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There was a subtle poise on stage as a danseuse with delicate features described the beauty of a lotus in bloom. Her movements gathered pace gradually, building into a swiftness that reflected in her precise footwork. All the while, her expressions balanced with the speed of her moves and never wavered from the imagined lotus held gently in her hands. The performance garnered her applause, and it was also widely featured on social media reels. The balance of emotions, even while showcasing the technical prowess of the artform, demanded a kind of balance that seemed as effortless as a flower blooming. Meera had perfected this not just through her practice but by the way she made Bharatanatyam her forever and ever since her late teenage years. Now, in her early 30s,Meera Sreenarayananlives in Mumbai. She has emerged as a rising star in the Bharatanatyam circle. However, as a four-year-old in Guruvayur, she had no art legacy to claim when she was inducted into dancing, in a state where art is mainly studied for competitions and showmanship. My parents had a different vision. I did begin learning the conventional way, but slowly grew exasperated and wanted to understand and imbibe the essence. My parents had taught me to treat every education in this way. Dance was never an extracurricular; it was an everyday affair, she says. Her early training reflected this. Meera began her lessons in Mohiniyattam with Akshara Mohandas and in Kuchipudi with Geeta Padmakumar, alongside her Bharatanatyam classes with RLV Anand. But Bharatanatyam was the language I identified with more, she recalls. Her interest grew as she approached her late teens. I felt I had to unlearn many things if I wanted to go deep, she recalls. That need for deeper study eventually led her to Chennai and to Kalakshetra, where she trained under Nirmala Nagaraj. This marked a turning point. Thats where my real lessons in balance began, she says. While pursuing a Physics degree at Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur, Meera travelled to Chennai every weekend. Two days were devoted entirely to dance; the train became her study room. Initially, many, including my guru, were unsure whether it would work. But it did. Now even I wonder how, she smiles, recalling. Meeras professional dance journey took a positive turn there, and her academics did tooshe graduated as the topper of her university. My parents have told me that if there is a will, there is always a way. Their grooming stuck, Meera analyses. Her family then moved to Chennai so that Meera could concentrate and progress better in her dance. However, she did not leave her academics behind and pursued a postgraduation in Physics from the Womens Christian College, where she topped her course, again. She also completed an MA in Bharatanatyam from the University of Madras. By then, her art had reached a precision that her guru sensed as best. She told me not to ask when I can perform, in the beginning. I began with the basics, from tattadavu . In about a year and a half, she asked me to apply for the Spirit of Youth competition in the Music Academy. I won it and began performing. She took away from my body all that I had learnt so far. It was humbling. I still carry the idea of manodharma instilled in me by RLV Anand sir, but Nirmala teacher helped me unlearn, she recalls. After marriage, Meera shifted to Mumbai but continued her pursuit with equal determination, this time travelling to Bengaluru to learn under guru Indira Kadambi. She taught me the joy of dancing, says Meera. The result is visible today an abhinaya that stays alive even through complex footwork, a balance honed through the basics Nirmala teacher instilled and the freedom to dance that Indira teacher opened up. There were several other inner journeys, too, that she undertook. Dance is never a separate thing for me. And it is not just the movements; even its thought is dancing. When I was pregnant with my first child, I danced till my eighth month. Those were the Covid days, and most of my performances were online. I took to Kalaripayattu after my frist preganancy to bring myself back to active dancing. The dancing continued during my second pregnancy, two years later. And during my rest period after pregnancy, I kept the dance on---this time, in my mind, says Meera. See, pregnancy is not a sickness. I did some modifications, like avoiding jumps or jerky moves, to suit my comfort. While sitting in the Aramandi position (the half-sitting posture in Bharatanatyam), I would keep my feet positioned in a V shape rather than the fully spread-out way. In fact, Aramandi is an excellent posture to practise during the phase. In the postpartum period, especially after her second child was born, Meera struggled with a back issue. Diligent practice of yoga, Bharatanatyam adavus and strength training put her back on track. Her travel for dance continues.Only now, they are to stages in India and abroad with her lecture demonstrations and productions such as Harinie, Akansha and Hantha Bhagyam Jananam. It is again a race to balance again; with two kids whom I have to look after, she chuckles, remembering all the balancing acts she has done for dance since her teenage years. Meera has plans for maybe a PhD in Physics when my kids grow up. But dance would be my forever. Life has now begun to aid my dance. I draw on my individual experiences in my abhinaya and club it with my technical skills. It is again a balance, and I dont know how balance has always happened in my dance, she concludes.
KOCHI: In a significant boost to Indias defence manufacturing ambitions, Kochi-based SFO Technologies has secured a high-value contract from Thales for the production of complex wired structures for the RBE2 AESA Radar fitted on Indian Rafale fighter aircraft. The contract, which pertains specifically to the manufacture of advanced wired structures, marks an important milestone in Thales Make in India roadmap for the localisation of critical Rafale sub-systems. The order follows Indias recent procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy and reinforces the growing role of Indian companies in global defence supply chains. Noida-based Thales said the agreement reflects its long-standing partnership with SFO Technologies across multiple defence and aerospace programmes, and its commitment to building indigenous capabilities in India. The scope of work under the partnership spans precision machining, assembly and wiring, electronics and microelectronics, and complex system integrationareas where SFO has developed strong expertise over the past three decades. This partnership with SFO Technologies reflects our steadfast commitment to the Make in India initiative, said Philippe Knoche, senior executive vice president (operations and performance), Thales. Through decades of strong local collaborations, we have consistently invested in building indigenous capabilities and fostering world-class expertise within the Indian ecosystem. N Jehangir, chairman and managing director of SFO Technologies, said the company was proud to contribute to the Rafale programme in India. We are honoured by Thales continued trust. Deploying new expertise in the Indian ecosystem while contributing to Rafale equipment production is a matter of pride for us. Quality and punctuality will remain our top priorities, he said. Industry sources noted that several reports had incorrectly described the agreement as a radar contract. Clarifying the scope, the companies said the order is strictly limited to the wired structures of the RBE2 radar, a technically demanding sub-system that plays a vital role in the radars performance. Headquartered in Kochi, SFO Technologiespart of the NeST Groupoperates 22 factories worldwide and employs over 8,000 people, supplying mission-critical systems to the defence, aerospace, space and healthcare sectors. For Keralas technology and manufacturing ecosystem, the contract underscores Kochis growing footprint in high-end defence production aligned with Indias self-reliance goals.
'Protect the match-winner': Ex-India batter warns on Bumrah workload
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa has cautioned India to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah's workload due to his explosive pace and demanding action, highlighting him as a crucial but physically vulnerable asset. Despite disruptions, the T20I series has seen India's dominance, with South Africa showing competitiveness but inconsistency. Both Uthappa and Dale Steyn praised India's young batting talent.
Why Government School Teachers In Karnataka Are Paying For Eggs In Midday Meals
In Puttur, a teacher says children often come back holding their plates, asking softly if there is a banana that day. The request is never demanding. Saying no feels impossible.
Opposition MPs Protest March in Parliament, Seek Rollback of G RAM G Bill
NEW DELHI, Dec 18: Several opposition Members of Parliament on Thursday staged a protest march inside the Parliament House complex, demanding withdrawal of the governments G RAM G Bill, which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Carrying photographs of Mahatma Gandhi and marching behind a large banner reading Mahatma [] The post Opposition MPs Protest March in Parliament, Seek Rollback of G RAM G Bill appeared first on Northlines .
LIVE | Winter Session Day 14: Parliament to take up discussions on Delhi pollution, VB-G RAM G Bill
The Lok Sabha is expected to discuss air pollution in Delhi-NCR under Rule 193, on the 14th day of the Winter Session. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K Kanimozhi and Bansuri Swaraj are to participate in the discussion. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is to reply to the debate on the VB-G RAM G Bill and move the bill for passage. Earlier on Wednesday, the Lok Sabha passed the SHANTI Bill and Rajya Sabha took up the discussion on the VB-G RAM G Bill and the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025. The Lower House also passed the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025, which seeks to scrap 71 outdated laws. Coal ban hurting livelihoods in Meghalaya, says NPP MP Khalukhi NPP MP Wanweiroy Khalukhi on Wednesday flagged the adverse fallout of the coal ban in Meghalaya, saying it has severely impacted peoples right to earn a livelihood. He further added the restrictions have also led to a sharp drop in the States revenue and urged the Centre to step in with measures to support those affected and stabilise the region's economy. Question Hour commences in Lok Sabha INDIA bloc hold protest against the VB-G RAM G Bill on Parliament complex INDIA bloc MPs, including TMC, hold a march from the Gandhi statue to Makkar Dwar in protest against the VB-G RAM G Bill. Opposition MPs took out a protest march inside the Parliament House complex against the government's G RAM G bill, demanding its withdrawal. https://t.co/p3onFIgldk @bhadrakali20 pic.twitter.com/67zrHad9pU The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) December 18, 2025 Both Houses begin session
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No truck with Ajits NCP in BMC polls over Malik: BJP
MUMBAI: The BJP said on Wednesday that it will not have a tie-up with its MahaYuti ally NCP for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as Deputy CM Ajit Pawars party has named Nawab Malik, an accused in a money laundering case linked to gangster Dawood Ibrahims aides, as the poll in-charge. We have been opposing Nawab Malik who faces serious charges related to money laundering and underworld links with Haseena Parker. Malik cannot be endorsed by the BJP, senior BJP minister Ashish Shelar said. The NCP, however, said the party will contest BMC election under Maliks leadership. Malik on Wednesday held a meeting with his party leaders in Mumbai and submitted a plan to Ajit Pawar, demanding at least 50 seats in BMC if NCP remains a part of MahaYuti alliance in Mumbai. An NCP leader close to Malik said Ajit Pawar is firm on contesting the BMC election on Maliks leadership. We have decided not to buckle under the pressure of the BJP and change the party leader for the BMC polls. BJP cannot interfere in our internal decision-making. If they have objections, the NCP will fight on its own, but no change is likely to happen, he said. Ajit Pawar will decide on whether the party should continue with Malik or replace him to facilitate alliance with the BJP in Mumbai, he added. A political observer said that Malik as NCP in-charge for BMC polls is tricky for the BJP because it wants to consolidate its Hindutva vote bank against the Thackeray brothers. Maliks daughter, Sana Malik, is an NCP MLA, and she is in power in the MahaYuti alliance. BJP has no issue with Maliks daughter allying with BJP, then why it started hating Malik on the eve of BMC polls? It is only for the election and Hindutva politics, said the observer.
Pantones Colour of the Year is usually a global signal, a preview of what shades people may gravitate towards. But 2026s pick, a billowy, balanced white called Cloud Dancer, feels unusually intimate. It arrives at a moment suspended between overstimulation and exhaustion, a shade that feels like a welcoming, clean canvas amid complex times marked by grim, jarring notes. This years choice belongs to a different lineage one probably shaped by burnout, minimalism, and the craving for sensory relief. From an artistic point of view, Jitha Karthikeyan, visual artist, curator and art writer, shares, As an artist, I have always seen shades of white as colours that symbolise calmness and minimalism. Pantones Colour of the Year Cloud Dancer is the perfect choice for 2026, in my opinion. Echoing the thought of many consumers like Jitha, the institutions note announcing the colour states, The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences. After years of shades that asked us to feel something, this one simply asks us to pause and breathe. The reveal, however, split the internet instantly. Reactions swung from this is just laundry white to allegations of white supremacy. Actor and designer Poornima Indrajith was surprised when she first saw the announcement. Coming off a year that tilted toward maximalism, she feels the shift will test the industry. The designers here engage at multiple levels with the global markets. Hence, there is a growing pressure to translate local material cultures into a language that global fashion systems recognise. These often short lived trends can sometimes act as a bridge, but they rarely emerge from our countrys own textile histories or craft logics. For creative director, designer, and artist, Purushu Arie, the effect of these colours have an impact beyond the fashion industry. He says, Indian palettes are shaped by local materials, craft, labour, climate, culture and history, not by seasonal abstraction of aesthetics. The challenge is finding a balance between participating in global conversations and staying rooted, without allowing one to dilute the other. Chennai is one of the cities where these fashion trends do not usually have a direct impact. Purushu adds, Chennai does not operate on the same fashion timeline as global capitals. It is shaped far more by its cultural memory, climate, and everyday pragmatism than by runway-driven trends. Western fashion movements typically reach Delhi and Mumbai long before they make their way into Chennais streets, and even then, they are absorbed selectively. Even so, Poornima sees an advantage: Indian wardrobes, unlike Western ones, rarely confine themselves to a single trendy colour. We Indians are quite conditioned to colours. Our wardrobe is blessed with not having to stick to any particular shade even if thats the colour trend and thats a saving grace for designers, she smiles. Drawing connections to the city, Purushu says, Chennai may not be conventionally fashion forward, but it has a strong sense of individualism and personal style. Purushu Arie, creative director, designer, and artist I see the Pantone Colour of the Year as part of a larger system where trends are manufactured and circulated by institutions that benefit from constant renewal. Once a colour (or trend) is announced, it moves quickly across industries. Forecasting reports, branding exercises, retail collections, interiors, and social media all begin echoing the same choice. There is an unspoken pressure to align with it in order to appear relevant, informed, or market aware. The power lies less in the colour itself and more in the powerful institutions naming it. When enough platforms repeat the same narrative, it begins to feel natural, even inevitable. Over time, that repetition creates the illusion of collective agreement. In that sense, it quietly demonstrates how consent is manufactured without anyone needing to be forced. Stylist and creator Veena Surendran reads the pick as a reset point the colour you reach for when the mind craves clarity in stillness. Its versatility lies in how it brightens soft warm complexions, balances muted undertones and even suits high-contrast features. That adaptability makes it not loud innovation, but quiet evolution. It leans naturally gender-neutral, opening space for structured co-ords for men, fluid drapes for women, and minimalist unisex silhouettes where form and texture do the talking. Veena believes the shade is far more intuitive than its online reputation suggests. Our climate has always favoured breathable whites, she notes. And this softer tone lifts the complexion rather than washing it out, especially against warm-neutral undertones common across the country. To keep it compelling, she recommends combinations like linen with raw silk, matte cotton with organza, tone-on-tone embroidery. Going beyond fashion Artist Shalini Menon sees the colour as a blank canvas that invites exploration. The shade, she says, opens up a lot of opportunities and possibilities. In a world crowded with stimuli, she values how the shade offers balance: There is a bombardment of colours this neutral shade does not influence you, but you can influence it. Poornima Indrajith, actor and designer The colour screams minimalism. This means designers will have to work harder to make it compelling through texturing, layering and subtle drama that adds depth without disturbing its restraint. Poet and academic Syam Sudhakar approaches it philosophically. The name sounds soothing and peaceful. I believe the hue was always here among us, long before Pantone declared it, he says. Syam reflects on how meaning shifts for colour. Red may symbolise danger to some, whereas a red rose symbolises love. I would stress this shade carries no racial reading. White is not a white mans colour. In his view, its role is simple and almost meditative: a presence that can restore peace, even if briefly. On the contrary, culturally speaking, Jitha notes the colour has put individuals, especially women, in boxes, socially restricting them and reinforcing hierarchies. She says, Although globally, white is regarded as a symbol of purity, in the Indian context, we also have a tradition of widows wearing white and then being shunned for their inauspicious presence. Nithya Mariam John, a poet and assistant professor of English, has a different take. The very concept of assigning one particular colour to express a fresh start may also be homogenising, she says. Can one shade be considered an umbrella colour that paints millions of feelings about serenity, clarity, mindfulness and close reflection, all across the globe? White or not VIBGYOR, let us start afresh. Thats the bottomline. Inside homes, colour certainly takes on yet another function. Designer Midhun Babu finds serenity in the colours cosiness. It has a soft, airy warmth that diffuses light gently, he says, noting that unlike harsher whites, it stays stable in Indian lighting. What ties these perspectives together is the shades ability to step back rather than stand out. Instead of demanding attention, it creates room for interpretation, for texture, for quiet. Purushu sums it up by saying, A Colour of the Year does not really ask to think differently. It asks them to keep up. The emphasis shifts from exploration to response time, from questioning to compliance. Jitha Karthikeyan, visual artist, curator, and art writer I certainly feel that the colour is a reflection of the weariness that the world is experiencing after the recent years of going through a pandemic, followed by never ending wars and conflicts. There is a yearning for peace in all our restless hearts. It is an aspiration for harmonious existence.
Farmers issue 20-day ultimatum over ethanol factory in Hanumangarh in Mahapanchayat
JAIPUR: Amid fears and tensions, the grand Mahapanchayat of farmers protesting against the proposed ethanol factory in Hanumangarh passed off peacefully on Wednesday. The Mahapanchayat demanded the closure of Asia's largest ethanol factory being planned in Rathikhera village of the Tibbi area. After talks between farmer leaders and the district administration, the farmers' body called off the protest for the moment, but it has issued a 20-day ultimatum to the Rajasthan government to announce the closure of the controversial project being set up in the fertile region of the State. Farmer organisations allege that the ethanol factory will hurt the region's water resources, environment, and agriculture, which has caused great anger among the local farmers. Farmers argue that the ethanol factory will lead to a decline in groundwater levels and cause air and water pollution, which will adversely impact agriculture and the local environment. Farmer leaders from various organisations arrived in Hanumangarh for the Mahapanchayat at the Junction Mandi complex. Senior farmer leaders Joginder Singh Ugrahan and Gurnam Singh Chaduni, along with Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait, reached the protest site to extend support to the agitating farmers. The farmer leaders have warned the administration that the protest will continue until a permanent order to close the factory is issued. Farmer representatives have asserted that the agitation will continue until the construction of the factory is stopped. During the discussions, the farmers demanded the cancellation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed for the ethanol factory and the immediate withdrawal of cases registered against protesting farmers. The administration assured the leaders that the demands would be forwarded to the State government for consideration, though no immediate decision was taken. Farmer leaders warned that another Mahapanchayat would be convened if their demands were not met. They also announced plans to hold a Mahapanchayat in Sangaria on January 7 if the matter remains unresolved. Senior farmer leader Rakesh Tikait asserted, The United Front and the farmers of the country stand with the Joint Committee of farmers. There is opposition to the ethanol factory. If the people of the area do not want the factory, then it will not be allowed to be built here. The local committee is in talks with the administration, which should have this plant removed. Farmer leader Mangej Chaudhary said that during the talks, the leaders reiterated that the construction of the ethanol factory would adversely affect agriculture in the region. Protests against the plant have been ongoing for over a year. A largely peaceful agitation continued for nearly ten months, from September 2024 to June 2025, but intensified in July 2025 after the company began constructing a boundary wall at the site. On December 10, farmers staged a large protest outside the Tibbi Sub-Divisional Magistrates office. Later in the day, hundreds of farmers reached the factory site with tractors, where the boundary wall was damaged, and clashes broke out with the police. To disperse the crowd, police used tear gas and later resorted to a lathi charge.
Delhi HC refuses PIL seeking 4x refund from IndiGo
The Delhi High Court has refused to hear a public interest litigation demanding IndiGo pay passengers four times the ticket price for cancelled flights. The court suggested the petitioner join an existing case concerning IndiGo's flight delays, cancellations, and refund issues. This move highlights ongoing scrutiny of the airline's operations and regulatory oversight within India's aviation sector.
Survey for BilaspurLeh Railway Line Completed: Centre
SRINAGAR: The Union government on Wednesday stated that the survey for the proposed BilaspurMandiManaliLeh railway line, a strategically significant project for Ladakh, has been completed and its Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Railways said the Ministry of Defence has designated the project as a []
Legislators from among SCs, STs to meet CM on issues concerning Dalit entrepreneurs
They are demanding timely release of benefits and incentives
Samsung will show off its expanded Micro RGB TV series at CES
Last year at CES, Samsung debuted its first mainstream Micro RGB TV, a 115-inch model that surprised us with its rich, vivid colors and $30,000 price tag. Now, the company has announced that it will be showing off an entire lineup of Micro RGB TVs at CES 2026 ranging from 55- to 115-inch models, promising to set a new standard for premium home viewing. As a reminder, Micro RGB is a unique new technology similar to Mini LED displays. Unlike the white backlights used on Mini LEDs, though, it uses tiny red, green and blue LEDs that produce more accurate colors and offer smaller and more controllable dimming zones. However, because pixels can't be turned on and off individually like Micro LED or OLED, Micro RGB contrast ratios aren't as high. They promise to be brighter and more color accurate than other technologies, though, hence the high prices and premium branding. Samsung's upcoming Micro RGB lineup will be available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, 100- and 115-inch models and use the next evolution of the company's technology. The main claim to fame is near broadcast monitor-like color accuracy, covering 100 percent of the demanding BT.2020 HDR standard. That new standard now has a name and VDE certification: Micro RGB Precision Color 100. Other key features include Samsung's Micro RGB AI Engine Pro for more precise frame-by-frame clarity and realism, new color enhancement functions, Samsung's glare free tech and enhanced audio features including Dolby Atmos and Adaptive Sound Pro. Yesterday, LG announced that it would also show off new televisions using Micro RGB technology, with 75-, 86- and 100-inch models coming next year. What remains to be seen, however, is pricing. Given the $30,000 cost of the 115-inch model, you can likely expect the first Micro RGB televisions to be among the most expensive in the lineups of both LG and Samsung. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-will-show-off-its-expanded-micro-rgb-tv-series-at-ces-141716449.html?src=rss
Turning this tiny laptop into a Linux work machine was one of the best decisions I've made
The X Plus Storm 10 laptop excels at handling demanding tasks and runs Linux smoothly.
BJP Demands Probe Into Activities Of NGOs In Jammu And Kashmir
SRINAGAR, Dec 17: Demanding a probe into the activities of NGOs mushrooming in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP on Wednesday alleged that many of them were unregistered, receiving funds from abroad and were involved in reviving terrorism in the Union Territory. Addressing a press conference here, BJPs J-K spokesperson Altaf Thakur said his party was not against all NGOs, however, it is a matter of concern that there are 16,000 of them in J-K, but only 239 are registered. We [] The post BJP Demands Probe Into Activities Of NGOs In Jammu And Kashmir appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bharatpur Beams With Joy And Pride As Home Boy Kartik Sharma Seals Record IPL 2026 Deal
District Cricket Association Secretary Shatrughan: Kartik Sharma made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction on Tuesday after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) roped him in for Rs. 14.20 crore, making him the joint-costliest uncapped player, alongside Prashant Veer, acquired by the same franchise, in the tournaments history. As soon as Kartiks record bid concluded, celebrations erupted across the city as the news brought joy and pride. At Laxman Mandir Chauraha, District Cricket Association officials and cricket fans commemorated the historic event by bursting firecrackers and sharing sweets. Kartik and his father, Manoj Sharma, were also congratulated through a video call. District Cricket Association Secretary Shatrughan Tiwari told IANS, Bharatpurs Kartik Sharma has achieved something remarkable. His rise from poverty to now, bagging a cheque worth Rs. 14.20 crore, will motivate many talented players. He mentioned that Kartiks father sacrificed everything he could for his sons cricket career. Manoj, a medium pace bowler himself, couldnt build a cricketing career for himself as his injury had the final say. However, he hoped his son would pursue that dream and took every possible measure to ensure their financial instability did not affect his sons career. Kartik has also received the Mathura Das Mathur Award. His father, committed to his cricket dreams, sold his shops and borrowed several lakhs to support his kid. The pathway led to Kartik and his family shifting their base to Agra, as he joined the academy headed by Lokendra Singh Chahar, India cricketer Deepak Chahars father. Tiwari mentioned that Kartik had been involved with the District Cricket Association since he was a child. He performed exceptionally well at all levelsUnder-14, Under-16, Under-19, senior cricket, and the Ranji Trophy. His showing in the IPL trials also gained admiration from all. Kartik has also received the Mathura Das Mathur Award. His father, committed to his cricket dreams, sold his shops and borrowed several lakhs to support his kid. The pathway led to Kartik and his family shifting their base to Agra, as he joined the academy headed by Lokendra Singh Chahar, India cricketer Deepak Chahars father. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The young keeper-batter will now be seen donning the yellow jersey and representing five-time champions CSK at the IPL 2026, in a bid to build a bigger and better career for himself. Article Source: IANS
NDA members strongly support nuclear bill; Opposition seeks examination by JPC
NEW DELHI: Opposition MPs Wednesday strongly pitched for sending the nuclear energy bill moved by the government to a parliamentary panel for wider consultations while members from the ruling coalition wholeheartedly supported the legislation saying it will prove helpful in making the country energy sufficient. Participating in the debate on the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill , which seeks to open the tightly-controlled civil nuclear sector for private participation, BJP member Shashank Mani said every Indian will be benefitted from the bill, which has come due to the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the bill will facilitate government and private sectors investment in nuclear energy sector, generating employment while protecting the environment. Mani said the legislation will ensure that nuclear energy will be used in all sectors specially the emerging industries. He said the US, which is the world's largest energy consumer, gets 30 per cent energy from nuclear sector and 80 per cent of this nuclear energy is produced by the private sector. Appreciating the allocation of Rs 20,000 crore in the last budget for Small Moduler Reactors (SMR), the BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh said the bill will create modern infrastructure for nuclear energy sector and all such plants will be constructed after complying international standards. He said in the bill, definition of nuclear energy and power has been defined, it addresses long standing concerns of public health and maintaining the liabilities as per international standards. Samajwadi Party member Aditya Yadav, while participating the debate, strongly opposed it saying the bill will offer red carpet welcome to the foreign companies ignoring the country's interest. This is an attempt to bring US and French companies. If you are opening up the nuclear energy sector to foreign companies, where is your Make In India programme, he asked. Yadav claimed that through this bill, the Modi government is trying to please the Trump administration and lower the tariff imposed by the United States on India. Urging the government to send the bill to a Select Committee, TMC member Saugata Roy said nuclear energy is a isky proposition and the government has put maximum liability in case of an accident at just USD 300 million. The liability should be USD 500 million, he said, adding, if accident takes place, the whole purpose will be defeated. Roy said India does not have enough raw materials for producing nuclear energy and with this bill, the government is going to allow private companies to get foreign investment and raw materials. Let's send the bill to a select committee for wider consultations, he said. DMK member Arun Nehru termed the name of the bill, SHANTI, as oxymoron as the nuclear energy has nothing to do with 'Shanti' (peace). Demanding that the bill be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), he said cost of power go up by 25 per cent wherever private companies are involved. Referring to nuclear accidents, which took place in the past in Japan and Russia, Nehru said the government must have to take extreme precautions while setting up nuclear power stations. He said bill opens up litigation under international jurisdiction and individual claims will have no meaning as individual rights have been removed by the bill. NDA constituent JD-U member Alok Kumar Suman said that the bill will facilitate in providing 24 hour power to the country and India can help other countries too in proper use of nuclear power. He said the production of nuclear energy in the country will go up by 10 times. Suman, while supporting the bill, suggested that attention should be given to radio active waste management and liability limit should go upto USD 400 or USD 500 from USD 300 million. While wholeheartedly supporting bill, another NDA constituent TDP member Krishna Prasad Tenneti said many countries get their power, over 50 per cent, from nuclear sector while India's nuclear sector contribute just 3 per cent power. This bill will facilitate greater and long term investment, innovation while maintaining sovereignty, he said. Seeking examination of the bill by a JPC, NCP member Supriya Sule said no supplier should have immunity and asked how the government can put a cap on liability. Praising the long safety records of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, a PSU, Sule asked what is the guarantee that a private player will be as much careful as NPCIL.
In Bihar's Darbhanga, officials are struggling to recover Rs 10,000 credited to male villagers despite sending them recovery notices. The welfare flagship programme was meant for women but due to technical problem the money was credited to male villagers. Now, the villagers are saying we spent the money during Diwali and Chhath with one of them demanding their votes back.
Fitness expert Yasmin Karachiwala started a simple year-end countdown workout challenge, urging daily movement with reps matching the days left. This practical approach, featuring exercises like jumping jacks and squats, focuses on consistency over intensity. The goal is to build momentum and confidence, making it easy to stay active without demanding gym sessions. Read on to know more about it!
World T20 Champion Indian Women's Blind Cricket Team Meets Dr Payal Kanodia at M3M Foundation
In a moment of pride and inspiration, the World T20 Champion Indian Womens Blind Cricket Team visited M3M Foundation following their historic triumph at the inaugural Blind Womens T20 World Cup 2025. The team met Dr Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, along with Mr Pankaj Bansal, Promoter, M3M India and Founder, Smart World, and Mrs Aishwarya Bansal, Co-founder, Smart World. The interaction and felicitation celebrated not only a landmark sporting victorybut also the spirit of resilience, inclusion, and excellence that defines Indias para-sports movementmade even more significant as the world recently observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December. Dr. Payal Kanodia of M3M Foundation, Pankaj Bansal of M3M India and Aishwarya Bansal of Smart World with the World T20 Champion Indian Womens Blind Cricket Team Led by Captain Deepika T. C. of Karnataka and Vice-Captain Ganga S. Kadam of Maharashtra, and accompanied by Team Manager Ms Shika Shetty, the undefeated Indian team scripted history by winning the worlds first-ever global cricket championship exclusively for women cricketers with visual impairment. In a commanding final against Nepal, India restricted the opposition to 114/5 and chased the target in just 12.1 overs, showcasing confidence, skill, and teamwork. The champions were welcomed and felicitated at M3M IFC, Gurugram, where Dr Payal Kanodia interacted closely with the team, acknowledging their extraordinary discipline, mental strength, and commitment to excellence. A World Kettlebell Champion herself, Dr. Kanodia shared reflections on the power of perseverance, focus, and self-beliefdrawing parallels between elite sport and para-sport, and reaffirming the Foundations belief in sports as a powerful tool for dignity, confidence, and social inclusion. The interaction also spotlighted M3M Foundations Lakshya Programme, a flagship initiative dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and supporting talented athletes across Olympic, Paralympic, and grassroots sports. Through structured mentorship, training support, and holistic development, Lakshya continues to empower sportspersons to compete and excel at national and international platforms. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President, M3M Foundation , said, These champions have not only created sporting history, but have also inspired the nation by redefining resilience and inclusion. Their achievement reinforces our belief that when opportunity meets determination, limitations dissolve. We are proud to celebrate women who embody courage, excellence, and equality. The visit concluded with an engaging dialogue, exchange of experiences, and a shared commitment to strengthening Indias para-sports ecosystem. The champions presence served as a powerful reminder that when opportunity meets courage, history is created. About M3M Foundation M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.
Emmy-winning medical drama The Pitt returns to India for its highly anticipated second season. The show is all set to stream next year. The new instalment, set ten months after the first season's finale, promises higher stakes and emotionally demanding situations as Dr. Robby and his team navigate a chaotic emergency department during a busy holiday. Read on!
A 34-year-old mechanic died after a scooter fall while being rushed to the hospital following a heart attack. His wife alleges that a private hospital's delay in treatment and the apathy of passing motorists contributed to his death. She is demanding action against the hospital and urging for greater public compassion.
Modi, Amit Shah must resign: Congress after relief in National Herald case
A Delhi court refused to take cognisance of the ED's money laundering charge against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The Congress party is demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Opposition pushback over nuclear, VB-G RAM G Bills; INDIA bloc meeting ahead of Parliament session
NEW DELHI: The Opposition INDIA bloc has mounted a strong pushback as the government moves to push through two controversial Bills in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the SHANTI Bill, aimed at opening the nuclear sector to private players, and the VB-G RAM G Bill to replace the MGNREGA law governing the rural employment scheme. With both Bills listed for passage in the Lok Sabhas List of Business on Wednesday, the INDIA blocs floor leaders are set to meet ahead of the session at the office of the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, to coordinate a united strategy. Opposition leaders have warned that the Bills could have far-reaching consequences, potentially undermining rural livelihoods and handing strategic sectors over to corporate interests. The Congress will also hold a meeting of its MPs in the morning and has issued a whip directing members to remain present in the House until the session concludes on December 19. Opposition parties have demanded that the new VB-G RAM G Bill, which seeks to replace the two-decade-old MGNREGA, be referred to a standing committee. However, the government has shown no inclination to relent. The Opposition has also sought parliamentary scrutiny of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 (SHANTI), which proposes opening up the nuclear power sector to private players. NDA ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is also learnt to have urged the government to refer the VB-G RAM G Bill to a standing committee. In a post on X, Congress MP Manickam Tagore attacked the governments tearing hurry, alleging a deliberate attempt to bypass parliamentary scrutiny. Todays Lok Sabha List of Business exposes the governments real priorities. One Bill to open strategic nuclear energy to corporates like Adani. Another Bill to erase Mahatma Gandhi from the peoples employment guarantee. This is not coincidence. This is design, he wrote. Todays Lok Sabha List of Business exposes the Govts real priorities. One Bill to open strategic nuclear energy to corporates like Adani. Another Bill to erase Mahatma Gandhi from a peoples employment guarantee. This is not coincidence. This is design. Why this pic.twitter.com/Oh0tRhwn2w Manickam Tagore .B . (@manickamtagore) December 17, 2025 Tagore added that the INDIA bloc floor leaders would meet at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges chamber at 10.15 am to coordinate a joint resistance. He accused the government of pushing legislation without standing committee scrutiny, stakeholder consultations, Business Advisory Committee discussions, or adequate time for debate. Parliament is not a notice board. It is the supreme forum of democracy. But ModiShah are running it like the Gujarat Assembly model, bulldoze first, silence later, he said. Calling the removal of Mahatma Gandhis name from the employment guarantee law ideological vandalism and the opening up of strategic sectors economic cronyism, Tagore said both moves would hurt the poor and weaken democratic institutions. The Lok Sabha witnessed noisy scenes on Tuesday after the government introduced the VB-G RAM G Bill, triggering strong protests from the Opposition. Several MPs accused the Centre of dismantling a rights-based welfare scheme and undermining Mahatma Gandhis legacy, demanding that the Bill be sent to a parliamentary panel. 'RAM G Bill will weaken MGNREGA,' says Priyanka, calls Modi govt obsessive over renaming Defending the legislation, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government remained committed to Gandhian principles and had done more for rural development than previous regimes. The Modi government has increased workdays from 100 to 125 days, he said. Leading the Opposition attack, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra warned that the proposed law would dilute the legal guarantee of employment and place a heavier financial burden on states. She alleged that the Bill would give the Centre the power to pre-determine fund allocation, effectively ending the demand-driven nature of the scheme and violating the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Other Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, echoed the criticism, objecting to the removal of Gandhis name and the shift from a demand-driven to a supply-driven framework. After staging a walkout, Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and DMK MP T.R. Baalu, protested at Mahatma Gandhis statue in the Parliament complex, raising slogans such as the country will not tolerate this insult to Mahatma Gandhi.
For free pani puri, drunk man stabs vendor in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: A 30-year-old inebriated man was arrested for attempting to murder a roadside chaat vendor for not giving him a plate of pani puri for free. The victim, who was stabbed twice, is said to have run to a nearby hospital and obtained timely treatment. The public caught hold of the accused and handed him to the police. The victim was identified as 40-year-old Kumaraswamy, a resident of Hanumanthanagar in Kanakapura town. The accused was R Santhosh, a resident of Malagala in Kanakapura. The incident happened on Monday, between 4:30 pm and 4:40 pm, near Chamundeshwari Rice Mill in Malagala in Kanakapura town. Santhosh was working in a nearby cement shop, where the victim was selling chaat. On Monday, he threatened Kumaraswamy for humiliating him publicly. The accused, who was sitting on a stone bench, pulled a knife out of his pocket and stabbed Kumaraswamy. My husband is out of danger. The accused stabbed my husband near the throat and on the stomach. He received seven sutures for the cut. The accused is said to have been troubling my husband for the last two months, demanding chaat for free. The accused would come regularly after drinking. My husband ignored his threats, Kumaraswamys wife K Divya said in a complaint. A case of attempt to murder under Section 109 of the BNS was registered against the accused. Kanakapura Town police are investigating.
And yielded the sons of my stricken womb To the drum-beats of duty, the sabres of doom. Gathered like pearls in their alien graves Silent they sleep by the Persian waves, Scattered like shells on Egyptian sands, They lie with pale brows and brave, broken hands, ... writes the Nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu, in one of her poems, The Gift of India (1917). More than a century later, Shruthi Rajasekar explains this poem to an audience of thousands, who didnt live in colonial India, but are linked to it through the society they come from. She says, All of the clothing, the grain, the gold, all the resources you have taken. I have yielded everything, and still you take my sons to feed your wars. Now, they lay blood-brown, dead. This poetic tribute to the services of the Indian Army, was composed as a symphonic work by Shruthi with an unusual ensemble comprising a 165-member choir, an 80-piece symphony orchestra most of them from abroad and two Carnatic soloists Nirmala Rajasekar and Muruga Bhoopathy who came together to tell this story on the life and legacy of Sarojini Naidu and the Indian freedom movement, through a 45-minute choral Sarojini on commission from the Hertfordshire Chorus, UK. This portion of the composition did not have any music in the background because the Britishers have actively silenced so many Indians because we dared to speak out. I wanted the silence to say something. Its like the music has paused to say these gut wrenching words, adds the composer. Performing it live thrice at the premiere in October 2022 at St Albans Cathedral, at the University of Warwick, in the UK in March 2025, and then in October 2025 in Minnesota musician Nirmala Rajasekar from Chennai, notes, Gift of India was a gut wrenching feeling while performing. You feel so helpless, angry, powerless, and the whole auditorium was just silent because that was a hard moment for all of us, feeling all those emotions lived by the Indians. In an interaction with CE , the mother-daughter duo reflected on the conception and creation of this composition, which blends Western and Indian classical music to create a space for much needed conversations. Rooted in research This composition was commissioned in early 2020, when Shruthi and the Hertfordshire Chorus began exploring themes. Very early on, they were interested, as was I, in telling the story of the Indian independence. They wanted to talk about the painful and dark history, shares Shruthi. Choosing Sarojini Naidu was deliberate. My parents actually helped me decide on Sarojini Naidu as the figure, she notes. Her mother Nirmala, adds, I pushed her towards Sarojini. I gave many women leaders as options because theres hardly any mention of women of India. For Shruthi, this choice was also layered. In many ways, Sarojini was a self-made woman. Although her parents were artistic, cultural, and education leaders, she was the first to be politically active, and generations after her followed in her footsteps, she points out. Equally compelling was her literary output, making it a much stronger case to present. I found her poetry amazing. But we dont have it in our curriculum for everyone to read. With this project, I want to spread that to as many people as possible. With this vision, the entire process of curation took a year and was deeply research-driven. Shifting between the US and UK, laying hands on archival materials and understanding less known facts to bring it to the world were easy. When I wanted physical copies of her poetry like The Golden Threshold or The Broken Wing, the University of Minnesota had them. There were also some rare and early editions. Shruthi credits the Indian government for digitising archival records, including speeches by Indian women leaders. But there is a gap in the extent of materials available and accessible. She complains, One of the challenges was that we dont have a central biography of Sarojini Naidu. I would implore historians and scholars in India to write one. The extensive research is translated into the composition, which draws almost entirely from Sarojinis own writings. Of the 45-minute piece, probably 40 minutes features her texts, says the composer. Telling the truth The rest of the composition had personal perspectives of the composer. One line, in particular, trampled by the royal boots, sparked intense reflection. Shruthi recalls, All the performers said, This is history. We are going to sing this line. And it provoked conversations. She sees the work as a space for confrontation. I have very strong views and perspectives, and I have put that in. She reflects, Can I, as an Indian American living in America, look at American history and confront the truth a bit? Can we as Indians do that with parts of our history that were not as proud about? Nirmala shares, Through the arts, they (diverse audiences) believe we can have these tough conversations. For the team, its really important that this piece gets seen by the powers as its about Indian political history. The performance was done for the 75th anniversary of Indian independence. We timed it as such, points out Shruthi. Nirmala adds, We all will get to relive this history. Sometimes after independence, we tend to forget that the freedom that we are sitting with today has been fought for very bravely, very courageously, with a lot of sacrifice, from a lot of people. Five movements, one vision The composition unfolds in five movements, each drawing from Sarojini Naidus writings, ideas, and the life lived. The first, Kalakaar, focuses on her as an artiste. I wanted to talk about her as an artiste before we discuss her legacy, says Shruthi. Her artistic vision enabled her to be an activist. Sarojinis vivid imagination, her idealism and optimism, she notes, shaped both her poetry and politics. The second movement, The Gift of India, is one of the most emotionally demanding parts. Based on Sarojinis World War I poem, it uses irony to devastating effect. She writes how the sons of the land lay far away from home, torn from Mother India and flung to serve. What war? What victory? What does that mean? So this poem in this movement is very important, she elucidates. Shruthi adds, She makes India maternal here. This is a pain women know being silenced and told to keep quiet. Movement three, The Real Nation Builders, draws from Sarojinis speeches on womens education. She says it is not you, pointing to the men, but we women who are the real nation builders. To build an independent country, women need to do it, she explains with a quote by Sarojini. Swaraj, the fourth movement, is a call to action. She says it does not matter what your background or education is. Every single person should be dedicated to uplifting the country. Her idea of patriotism, Shruthi points out, was expansive. Your love should not be limited to your own kind. If India deserves self-rule, so does every colonised nation. The final movement, The Dreams That Remain, looks ahead. Her point is that even if we achieve some dreams today, others remain. We must gather those dreams and not let them die. Midway through the composition appears Saare Jahan Se Achha, set to Pandit Ravi Shankars tune. We wanted to pay homage to him. Even though this is about Sarojini, its also about the many leaders we know and the many we dont talk about. By the end of it, what surprised Shruthi the most was how deeply the work resonated beyond India. The singers would come up and tell me this reminds them of the challenges women face in America today. The fact that they could see themselves in Sarojini Naidu is a testament to her greatness. Walking home Back home, Shruthi is in touch with people who could bring this production to the Indian audience. Its important that people here relive this history. Almost 75 years on, we forget that these freedoms came from enormous sacrifice, she says. The major takeaway from creating the composition is the need to collect, preserve, and revisit these histories to remember the long road the country has travelled.
A woman police inspector in Mau was removed after a video surfaced showing her questioning a young man and his sisters in a park, demanding proof of their sibling relationship as part of Mission Shakti. Officials deemed her questioning style inappropriate, emphasizing citizen dignity. A departmental probe is underway.
Lieutenant Gurmukh Singh's miracle: 7 failures, 1 commission
DEHRADUN: In a story that exemplifies grit over glamour, a soldier from a family steeped in military tradition has emerged as a powerful role model for India's youth. Gurmukh Singh, hailing from Haryana, recently commissioned as a Lieutenant from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, marking the latest chapter in a family dedicated to serving the nation across three generations. The Passing Out Parade at the prestigious IMA is always a moment of immense pride, but for the 33-year-old Gurmukh Singh, it was the realization of a long-cherished dream. Born on July 6, 1992, Singh initially joined the Indian Army as a Sepoy. However, his sights were set much higher, on wearing the officer's uniform. The path to achieving this goal was anything but smooth. Singh faced repeated setbacks, failing the entrance examinations for officer entry seven consecutive times. Speaking exclusively to TNIE after his commissioning, the newly appointed Lieutenant reflected on his arduous journey. Every failure only fueled my resolve, he stated. Balancing my duties on the ground with my rigorous preparation, I never abandoned my pursuit of becoming a commissioned officer. His perseverance finally paid off, culminating in the proud moment when his parents watched him don the olive green of a Lieutenant. Lieutenant Singh also voiced a concern regarding the shifting aspirations of the younger generation. It saddens me to see a growing trend, especially among Punjabi youth, prioritizing securing jobs abroad over serving the nation, he commented. This tendency must stop. It is the duty of parents to instill the values of patriotism and selfless service in their children. He credits his father, retired Subedar Major Jaswant Singh, as his greatest motivator, with a family legacy that also includes retired Subedars Harbans Singh and Prakash Singh. His service record itself is a testament to discipline. During his tenure as an enlisted soldier, Singh served in challenging, remote outposts like Ladakh. Finding time to study amidst demanding postings was a significant hurdle. Undeterred, he managed to complete his Post Graduate degree and a B.Ed while serving, driven by his ambition. His father, Subedar Major Jaswant Singh, consistently encouraged him after every rejection, keeping his goal firmly in sight. Following his graduation from the IMA, Lieutenant Gurmukh Singh was commissioned into the Army Air Defence (AAD) Corps. His parents, Jaswant Singh and Kulwant Kaur, were present to witness this historic milestone. From the day Gurmukh joined the Army, his ambition to become an officer was clear, said his proud father. Lieutenant Gurmukh Singh believes his years of experience as a soldier will be invaluable in his new leadership role. I understand how the Army functions and how to manage troops. Leading soldiers will come naturally, and I will approach it with complete commitment, he asserted. He remains focused on national service, enjoying motivational reading and valuing time spent with his family.
Indian Navy commissions first of the five Diving Support Craft to boost operational efficiency
NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy commissioned DSC A20, the first of the five Diving Support Craft (DSC), built indigenously by M/s Titagarh Rail System Limited, during a ceremony held at Naval Base, Kochi, on Tuesday. As per the MoD, the Craft features a catamaran hull form, the ship offers superior stability, enhanced deck area, improved seakeeping characteristics, and has a displacement of approximately 390 tons. Fitted with state-of-the-art Diving Equipment, the vessel would play a vital role in underwater repairs & inspections, harbour clearances and critical diving missions in coastal waters. With its induction, the Indian Navy's capability in diving support, underwater inspection, salvage assistance, and coastal operational deployment will be substantially strengthened. As per the MoD, DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata. Purpose-built for a wide spectrum of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters, the vessel is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems that meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command and hosted by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A), with senior naval officers, representatives of M/s Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata and distinguished guests in attendance. The contract for building five Diving Support Craft was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata, on 12 February 21. The Hydrodynamic Analysis and Model Testing of the ship during the design stage was undertaken at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. DSC A20 has been designed and constructed as per the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). At the time of contract signing, the Diving Support Craft was said to be a game changer in conducting diving operations and will serve as an ideal platform for conducting training of the Indian Navy's diving cadre. Commissioning of DSC A20 is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy's quest for indigenous shipbuilding, upholding the Government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The indigenous construction of such a specialised platform in the Indian Navy stands as a testament to growing domestic capabilities, self-reliance and reducing dependency on imports. It will be based at Kochi and operate under the Southern Naval Command.
Bihar's Minority Affairs Minister Zama Khan defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after he removed a woman doctor's hijab during a public event. Khan described the act as fatherly affection, aiming to highlight minority women's progress. The incident sparked outrage, with the Congress demanding Kumar's resignation and questioning women's safety in the state.
Divyenndu Sharma compares an actors life to a banjara
Actor Divyenndu Sharma emphasizes patience and self-belief in the demanding acting profession. He advises aspiring actors to embrace both success and failure as part of the journey, find joy in the process, and focus on personal growth through training and continuous performance. Sharma highlights the artist's life as a nomadic pursuit, urging them to rely on their skills and dedication.
J&K leaders demand apology, resignation after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulls down woman doctors hijab
SRINAGAR : Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have strongly criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for pulling down the hijab (veil) of a woman doctor during a public function , demanding that he issue an unconditional public apology and step down from office. The criticism followed an incident on Monday in which the Bihar Chief Minister pulled down the hijab of a woman Ayush doctor while she was receiving her appointment letter from him at an official event. The act has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the country. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said she was shocked by Nitish Kumars conduct. Having personally known and admired Nitish, I was shocked to see him pull down a young Muslim womans naqaab, Mehbooba posted on X. Does one attribute it to old age or the normalisation of humiliating Muslims publicly? The fact that people around him watched this horrific incident unfold as some form of entertainment is even more unsettling. Nitish Sahab, perhaps its time you step down? she said. National Conference MP from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah described the Chief Ministers conduct as indefensible and deeply disturbing. The conduct displayed by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, publicly pulling at a Muslim womans burqa, is indefensible and deeply disturbing, Ruhullah said. He owes the woman and the public an unconditional apology. This erratic conduct is alarming and points to a man who no longer possesses the composure or mental clarity required for constitutional office, he added. The NC MP further advised the Bihar Chief Minister to seek medical attention and said that stepping aside is necessary. Peoples Conference general secretary and Shia leader Imran Ansari also condemned the incident, writing a letter to the Bihar Chief Minister expressing grave concern over the alleged act. In the letter, Ansari said the incident was deeply hurtful, unacceptable and in clear violation of Indias democratic and constitutional values. Such conduct does not befit a person holding a high constitutional office and sends a disturbing message to minority communities across the country, he wrote. He pointed out that Bihar is home to nearly 17 per cent Muslim population, amounting to more than two crore citizens, and reminded the Chief Minister that, as the elected head of the state, he represents every community without discrimination. The Chief Minister belongs to all citizens, irrespective of faith, gender, or political affiliation, Ansari said. He added that the issue concerns the very basics of religious freedom, personal dignity and respectful coexistence. Ansari stressed that forcibly removing a womans veil is a direct affront to her faith and personal choice, and is wholly incompatible with the spirit of Indias democracy. Indias Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the right to practise ones faith without fear or coercion, and any action that undermines these guarantees must be unequivocally condemned, he said. The Peoples Conference leader sought an unconditional public apology from the Bihar Chief Minister and stressed that it is imperative that such violations of religious dignity are not repeated in the future. Leaders from different political parties across the country have also slammed the Bihar Chief Minister for the alleged act.
Ai+ Enters the Flagship League with NovaFlip First Launch from Its New Series
Ai+ Smartphone today announced NovaFlip, an innovative addition to the premium flip smartphone market, at a price point of under INR40,000. This is in line with the companys mission to make high-quality technology accessible for everyone. Scheduled for release in Q1 2026, this device marks the beginning of Ai+ Smartphone flagship Nova Series, a collection that merges cutting-edge innovation with affordability. A teaser look of NovaFlip Building on the success of the Nova 5G launch in July 2025, Ai+ Smartphone is expanding its flagship offerings with the Nova Series, featuring models like the Nova Pro, Nova Ultra, Nova Flip, and even a future Fold variant. Each device is intentionally crafted to provide outstanding performance, unique features, and a user experience that sets a new benchmark in the smartphone industry. Unlike conventional smartphones that treat the flip form factor as a hardware novelty, NovaFlip runs on NxtQuantum OS , designed to adapt intelligently across folded and open states. Core interactions are optimised for quick checks and glanceable information when the phone is closed, while delivering a complete smartphone experience when opened. The privacy-first architecture of NxtQuantum OS ensures zero pre-loaded bloatware, no invasive trackers, and complete user control over personal data, prioritising long-term trust over short-term engagement tactics. Flip smartphones bring back things people genuinely miss: compactness, physical interaction, and a sense of control , said Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies . Theres nostalgia in that experience, but theres also a very modern need behind it. People want devices that are easier to carry, easier to live with, and less demanding of their attention . He added, NovaFlip blends that familiarity with everything a modern smartphone needs to deliver today. Its a flip phone that fits current lifestyles, purposeful, expressive, and designed for moments when you want to engage quickly or disconnect just as easily . The NovaFlip launch represents a significant milestone in Ai+ Smartphones 5G roadmap, reinforcing the brand's commitment to diversifying its smartphone portfolio to meet the needs of the premium market while ensuring budget-friendliness. The Q1 launch will release NovaFlip with full product details and availability, marking the beginning of Ai+ Smartphones flagship Nova series. About Ai+ Smartphone Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, Indias first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on providing a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while maintaining accessible price points without compromising on user experience. About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for the mobile-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, Indias first sovereign mobile operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive.
IPL Auction 2026: Who is Mallika Sagar? Meet the auctioneer set to lead the big day
Mallika Sagar, a trailblazing auctioneer, will lead the IPL 2026 auction. Her journey began with a book's inspiration, leading her to break barriers in the global art world and then in Indian sports, including the Pro Kabaddi League and the Women's Premier League, before commanding the IPL spotlight.
IPL Auction: Venkatesh Iyer sends timely reminder with SMAT blitz
Venkatesh Iyer delivered a commanding 70 off 43 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, just hours before the IPL 2026 Auction. Released by KKR after a record price tag last season, his fluent knock highlighted his value as a proven Indian match-winner, potentially reigniting strong franchise interest.
Houston hosts Diwali celebration marking UNESCO cultural heritage status
HOSTON, Dec 15 : A special event celebrating the inclusion of Diwali in UNESCOs cultural heritage list was held at the Indian mission here. The event, organised last week, featured a ceremonial lamp-lighting, cultural performances and a light show, with participation from members of the Indian diaspora and elected officials. The Consulate General of India in Houston, in collaboration with BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and other Indo-American diaspora organisations, hosted the celebration to mark Diwalis inscription on UNESCOs Representative List [] The post Houston hosts Diwali celebration marking UNESCO cultural heritage status appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Following a deadly shooting at Brown University that left two dead and eight injured, Indian American political leaders are demanding stronger gun safety measures. Representatives Khanna, Jayapal, and Krishnamoorthi highlighted the ongoing cost of inaction on gun violence legislation. The incident, occurring near the Sandy Hook anniversary, intensifies calls for reform.
JAIPUR: The CID Crime Branch (CID-CB) has initiated an investigation against Sangaria MLA and Sri Ganganagar MP in connection with a case registered over stone-pelting and arson during a protest against the Rathi Kheda ethanol factory in Hanumangarh. Meanwhile, the police have surveyed to assess the damage caused by arson and vandalism. The violence erupted last week near Rathi Kheda in Tibbi tehsil during a protest demanding a halt to the construction of Asias largest ethanol plant. Thousands of villagers and farmers had gathered at the factory construction site. While the protest initially remained peaceful, with speeches being delivered, coordination between the administration and the protesters reportedly broke down, leading to sudden unrest. According to officials, protesters breached police barricades and set several government and private vehicles on fire. An attempt was also made to damage the factory wall. As the situation escalated rapidly, the police and administration were forced to fire tear gas shells and resort to a lathi charge to bring the situation under control. Over 100 booked, 40 detained in protest against proposed ethanol plant in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh During the clash, 1012 policemen and several protesters were injured, including Sangaria MLA Abhimanyu Poonia. Additional police forces were subsequently deployed from neighbouring districts to restore order. Tibbi police station in-charge Hansraj Luna registered a case on December 11 against 108 people under various sections, for reasons including obstruction of government work, damaging government property, attacking police personnel, and inciting violence. Sangaria MLA Abhimanyu Poonia, Sri Ganganagar MP Kuldeep Indora, and former Bhadra MLA Balwan Poonia have also been named in the case. As a sitting MLA and a sitting MP are named, the investigation has been transferred to the CID-CB, Jaipur. Meanwhile, a separate case was registered on December 12 on the complaint of Jayprakash Sharma, Senior Manager of Dune Ethanol Private Limited, pertaining to trespassing, vandalism, and arson at the factory premises. This FIR does not name any sitting or former MLA or MP, though it names 273 individuals. Hanumangarh Superintendent of Police Harishankar Yadav said the investigation is underway and added that in view of the proposed protest at the Collectorate on December 17, all necessary steps are being taken to maintain law and order.
Nagesh Trophy National T20: Uttarakhand Stun Holders Andhra; Gujarat, Goa Win On Day 1
Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju MSK Prasad: Uttarakhand outplayed defending champions Andhra Pradesh by 47 runs, while Gujarat and Goa won in the Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 (8th Edition Phase II), currently being held in different venues across the country. Besides, Cricket Association of Blind (CAB) Delhi, Jharkhand, Goa, and CAB Vidarbha also registered wins on the opening day of matches held in three venues -- Vijayawada, New Delhi, and Gandhinagar. The next phase of the Nagesh Trophy was inaugurated on Monday at the Dr. Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju MSK Prasad Cricket Ground in the presence of dignitaries, including Supreme and High Court judges and key officials. In a landmark announcement, the Blind Premier League was declared to be hosted in 2026, with Andhra Pradesh proposing to take up the hosting rights. In a bold step to strengthen grassroots development, 26 blind cricket teams will be immediately established across all 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. CABI Chairman, Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, also pledged that Andhra Pradesh will host one international bilateral tournament per year. Adding to the celebrations, World Cup champions captain Deepika and 16-year-old Andhra Pradesh prodigy Karuna were felicitated with cash awards of 1 lakh each by Shri Sarat Babu Chenna, practising advocate, recognising their outstanding contributions to blind cricket, including their triumph in the SBI Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority Chairman, Ravi Naidu, highlighted various schemes and policies being introduced for blind and differently-abled players. He emphasised that Andhra Pradesh will lead in job opportunities, cash awards, and sports initiatives for these athletes and reiterated the states willingness to host the Blind Premier League in 2026. The excitement continued on the field as CAB Uttarakhand pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the defending champions CAB Andhra Pradesh by 47 runsa result reminiscent of Indias historic 1983 World Cup victory over the West Indies, a classic underdog triumph. Uttarakhand start with an upset Batting first, CAB Uttarakhand posted a formidable 146/4 in 16 overs, anchored by skipper Deepak Singh Rawats commanding 82 off 58 balls. CAB Andhra Pradesh were restricted to 99/6 in 16 overs in reply. Rawats all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, as Uttarakhand strengthened their position in the league stage. Gujarat cruise to victory In the second match of the day at the Dr. Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju Cricket Ground, CAB Gujarat delivered a commanding performance to register a 10-wicket victory over CAB Tamil Nadu. Batting first, CAB Tamil Nadu were restricted to 83/8 in 16 overs, as Dinesh Rathva (B3) wreaked havoc with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 wickets for 10 runs. In reply, CAB Gujarat made light work of the modest target, storming to 84 without loss in just 5.4 overs, powered by Rathvas blistering 52 off 23 balls, alongside Kalpesh Nimbadkars unbeaten 24. For his decisive all-round performance, Dinesh Rathva (B3) was rightly named Player of the Match, as CAB Gujarat stamped their authority in the league stage. CAB Delhi, Jharkhand win in Delhi In the Phase II matches played in the men's section, CAB Delhi delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat CAB West Bengal by 9 wickets at the Talkatora Cricket Ground in New Delhi. After opting to bat, CAB West Bengal were bowled out for 107 in 17 overs, with Rambir Singh leading a clinical bowling effort (4 wickets). In reply, CAB Delhi chased down the target in just 10.1 overs, powered by a fluent, unbeaten 58 off 37 balls by Rambir Singh, who was named Player of the Match. The emphatic win underlined CAB Delhis strong intent as the league phase gathered momentum. In the second match of the day at the Talkatora Cricket Ground, CAB Jharkhand produced a clinical run chase to register a commanding 9-wicket victory over CAB Telangana. Batting first, CAB Telangana posted 147/6 in 20 overs, led by skipper Ghazanfarullah Khan (42). CAB Jharkhand responded with authority, cruising to 149/1 in just 15.2 overs, powered by an unbeaten 67 off 48 balls by Rohit Oraon and a fluent 53 off 49 balls by Sanjeev Kerketta. Rohit Oraon was named Player of the Match. The emphatic win further strengthened CAB Jharkhands momentum as the league stage intensified. CAB Goa beat Manipur CAB Goa produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat CAB Manipur by 58 runs in the IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 (8th Edition League Matches) at Kameshwar International School, Gandhinagar. Opting to bat first, CAB Goa posted a competitive 169/5 in 16 overs, led by a fluent 55 off 40 balls from Nilesh and an aggressive 50 off 34 balls from Jignesh Panjya (B3). Goa maintained a strong scoring rate throughout the innings, aided by valuable extras, to put Manipur under early pressure. In reply, CAB Manipur were bowled out for 111 in 12.2 overs, despite a spirited 76 off 45 balls from Pradeep Singh (B2). CAB Goas disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured regular breakthroughs, preventing any sustained partnership. For his impactful contribution with both bat and ball, Nilesh (CAB Goa) was deservedly named Player of the Match, as CAB Goa registered a convincing victory in the league stage. CAB Vidarbha crush Railways In Match 2 at Gandhinagar, CAB Vidarbha delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat CAB Railways by 77 runs. Batting first, Vidarbha posted a formidable 156/3 in 16 overs, anchored by Gaurav Zades brilliant 52 off 52 balls, with vital contributions from Akshay Chaudhary (21) and Nitesh Bhojne (10). Extras added a significant 74 runs through wides and byes, bolstering the total. In Match 2 at Gandhinagar, CAB Vidarbha delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat CAB Railways by 77 runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gaurav Zade was named Player of the Match for his match-winning batting effort, as CAB Vidarbha strengthened their position in the league stage. Article Source: IANS
Pregnant tribal woman and her unborn child die due to lack of road facility in Jharkhands Gumla
RANCHI: In a heart-wrenching incident in Jharkhands Gumla, a pregnant tribal woman, Sukri Kumari and her child in the womb, lost their lives due to a lack of road service on Sunday. Since the ambulance could not reach the village, she was carried by her family members for over a kilometre from her home in Jhalakapat to Karasilli village on a carrying yoke through the hilly terrain. After reaching Karasilli, the woman got a Mamta Vahan in which she was taken to the Ghaghra Community Health Centre. Giving her initial treatment, the doctors immediately referred her to Gumla Sadar Hospital as her condition was critical. Amidst the struggle for treatment, due to a lack of basic facilities, Sukri Kumari died just after reaching Sadar Hospital. Gumla Civil Surgeon, Dr Shambhu Nath Chaudhary, asserted that Sukri Kumari lost her life due to delayed access to medical assistance. Unable to find an ambulance, tribal man in Jharkhand sets off for home carrying his ailing wife Had she had to give medical assistance at the CHC a few hours before, maybe her life could have been saved. The terrain from her village, located on the hills, is really very difficult, where the Mamta Vahan can't reach, said the Civil Surgeon. After reaching the CHC, all the medical facilities were provided to her on time, he added. According to the Civil Surgeon, the cause of death of the woman in medical terms was pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder, but the real cause of death is delayed medical access. At 2:39 am, a call was received by the local Sahiya Didi, and at 2:44 am, the call was received by the call centre. At 3:15 am, Mamta Vahan reached at the spot. But it took several hours for the woman to reach Mamta Vahan, waiting for her at Karasilli, about a kilometre from her village, said the Civil Surgeon. The Civil Surgeon also informed that Sukir Kumari had returned from Himachal Pradesh, where she had gone to secure money. It has delayed the registration process. She was merely 17 years old, and it was her first pregnancy, he said. According to villagers, Jhalakapat village still lacks a proper road even after 78 years of independence. The situation worsens considerably during the rainy season, they said. Due to the absence of a road, basic amenities such as education and healthcare, and employment opportunities are practically inaccessible to the villagers. Notably, Jhalakapat village under Dirgaon Panchayat is a Maoist-affected location in an extremely remote area. Villagers claimed that they have been demanding a road for several years, but have received only empty promises. In the village, predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, development schemes have remained only on paper. Even the children have to travel several kilometres to pursue education. In 2025, reaching the hospital for the sick is a perilous task for Jharkhands Gumla villagers. Pregnant woman dies after falling from operation theatre table in Jharkhand hospital
A former retail employee shared a revealing experience that sheds light on the intense pressures of modern work culture. The post highlights how even hardworking managers can feel trapped by limited time off and demanding schedules. Social media responses reflect employees coping strategies, including humor, and underline the importance of fair policies and workplace support.
Gujarat ACB nabs CID Inspector, Constable in Rs 30 lakh bribe trap
AHMEADBAD: The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has caught two serving CID Crime officers red-handed for demanding and accepting a Rs 30 lakh bribe to derail a sensitive investigation linked to a call centre case, raising serious questions about the misuse of authority within the States crime investigation machinery. According to officials, the ACB arrested CID Crime Police Inspector P.K. Patel of the Gandhinagar Zone and Armed Police Constable Vipul Desai after laying a trap following a complaint that the officers were seeking money in exchange for shielding the complainant and an associate from legal action. What began as a routine probe into a call centrelinked case turned into an extortion attempt, with the accused officers approaching the complainant while the investigation was underway. Investigators said the pressure escalated gradually, with repeated demands and implicit threats. The alleged message was clear, pay Rs 30 lakh or face legal consequences. Instead of complying, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint. The bureau then carried out verification and surveillance before planning a trap operation. The operation culminated on a public road near an under-construction site in Sargasan, in Gandhinagar district. Officials said the location was deliberately chosen to catch the alleged offence in progress. Armed Constable Vipul Desai met the complainant at the spot and accepted the Rs 30 lakh bribe, while Inspector P.K. Patel had consented to and orchestrated the transaction from behind the scenes. ACB teams moved in immediately after the alleged exchange, recovered the cash and took both officers into custody. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy and misuse of official power, an ACB official said. The accused officers implicitly threatened the complainant, demanded an exorbitant bribe during an active investigation, and attempted to sabotage due legal process. Such acts strike at the very credibility of the police force and severely damage public trust, said G.V. Padheriya, Assistant Director, ACB, Ahmedabad. Officials maintained that the case against the accused is strong. The demand, acceptance, and recovery of the Rs 30 lakh have all been documented during the trap operation. The joint involvement of both accused has been established beyond doubt, the official added. Both Patel and Desai have been booked under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The ACB has also widened the investigation to examine past cases handled by the duo to ascertain whether the alleged incident was an isolated one or part of a recurring pattern of extortion. As the probe continues, officials said the arrests serve as a reminder that those entrusted with enforcing the law are also accountable under it.
The Tezpur University United Forum said that the responsibility for restoring academic and administrative normalcy lies with the Ministry of Education and warned that protests will intensify if decisive action is not taken without further delay
Shocking! Shaheen Afridis nightmare BBL debut: Sent off for dangerous bowling
Shaheen Shah Afridi's Big Bash League debut for Brisbane Heat was a difficult outing. He was removed from bowling after delivering two dangerous full tosses, finishing his spell with figures of 0 for 43 from 2.4 overs. The Renegades capitalized on bowling lapses to post a commanding 212 for 5.
Students, staffers of Tezpur University stage nine-hour hunger strike demanding VC's removal
TEZPUR: Students and other stakeholders of Tezpur University on Monday staged a nine-hour hunger strike, demanding a response from the Ministry of Education (MoE) on issues raised by them, including the immediate removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh over alleged financial irregularities. The university has remained under a shutdown enforced by the agitators since the end of November, with limited relaxation being allowed for the conduct of term-end examinations since last week. The Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF), a joint platform of students, teachers and non-teaching staffers under the aegis of which protests have been going on, said the hunger strike was held from 9 am. The strike aims to demand swift action from the MoE against Singh. The MoE has been ignoring the community's growing frustration over the ministry's continued silence despite sustained agitation and repeated appeals, TUUF said in a statement. Questioning the 'prolonged silence' of the MoE, it added, Even after multiple informal assurances, the ministry has failed to provide adequate resolution as promised by them on December 6. A top delegation of the MoE, led by Secretary Vineet Joshi, had visited the university on December 6, but was stuck inside the campus as students blocked the gate. The team was finally allowed to leave around midnight following a handwritten assurance on a blank piece of paper by delegation member and Department of Higher Education's joint secretary Saumya Gupta, that Singh will not be allowed to carry out any duty pending inquiry. MP Gaurav Gogoi urges PM Modi to intervene as Tezpur University unrest intensifies, exams rescheduled The TUUF maintained that the esponsibility for restoring academic and administrative normalcy lies with the MoE and warned that protests will intensify if decisive action is not taken without further delay. They reiterated their demands for Singh's removal, fair and unbiased high-level inquiry against him, and placing him on official administrative leave. The varsity, located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra in Sonitpur district, had been under complete shutdown since November 29 as a joint forum of all stakeholders has demanded the removal of the VC and an inquiry against him. The situation had been tense since mid-September, with students accusing the VC and varsity authorities of not showing due respect to cultural icon Zubeen Garg even as the state was mourning his death. Apart from fiscal irregularities, the agitators are also protesting alleged deforestation carried out under Singh's administration. The senior-most faculty member, Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya, had assumed charge as acting vice-chancellor suo motu on December 5, citing the Tezpur University Act, 1993. At his request, the students had agreed to sit for the term-end examinations from December 11, though other activities in this central university remained under the shutdown. Singh has stayed away from the campus after the university witnessed heated scenes and an exchange of words between him and students on September 22, leading to a situation where Singh had to nearly flee the spot. He had convened a virtual meeting of the Board of Management (BOM) on December 4, and appointed Mass Communication Professor Joya Chakraborty as pro-VC, a role she declined.
IPL Auction: Star attractions, key targets & the battles that will define the night
The IPL Auction 2026 mini-auction prioritizes precision over volume, with a significant demand for seam-bowling all-rounders like Cameron Green. Franchises with substantial purses, particularly KKR and CSK, are poised to shape the bidding landscape. The auction will focus on fit and scarcity, with premium players commanding high prices despite potential salary caps.
Food safety concerns rise in J&K after multiple seizures of contaminated food
SRINAGAR: Food safety concerns are mounting in Jammu and Kashmir, with seizures of contaminated items ranging from biscuits and bottled water to eggs, meat and synthetic cheese, prompting heightened vigilance by authorities. The Food Safety Department (FSD) on Saturday banned the sale, storage and distribution of the packaged drinking water brand Ajwa after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of dangerous bacteria, including E. coli and coliform, in a sample collected from Srinagar. The sample was tested at the National Food Testing Laboratory in Ghaziabad, and the report dated 25 November 2025 confirmed E. coli and coliform contamination, indicating possible faecal contamination and serious health risks. The bottled water brand has been declared unsafe and unfit for consumption. This is the second instance of packaged drinking water being banned in recent weeks. Last month, authorities prohibited the sale of another brand, Snowdrop , after arsenic contamination was detected. Food safety violations have also been detected in packaged food products. On 12 December, FSD found Priya Gold Butter Delite biscuits unsafe for consumption and banned their sale in Anantnag district, south Kashmir, where the sample was collected. Laboratory analysis at the National Food Laboratory in Ghaziabad revealed sulphite levels exceeding permissible limits. Health experts warn that consuming food products with excessive sulphite content could pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Traders, shopkeepers and distributors have been directed to withdraw the product from shelves and comply with the ban. FSD teams have also launched a valley-wide inspection drive to collect egg samples for testing, following a viral video alleging the presence of carcinogenic elements in eggs. According to the Assistant Commissioner of the Food Safety Department, Srinagar, all districts have been instructed to collect samples from both organised and unorganised markets. FSD teams have lifted multiple samples and sent them for laboratory analysis. Reports are expected soon, he said. Several supermarkets across the Valley have been checked for the brand mentioned in the viral clip. We have not yet found the specific brand referred to, the official added. Earlier, 3,600 kg of rotten meat was seized during raids across the Valley in AugustSeptember, and a large quantity of synthetic cheese was also confiscated during operations in the Jammu region. The repeated detection of substandard and unsafe food products has heightened concern among residents across Jammu and Kashmir, with people demanding stricter screening, regular inspections and stronger enforcement to ensure food sold in markets is safe for consumption.
Odisha political clash: BJD workers stage protest before DGP office
BJD leaders and workers are protesting in Bhubaneswar, demanding the arrest of individuals involved in a violent clash in Jajpur district. The incident, which occurred at a BJD leader's farmhouse, left 15 injured, with five seriously hurt. Vehicles were also vandalized. Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik condemned the alleged 'goondaraj' and urged immediate action against the culprits.
Abhishek Reminds Me Of Jayasuriya, He Instils Intimidation And Fear In Bowlers: Uthappa
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association: Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa reserved high praise for opener Abhishek Sharma, comparing the youngster to former Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya after his quick-fire knock set the tone for the teams win against South Africa in the third T20I. The Men in Blue beat the Proteas by seven wickets at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The Indian bowling attack dominated the game as every bowler picked up at least one wicket, restricting the visitors to just 117 in 20 overs. Abhishek and the top-order batters made the 118-run chase look easy as India clinched a comfortable victory. Speaking on JioStar, Robin Uthappa analysed Abhishek Sharmas confidence at the top of the order, saying, Even before the series, he was playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was just gunning teams down. So you knew he was in good form. Its about spending some time out there, and I think that first ball from Lungi Ngidi really set things up for him. From there, there was no looking back. He understood that they were trying to stifle him with tight lengths on middle and leg stump, but if they erred even slightly, he was there to punish them, he added. Uthappa also commended Abhisheks ability to hit sixes, describing him as a powerful and dynamic batter. He likened the opener to the Sri Lankan legend Jayasuriya, noting that this kind of batting intimidates opposition bowlers and that only a player in exceptional form can deliver such a commanding innings. Hes already hit over 300 sixes in T20 cricket, which tells you what a powerful and dynamic batter he is. In fact, he reminds me of Sanath Jayasuriyasheer dominance as an opening batter. It instils intimidation and fear in bowlers, something you only see when players are in scorching form. Despite being a youngster, hes had a prolific year. Teams are planning for him, trying to bowl in areas where he doesnt score, but he seems to have solutions. That proactive thinking is quite amazing, he said. Hes already hit over 300 sixes in T20 cricket, which tells you what a powerful and dynamic batter he is. In fact, he reminds me of Sanath Jayasuriyasheer dominance as an opening batter. It instils intimidation and fear in bowlers, something you only see when players are in scorching form. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It was smart captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav to extend the spells of both the fast bowlers. He trusted Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to do the job later if needed. The way he rotated and changed the bowlers was very well paced; pretty astute captaincy, definitely, Uthappa stated. Article Source: IANS
Whatever Was On Offer For Seamers Was Exploited Brilliantly By Indian Bowlers: Bangar
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association: Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar underlined that disciplined execution was the key component of Team Indias bowling attack after the Men in Blue secured a seven-wicket win against South Africa at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala. India took a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series with a commanding victory over the Proteas in the third match, where the conditions favoured the bowlers. Bangar highlighted how Indias fast bowlers capitalised on the pitch, traditionally seen as a batting-friendly surface, by delivering sharp new-ball spells and maintaining consistent pressure over the visitors throughout the innings. Such a disciplined effort from the Indian bowlers. On a ground considered to be a batters paradise, where you expect to come under pressure, they made sure they picked up wickets with the new ball and swung it both ways; both Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. That has been the hallmark whenever theyve got it right; theyve troubled most top-order batters, Bangar said on JioStar. Getting Reeza Hendricks at the top was a terrific setup from Arshdeep, followed by Harshit Rana with a special deliveryhurried and sharp through the air, which helped break the back of the middle order. This was followed by brilliant support bowling from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. All in all, whatever was on offer for the seamers was exploited brilliantly by the Indian bowlers, he added. Indias attack combined effectively after the hosts elected to bowl first as South Africa were all out for 117 in their 20-over quota, with Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav claiming two wickets each. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube also chipped in with one scalp apiece in their kitty. Losing three wickets inside the powerplay and being reduced to 30/4 in seven overs, South Africa never recovered despite Aiden Markrams 61. In reply, India chased the target comfortably with 25 balls to spare, led by Abhishek Sharmas explosive 35 off 18 balls in the powerplay. Losing three wickets inside the powerplay and being reduced to 30/4 in seven overs, South Africa never recovered despite Aiden Markrams 61. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It was eventually Abhisheks early assault, which saw him hit three fours and as many sixes, that ensured the chase remained firmly under control as the hosts cruise to an easy win. Article Source: IANS
Southern neglect in UDF leaves IUML irked
MALAPPURAM: The IUML has voiced deep dissatisfaction over what it describes as inadequate representation in southern Kerala within the UDF, warning that the issue could have wider implications for future seat-sharing arrangements. IUML state general secretary P M A Salam told TNIE that despite being denied seats in five district panchayats in the southern region, the party delivered a stronger electoral performance than several UDF constituents an apparent reference to the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP). IUML was denied seats in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki and Kottayam. Instead they were allotted four seats altogether in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram. IUML was allotted only four seats across the southern district panchayats, but we won three of them. In Kollam, another UDF constituent was given four seats but managed to win only one, Salam said. He pointed out that the party chose not to explore alternative political alignments despite what it sees as continued marginalisation. We could have entered into local alliances with other parties in the southern districts, but we chose to contest independently. That was not the approach adopted by the Congress, he said. Drawing a contrast with northern Kerala, Salam said Malappuram remains a stronghold of IUML, where the party ensured generous seat-sharing with the Congress. Our workers worked hard for Congress victories in Malappuram. Unfortunately, the same spirit of mutual respect was not extended to us in the south, he said. Salam said the party would raise these concerns at a high-level IUML meeting scheduled to be held in Kozhikode on Monday. The question of demanding a larger share of seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections will also be taken up soon in UDF, he added. He also attributed the CPMs electoral decline to what he described as a Left Hindutva approach. The CPM attempted to play communal politics by cozying up to SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan to consolidate Hindu votes, alienating the Muslim community. As a result, Muslims voted for the UDF, while a section of Hindu voters shifted towards the BJP, Salam said.
India clinch maiden Squash WC title
Chennai, Dec 14: Hosts India were crowned Squash World Cup champions for the first time after registering a commanding 30 victory over top seeds Hong Kong, China, in the final at Express Avenue Mall in Chennai on Sunday. The victory marked a significant moment for Indian squash as the team became only the fifth nation []
3rd T20I: Seamers wreak havoc; India thrash SA by 7wickets to go 2-1 up
India secured a commanding 2-1 series lead against South Africa, thanks to exceptional swing bowling from Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. The duo dismantled the Proteas' top order, restricting them to a mere 117. Aiden Markram's valiant 61 was the lone highlight for the visitors. India's chase was then comfortably navigated, ensuring a seven-wicket victory.
Ayaneo's first smartphone is a major callback to the Xperia Play
Close enough, welcome back Xperia Play . After releasing a teaser video in early November, Ayaneo fully revealed its first smartphone called the Pocket Play . As suspected, the Ayaneo Pocket Play features a sliding mechanism that transforms it from a chunky smartphone into a gaming handheld. In its gaming configuration, the Pocket Play features a controller setup with a D-pad, ABXY buttons and four shoulder buttons. However, Ayaneo has modernized the Xperia Play design by incorporating two touchpads, which will also be seen in the handheld maker's next flagship device called the Next II . According to Ayaneo, you can map these touchpads as virtual joysticks or customizable inputs. Ayaneo hasn't revealed the specs of the Pocket Play yet, but the device appears to have slots that could hint at expandable storage options. The Pocket Play will be Ayaneo's first foray into the smartphone world, albeit with mobile gaming in mind. It'll have to compete against the likes of other gaming-specific smartphones like the Redmagic 10 Pro or the Asus ROG Phone series , as well as the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones that can also handle demanding mobile games. Ayaneo will launch the Pocket Play on Kickstarter soon, but hasn't revealed any pricing details yet. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ayaneos-first-smartphone-is-a-major-callback-to-the-xperia-play-165206332.html?src=rss
Ajit Pawar Maintains RSS Distance
NCP chief stays away as Mahayuti leaders visit Hedgewar Smruti Mandir
U19 Asia Cup: George, Deepesh, And Chouhan Star In Indias 90-run Win Over Pakistan
U19 Asia Cup: Aaron George top-scored with 85, while a disciplined bowling display, led by all-rounder Kanishk Chouhan and pacer Deepesh Devendran picking three-fers each, helped India secure a commanding 90-run victory over Pakistan in their second U19 Mens Asia Cup league stage clash at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday. The win also ensured that India qualified for the semi-finals of the competition. Put in to bat first, India were bowled out for 240 in 46.1 overs, with George anchoring the innings through a fluent 85 coming off 88 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six. Captain Ayush Mhatre struck a brisk 38 off 25 balls while Chouhan added a run-a-ball 46, including hitting two fours and three sixes, as they lifted India to a competitive total. For Pakistan, Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan picked up three wickets apiece, while Niqab Shafiq claimed two scalps. Pakistans chase never recovered from early jolts. An incisive new-ball spell from pacer Devendran reduced them to 30/4, and although Huzaifa Ahsan fought with a valiant 70 off 83 balls, he found little support from the rest of the batters. Chouhan also got into the wicket-takers list with three scalps as Pakistan were bowled out for 150 in 41.2 overs. Captain Ayush Mhatre struck a brisk 38 off 25 balls while Chouhan added a run-a-ball 46, including hitting two fours and three sixes, as they lifted India to a competitive total. For Pakistan, Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan picked up three wickets apiece, while Niqab Shafiq claimed two scalps. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: India U19 240 in 46.1 overs (Aaron George 85, Kanishk Chouhan 46; Abdul Subhan 3-42, Mohammad Sayyam 3-67) beat Pakistan U19 150 all out in 41.2 overs (Huzaifa Ahsan 70, Farhan Yousaf 23; Deepesh Devendran 3-16, Kanishk Chouhan 3-33) by 90 runs Article Source: IANS
SQUASH WORLD CUP | India win its maiden title, defeating Hong Kong
Backed by vociferous support, the host produces a clinical and commanding display to overwhelm the top seed
An international student narrowly avoided deportation by demanding an Operating Agreement from a consulting firm, a crucial document proving legal operation. This proactive step, after a previous scam, highlighted the importance of verifying company legitimacy before payment. The article stresses that such paperwork is vital for OPT and STEM OPT students to protect their status.
BJP people 'gaddar', 'dramebaaz'; need to be removed from power: Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge branded the BJP as raitors and heatrical at a rally, demanding their removal to protect voting rights and the Constitution. He urged Indians to unite behind Congress ideology, asserting it's the only force capable of saving the nation from the RSS's alleged destructive path.
We focus on development, says NCP as Ajit Pawar skips visit to RSS founder's memorial
MUMBAI: Even as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar skipped the visit to RSS founder KB Hedgewar's memorial in Nagpur on Sunday, his party NCP stressed that it joined the Mahayuti alliance for the state's development. The National Congress Party's ideology is based on the progressive thoughts of (social reformers) Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar, NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe said, noting that it was not the first time that Pawar skipped the visit to Hedgewar's memorial. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and ruling BJP, Shiv Sena legislators visited Hedgewar's memorial and paid tributes to him on Sunday morning, Pawar and other NCP leaders skipped the event. The winter session of the Maharashtra legislature is currently underway in Nagpur. Ministers and MLAs belonging to the BJP visit the memorial of Hedgewar and the second Sanghchalak, M S Golwalkar, at the Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh every year during the winter session of the state legislature. Last year, MLAs Raju Karemore and Rajkumar Badole were the only representatives of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, which has 41 legislators in the assembly, at the Smruti Mandir. Mumbai Diary | BJP-RSS silent social engineering at work NCP spokesperson Paranjape said it is not the first time that Ajit Pawar skipped a visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder's memorial. We stick to our principles and our focus is development of the state, he asserted. Sachin Sawant, spokesperson of the Opposition Congress, claimed the NCP has been hearing the ideology of RSS in cabinet meetings and unless Pawar's party agrees with it, they wouldn't be in power. In a post on X, Sawant criticised the RSS, alleging that it promotes ideologies that undermine democracy and the Constitution. Referring to Shinde and Shiv Sena legislators visiting Hedgewar's memorial, he charged that their focus is on how to gain power through money distribution and destroy constitutional democracy. Despite being in existence for over 100 years, the RSS has failed to clearly define what Hindutva stands for, the Congress leader claimed. At least now, they should clarify what Hindutva really means, he said. Sawant also alleged that RSS deliberations are less about intellectual debate and more about spreading divisive narratives in society.
From Europe to India, IATA sounds alarm over rising GPS interference in flights
Global airlines are facing a growing concern as GPS spoofing and jamming incidents rise, demanding increased pilot vigilance. IATA data shows a significant increase in GPS loss rates, with projections indicating a continued upward trend. These interferences, often a byproduct of military activities, are impacting major airports worldwide, including in India.
Parliament panel says Sonam Wangchuk's HIAL doing exemplary work, should be given UGC recognition
NEW DELHI: The Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by Ladakh educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk, is doing exemplary work and should be granted recognition by the University Grants Commission, a Parliamentary panel has noted. In its report tabled in Parliament earlier this week, the committee headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh expressed its concern over pending recognition of HIAL by UGC. The panel also recommended that the Ministry of Education closely study the HIAL model and consider how it can be replicated elsewhere through Centres of Innovation in Education or other interventions. During its study visit to Ladakh, the committee was impressed with the academic, research, and entrepreneurship ecosystem at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), especially its success in implementing experiential education and learning rooted in local socio-cultural and ecological contexts, said the report of the Standing Committee on Education, Women, Youth and Sports. The committee was concerned to learn that the UGC has not yet granted recognition to HIAL and that the matter has been pending for many years now. The committee observed that HIAL has achieved a tremendous impact on the local community and received international fame through its ice stupas and other community engagement activities, it added. The panel noted that HIAL is exemplary in its implementation of the NEP 2020, which calls for such experiential and project-based learning, community engagement, and integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The committee recommends that the UGC should consider granting recognition to HIAL. Moreover, the committee encourages the UGC and the department to closely study the HIAL model and consider how it can be replicated elsewhere through Centres of Innovation in Education or other interventions, the report said. Wangchuk was detained under the stringent NSA on September 26, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union Territory. The government had accused him of inciting the violence. The Ladakh administration had cancelled the land allotment to HIAL, and the Union Home Ministry had cancelled its Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration, citing alleged violations.
The BJP has strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following chaos at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's visit. Leaders accused the state government of gross mismanagement, demanding accountability and punishment for those responsible. The incident saw fans protesting, leading to vandalism and a police baton charge, with many ticket holders unable to see the football star.
How a small music class became IIScs cultural heartbeat
BENGALURU: When the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus grew busy with classes, exams, and research, a music teacher discovered a spark of passion in a few students, a spark that drew them toward something far beyond what they had ever imagined pursuing: Hindustani classical music. What began with just four students gradually evolved into a committed group that practised whenever they could steal a moment, after classes, during free periods, and on weekends. Guiding them through every note was Geetha Ananth, Founder of GEETANJALI IISc, who taught her students whenever her schedule allowed, nurturing music in those who yearned for it, without realising that this small group would one day become an integral part of IIScs cultural scene. GEETANJALI IISc marked its 10th anniversary on 7 December, honouring a journey that transformed a modest initiative into a thriving musical collective bridging generations, genres, and people across the IISc community. Founded in 2015, the group was envisioned as a space where music could blossom without boundaries. The idea was simple, recalls Geetha. Music is universal. Music transcends all. That guiding belief, that music can connect people irrespective of age, background, or experience, continues to shape the groups identity. Every program we create aims to live up to that vision, she says. Diversity of members What makes GEETANJALI IISc distinctive is the diversity of its members. The group includes IISc students, faculty, faculty spouses, and their wards, creating a beautifully intergenerational mix of learners aged 4 to 85. Many enter with no musical training, while others bring previous exposure, but all are bound by the shared love and curiosity to explore classical music in a supportive, collaborative space. Children during a performance Under Geethas guidance, they are trained primarily in Hindustani classical vocal music, while also exploring semi-classical pieces, folk songs, regional music, and even Western compositions. Special thematic concerts, including tributes to icons like RD Burman, have become beloved traditions for audiences on campus. What began as a handful of students practising informally has grown into a committed team that rehearses regularly and performs at major events within and outside IISc. Their concerts have taken them to venues such as the Indian Institute of World Culture and gated communities across Bengaluru. Their versatility was especially appreciated during a recent performance at IIT Madras, where the blend of classical, semi-classical, folk, and English pieces resonated strongly with both Indian and international audiences, says Geetha. Group includes 200 members from across globe Geetha adds that the groups programmes have drawn the attention of distinguished personalities, who noted the sincerity, authenticity, and musical discipline the members bring to the stage. That appreciation is particularly significant given the academic pressures at an institution like IISc, where students are often balancing demanding research schedules. Yet, GEETANJALI IISc has managed to sustain its momentum and grow steadily. She attributes this to an environment rooted in emotional warmth and flexibility. Students come to class to unwind, she says. Music should not feel like added pressure. This is their space to express themselves, breathe, and just be. For Geetha, teaching at IISc has been a deeply personal and rewarding journey. Having taught since 2001, the group now includes 200 members, including several who continue learning online after relocating abroad to the US, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Watching her students evolve is what she finds most fulfilling their confidence rising, their voices maturing, and their love for music deepening. One such student even released a Ghazal album, which was launched by Chiranjiv Singh, former Indian Ambassador to UNESCO. Moments like these, she says, remind her of why this group matters.
'Vote chor, gaddi chhod': Congress to hold major rally at Delhis Ramlila Maidan all you need to know
The Congress is holding a major rally at Ramlila Maidan to protest alleged vote chori and issues with electoral rolls. Top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, will address the gathering. The party claims to have collected over five crore signatures nationwide, criticizing the Election Commission's neutrality and demanding electoral reforms.
Chandigarh Diary: Kangana gives BJP rally in Himachal a miss
The BJP MP from Mandi and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut recently skipped a massive party rally held at the Zorawar Stadium in Dharamshala, targeting the Congress governments three-year rule of corruption, lies, and administrative collapse. While all the other party MPs, such as Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj, Indu Goswami, and Sikandar Kumar, attended the event, Kangana was conspicuous by her absence. Also present were thousands of BJP supporters from across the state and party leaders, including state president Rajeev Bindal, state in-charge Shrikant Sharma, co-incharge Sanjay Tandon, leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur, former Union minister Anurag Thakur, and former state president Suresh Kashyap. Kanganas absence generated far more attention. Korean womans Punjabi chat with Mann CM Bhagwant Mann was in for a pleasant surprise when a Korean woman, whom he met while heading a delegation to South Korea, spoke to him in fluent Punjabi. A video of Mann interacting with the woman is going viral on social media. The woman with folded hands introduced herself in Punjabi, saying, I am Simran Kaur, a daughter-in-law from Punjab. By the way, my real name is (Korean name). I am Korean Punjabi, my husband is a Punjabi. Then her husband said, It has been 20 years since our wedding. An impressed Mann asked who taught her Punjabi, to which she proudly replied, My in-laws. Sikhs should have 3-4 children: Jathedar Akal Takht acting Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has urged Sikhs to have at least three to four children, as their population is in decline. In a video that has gone viral, he can be heard saying that producing one child is not a wise policy, The population of all the communities has swelled, but we (Sikhs) have not been able to match the growth. We should have at least 3 or 4 children in a family. This is not a conservative approach. We should think in this direction, he said in the presence of Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale.
Bowlers emulate batters brilliance as J&K hands Meghalaya crushing innings defeat
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: Emulating their batters, the bowling duo of Jammu and Kashmir led by Rajveer Singh and Sanil Singh plotted collapse of Meghalaya and handed them a crushing innings defeat in their Vijay Merchant Trophy encounter at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, Surat, Gujarat today. After declaring their innings overnight at a commanding 585/7, J&Ks bowlers unleashed utter devastation, dismantling Meghalaya for a paltry 75 in their first innings and a modest 126 in the second. Meghalayas batters [] The post Bowlers emulate batters brilliance as J&K hands Meghalaya crushing innings defeat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
No one can deny that modern warfare has changed drastically, giving a clear indication that countries which remain reluctant in adopting new strategies and techniques can be at serious risk, because wars are no longer fought merely with boots and bullets. The nature of conflict has evolved, demanding preparedness that goes far beyond conventional military [] The post India & Future Wars appeared first on Northlines .
Over 700 officers commissioned as Army, IAF hold Passing Out Parades in Dehradun, Hyderabad
NEW DELHI: The services of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force were joined by more than 700 officers, men and women on Saturday following the Passing Out Parades held at their respective academies. The Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, resonated with pride, tradition and military splendour as the 157th Passing Out Parade (POP) was conducted at the historic Drill Square, while the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) took place at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad, on the same day. According to the IAF, the AFA POP marked the successful culmination of pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets from the flying and ground duty branches of the Indian Air Force. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan reviewed the parade and conferred the Presidents Commission on the graduating Flight Cadets of the 216 Course. A total of 244 Flight Cadets, including 215 men and 29 women, graduated on the occasion. The service of Armed Forces personnel formally begins from the day the President, as Supreme Commander, grants the commission. On the occasion, six officers from the Indian Navy, eight officers from the Indian Coast Guard and two trainees from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded Wings on the successful completion of flying training, while Brevets were conferred on five officers after completing their navigation training. The IAFs commissioning ceremony also included the administration of oaths to the newly commissioned Flying Officers, who pledged to safeguard the sovereignty and honour of the nation, in the presence of proud family members. Addressing the gathering, General Chauhan emphasised the need to create and sustain asymmetry to win future wars, underlining technology as a decisive factor. He stressed the importance of AI-driven data fusion, manunmanned teaming, autonomous and unmanned systems, and operations in the cognitive domain. Referring to Operation Sindoor as a testimony to the IAFs unparalleled professionalism, he said it must be guided by the principles of JAI -- Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation -- which will shape Indias future combat power, and encouraged the officers to serve boldly and lead fearlessly. At the Indian Military Academy, the 157th POP marked the commissioning of Officer Cadets into the Indian Army, reflecting the rigorous training, discipline and indomitable spirit instilled at the institution. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the parade and congratulated the newly commissioned officers, praising their discipline, leadership and endurance. He urged them to uphold the rich traditions of the Army and reminded them that commissioning signifies the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the nation, demanding honour, discipline and selfless service. A total of 525 Officer Cadets from various courses, along with 34 cadets from 14 friendly foreign nations, were commissioned into the Indian Army, symbolising the strengthening of Indias defence leadership and enduring military partnerships. The ceremonies at both academies were witnessed by parents, family members, senior officers and distinguished guests, and concluded with the traditional Antim Pag, as the young officers marched forward, ready to uphold the sovereignty, honour and ideals of the nation.
Ram Mandir Trust To Build Memorial To Honour Sacrifice Of Temple Movement Martyrs
The Ram Mandir Trust will build a memorial for those who died in the Ram temple movement.
Gujarat couple, child trying to immigrate to Portugal kidnapped in Libya: Officials
Mehsana Superintendent of Police says that the kidnappers have contacted the relatives of the family, demanding 2 crore as ransom.
Gujarat couple, three-year-old child, trying to immigrate to Portugal kidnapped in Libya: Officials
MEHSANA: A couple from Gujarat's Mehsana district and their three-year-old daughter were allegedly taken hostage in Libya for a ransom of Rs 2 crore while trying to immigrate to Portugal, officials said on Saturday. Kismatsinh Chavda, his wife Heenaben and daughter Devanshi were kidnapped in the North African nation, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, en route to Portugal, where the man's brother is settled, Mehsana Superintendent of Police Himanshu Solanki said. He said that the family from Badalpura village in the district was travelling with the help of a Portugal-based agent with the plan to settle in the European country. The official said Mehsana Collector SK Prajapati has been informed about the incident. The family took a flight to Dubai from Ahmedabad on November 29. From there, they were taken to Benghazi City in Libya, where they were kidnapped, Solanki said. Chavda's brother is settled in Portugal, and he was travelling with the help of an agent based in Portugal. The family was travelling with the intention to settle there, and the agents involved in the case are not Indians, Solanki said. The official said that the kidnappers have contacted the relatives of the family in Mehsana, demanding Rs 2 crore as ransom. Collector Prajapati said that Chavda's kin approached him on Friday, and that he has informed the state government and the Ministry of External Affairs about their case.
Akhlaq lynching: CPI(M) leader seeks Presidents intervention in UP govts decision
New Delhi: Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, demanding her intervention in the Uttar Pradesh governments move to withdraw charges against the accused in the 2015 mob lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq. In a letter to the President, Karat called it a politically motivated step by the government, and also Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
NEW DELHI: Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, demanding her intervention in the Uttar Pradesh government's move to withdraw charges against the accused in the 2015 mob lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq. In a letter to the President, Karat called it a politically motivated step by the government, and also questioned the role of the governor. I write to draw your urgent attention to the role of the Uttar Pradesh governor in the matter of the mob lynching case of Md Akhlaq, which occurred in September 2015. The Governor has given written permission to the UP government to go ahead in its wholly illegal and unjust attempt to subvert the processes of justice and to withdraw the entire case even though the main witness has already given evidence, Karat said. She said the government has filed an affidavit in the Greater Noida district court to withdraw the case, with the governor's permission. I regret that I am forced to write to you on this matter, but since the governor has been appointed by you and is answerable to you, I felt it in the interests of justice to inform you of the facts and to request your urgent intervention, she said. On September 18, 2015, a mob gathered outside Akhlaq's home in the Bisada village in Dadri after an announcement from the local temple alleged that he had slaughtered a cow and stored its meat in the fridge. The mob --led by Vishal Rana, son of a local BJP leader, and cousin Shivam-- dragged Akhlaq and his son Danish out of their home and assaulted them until they fell unconscious. While Akhlaq died at a Noida hospital, Danish survived after suffering severe head injuries and undergoing major surgery. Even today, Danish has not fully recovered and carries the impact of the grievous wounds inflicted on him, Karat said. The CPI(M) leader said the daughter of the victim gave evidence and named and identified all the accused. In other words, evidence against the accused has been presented and recorded in the court. The case is going on, and two other direct witnesses are to give their statements, she said. At such a time, the UP government has taken a decision to withdraw the case on utterly indefensible grounds, such as lathis were used, not guns, there was no personal animosity with the victim, continuing the case will lead to communal disharmony and so on, the letter read. Karat alleged that the case has been delayed by the prosecution -- by not giving notice to the witnesses to appear -- and now the delay has been cited as the grounds to withdraw the case. This is motivated not to meet the ends of justice but to subvert the entire judicial process, she said. Calling it a politically motivated step by the Uttar Pradesh government, she questioned, Should the governor not counsel the government against such a step? Is it not the duty of the governor to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law? If such a case is withdrawn, what will be left of the processes of justice? Will this not then apply to all cases of mob lynching that lathis were used, not guns, that there is no personal animosity, that harmony requires that such cases be withdrawn? she asked. Karat expressed hope that the President would intervene and direct the governor to withdraw the permission given. The matter is urgent as the government affidavit approved by the governor, which was to be discussed in the court yesterday (December 12) was postponed on the request of the prosecution, she added.
KOLKATA: Both ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition BJP lashed out at the organisers of an event featuring Lionel Messi in Salt Lake stadium on Saturday, which ended in chaos as irate spectators went on a vandalisation spree for not having a proper view of the football icon. Demanding action against the organisers, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said in a statement that the overzealousness of the organisers and people close to them to crowd Messi and take selfies with him prevented the spectators from the gallery, who shelled out hefty amounts for the event, from having a proper view of the football star, and it infuriated them. Why should no action be taken against the organisers for this mess? Why was there no proper planning? Why did chaos break out? It forced Messi to leave the stadium and the chief minister of West Bengal could not attend and accord him a warm welcome on behalf of the people of the state, the TMC state general secretary said. Describing the incident as a big let-down for the sport-lovers of the state, Ghosh said that in 2011, when Messi came to the stadium for the first time, the event was so well-organised. I remember there was a match and Messi took the corner kick 50 metres from my press gallery seat. Everything went off so smoothly and Kolkata held its head high then, he said. BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya alleged that some fraudsters, in their greed to mint money, created this situation. Stating that the entire responsibility for this mess lies with the state government, he alleged that TMC leaders indulged greedy organisers, who were busy with self publicity, depriving people, who bought tickets, to have a proper view of the football icon. Bhattacharya said that the incident tarnished the image of the state. Union minister and senior BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar slammed the TMC and the state administration for the chaos. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that ministers and leaders clung to Messi like leeches, while football fans who paid thousands of rupees were left watching him on the giant screen for barely a few minutes. In a post on X, Adhikari accused Sports Minister Arup Biswas, Fire Minister Sujit Basu and the organisers of turning the event into a money-making exercise. He also demanded a 100 per cent refund for gallery ticket-holders, arrest of those responsible, and sought Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation for discrediting West Bengal before the world. The Congress also attacked the TMC government, with West Bengal state president Subhankar Sarkar describing the episode as errible mismanagement and a mockery of law and order. He alleged that in the name of Messi, tickets were sold at exorbitant prices to innocent fans, while the footballer was surrounded only by TMC leaders and members of their families. Crores of public money were spent so that TMC leaders could get photographs clicked with Messi. This is a new-age scam after Sarada and Narada, Sarkar alleged, demanding personal accountability of the organiser, and police and sports ministers and the local MLA. Congress spokesperson Suman Roy Chaudhuri echoed similar sentiments, demanding the arrest of the sports minister and questioning the role of the police administration. He alleged that the episode exposed the commercial face of the government and called for legal action over the mess. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty termed the mismanagement a lack day for West Bengal, blaming the TMC government for failure of law and order. Drawing a contrast with the visits of football legend Diego Maradona during the Left Front regime, Chakraborty alleged that the government was more focused on making money in Messi's name than ensuring spectators' safety and experience.
Messi in Kolkata: Fans alleges event as `massive scam`
What was billed as the biggest sports show of the year turned chaotic in Kolkata as fans protested poor management during Lionel Messis appearance, accusing organisers and VIPs of hogging the football legends time and demanding ticket refunds
PM renaming MGNREGA to claim credit for revolutionary scheme: Congress
NEW DELHI: With the Cabinet approving a Bill to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Congress on Saturday alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing this to claim credit, and the move is othing but a cosmetic change to paper over the deliberate neglect being meted out to this scheme. The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a Bill to rename the MGNREGA and increase the number of work days, sources said. According to them, the scheme will now be renamed as 'Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna', and the number of work days under it would be increased from 100 days at present to 125 days. Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said the PM, who once called MGNREGA a monument of failure, is now renaming it to claim credit for the revolutionary scheme. It's yet another way of erasing Mahatma Gandhi from our national psyche, especially from the villages, where, he said, India's soul resides, he alleged. This move is also nothing but a cosmetic change to paper over the deliberate neglect being meted out to this scheme, Venugopal said on X. MGNREGA workers have been demanding higher wages, but the Centre has been reducing allocated funds for the scheme year after year, he said. The arrears keep piling up, and it seems to be a carefully planned strategy to engineer a slow death for the scheme. In reality, this government has no intent of delivering welfare - and is merely putting up a pretence when it has run out of ideas, Venugopal alleged. But Mr Modi, rename it all you want, the people know it was Dr Manmohan Singh ji and Smt Sonia Gandhi ji who brought this transformative scheme to every village of India, he said. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, better known as MGNREGA or NREGA, is a flagship scheme of the government aimed at enhancing livelihood security of households in the rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It was enacted in 2005.
Cash-strapped Punjab government hopes to generate Rs 3000 crore by selling land under OUVGL Scheme
CHANDIGARH: The cash-strapped AAP-led Punjab government, whose outstanding debt touched Rs 3.98 lakh crore till October this year, hopes to generate Rs 3,000 crore through monetisation. It has identified parcels of unused land to be developed and sold under the three-decade-old Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Lands (OUVGL) Scheme to fulfil its pre-poll promise of providing a Rs 1,100 per month honorarium to all women in the state. With only 14 months left for the Assembly elections, the move is aimed at tiding over the financial crisis. Most of these lands belong to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Employees and officers of the corporation have now decided to launch a protest movement against the sale of power sector land and assets, saying it will severely compromise future expansion of critical infrastructure such as substations, transmission corridors and power projects. Sources said a meeting of the empowered committee of the OUVGL, headed by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, was held on Thursday, during which the development costs and net revenue expected from disposing of several land pockets in Patiala, Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar were discussed. It is estimated that Rs 2,789 crore could be generated from the sale of these land parcels belonging to PSPCL, the Health Department, the Transport Department, MARKFED, the Punjab Mandi Board, the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation and the Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board. Of the Rs 3,000 crore the state hopes to generate from the sale of these assets, the maximum revenue of Rs 2,219.58 crore is expected to come from six PSPCL properties in Patiala, Bathinda, Ludhiana and Jalandhar that are being considered for disposal. These properties are proposed to be transferred to urban development authorities. The meeting also reviewed progress in retrieving land from various departments for transfer to these authorities, sources said. Discussions were also held on transferring a 57.82-acre site in Mullanpur Garibdas village in Mohali from the Forest Department to the urban development authority. The land was first transferred to PUDA in March 2004, but in October 2010 the empowered committee of PUDA approved its transfer to the Forest Department as it fell under a green belt where a nature park was later developed after compensatory afforestation. About 19 acres of the land were left untouched as they were encroached upon. As the land is not classified as forest land and was only used for compensatory afforestation, the government believes it can now be used for other activities. In lieu of this, compensatory afforestation would be carried out on a parcel of government land in Ludhiana, sources said. Meanwhile, officers and employees from various unions and associations of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited held a meeting. After detailed deliberations, all unions unanimously resolved to launch a joint protest movement against the sale of power sector land and assets. They expressed deep concern that the sale of valuable land would severely compromise future expansion of critical infrastructure such as substations, transmission corridors and power projects. The unions demanded that the government immediately withdraw the proposal and warned that any attempt to harm or compromise power sector assets would trigger immediate and statewide protests.
Mandir-Masjid: How competitive faith politics is recasting Bengal's 2026 poll battle
KOLKATA: As West Bengal heads into an election year, a spate of templemosque announcements, scripture spectacles and date-sensitive symbolism is pushing the states politics into unfamiliar territory, sharpening communal polarisation in a borderland shaped by Partition memories, demographic anxieties and a coexistence periodically tested by political mobilisation. From the bordering Murshidabad district to the planned township of Salt Lake on the eastern fringes of Kolkata, faith has emerged as the most audible idiom of political mobilisation, often drowning out conversations on migration, jobs, prices and governance, as rival players test how far religious assertion can stretch Bengals electoral grammar ahead of the Assembly polls. The immediate spark came on December 6, which marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir pressed ahead with laying the foundation stone of a mosque modelled on the original Babri structure in Murshidabads Rejinagar, under unprecedented security cover. Kabir argued that the political moment itself had shifted. People are trying to pretend that faith has no place in Bengals politics. That phase is over. Whether one likes it or not, questions of identity, dignity and religious rights will shape the next election. The next elections will be fought on questions of honour and belonging. Anyone denying that is not reading the ground, Kabir told PTI. In nearby Banjatiya in Murshidabad, BJP leaders also conducted groundwork rituals for a Ram temple, framing it as resistance to what they called minority appeasement. Elsewhere, the saffron party sharpened its pitch around cultural assertion, while the TMC moved quickly to distance itself from Kabirs actions. Bengals culture has never supported competitive religious politics. The party believes faith is personal and politics must remain inclusive. We will not allow Bengal to be converted into a laboratory for polarisation experiments borrowed from elsewhere, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said. The response underlined the partys political tightrope managing a minority base that accounts for nearly 30 per cent of the electorate, while arresting signs of Hindu drift amid intensifying identity politics. On December 7, Kolkatas Brigade Parade Grounds, the most politically loaded public stage, hosted a massive Bhagavad Gita recital projected as five lakh voices chanting together. Senior BJP leaders and nationally known monks filled the dais, even as organisers insisted the event was spiritual rather than political. Kabir was quick to announce a similar Quran recital event in Murshidabad district. Political scientist Maidul Islam said this is a very new phenomenon in Bengal politics. Leaders like Humayun Kabir and parties like the BJP and AIMIM are consciously trying to import Hindi heartland narratives into Bengal. Dates, symbols and mass religious performances these are not accidental, he told PTI. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said that when one side uses religious symbolism to consolidate its vote bank, the other cannot be expected to remain silent. The politics of selective secularism will no longer work in Bengal. For decades, Hindu sentiments were pushed to the margins of the states political discourse. This is about to change, he claimed. For decades, Bengals political mobilisation rested largely on class, language and welfare, with religion operating as a secondary identity marker. Even during earlier communal flare-ups, mainstream parties avoided sustained, competitive religious symbolism. However, Murshidabad, where Muslims form a numerical majority and memories of Partition displacement remain alive, has emerged as the epicentre, with mandirmasjid politics increasingly dominating public conversation. In Salt Lake, posters appeared announcing an Ayodhya-style Ram temple complex with a hospital, school and old-age home. The proposed foundation ceremony is slated for Ram Navami next year, signalling how religious symbolism is now being projected deep into spaces associated with governance and power. When templemosque politics moves from border districts to planned urban centres, it signals ambition, not spontaneity, political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty said, adding that it reflects an attempt to normalise religious assertion as mainstream electoral language. The Congress and the Left, reduced to the margins in Bengal, have warned of historical repetition. We know where competitive communalism leads, state Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar said, recalling the countrywide violence that followed the Babri demolition in the 1990s. Bengal is a border state born of Partition, its social fabric shaped by refugee influx, demographic churn and episodic violence. While it never fully followed the Hindi heartlands template of sustained religious polarisation, the scars remain real and politically exploitable. When economic distress dominates daily life, sudden mandirmasjid politics signals a deliberate narrative shift, political scientist Subhomoy Moitra said. With the Assembly elections months away, Bengal appears headed into a season of competitive symbolism, where mosques and temples are no longer merely places of faith but strategic markers on a polarised political map. Whether this moment hardens into lasting division or recedes under electoral pragmatism may shape not just individual political fortunes but the future trajectory of Bengals political culture itself.
Can Kashmir Save Its Lost Generation From Addiction and Despair?
by Umar Farooq Kashmir faces a devastating addiction crisis consuming its youth, fuelled by heroin, systemic failures, corruption, trauma, and unemployment, demanding collective action rooted in accountability, compassion, and faith. Kashmir, once a paradise of breathtaking valleys and flowing rivers, now stands beneath a heavy sky drenched in quiet sorrow. The land once celebrated for []
Mandir-Masjid: How competitive faith politics recasting Bengal's 2026 poll battle
As West Bengal gears up for its elections, a notable uptick in religious symbolism is evident. Political rallies are increasingly hosted at temples and mosques, diverting attention from critical issues like job creation and migration challenges. This shift is amplifying communal differences, with leaders strategically using religious identity to cement their voter appeal.
Wonder if MP HC aware of condonation delay law: SC
The Supreme Court expressed dismay over the Madhya Pradesh High Court condoning a four-year delay in an appeal by the state government. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Prasanna B. Varale questioned the High Court's awareness of apex court rulings on delay condonation, setting aside the order and remanding the case for reconsideration.
CHENNAI: Nearly 400 conservancy workers from Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones, who staged a protest at the Muthamizharignar Dr Kalaignar M Karunanidhi memorial on Friday demanding the Chief Ministers intervention for the reinstatement of their jobs directly under the Greater Chennai Corporation instead of the private contractor, were detained by the police officials. They were taken to four community and marriage halls in Alandur, Adambakkam, Madipakkam and Royapuram. Though the police officials released the workers after 8pm, the workers refused to leave stating instead of getting detained again they would choose to stay here as their protest will continue until their demands are met. The workers said, The CM should fulfil the promise regarding our job regularisation. Why should we have to struggle so much for our livelihood?
PMK Leader's Visit To Vijay-Led TVK's Headquarters Sparks Alliance Buzz
K Balu said the purpose was his visit was to invite the TVK to participate in their December 17 protest in Chennai, demanding a caste-based survey in the state.
MNREGA gets new name, 125 days of employment
NEW DELHI: Setting the stage for a major overhaul of the countrys flagship rural jobs scheme, the Union Cabinet on Friday approved the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana. The government also proposes to increase the guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days of work per rural household each year. It also plans to revise the minimum wage under the scheme to `240 per day, along with additional budgetary allocations to support the expanded mandate. The decision to rechristen the name comes at a time when the West Bengal government has been pressing the Centre to release its long-pending dues under MGNREGA. The state has repeatedly argued that the freeze on Rs 51,627 crore has crippled wage payments and stalled ongoing works, and has accused the government of withholding money on political grounds. The Centre has stopped funding the rural scheme in West Bengal since March 9, 2022, based on allegations of corruption in the implementation process. The state is on a warpath demanding payment of dues. Enacted in 2005, the existing law is one of Indias largest social security measures, aimed at ensuring the right to work for rural households by providing guaranteed unskilled manual labour. At present, MGNREGA offers 100 days of work at wage rates linked to state-level notifications, though activists have consistently flagged low wages, delayed payments, and severe underfunding. Activists and several organisations have been demanding that the government raise NREGA wages to match state minimum wages, noting that the proposed Rs 240 per day remains below statutory minimum wages in many states, effectively institutionalising wage discrimination. There has been a long standing demand to increase the overall budget substantially, as the programme regularly runs out of funds midway through the financial year, forcing states to halt work or delay wages. Another demand was to remove Aadhaar-linked payment barriers. Since January 1, 2024, ABPS has been made mandatory.
Actor abduction and rape case: Who is madam behind quotation?
KOCHI: While acquitting actor Dileep in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, the trial court observed that the first accused Pulsar Suni had initially claimed that the quotation for the crime came from a madam, and the prosecution was duty-bound to investigate that angle. The order, accessed by TNIE , stated that Suni had first claimed the quotation originated from a woman but later changed his version and alleged that it was at the instance of actor Dileep. If this be the situation, the prosecution is bound to conduct an investigation into the so-called involvement of the lady claimed by Suni during the commission of the offence. In this context, considering the fact that the prosecution failed to prove conspiracy between Suni and Dileep, the suppression of matters relating to Sreelakshmi, Shiny Thomas, and Kevin Thomas assumes relevance. The prosecution ought to have ruled out the involvement of those persons in the commission of the offence, the order stated. The court also held that there was no clear evidence that the first accused received money from Dileep. It found inconsistencies in the claim that a phone reached the prison and that, using this phone, Nadhirsha was contacted to seek money from Dileep. There was no clear proof for this. Nor was there evidence of a conspiracy involving Dileep. Martin Antony and Manikandan B The court observed that the letter written by Pulsar Suni to Dileep demanding money did not bear Sunis handwriting, which weakened the attempt to establish a connection between them. The survivor did not initially give any statement against Dileep. His alleged involvement was identified by the police, who later arrested him. Therefore, the usual weight given to a survivors statement in sexual assault cases did not extend to the allegations against Dileep. The prosecution argued that Dileep and Suni were acquainted, had been seen together at various places, and had appeared under the same mobile tower locations. However, the court found these circumstances insufficient to establish a conspiracy. The trial court did not criticise the decision to arrest Dileep, stating that an investigating officer has the authority to arrest based on available information and evidence. The court also questioned why Jinson, Pulsar Sunis fellow inmate, was not made an accused, noting that he was a prosecution witness. Meanwhile, the investigation team failed to establish that Dileep had deleted digital records. No digital evidence supporting the allegations raised by the investigation team was presented. The prosecutions claim that Dileep instructed the accused to include the ring in the visuals to help identify the survivor was rejected by the court. It noted that this allegation appeared for the first time only in the final report. Similarly, the claim that the conspiracy between Dileep and Pulsar Suni began in 2013 lacked supporting evidence showing where Suni was or what he was doing during that time. N S Sunil (Pulsar Suni) and Vijeesh V P The allegation that Suni had worked as actor Mukeshs driver while absconding after the crime was also not proven. The prosecution did not produce evidence to substantiate the statements of Balachandrakumar, a key witness. The devices allegedly used by Dileep to view the visuals were never recovered. The complete version of the phone messages that Balachandrakumar claimed belonged to Dileep was also not submitted. Actor abduction case down the lane Feb 17, 2017: A six-member gang led by Pulsar Suni abducts and assaults a Malayalam actor in a moving car near Athani, Ernakulam Feb 18, 2017: Nedumbassery police register an FIR based on the First Information given by the survivor before P K Radhamany, the then woman police officer. The survivors driver Martin Antony is arrested Feb 19, 2017: Police arrest Vadival Salim and Pradeep Feb 23, 2017: Prime accused Pulsar Suni and accomplice Vijeesh V P attempt to surrender before the court, but police take them into custody from the courtroom at District Court complex, Ernakulam. The duo had jumped the court wall in an effort to enter and surrender before the court without being detected by the police April 18, 2017: Babu Kumar, DySP, who initially probed the case, files the chargesheet against six accused persons including Pulsar Suni, before JFCM, Angamaly May 18, 2017: Baiju Poulose M was appointed as the new Investigating Officer. A report regarding further investigation was filed by police upon receiving information about a criminal conspiracy involving more suspects including Dileep in the case July 10, 2017: Actor Dileep arrested and lodged in Aluva sub-jail October 3, 2017: After spending 85 days in jail, Dileep gets bail January 6, 2020: Trial court frames charges against Dileep and nine others March 1, 2021: Supreme Court grants six more months to the trial court to complete the trial December 25, 2021: Director Balachandra Kumar, a close associate of Dileep, makes several disclosures against Dileep, and SIT begins further investigation based on the revelation January 9, 2022: Police file a new FIR against Dileep and five others following audio clips submitted by Balachandra Kumar July 22, 2022: Further investigation is concluded and an additional final report is filed, adding Sections 201 and 204 against Dileep December 11, 2024: Final hearing begins in trial court. January 23, 2025: The arguments of prosecution completed. The court examined 261 witnesses. November 25, 2025: The trial court decides to pronounce the verdict on December 8. December 8, 2025: The trial court acquits actor Dileep. The court finds six other accused persons, including Pulsar Suni, guilty. December 12, 2025: The trial court sentences all six convicts, including prime accused Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
More than400 protesting sanitation workers detained in Chennai
The workers protested on Kamarajar Salai and near the Secretariat, demanding that the Corporation withdraw the move to outsource conservancy operations at two zones in the city
