KPRS members stage protest against Forest Department in Hassan

11-year-old girl assaulted at girls madrasa in Kothanur, accused held

BENGALURU: A 19-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 11-year-old girl at a girls madrasa in Kothanur police station limits. The incident, which occurred on February 16 at a madrasa in RK Hegde Nagar, was captured on CCTV. A video of the assault, showing the accused kicking the girl, has since gone viral. The victim, a class five student had been residing in the madrasa hostel since July 2024. Her mother filed a police compliant on Wednesday, following which the accused, Mohammed Hassan, was arrested on Thursday. Hassan is the son of the madrasas main trustee, and his brother serves as the institutions principal. Hassan is accused of frequently visiting the hostel under the pretext of teaching. According to police, Hassan summoned the girl to the office around 4.30pm on the day of the incident and physically assaulted her for allegedly fighting with other girls and spilling rice. Based on her mothers complaint, the Kothanur police have registered a case under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act (cruelty against children) and BNS 115 (voluntarily causing hurt). Speaking to the media, Sajeeth VJ, DCP (North East) said that Hassan, a PUC student had been visiting the madrasa regularly. The FIR has been arrested, and the accused has been arrested on Thursday. The madrasa has been run by a trust since 2021, and the Child Welfare Committee has been informed. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the assault, he said.

11-year-old girl assaulted at a girls madrasa in Kothanur, accused held

BENGALURU: A 19-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 11-year-old girl at a girls madrasa in Kothanur police station limits. The incident, which occurred on February 16 at a madrasa in RK Hegde Nagar, was captured on CCTV. A video of the assault, showing the accused kicking the girl, has since gone viral. The victim, a class five student had been residing in the madrasa hostel since July 2024. Her mother filed a police compliant on Wednesday, following which the accused, Mohammed Hassan, was arrested on Thursday. Hassan is the son of the madrasas main trustee, and his brother serves as the institutions principal. Hassan is accused of frequently visiting the hostel under the pretext of teaching. According to police, Hassan summoned the girl to the office around 4.30pm on the day of the incident and physically assaulted her for allegedly fighting with other girls and spilling rice. Based on her mothers complaint, the Kothanur police have registered a case under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act (cruelty against children) and BNS 115 (voluntarily causing hurt). Speaking to the media, Sajeeth VJ, DCP (North East) said that Hassan, a PUC student had been visiting the madrasa regularly. The FIR has been arrested, and the accused has been arrested on Thursday. The madrasa has been run by a trust since 2021, and the Child Welfare Committee has been informed. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the assault, he said.

Iran Leaders to Join Hezbollahs Show of Strength at Nasrallah Funeral Amid Fear of Israel Attack

An Israeli newspaper reported that Israel may strike the funeral of former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah if it turns into a show of force. Hezbollah is preparing for a massive turnout for the funeral, an opportunity for a show of strength for the group after a bruising war with Israel. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

Madrasa in-charge arrested for assaulting girl students in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Karnataka Police arrested a madrasa in-charge in Bengaluru Thursday on charges of misusing his position and brutally assaulting young girls studying at the institution over minor mistakes. The incident was reported from the Kottanur police station limits on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The arrested individual has been identified as Mohammad Hassan. According to police, []

Strong resistance to Trumps Gaza formula expected in mini Arab summit in Riyadh

Apart from the summit, the region is also tense over the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, which is expected to be a show of strength for the Shia crescent from Iran to Lebanon

Government of Karnataka releases Bhagyalakshmi amount only ahead of elections, alleges Nikhil Kumaraswamy

Janata Dal (Secular) partys youth wing president met party legislators and leaders from Hassan, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts to prepare the workers for the local body elections

Closure of nine new universities evokes mixed reactions from experts in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: The state cabinet sub-committee set up to study the performance and financial condition of the States universities deciding to recommend closure of nine of 10 new universities set up by the previous BJP regime, has evoked mixed reactions among education experts. While some experts oppose the closure, saying the state needs more universities to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education, others opine that the very idea of having a one-district-one-university policy is flawed and implemented hurriedly. The sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hinted at shutting down nine of 10 new universities -- Koppal, Bagalkot, Haveri, Kodagu, Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Nrupathunga, Mandya and the Maharani cluster, excluding Bidar. Speaking to TNIE, development educationist VP Niranjanaradhya said, If we look at the order to start new universities in 2022, better we close them and identify neighbourhood universities by notifying districts. He said the new universities were set up hurriedly, lacking any vision and scientific basis, and were flawed and nonsensical. The concept of having a school in every village holds good for school-level education. However, the policy of one-district-one-university in line with the National Education Policy 2020 doesnt hold good for higher education as universities are centres of excellence, they need infrastructure and resources for students to learn and improve their knowledge and skills. Without providing any basic infrastructure and faculty, how can universities operate? he questioned. He suggested that it would be a good thing for the government to rationalise and let people know the reasons for closure, as people may take it emotionally that the current government is closing down new universities. A former vice-chancellor, who did not wish to be named, said the starting point of opening new universities was itself rushed and done hurriedly. With the new universities, the existing ones too were affected, especially in self-financing. While NEP 2020 batted for setting up of new universities wherever possible and feasible, nowhere did it mandate that universities have to be set up everywhere, which is how it was interpreted in Karnataka, leading to the opening of 10 universities in a tearing hurry, he said, and suggested that it is sensible to close the universities without affecting students in any way. Former Bangalore University vice-chancellor Venugopal KR vehemently opposed the idea of closure of universities and said, The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education is around 28 per cent, and to improve it, we need universities. We need public universities as everyone cannot afford the fees in private universities, which we cannot regulate. Citing financial constraints to close down the new universities as not justifiable, as both the State and Union governments must invest heavily in the education sector, Venugopal said, The country needs 2,500 universities, from the existing 1,100 odd ones to achieve 50 per cent GER. To reach there, we need new universities.

Tandava trance: The resurgence of natya rajas

'Choodare is a Kshetreya padam (composition) that speaks about the emotional upsurges of a woman who is insecure about another woman in a relationship with Krishna. She carps, gossips, and mentally rebukes the other woman for getting close to Krishna when she could not. This padam is a well-known piece, extensively performed on Bharatanatyam stages. A recent revisited staging of this padam by Bengaluru-based Bharatanatyam exponent Parshwanath Upadhye introduced a refreshing and enjoyable role change. Instead of a woman expressing insecurity about another woman, the performance featured a man attempting to woo and then criticise a woman for rejecting him and running towards Krishna. The drama was laced with satire, making the staging immensely admirable, though the entire padam now conveyed a male perspective rather than the original female version. Aditya and Parswanath The padam and its structure were not changed. What was adapted was the story to suit a male perspective, says Adithya P V, who teams up with Parshvanath to form one of the most sought-after Bharatanatyam duos today. With this, we aimed to break stereotypes showing that men, too, can be lovelorn, insecure, and prone to gossip, just as women are in situations depicted in the padam. It was about challenging stereotypes. The duo performed at the ongoing Nishagandhi Dance Festival in Thiruvananthapuram on the opening day. This years festival saw a notable presence of male dancers, including Kathak veteran Pandit Rajendra Gangani, Kathak dancer and choreographer Hari, budding Bharatanatyam exponent Arjun Subramanian from Vellinezhi, Manipuri exponent Thingom Brojen Kumar Singha, and Odissi maestro Lucky Prajna Pratishta Mohanty. The number of male dancers in festivals such as Nishagandhi is encouraging. Even the Music Academy (in Chennai) featured a significant number of male performers, showing how classical dance is gaining popularity among men, says Adithya, who hails from Kannur. He notes that a growing number of young men are aspiring to take up classical dance as a career, despite families discouraging them. We, too, faced such odds while growing up. People assumed that a man dancing would be effeminate. But that notion has been proven to be incorrect, he asserts. Sunil Nellayi Classical dance guru Sunil Nellay had experienced this first-hand. I was part of the RLV batch of 1982, when there were no male students. I was the first male to receive a course certificate in classical dance from the state government, he recalls. The idea that men would become like women if they learnt dance was perpetuated by certain films that portrayed it degradingly. Also, there was a period when softer emotions and lasya were given more prominence in dance. But one must remember that nritya also has an equal element of vigour or tandava, which presents itself in varying hues. A man, Sunil adds, need not become woman-like to express the femininity one assumes is required in dance. Think about it who is the author of the Natyashastra, the magnum opus on dance philosophy and technique? Bharata Muni. And who is the God or ultimate guru of dance? Shiva, the epitome of masculinity, stresses Sunil, who runs Nellay Nruthanjaly dance and music school in Kochi. Then how can classical dance be effeminate? It is the way it was wrongly practised by some and, of course, the narratives in films and popular media are to blame. The wrong belief that dance was inherently feminine led many male performers to imitate women while dancing, says veteran Bharatanatyam guru Abdul Manaf, who is better known as Manu Master. A man should remain a man, and a woman, a woman, while performing. The stage does not distinguish between genders, he adds. On stage, a performer is a performer, and the role must be executed with finesse while staying true to oneself. Unfortunately, personal identity often overshadows the character being performed, leading to performances that align with stereotypes. Unnikrishnan L P It is pertinent to note that, historically, male performers dominated the classical dance scene as gurus until a few decades ago, says Shailaja N, a dancer researching the influence of ancient Indian dance on temple architecture. Look at Kelucharan Mohapatra, who could recreate Vrindavan with his art. Or Dhananjayan, who infused Bharatanatyam with the power of Kathakali. Or the Manipuri and Sattriya dancers, she highlights. Even Kathak dancers have performed on lovelorn musical pieces like thumris. Male dancers have always played a significant role in the evolution of classical dance. It was only between the late 1960s and early 2000s that the perception changed. Somehow, people started viewing dance as a feminine pursuit. The rise of social media and performances by ace dancers such as actor Vineeth Radhakrishnan and the Parshvanath-Adithya duo have helped break this stereotype. Inspired by them, there are many like Unnikrishnan L P, who runs the Lalithambika Sangeeta Natya Koodam in Thiruvananthapuram, who have taken up Bharatanatyam. Unnikrishnan started learning the art at 34. Parshwanath-Adithyas performances helped me understand the grammar of dance and how men can embrace it. Their training in Kalari brings a certain poise and strength to their performances, which motivated me to learn, he says. Actor and dance exponent Vineeth with (from left) Vinu Paul, Kalidas and Vishnu Amarnath, a student with disability Unnikrishnans art centre now hosts an increasing number of male dancers who perform regularly. Lalithambika Sangeeta Natya Kala Koodam, in fact, is planning a workshop on traditional padams (compositions) that depict the male perspective of passion and angst in the coming days. The passage of time has also brought the change, says Manu Master. I discourage my male students from imitating women while emoting softer elements like lasya (feminine grace). They should remain true to themselves and interpret the character naturally. When a man performs lasya, he does not need to become woman-like, he explains. Similarly, when women perform male roles in Kathakali, they embody the character without mimicking a man. The character takes dominance, but they do not lose their identity. Manu Master believes social media is playing a crucial role in shaping contemporary dance by taking performances from deeply trained artistes to a wider audience. Awareness of tradition, spirituality, and the arts rooted in these values is also increasing nowadays, he says. Actor Vineeth, however, credits cinema for inspiring his dance journey. Especially Kamal Hassan. His performance in Sagara Sangamam inspired many, including me, to pursue dance without the fear of being perceived as feminine, he says. Kathak legend Gopi Krishnas choreography in the film highlighted the beauty of masculinity. I was also fortunate to learn under esteemed gurus and to watch veterans like Vempati Chinna Satyam and Dhananjayan master perform in my hometown, Thalassery. This exposure, along with my formal academic training, shaped my journey. Vineeth, too, notes that the number of male dancers who choose to learn later or pursue performance is growing. There is more exposure and awareness now. This is why we see many men delve into the divine depths of classical dance actually as a means to accentuate the real masculinity within.

Kraft festival returns to make us think, talk and transform

Longtime residents of Kochi would recall the success of the Krithi International Book Festival, held in 2018 and 2019. Coming as it did during a time when concerns abound about the decline in reading culture among city residents, the festival was a game-changer. However, with the Covid pandemic throwing a spanner into its operations, the festival died a quiet death, robbing Kochiites of an avenue to discuss everything creative. Perhaps filling this void, if not in scale but in spirit, is Kraft 2025 a festival of thought organised by the Kottakkakam Residents Association in Tripunithura. Kraft 2025 Held in the inspiring environs of the Kalikotta Palace, the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated events in the city. Now, in its third year, Kraft boasts prolific speakers and poignant discussions, but its organisers maintain that they are a very small festival. Likely so, if you take into account that it is a residents association handling its affairs. On how that came to be, its team of 10 says, Even we were surprised. Usually, resident associations dont engage with such projects. But given Tripunithuras natural inclination for everything arts and culture, we thought why not? A stronghold of the erstwhile Cochin royal family, Kottakkakam houses a number of prominent personalities, including writers, thinkers, artists and scholars. Prasanna K Varma, a resident, is the translator of Manu S Pillais Ivory Throne. Renowned Indian animation filmmaker Suresh Eriyat, who graced the festivals first edition, also hails from the area. Ours is a small festival, done mostly through crowdfunding. We dont have the finances to bring speakers from outside the state. So we look within our immediate circles first and then, at what conversations we can make happen with the lot, elaborates team Kraft. A snap from Kraft 2024 - N S Madhavan in conversation with N E Sudheer As in previous years, preparations for the festival began as early as November. Each programme was planned meticulously and great care was taken to match speakers with moderators that enable them, thus paving the way for a meaningful discussion. This is one-half of why so many speakers are now eager to attend Kraft despite its smaller audience turnout. The other is the sense of warmth that envelops the event. This concept of a good festival is a crowded festival is a misguided one. Ideally, festivals should be small gatherings, intimate and interactive, says K Pradeep, a veteran journalist and one of the festival organisers. That said, with how Kraft has grown over the years, there are now plans to add one more day to the programming to fit a few more sessions. Maybe some more performances. There are also proposals to make this a multi-venue festival. But Kalikotta Palace will remain a venue, says an organiser. In these ways, Kraft has inadvertently also brought to the fore the rich heritage of Tripunithura a fact that the organisers maintain was not their intention at first. This year, one session in particular stands out: a discussion on Kevy, a famous cartoonist of the 50s and 60s. Sadly, not many recall him now. We hope that with the session, that will change. It is his centenary year after all, team Kraft says. The festival begins at 9.30am on Saturday and concludes on Sunday. This time, taking into consideration the prevalent heatwave conditions in the city, the festival committee has decided to have the main venue air-conditioned. Programmes highlights: FEBRUARY 22 10.15am: Inauguration & Honouring Dr K G Paulose Winner of Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bhasha Samman 11.30am: Tales of Lands A discussion between M K Das, V M Girija, N S Madhavan and Anjana Varma 12.30pm: Gazing Beyond Kevy A discussion between E P Unny and Gokul Gopalakrishnan 2.30pm: The World is Their Stage A discussion between Manu Jose, Muthumani Somasundaran, V R Selvaraj and Sumithra Sunil 5.30pm: Crossing Borders A discussion between Kapila Venu and Sankar Venkateswaran Other speakers on the day: Sibi Malayil, Subhash Chandran, Rammohan Paliyath, G R Indugopan, S N Swamy, Sreeparvathy, Priyaraj Govindraj, V N Haridas, Harish Vasudevan, and K S Sudhi FEBRUARY 23 10am: A Decade of History Writing Manu S Pillai in conversation with Prasanna Varma 11am: From Text to Screen A discussion between P F Mathews, P V Shajikumar and Vishnu Raj P 12pm: Call of the Mountains Sheikh Hassan Khan in conversation with K Pradeep 2.30pm: Please Dont Act! A discussion between Anand Ekarshi, P R Jijoy and Shabu K Madhavan 5.30pm: Kochi, Music, Films Jerry Amaldev in conversation with Sudeep Kumar Other speakers on the day: Dr C J John, Joseph Annamkutty Jose, Aarcha Gowri Varma, Rafeeq Ahamed, Bijibal, B K Harinarayanan, Devanand, Rajan Poduval, Radhakrishnan Chakyat, Mahesh Harilal and Rameshan Thampuran

Kerala procession displays Hamas leaders images; BJP files police complaint

A group of people displayed posters of Lebanese slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and slain Hamas leaders including Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh at the Thrithala Fest in Keralas Palakkad on Sunday evening as part of the annual cultural festival. The move has sparked nationwide political outrage with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing Kerala Congress 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 .

Police secure conviction in NDPS case against four accused in Kulgam

Kulgam, February 18:Police in Kulgam have secured conviction of four accused persons namely Mohd Aslam War son of Ghulam Hassan War resident of Arwani Bijebhara, Mehraj-ud-Din Wani son of Ghulam Mohammad Wani resident of Nowpora, Kharpora, Waqar Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Yaseen Dar resident of Padshahi Bagh Srinagar and Bilal Ahmad Hanji Son of [] The post Police secure conviction in NDPS case against four accused in Kulgam appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Congress unlikely to act against Tharoor despite praise for Left government

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though disgruntled with Shashi Tharoor for his open praise of the Left government, the Congress is unlikely to initiate any disciplinary action against the Thiruvananthapuram MP. The high command is unhappy with Tharoor praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi , while the state leadership is up in arms against him for his article in The New Indian Express that praised the LDF government for its handling of the states industrial climate. However, the party feels taking action against Tharoor or seeking explanation from him at this point would not be prudent in the long run. The leadership does not want the controversy to grow to disproportionate dimensions. Congress mouthpiece in Kerala writes editorial criticising Tharoor's remarks AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and KPCC chief K Sudhakaran called up Tharoor and conveyed the party position and asked him to stick to the party line. Sudhakaran told reporters that he had spoken to Tharoor and gave him the right advice. Shashi Tharoor expressed his opinion. Individuals can have opinions. But party decision is official line, he said. On senior leader M M Hassan asking Tharoor to step down from the Congress Working Committee, Sudhakaran said its for the high command to take such a call. Tharoor's praise for Kerala sparks Congress infighting, left support Its learnt the state leadership informed Tharoor that the statistics based on which he formulated his opinions were incorrect. It also feels Tharoor should not have made such an observation at a time when the party is trying to take on the Left government. However, since he has clarified his position, there is no need to act against the MP, it feels. Being an author and columnist, he expressed his opinion on a matter. When the party said it has a different view, Tharoor somewhat corrected his position, acknowledging the contributions of Oommen Chandy and P K Kunhalikutty. Now, action is unlikely against him, said a senior leader. Some feel Tharoor was trying to bolster his progressive image.

Students and faculty members stage protest opposing proposal to close Hassan University

PSAJK Urges JKBOSE to Resolve Admit Card Issue After Student Barred from Exam

SRINAGAR: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has expressed deep concern over yet another case of a student being denied an admit card due to a tagging issue, raising alarm over similar incidents affecting others. Tawfeeq Hassan Mir, son of Gh Hassan and a resident of Dapal Machil in North Kashmir, has [] The post PSAJK Urges JKBOSE to Resolve Admit Card Issue After Student Barred from Exam appeared first on Kashmir Life .

Tharoors praise for Keralas start-up sector draws plaudits from LDF, flak from UDF

Tharoors attempt to disentangle himself from the knotty issue has minimal effect in the UDF with its convener M.M. Hassan saying that the Congress is viewing the MPs variance from the party line seriously. LDF leaders laud Tharoor for being forthright about Keralas development

Woman raped, murdered near Hassan Railway junction

HASSAN: The body of an unidentified 40-year-old woman was found at an under-construction tower wagon shed building, attached to Hassan Railway Junction on Thursday evening. The railway police said the miscreant had smashed her head with bricks, after allegedly raping her in one of the rooms. The police have not yet identified the victim. The police have shifted the body to the mortuary at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), and are making efforts to identify her. A source said the victim might have migrated from a neighbouring state and was working as a construction worker in the same building site. Fingerprint experts and the sniffer dog squad have arrived on the scene to gather clues. Site engineer of the yard re-modelling railway stations Pavan CM, in his complaint, said he came to know of the incident through Kumar, a labourer. The railway police registered a murder case and are investigating. HEADLESS BODY OF SENIOR CITIZEN FOUND IN CHINTAMANI CHINTAMANI: The headless body of a senior citizen was found near Yagnyavalka temple in Chintamani, Chikballapur district on Thursday. The deceased is Muniyappa (65), a resident of Gowdanathatha Gadda village in Srinivasapura taluk. He worked as a mason in Chintamani. The incident came to light when a pack of stray dogs were found near the body, and were dragging the head. The villagers noticed it and immediately alerted the police. SP Kushal Chowksey said the police are probing the case in all angles. Preliminary investigation revealed that Muniyappa was facing health issues. However, a technical team has been assigned in the case. A source said the deceased had two wives.

Karnataka: Govt Official Caught Red-Handed While Accepting Bribe In Hassan

The action followed a trap laid by them on Thursday, during which the Chief Officer of Alur Town Panchayat, who had demanded Rs 2 lakh was caught accepting Rs 70,000 from the complainant.

State Cabinet sub-committee recommends closure of two-year-old Hassan University

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhay Stalin meets Actor Kamal Hassan #Gallery - Social News XYZ

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhay Stalin meets Actor Kamal Hassan #Gallery Social News XYZ

Man pushed off train in Bengaluru, dies

BENGALURU: The citys railway sub-division police arrested two persons for pushing a passenger to death from the Yeshwantpur-Bidar Express on Tuesday night. The unidentified person, aged around 30, died on the spot after falling from the moving train. The accused are S Devappa, 45, a gardener, and H Peerappa, 31, a painter. Both the accused are from Sedam in Kalaburagi district. The two accused boarded the train at Yeshwantpur that departed at 7.15 pm on Tuesday. They were going to their hometown. The victim, travelling in the general coach, did not find a space and tried to sit on the passage next to the toilet where both the accused were sitting. The two refused to give space to the victim and engaged in a verbal altercation with him. During the heated argument, between Yelahanka and Gauribidanur stations, the two pushed him from the speeding train. An eyewitness immediately called the police control room and reported the incident. Railway Police rushed to the spot on Tuesday night, but were unable to trace the body as the exact location was unknown and it was dark. The body was found on Wednesday morning and kept at Victoria Hospital mortuary. Following complaint from a 28-year-old eyewitness from Channarayapatana in Hassan, the Bengaluru Rural Railway police registered a case of murder under section 103 of the BNS. Further investigations are on.

Woman found murdered in Hassan

Jordan to treat 2,000 sick Gaza children, rejects Palestinian displacement: PM

Amman: Jordan is ready to receive 2,000 sick Gaza children for medical treatment, as the healthcare system in the coastal enclave has been devastated, Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan said. According to Jordans state-run Petra news agency, during a parliamentary session, Hassan on Wednesday reaffirmed Jordans clear and unwavering position that there should be no resettlement 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 .

Congress MLAs son accused of abusing woman official during illegal mining raid; three arrested

SHIVAMOGGA: Bhadravathi Congress MLA Sangameshwars son Basavesh allegedly threatened and verbally abused a woman official from the Department of Mines and Geology when she raided Seegabagi-Baballi area in Bhadravathi taluk, where illegal sand mining is rampant, on Sunday night. Police have arrested three people in this connection. They have been identified as Ravi, 30, of Mavinakatte in Channagiri taluk of Davangere district, Varun, 34, of Arkalgud in Hassan district, and Ajay, 28, of Surendragowda Camp in Bhadravathi taluk. A video of the Sunday nights incident has gone viral. After receiving information that sand was being transported illegally on a tractor, geologist of Bhadravathi division KK Jyoti and geologist of Shivamogga division Preeti Doddagoudar along with three staff members rushed to Seegabagi-Baballi, where Basavesh allegedly abused Jyothi in a foul language over the phone. Jyothi, wholodged a police complaint, told reporters that the accused after abusing her also threatened to run a heavy vehicle over her team members. Meanwhile, BJP workers staged a protest in front of the tahsildars office in Bhadravathi demanding that action be taken against Basavesh. Who is protecting MLAs son, asks BYV BJP state president BY Vijayendra said the incident involving an MLAs son is a disgrace to society. The incident indicates that anti-social elements have takenover Bhadravathi. He said crimes against women have increased under Congress rule. Even women officials and other staff are not safe. Accusing the state government of not taking any action against the MLAs son, he sought to know who it is protecting? When a BJP MLA was accused of insulting the minister for women and child development, the government acted swiftly against him. Why is the government now silent when a woman official has been verbally abused? Why is the womens commission mute on the matter? Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa alleged that Bhadravathi police should have registered a suo motu case against Basavesh. Home Minister G Parameshwara said in Bengaluru that action will be taken if Basavesh had acted against law. Local police will investigate the matter and take action, he added.

Speaker Chairs House Committee Meeting To Assess Issues Raised By Legislators

JAMMU, Feb 10: A meeting of the House Committee was held here today under the Chairmanship of Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, to discuss issues raised by different members of the Legislative Assembly. Legislators, Sunil Kumar Sharma, (Leader of Opposition); Ghulam Ahmad Mir; Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi); Surjeet Singh Slathia; Ali Mohammad Dar; Javid Hassan Baig; Ch Mohammad Akram and Waheed Ur Rehman Para were present as members of the Committee. The Committee discussed accommodation and [] The post Speaker Chairs House Committee Meeting To Assess Issues Raised By Legislators appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Tiger found dead near Belur in Hassan district

Villagers spotted the animal and informed the officers of the Forest Department. By the time officers reached the spot, it was dark. They could not conduct a post-mortem.

20-day basic ice hockey coaching concludes in Zanskar

Kargil, February 09: The 20-day basic ice hockey coaching camp, organized by Zonal Physical Education Department, Zanskar, successfully concluded today. The closing ceremony witnessed a large audience, including In-charge Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Zanskar, Mohd Hassan, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, along with other sub-division officers. In his welcome address, Zonal Physical Education [] The post 20-day basic ice hockey coaching concludes in Zanskar appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Pacer Nidheesh Scalps Five Wickets To Reduce J&K To 228 For 8 On Day 1

PUNE, Feb 8: Medium pacer MD Nidheesh scalped five wickets to help Kerala limit Jammu and Kashmir to 228 for eight on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match here on Saturday. Nidheesh (5/56) spelt trouble for Jammu and Kashmir batters from the start, picking up wickets at regular intervals after Kerala opted to field. He accounted for the wickets of openers Shubham Khajuria, Yawer Hassan, Vivrant Sharma, wicket-keeper Kanhaiya Wadhwan and Lone Nasir Muzaffar. He was ably [] The post Pacer Nidheesh Scalps Five Wickets To Reduce J&K To 228 For 8 On Day 1 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Aga Hassan condemns recent killings in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 07: Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian president Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi on Friday strongly condemned the killing of Makhan Din, aged 25 from Perody, Billawar, and truck driver hailing from Sopore Baramulla Addressing the Friday congregation in Markaz e Imam Bargha Budgam, Aga Hassan demanded an impartial probe at the highest level []

JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna demands Hassan Agriculture College remain affiliated with UAS Bengaluru

How Hyderabadi Roadies star Azhar Hassan went from 145 kg to 75 kg

Everyone loves a good success story, and Hyderabads Azhar Hassan has a powerful one to tell. Once weighing around 145 kg, he shed an incredible 70 kg, transforming not just his body but his entire life. His journey wasnt just about fitness but also about resilience, discipline, and proving that change is possible. Azhar Hassan 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 .

Iran Ready to Address Trump's 'Main Concern' As US President Hints At Nuke Deal, Denies Strike Plans

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed US President Donald Trumps renewed maximum pressure campaign, calling it a failed experiment. Trumps latest sanctions aim to cut Tehrans oil exports to zero, prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, limit its ballistic missile programme and halt its support for terrorism. Iran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful, with uranium enrichment reaching 60%, just below weapons-grade levels. Araghchi expressed Irans openness to nuclear negotiations, asserting that preventing nuclear weapon development is achievable under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Trump has called for a verified nuclear peace agreement with Iran while denying claims of military action. Meanwhile, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem as his representative in Lebanon, following Hassan Nasrallahs death in an Israeli airstrike. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

Hezbollah announces funeral for Hassan Nasrallah

Beirut: The Lebanese Hezbollah group Sunday announced the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah will take place on February 23, months after he was assassinated in a series of Israeli airstrikes in a southern Beirut suburb. Secretary-General Naim Kassem made the announcement regarding his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah in a pre-recorded speech. It came days after a US-brokered 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 .

Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah's Funeral To Be Held On February 23

The funeral for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed last September in an Israeli strike, will be held on February 23, the Iran-backed group's current chief Naim Qassem said on Sunday.

Hassan police open fire at man for vandalism

Hassan police open fire at person who attacked a private bus

Manu, the accused, recently waylaid a private bus on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway near Hassan

People who surrendered land for Hassan airport project stage protest demanding job and road connectivity

6 people abducted in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

PESHAWAR, Jan 30: Six people, including a paramilitary soldier, were abducted by unidentified armed men in two separate incidents in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said on Thursday. Police said armed men travelling in two vehicles forcibly took away five civilians while firing shots into the air. These civilians were trying to fix electricity poles in the Hassan Khel village of Mir Ali sub-division, Shiwa tehsil, North Waziristan when they were kidnapped. In another incident, a paramilitary Frontier [] The post 6 people abducted in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Qatar: Renowned Indian businessman Hassan Chougule passes away

Hassan Abdulkareem Chougule, a renowned Indian businessman and philanthropist based in Qatar, passed away on Wednesday, January 29. He was 70 years old. Chougule, originally from Maharashtra, had been battling multiple illnesses and was receiving treatment in India at the time of his death. A resident of Qatar for over 45 years, Chougule played a 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 .

Ahmad al-Sharaa appointed as President of Syria for transitional period

Damascus: Syrias Military Operations Administration announced the appointment of Ahmad al-Sharaa as president during the transitional period, granting him authority to establish an interim legislative council until a permanent constitution is ratified. Spokesman Hassan Abdel Ghani said al-Sharaa would serve as interim president and represent Syria in international forums. He also announced the immediate dissolution 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 .

Martyrs' Day Tribute to Gandhi

This Martyrs Day, lets delve into the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who championed the values of non-violence, and the unwavering pursuit of an equitable world. The following list of audiobooks and films bring to light his undying loyalty to the motherland and ignite a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of Gandhi's message of justice and peace. On 30th January, 1948, he was martyred but his principles continue to inspire us many decades later. Lets all fondly remember the Father of our Nation. Jai Hind My Experiments with Truth Service: Audible Mohandas Gandhi's autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, is a captivating account of his life and the profound impact of truth and non-violence on his journey. Born an ordinary man, Gandhi evolved into a revered Mahatma through his unwavering commitment to these principles and Gandhi takes us through this journey in this autobiography. The audiobook, divided into five parts, is remarkably honest embodying his strongest virtue: truth and honesty. Tune in for a moving and inspiring narrative of his extraordinary life and get a sneak peek into the making of the Mahatma. Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation Service: Audible In this audiobook, Subhadra Sen Gupta narrates the inspiring story of Mahatma Gandhi, who used the power of truth to revolutionize history. Beyond his revered titles, Gandhi was a remarkable individual who championed justice through fasting and ignited global movements for change in the most remarkable ways. Subhadra Sen Gupta brings Mahatma Gandhi to life in a vibrant narrative, revealing the man behind the iconic image: simple handspun clothes, salt-less meals and someone who treats kings and paupers alike. Tune in as the author captures the essence of his remarkable journey dedicated to the unwavering pursuit of truth and peace. Hind Swaraj Service: Audible Hind Swaraj, written by Mahatma Gandhi during a sea voyage in 1909, explores India's path to true freedom through a dialogue between two characters. In this audiobook, Gandhi challenged the traditional view of independence, arguing that true self-rule requires not just the removal of British rule but also independence from Western civilisation's influence. He advocates for non-violent resistance, self-reliance (Swadeshi), and the power of love and compassion over violence. Tune in for Gandhi's vision of an independent India that is strong and self-reliant, and guided by its unique resolute spirit. Hey Ram Platform: Amazon Prime Video Hey Ram is an alternate history film exploring India's Partition, the tragic events of Direct Action Day, and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The film centres around Saketh Ram (Kamal Hassan), whose wife, Aparna (Rani Mukherji), is brutally murdered during communal riots in Calcutta. This horrific event transforms Saketh into a disillusioned extremist who blames Gandhi and his policies for the escalating violence. Consumed by grief and hatred, he embarks on a path of vengeance, ultimately leading him to attempt the assassination of the Mahatma. Screened at prestigious festivals like the International Film Festival of India, Toronto International Film Festival, and the Locarno Festival, this film garnered three National Film Awards. Fire up your device for this gripping narration against the backdrop of the assassination of Gandhi. Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara Platform: Amazon Prime Video Uttam Chaudhary, a retired Hindi professor, grapples with the encroaching shadow of Alzheimer's. As his memory begins to fade, his daughter desperately seeks ways to help him, while also confronting a disturbing guilt that plagues him: the unshakeable belief that he is somehow responsible for Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. The film poignantly depicts Uttam's descent into dementia, a journey triggered by a seemingly innocuous incident: witnessing an ashtray carelessly placed on a newspaper photograph of the revered leader. This act, however insignificant to others, unleashes a torrent of anxiety within Uttam. Tune in to find out how Uttam navigates his accelerating mental decline as he struggles with the guilt of killing the Father of the nation. Gandhi Platform: Amazon Prime Video In a pivotal moment of injustice, Gandhi, despite possessing a valid ticket, is unceremoniously ejected from a first-class train compartment. This humiliating experience ignites a fire within him, propelling him onto a path of lifelong dedication to justice. Early triumphs in championing the rights of Indians and other marginalized communities laid the groundwork for his emergence as an influential figure who shaped the course of the countrys history. Tune in for a masterful narration of the indomitable spirit of this extraordinary individual and how he transformed a deeply personal affront into a powerful movement for freedom and equality.

Thieves take away ATM machine in Hassan village

Two Hassan students win prizes at Southern India Science Fair

J&K | Union Minister Karandlaje Reviews Baramullas Progress Under Aspirational Districts Programme

SRINAGAR, Jan 28: Union minister Shobha Karandlaje on Tuesday reviewed the progress of Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district under various indicators of the NITI Aayogs Aspirational Districts Programme. Karandlaje the Union minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises, and labour and employment chaired a meeting at the Dak bungalow. The meeting was attended by local MLA Javed Hassan Beig, Deputy Commissioner (Baramulla) Minga Sherpa, officers from the two ministries and those from the departments concerned. Sherpa [] The post J&K | Union Minister Karandlaje Reviews Baramullas Progress Under Aspirational Districts Programme appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

22 Killed in Lebanon as Israel Withdrawal Deadline Extended

MAYS AL-JABAL, Lebanon: Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Sunday opened fire on protesters demanding their withdrawal in line with a ceasefire agreement , killing at least 22 and injuring 124, Lebanese health officials reported. Hours later, the White House said Sunday that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli troops to depart southern Lebanon until Feb. 18, after Israel requested more time to withdraw beyond the 60-day deadline stipulated in a ceasefire agreement that halted the Israel-Hezbollah war in late November. Israel has said that it needs to stay longer because the Lebanese army has not deployed to all areas of southern Lebanon to ensure that Hezbollah does not reestablish its presence in the area. The Lebanese army has said it cannot deploy until Israeli forces withdraw. The White House said in a statement that the arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18, 2025. It added that the respective governments will also begin negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government, but Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed the extension. The announcement came hours after demonstrators, some of them carrying Hezbollah flags, attempted to enter several villages to protest Israels failure to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the original Sunday deadline. The dead included six women and a Lebanese army soldier, the Health Ministry said in a statement. People were reported wounded in nearly 20 villages in the border area. The Israeli army blamed Hezbollah for stirring up Sunday's protests. It said in a statement that its troops fired warning shots to remove threats in a number of areas where suspects were identified approaching. It added that a number of suspects in proximity to Israeli troops were apprehended and were being questioned. The development in Lebanon comes as Israel kept thousands of Palestinians from returning to their homes in northern Gaza on Sunday, accusing Hamas of violating a fragile ceasefire by changing the order of hostages it has released. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in a statement addressing the people of southern Lebanon on Sunday that Lebanons sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, and I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity. He urged them to exercise self-restraint and trust in the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Lebanese army, in a separate statement, said it was escorting civilians into some towns in the border area and called on residents to follow military instructions to ensure their safety. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, whose Amal Movement party is allied with Hezbollah and who served as an interlocutor between the militant group and the U.S. during ceasefire negotiations, said that Sunday's bloodshed is a clear and urgent call for the international community to act immediately and compel Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories. An Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli military, Avichay Adraee, posted on X that Hezbollah had sent rioters and is rying to heat up the situation to cover up its situation and status in Lebanon and the Arab world. He called Sunday morning for residents of the border area not to attempt to return to their villages. U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the head of mission of the U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lzaro, called in a joint statement for both Israel and Lebanon to comply with their obligations under the ceasefire agreement. The fact is that the timelines envisaged in the November Understanding have not been met, the statement said. As seen tragically this morning, conditions are not yet in place for the safe return of citizens to their villages along the Blue Line. UNIFIL said that further violence risks undermining the fragile security situation in the area and prospects for stability ushered in by the cessation of hostilities and the formation of a government in Lebanon. It called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, the removal of unauthorized weapons and assets south of the Litani River, the redeployment of the Lebanese army in all of south Lebanon and ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians on both sides of the Blue Line. An AP team was stranded overnight at a UNIFIL base near Mays al-Jabal after the Israeli army erected roadblocks Saturday while they were joining a patrol by peacekeepers. The journalists reported hearing gunshots and booming sounds Sunday morning from the base, and peacekeepers said that dozens of protesters had gathered nearby. In the village of Aita al Shaab, families wandered over flattened concrete structures looking for remnants of the homes they left behind. No Israeli forces were present. These are our houses, said Hussein Bajouk, one of the returning residents. However much they destroy, we will rebuild. Bajouk added that he is convinced that former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Beiruts southern suburbs in September, is really still alive. I dont know how much were going to wait, another month or two months... but the Sayyed will come out and speak, he said using an honorific for Nasrallah. On the other side of the border in the kibbutz of Manara, Orna Weinberg surveyed the devastation of the recent conflict on her neighbors and the Lebanese villages on the other side of the frontier. The sound of gunfire sporadically popped in the distance. Unfortunately, we have no way of defending our own children without harming their children, Weinberg, 58, said. Its a tragedy to all sides. Some 112,000 Lebanese remain displaced , out of over 1 million who fled their homes during the war.

Coffee goes dearer as prices shoot up by at least Rs.200 a kg

Anantapur: Coffee prices have shot up alarmingly with a kilogramme of its powder going up by at least 200. This is because production of coffee beans seeds has been poor in the largest coffee-producing region of Kodagu (Coorg) in Karnataka due to massive damage caused to its crop because of both rain deficit and excessive rains. Coffee production scenario has been similar in Brazil, which produces the largest quantity of coffee beans in the world. Normally, a family of four uses more than three kilogrammes of filter coffee powder every month. We have limited our coffee drinking to only twice a day, rather than having it four times daily, Lakshmi, a housewife, told Deccan Chronicle . Kodagu district in Karnataka grows 33 per cent of the total coffee produced in India. The other main coffee-producing districts are again in Karnataka Chikmagalur, Hassan, Shimoga and Mysore. According to available data, output of coffee beans in Chikmagalur, which grows coffee over 93,005 acres, had been 82,450 metric tonnes in 2023. The production during 2022 had been 80,150 metric tonnes. But the situation is worse during the present year. Coffee estates in Brazil are spread over approximately 27,000 square kilometres, which translates to roughly 66 million acres. The production of coffee beans in Brazil too had taken a hit during the last season. Manjunath, who retails coffee powder from Chikmagalur in Anantapur, disclosed to DC that prices of coffee are expected to grow further in the retail markets during the next few months, until the new crop arrives. Coffee estates need balanced rains. But they had been hit by abnormal rains and rain deficit during the peak season. Such fluctuation has led to coffee prices shooting up, said a representative of Durga Traders, another coffee powder marketer in Anantapur. He pointed out that though the Ooty region in Tamil Nadu has many estates, they prefer to grow tea, rather than coffee.

We will strengthen JD(S) in Hassan: former PM Deve Gowda

Israeli fire kills 11 on deadline for Lebanon withdrawal

Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Sunday opened fire on protesters demanding their withdrawal in line with a ceasefire agreement, killing at least 11 and injuring more than 80, Lebanese health officials reported. The dead included two women and a Lebanese army soldier, the Health Ministry said in a statement. People were reported wounded in more than a dozen villages in the border area. Demonstrators, some of them carrying Hezbollah flags, attempted to enter several villages to protest Israels failure to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the 60-day deadline stipulated in a ceasefire agreement that halted the Israel-Hezbollah war in late November. Israel has said that it needs to stay longer because the Lebanese army has not deployed to all areas of southern Lebanon to ensure that Hezbollah does not reestablish its presence in the area. The Lebanese army has said it cannot deploy until Israeli forces withdraw. The Israeli army blamed Hezbollah for stirring up Sunday's protests. It said in a statement that its troops fired warning shots to remove threats in a number of areas where suspects were identified approaching. It added that a number of suspects in proximity to Israeli troops were apprehended and were being questioned. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in a statement addressing the people of southern Lebanon on Sunday that Lebanons sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, and I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity. He urged them to exercise self-restraint and trust in the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Lebanese army, in a separate statement, said it was escorting civilians into some towns in the border area and called on residents to follow military instructions to ensure their safety. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, whose Amal Movement party is allied with Hezbollah and who served as an interlocutor between the militant group and the U.S. during ceasefire negotiations, said that Sunday's bloodshed is a clear and urgent call for the international community to act immediately and compel Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories. An Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli military, Avichay Adraee, posted on X that Hezbollah had sent rioters and is rying to heat up the situation to cover up its situation and status in Lebanon and the Arab world. He called Sunday morning for residents of the border area not to attempt to return to their villages. U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the head of mission of the U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lzaro, called in a joint statement for both Israel and Lebanon to comply with their obligations under the ceasefire agreement. The fact is that the timelines envisaged in the November Understanding have not been met, the statement said. As seen tragically this morning, conditions are not yet in place for the safe return of citizens to their villages along the Blue Line. UNIFIL said that further violence risks undermining the fragile security situation in the area and prospects for stability ushered in by the cessation of hostilities and the formation of a government in Lebanon. It called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, the removal of unauthorized weapons and assets south of the Litani River, the redeployment of the Lebanese army in all of south Lebanon and ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians on both sides of the Blue Line. An AP team was stranded overnight at a UNIFIL base near Mays al-Jabal after the Israeli army erected roadblocks Saturday while they were joining a patrol by peacekeepers. The journalists reported hearing gunshots and booming sounds Sunday morning from the base, and peacekeepers said that dozens of protesters had gathered nearby. In the village of Aita al Shaab, families wandered over flattened concrete structures looking for remnants of the homes they left behind. No Israeli forces were present. These are our houses, said Hussein Bajouk, one of the returning residents. However much they destroy, we will rebuild. Bajouk added that he is convinced that former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Beiruts southern suburbs in September, is really still alive. I dont know how much were going to wait, another month or two months... but the Sayyed will come out and speak, he said using an honorific for Nasrallah.Some 112,000 Lebanese remain displaced , out of over 1 million displaced during the war.

House burgled in Hassan, thieves decamped with valuables, and drove away owners car

IDF Kills Two Gunmen In Jenin With 'Pressure Cooker' Tactic, Fierce Clashes With PIJ In West Bank

Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet agents reportedly killed two Palestinian gunmen near the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank on January 22. A source told Times of Israel that the two men were killed in the Wadi Burqin area following a raid that lasted four hours.A16-year-old boy is also said to be among the two shot dead by Israeli forces during a raid on Jenin on Jan. 22.According to the Israeli army, the two were among the perpetrators of a deadly shooting attack in the village of al-Funduq earlier this month. During the raid, the Israeli soldiers surrounded a building and carried out a tactic known as pressure cooker which involves escalating the volume of fire to flush suspects out, as per the Times of Israel report.Hassan Sobh, the mayor of Burqin, told Wafa news agency that the Israeli soldiers used women as human shields during the raid. n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION2:15 PIJ FIGHTERS CLASH WITH IDF IN WEST BANK'S BURQIN3:55 PROTESTS AGAINST SHOOTING OF SETTLERS IN WEST BANK5:35 ISRAELS WEST BANK RAIDS MARK NEXT FRONT WITH IRAN?

Pakistani Man Mauled to Death While Filming with Caged Lion

A tragic incident unfolded in Karachi, Pakistan, when a 35-year-old man, identified as Mohammad Hassan, was mauled to death by a lion while attempting to shoot a video alongside the caged predator. The incident occurred on Tuesday at a private farmhouse in the outskirts of the city, where the lion was being kept under questionable conditions. Hassan, reportedly a social media enthusiast, had visited the farmhouse with friends to record videos for his online platforms. Eyewitnesses stated that Hassan ignored repeated warnings from bystanders and ventured dangerously close to the lions cage, attempting to capture an up-close shot of the animal to post on his social media accounts. While Hassan leaned closer to the cage, the lion, seemingly provoked or alarmed, lunged at him through the iron bars. Witnesses described a horrific scene as the lions claws managed to grip Hassan, dragging him toward the cage. The victim sustained severe injuries to his head and torso before onlookers could intervene. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Hassan succumbed to his injuries due to excessive blood loss. The incident has sparked outrage and debate over the private ownership of wild animals in Pakistan. The lion belonged to a wealthy businessman who had kept the animal at the farmhouse as a status symbol. Local wildlife authorities confirmed that the lion was kept in inadequate conditions, violating multiple animal welfare regulations. This tragedy could have been avoided if proper safety measures were in place and if people understood the risks of approaching such dangerous animals, said a representative of the Sindh Wildlife Department. Social media users have also reacted strongly to the incident, with many criticizing the growing trend of individuals risking their lives for the sake of online fame. People are increasingly putting their lives in danger just to gain likes and views. This obsession with social media stunts is costing lives, one user commented. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The farmhouse owner may face legal action for keeping the lion in unsafe conditions and for failing to ensure the safety of visitors. In the wake of the tragedy, wildlife activists have called for stricter enforcement of laws regulating the private ownership of exotic animals. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with human interaction with wild animals, particularly when safety guidelines are disregarded in pursuit of social media content.

Marburg Disease Confirmed in Remote Tanzanian Region

Tanzanias president said Monday that one sample from a remote part of northern Tanzania tested positive for Marburg disease , a highly infectious virus which can be fatal in up to 88% of cases without treatment. President Samia Suluhu Hassan spoke in Dodoma, the capital, alongside World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus . WHO was the first to report on Jan. 14 a suspected outbreak of Marburg that had killed eight people in Tanzanias Kagera region. Tanzanian health officials disputed the report hours later, saying tests on samples had returned negative results. Hassan said Monday that further tests had confirmed a case of Marburg. Twenty-five other samples were negative, she said. Like Ebola, the Marburg virus originates in fruit bats and spreads between people through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or with surfaces, such as contaminated bedsheets. Symptoms include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting and in some cases death from extreme blood loss. There is no authorized vaccine or treatment for Marburg. This is the second outbreak of Marburg in Kagera since 2023. It comes exactly a month after Rwanda, which shares with a border with Kagera, declared its own outbreak of the disease was over . Rwandan officials reported a total of 15 deaths and 66 cases in the outbreak first declared on Sept. 27, with the majority of those affected health care workers who handled the first patients.

No Violations By 'Kantara 2' Crew As Per Preliminary Probe, Says Karnataka Forest Minister

The Karnataka forest department is probing allegations of damage to forest cover and disturbance to wildlife against the 'Kantara 2' crew, which is shooting in the Gavigudda deemed forest range in Hassan

Gold Cars to Private Zoos: Peek into life of world's longest-reigning living monarch, resides in palace worth Rs...

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, the world's longest-reigning monarch, is renowned for his immense wealth, lavish lifestyle, and record-breaking palace.

Big coffee planters in Karnataka see relief, but small planters continue to face labour shortage

For the past five years, coffee plantations in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan districts have grappled with a labour crisis during the crucial November-to-March harvest period

Former MLC Patel Shivaram passes away in Hassan

UAE launches worlds first renewable energy facility for 24/7 power

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the worlds first large-scale, 24/7 gigascale renewable energy facility, combining solar power and advanced battery storage in Abu Dhabi. The milestone project was announced by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, alongside Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and 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 .

Here are key negotiators who helped get a Gaza ceasefire deal

A ceasefire agreement in Gaza has been reached between Israel and Hamas after more than 15 months of war. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have mediated the long-running efforts to halt the fighting in the ravaged Palestinian territory, often coming close to a deal before a frustrating breakdown in negotiations. The latest round of talks proved successful this week, with all sides bringing their top negotiators to the Qatari capital, Doha. Here is a look at the key players who negotiated the deal : David Barnea The head of Israels spy agency headed up Israels negotiation team throughout the negotiation process. Working alongside the head of Israels Shin Bet security agency and top political and military advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and meeting with the Biden administration, Barnea was the highest-profile member of the Israeli negotiating team but kept his own proclivities private during the talks. Ronen Bar The head of Israels Shin Bet security agency also has been involved in negotiations for months. Bars agency handles matters relating to Palestinian security prisoners, some of whom, under the agreed-upon deal, are set to be released by Israel in exchange for hostages. Bar has led the agency since 2021. Just days after the devastating Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel that launched the war, he took responsibility for failing to thwart the militants. He said investigations into what happened would need to come after the war. Brett McGurk President Joe Bidens top Middle East adviser has been putting together a draft of the deal from the discussions with the two sides as the lead negotiator in the Israel-Hamas negotiations. McGurk has been a fixture in U.S. Mideast policy for more than two decades in the National Security Council and White House under both Democratic and Republican administrations. He's shuttled frequently to the Middle East for talks with senior officials about the conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Steve Witkoff President-elect Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East has met separately in recent weeks with Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, another key mediator. Witkoff, a Florida real estate investor and co-chair of Trumps inaugural committee, has kept in contact with Bidens foreign policy team as the incoming Trump and outgoing Biden administrations coordinated on the deal. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Qatars prime minister and foreign minister led his countrys pivotal mediation efforts in the stop-start negotiations. He has been a key communicator with Hamas throughout the process, as Israel and Hamas have not communicated directly. The most consequential phase of negotiations those that have occurred over the last few weeks took place in Doha, his countrys capital. Al Thani said the ceasefire would take effect Sunday. Hassan Rashad The director of Egypts General Intelligence Agency was also a liaison with Hamas throughout the talks. Rashad took office in October 2024, replacing former chief intelligence official Abbas Kamel, who led the negotiations during the first ceasefire in November 2023. Several rounds of negotiations have occurred in Cairo, and the mediators will move to the Egyptian capital Thursday for further talks on implementing the deal. Khalil al-Hayya The acting head of Hamas political bureau and the militant groups chief negotiator is based in Qatar but does not meet directly with Israeli or American officials, communicating instead through Egyptian and Qatari mediators. His role increased in importance after Israeli soldiers killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip. Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, was believed to be dictating the Hamas stance in negotiations up until his death. But even before Sinwars death, al-Hayya was managing affairs for the militant group. Al-Hayya, seen as less of a hardliner than Sinwar, had served as Sinwars deputy and had managed ceasefire negotiations in 2014 as well. He is a longtime official with the group and survived an Israeli airstrike that hit his home in Gaza in 2007, killing several of his family members.

Here are the key negotiators who helped get a Gaza ceasefire deal

A ceasefire agreement in Gaza has been reached between Israel and Hamas after more than 15 months of war. The United States, Egypt and Qatar have mediated the long-running efforts to halt the fighting in the ravaged Palestinian territory, often coming close to a deal before a frustrating breakdown in negotiations. The latest round of talks proved successful this week, with all sides bringing their top negotiators to the Qatari capital, Doha. Here is a look at the key players who negotiated the deal : David Barnea The head of Israels spy agency headed up Israels negotiation team throughout the negotiation process. Working alongside the head of Israels Shin Bet security agency and top political and military advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and meeting with the Biden administration, Barnea was the highest-profile member of the Israeli negotiating team but kept his own proclivities private during the talks. Ronen Bar The head of Israels Shin Bet security agency also has been involved in negotiations for months. Bars agency handles matters relating to Palestinian security prisoners, some of whom, under the agreed-upon deal, are set to be released by Israel in exchange for hostages. Bar has led the agency since 2021. Just days after the devastating Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel that launched the war, he took responsibility for failing to thwart the militants. He said investigations into what happened would need to come after the war. Brett McGurk President Joe Bidens top Middle East adviser has been putting together a draft of the deal from the discussions with the two sides as the lead negotiator in the Israel-Hamas negotiations. McGurk has been a fixture in U.S. Mideast policy for more than two decades in the National Security Council and White House under both Democratic and Republican administrations. He's shuttled frequently to the Middle East for talks with senior officials about the conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Steve Witkoff President-elect Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East has met separately in recent weeks with Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, another key mediator. Witkoff, a Florida real estate investor and co-chair of Trumps inaugural committee , has kept in contact with Bidens foreign policy team as the incoming Trump and outgoing Biden administrations coordinated on the deal. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Qatars prime minister and foreign minister led his countrys pivotal mediation efforts in the stop-start negotiations. He has been a key communicator with Hamas throughout the process, as Israel and Hamas have not communicated directly. The most consequential phase of negotiations those that have occurred over the last few weeks took place in Doha, his countrys capital. Al Thani said the ceasefire would take effect Sunday. Hassan Rashad The director of Egypts General Intelligence Agency was also a liaison with Hamas throughout the talks. Rashad took office in October 2024, replacing former chief intelligence official Abbas Kamel, who led the negotiations during the first ceasefire in November 2023. Several rounds of negotiations have occurred in Cairo, and the mediators will move to the Egyptian capital Thursday for further talks on implementing the deal. Khalil al-Hayya The acting head of Hamas political bureau and the militant groups chief negotiator is based in Qatar but does not meet directly with Israeli or American officials, communicating instead through Egyptian and Qatari mediators. His role increased in importance after Israeli soldiers killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip. Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, was believed to be dictating the Hamas stance in negotiations up until his death. But even before Sinwars death, al-Hayya was managing affairs for the militant group. Al-Hayya, seen as less of a hardliner than Sinwar, had served as Sinwars deputy and had managed ceasefire negotiations in 2014 as well. He is a longtime official with the group and survived an Israeli airstrike that hit his home in Gaza in 2007, killing several of his family members.

Top Bangladesh Army officer meets Pakistan Army Chief

A high-ranking Bangladeshi general, Lt Gen SM Kamr-ul-Hassan, recently held talks with Pakistans army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir in Islamabad, marking a significant step in military cooperation between both nations. Discussions focused on regional security dynamics and emphasized the importance of a strong defence partnership resilient to external influences.

NAYEL Releases Captivating New Single Roop Featuring Hasan Raheem

Rising star NAYEL is making waves in the music industry with his latest single, Roop, released on December 13, 2024. This enchanting track showcases NAYEL's impressive artistry and features the talented Hasan Raheem, creating a mesmerizing fusion of Desi and Punjabi melodies set to a modern beat. Roop explores the beautiful imperfections of love, inviting listeners into a world filled with enchanting emotions. NAYEL shares, Roop explores the theme of desire for love in all its imperfections. I wanted to fuse eastern melodies with modern beats to kind of represent my listening, which includes both modern music as well as old classics. Written and performed by NAYEL and Hasan Raheem, with vocals by both artists, the track is composed by Nayel Wajahat and Hasan Raheem, co-composed by Hassan Ali Hashmi, produced and recorded by Sulaman Naseer, and features backing vocals by Farzeen Saleem, Monica George, and Salma Sabir. The song was mixed and mastered by Hanish Taneja, reflecting NAYEL's ability to connect with a rapidly growing fanbase and further solidifying his status as a standout artist to watch in the coming years. Hailing from Karachi, NAYEL has quickly emerged as one of Pakistan's most exciting artists, capturing the attention of music lovers worldwide. Since he began releasing music in 2023, he has already garnered an impressive 1.5 million listeners on Spotify. His diverse sound blends elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, Afrobeat, Pop, and House, with lyrics that span English, Urdu, and Punjabi, effortlessly transcending borders and cultural barriers. NAYEL's breakthrough hit, Sadqay, a heartfelt collaboration with celebrated singer Nehaal Naseem, was a resounding success, topping the Spotify Pakistan charts and accumulating over 36 million views on YouTube, along with an astounding 75 million streams on Spotify. Following this triumph, Roop continues to build on his rising momentum, having been featured on notable playlists such as New Music Friday Pakistan, Desi Indie, and Pakistani Pop. NAYEL expresses his enthusiasm for collaborating with Hasan Raheem, stating, Working with Hasan was great as it was a very friendly yet creative environment with him throughout the process. Ive known him for a few years now, and I love the work hes been putting out. I remember as soon as I got done recording the song I knew that he would sound great on it. Experience the magic of Roop a track that beautifully intertwines cultural sounds with contemporary flair, available now on all major streaming platforms.NAYEL Releases Captivating New Single Roop Featuring Hasan Raheem

This popular Hindu actress was in love with a Muslim star, broke up with him due to her mom: 'I wish I hadn't...'

Anita Hassanandani and Eijaz Khan were in a realtionship when they starred opposite each other in the TV show Kkavyanjali.

Syrian Intelligence Thwarts Islamic State Attack on Shiite Shrine

Syrian intelligence officials announced Saturday that they had foiled an Islamic State (IS) plan to bomb the Sayyida Zeinab shrine, a Shiite pilgrimage site in a Damascus suburb. The General Intelligence Service arrested members of the IS cell responsible for planning the attack, state news agency SANA reported. An unnamed official from the intelligence agency stated that they are putting all capabilities into preventing attacks on the Syrian people. The Sayyida Zeinab shrine, which has previously been targeted by IS militants, holds significant religious importance for Shiite Muslims. In 2023, a similar attack in the area killed six people and injured dozens just before the Shiite holy day of Ashoura. The thwarted attack is seen as part of the new governments efforts to reassure religious minorities after the recent ousting of Bashar Assad. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Sunni Islamist group now in control of Syria, has claimed to promote religious coexistence under the leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa. Visitors to the shrine on Saturday were subjected to heightened security, but normal activities continued. The site is open, and visitors are making their visits safely, said Moataz Sikkawi, the shrine's security supervisor. One visitor, Nisreen Al Hassan, praised the security forces: It is a very, very good effort, and we thank them for ensuring our safety. Meanwhile, Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Damascus for talks with Ahmad al-Sharaa, focusing on border demarcation and efforts to combat smuggling. The two leaders agreed to form a committee to address the long-standing border issues, including the disputed Chebaa Farms region, which remains under Israeli control. Al-Sharaa emphasized the need for strengthened social and economic ties between Syria and Lebanon, while acknowledging the complexities of fully resolving the border disputes. The thwarting of the IS attack and diplomatic discussions highlight Syria's ongoing challenges in navigating security concerns and rebuilding regional relations amid its shifting political landscape.

Hassan Cong. leaders criticise Rajanna

Govt appoints inquiry officer for JEs absence

JAMMU, Jan 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Public Works (R&B) Department has appointed Er. Sajad Naqeeb, Chief Engineer (Central Kashmir), as the Inquiry Officer to investigate the unauthorized absence of Er. Shazia Hassan, Junior Engineer (Civil) from the erstwhile R&B Landscape Division, Srinagar. The officer has been directed to submit a report with recommendations within [] The post Govt appoints inquiry officer for JEs absence appeared first on Northlines .

Govt Appoints Inquiry Officer for Junior Engineers Absence

JAMMU, Jan 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Public Works (R&B) Department has appointed Er. Sajad Naqeeb, Chief Engineer (Central Kashmir), as the Inquiry Officer to investigate the unauthorized absence of Er. Shazia Hassan, Junior Engineer (Civil) from the erstwhile R&B Landscape Division, Srinagar. The officer has been directed to submit a report with recommendations within 15 days, following which administrative action under Article 128 of the J&K Civil Service Regulations will be considered. See Order Copy Click Here. The post Govt Appoints Inquiry Officer for Junior Engineers Absence appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Hassan municipal Commissioner caught taking bribe, Lokayukta police also arrest AEE

The two officials allegedly demanded a bribe of 1.5 lakh to clear a payment of 10.5 lakh to the contractor who did the cleaning work during the Hasanamba festival in Hassan

Discussions will add new vigour to our relations: Rajnath after meeting Maldivian defence minister

NEW DELHI, Jan 8 : India on Wednesday conveyed to the Maldives its readiness to support the island nation in enhancing its defence preparedness as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held fruitful talks with his Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon focusing on maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. In a post on X, Singh said the discussions will add new vigour to India-Maldives relations. The two defence ministers reasserted their firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision [] The post Discussions will add new vigour to our relations: Rajnath after meeting Maldivian defence minister appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rajnath conveys readiness to help Maldives in boosting defence capability

Defence minister Rajnath Singh met Maldives defence minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi, reaffirming India's commitment to enhancing Maldives' defence capabilities. The talks focused on bilateral cooperation and mutual challenges, with Singh highlighting the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR vision. Some defence equipment was handed over, underlining the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

India Ready To Support Maldives in Capability Enhancement: Minister Rajnath Singh

Mr Singh on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting with the visiting defence minister of Maldives Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi. The two defence ministers reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence and security cooperation

India conveys readiness to Maldives to support its capability enhancement for defence preparedness

New Delhi, Jan 8:India on Wednesday conveyed to the Maldives its readiness to support the island nation in boosting its defence preparedness as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted his Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon for wide-ranging talks focusing on maritime security cooperation. In their meeting, the two defence ministers reasserted their firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, according to an Indian readout. Maumoon is on a three-day visit [] The post India conveys readiness to Maldives to support its capability enhancement for defence preparedness appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India Expresses Readiness to Support Maldives' Defence Capability Enhancement

New Delhi: India on Wednesday conveyed to the Maldives its readiness to support the island nation in boosting its defence preparedness as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted his Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon for wide-ranging talks focusing on maritime security cooperation. In their meeting, the two defence ministers reasserted their firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, according to an Indian readout. Maumoon is on a three-day visit to India, nearly eight months after New Delhi completed pulling out its military personnel from the Maldives following a demand by its pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu. The overall episode had significantly frayed the ties between the two nations. The defence ministry said the two ministers comprehensively reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence and security cooperation. During the talks, both sides reasserted the firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, it said. Singh eaffirmed India's readiness to support the Maldives in capability enhancement for defence preparedness, including provisioning of defence platforms and assets to augment its capacities, as per its national priorities and in line with New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the vision of SAGAR, the ministry said. SAGAR stands for Security And Growth for All in the Region.

Maldives has a special place under India's Neighbourhood's First Policy, will continue to support: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions with Maldivian Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi on Wednesday, reaffirming Indias commitment to supporting the Maldives development and defence capabilities. The talks, held against the backdrop of improving relations between the two nations, focused on capacity building, equipment supply, and strategic collaboration. Both sides emphasised their shared vision of ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

Fraudster arrested for impersonating as Govt officer

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 7: Police today arrested a man for impersonating as a Government official and defrauding a woman of Rs 2 lakh by falsely promising to secure the release of her husband, detained in a drug-related case. A police spokesperson said Safiya Riyaz, the wife of Riyaz Ahmad Channa, filed a complaint on January 6, accusing Sadiq Hassan Chaloo, a resident of Shaheedgunj in Srinagar of deceit. The accused falsely claimed to have influence to secure the release [] The post Fraudster arrested for impersonating as Govt officer appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India, Maldives to discuss enhancing capability of the Maldives National Defence Forces

NEW DELHI: In a sign of further improvement in defense ties, the Defense Ministers of India and the Maldives are meeting here on Tuesday to discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation. The Ministry of Defence said that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a bilateral meeting with the Defense Minister of the Maldives, Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon. During the talks, the two Ministers will review various aspects of bilateral defense cooperation, including training, regular exercises, defense projects, workshops, and seminars to enhance the capability of the Maldives National Defence Forces, as well as the supply of defense equipment and stores, the Ministry of Defence said. The Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) have been regular participants in various forums, such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), Goa Maritime Conclave, and Goa Symposium. The forces of both countries hold multiple exercises, including bilateral ones such as Ekuverin and Ekatha, and trilateral exercises, such as Dosti (including Sri Lanka), which are held regularly on mutually decided dates. India and the Maldives share spiritual, historical, linguistic, and ethnic ties. The two nations also share strategic significance. The Maldives occupies a special place in Indias Neighbourhood First policy, which aims to bring stability and prosperity to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Both nations are key players in maintaining the safety and security of the IOR, thus contributing to Indias vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The Defense Minister of the Maldives will be on a three-day visit to India from January 8 to 10. During his stay, he will also visit Goa and Mumbai. Bilateral relations between India and the Maldives had soured with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, before his election win, driving his political campaign on the India Out plank . After his election as president in November 2023, he insisted that Indias troops stationed in the Maldives leave. Subsequently, India withdrew its military personnel in multiple batches. In the past, India had stationed its military personnel to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft in the Maldives, which performed humanitarian and medical evacuation services. These have since been replaced by civilians with the necessary technical expertise. The Maldives is a key maritime neighbor of India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a special place in Indias SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and Neighbourhood First policy. As reported earlier , relations appeared to be improving with the fifth Defense Cooperation Dialogue between India and the Maldives, which took place in New Delhi in September 2024. The Indian delegation was led by Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane, while the Maldivian delegation was headed by the Chief of the Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force, General Ibrahim Hilmy. Indian Military diplomacy in full swing with multinational exercises, bilateral defence talks

Rape Charge Against Ex-BJP Nominee Gym Soma

Bengaluru: A 26-year-old woman alleged rape on her by Somashekar alias Gym Soma who unsuccessfully contested Sakleshpura Assembly seat reserved for Scheduled Castes in Hassan as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee in 2018 and registered a complaint at Ashok Nagar police station in Bengaluru city on Tuesday. The woman alleged that she came into contact with Somashekar through one of her friends and she approached Somashekar for financial help towards her wedding. The victim alleged Somashekar took her from her paying guest accommodation in Bengaluru city to his flat on Langford Road on the assurance to give her the money she had asked from him in October last year. Instead of offering her financial help, Somashekar, she alleged that he made her drunk and then raped her. The woman is said to have asked Somashekar to lend her Rs 6 lakh. Continuing, the women stated, Somashekar threatened her of dire consequences to kill her if she opened her mouth about the incident. Somashekar, the victim alleged, also warned to ruin her reputation if she spoke to others about the incident and to circulate her private photos and videos. Fearing Somashekar, the victim said to kept silent and did not bring the matter to the notice of the police though the alleged rape on her took about three months back. However, she filed a complaint with the Ashok Nagar police and police have begun an investigation. Meanwhile, Somashekar is absconding after the victim filed a police complaint of rape against him. Search is on to trace Somashekar.

Maldives Defence Minister Visits India for Strategic Discussions Starting Tomorrow

Maldives Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon is embarking on a three-day visit to India starting Wednesday, January 8, 2025. This significant trip, aimed at bolstering defence cooperation, will include discussions with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The visit underscores the growing strategic ties between the two nations through a series of high-level engagements in recent months. Focus on Defence Collaboration During their talks in New Delhi, the two ministers will review key areas of bilateral defence cooperation. These include joint training programs, regular military exercises, collaborative defence projects, and workshops designed to enhance the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF). Additionally, Indias supply of defence equipment and stores to the Maldives will also feature prominently in the discussions, according to the Indian Ministry of Defence. Beyond the capital, Minister Maumoon is scheduled to visit Goa and Mumbai, broadening the scope of his engagements during the visit. Recent Diplomatic Momentum This meeting comes shortly after Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel's trip to India from January 24, 2025, where he held extensive discussions with Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The two leaders assessed the progress made on key agreements reached during the October 2024 talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasized Indias steadfast dedication to its relationship with the Maldives, highlighting the island nations pivotal role in Indias Neighbourhood First policy. He also emphasized Indias role as a steadfast partner in the Maldives journey toward progress and prosperity. Key Agreements and Projects In their recent talks, the two countries formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out High-Impact Community Development Projects as part of Phase-III, financed through Indias grant assistance program. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to enhance the Maldives socio-economic development. The October 2024 bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Muizzu further strengthened the partnership, focusing on economic collaboration and maritime security. A critical outcome of these discussions was advancing maritime cooperation, with India pledging support to the Maldives by providing defence platforms and assets to bolster MNDFs operational capabilities. The agreement also includes enhancing surveillance through radar systems and other equipment. Shared Vision for Regional Security India and the Maldives share deep-rooted ties in spiritual, historical, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions. The Maldives plays a pivotal role in Indias vision for regional stability and prosperity under the Neighbourhood First policy. Both countries are vital stakeholders in ensuring safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), aligning with Indias broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). This visit by the Maldives Defence Minister is expected to further cement the partnership, contributing to the shared goal of peace and stability in the region.

J&K Police Arrest Fraudster Posing As Government Official In Srinagar

SRINAGAR, Jan 7: Police in Srinagar have arrested a fraudster who falsely claimed to be a government officer to defraud an individual of a substantial sum of money promising to release a drug peddler detained under drug-related crime, officials said on Tuesday. Police said on January 6, 2025, a complaint was filed by Safiya Riyaz accusing Sadiq Hassan Chaloo, a resident of Shaheedgunj, of impersonating a government officer and defrauding her of Rs 2 lakh. The accused person falsely claimed [] The post J&K Police Arrest Fraudster Posing As Government Official In Srinagar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SWR invites tenders for final location survey of Hassan-Mangaluru new rail line

Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta wants the railways to explore a new route as the existing line has operational constraints

Kerala man arrested for sexually harassing girl on Karnataka bus

Incident reportedly occurred on the bus proceeding from Ernakulam to Hassan in Karnataka via Kozhikode before dawn

Where was Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah killed by Israel? Close aide reveals SHOCKING details

Nasrallah had led Hezbollah for 32 years, transforming it into a powerful political and militant force in Lebanon and a key adversary of Israel

Congress scrambles to erase speculation about internal leadership struggle in party

UDF convener M.M. Hassan says some quarters are wilfully misinterpreting invitations extended to Congress leaders by social and religious organisations as a ticket to a possible Chief Ministership when the front comes to power in 2026

Where was Hassan Nasrallah killed? Aide details the shocking details of Hezbollah leaders death

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2023, in an underground war operations room in Beirut. The attack, which also claimed five other lives, led to a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. While a ceasefire was brokered by the US in late November, tensions persist, with Hezbollah threatening further strikes if Israeli forces fail to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the end of January.

Christmas Gold Cup Football: Pegasus FC, Nagrota FC emerge winners

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 4: In the ongoing 18th Christmas Gold Cup Football Tournament 2024-25 at Mini Stadium Parade Ground, Jammu, today the first match was played between Pegasus FC and Surankot FC and the Pegasus FC won the match by 5-4 via Tie-Breaker. Goals were scored by Arjun, Mahi, Ahassan, Sarmad and Vishal of Pegasus FC while for Surankot FC, the goals were scored by Ayan, Umar, Dawood and Yasir. The second match was played between Nagrota FC [] The post Christmas Gold Cup Football: Pegasus FC, Nagrota FC emerge winners appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

CM Revanth Reddy to Inaugurate Aramghar Flyover

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will inaugurate the Aramghar flyover, the second longest in the city, on Monday. The 4.04-km flyover is bi-directional with six lanes. The longest flyover in the city is the 11-km PVNR Expressway. The Aramghar flyover, costing Rs 736 crore, connects Aramghar to the Nehru Zoological Park. It is intended to ease traffic flow at six major junctions Aramghar, Shastripuram, Kalapathar, Darul Uloom, Shivrampally and Hassannagar.

Woman arrested for attacking youth in Hassan

Another techie suicide: Karnataka man jumps into river amid marital issues

Hassan: Close on the heels of the sensational Atul Subhash suicide case in Bengaluru on December 9 over alleged harassment by his wife, followed by the suicide of a policeman on December 13 and that of a cafe owner in New Delhi on December 31, an incident of a software professional committing suicide over alleged 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 .

Engineer, who went missing, found dead in Hemavathi backwaters in Hassan

From Navalnys Tragedy to Trumps Return: 2024s Key Events

From the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to the abrupt collapse of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assads regime, heres a look back at the defining events of 2024. The Death of Alexei Navalny In February, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in prison, according to a statement from Russias state prison service. Navalny, who had been imprisoned since 2021 following a near-fatal poisoning attempt, lost consciousness and could not be revived. The Kremlins claim that Navalny died from a combination of diseases was vehemently rejected by his widow and supporters. Many believed his death was orchestrated by the Russian state to silence its most prominent critic. Navalnys death sparked massive protests in Moscow, where thousands chanted anti-war slogans and demanded an end to Vladimir Putins regime. His posthumous memoir, Patriot , released eight months later, revealed the resilience that prison cells designed to break him could not extinguish. AIs Leap into the Mainstream Artificial Intelligence saw unprecedented growth in 2024, with large language models like OpenAIs ChatGPT, Googles Gemini, and Microsofts Copilot reaching new levels of sophistication. These advancements raised questions about the future of work, copyright laws, and ethical AI use. Major publishers, including the Financial Times and Le Monde , struck deals with AI companies over content usage for model training. Meanwhile, the European Unions Artificial Intelligence Act set a global precedent by establishing clear legal frameworks for AI applications. Renewed Protests in Georgia Georgias capital, Tbilisi, saw waves of protests in 2024. Demonstrators opposed a controversial foreign agents law resembling Russias, which stifles civil society. Tensions escalated after Octobers parliamentary elections, where the ruling Georgian Dream partys victory was marred by allegations of voter intimidation and fraud. The government further inflamed tensions by pausing Georgias EU accession process until 2028. Protests turned violent, with daily clashes between demonstrators and police, culminating in the controversial appointment of a far-right loyalist as president. Ukraines Bold Kursk Offensive August saw Ukraine launch a daring counteroffensive into Russias Kursk region, marking the first foreign incursion on Russian soil since World War II. Ukrainian forces captured significant territory, prompting Moscow to evacuate 200,000 civilians and declare a state of emergency. The offensive diverted Russian troops from Ukraines eastern front, disrupting Kremlin strategies. By November, Kyivs gains had been partially reversed, but the operation highlighted Russias vulnerabilities. Lebanon Caught in Conflict Lebanon was dragged into the Israel-Gaza conflict after a series of unprecedented attacks on Hezbollah in September. Explosions targeting the groups members and infrastructure escalated into full-scale war. Israeli airstrikes devastated Hezbollahs strongholds, killing its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and displacing thousands. The conflict ended in November after a ceasefire, but not before more than 3,000 lives were lost, leaving Lebanon in turmoil. Trumps White House Comeback Donald Trump secured a dramatic return to the presidency, narrowly defeating Kamala Harris after Joe Biden stepped down as the Democratic candidate. Trumps campaign overcame an assassination attempt and capitalized on economic frustrations, reclaiming swing states lost in 2020. His victory marked the first time since 1892 that a former president was reelected after losing a bid for a second term. ICCs Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials, citing war crimes in Gaza. Netanyahus world shrank as 124 ICC member states were obligated to arrest him if he entered their territories. The move intensified debates over international justice and accountability. Romanias Controversial Election Romanias presidential race was upended when far-right candidate Calin Georgescus first-round win was annulled amid allegations of Russian interference. Social media platforms like TikTok came under scrutiny for failing to prevent disinformation campaigns. The annulment and subsequent EU investigation underscored the growing challenges of safeguarding democracy in the digital age. South Koreas Brief Martial Law In December, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a bid to suppress political opposition, but the move backfired spectacularly. Parliament defied Yoon, overturning his declaration within hours. The president was subsequently impeached and now faces charges of insurrection. The Fall of Bashar al-Assad Syrias civil war took a dramatic turn as rebel forces ousted Bashar al-Assad. A coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham seized Aleppo and marched on Damascus. With Russia preoccupied in Ukraine and Iran distracted by regional conflicts, Assad fled to Russia, leaving Syria in the hands of rebel factions tasked with rebuilding a devastated nation.

Newsmakers Of 2024: Bumrah's Magic, Bhavish's Billion Dollar Joke, Fadnavis' Return And More

The year 2024 will be remembered as the one that took us back to pre-pandemic era as well as showed us post-pandemic boom. The year of intense electioneering, stock market boom kept Indians busy. On one hand there were shocking civic cases and toxic comments while on the other there were stories of euphoria from the world of sports. Here are our picks for the newsmakers of 2024. Tripti Dimri: National Crush Crushes Nepotism Winning the IMDBs most popular Indian star of 2024 is only an icing on the top of a spectacular year for this Uttarakhand-born actress. She starred in almost every second talked-about movie this year from Bad Newzz to Bhool Bhulaiyya 3 to Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. She also starred with every top star from Vicky Kaushal to Karthik Aryan to Rajkumar Rao. Almost all her song sequences have gone viral on Instagram this year. Netizens lovingly nicknamed her national crush and Bhabhi 2 after the role in Animal. The rise of the actress who was known for her breakout roles earlier in Bulbul and Qala, is a statement in itself. She proved that its not only nepotism that brings new faces onto the screen. Moreover, she is one of the few actors who impresses viral video makers as well as critics. Chandrababu Naidu: Liquor & Laddoos One of the kingmakers of election 2024, Chandrababu Naidu, was crowned twice over this year. His coalition swept general and assembly elections dethroning his predecessor Jagan Reddy by a vast majority to become the CM again. But, Naidu has his work cut out. He is tasked to rebuild the newly-minted state from scratch after Reddy undid a lot of his decisions. He himself faced jail and incarceration during the Reddy era. Like Nitish Kumar, he too took a U-turn back to NDA in a now-common three-way coalition with BJP and actor Pavan Kalyans Janasena. Naidus win which has changed the dynamics of Telugu states overnight, came with many expected and unexpected turns. Amaravati became the states capital again, and boosted state revenues with a new liquor policy which looks to establish liquor malls amongst other things. He also raked up a controversy by bringing a lab report alleging that animal fat was used to make Tirupati laddoos . Bhavish Aggarwal: A Billion Dollar 'Joke' Olas Bhavish Aggarwal kicked off 2024 with good news his other startup Krutrim AI turned a unicorn. His good fortune didnt stop there. His EV startup Ola Electric raised a whopping Rs 6,145 crore, landing him a personal windfall of over Rs 270 crore. He was moving fast from cabs to electric scooters to artificial intelligence, quickly and decisively. All was well for the first three quarters of the year until Indias sharpest tongue Kunal Kamra cracked a joke on after-sales service of his scooters. It was Aggarwals response, rather than Kamras tweet, that attracted enough attention to crash the recent debutants shares. The war of words had been ongoing ever since, making Aggarwal join the list of startup boys who have been branded as brash by some and risk-taking by others. 2024 In Sports: India's T20 WC Win, Gukesh's Chess Triumph, Nadal's Retirement And More Gukesh D: The Grand Darling Of Two States Not over water, not over funds this time, Andhra and Tamil Nadu CMs fought over where does Gukesh Dommaraju belong to. Gukesh Dommaraju, the Telugu-speaking boy born and brought up in Tamil Nadu became the youngest world chess champion at all of 18 years. Garry Kasprov held the title when he was 22. The nerve-wracking winning game against Chinas Ding Liren, was touted to end in a draw. After playing for four hours, the game turned on the 55th move. Gukesh beat his opponent, with one more pawn than his opponent Liren. He also graciously applauded his opponent after the latter conceded his title in a press conference giving us a glimpse of the grandmasters grace. Gukeshs win added a glimmer to the spectacular showing of the Indian team at the 45th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad in Budapest this year. Both the male and female squad won the gold, which also included Gukesh, and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa amongst others. Nitish Kumar: The Kingmaker Of Alliances The patriarch of Bihar and JD(U) supremo has always been in the news for his many alliances and flip-flops over the years. The leader who helped form the INDIA bloc earlier raised eyebrows as he joined hands with ruling NDA. But he made the right bet at the right time, as JD(U) swept the polls helping NDA hit the much needed majority. The CM now embarks on another journey with a yatra to woo voters for the upcoming assembly elections next year. He kickstarted a Mahila Samwad Yatra to understand the problems of women and make necessary policies to aid them. In spite of a sweep in recent bypolls, the assembly elections might be a tough battle due to opposition Rashtriya Janata Dals high decibel criticisms as well as the fledgling political outfit floated by ace poll strategist Prashant Kishor. Diljit Dosanjh: The Globe-Trotting Chamkila Jat Missed out on Coldplay tickets? Do not be disappointed. Another global star has a set of concerts across Indian cities our own son-of-the-soil Diljit Dosanj. After kicking off his Dil-illuminati tour down under, he sailed from Vancouver to Dusseldorf to London O2 Arena dishing out his chart-topping G.O.A.T and Born to Shine. His warm gestures put the dil in Dil-illuminati. Not only did he stop his Germany concert to pay a tribute to Ratan Tata on his demise, he also candidly admitted to a Canadian news crew that his broken English and his shall-be and will-bes should be excused. Sporting a kurta , lungi and a beautiful pagdi in all white, he rocked Jimmy Fallons Tonight Show and also taught him how to Oye. Dosanjh also gave us a taste of his acting chops when paid a tribute to Elvis of Punjab an assassinated singer of the 80s, in the movie Amar Singh Chamkila. It was also the first time he was seen without his turban. In 2024, he did the unthinkable for many captured the screen and stage with equal elan. 2024 Hits The Right Notes: Ed Sheeran, Diljit Dosanjh, Dua Lipa And Maroon 5 Lead Concert Craze Jasprit Bumrah: India Belives In 'Jassi Bhai' Arguably the best fast bowler of his generation, Jasprit Bumrah carried the burden of Team India in 2024, capping it with a stellar performance in the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In the prestigious series, Bumrah has already taken 30 wickets at a miserly average of 12.83 runs per wicket. For the year, his strike rate is 14.92, striking every 30.1 balls. No bowler in the history of Test cricket has better average or strike rate in a calendar year. The man with the unorthodox action bagged the most Test wickets, 71, in 2024, taking him to the top of ICC bowler ranking. To put this in context, the next best was England's Gus Atkinson, who had 52 scalps. There is a reason, his teammate, Mohammad Siraj made the famous quip, I'm only believe on Jassi Bhai... Mamta Banerjee: Death Of A Doctor A lot can go wrong when the chief minister of a state holds two or more portfolios home and health ministries. And, it did go wrong for Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee when a young doctor was subjected to a horrific rape. As anger-inducing as the act was, the shocking allegations of coverup, the messed up handling of the situation made people seethe more. All hell broke loose for the CM, as the doctors went on a long-standing protest demanding justice. It also exposed the flimsy security standards of hospitals as well as the flippant attitude of the law enforcement. So much so, she had to take to the streets as a part of the protest where holds the numero uno position. Who is she protesting against, most people questioned, as political analysts claimed she painted herself into a corner. Despite many requests by the CM, the doctors refused to end the stir, resulting in many more deaths in hospitals all of which she was again blamed for. Salman Khan: Shootout At Bandra For a long time, most people assumed that the Bhai of Bollywood Salman Khan needed bodyguards only to stop the many fans whod accost him. Thats only until April this year, when two gunmen fired shots at his house in Bandra. The Bishnoi gang is known to be involved in the attempt, as a retaliation of the 1990s blackcase killing case that Khan was involved in. Even as Khan has been given Y+ security right after, he and the police have been inundated with escalating threats to life. Apart from random individuals issuing threats, a few fans breaking security have been taking advantage of the situation rattling the system. The murder of Khans friend and confidant and NCP leader Baba Siddique didnt help either. Khans fans have been expecting much more from him this year. After all, he had quit being the Big Boss after ten years, for movies. But the actor who played Bodyguard is now busy guarding his own life. From Daily Grub to Luxury Sparkle: Indias 2024 Quick-Commerce Cart in a Nutshell Lawrence Bishnoi: Underbelly Of The Underworld For a lot of GenZs and young millennials, the underworld is what they see in retro movies of the 80s and 90s. A young law aspirant turned gangster has changed it all. At just 31, Lawrence Bishnoi alias Balkaran Brar, is known to have over 75 cases registered against him from murders to armed encounters with police. Allegedly, he runs his 700-people strong crime syndicate from the comfort of his jail in Gujarat. Apart from murder of politician Baba Siddique, and threats to actor Salman Khan, he is also known to be involved in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022. His syndicate is also known to be connected with pro-Khalistani cause, and has a shooter network abroad too across Canada, Australia and more. Whats more unnerving is that his story is also eerily similar to that of Indias Most Wanted, Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar. Apart from both being sons of policemen, their terrorist associations aided their rise, as well as rise in crime in India. D Y Chandrachud: The Minority Report The rockstar chief justice of the Supreme Court retired this year, not before leading it through some iconic judgments. In 2024, SC called for the carving out a creamy layer to be excluded from the Scheduled Caste quota for jobs and education. The Harvard-educated jurist was also a part of a bench which unanimously struck down the electoral bonds scheme which allows political donors to remain shrouded in anonymity. Chandrachud also emphasized on Bail is the rule, jail is the exception, in India where trials take years to start if not conclude. But this year, he had to face the wrath of the trolls, after his comments on the Babri Masjid case judgement delivered in 2019. He said that he asked God for a solution, leaving many netizens confused, shocked and even angry. Chandrachud had his moments too. In a rare show of heart, he provided relief to a dalit IIT aspirants admission as he missed the fee deadline by a whisker. After all, 2024 is also the year the Lady Justice statue was updated without blindfolds, and a book instead of a sword. Shalini Passi: Fancy & Fabulous Delhi Wife This lady from Delhi has done the unthinkable. She beat Bollywood-adjacent Riddhima Kapoor (endorsed by her star brother Ranbir Kapoor); and the impeccably-dressed former Dior executive Kalyani Chawla to become the most fabulous new Delhi wife of the reality show. Its not that she is without quirks. Her singing lessons, drunken giggles and insistence that her team follow her during holidays to arrange her meals left many in awe. Her elaborate sartorial sense and the oddly-shaped purses too caught netizen fancy. But the rich, art-loving wife of an auto baron, refuses to apologise for her lifestyle and choices. Yet, its her nonchalance and graceful bearing of smirks, guffaws and constant criticism of her fellow wives that earned her respect and admiration. If Passi and her show manages to kill the ever-lasting Saas Bahu serial era, then a lot of men and GenZs would venerate her too. Piramal Pharma To M&M: ICICI Securities Shares Top Stock Picks For 2025 Anna Sebastian Perayil: No One Killed This Anna What happens when a young and brilliant 26-year-old suddenly passes away. Isnt constant overworking and stress that killed her, a crime in itself? What started as a dream job for CA Anna Perayil ended in tragedy as she was working inhumane hours experiencing anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress soon after joining. Her heart finally gave away. Lakhs of Indians questioned themselves, social media trolled organizations and a lot more happened after Annas mother Anita Augustine wrote a heart wrenching letter to her daughters bosses. Her subdued anguish, the bare facts as she spoke of how none of her colleagues even attended her funeral hit the right nerves. Not only did she receive an avalanche of support, almost everyone shared their experiences with toxic bosses. And, almost everyone who has ever held a job, had at least one. Anita hoped her childs experiences would lead to real change so that no other family has to endure the grief and trauma we are going through. Yet, startup and veteran leaders continue to harp on the virtues of 70-hour workdays. Superstar Vijay: Tamil Nadus New Thalapathy Indias two biggest superstars made no waves in the Tamil political arena. While Rajnikanth backed away before entering, Kamal Hassans Makkal Needi Maiyam made no mark. The state seems to need a break from the two party rule Amma-less Anna DMK and the ruling DMK. The youngest of Tamil superstars, Vijay (who nowhere looks his 50 years) decided to enter the arena. Aiming to contest for the 2026 assembly elections, he announced his party symbol and colours. If his rally in Vikravandi is anything to go by, support wont be hard to come. Around 3 lakh supporters braved the heat to listen to him speak. He exuded as much charm as he did on screen, confidently and categorically spoke on controversial issues like opposing medical entrance NEET and Waqf Bill. Vijay clearly spoke of his socialist ideology insisting that they shouldnt shrink themselves to either Dravidian or Tamil Nationalism. They are two eyes of this soil, he said, paving the way to a sea of change. Sunita Williams: Stuck In Space Only her first name connects her to India, but Sunita Williams, the US-born former Navy officer and astronaut has inspired many back here. This summer, Williams and her colleague Barry Butch Wimore went to the international space station for an eight-day trip. But a leak in the Starliner had made them extend the stay. Recently, they completed six months, and informed the world that they had their freeze-dried mashed potatoes and more for Thanksgiving. Theyre expected to be back early next year. Williams visible weight loss, as seen in the videos, has sparked concern for her wellbeing. As she stays on in space, WIlliams has been experiencing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets a day as the station rotates the earth every 90 minutes. She and her colleague have been collecting data from the centre making the most of their stay. The astronaut of Slovenian and Indian roots, had once famously carried samosa and sausage with her during one of her many trips. She holds the record for the most spacewalks in the world and the world is praying for her to land back to gravity, safely. Stock Of The Day: Adani Flagship's Recovery Sets Stage For Stock To Become Top Nifty Performer In 2025 Karan Johar: Koffee With A Shot Of Serum There is nothing in common between a vaccine maker and a movie maker until this year. Movie producer Karan Johar made his boldest move ever, by monetizing his stake in his production house. He sold 50% in Dharma for a whopping Rs 1,000 crore to Serum Institutes Adar Poonawala, who is known to be worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore. Coincidentally, the pandemic which broke the back of many production houses, was a dream year for Poonawala. His wealth surged exponentially as he provided Covid vaccine to most of India and others. The recent cash injection also seems to have altered Johars approach to movie making. The production house was earlier known for ostentatious sets and foreign locales; had produced magnum opuses like Bramhastra. Johar admitted that the real money is in mid-budget movies, and would look at funding movies in-house for more profits. Johars move has prompted many production houses to look at raising funds, in order to fit in with the changing reality of movies in the OTT era. Devendra Fadnavis: Bhaus Big Comeback When he had to resign as the CM within days after intense political Maha CM drama in 2019, Devendra Fadnavis made a famous prediction. Maha Vikas Aghadi, a combination of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP is a three-wheeler which will soon derail. He made his prediction come true in 2022, when Sena as well as NCP was broken to make way for a new three-way coalition Eknath Shindes Sena, Ajit Pawars NCP and unbroken BJP. This alliance never broke, and also won the peoples mandate in the 2024 election. Fadnavis who conceded CM post to Dharmaveer Shinde after the coup, has now back in the hotseat. Even as he is only 54, he is an old hat and a seasoned player. He entered politics early in life. At the age when most people are busy writing their CVs for first jobs, he became a corporator of the city of Nagpur at 22. He became its youngest mayor at 27. Fadnavis however is more popular for his dedication to upgrading the infrastructure of the state as well as Mumbai. His bold decisions on the Aarey Metro, his aggressive push for river-linking and rainwater harvesting, superhighways and mining projects in naxal hit areas have earned him the title of infra man. In his third term, he is expected to drive faster change more decisively. Top Geopolitical Events Of 2024: Trumps Return, Modis Third Term, Middle-East Tensions And More Rishabh Pant: Capital To Super Giant The hottest commodity sold in Jeddah this year is not the Arabian oil but Indian batsman Rishabh Pant. Pant became the most expensive IPL player ever sold at a record Rs 27 crore. Lucknow Super Giants bagged the player, outbidding Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Delhi Capitals released their captain from the franchise this year, landing the bounty on Lucknow team. Pant also made a successful comeback to the game this year, after a lengthy recovery phase, following a car accident in 2022. He brought his best back in Test matches this year, as he broke the record with his 36-ball fifty against New Zealand in Mumbai this year. Over the years, his many successful sixth and seventh wicket partnerships has given the Indian team the much needed middle order strength. Allu Arjun: Arrested Accomplishments An unapologetic sandalwood smugglers story from temple-town Tirupati has stirred the masses from North India to North America. Long before his Pushas fire-not-flower act, Allu Arjun has been popular with non-Telugu audiences in Kerala. But with Pushpa 2, he went national with critics and crowds alike as he won the national award for the first film of the franchise. The movie, which generated a lot of buzz, allowed theatre owners to increase ticket prices a rare occurrence in the streaming era. As expected, the movie released in December, continues to chug along, crossing $10 million in North America. Yet, its not all celebrations at the Arjuns family. The actor was arrested from his home, after an incident at a Hyderabad theatre caused the death of a lady who was a part of the premiere. Though released immediately on bail, he joined the list of movie actors with FIRs against their name a rarity for South actors. Chess Olympiad Winners: Indias Master Strokes After a successful moon landing last year, another notable event showcased Indias brilliance to the world. A team of Indian players shined at the 45th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad in Budapest this year. Gukesh D, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Harikrishna Pentala, Srinath Narayanan, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev created history as they bagged team gold medals in women and mens competitions. The Indian team also ostensibly walked off with four individual gold medals. Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand also received praise for his role in nurturing a generation of players. Legendary chess player Garry Kasparov praised Team India too. A very impressive double gold achievement by India. Vishys children are all grown up, and chess is coming home, he said. BSE, NSE Holiday List 2025: Check Stock Market Holiday Calendar Here . 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