Court with her plea seeking removal of a ban on BS IV norms private vehicles, registered outside the national capital, from entering the city. Justice Sachin Datta noted that the apex court has passed elaborate orders on similar issues relating 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 .

AgustaWestland: Court orders Christian Michel's release from custody in ED case

A Delhi court ordered Christian James Michel's release from custody in a money laundering case linked to the AgustaWestland chopper scam. However, he remains jailed due to a separate CBI corruption case. Michel, accused as a 'middleman', has been in custody for seven years, exceeding the maximum imprisonment period for the money laundering offense.

Pilot Suspended Over Alleged Assault on Passenger at Airport

SRINAGAR: An Air India Express pilot has been suspended following allegations that he assaulted a passenger during a security check at Delhi Airport, according to an NDTV report. The incident occurred on Friday at Terminal 1, where a SpiceJet passenger, Ankit Dewan, claimed he was physically attacked after questioning staff members for cutting the queue. []

Delhi Police arrests two brothers with 1 kg charas, THC, OG

Two brothers were arrested by Delhi Police from west Delhis Janakpuri area with over 1 kg of charas along with THC and OG, officials said. Based on a tip-off about the movement of drug peddlers in the area, police laid a trap on the Tihar Jail Road

Modi Govt Bulldozed MGNREGA, Says Sonia Gandhi, Vows Fight Against New Black Law

New Delhi, Dec 20: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday accused the Modi government of bulldozing the MGNREGA, and asserted that the black law that seeks to repeal it will be defied by the lakhs of party workers across the country. In a video message, she said that by weakening MGNREGA, the Modi government had attacked the interests of crores of farmers, labourers, and landless across the country. She alleged that over the past 11 years, the Centre [] The post Modi Govt Bulldozed MGNREGA, Says Sonia Gandhi, Vows Fight Against New Black Law appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

A R Rahman concert: Delhi Traffic Police announces curbs, diversions. Check timings, routes, and car parking details

Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions and diversions around Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium for A. R. Rahman's concert on December 20. Commuters are advised to avoid IP Marg and Vikas Marg due to anticipated congestion from noon to 11 pm. Limited parking is available for vehicles with valid labels.

DSSSB MTS recruitment 2025: Registration underway for 714 posts; direct link to apply and other details here

The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board has opened online registrations for 714 Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) positions in 2025. Applications are being accepted until January 15, 2026, for candidates who have passed Class 10 and meet age criteria. The selection process involves a written exam, document verification, and a medical examination.

Traffic Curbs, Diversions in Place for AR Rahman Concert in Delhi

According to an advisory, the concert will take place at the Main Arena (Gym) of the stadium from 6 pm to 10 pm, during which traffic movement in surrounding areas will remain regulated and may be diverted as per public convenience and security reasons.

RBI has allowed compounding of FEMA case against Genpact India: ED

New Delhi, Dec 20: The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday said the RBI had issued a compounding order for Genpact India, against a one-time payment, resulting in termination of a FEMA against the technology major. The agency had filed a complaint against the company in October 2018 for alleged contravention of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to the tune of about Rs 26 crore. It issued a show cause notice to the firm and its directors in the same month [] The post RBI has allowed compounding of FEMA case against Genpact India: ED appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Sahitya Akademi-Winning Kashmiri Writer Gauri Shankar Rainas Story Collection Now In English

New Delhi, Dec 20: A new collection of short stories by Sahitya Akademi-winning writer Gauri Shankar Raina seeks to capture the nuanced realities of contemporary Kashmiri society, navigating the complexities of environment, identity, social divides, and cultural memory. U-Turn and Other Stories unravels the lives of Kashmiri-speaking people, set against the socio-cultural backdrop of the land. They are stories that reflect the deteriorating environment of the valley, the plight of the minority community as well as the resolve of the [] The post Sahitya Akademi-Winning Kashmiri Writer Gauri Shankar Rainas Story Collection Now In English appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Dr Jitendra Inaugurates International Obesity Conference, Emphasises Judicious Use Of Weight Reducing Drugs

NEW DELHI, Dec 20: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, today said that weight reducing or anti-obesity drugs, currently available, ought to be used very judiciously. The Minister, who is himself a noted Diabetologist and Professor of Medicine, said that obesity is a complex, chronic and relapsing disorder, and not merely a cosmetic or lifestyle concern, calling for a whole-of-society [] The post Dr Jitendra Inaugurates International Obesity Conference, Emphasises Judicious Use Of Weight Reducing Drugs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

'Both Of Us Will Go': DK Shivakumar On Meeting Party's High Command In Delhi Amid Power Tussle

Shivakumars remarks came a day after Siddaramaiah asserted in the Assembly that he would continue as chief minister.

Assam: Seven elephants killed, calf injured in collision with Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express

The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of elephants, resulting in the derailment of the locomotive and five coaches.

CM Omar Rejects Double Standards on Jammu Kashmir Statehood

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said he maintains the same political position in both Delhi and Kashmir, asserting that he acknowledges the Centres support where it exists and speaks candidly where it has fallen short, particularly on the issue of restoration of statehood. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar rejected []

Parliamentary panel flags violations, calls for rigorous implementation of Land Acquisition Act

NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary panel has called for the rigorous implementation of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act), particularly in the Scheduled Areas, and raised concerns over violations of the Act's provisions. In a report tabled in Parliament this week, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, chaired by Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, expressed concern that despite the existence of statutory provisions, there continues to be violations in practice, such as undervaluation of land, particularly in the Scheduled Areas, where market transactions are restricted. Scheduled Areas refer to regions with a large tribal population, designated under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, granting special governance for tribal welfare. The report also expressed concern over 'delayed or superficial Gram Sabha consultations without proper documentation or availability of materials in the local language, exclusion of women and vulnerable groups from the consultation process, and mechanical issuance of compliance certificates without genuine engagement with the affected communities'. The report, which was tabled in Parliament on December 18, pointed out the important role of Gram Sabhas in the LARR Act, and said there are growing incidents where the consent of the Gram Sabha is obtained on paper just as a formality, without actually involving the majority of the population being affected by the respective projects. The report said the committee has been informed about many instances where forest land is being acquired in violation of the provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, adding that a linkage between the LARR Act and the FRA is essential to safeguard forest communities' right to land and resources. The panel said that in some cases, social impact assessment (SIA) and environment impact assessment (EIA) are being carried out just as a formality, with the reports favouring the acquisitions. It also said that while the Act says land value must be worked out fairly, in some instances, the circle rates are old or set low, so the base value is weak. Distress sale deeds drag prices down... There are very few proper sale deeds, so the 'market value' does not reflect the real worth, it said. Besides, common resources that keep the tribal families alive --grazing land, community forest resource areas, sacred groves, water sources, shifting cultivation patches, paths to collect bamboo, honey, fuelwood, fodder, medicinal plants, wild foods, etc-- are left out, it said. The panel also questioned the functioning of the National Monitoring Committee (NMC), and said its periodic review of projects, such as the Ken-Betwa Link and Polavaram, has not been able to quell the discontent among the settlers. It expressed serious concern that despite such institutional mechanisms, there has been no significant reduction in grievances relating to land acquisition, compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement, especially in the context of large-scale inter-basin river linking projects. These projects, including the Ken-Betwa, involve diversion of water across ecological and social boundaries, requiring acquisition or diversion of forest land, riverine habitats, floodplains, and community resources, the panel said. It pointed out deficiencies such as segment-by-segment acquisition without a single basin-wide cumulative social, hydrological and ecological assessment, late consultation with the Gram Sabhas and without full documentation. In Lakshadweep, it said, there are instances where proposals have proceeded on the claim that because the foreshore reef flat beach or lagoon edge is government land, its taking or enclosure does not amount to acquisition affecting people. The committee said it disagrees with this view, and the Act expressly protects livelihood dependents on government and common land. It also called for the recognition of livelihood users in Greater Nicobar. All people whose primary livelihood depends on Great Nicobar's forests, coasts, creeks, beaches, reef flats and common paths are treated as 'affected families' under Section 3(c) of the Act even where the land is recorded as government or forest land, it said. The report quoted a non-official witness, who said forested lands reserved for the Shompen (PVTG) and Nicobarese (ST) communities are being de-notified for commercial use under the 'Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island' project. Civil society groups the panel met during a field visit to Sri Vijay Puram said over 131 sq km of forest land and 84 sq km of the tribal reserve will be destroyed, severely impacting the indigenous Shompen (PVTG) and Nicobarese (ST) communities. Submissions by experts in Odisha said arbitrary processes have been adopted by the district administrations of Rayagada and Kalahandi for land acquisition for the Sijimali bauxite mines, including diversion of forestlands, village common lands, and holding fake Gram Sabhas.

Augusta Westland deal: Christian Michel released in money laundering case; remains in CBI custody

A Delhi court on Saturday ordered the release of Christian Michel James from custody in the Augusta Westland money laundering case, as he has served the maximum statutory sentence. While released from the PMLA case, Michel will remain in custody for the related CBI case.

Eggs safe for consumption, cancer risk claims unfounded: FSSAI

NEW DELHI, Dec 20: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has categorically dismissed recent claims linking eggs to cancer risk, terming them misleading, scientifically unsupported and capable of creating unnecessary public alarm. In a statement issued on Saturday, the food safety regulator clarified that eggs available in the country are safe for human consumption and that reports alleging the presence of carcinogenic substances in eggs lack a scientific basis. The clarification comes in response to media [] The post Eggs safe for consumption, cancer risk claims unfounded: FSSAI appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

IIFL Finance appoints ex-RBI Deputy Governor B P Kanungo as chairman

NEW DELHI, Dec 20: NBFC firm IIFL Finance has appointed former RBI Deputy Governor B P Kanungo as non-executive chairman of the board. The board at its meeting held on Friday approved Kanungos appointment with immediate effect, underscoring its strong confidence in his leadership, independence, and deep regulatory and institutional expertise, IIFL Finance said in a regulatory filing on Friday. Kanungo brings with him over four decades of experience in central banking, monetary policy, and financial regulation, it said. [] The post IIFL Finance appoints ex-RBI Deputy Governor B P Kanungo as chairman appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Union Budget 2026-27: Government invites public suggestions

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has completed multiple rounds of Pre-Budget Consultations in New Delhi as part of the preparations for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27.

SBI to revisit policy on construction finance for housing projects, says chairman

NEW DELHI, Dec 19:State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman C S Setty on Saturday said that the bank will reassess its policy on construction finance for residential real estate, but stressed that accountability and transparency will be key factors in determining interest rates for such loans. At present, the bank has almost negligible presence in construction finance for housing projects, but it is slowly building a book on commercial real estate, especially office space. So how do we work [] The post SBI to revisit policy on construction finance for housing projects, says chairman appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NIA, SIA Raid Cleric's Room in J&K in Connection with Delhi Red Fort Blast

Sleuths of NIASIA raided the rented room of cleric Irfan Ahmed Wagay in Jammu and Kashmir as part of the investigation into the Delhi Red Fort blast. The search comes amid intensified nationwide operations, including the arrest of the ninth accused, Yasir Ahmad Dar, as investigators work to dismantle the entire terror network behind the attack.

Tobacco firm KT&G files case against 14 illegal operators

KT&G, the maker of ESSE cigarettes, has filed a lawsuit in Delhi High Court. This action follows raids on 14 wholesalers in Delhi NCR. The company is cracking down on counterfeit ESSE cigarettes. This move aims to protect consumers and market integrity. More enforcement actions are planned nationwide.

Delhi scam: Two arrested for fake ASI website, lured aspirants with govt jobs; hundreds duped

Delhi Police arrested two individuals for operating a fake Archaeological Survey of India website, defrauding job seekers with fabricated vacancies. The accused, a law student and a computer science graduate, meticulously designed the portal to mimic the official ASI site, luring hundreds of applicants with promises of secure government jobs.

Man bloodied after being assaulted by Air India pilot at Delhi airport

Delhi: An Air India pilot allegedly attacked a passenger, leaving him bloodied after he used the staff-only security checkpoint with a 4-month-old daughter. According to the X post shared by Ankit Dewan, Captain Virender Sejwal had assaulted him near Terminal 1 of the airport and even called him an unpadh (uneducated), for using the security 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 .

India Announces T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Gill Excluded, Axar Patel as Vice-Captain

New Delhi, Dec 20: Shubman Gill has been left out of Indias T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with his recent T20I form influencing the decision, officials and sources said. The India Test captain has gone 18 T20I innings without a half-century, a drought that has cast doubts over his impact in the shortest format. Gills [] The post India Announces T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Gill Excluded, Axar Patel as Vice-Captain appeared first on Northlines .

7 arrested over mans lynching in Bangladesh

Dhaka/ New Delhi: Seven people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, the interim government announced on Saturday. Dipu Chandra Das, 25, was lynched to death by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Mymensingh city on Thursday. In a statement on X, 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 .

Gill Axed, Axar Named Vice-captain; Ishan Returns As India Name T20 WC Squad

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: In a surprising development, defending champions India have left out Shubman Gill from its squad for next years T20 World Cup and T20Is against New Zealand. In the squad announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Axar Patel has been named as the vice-captain. Apart from Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma misses out as Ishan Kishan makes a stunning return to the team, following his explosive form leading Jharkhand to a recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win. Meanwhie, Rinku Singh also makes his return to the T20I team after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa. We are looking at combinations. Our thought was to have another keeper. Gill is a quality player, unfortunate to miss out, but it is the combination we want. Ishan bats at the top, he has been in good form, and played before for India. He wasn't there because Jurel and Pant were ahead. Sanju is at the top. Ishan at the top. That is the combination we are looking at right now. We felt he is the best back up keeper at this point, said Agarkar. The 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, to be held from February 7 to March 8, will have 40 group matches scheduled to be played till February 20. Top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super Eights starting on February 21. India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Mens T20 World Cup for the second time. Sri Lanka were the hosts of the 2012 edition, while India last hosted the competition in 2016. After the completion of the three-match ODI series, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand, starting on January 21 in Nagpur, followed by games in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. In the Mens T20 World Cup, defending champions India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. The Men in Blue will be aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the Mens T20 World Cup title, the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, and the first team to clinch the T20 world title for a third time. India will open its Cup campaign against USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, before facing Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12. In the Mens T20 World Cup, defending champions India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. The Men in Blue will be aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the Mens T20 World Cup title, the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, and the first team to clinch the T20 world title for a third time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan. Article Source: IANS

ED Questions Jai Anmol Ambani for 2nd Day in Money Laundering Probe

New Delhi, Dec 19: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday questioned Jai Anmol Ambani, son of industrialist Anil Ambani, for the second consecutive day in a money laundering case linked to an alleged bank loan fraud, officials said. The 34-year-olds statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for the first time [] The post ED Questions Jai Anmol Ambani for 2nd Day in Money Laundering Probe appeared first on Northlines .

ED questions Anil Ambani's son for second straight day in money laundering case

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday questioned Jai Anmol Ambani, son of industrialist Anil Ambani, for the second consecutive day in a money laundering case linked to an alleged bank loan fraud, officials said. The statements of 34-year-old Anmol Ambai were recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for the first time on Friday, and the session is continuing on Saturday, they said. The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group did not respond to the development. The ED probe is related to Yes Bank, which, according to the officials, had an exposure of about Rs 6,000 crore in the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group as of March 31, 2017, which doubled to Rs 13,000 crore within a year. The companies involved included Reliance Home Finance Limited (RHFL) and Reliance Commercial Finance Limited (RCFL). A large portion of these investments turned into non-performing investments (NPIs) and the bank, subsequently, suffered a loss of Rs 3,300 crore from these dealings, the agency alleged. Anil Ambani, too, has been questioned by the ED in an alleged bank loan fraud case against the Reliance Group companies.

Mayawati flags Bihar 'naqab' row; says CM Nitish should express regret, end controversy

LUCKNOW: Wading into the Nitish Kumar 'naqab' controversy, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday raised concerns over the Bihar chief minister recently pulling off the veil from a woman doctor's face , saying the JD-U chief should express regret and make effort to end the itterly growing controversy. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also flagged concerns over a controversial police parade incident in Bahraich, which she described as a failure of legislative sessions in the state and Parliament. In a long Hindi post on X, Mayawati said the 'naqqab' controversy was sad and unfortunate, which continued to escalate due to some statements made by ministers subsequently. The incident, a video clip of which has been circulated widely, took place on Monday at the chief minister's secretariat in Patna, where Ayush doctors gathered to receive their letters of appointment. When the woman came up for her letter, Kumar saw her 'naqab', said what is this and then removed the veil, prompting the opposition parties to demand an unconditional apology from the chief minister. Mayawati said the matter, which is linked to women's safety and dignity, should have been resolved through the chief minister's direct intervention. It would be better if the chief minister views the incident in the right perspective, expresses regret and makes an effort to end this bitterly growing controversy, she said. Referring to Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati said the Bahraich district police, drawing criticism for deviating from the established rules by offering a salute to a religious preacher during a police parade, triggered a major controversy, putting the state government in the dock. Police parades and salutes have their own traditions, discipline and sanctity, which should not be tampered with, she said, adding that it was a positive step that the state's police chief sought an explanation from the district police chief. People are now waiting for action, she said, urging the state government to take the matter seriously to prevent a recurrence. Mayawati also criticised the rief Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, which began on December 19, saying it had, like previous sessions, been confined to debates between the ruling party and the opposition instead of focusing on issues of public interest and welfare. She said the government should have responded more seriously to matters such as fertiliser shortages faced by the farmers and other public welfare concerns. The BSP chief also took a swipe at the Winter Session of Parliament, which concluded on Friday, alleging that it ended without any meaningful discussions on the pressing national issues, including the severe air pollution in Delhi. The entire country was hoping for deliberations on the burning national problems that could have offered some ray of hope but that did not happen, which is unfortunate, she said. Mayawati also expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Bangladesh and what she termed a rise in anti-India activities, similar to Nepal. She urged the Centre to take cognisance of the developments and respond with a long-term policy approach. Bangladesh has been on the boil this week after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of the July Uprising of 2024, sparking violent protests and arson in the neighbouring country. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor

Courts will lean toward animals who are silent victims of commercial ventures: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has observed that courts will always lean in favour of animals, who suffer silently when their migration paths are blocked by humans and commercial ventures. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi deferred the hearing on a batch of petitions filed by 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 .

Companies cannot ignore environment under CSR, rules Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has said that corporate social responsibility cannot be separated from corporate environmental responsibility and companies cannot claim to be socially responsible while ignoring equal claims of the environment and other beings of the ecosystem. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar passed a slew of directions to protect the Great Indian Bustard, a species which is on the verge of extinction and faces threat from the operation of non-renewable power generators in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Therefore, the corporate definition of 'social responsibility' must inherently include environmental responsibility. Companies cannot assert to be socially responsible while ignoring equal claims of the environment and other beings of the ecosystem, the bench said. It added that the Constitution of India, under Article 51A(g), imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen o protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. A corporation, as a legal person and a key organ of society, shares this fundamental duty. CSR funds are the tangible expression of this duty. Consequently, allocating funds for the protection of the environment is not a voluntary act of charity but a fulfilment of a constitutional obligation, the top court said. The bench said under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Parliament institutionalised this duty by mandating companies to meet specific financial thresholds espousing social responsibility. It added that the provision effectively codifies the principle that corporate profit is not solely the private property of shareholders but is partly owed to the society that enables its generation. The magic of legitimacy is in the perspective that private property is a trust, the top court said, adding that this statutory mandate redefines the traditional role of corporate governance. It added that historically, a director's primary duty was to maximise value for shareholders. However, Section 166(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, dismantled this narrow view by imposing a broader fiduciary duty. Directors are now legally mandated to act in good faith not just for members, but for the best interests of the company, its employees, the shareholders, the community, and for the protection of the environment. This crucial expansion recognises that a corporation is an organ of society, and its 'social' responsibility extends to the wider community impacted by its operations, the bench underscored. It pointed out, Where corporate activities such as mining, power generation, or infrastructure threaten the habitat of endangered species, the polluter pays principle mandates that the company bears the cost of species recovery. CSR funds must, therefore, be directed towards ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts to prevent extinction. Holding that the obligation to protect endangered species is paramount, the bench said corporate duty must evolve from merely protecting shareholders to protecting the ecosystem. The non-renewable power generators operating in the priority as well as non-priority areas in Rajasthan and Gujarat must always remember that they share the environment with the Godawan, the Great Indian Bustard, and must undertake their activities as if they are guests in its abode, it said. The top court passed the order on a plea filed in 2019 by environmentalist MK Ranjitsinh, seeking measures for the protection of the endangered Great Indian Bustard. The apex court has been passing directions from time to time for protecting the species. In April 2021, the top court had imposed restrictions on overhead transmission lines across nearly 99,000 sq km in Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, the order was later modified in March 2024 after the Centre flagged serious implications for India's renewable energy transition. The court had then constituted a high-level expert committee to recommend scientifically grounded and balanced measures. Accepting the expert committee's recommendations, the top court approved revised priority conservation areas of 14,013 sq km in Rajasthan and 740 sq km in Gujarat, rationalising earlier demarcations to focus protection on the last remaining strongholds of the species. It declined the petitioners' request to further expand the Rajasthan priority area by adding 657 sq km in the Rasla-Degrai Oran region, holding that the expert committee had taken a holistic view based on field studies and extensive stakeholder consultations. The top court has imposed strict restrictions within the revised priority areas, directing that no new wind turbines and no new solar parks or solar plants exceeding 2 MW capacity shall be permitted. It also barred the expansion of existing solar parks. It further directed that no new overhead power lines, except those of 11 kV and below, shall be allowed in these areas, except through dedicated power corridors identified by the expert committee.

ED Questions Anil Ambanis Son For Second Straight Day In Money Laundering Case

New Delhi, Dec 19: The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday questioned Jai Anmol Ambani, son of industrialist Anil Ambani, for the second consecutive day in a money laundering case linked to an alleged bank loan fraud, officials said. The statements of 34-year-old Anmol Ambai were recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for the first time on Friday, and the session is continuing on Saturday, they said. The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group did not respond to the development. [] The post ED Questions Anil Ambanis Son For Second Straight Day In Money Laundering Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SEBI to set up working group to review non-agri commodity derivatives

NEW DELHI, Dec 20: Markets regulator Sebi is planning to constitute a working group to review the non-agricultural commodity derivatives segment, its chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said on Saturday. He added that the working group will be notified shortly. Speaking at the 11th International Convention of the Commodity & Capital Participants Association of India (CPAI), Pandey said Sebi is also engaging with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to [] The post SEBI to set up working group to review non-agri commodity derivatives appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

66 arrival and departure flights cancelled at Delhi Airport due to dense fog

Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory stating that low-visibility procedures were underway

'Waiting for Abbu': Story of Tasleem Ahmed, The Forgotten Delhi Riots Prisoner

Tasleem Ahmed has also been jailed under UAPA along with Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others in Delhi riots case.

Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Exp Mows Down 7 Elephants In Assam, 5 Coaches Derailed

Nagaon/Guwahati, Dec 20: At least seven elephants were killed and one injured after the SairangNew Delhi Rajdhani Express hit a herd of jumbos in Assams Hojai district early Saturday, officials said. Five coaches and the engine of the train were also derailed in the accident. The mishap occurred at around 2.17 am near Changjurai village. [] The post Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Exp Mows Down 7 Elephants In Assam, 5 Coaches Derailed appeared first on Northlines .

Exclusive: Passenger Thrashed By Pilot Recounts What Led To The Assault

The SpiceJet passenger who was allegedly assaulted and left bloodied by an Air India Express pilot is struggling to come to terms with the assault that his family witnessed at the Delhi airport.

Delhi AQI near severe at 384 as dense fog grips capital

AQI likely to worsen over next two days

Fortis to acquire Bengaluru-based People Tree Hospital for Rs 430 cr

NEW DELHI, Dec 20: Fortis Healthcare on Saturday said it has inked a pact to acquire Bengaluru-based People Tree Hospital for Rs 430 crore. The company has signed definitive agreements for the acquisition of the 125-bedded hospital in Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, by way of a 100 per cent acquisition of TMI Healthcare Pvt Ltd, the entity under which the People Tree Hospital business operates. The said acquisition would be undertaken by Fortis wholly-owned subsidiary International Hospital Limited (IHL), it said [] The post Fortis to acquire Bengaluru-based People Tree Hospital for Rs 430 cr appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Oil makes a comeback amid transition hype, with India at the centre

NEW DELHI, Dec 20: After years of forecasts predicting an imminent peak in oil demand amid a swift shift to renewables, oil and gas made a quiet but unmistakable comeback, with India emerging as a central driver of global consumption. Major energy outlooks from BP and McKinsey to the IEA pushed peak oil into the 2030s and revised 2050 demand upward. And every forecaster said India will emerge as the epicentre of global demand growth, with its rise [] The post Oil makes a comeback amid transition hype, with India at the centre appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar crosses Rs 500 crore mark at box office

New Delhi, Dec 20: Aditya Dhars directorial Dhurandhar, featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, has crossed the mark of Rs 500 crore at the domestic box office, the makers said on Saturday. Released on December 5, the film also features Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, R Madhavan and Rakesh Bedi. It follows covert intelligence operations set against a backdrop of geopolitical and terror events like Kandahar plane hijack, 2001 Parliament Attack and 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Production [] The post Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar crosses Rs 500 crore mark at box office appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Pilot beating up passenger: Government orders probe, seeks report from BCAS & CISF

An Air India Express pilot has been grounded and faces a probe after allegedly assaulting a passenger at Delhi Airport's Terminal 1. The incident reportedly stemmed from a queue-cutting dispute at a staff entry gate. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a formal inquiry, seeking reports from aviation security and CISF.

Have Not Received Complaint Yet: Delhi Police on Assault by Off-Duty Air India Express Pilot

The alleged assault is linked to a dispute over some staff members allegedly cutting the queue at the security checkpoint in Delhi airport

AI pilot assault: Police aware of matter but yet to receive a complaint; vows action

An Air India Express pilot allegedly assaulted a passenger, Ankit Dewan, at Delhi Airport over a security lane dispute. The Delhi Police stated no formal complaint has been filed, learning of the incident via social media. The airline has grounded the pilot and condemned the behavior, promising disciplinary action.

Over 100 flights cancelled at Delhi airport due to dense fog

Dense fog disrupted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday, leading to over 100 cancellations. The national capital also experienced a deterioration in air quality, with the AQI reaching 384 in the 'very poor' category, blanketing the city in toxic smog.

'Have not received complaint yet': Delhi Police on assault by off-duty Air India Express pilot

Delhi Police said they have not received any formal complaint in connection with allegations that an off-duty Air India Express pilot assaulted a passenger at Delhi airport. The police said they came to know about the incident only after a social media post surfaced and that legal action would be taken once a written complaint is filed.

Dense fog grips Delhi-NCR, AQI remains in `very poor` category

The weather department explained that very dense fog is recorded when visibility drops to between 0 and 50 metres, while visibility of 51 to 200 metres is categorised as dense

Delhi court orders trial against Congress leader Alka Lamba in womens reservation protest case

A Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against Congress leader Alka Lamba for allegedly assaulting police personnel during a protest demanding the implementation of womens reservation in Parliament. The order was passed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Courts, who held that the prosecution had placed sufficient material [] The post Delhi court orders trial against Congress leader Alka Lamba in womens reservation protest case appeared first on India Legal .

Virat Kohli returns; Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi in Vijay Hazare Trophy Full squad

The DDCA has, however, not included Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, and Harshit Rana in the official 16-member squad, as they will only be available for limited matches likely two to three before Indias ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, 2026. The exact fixtures in which Kohli and Pant will play are yet to be confirmed.

Delhi court dismisses Rabri Devis plea to transfer cases from judge alleging bias

Judge Vishal Gogne is currently dealing with alleged IRCTC scam, cash-for-jobs case and the money laundering proceedings associated with the family

Delhi fog disrupts flight operations at Indira Gandhi Airport; airlines cancel 129 flights

Dense fog and low visibility have severely disrupted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport for days. On Saturday, 129 flights were cancelled, with IndiGo alone cancelling 22 Delhi flights. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality worsened to a 'very poor' category with an AQI of 384.

Off-duty Air India Express pilot assaults passenger at Delhi airport; suspended

The passenger shared his experience in a social media post along with a photo showing blood on his face after the altercation. He also shared a photo of the pilot

Passenger Alleges Assault by Pilot at Airport Terminal

SRINAGAR: A SpiceJet passenger has accused an Air India Express pilot of assaulting him at Delhi airport after he objected to the pilot allegedly jumping the boarding queue, an allegation that the airline said it is investigating, NDTV reported. The incident took place at Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where the passenger, []

Anupam Kher meets Kamal Haasan, calls him one of the `finest actors`

The Tanvi The Great director shared that they conversed for almost an hour at the Delhi airport, talking about cinema, favourite books, K Balachander, Rajinikanth and others

8 Elephants Killed After Being Hit By Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Exp In Assams Hojai Dist: Official

NAGAON/ GUWAHATI, Dec 20: Eight elephants were killed and one injured after a herd was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assams Hojai district in the wee hours of Saturday, a forest official said. Five coaches and the trains engine were derailed in the incident, though no injuries to passengers were reported, a Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the New Delhi-bound train met with the accident around 2.17 am. Nagaon divisional forest officer Suhash [] The post 8 Elephants Killed After Being Hit By Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Exp In Assams Hojai Dist: Official appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

'Lane is for staff, are you anpadh': How a verbal argument at Delhi airport escalated into physical assault by Air India Express pilot

An Air India Express pilot has been grounded after allegedly assaulting a passenger at Delhi Airport's Terminal 1. The altercation began when the pilot questioned a passenger using a staff lane, escalating into a physical confrontation. The passenger claims he was left with a bloodied face and his daughter traumatized. An inquiry is underway.

Assam: 8 elephants killed as 5 coaches of Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express derail in Hoja, rescue operation underway

A Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesperson reported that five coaches and the engine of the train, which travels between Mizoram's Sairang and Delhi's Anand Vihar Terminal, derailed. Fortunately, no passengers were hurt.

Dense Fog Blankets Delhi with AQI on Brink of Severe at 384

The lowest visibility up to 8.30 am was recorded at Safdarjung, where it dropped to 200 metres, followed by Palam at 350 metres, according to official data.

Assam: 8 elephants killed after being hit by Rajdhani Express

Eight elephants were killed and one injured after a herd was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assams Hojai district in the wee hours of Saturday, a forest official said. Five coaches and the trains engine were derailed in the incident, though no injuries to passengers were reported, a Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) 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 special sitting on Dec 22 for urgent cases: CJI

NEW DELHI: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said on Friday that while the winter vacation formally begins on December 20, the Supreme Court would will hold a special sitting on December 22, to hear genuinely urgent matters. All those who are in the queue today, seeking listing, will you argue on Monday? We are ready to sit on Monday, CJI Kant said. On Friday, a three-judge bench of the CJI, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, said, We will sit on Monday to hear the urgency in matters, the CJI said. He also clarified that the court was not going to burden other judges, who have to study case files late at night to hear new cases. I will not bother any other bench, the CJI said, adding that the registry will find out the urgency and list the matter accordingly. CJI Kant also clarified that the decision on whether one or more benches would sit on December 22, would depend on the number of genuinely urgent matters received. The observations were made during oral mentioning of cases by lawyers seeking urgent listing on the last working day before the winter vacation. The Chief Justice added that no fresh matters would be listed for hearing on Friday itself, citing the heavy workload already borne by judges. There has been massive filing this week. The honble judges have spent the entire night reading briefs. I am not going to ask them to read a new brief today, the CJI said, refusing to permit same-day listings. He said that matters would be listed on December 22 only if counsels were willing to argue them on that day. Wherever you give an urgent memo, we will find out if there is an actual urgency and list on Monday. The only condition is that you will have to argue on Monday, he added. The Chief Justice further stated that the number of benches would be decided after assessing the volume of such cases on December 22. On Friday, the Bench had observed that many of them did not disclose any pressing urgency. These matters can wait till January or even April 2026, the court remarked. Also in top court Child trafficking a disturbing reality: SC Terming child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation a deeply disturbing reality, the SC on Friday, laid down guidelines on how courts must be sensible and sensitively adhere to the evidence and testimony, while conducting court proceedings of minor victims of trafficking and prostitution. A two judge bench issued the guidelines.

Five coaches, engine of Rajdhani Express derail after hitting elephant herd in Assam; seven jumbos dead

GUWAHATI: The down SairangNew Delhi Rajdhani Express engine and five coaches derailed early on Saturday morning after the train collided with a herd of elephants on the JamunamukhKampur section under the Lumding Division of N.F. Railway. However, no casualties of passengers have been reported so far, and officials from N.F. Railway rushed to the site, which is about 126 km from Guwahati. A source said that seven elephants died after being knocked down by the train on the section. Confirming the incident, N.F. Railway said in a statement that accident relief trains, along with officials from the divisional headquarters, have reached the site. Helpline numbers have already been activated at Guwahati railway station: 0361-2731621 / 2731622 / 2731623. Senior railway officers, including the General Manager of N.F. Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager of Lumding, have also rushed to the site. The passengers of the affected coaches were temporarily accommodated in the vacant berths available in other coaches. After the affected coaches were detached, the train left the site for Guwahati, the NFR said in a statement. The derailed train left the site for Guwahati at 06.11 am. Once the train reaches Guwahati, additional coaches will be added to accommodate passengers from the affected coaches, after which the train will resume its onward journey. The restoration works have been completed, an official said. The incident took place at a location which is not a designated elephant corridor. The loco pilot on observing the herd of elephants applied emergency brakes. However, elephants dashed with the train, the statement further stated. The loco pilot, on spotting the herd of elephants, applied emergency brakes. However, the elephants collided with the train. Trains scheduled to pass through the section are being diverted through the UP line, and restoration work is under way. This is not the first such incident in Assam. There have been several incidents where elephants died after being hit by trains. In the last few years, more than 81 elephants have died in the country after being hit by trains.

Five coaches, engine of Rajdhani Express derail, 8 elephants killed in Assam accident

NAGAON/ GUWAHATI: Eight elephants were killed and one injured after a herd was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam's Hojai district in the wee hours of Saturday, a forest official said. Five coaches and the train's engine were derailed in the incident, though no injuries to passengers were reported, a Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the New Delhi-bound train met with the accident around 2.17 am. Nagaon divisional forest officer Suhash Kadam told PTI that the incident occurred at Changjurai area of Hojai district. Kadam and other forest officials have reached the site. Trains scheduled to pass through the affected JamunamukhKampur section have been diverted through the UP line, and restoration work is underway, he added. The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express connects Mizoram's Sairang (near Aizawl) to Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi).

Delhi NCR weather today: IMD puts Delhi on orange alert as dense fog surrounds national capital, AQI breaches 400 mark. Check forecast of Noida, Gurugram

Delhi Weather Today: Delhi has put on orange alert for today and the IMD has warned of dense foggy conditions in the national capital. The air quality in Delhi has crossed the 400 mark in several places, thus putting the residents at high risk. Meanwhile, the Delhi Airport has also issued an advisory amid dense fog.

8 elephants killed after being hit by Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Exp in Assam's Hojai district: Official

Five coaches and the train's engine were derailed in the incident, though no injuries to passengers were reported, a Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesperson said

Dont hide behind National Herald case: Congress to CPM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Drawing a clear line between central agencies probe against Congress leaders and those involving CPM leaders, AICC Media and Publicity Department chairman Pawan Khera on Friday said that catching the ED and CBI red-handed in the National Herald case against Congress leaders does not mean that every investigation conducted by agencies can be dismissed or used as a shield by others. Khera was responding to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans allegation that Congress was adopting double standard while reacting to central agency cases against ministers of non-Congress ruled states. There must be a case by case investigation. You cannot conveniently apply the same logic to every case being probed by central agencies. That is not a fair way of judging things, he said. Hiding behind what the ED did in the National Herald case is only a convenient way to cover your own worries. In the case, a Delhi court dismissed EDs charges. Just because one has been found innocent doesnt mean everyone else is also innocent. Others too must face investigation, he added.

Delhi-NCR wakes up to toxic smog: AQI hits very poor to severe levels; flights impacted due to low visibility