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Maharashtra polls: In a first, names in EVM appear in Kannada

BELAGAVI: Time and again, political leaders from Maharashtra rake up language and border issues during elections to woo Marathi speakers along the Karnataka-Maharashtra border villages in Belagavi. But the truth is there are lakhs of Kannada speakers in Maharashtra border villages as well, whose voice was suppressed for decades. Now for the first time, the Election Commission in Maharashtra has included the names of candidates in Kannada as well as Marathi in EVM machines in 15 Assembly constituencies for the polls in the neighbouring state. In these 15 Assembly constituencies, including Latur, Mangalwed, Akkalkot, Jatt and south Solapur, Kannada speakers are in the majority. There are at least 50 to 60 lakh Kannada speakers in these constituencies of Maharashtra, most belonging to the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Realising the importance of this block, candidates of various parties had invited prominent Kannadiga leaders from Karnataka as star campaigners in this election. The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), recently met with political parties in Maharashtra and asked them to include the issue of resolving the Karnataka-Maharashtra boundary row in their manifesto. Interestingly, in what can be seen as a snub to the MES, no party or candidate raised the border issue in their election speeches. Instead, they printed posters and handbills in Kannada to reach out to Kannada voters. In many Maharashtra border villages, Kannada speakers had launched a movement to condemn the apathy of the government towards them and even passed resolutions in panchayats expressing their desire to merge their villages with Karnataka. In the Maharashtra polls, party candidates wooed Kannada speakers, promising to carry out development works on a priority basis in villages with Kannada speakers. The Jatt constituency MLA, Vikramsingh Sawant, went a step further by participating in a border festival organised by the Karnataka government in neighbouring Guddapur village. Malleshappa Teli, a resident of Umadi village of Jatt taluk, said, All candidates have promised to develop the villages where Kannada speakers live.

The New Indian Express 21 Nov 2024 7:10 am

Illegal Constructions Mushroom in Hyderabad

A view of the high-rise apartments in Krishnanagar in Visakhapatnam. (Photo: DC) A view of the high-rise apartments in Krishnanagar in Visakhapatnam. (Photo: DC) Hyderabad: The introduction of the Telangana State Building Permission Approval and Self-certification System (TS-bPASS), GHMCs Town Planning wings enforcement, Directorate of Enforcement Vigilance & Disaster Management (EV&DM) and the recently-constituted Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) have failed to curb the illegal constructions in the city. Dozens of illegal structures have mushroomed in different parts of the city and continue to increase with every passing day. Interviews with the officials of municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD), and resident welfare associations (RWAs), and those who built illegal structures revealed that there are multiple reasons for illegal structures getting constructed unabated. The expectation to get higher rental income is the prime reason for the illegal constructions. The factors that make it happen are nexus between officials and violators of rules. While the officials want to take action, political intervention stalls it. For instance, if a person owns a plot with an area ranging between 200 square metres and 300 square metres, the buildings height should not cross 10 metres or a maximum of three floors. However in view of good rentals in Hyderabad, the owner typically constructs a five or six-storey building on a 300 square metre plot. There have also been incidents where a 300 square metre plot was developed into a six-floor apartment complex by a builder, with both of them taking equal numbers of illegally constructed flats. There are also a few examples where some property owners, who bought an existing house, are denied permission to construct additional floors, if there is a deviation in the existing ground floor. This also makes people opt for illegal constructions. I bought a house around five years ago, which had only a ground floor. When I want to construct an additional floor, authorities denied permission citing deviations, said a bank employee. Notary lands are also one of the primary reasons for illegal construction in the city. As these land parcels are not registered, they cannot apply for building permission, forcing them to construct buildings illegally. Ayyappa Society, parts of Gayatri Hills in Jubilee Hills, dozens of areas in Old City, where registration is banned, land transactions are done on notary documents.

Deccan Chronicle 20 Nov 2024 11:24 pm

OFMK Kids Shine at Virtual Book Fair India 2024

Hyderabad: Children from Ordnance Factory Medak (OFMK) AVNL Estate left an indelible mark on an international audience during the closing ceremony of the Virtual Book Fair India 2024. The event, which saw participation from 22 countries including the USA, Brazil, France and Australia, was a vibrant celebration of literature and culture, with Indian performances taking the spotlight. Representing Indias classical arts, Bharatanatyam students Kumari G. Likhita Gayatri and Kumari S. Srija delivered stunning performances that were recorded and broadcast globally under the banner of Vissa Nilayam, a voluntary organisation founded by Telugu poet Satya Sai Vissa. Both students train at Abhinaya Vani Nritya Niketan, a dance academy run by the Womens Welfare Association at the Medak branch. The cultural showcase extended beyond dance. G.V. Siddharth recited verses from the Bhagavad Gita, while T. Srujana, D. Mahima, D. Hamsini and Sivendra presented devotional poetry. These performances highlighted Indias deep-rooted artistic traditions and resonated with intellectuals and culture enthusiasts from across the globe. Poet Satya Sai Vissa, speaking during the event, expressed gratitude to Josyula Prabha Sastry, Indias first Lady Ambassador for Culture, along with organisers like Priyanka Neha and Seejar Sterothra, for their unwavering support in promoting young talent. He credited such initiatives with nurturing over 500 children from the Medak community in arts and culture over the last 20 years. Employees of the Ordnance Factory, including G. Shiva Kumar, S. Sashidhar, and T. Kiran Kumar, highlighted the significance of such socio-cultural events in inspiring children to pursue both intellectual and artistic growth. They emphasised the positive impact of blending cultural exposure with academic development.

Deccan Chronicle 20 Nov 2024 11:04 pm

Bihar STF arrests Vivek Yadav, brother of RJD MLA in 11-year-old murder case

Bihar STF arrests Vivek Yadav, brother of RJD MLA in 11-year-old murder case Patna: The Bihar STF on Wednesday arrested Vivek Yadav, the brother of RJD MLA Ajay Yadav alias Ranjit Yadav, in connection with a 11-year-old murder case. Ajay Yadav, the sitting RJD MLA from Gayas Atri Assembly constituency, is a prominent political figure [] The post Bihar STF arrests Vivek Yadav, brother of RJD MLA in 11-year-old murder case appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Mangalorean 20 Nov 2024 7:24 pm

Man bag mania!

BENGALURU: Men, unlike back in the day, dont confine themselves to this or that. Between being tough, strong, and honourable, the traditional definitions of masculinity left little room for personal expression, especially in terms of style. But fashion has always been a powerful reflection of identity, and as the world moves toward a broader understanding of what it means to be a man, personal style is evolving alongside. In this week of International Mens Day (Nov 19), the conversation around redefining masculinity continues to gain momentum. And leading this change is an unexpected accessory: handbags. If the iconic sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S. were set in this era, Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) might not have been mocked for some of his fashion-forward choices. Theres definitely a rise in the popularity of handbags amongst men, especially in cities like Bengaluru. Theres a growing emphasis on personal style and functionality. With the city being home to many tech professionals and entrepreneurs, mens handbags have become both a stylish and practical solution for carrying essentials, says Nikhil Dev, a designer with 15 years of experience in the fashion industry. Practicality, however, isnt the only factor driving this trend. Ronika LN, a designer based in Bengaluru, believes that men are looking for accessories that match their modern lifestyles. Theyre easy to carry, versatile, and add a stylish edge to any outfit, she says. Whenever I hand my handbag to my boyfriend to hold, he jokingly says he wants one too! For city-based theatre practitioner Pranesh S, the stigma around men carrying handbags was never an issue. Growing up, he remembers seeing actors like Vijay in movies carrying handbags. It made it seem cool and stylish, he shares. He believes that carrying a handbag complements his identity as an artist, adding, It feels very expressive and fits well with my lifestyle. If you know how to style it well, there is no reason to avoid carrying one. Harry Styles From a styling perspective, Dev suggests, For formal settings, Id recommend sleek, structured tote bags with a minimalistic design and neutral colours to complement formal attire. For casual settings, backpacks, sling bags, or messenger bags are more suitable. These styles often have more relaxed, playful designs that work well for casual outings. The trend also reflects a broader cultural shift. Gayathri Sreekumar, a personal stylist, notes, Younger clients often ask for these bags, especially crossbody bags and messenger bags. Even brands like Zara are introducing new styles in this category. While older men might initially hesitate, Sreekumar observes, Theres still some perception that handbags are more feminine because, traditionally, women carried them. But once they try using them, they realise how practical and comfortable they are. Over time, they often adjust their style and start using these bags more regularly. Dev agrees that though earlier there werent many options for men in this category, the shift in mainstream attitudes has made a difference. Theres been an increasing consciousness around fashion men are now more mindful of how their accessories align with their personal style. Celebrity influence has also played a big role globally. Weve seen many celebrities sporting handbags, which has helped normalise and popularise them further. From celebs like Karan Johar and Aparshakti Khurrana to global icons like A$AP Rocky and Jacob Eldordi has catapulted designer handbags for men to an entirely new level. However, while Dev sees more gender equality and inclusivity in the fashion landscape, Sreekumar believes that it is a more gradual transition. Gender-neutral fashion has always existed in some form for instance, women adopting mens styles has never been a big deal. However, many men still want these bags to maintain a certain sense of masculinity they prefer designs that dont look too feminine. But at the end of the day, its about practicality, and people are starting to embrace it, she adds.

The New Indian Express 20 Nov 2024 10:03 am

Kuttaiyur villagers urge government to build bridge over Palar river for better connectivity

ERODE: With no bridge on the Palar river connecting the main land, the villagers of Kuttaiyur are a worried lot. They said their trouble reaches its peak when the river floods during the monsoon. Home to 900 people, the hill village is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Speaking to TNIE, P Veerapathran, president of Hill Dweller Pedakampada Lingayat Welfare Association, said, To reach Kuttaiyur village, we have to walk for nearly four kilometres from Jallipalayam near Karkegandi, in Karnataka, on Anthiyur-Mysore road, crossing Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border. To buy essentials, we have to go to Karnataka by crossing the Palar river. He said when the river floods during the monsoon, the villagers have to wait indefinitely even to reach the hospital. Claiming that students are also affected due to the lack of bridge, Veerapathran urged the government to take immediate steps to construct a bridge on the river. Not just the villagers of Kuttaiyur, the bridge will also help people of adjacent Velampatti and Metalwadi villages. If there is no plan to build a bridge, a proper road should be laid so that the villagers can go to Bargur and Kadambur through the state forest area. Anthiyur MLA AG Venkatachalam said the authorities have requested necessary land from the forest department to build a bridge on the river. For this, double the required land will be handed over to the forest by the revenue department. It is under process. We are also taking steps to construct a road from Makkambalayam, in Kadambur hills, to the village. After the road is laid, the villagers of Kuttaiyur will not have to cross the Karnataka border. Erode DFO KVA Naidu said an application seeking NOC to construct a road from Makkambalayam to Kuttaiyur is under scrutiny. Application for construction of the bridge on the Palar is yet to come, he added.

The New Indian Express 20 Nov 2024 7:55 am

Three students critical, 10 injured after school bus collides with loader in UP amid dense fog

Owning to dense fog, a school bus collided head-on with a loader on the Chajpur-Rajpur Road in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, causing injuries to at least 10 students. Police said that all the injured students were girls and three of them are critical. The accident occurred when the school bus was carrying students from Gayatri School in Kandhala, Circle Officer Sant Prasad Upadhyay told PTI. Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: Due to dense fog led to a severe accident when a school bus collided with an overloaded tractor. Twelve schoolgirls were injured, with eight in critical condition pic.twitter.com/KPFFsIQq7B IANS (@ians_india) November 19, 2024 The police have seized the loader and arrested its driver, he added. The injured students were brought to the Primary Health Centre in Budhana. Later, six of the students were referred to the district hospital. An investigation into the accident is underway.

The New Indian Express 19 Nov 2024 2:40 pm

School bus collides with loader in UP, 10 students injured

Muzaffarnagar: Ten students were injured, three of them critically, when their school bus collided with a loader amid dense fog on the Chajpur-Rajpur Road here on Tuesday, police said.All the injured students were girls. The accident occurred within the jurisdiction of Phugana police station when the school bus was carrying students from Gayatri School in Kandhala, Circle Officer Sant Prasad Upadhyay said. The police have seized the loader and arrested its driver, he added. The injured students were brought to the Primary Health Centre in Budhana, Medical Officer Dr. Arjun Singh said. Later, six of the students were referred to the district hospital. An investigation into the accident is underway, Upadhyay said. PTI COR KIS ARD DV DV 11191419 NNNN

Deccan Chronicle 19 Nov 2024 2:38 pm

Madras HC bars Music Academy from presenting award in MS Subbulakshmi's name to TM Krishna

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has restrained the Music Academy in Chennai from conferring the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award 2024 to popular Carnatic musician TM Krishna. However, the court said that there is no legal bar on giving him the award by dropping the name of the late legendary singer to recognize Krishna's achievements in Carnatic music. Justice G Jayachandran, on Tuesday, passed the orders while dismissing an application filed by the Music Academy praying for rejecting the plaint moved by Subbulakshmis grandson V Shrinivasan. He challenged the conferment of the award to Krishna as the latter had made disparaging comments against her. The judge pointed out that instituting the very same award in her name goes against her will. The best way to honour a departed soul is to honour and respect her wish and not disrespect it, he said, adding, if any person is really having reverence and regard to MS Subbulakshmi, after knowing her desire and mandate, should not continue to give award in her name. Similarly if anybody truly and honestly respects her sentimental wish of the departed soul, he/she should not receive awards instituted against wish and mandate, the judge said. What the controversy over TM Krishna's Sangita Kalanidhi award tells us about the Carnatic music world He also observed, As a result, the court applying the Arm Chair Rules holds the plaintiff (V Shrinivasan), as a beneficiary of the will, has interest in the matter and locus to maintain the suit. Cause of action for the suit is made out by the plaintiff. The judge held that the use of Subbulakshmis name in the award instituted by the third respondent (the English daily) is contrary to the desire and mandate of the testator. For the relief of the interim injunction, the petitioner-plaintiff has made out a prima facie case; balance of convenience is in his favour, he said and added that the plaintiff will be put to irreparable loss and sufferings if the award, in the name of MS Subbulakshmi, is given away pending disposal of the case. The judge restrained Music Academy and the English daily from conferring the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi award to Krishna or any other person till disposal of the case. It is made clear this order shall not restrain the first respondent from conferring the Sangita Kalanidhi title for 2024 on TM Krishna or the third respondent distributing the prize award carrying Rs. 1 lakh to him without using the name Subbulakshmi in any form, Justice Jayachandran said in the order. Musicians Ranjani, Gayatri withdraw from Music Academy Conference in opposition to TM Krishna Dismissing the application to reject the plaint, he allowed the application for interim injunction against conferring the award. It may be recalled that the announcement choosing Krishna for the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award led to an outcry from a section of Carnatic musicians and others. Shrinivasan moved the High Court with a plea for restraining the Music Academy from presenting the award, saying that it is a mockery that the conferment of a prize in his grandmother's name is being made on Krishna. According to Shrinivasan, Krishna has publicly termed her as a 'saintly Barbie doll' and one of the greatest hoaxes of the twentieth century in the world of Carnatic music. He further added that Krishna's disparaging statements against her have had the effect of questioning her credibility in Carnatic music and the conferment ought not to be legally permitted. Music Academy slams vocalists, defends Sangita Kalanidhi award for TM Krishna Tamil Nadu CM defends TM Krishna against critics, upholds musician's ideals amid award controversy

The New Indian Express 19 Nov 2024 12:58 pm

Nepal man reunited with family after four years

VISAKHAPATNAM: Uttam Bahadur Singh, a Nepalese man missing for four years, was reunited with his family in Nepal. Discovered near Visakhapatnam railway station on September 14, 2024, by the Association for Urban and Tribal Development (AUTD), Uttam had suffered from mental illness for a decade. Once a cook, he had been wandering across different regions. After receiving care at the TSR shelter, the Shraddha Foundation provided medical assistance and facilitated his safe return. Social worker Shakeel Ahmed escorted him to Nepal, where he was reunited with his sister Gayatri Singh and brother-in-law Dal Bahadur Singh. AUTD Secretary Pragadha Vasu praised the collaboration between welfare organisations in reuniting vulnerable individuals with their families.

The New Indian Express 19 Nov 2024 10:24 am

2 suspected Maoist activists held in Gaya

The Times of India 19 Nov 2024 4:16 am

MVA will bring consolidated reservation bill for Marathas, Muslims and VJNTs: Supriya Sule

Addressing multiple rallies daily, NCP leader Supriya Sule emphasized her party's commitment to enacting comprehensive reservation legislation for Marathas, Dhangars, Lingayats, Muslims, and VJNT communities if elected. She highlighted unemployment and farm distress as key issues, pledging job creation and improved farmer income.

The Economic Times 19 Nov 2024 12:23 am

SHOCKING! 2 miscreants entered house in Bihars Gaya for robbery; one raped woman, another shoot video

A shocking incident has come to light from Bihar where a miscreant, who entered a house to commit robbery, raped the woman living there and his accomplice made video of the crime.

Web Dunia 18 Nov 2024 6:06 pm

Report sought on road accidents in Madurai's Samayanallur stretch

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently sought a report on the number of accidents that have taken place within the Samayanallur police station limit in Madurai from 2018 to 2024. A bench comprising Justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete sought the report on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed by N Senthil Kumar last year. The petition highlighted various problems on the Madurai-Dindigul highway at the Fatima College-Samayanallur stretch, including poor road safety measures. The petitioner wanted a series of directions such as, removal of unnecessary gaps between medians, placing reflective sign boards at appropriate places, preventing miscreants from covering the boards with posters or defacing zebra crossings. He also wanted authorities to ensure the presence of speed breakers and lighting wherever needed. Further alleging that police officials were stopping vehicles invariably at many places causing traffic congestion, he sought a direction to prevent them from conducting vehicle checks at places other than the police check post at Mangayarkarasi College stop in the aforementioned stretch. The matter was adjourned to November 19.

The New Indian Express 18 Nov 2024 10:10 am

Blaze engulfs Gaya godown

The Times of India 17 Nov 2024 6:54 pm

Sanitation workers threaten to end their lives amid ongoing protest in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The inordinate protest launched by a section of sanitation workers in front of the city corporation office turned violent on Saturday when four of the protestors climbed the arch entrances of main office threatening to suicide in Thiruvananthapuram. This is the third time the protestors have threatened to end life in the past 44 days since the strike was launched demanding right to work. On Saturday, the sanitation workers intensified their protest after the meeting called by the Labour Commission on Friday failed to find a solution to their problems. The workers were protesting demanding the release of 12 vehicles seized by the corporation. The repeated protest at the corporation office is becoming a huge inconvenience to the public and on days when the protests are staged, the office hours are disrupted for many hours denying service for citizens. On Saturday also, owing to the protest, all three gates of the corporation office were closed. Following calls, the Fire and Rescue Services officials arrived at the scene at 7 am. An official of the department involved in the rescue said that the workers climbed the arch entrance with rope, kerosene and matchbox. It took us nearly 3 hours to pacify and bring them down. Later the police came and took them to the station, said an official of the Fire and Rescue Services. Our protest has completed 44 days and even after the direct intervention of Labour Minister V Sivankutty, the corporation authorities are not trying to resolve the crisis. Several meetings were held since the launch of the protest but they are not giving us the seized vehicles, said district joint secretary Kallayam Joy, Thiruvananthapuram Jilla Shucheekarana Thozhilali Union. He alleged that health standing committee chairperson Gayathri Babu, who attended the hearing called by the deputy labour commissioner, insulted the workers by addressing them as low grade people. We have decided to file a complaint for addressing us as a different class belonging to a different category. We were treated in a very bad way, he alleged. According to corporation officials, the vehicles were seized for illegally dumping waste in water bodies. The police have taken a case and the matter is in the court. For getting the vehicles they have to approach the court and as per the current law they will release the custody of the vehicles to them under certain conditions, said an official of the corporation.

The New Indian Express 17 Nov 2024 9:15 am

Gig workers denied basic rights, minimum wages, says senior advocate Gayatri Singh

BENGALURU: There is an urgent need to clearly define who are gig workers and platform workers. The definition is being misused by platforms and companies and workers are being exploited, said Gayatri Singh, Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court. She said these workers are denied their basic rights including minimum wages, minimum working hours, health benefits and maternity leave. As the governments are talking of framing rules and laws for gig and platform workers, it is essential that their definition be clear. The central government termed them as traditional employees, but there is no definition of traditional employees or employers. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) also talks of the employer-employee relationship, but in the present working conditions, there is no relationship between the two. She was speaking at the day long seminar- Shaping the Future of Work: Strengthening Protection for Gig and Platform Workers in India, organised by Centre for Labour Studies on Saturday. Balaji Parthasarthy, Fairwork India, said NITI Ayog recently stated that gig work is a part-time job. Parthasarathy added one of the demand NASSCOM placed is that Karnataka Draft Bills definition of gig workers be rejected in favour of the Code of Social Security on the grounds that platforms do not exercise any degree of control, commitment and accountability over independent contractors. But the workers are not independent as they are constantly tracked and monitored, he said. On July 2024, the Karnataka government released to the public for comments The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, a draft legislation intended to regulate the working conditions of gig and platform workers. Karnataka became the third state after Rajasthan and Jharkhand to legislate on matters concerning gig workers rights.

The New Indian Express 17 Nov 2024 7:49 am

Join the dots with Chennais Kolam Gayathri

Gayathri Shankarnarayan has created a body of work promoting kolam among children with special needs and friends living abroad

The Hindu 16 Nov 2024 10:20 pm

Pushpam Priyas Plurals Party begins yatra from Bodh Gaya

The Times of India 16 Nov 2024 9:12 pm

Akshay Kumar Explains His Decision To Let Go Of Canadian Citizenship: 'Main Chup Chaap Nikal Gaya'

Akshay Kumar, now officially an Indian citizen, opened up about his decision to relinquish Canadian citizenship.

News18 16 Nov 2024 8:59 pm

Madhuri Dixit Calls Ranbir Kapoor 'Naughty Yet Quiet' While Recalling About Ghagra: 'Choli Pe Hogaya...'

Madhuri Dixit reminisces about her memorable performance in Ghagra from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and her fun experience working with Ranbir Kapoor, whom she describes as naughty yet quiet.

News18 16 Nov 2024 8:03 pm

Kabir Bedi Recalls Rajiv Gandhis Candid Words After Becoming PM: Kahan Phas Gaya Hun Yaar?'

Actor Kabir Bedi reflects on his childhood ties with the Gandhi family, sharing memories of growing up with Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi.

News18 15 Nov 2024 3:04 pm

Chhattisgarh: After 21 years, tribals plan to return to native place in Naxal-hit Abujhmad

Manjhi was the eighth BJP leader to have been killed by Maoists in the state in the past one year. (AFP PHOTO / Noah SEELAM) Manjhi was the eighth BJP leader to have been killed by Maoists in the state in the past one year. (AFP PHOTO / Noah SEELAM) Raipur: More than two decades after deserting their village due to Maoists, around 25 tribal families are planning to return to their native place in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district. Nearly 100 members of these families had left their homes in Gaarpa village located in Abujhmad after Naxalite started targeting them in 2003. They were then settled on the outskirts of Narayanpur town on a tract of government land, where they took up agriculture for livelihood. Now, 21 years after their desertion, these families recently visited their native place and have been planning to resettle there after police set up a camp there to facilitate development works and ensure security for local population. Abujhmad, bordering Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, was considered a Maoist fortress until recently. On October 4, security forces scripted their most successful anti-insurgency operation in Chhattisgarh by gunning down 31 Naxalites during an encounter in the area. Leaving the ancestral land was never easy. We had no option but to flee for the sake of our lives. 60-year-old Sukkuram Nureti told PTI. Nureti's family was among the 25 families that left Gaarpa in April 2003. Nureti hails from the Abujhmaria community, a particularly vulnerable tribal group. Of the 80 families in the village, around 25 were followers of Gayatri Pariwar' and Naxalites objected to it. They threatened us with dire consequences if we did not quit following Gayatri Pariwar'. So we decided to leave the village, he said. Nureti said they always wanted to return. Now it seems our dream will come true as a police camp has been set up and things have started improving there, said Nureti, who has served as a member of Janpad panchayat in the past. Nureti and others who had left the village visited Gaarpa last week and opened a Lord Shiv temple that had remained shut since 2003. We are planning to resettle in the village as we have our farmland and homes there, he said. Making significant inroads into Abujhmad, the Chhattisgarh police have set up security camps in Gaarpa, Kasturmeta, Mastur, Irakbhatti, Mohanti and Horadi villages in the past eight months. The Gaarpa camp came up on October 22. According to police, the strategy of establishing these camps has pushed the Naxalites to a very limited area in the zone and facilitated development works in the region. Security camps in remote and Naxal-hit areas will help thousands of villagers avail the benefits of development works and welfare measures through Niyad Nellanar schemes, Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar said. Under Niyad Nellanar, the state government has been undertaking development works in interior villages within a 5-km radius of security camps. Tribals evicted by Naxals in villages around the newly set up camps have started returning to their homes, the SP said. Villagers who were earlier pressured by Naxals to oppose development projects are now demanding roads, mobile towers, health and schools. Positive results will be seen in the coming days due to the efforts of police and administration, he said. With a combined security and development push, nearly half of Abujhmad now has road accessibility. There is a target of providing road connectivity through Mad to Chhotebethia (Narayanpur) and Maharashtra, he said. We will connect Narayanpur to Gadchiroli (Maharashtra) and Chhotebethia within the next 18 months, the official said. After the establishment of six security camps, Principal Secretary of Chhattisgarh's Panchayat and Rural Development Department Niharika Barika recently visited five villages of Abhujmad, marking the first such trip by a top bureaucrat to the region. She travelled over 60 km on a motorcycle and reviewed more than 30 development projects, an official here said. Barika visited three Anganwadis, two schools, one health sub-centre and met grassroots development workers and flagged off bus service between Gaarpa and Narayanpur, he said. Spread over about 4,000 sq km, Abujhmad had been a den of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) as its dense forest served as a hideout for its leaders. The rebels' activities in Abujhmad have declined in recent years due to the increased presence of security forces and development works being carried out in the region, officials said.

Deccan Chronicle 15 Nov 2024 1:25 pm

Ex-Thai PM visits Bodh Gaya, takes part in prayer session

The Times of India 15 Nov 2024 4:17 am

Ex-Thai PM visits Bodh Gaya

The Times of India 14 Nov 2024 11:51 pm

Three arrested in constables death case at Gaya

The Times of India 14 Nov 2024 9:48 pm

Sindhu exits in pre-quarters of Japan Masters, Indias campaign ends

Kumamoto (Japan), Nov 12: Indias campaign came to a premature end as double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu crashed out in the pre-quarterfinals of the Kumamoto Masters Japan Super 500 badminton tournament here on Thursday. World no. 20 Sindhu was the lone Indian in contention after the exits of Lakshya Sen and womens doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. Sindhu squandered a game lead to lose 21-17 16-21 17-21 against Canadas Michelle Li, ranked 23rd in the world, in [] The post Sindhu exits in pre-quarters of Japan Masters, Indias campaign ends appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 14 Nov 2024 3:35 pm

After Karnataka bypolls, Congress and BJP shift focus to Maharashtra Lingayat belt - Deccan Herald

After Karnataka bypolls, Congress and BJP shift focus to Maharashtra Lingayat belt Deccan Herald

Google News 14 Nov 2024 10:06 am

Sri Lankans vote in parliamentary election

Colombo: Sri Lankans on Thursday began voting in the snap parliamentary election, the first major test of the ruling National People's Power party led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.The voting is taking place at over 13,314 polling stations across the country. The voting started at 7 am and will continue till 4 pm local time. The counting will start soon after the closing of polls. Voters turned out in steady streams during the first hour of the polls, election officials said. Over 17 million voters from the island's 21 million population are eligible to vote for the 225-member Parliament for a five-year term. Nearly 90,000 security personnel from the police and the military are deployed to provide security at the election venues. Thursday's vote would be the first major test of the popularity of the ruling party, National People's Power, led by President Dissanayake. Having failed to secure 50 per cent of the vote at the September 21 presidential election, Dissanayake is pleading for a stronger parliament with well over a simple majority of 113 seats to implement his anti-corruption accountability reformist programme. This will be the first parliamentary election since Sri Lanka plunged into an economic crisis when the island nation declared sovereign default in mid-April of 2022, its first since gaining independence from Britain in 1948. Almost civil-war-like conditions and months of public protests led to the fleeing of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Since assuming office, Dissanayake has stayed on course with his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe's International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme. The country is still recovering from its worst economic crisis in history as the Dissanayake government faces the challenge of meeting the IMF targets on revenue in the third review of the USD 2.9 billion programme. As many as 196 members are to be elected from the 22 districts based on the proportional representation system while 29 would be elected from the cumulative votes polled national list to provide a 225-member Parliament for a five-year term. Political parties and independent groups file lists of candidates for each district. Seats are allocated proportionately according to the votes polled. Individual MPs get elected based on the preferential votes cast in their favour. Each voter is entitled to mark three individual preferences. Wickremesinghe, who lost to Dissanayake in last month's presidential election, has not been contesting the parliamentary election for the first time since 1977. The Rajapaksa brothers - Mahinda, Gotabaya, Chamal and Basil too are not contesting this election after decades-long representation. Scores of ministers and deputies from the past regime have opted out of the race. Under the complex proportional representation system, Dissanayake's NPP will be hard-pressed to gain the absolute majority required for initiating major reforms such as overhauling the presidential system. We should win big enough to make them cry, Dissanayake said, referring to the ruling classes against whom his party had run two bloody rebellions. After Dissanayake's win in the presidential election held in September, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Wickremesinghe-backed New Democratic Front (NDF) seemed to have thrown a feeble challenge to gain control of Parliament, the analysts noted.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Nov 2024 9:57 am

Mother, child die during delivery at private hospital in Dharmapuri

DHARMAPURI: A 24-year-old woman and her baby died due to delivery complications at a private hospital here on Wednesday morning. Her family members staged a protest in the hospital premises, levelling allegations against the hospitals negligence in treatment leading to the deaths, and asked the district administration to take action against the hospital. K Sandhya (24), from Palaya Pudhu Reddiyur village near Kadathur in Dharmapuri, died on Wednesday following complications from childbirth at a private hospital. She was admitted on Tuesday night and underwent a caesarean section on Wednesday morning, delivering a stillborn baby. Tragically, she suffered a cardiac arrest and postpartum haemorrhage after the delivery. She was referred to the Government Dharmapuri Medical College Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival. Relatives staged a protest, claiming that nurses conducted the delivery without a doctor. Dharmapuri DSP Sivaraman and Dharmapuri RDO Gayathri held talks with the protesters and assured them of a thorough investigation. Joint Director of Health Services Shanthi confirmed that doctors were present during the delivery and that a departmental inquiry has been initiated.

The New Indian Express 14 Nov 2024 9:11 am

Fifth storm in a month bears down on the Philippines

The local government also reported knee-high floods across Santiago, a city of 1,50,000 people along an upper bank of the Cagayan river

The Hindu 13 Nov 2024 11:49 am

Treesa-Gayatri make first round exit from Kumamoto Masters Japan

The world No. 20 Indian pair was brushed aside 16-21, 16-21 by Hsu Yin-Hui and Lin Yin-Hui, ranked 24, in just 36 minutes in their women's doubles round 32 of clash of the Super 500 tournament

The Hindu 13 Nov 2024 1:47 am

'Modi ki Guarantee' fell flat on June 4, Jharkhand people will finish whatever is left of it: Cong

New Delhi : The Congress on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the promises made by him for Jharkhand, saying the 'Modi ki Guarantee' campaign fell flat when Lok Sabha polls results came out and the people of Jharkhand will finish whatever is left of it as well on November 13 and 20 Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh listed some of the promises made by the PM and also the current status of the projects. Medical College in Koderma: The college was supposed to be built on --70 acres of land and offer 100 MBBS seats. The non-biological PM laid its foundation stone six years ago, in 2018, and then promised to complete the project again in 2019. It is yet to materialize, he said. Ramesh pointed out that during his campaign for Jharkhand's 2014 assembly elections, Modi had promised a range of industrial and educational projects, including a premier IT institution and several engineering colleges. However, only two institutions were ever established, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT Ranchi) and Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET Khunti), he said, adding that these too, after nine and seven years respectively, do not have a permanent campus. In October 2022, the Railway Ministry sanctioned the Chatra-Gaya rail project but two years later, no progress has been made. BJP leaders have consistently promised the Korba-Lohardaga line, but it has also been given a silent burial, Ramesh said. Just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the PM laid the foundation stone of the Mandal dam project with great fanfare, he said. Conceptualised to address agrarian distress in Jharkhand and Bihar, the project has languished even while the state has suffered back-to-back droughts in recent years, Ramesh claimed. The Congress leader further said that Jamshedpur had a functional airport until 2016 but despite being inducted into the UDAN scheme in 2018, plans for a new airport have failed to materialise. In January 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Jharkhand Government and the Airports Authority of India for the construction of Dhalbhumgarh Airport by December 2022. This would have been a massive boost to the industrial sector, from major players like Tata to the MSME sector in Adityapur, he said. When the December 2022 deadline came and went, BJP's own MPs were compelled to raise the issue in Parliament, Ramesh said, adding that on February 27, 2023, the Union Civil Aviation Minister responded and confirmed that the project had been abandoned. Unsurprisingly, the Modi ki Guarantee campaign fell flat on June 4, 2024. On November 13 and 20, the people of Jharkhand will finish whatever is left of it as well, Ramesh said. The results of the Lok Sabha polls were declared on June 4 this year. Jharkhand goes to polls on November 13 and 20 in two phases. The results would be announced on June 23.

Deccan Chronicle 12 Nov 2024 1:55 pm

Fishermen stage massive roadblock protest in Pamban bridge

RAMANATHAPURAM: Hundreds of fishermen along with the family members of the fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy staged a massive roadblock protest at Pamban road bridge on Tuesday pressing immediate action towards releasing the arrested fishermen. Reportedly, about 23 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged violation of IMBL on Saturday. Following this the fishermen association announced a staged roadblock protest at Pamban Bridge. Accordingly, hundreds of fishermen associated with all Mechanised boats association and Country boat fishermen from Rameswaram had gathered at the Pamban bridge to stage a roadblock protest. Hundreds of police were deployed at the Pamban bridge, and the fishermen sat on the bridge and staged a protest. TN fishermen are Indians too, says CM Stalin, asks centre to act While speaking, fishermen leaders stated that though several parties have promised to retrieve the traditional fishing rights in the sea, no actions were taken on these issues. Fishermen urged the central govt to take immediate action towards releasing the arrested fishermen and retrieving the boats. Also, the fishermen urged the union govt to host the bilateral talk with the Sri Lankan government in the presence of both country fishermen to address the prolonged issues. The fishermen earn only 1000 - 1500 rupees only if they go to sea, but the Sri Lankan government arrests them and imposes massive fine. How will they pay such massive amount?. Proper action should be taken to prevent such punishments, Fishermen leader Sagayam said. Fishermen added that if the govt fails to address their demand, Fishermen's association from all the coastal districts will stage protest across the Pamban railway sea bridge. Nandhini, a Family member of an arrested country boat fisherman stated that despite a series of protests no actions were taken towards releasing the Pamban Country boat fishermen who remain in Sri Lankan prison for more than 3 months. She urged the concerned leaders to take action towards releasing the fishermen. Cops have been deployed in the Pamban bridge as well as in the shores to prevent people from entering the sea to stage protest. Cops are attempting to pacify the protesting fishermen. Sri Lanka's President vows to stop Tamil Nadu fishermen, assures steps to return Tamil land taken by govt

The New Indian Express 12 Nov 2024 11:56 am

Tough poll for both BJP, Congress in Shiggaon bypoll

HUBBALLI : Campaigning for the Shiggaon assembly by-election reached its crescendo on Monday ahead of public canvassing ending at 5.30 pm. Amid the cacophony of leaders targeting each other, the real issues concerning the public were not addressed during electioneering. It is now for the public to decide who their representative would be when they cast their vote on Wednesday. Congress, which won the seat last in 1994, has worked hard for its candidate Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, while BJP, which has held the seat since 2004, is sure of the victory of Bharat Bommai, son of former CM Basavaraj Bommai. Making it a high-profile fight, CM Siddaramaiah canvassed here for three days. KPCC chief and DyCM DK Shivakumar and other leaders held a series of public meetings. For BJP, bigwigs like former CM BS Yediyurappa, LoP in Assembly R Ashoka, and others campaigned. What is worrying BJP leaders is that Basavaraj Bommai trailed by 8,500 votes in the segment when he was contesting the Lok Shaba election. This was contrary to BJP winning the seat by over 36,000 votes in the 2023 Assembly polls. Congress, by fielding a Muslim candidate, is banking on the votes of minorities and Dalits, while BJP is relying strongly on upper class voters, mainly Lingayats, and other backward castes, except the Kurubas. The Waqf issue gave BJP a significant issue to target Congress. Whether it has had any impact on the voter will be known on November 23, the result day.

The New Indian Express 12 Nov 2024 7:45 am

Surge in medico-legal cases in Bihar; Gaya tops the chart

The Times of India 11 Nov 2024 7:54 pm

Jabalpur: Muslims convert a stepwell built during Queen Durgavatis reign into a shrine, had earlier built an illegal mosque on Gayatri Mandir land

Hindu activists have given a memorandum to the district authorities and asked them to address the issue of a stepwell being converted into a mazar.

OpIndia 11 Nov 2024 6:50 pm

I-T raids on former YSRC MLA Grandhi Srinivas continue

VIJAYAWADA: Income Tax officials reportedly continued raids on the properties of former Bhimavaram YSRC MLA Grandhi Srinivas, who is into aqua business for more than three decades, for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday. However, there was no official confirmation from the Income Tax officials pertaining to the raids and seizures. It is learnt that a team from Chennai Income Tax Department, along with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), visited seven places on Wednesday, and started verifying the records pertaining to businesses, income and tax payments of Srinivas. According to sources, the Income Tax officials conducted raids at Bhimavaram, Eluru, Nagayalanka, Singarayakonda and Chennai, and also on the properties and houses of his relatives, business partners and close aides in Bhimavaram, Machilipatnam and Eluru. During the raids on the former MLAs properties, the Income Tax officials reportedly seized some cash, documents, electronic equipment, hard disks and business records.

The New Indian Express 11 Nov 2024 9:54 am

Kerala school sports meet: Thiruvananthapuram all set to emerge overall champions

KOCHI: Thiruvananthapuram is all set to become champions with 1,924 points in the Kerala School Sports Meet that has been going on in Ernakulam for the past seven days. Thrissur is emerging as the first runner-up with 832 points and Kannur as the second runner-up with 750 points. Besides dominating the swimming pool, Thiruvananthapuram stands tall with 144 gold, 88 silver and 100 bronze. While Thrissur won 73 gold, 56 silver and 75 bronze, Kannur got with 67 gold, 61 silver and 66 bronze. Malappuram stands at the fourth position with 568 points followed by Palakkad with 522 points. All 526 events at the games were completed by Saturday. At the close of day 7 of the sports meet, 43 meet records both in aquatics and athletics were broken. K Akhila jumps high and long to grab gold medals K Akhila of GV Raja Sports School, Thiruvananthapuram, appeared to be a natural at the jumping pit. Though she couldnt match her best performance of 1.63m in the high jump, she cleared the bar at 1.53m to clinch the gold medal in the senior girls event. The Palakkad resident also won gold in long jump with an effort of 5.54m. Foul in hurdles didnt hold Gayathri back N G Gayathri overcame her despair over getting disqualified in the 80m hurdles after fouling her start to win a gold in the sub-junior girls long jump event with a jump of 5.14m. She is a student of St Thomas HSS, Thrissur Servan K C of Kuttamath GHSS, Kasaragod, competing in the junior boys shot-put at the Kerala State School Sports Meet in Kochi on Sunday. He broke the meet records in shot-put and discus throw | pics by a SANESH Clean and comfortable accommodation gets students, teachers praise Students and teachers expressed their happiness over the clean and safe accommodation provided by the officials at the first Olympic-style state school sports meet. The accommodation for the students and officials was arranged at 17 centres. Besides this, eight schools had been reserved as stand-by. The arrangement saw 71 schools getting divided into seven clusters. More than 3,000 people were provided additional accommodation during the first two days of the inclusive sports events. In the last seven days, 24,000 people, including children and officials, were accommodated in the city. A clean sports meet The states first Olympic-style school sports meet was successfully held as a completely green event. More than 200 student volunteers or green volunteers at 17 venues in the district actively ensured that the green protocol was adhered to. Clad in a special uniform comprising a green t-shirt and cap, they were always vigilant to ensure the implementation of the Green Code under the leadership of the head teachers association. Separate bins were installed at all venues to sort and collect organic and inorganic waste, including the food waste from the canteen. Red bins were set up for collecting and depositing plastic waste and green bins for depositing organic waste.

The New Indian Express 11 Nov 2024 7:59 am

Guwahati Theatre Society to debut with Sarkari Investigator

HT Bureau GUWAHATI, Nov 10: The Guwahati Theatre Society, a new addition to the cultural landscape of Assam, is all set to premiere its first production, Sarkari Investigator, an Assamese adaptation of Nikolai Gogols celebrated play The Government Inspector. This exciting adaptation, directed by Gayatri Sharma, will be staged on November 14, 2024, at the []

thehillstimes 11 Nov 2024 6:10 am

UP: 3 Killed After Car Rams Into Truck On Agra-Lucknow Expressway

Police said the three men were going to Bihars Gaya from Ghaziabad when their car rammed into a parked trailer truck from behind

News18 10 Nov 2024 8:44 pm

CM campaigns for NDA bypoll candidates in Gaya

The Times of India 10 Nov 2024 8:21 pm

Three killed after car rams into truck on Agra-Lucknow Expressway

UNNAO: Three men died after their car rammed into a stationary trailer truck on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway here on Sunday, police said. The accident happened near Matiyari village at around 7:30 am, Hasanganj SHO Chandrakant Mishra said. Sanjay Kumar Singh, (50), Gaurav Kumar (35) and Saurabh Kumar (30) were going to Bihar's Gaya from Ghaziabad when their car rammed into a parked trailer truck from behind, he said. The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority personnel rescued the three men and immediately sent them to Lucknow's Lokbandhu Hospital, where they were declared dead, the police said. Five dead, 24 injured as tempo traveller collides with stationary vehicle on Agra-Lucknow Expressway

The New Indian Express 10 Nov 2024 5:45 pm

Man, 2 sons dead after SUV crashes into stationary trailer on Lucknow-Agra expressway

A man and his two sons were killed in a car accident on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway on Sunday morning. The family's SUV collided with a stationary trailer, resulting in fatal injuries. The victims were on their way to Gaya, Bihar. Police recovered cash, jewelry, and other belongings from the vehicle.

The Times of India 10 Nov 2024 2:56 pm

Self-immolation bid of young Gaya woman foiled

The Times of India 9 Nov 2024 10:15 pm

'Main pairon mein gir gaya': Virat Kohli recalls memorable encounter with Sachin Tendulkar - Watch

During India's home ODI series against Sri Lanka in 2008, Kohli's senior teammates instructed him to bow down to Tendulkar when they introduced him.

DNA India 8 Nov 2024 4:13 pm

Stakes high for all, but bigger for CM Siddaramaiah in Karnataka by-polls

MYSURU: The November 13 bypolls to three Assembly constituencies in Karnataka is indeed a matter of prestige for the three big political parties. But it is a bigger battle for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who is entangled in controversies involving the allotment of sites by MUDA and alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd. In Channapatna in the Old Mysuru region, there is a high-voltage battle between the Gowda family and the DK Brothers. Former PM HD Deve Gowda, Union Minister and state JDS chief HD Kumaraswamy, DyCM DK Shivakumar, and his brother, former Bangalore Rural MP DK Suresh, are campaigning extensively. While the NDA has fielded Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Kumaraswamy and grandson of Deve Gowda, the Congress has fielded former BJP leader CP Yogeshwara. Both the Gowda family and the DK Brothers are sweating it out to win Channapatna to claim the title of the Vokkaliga leadership, the prominent community in the region. A proxy battle for Vokkaliga supremacy Gowda, 92, has entered the campaign arena alongside BJP strongman and former CM BS Yediyurappa to ensure Nikhils victory. This will be Nikhils third electoral battle after losing the 2023 Assembly elections from Ramanagara and the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Mandya. Nikhils opponent Yogeshwara had recently joined the Congress from the BJP. In Shiggaon in North Karnataka, MP and former CM Basavaraj Bommai is campaigning to ensure not just his son, Bharat Bommais victory, but also to retain his hold on his home turf and strengthen his position in the BJP. Bharat is making his debut in electoral politics. Suspense ends: CP Yogeshwara, Ballari MPs wife to battle for bypolls in Congress ticket In Ballaris Sandur constituency, MP E Tukaram is campaigning for his wife and Congress candidate Annapoorna. The battle in Sandur, a mining region, is a Herculean one for Tukaram, as his wifes opponents are BJP leaders Janardhana Reddy and B Sriramulu. Any setback for the Congress in the Sandur bypoll could give scope for the re-emergence of Reddy as a prominent leader in the Ballari region after nearly a decade. Personally, a loss in the three bypolls could cause bigger damage for Siddaramaiah and his leadership at a time when he is under relentless attack by the Opposition JDS and BJP over various issues, including the MUDA and ST Corporation rows and now the alleged corruption in the Excise Department. Though Siddaramaiah has claimed that he has done no wrong, the Opposition is seeking his resignation. A loss for the Congress will be considered as a referendum against Siddaramaiahs leadership, opined a political expert. Siddaramaiah not only faces attacks from the Opposition, but there are many within his own party and cabinet who are nurturing ambitions to become the CM. This may put pressure on the Congress high command, which in turn would affect governance and weaken Siddaramaiahs position in the Congress. A Congress victory in Channapatna will send out a strong message that the Vokkaligas who ditched the party in the recent Lok Sabha elections are backing it once again, which in turn would be a boost for Shivakumar, the state Congress chief. Though the bypolls will not have any bearing on the Congress position in the Assembly (as it has 136 MLAs), a win in all three seats will further cement Siddaramaiahs position not just as CM but also within his party. A victory means that Siddaramaiah can claim that he has the support of Vokkaligas and Lingayats along with his traditional AHINDA voters. As far as the NDA is concerned, a Congress win may give room for fissure in the alliance between JDS and BJP.

The New Indian Express 8 Nov 2024 8:01 am

TGSPDCL gearing up to meet growing demand: CMD

Hyderabad :The power demand in Greater Hyderabad limits is consistently growing in the summer months. As against 3,756 megawatts of peak power demand in the previous year, the power demand had increased by 16 per cent to 4,352 megawatts in the last summer. As against 81.39 million units of power consumption in the previous year, the power consumption also increased by 12 per cent to 90.68 million units in the last summer. The power demand for the next summer in 2025 is expected to grow by 20 to 25 per cent in the city limits, said Musharraf Ali Faruqui, CMD of TG Transco. The TG Transco is finding the power demand is largely increasing in the areas in the city outskirts including Nemalinagar, Gopanpalli, Kokapet, Koheda, Thatti Annaram, Abdullapurmet, Mansanpally, Aziznagar, Kandukur, K. Singaram, Mallapur, Vayupuri, Uppal Bhagayat, Dundigal, etc. In a review meeting with the officials, Musharraf Ali asked the officials to set up 220/132/33 KV sub-stations as per the demand, besides ensuring quality works in the operation and maintenance of repairs. He asked the officials to take due care for line clearance (LC) before taking up repairs. The Transco and discom officials must coordinate effectively before taking line clearance. Musharraf Ali also directed the officials to complete all maintenance works before the Sankranti festival. Jagat Reddy, co-director (transmission) of Transco, Dr Narasimlu, director (operations), Transco, Sri Ramji, chief engineer (TL and SS), Metro Zone, Srichakrapani, chief engineer and others took part in the review meeting.

Deccan Chronicle 8 Nov 2024 1:13 am

Rahul Gandhi's remarks on former royal families spark controversy in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has ignited a major controversy in Rajasthan with his recent remarks about Indias former royal families, published across multiple newspapers. His statements have drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders and Rajput leaders in the desert state, who are now demanding a public apology from Gandhi. Among those condemning his comments are Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, BJP state in-charge Radha Mohan Agarwal, and former Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore. Diya Kumari, a member of Jaipurs former royal family, took to social media to criticise Gandhi, saying, He wrote that former royal families took bribes and criticised them. This shows he has no knowledge of history. He should first gather knowledge. As an MP, he should have collected all the relevant facts before making such statements, but he didn't. Kumari further highlighted the significant contributions of royal families to India's history, stating, If you read history, you will know that royal families have contributed for years. They sacrificed everything for the unification of the country. Political leaders should avoid tarnishing others to enhance their own image and should uphold the dignity of their constitutional positions. Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore, who is the former Leader of Opposition, also condemned Gandhis remarks, asserting that the countrys kings and maharajas never compromised their self-respect or the nations sovereignty before foreign powers. If theres any comparison to be made with the East India Company, its with the Congress, Rathore said, intensifying the criticism. BJP state in-charge Radha Mohan Agarwal expressed his surprise, labelling Gandhis remarks as light, cheap, and foolish. He added, If this were a historical fact, it might have been accepted, but history has recorded the opposite. The whole country recognises the Rajput communitys contributions with open hearts. The relationship between the Congress party and Indias former royal families has historically been strained. During former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure, the abolition of the Privy Purse, which were allowances granted to former royals, was strongly opposed by the royal families, particularly in Rajasthan. The strained ties between former MP Gayatri Devi of the Jaipur royal family and Indira Gandhi are well documented. Rajasthan folklore still recounts stories of the government taking control of Jaigarh Forts treasures during Indira Gandhis emergency era. With by-elections approaching, it remains to be seen how Gandhis recent remarks will affect political dynamics in Rajasthan, particularly in light of the crucial by-polls to seven seats of the Rajasthan Assembly scheduled for November 13.

The New Indian Express 7 Nov 2024 10:49 pm

Poison in their minds, communal class, drug users: YouTube journalist Ravish Kumars unhinged rant against Middle Class Hindus

In Ravish Kumar's video titled 'Murjha Gaya Middle Class', Ravish Kumar first complained that Middle Class is no longer visible, and can't be heard even when Rupee slides against the Dollar or even if inflation rises. Ravish claimed that Middle Class is just happy if bulldozers raze a Muslim's house.

OpIndia 7 Nov 2024 2:36 pm

Power Grid, Tata Steel, Gujarat Gas, Shipping Corporation Among 90+ Companies To Declare Q2 Results Today

A total of 98 companies including some of the biggest names from India's steel and power sector companies will declare their results for the quarter that ended September on Wednesday. The list of companies announcing their second quarter results on Nov. 6 includes Tata Steel Ltd., Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., and Power Grid Corp. Ahead of their Q2 results, here is a look at how these major companies performed in the June quarter. Jindal Steel & Power's Quarterly Results In the June quarter of the current financial year, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. had witnessed a decline in net profit. The company reported a 21% year-on-year fall in its bottom line to Rs 1,338 crore as compared to Rs 1,692 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue rose 8% at Rs 13,618 crore during this period versus Rs 12,588 crore in the same quarter last year. Jindal Steel & Power's Q1 FY25 Highlights (Consolidated, YoY) Revenue increased 8% to Rs 13,618 crore versus Rs 12,588 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 13,194 crore). Ebitda rose 8% to Rs 2,839 crore versus Rs 2,628 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 2,719 crore). Ebitda margins were flat at 20.9% versus 20.9% (Bloomberg estimate: 20.6%). Net profit down 21% to Rs 1,338 crore versus Rs 1,692 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 1,319 crore). Tata Steel, Power Grip Corp, Jindal Steel, Apollo Hospitals Q2 Results Today Earnings Estimates Tata Steel's Quarterly Results In Q1, Tata Steel reported a 7.9% fall in revenue to Rs 54,771.4 crore versus Rs 59,489.7 crore in the same period last year. Net profit increased 75% YoY to Rs 6,694.5 crore from Rs 5,173.9 crore. Tata Steel's Q1 FY25 Highlights (Consolidated, YoY) Revenue fell 7.9% to Rs 54,771.4 crore versus Rs 59,489.7 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 56,339.7 crore). Net profit rose 75% to Rs 918.6 crore versus Rs 524.8 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 1,215.4 crore). Ebitda increased 29% to Rs 6,694.5 crore versus Rs 5,173.9 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 6,379.9 crore). Ebitda margins were at 12.1% versus 8.7% (Bloomberg estimate: 11.3%). Power Grid's Quarterly Results Power Grid Corp. reported a slight downtick in its Q1 revenue to Rs 11,006 crore from Rs 11,048 crore in the same quarter a year ago. Net profit of the company was up 3.5% at Rs 3,724 crore versus Rs 3,597 crore on a YoY basis. Power Grid's Q1 FY25 Highligts (Consolidated, YoY) Revenue was down 0.4% to Rs 11,006 crore versus Rs 11,048 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 11,778 crore). Ebitda fell 0.8% to Rs 9,602 crore versus Rs 9,683 (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 10,183 crore). Margin at 87.2% versus 87.6% (Bloomberg estimate: 86.5%). Net profit was up 3.5% to Rs 3,724 crore versus Rs 3,597 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 3,893.3 crore). List Of Companies Declaring Q2 Results on Nov. 6 Among the list of companies declaring their Q2 results on Nov. 6 are Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd., ABC Gas International Ltd., Adcon Capital Services Ltd., Sri Amarnath Finance Ltd., Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., Avalon Technologies Ltd., BITS Ltd., Blue Chip Tex Industries Ltd., Blue Star Ltd., Bombay Cycle & Motor Agency Ltd., Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd., Cochin Malabar Estates & Industries Ltd., Delta Corp., Dhanuka Agritech Ltd., Dhoot Industrial Finance Ltd., Divyashakti Ltd., Dugar Housing Developments Ltd., Elango Industries Ltd., Endurance Technologies Ltd., Ester Industries Ltd., FDC Ltd., Gandhar Oil Refinery India Ltd., Gayatri Sugars Ltd., and GE Power India Ltd. Also declaring results are Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd., Granules India Ltd., Gujarat Gas Ltd., Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd., GP Petroleums Ltd., Hi-Tech Pipes Ltd., ID Info Business Services Ltd., Infra Industries Ltd., India Radiators Ltd., Invigorated Business Consulting Ltd., India Pesticides Ltd., Jackson Investments Ltd., Jay Bharat Maruti Ltd., Jayabharat Credit Ltd., JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., JJ Finance Corp., JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., JMJ Fintech Ltd., Jyoti Structures Ltd., Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd., Karnimata Cold Storage Ltd., Kemp & Co., Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., Kovilpatti Lakshmi Roller Flour Mills Ltd., KP Energy Ltd., KP Green Engineering Ltd., KPI Green Energy Ltd., Kreon Financial Services Ltd., Krishna Ventures Ltd., Majestic Auto Ltd., and Media Matrix Worldwide Ltd. Some other companies that will be announcing their earnings include NDR Auto Components Ltd., Neuland Laboratories Ltd., Oasis Securities Ltd., Organic Coatings Ltd., Pan India Corp., Pasupati Acrylon Ltd., Pacheli Industrial Finance Ltd., Power Grid Corp., Pricol Ltd., Prima Agro Ltd., Prima Industries Ltd., Radix Industries India Ltd., Rain Industries Ltd., Ranjit Securities Ltd., Raymed Labs Ltd., Revati Organics Ltd., RITES Ltd., RPSG Ventures Ltd., Shivalik Bimetal Controls Ltd., SBL Infratech Ltd., Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Ltd., Singer India Ltd., Shelter Infra Projects Ltd., Sonata Software Ltd., Southern Magnesium & Chemicals Ltd., Spel Semiconductor Ltd., Spencers Retail Ltd., Saptarishi Agro Industries Ltd., Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Ltd., and Tarc Ltd. Among other companies declaring results are Tata Steel Ltd., TeamLease Services Ltd., Thangamayil Jewellery Ltd., Tiaan Consumer Ltd., Trident Ltd., Umang Dairies Ltd., Usha Martin Ltd., Virinchi Ltd., Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., Waterbase Ltd., Welspun Investments and Commercials Ltd., and Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd. Stocks To Watch: Tata Steel, HUL, Titan, NTPC, Hindustan Zinc, GAIL, Oil India . Read more on Earnings by NDTV Profit.

Bloomberg Quint 6 Nov 2024 9:33 am

Congress questions PM Modi over promises made to people of Jharkhand

NEW DELHI: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll campaign in Jharkhand, the Congress on Monday asked him about the promises he has made to the people of the state and said he should fulfil them before seeking a single vote. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posed a set of three questions to the PM, reminding him of his promise of setting up the Korba-Lohardaga and Chatra-Gaya railway lines, besides setting up engineering and medical colleges in Jharkhand. Assembly elections in Jharkhand are due in two phases on November 13 and 20, where the BJP is seeking to wrest power from the JMM-Congress combine. The non-biological PM is in Jharkhand today. Three questions he should answer before seeking a single vote - Where is the Korba-Lohardaga and Chatra-Gaya railway lines, Ramesh asked in a post on X. The non-biological PM is in Jharkhand today. Three questions he should answer before seeking a single vote - 1. Where is the Korba-Lohardaga and Chatra-Gaya railway lines? The people of Lohardaga and Chatra have been demanding better rail connectivity for years as it would Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 4, 2024 He said the people of Lohardaga and Chatra have been demanding better rail connectivity for years as it would improve locals' access to education and employment opportunities. Sadly, the Railway Ministry has ignored their demands and made very poor progress on this front. In October 2022, the Railway Ministry sanctioned the Chatra-Gaya rail project but two years later, no progress has been made. There is no word on the Korba-Lohardaga line. How much longer must the people wait for the these crucial rail links? Is the non-biological PM doing anything to ensure the completion of these essential projects, the Congress leader asked. Asking where are the engineering colleges that PM Modi had promised in 2014, Ramesh recalled that during his campaign for Jharkhand's 2014 assembly elections, Modi had promised a range of industrial and educational projects, including a premier IT institution and several engineering colleges. However, only two institutions were ever established, NIELET Ranchi and CIPET Khunti.These too, after 9 and 7 years respectively, do not have a permanent campus, he said. Dr.Manmohan Singh's Government, on the other hand, established high-quality institutions like IIM Ranchi and a Central University. Why has the non-biological PM failed to deliver the institutions he had promised ten years ago, he asked. He also asked what had happened to the Medical College in Koderma. The non-biological PM has repeatedly promised to build a Medical College in Koderma but the project is yet to materialise. The college was supposed to be built on 70 acres of land and offer 100 MBBS seats. Mr. Modi laid its foundation stone six years ago, in 2018, and then promised to complete the project again in 2019. Does the PM ever intend to keep his promise or is this just another 'Modi ki Guarantee; from the Bharatiya Jumla Party, Ramesh said.

The New Indian Express 4 Nov 2024 1:09 pm

PM Modi to address two election rallies in Jharkhand today

Ranchi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address two rallies in poll-bound Jharkhand on Monday. He will address the election rallies in Chaibasa and Garhwa. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive at Gaya airport in Bihar around 11 am and fly to Garhwa via helicopter to address a rally there, a senior BJP leader told PTI. After addressing the rally in Garhwa, the PM is scheduled to come to Ranchi and from there, he will travel to Chaibasa where he is scheduled to address another rally around 2.30 pm, he said. Last week, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is also the election-in-charge of Jharkhand, said that all arrangements have been made for the PM's visit. Polling for the Jharkhand assembly elections will be held on November 13 and November 20. The counting of votes will be held on November 23. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed three political rallies here on Sunday and released the BJP's election manifesto.

Deccan Chronicle 4 Nov 2024 8:11 am

Elephants Die After Consuming Millet in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal: Standing kodo (millet) crops were on Saturday destroyed in some areas in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) under Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh where ten elephants died over 72 hours allegedly after consuming the coarse grains, official sources said. The move comes in the wake of the preliminary findings in the autopsy of the dead elephants suggesting that excess consumption of the millet crop may have generated toxic cyclopiazonic acid leading to death of the ten pachyderms in BTR. However, the exact cause of death could be ascertained in the forensic tests of viscera of the dead elephants, official sources said. Interestingly, the forest department had earlier planned to distribute kodo seeds to the farmers in the forest villages in BTR to promote millet cultivation. A decision to distribute kodo seed to the farmers in the forest villages was taken at a meeting of the forest department earlier, deputy ranger of BTR C S Marco told the media. The forest officer said that he had never heard of wild animals dying due to consumption of kodo crops. We consume kodo grain, he said. Samples of viscera of the dead elephants were sent to the school of wildlife forensic and health (SWFH) in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh for forensic tests. Meanwhile, chief minister Mohan Yadav called an emergency high level official meeting here on Friday night to review the situation. He was briefed on the incident by senior forest officers, sources said. In another development, two people were on Saturday trampled to death by a herd of three elephants in the forested village of Debra, nearly four km from Salkhania village in BTR where ten elephants died over three days recently. The deceased were identified as Gaya Ratan Yadav (62) and Bhairav Kal (35). Another person was also injured in the incident. Additional chief secretary (ACS) Ashok Barnwal and Principal chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Aseem Srivastav visited the spot after the incident and ordered immediate release of compensation to the next kin of the deceased people.

Deccan Chronicle 2 Nov 2024 10:06 pm

Bihar bypoll: Prashant Kishor's three candidates face criminal charges

PATNA: Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor made a startling revelation about the source of money being spends on his ongoing Jan Suraaj Campaign across Bihar and said that he charged Rs.100 crore as fee from a political party to strategize elections. I used to charge more than Rs.100 crore as fee from political party for providing election strategy. People should not take me so lightly. Government in 10 states are running on my strategies, Kishor said while addressing an election rally in Bihars Gaya district. Kishor made this revelation ahead of byelections in Belaganj, Imamganj, Tarari and Ramgarh seats on November 13. Do you think I wont have enough money to set up tents and canopies for my campaign? Do you think I am that weak? In Bihar, no one has heard of fees like mine. If I advise someone in just one election, my fee is Rs.100 crore or more. For the next two years, I can continue to fund my campaign with just one election advice, he added. Earlier Kishor, who founded Jan Suraaj Party recently, urged the people of Bihar not to vote on the basis of jaat (caste) and bhaat (ration) in the larger interest of their future generation. Jan Suraaj Party, is making its debut in electoral politics by contesting all four seats in by-election. While Mohammad Amjad has been fielded from Belaganj, Jitendra Paswan from Imamganj, Sushil Kumar Singh Kushwaha from Ramgarh and Kiran Singh from Tarari. Jan Suraaj Party has been allotted a school bag as its symbol by the election commission. However, three of the four candidates of Jan Suraaj Party are facing criminal charges. Belganj candidate Mohammad Ajmad is facing five criminal cases, including an attempt to murder. Similarly, Imamganj nominee Jitendra Paswan has two pending cases. Ramgarh candidate Sushil Kushwaha has one criminal case pending against him. They have made declarations about criminal cases in their respective affidavits. This is in sharp contrast to Prashant Kishors declaration to give tickets to candidates with clean image only. Kishor had earlier said that his party would contest all 243 seats in assembly elections due next year. Of them 40 seats will be given to women candidates.

The New Indian Express 2 Nov 2024 8:25 pm

10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know About Aishwarya Rai

1. Miss World 1994: Aishwarya Rai won the Miss World pageant in 1994, bringing her international recognition. Her famous answer about her duty towards her country won her accolades and set her apart. 2. Bollywood Debut: After her pageant success, Aishwarya made her Bollywood debut in 1997 with Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya opposite Bobby Deol. Although the film didn't fare well, it marked the beginning of a prolific career. 3. Pioneering Global Indian Icon: Aishwarya was one of the first Indian actresses to gain a substantial international following. Her appearances at the Cannes Film Festival since 2002 have helped her become a global ambassador for Bollywood. 4. Trained in Classical Dance: Aishwarya studied classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, which contributed to her grace on screen. Her background in dance is evident in her expressive performances in songs like Nimbooda from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. 5. Hollywood Appearances: She was one of the first Indian actresses to successfully transition into Hollywood. Her roles in films like Bride and Prejudice (2004), The Mistress of Spices (2005), and The Pink Panther 2 (2009) opened doors for other Indian actors internationally. 6. International Recognition and Awards: In 2004, Time magazine named Aishwarya in its list of 100 Most Influential People in the World, a first for an Indian actress. In 2012, she received the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Frances second-highest civilian honor. 7. First Indian Woman in a Barbie Doll: Mattel honored her by creating a Barbie doll in her likeness, a rare tribute to Indian celebrities. The doll was inspired by her style and grace, making her the first Indian woman to achieve this recognition. 8. Marriage to Abhishek Bachchan: Aishwarya married Abhishek Bachchan in 2007, bringing together two of Bollywoods most powerful families. The couple has a daughter, Aaradhya, born in 2011. 9. UN Goodwill Ambassador: Known for her charity work, Aishwarya has been an active ambassador for causes like eye donation and AIDS awareness. She was appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS in 2012, where she advocated for issues related to HIV/AIDS. 10. Multilingual Skills: Aishwarya is fluent in several languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, and Tulu (her native language). This has allowed her to work in multiple film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali films, widening her reach in Indian cinema. Her journey from beauty queen to internationally recognized actress is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors worldwide.

Deccan Chronicle 1 Nov 2024 8:18 pm

Dry fruit pips sweets in Diwali gifting demand

Hyderabad: Diwali is all about joy and sharing happiness with others, which is marked by people exchanging sweets to loved ones. This year, however, people have ditched sweetmeats for dry fruits. During this festival season, tonnes of dry fruits were bought in Hyderabad for gifting, which led to dry fruit stores mushrooming across the city. According to market experts, peoples preference for dry fruits started soon after the Covid-19 pandemic, as people began to realise the importance of healthy food choices. Additionally, a large number of people are now diabetic, pre-diabetic, or concerned about obesity. Celebrations without sweets are rare in Indian culture; however, traditional sweets are being made healthier by adding more dry fruits and replacing sugar with raisins and dates. Gayathri Muppidi, a dietitian at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderguda, said, We have seen a drastic shift in the choice of sweets; people are opting for Khaju Katli, Badam Barfi, or Anjeer Rolls. After the Covid lockdown, they have become more conscious of their food habits. Abhishek Panwar, a dry fruit wholesaler, said, This year, there have been several bulk orders for dry fruit gifts. People are choosing dry fruits over sweets due to greater health awareness, as well as increased purchasing capacity. Previously, the market had around five to six types of dry fruits, but now we see around 20, along with a growing demand for dehydrated fruits. In the past two to three years, we have seen dry cranberries, blueberries, and kiwi being popular as gifts, he said. Avinash Devda, general secretary of the Dry Fruit Merchants Association, stated, There has been an increase in the sale of dry fruits in recent years. Sweet shop owners, too, have been using more dry fruits in their items. Overall, this festive season has been a great one for the dry fruit market.

Deccan Chronicle 31 Oct 2024 3:50 am

Vachana gayana performance at Kittur Utsav

The Hindu 30 Oct 2024 7:35 pm

Minister MB Patil Accuses BJP of Issuing Waqf Notices to Farmers

Vijayapura: Vijayapura District In-Charge Minister MB Patil has accused the BJP of serving Waqf Board notices to farmers in the district during its tenure between 2019 and 2022. Patil's remarks come in response to BJP leaders' recent attacks on the Congress government, alleging that farmers in Vijayapura were being served notices claiming their land belonged to the Waqf Board. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Patil attached copies of notices issued during the BJP's rule and criticized the party for engaging in divisive politics rather than prioritizing the state's development. No farmer in Vijayapura district has been served a notice claiming their land as Waqf property under our government. The BJP should focus on resolving their internal issues rather than creating a controversy over a non-issue, Patil said. Patil shared notices served to various villagers dated September 17, 2022, when Basavaraj Bommai was the Chief Minister. It was addressed to villagers of Malbhagayat of Vijayapura District, regarding a case involving the Dargah Hazrath Syed Khaja Ameenuddin Ali Aala and the villagers. The notice directed the villagers to appear before the Enquiry Officer of the Karnataka State Board of Auqaf, warning that failure to do so would result in a decision being made in their absence. Patil questioned why the BJP, during its rule, issued such notices to farmers, challenging the party to provide a clear explanation. He gave a headline to his post- Exposed- the crocodile tears of the BJP's fake Hindutva love! They (BJP) misled the people with issues like hijab, halal, and Urigowda-Nanjegowda narrative while they were in power. Now, they continue with the same tactics. Their attempts to deceive the public with fabricated narratives will not work anymore, he asserted. Patil also pointed out at the internal rifts within the BJP, highlighting the recent reconstitution of the party's fact-finding committee on the Waqf issue. The BJP has reconstituted its fact-finding committee on the Waqf issue, initially set up by party president BY Vijayendra, after facing backlash from its own leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal (Vijayapura MLA). The addition of Yatnal and MP Ramesh Jigajinagi to the committee appears tokenistic, indicating internal struggles within the party, he added.

Deccan Chronicle 30 Oct 2024 12:48 am

Diwali 2024: Strict Firecracker Bans in THESE States for a Greener Celebration

As Diwali comes, several states in India, including Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, are taking significant measures to combat rising pollution levels. These regions have implemented strict regulations regarding the use of firecrackers, aiming for a cleaner and greener celebration. This year, a complete ban is in effect on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of any firecrackers other than 'green' ones. How Many States Have Imposed Firecracker Bans for a Greener Diwali 2024? Delhi In Delhi, the situation is particularly critical due to severe air quality issues during winter. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has enforced a total ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of all firecrackers, including online purchases. This ban will last until January 1, 2025, allowing only 'green crackers' to be used. On Diwali, which falls on October 31, fireworks are permitted between 8 PM and 10 PM, with specific timings for Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Years Eve. Green crackers, which do not contain harmful chemicals such as barium and lead, are the only type allowed during these restricted hours. Bihar In Bihar, the government has banned the sale and use of all firecrackers, including green varieties, in cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur. This decision, as announced by the Patna district administration, follows a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) aimed at maintaining air quality in these areas. Maharashtra and West Bengal Maharashtra and West Bengal have adopted similar regulations in line with the NGT's recommendations. All firecrackers, except green alternatives that produce around 30% less pollution, are prohibited. However, enforcement remains challenging due to the illegal influx of firecrackers from regions with less stringent laws. Authorities are ramping up their monitoring efforts to curb illegal sales. Punjab Punjab is also taking a strong stance by adhering to directives from the Supreme Court and NGT. The state government, empowered by the Environment (Protection) Act, has implemented strict regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers. Fireworks are only allowed during specific hours on Diwali and other major festivals, including Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Years Eve, to balance festive celebrations with environmental protection. Haryana In Haryana, particularly in Gurugram, regulations mirror those of Delhi. Green crackers are permitted during designated hours on Diwali and Gurpurab. The Haryana government is actively promoting the use of green crackers as part of its strategy to reduce pollution levels during the winter months. Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu has set specific time slots for firecracker use on Diwali, allowing them from 6 AM to 7 AM and 7 PM to 8 PM. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has issued an advisory encouraging responsible firecracker use to minimize pollution and noise. Additionally, the TNPCB is working with other government agencies to educate the public on safe practices to protect health and the environment. With these regulations, authorities hope to ensure that Diwali remains a festive occasion while safeguarding public health and the environment. Happy Diwali: HRTC Adds 155 Extra Buses for Diwali Travel in Himachal Pradesh Diwali, Chhath Puja 2024: Indian Railways Runs 200 More Special Trains, Check List Here Celebrate Eco-Friendly Diwali: Illuminate Your Celebration Without Crackers

News Track 29 Oct 2024 5:11 pm

Who is Abhinav Arora? Popular on social media over 'school nahi gaya', gets death threat fromBishnoigang

Abhinav's mother, Jyoti Arora, claims that she received a message that her son would be killed because...

DNA India 29 Oct 2024 12:03 pm

RGIA announces new flight services from Hyderabad to Bangkok

Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) on Monday announced the commencement of new flight services from Hyderabad to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok, from October 27 with Thai AirAsia. A joint venture of Malaysian AirAsia and Thailand's Asia Aviation, Thai AirAsia is a Thai budget airline offering affordable domestic and international flights from Bangkok and other cities in Thailand. The flight to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok FD119, will depart from Hyderabad at 11.25 pm and arrive in Bangkok at 4.30 am local time in the wee hours of the next morning. The return flight FD118 will depart from Bangkok at 8.50 pm local time and arrive in Hyderabad at 10.55 pm. This nonstop flight service will depart every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday adding four new weekly flights from RGIA to Bangkok. Sharing his excitement about the addition of a new airline carrier, Pradeep Panicker, CEO GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited said, We are delighted to announce the introduction of new flight services from Hyderabad to Bangkok in partnership with Thai AirAsia. This development is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance international connectivity, which will not only facilitate greater business and leisure travel but also strengthen economic and cultural ties between Hyderabad and Bangkok. Additionally, the service from Thai AirAsia, a renowned budget carrier, will offer travelers more affordable and flexible travel options. At GMR Hyderabad International Airport, we are committed to enhanced passenger experience and fostering global connections that drive growth and prosperity, he said. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, said: AirAsia has long awaited the opportunity to expand its network to the major metro cities of India. Bridging travel between our two nations will promote tourism and business, bolstering both of our economies. We believe these routes will meet the needs of the Indian people as well as international travelers in Thailand and the Thai people themselves looking to make their way to India. Thai AirAsia now flies to 12 cities in India, namely, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Bangalore, Gaya, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Tiruchirappalli, and the newest addition Hyderabad, offering a total of 67 flights per week. Bangkok is a top tourist destination with vibrant street life, rich cultural heritage, and bustling markets. Visitors enjoy exploring ornate temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, indulging in delicious Thai cuisine, and experiencing the lively nightlife. The city's blend of modernity and tradition offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. For gastronomic indulgence, Bangkok is a paradise. The city offers a diverse culinary scene, from street food stalls serving Pad Thai and Mango sticky rice to high-end restaurants with gourmet Thai dishes. Food markets like Chatuchak and floating markets provide a unique dining experience, making Bangkok a haven for food lovers. The introduction of new flight services from RGIA to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) marks a significant milestone for the travel and tourism sector. For flyers, the new flight services by Thai AirAsia translate to greater convenience and flexibility. With Bangkok's appeal as a major tourist and business hub, the new flight services are poised to drive growth in passenger traffic, benefiting airlines, travel, and hospitality industry.

Deccan Chronicle 28 Oct 2024 1:35 pm

Mangalurus Chitrapura Temple Hosts Grand Yagna

Mangaluru: The atmosphere at Chitrapura Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple in Mangaluru was filled with spirituality as hundreds of devotees gathered for the Gayatri Sangama - Koti Gayatri Japayajna on Sunday. This event celebrated the culmination of two months of chanting the Gayatri Mantra, with participants completing over one crore recitations. The program was organised by the Central Committee of Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha Central Committee, along with the Dakshina Kannada District Unit. Led by Kudupu Narasimha Tantri and Vedamurthy Krishanaraja Tantri, the Yagna involved various rituals that brought together Brahmins from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of community. Mahesh Kaje, the chairman of the organizing committee, highlighted its purpose of a strong nation, strengthening community ties, and promoting unity. The two-day event had religious ceremonies, discussions, and performances by local artists on Saturday. On Sunday the main Yajna took place in a large Yagna Kund. Spiritual leaders, including Shri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt, Shri Sachidananda Bharati Swamiji of Edneer Mutt, and Shri Vidyendra Teertha Swamiji of Chitrapura Mutt, were present.

Deccan Chronicle 27 Oct 2024 11:18 pm

Religious Leaders Rally As Pejawar Seer Faces Backlash Over Caste Census Comments

Mangaluru : Expressing his dismay over recent comments made by a political leader regarding his views on the caste census, Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt questioned whether it is wrong to express ones opinion in a democracy. Swamiji spoke at the Gayatri Sangama event at Chitrapura Mutt in Mangaluru on Sunday. The reaction follows a statement by Congress leader and MLC BK Hariprasad, who objected to Swamiji's statement on caste census and reportedly suggested that a response would be given if Swamiji renounced his saffron robes. Without naming Hariprasad, Swamiji asked, Is it wrong to express ones opinion in a democratic country? I did not go and tell anybody my views. When I was asked (by the media) about my opinion on the caste census, I merely questioned its need. It seems expressing my opinion was a mistake, and they allege that I am giving petty political statements, he said. Ours is a democratic country. In such a setup, even a common man has the right to speech. If someone says a Swamiji must renounce saffron to get a reply, it implies that only certain politicians have the right to speak, while others do not. If there is democracy, then everyone, including common people, should have the freedom to share their opinion, he added. Swamiji also referred to the Gayatri Sangama, where devotees collectively chanted the Gayatri Mantra (for several days) over one crore times, offering a Yaga on Sunday. He said, Through the Gayatri Mantra, we pray for good thoughts for all, including those who make such statements. During the event, the Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha condemned the statement without directly naming Hariprasad. The president of the Mahasabha Ashok Haranahalli noted, Brahmins are often blamed for various issues. Now, even Swamijis are being criticized. We must condemn this. He also expressed concern over the recent reaction by some people against the Chief Justice of India. Earlier in his address Gayatri Sangama Koti Gayatri Japayajna Organising Committee president Mahesh Kaje expressed unhappiness on the remarks against Swamiji. Throughout history, Brahmins and seers have played a crucial role in building strong nations. While Sri Vidyaranya was behind the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire, Chanakya guided the Maurya Empire, he pointed out. Kaje further cited the example of Sri Vishwamitra Rishi, who renounced his kingdom to become a seer and later became the guru of Lord Rama. Devotees who gathered at the event stood in solidarity and supported the resolution condemning the remarks made against Swamiji.

Deccan Chronicle 27 Oct 2024 10:18 pm

Bihar govt bans sale, bursting of firecrackers, including green crackers, in Patna, 3 other cities

The Bihar government has banned the sale and bursting of all firecrackers, including green crackers, in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur to reduce air pollution during Diwali. This decision follows a National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive to maintain ambient air quality due to the adverse health effects from toxic air pollutants and particulates released by firecrackers.

The Economic Times 24 Oct 2024 10:18 pm

Students On Munnar Trip Mistakenly Ask Narco Officers Matchstick To Smoke Ganja; Internet Serve Memes

Galti se mistake ho gaya just got real

mashable 24 Oct 2024 5:26 pm

Bigg Boss 18: Salman Khan responds to Avinash Mishras serious allegations

In this weeks episode of BB18, which is the Weekend Ka War episode, host Salman Khan is seen being quite angry over the growing feuds among the contestants. In advance, the producers were using a promo where Avinash Mishra disputes with Chum Darang, which later became very famous because another participant Rajat Dalal said that women in the home felt threatening around Avinash. The video begins with Salman giving an eloquent commentary over Avinashs domestic violence incidents, Bigg Boss mein gharwale bolte hain, women are not safe with him. Avinash ke upar itne bara lanchhan lagaya jaye, toh uska family ka kya hota hoga (In Bigg Boss, the housemates say that women are not safe with him. If such serious allegations are being made against Avinash, what must his family be going through)? The camera moves towards Avinash and Rajat as the images do show Salman in mid-pep talk. How will you defend them? You have your brothers and children- my parents appreciate my situation. Many accusations have been leveled against me too. Salman has been read saying the above as Shyam Aaya Hai Salman Tera Shikal maratan bhao mai hoy layhi. I know this. I know what my parents go through, mere upar bhi bohot saare lanchhan lagaya gaye hain (There have been many allegations that are made against me as well). The escalating estrangement in the house results from a tiff between Avinash and Chum sometime back, which called for Rajats remarks about women being unsafe. But other contestants too, Eisha Singh and Alice Kaushik among them, did not support what Rajat was saying creating further ruckus in the house.

Deccan Chronicle 22 Oct 2024 6:42 pm

'If You are Found Gossiping in the Garden or Hallway...': Rajasthan Health Department Issues Strict Order

In a recent meeting, Principal Secretary (Health) Gayatri Rathore urged timely completion of departmental schemes, programs, and budgets. She emphasized zero pendency and warned that delays in strengthening public health facilities will not be tolerated

News18 22 Oct 2024 1:36 pm

assembly-bypolls-bjp-picks-former-cm-bommais-son-to-contest-from-shiggaon

The BJP has nominated Bharat Bommai, son of former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai to contest the bypolls from the Shiggaon (Haveri) Assembly constituency, a seat vacated by his father after his election to the Haveri Parliament seat. While the party picked state ST Morcha president Bangaru Hanumanthu to contest from Sandur, it is yet to decide on the NDA candidate for Channapatna bypolls. The former CM, who had earlier denied that his son would enter the fray, said on Sunday he had to bow before the decision of the party high command. I had no plans to field my son. I had sought some time from the party leadership. But the party announced my sons name considering the interest of the party and the current political situation. Even the surveys favour Bharat and the party took an unanimous decision, I am told. The party has placed its trust on him and it is our responsibility to ensure the party wins. I would have worked with the same dedication even if the party were to choose any other party worker, said Bommai. ALSO READ | Karnataka assembly bypolls: Want a ticket? A good horoscope can get you one! Bharath Bommai, 35, who has an MBA degree from Singapore University and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Purdue University in the US, expressed his gratitude to the party leadership and said, I consider this opportunity as my parents' blessings. The party recognised the good work done by my father in the constituency during his four terms as the MLA of Shiggaon-Savanur. The ticket is also a reflection of the peoples expectations. Bharat also reiterated that he had actively campaigned for his father in the 2018 and 2023 elections. I toured the entire constituency for the Lok Sabha elections this year. I have maintained contact with the people of the constituency even as my father was busy as a minister and the chief minister, said Bharat, who is the executive director of seven companies that are into automotive, pharma packaging, earth mover equipment, textiles and business consulting. Replying to a question about family politics, Basavaraj Bommai said it was a by-election and a special situation. My party has always believed that the party is greater than the individual, and the country is greater than the party. When senior leaders have placed their trust in me and given the responsibility, stepping back would only mean shirking responsibility. I bow to the party's decision. I owe everything to my party, said Bommai, who had emerged as the dark horse, when the party decided to replace Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa in July 2021. Basavaraj Bommai, 64, a Lingayat leader from north Karnataka and a close confidante of Yediyurappa was anointed the chief minister by the party apparently to usher in new leadership and to placate the Lingayat community, which was miffed over the veteran leaders removal as the CM. As son of former chief minister of Karnataka late S.R. Bommai, who founded the Janata Party along with J.H. Patel, H.D. Deve Gowda and Ramakrishna Hegde, Basavaraj had taken the plunge into politics as the political secretary to the chief minister (Patel) in 1996, after completing (mechanical) engineering. He won twice as MLC (in 1998 and 2004) from Dharwad local authorities constituency, but lost the 2004 Assembly elections from Hubli Rural (now Hubballi Central) seat to BJPs Jagadish Shettar. In 2008, Bommai joined the BJP and has since won four times consecutively from the Shiggaon seat in Haveri district. He vacated the seat after winning from Haveri Lok Sabha seat in May this year. As Shiggaon is known to have a sizeable population of Panchamasali Lingayats and Muslims, the party was in search of the right candidate who could hold on to the Lingayat votes against the Congress candidate, who is likely to be from the minority community.

The Week 21 Oct 2024 12:45 pm

Bangladeshi national arrested at Bihar's Gaya Airport while attempting to flee to Thailand

PATNA: A Bangladeshi national, identified as Babu Joe Barua alias Rajiv Dutta, was arrested at Gaya Airport in Bihar while attempting to flee to Thailand, police reported on Sunday. Acting on a specific tip-off, a police team detained Barua at the Gaya airport when he was about to board a flight to Thailand. He was staying in India as a Buddhist monk and living in a monastery in Gaya for the last 10 years. Gaya senior superintendent of police Ashish Bharti said that the security personnel at the airport were alerted after information about a Buddhist monk trying to board a flight for Thailand was received. He was living in Indian territory without a valid passport and visa, investigating officials said. The documents recovered from the arrested Bangladeshi citizen have been found to be fake. Subsequently, a case was registered at Magadh Medical police station in Gaya. A lookout notice was issued against him earlier, the investigating officer, requesting anonymity, said. On Sunday, officials of different central and state intelligence agencies questioned the Bangladeshi citizen. An alert has also been sounded across the district after the arrest of the foreign national. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime and revealed that he was a Bangladeshi citizen but living in Indian territory for eight years. He was found in possession of multiple passports under different names, along with various documents, including an Aadhaar card and a PAN card. Additionally, authorities also recovered foreign currencies totalling 1,560 Thai Baht, 5 Euros, 411 US dollars, and also Rs 3,800 in Indian currency. The accused has been booked under sections 318 (4), 336 (3), and 340 (2) of Bhartiya Nyay Sahita (BNS) and Indian Passport Act 12.

The New Indian Express 20 Oct 2024 10:09 pm

Reconsider caste census, Veerashaiva Lingayat leaders tell State govt.

Kantharaj Commission did not employ scientific tools in carrying out the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, says Mahantesh Kavatagimath

The Hindu 20 Oct 2024 8:40 pm

NDA and INDIA bloc ramp up preparations for Bihar by-elections

PATNA: Both the NDA and INDIA bloc have put their efforts in top gear for by-elections to four assembly seats in Bihar. On Sunday, the INDIA bloc announced its candidates for all four seats. Ajit Singh, son of state RJD president Jagdanand Singh, will represent the party in Ramgarh, while Vishwanath Kumar Singh, son of RJD MP Surendra Yadav, is the nominee for Belaganj. Similarly, RJD gave a ticket to Roshan Manjhi, a former member of the Zila Parishad in Gaya from Imamganj. Meanwhile, the CPI (ML) has nominated Raju Yadav for Tarari. Raju previously ran for the Ara Lok Sabha seat in 2019 but was unsuccessful. In the last parliamentary election, however, CPI (ML) candidate Sudama Prasad defeated two-term BJP MP and former Union Minister R.K. Singh. By-elections to Ramgarh, Bela, Imamganj and Tarari constituencies were necessitated after sitting MLAs Sudhakar Singh, Surendra Yadav, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Sudama Prasad were elected to Lok Sabha in the last election. From the NDA side, BJP has fielded former MLA Ashok Kumar Singh and greenhorn Vishal Prashant as its candidates for by-elections to Ramgarh and Tarari assembly segments. Former chief minister Manjhi has fielded his daughter-in-law Deepa Manjhi from Imamganj as the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) candidate. The by-elections for these four seats are significant, given that the NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is surviving on a wafer-thin majority. In February this year, the Nitish Kumar government won the floor test in Bihar with the support of 129 MLAs when the simple majority mark was 122 in the 243-member Assembly. Before the trust motion was put to vote, NDA could muster the support of only 125 MLAs although it succeeded in removing Bihar Assembly Speaker and RJD leader Awadh Bihari Choudhary from the post. Voters will cast their ballots for these by-elections on November 13, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. The deadline for filing nominations is October 25, and the deadline for the candidates to withdraw their candidacy is October 30. BJP announces first list of 99 candidates for Maharashtra assembly polls

The New Indian Express 20 Oct 2024 7:56 pm

Bangladesh Citizen Living As Indian Monk Arrested At Bihar Airport

A Bangladeshi citizen, identified as Babu Joe Barua alias Rajiv Dutta, was arrested at the Gaya Airport in Bihar, an official said.

NDTV 20 Oct 2024 3:13 pm

Bangladeshi citizen living as monk in India arrested in Bihar

Patna: A Bangladeshi citizen, identified as Babu Joe Barua alias Rajiv Dutta, was arrested at the Gaya Airport in Bihar, an official said. Barua has been living in India illegally for the past eight years, posing as a Buddhist monk and residing in a monastery in Gaya. He was detained by airport security while attempting 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 .

The Siasat Daily 20 Oct 2024 3:02 pm

Salar Jung draws neurodiverse voices for expo

HYDERABAD : The Salar Jung Museum inaugurated the Diverse Voices: Art Beyond Boundaries exhibition on Saturday, featuring around 100 artworks by neurodiverse artists from across India. Supported by the ministry of culture, the exhibition aims to highlight the talents and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals. Governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Verma, presided over the opening ceremony. In his address, he emphasised the importance of diversity in art and life, stating, Diversity is the essence of creation. While uniformity is stifling, unity is the key to attaining the Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. She praised the artists, noting that their works are ot just to be viewed but felt. Shalini Gupta, founder trustee of The Art Sanctuary, expressed her emotions upon seeing neurodivergent artists' works displayed prominently. Her daughter, Gayatri Gupta, who lives with Down syndrome, had a standout piece titled Buttoned Relationships. Describing the artwork, Shalini said, My daughter told me, 'Mumma, relationships have become too complicated these days. What we need to do is unbutton the complications.' Ashish Goyal, director of the Salar Jung Museum, highlighted the institution's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. This exhibition serves as a vital platform for neurodiverse artists to present their works and unique perspectives to the public, he said. Among the featured artists was Jijo Das, whose mature use of colours and abstractions drew significant attention. Music inspired me for this piece, and my strokes represent it. Music is also my passion, said Jijo, who, despite living with Down syndrome, actively engages in various art forms and has received numerous accolades. Guests of honour included vocalist Durga Jasraj and Padma awardee Mohammad Ali Baig. Jasraj remarked, The real purpose of art is to inspire, think, and realize why we exist. I wouldn't say include the neurodivergent we are nobody to include them in our world. I want them to include us in their beautiful world. Baig added, Many influential artists were neurodivergent be it Van Gogh or Leonardo da Vinci. Curated by Dr Atiya Amjad, the exhibition showcases a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, including paintings, drawings, photographs, and clay models. Each piece offers insight into the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the neurodiverse artists. The exhibition will run until October 27, inviting visitors to engage with the compelling works of these talented individuals.

Deccan Chronicle 20 Oct 2024 1:41 am

Panchamasali Lingayats Press CM Siddaramaiah for Reservations on Eve of Karnataka Bypolls

The demand for reservation under the 2A category is seen as vital for the Panchamasali Lingayat community, which seeks better representation in government jobs and educational institutions. Seer Jayamrutynjaya Swamiji, who has been spearheading the movement, also warned the Congress government of a potential statewide agitation if the demands were not met

News18 18 Oct 2024 11:43 pm

Nikita Porwal, winner of Femina Miss India World 2024

Mumbai: Nikita Porwal from Madhya Pradesh has been crowned Femina Miss India World 2024 and will represent the country at the Miss World contest. Porwal, who grew up in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, was declared the winner at a star-studded event on Wednesday. The feeling is still inexplicable, and I'm still experiencing the jitters I felt just before the crowning. It all feels surreal, but seeing the happiness in my parents' eyes fills me with gratitude. The journey has just begun, and the best is yet to come, Porwal said in a statement. Rekha Pandey from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Aayushi Dholakia from Gujarat were declared the first and second runners-up, respectively. The event saw the participation of 30 state winners, who competed for the ultimate crown through a series of fashion, talent, and personality-driven rounds. The 60th edition of the pageant celebrated six decades of transforming the lives of young women, serving as a launchpad for countless successful careers in the entertainment, glamour, and fashion industries, according to a press release. The popular music group Band of Boys performed at the gala, where Sangeeta Bijlani, the winner of Femina Miss India 1980, captivated the audience with a power-packed performance. Actors Raghav Juyal and Gayatri Bhardwaj also took to the stage. The jury for the pageant included Bijlani, Nikita Mhaisalkar, Anees Bazmee, Neha Dhupia, Bosco Martis, and Madhur Bhandarkar.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Oct 2024 3:57 pm