Rs 5K Bribe for a Drought Cheque: Baragada Clerk Gets 4 Years in Jail
A farmer seeking drought compensation did not just wait for a government cheque. He was asked to pay for it. The Special Judge, Vigilance, Baragada today convicted Gobardhan Meher, former Senior Clerk of the Tahasil Office at Bhatli in Baragada district, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 to release the farmers drought [] The post Rs 5K Bribe for a Drought Cheque: Baragada Clerk Gets 4 Years in Jail appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Youth Congress protests in Bhopal demanding resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar
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Sahil Wakode's parents begin fast, IIT-B apologises again
The parents of Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay student whose death has sparked protests, have begun a hunger strike in Mumbai, alleging their son faced caste discrimination and demanding action against those they claim tormented him.
Two Marketing Officials Suspended in Madhya Pradesh for Corruption
Madhya Pradeshs Agriculture Minister suspends two officials for demanding bribes from warehouse operators in a corruption case. Two Marketing Officials Suspended in Madhya Pradesh for Corruption
31 years after Rs 100 bribe case began, ex-railway clerk gets 1 year in jail
Kali Shankar Dhobi, a former parcel clerk, faced a conviction for bribery at Hatia Railway Station back in 1995. He was found guilty of demanding an extra Rs 100 for motorcycle bookings, prompting a lengthy CBI investigation. After nearly 31 years, the Jharkhand High Court upheld a reduced sentence, taking into account his old age and ill health, ensuring Dhobi serves no more than one year in prison.
BJD Escalates Fight Against MMDR Act; Naveen Patnaik to Lead Massive Protest on Sept 28
Denouncing the Centres MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Amendment Act as a black law, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) announced a full-scale agitation demanding its immediate repeal. The party will host a massive public demonstration at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar on September 28, with BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik leading [] The post BJD Escalates Fight Against MMDR Act; Naveen Patnaik to Lead Massive Protest on Sept 28 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Asiad 2026: Anahat, Tanvi set up all-Indian q/f; Abhay, Veer advance
India enjoyed a productive day on the squash courts at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games here on Thursday, with Anahat Singh, Tanvi Khanna, Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani advancing to the singles quarterfinals, while Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar also making the mixed doubles last-eight. Junior world champion and medal favourite Anahat began her women's singles campaign with a 3-0 (11-4, 11-5, 11-7) win over Singapore's Wai Iynn Au Yeong in just 19 minutes. Tanvi then joined her teenage compatriot in the quarterfinals after beating Singapore's Wai Yhann Au Yeong 3-1 (5-11, 11-4, 11-5, 13-11) in 39 minutes. The results set up an all-Indian women's singles quarterfinal between Anahat and Tanvi. Unlike last edition, semifinalists are not assured of a guaranteed medal in the squash singles competition. There will be a third-fourth classification match between the two losing semifinalists for the bronze. In the men's singles, Abhay Singh produced a commanding display to beat Sri
IIT Mandi Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) Recruitment 2026 for posts of Project Assistant. Candidates with B.Sc Can attend Walkin. The Walk-in on 29-09-2026. For detailed information please visit IIT Mandi official website iitmandi.ac.in.
Gyanesh Kumar Resignation, SIR Rollback, EC Law: What CJP Wants
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has stepped up its criticism of the Election Commission of India, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and calling for a halt to upcoming elections until questions surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
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3-Kanal Land Approved for Vegetable Mandi in North Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the transfer of three kanals of land at Arampora in Sopore for establishment of a vegetable mandi aimed at improving the marketing, storage and post-harvest management of locally produced vegetables. The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers through Decision No. 113/11/2026 dated September 10, 2026, []
PoJK protest crackdown: Activists urge UNHRC to set up independent probe
Digital Desk | Geneva, Sep 24 (IANS) Human rights violations and socio-economic deprivation in the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) were raised at the ongoing 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. Activists called for independent international probe into the crackdown on protesters in the region. In an oral statement, social activist Harleen Kour said that the people in PoJK have been on the streets for months demanding food, electricity, employment, better infrastructure and political representation. She said these peaceful protests have been met with excessive force, arbitrary detentions, communication blackouts and the use of anti-terror laws against peaceful groups. This Council cannot remain silent while fundamental human rights are violently suppressed, she told the Council, alleging extrajudicial killings and mass detentions. She also said that resources extracted from the region benefit external interests while locals face acute inflation, unemployment and poor infrastructure. Kour urged the UNHRC to set up an independent fact-finding mission on civilian deaths, unlawful detentions and use of excessive force. She also called for an immediate end to security crackdowns, restoration of full communications and digital access, and protection for political activists and local leaders facing harassment. The issue was also raised at a side event on September 23 at the Geneva Press Club, organised by the civil society at a discussion titled Empowering Tomorrow: Youth Innovation, Gender Equality and the Transition to Peace (in Jammu and Kashmir). Several speakers highlighted youth innovation in Jammu and Kashmir and growing atrocities on minorities in Pakistan and PoJK. They emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir's youth were moving from conflict-related disruption towards education, innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunity. Social activist Tehmina Rizvi compared gender equality on the two sides - Jammu and Kashmir and POJK. She cited data on women-led self-help groups, political representation, literacy, startups and youth demographics, and argued these trends could contribute to sustainable peace and inclusive development. Seerat Gowhar Mir said Jammu and Kashmir had moved from stone pelting to ballots, pointing to rising voter participation and greater access to education, technology and opportunity. She described this as a change in the mindset and added that political disagreement is an integral part of democracy. Farooq Ganderbali, President of Voice for Peace & Justice, said Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and extremism had held back development in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted Kashmiri youth's growing achievements in sports and asked the forum to condemn alleged atrocities by Pakistani forces on PoJK residents during recent protests. Author and columnist Sheikh Minhaj said young Kashmiris are increasingly looking forward and seeking progress, technology, education and entrepreneurship. Peace, he said, is not merely the absence of violence but the presence of opportunity. World Sindhi Congress leader Hidayat Bhutto voiced concerns over the erosion of Kashmir's distinct language, culture and history, and recalled its tradition of communal harmony. He claimed terrorism and violence had also affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, held Pakistan responsible for promoting terrorism in these regions, and called for unity among the communities facing human rights challenges and cultural marginalisation.
Odisha Assembly sees disruptions for third day over MMDR Amendment Act
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 24 (IANS) The monsoon session of the Odisha Assembly witnessed disruptions for the third consecutive day on Thursday, as opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress legislators staged a protest in the House over the MMDR Amendment Act. Both the BJD and Congress members had been protesting in the House for the past two days over separate issues. However, the BJD legislators who had been demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over printing errors in school textbooks for the past two days, on Thursday created a ruckus in the House over the MMDR Amendment Act and demanded its repeal. As the House proceedings commenced on the third day of the monsoon session, Congress and BJD legislators, holding posters and banners near the Speakers podium, raised anti-government slogans demanding the repeal of the MMDR Amendment Act. Amid the pandemonium, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi tried to conduct the proceedings, with Ministers Mukesh Mahaling and Suresh Pujari answering queries during Question Hour. Meanwhile, continued disruptions by the opposition MLAs prompted the Deputy Speaker to adjourn the House till 4 pm. The Congress MLAs later staged a protest under the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Assembly premises, while the BJD legislators marched to the office of the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) from the Assembly. They staged a gherao of the OMC office over the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, calling it against the interests of the state. Speaking to media persons, Senior BJD leader and party MLA Arun Sahu said the partys protest outside the OMC office here marked the beginning of an economic blockade against the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026. Sahu said the BJD had given an ultimatum to the state government and the Centre to withdraw the legislation. If the demand was not met, the party would intensify its agitation and launch a statewide economic blockade, he said. This is only the beginning. We will continue our protest and adopt a broader strategy if the government fails to act, Sahu said. He alleged that the amendment would adversely affect Odishas interests and deprive the state of its rightful share of mineral resources. The BJD leader said the party would also mobilise people and intensify its campaign against the legislation. Congress Leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati alleged that Odisha incurred a loss of Rs 1.10 lakh crore, apart from the annual loss of Rs 10,00 crore every year, due to the enactment of the MMDR Amendment Act. The BJP-led union government betrayed the people of Odisha who voted them to power during the 2024 general elections.
My body, not your power play: LSR college protests gangrape
New Delhi: Students of Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi University chanted Azadi as they took out a solidarity March on Wednesday, September 23, following the alleged gangrape of a 17-year-old at Aastha Kunj Park, barely two kilometres from the college. LSR students hold a solidarity march demanding enhanced safety measures following the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
India vs South Korea Highlights, Asian Games 2026 Men's Hockey IND vs KOR: India extended their unbeaten run in emphatic fashion with a commanding 8-2 victory over South Korea in a Pool A match of the Asian Games on Thursday.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 24 (IANS) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Thursday arrived at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, where contingents of the Indian Army and the US Army are training side by side as part of the bilateral military Exercise Yudh Abhyas. Upon arrival in Rajasthan, Gor said that he looked forward to seeing the troops of India and the US training side by side. Just touched down at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan for Yudh Abhyas 2026, Indias largest bilateral defence exercise with any nation. Looking forward to seeing US Army and Indian troops train side by side, Gor posted on X.During the exercise, the armies of the two nations trained through coordinated drills, synchronised battle procedures and combined-arms employment. According to the statement released by the Indian Army, the exercise strengthened mutual understanding, operational coordination, confidence and the ability to operate together across diverse battlefields. Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 witnessed enhanced interoperability between the Indian Army and US Army, achieved through integrated training across mountainous and desert terrain. From small-arms firing and artillery engagements to long-range weapon systems and attack helicopter operations, both armies trained through coordinated drills, synchronised battle procedures and combined-arms employment, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information posted on X. The exercise strengthened mutual understanding, operational coordination, confidence and the ability to operate together across diverse battlefields. From Shared Training to Shared Capability - Building a Stronger Partnership, it added. The opening ceremony of the 22nd edition of India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas was held at Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand on September 15. Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14 Infantry Division and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, first Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, US Army, addressed the participating contingents comprising 600 personnel from each side. The exercise is simultaneously being conducted at Auli and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The exercise is aimed at increasing the joint military capability of the Indian Army and the US Army for employment of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with emphasis on infantry-dominated operations. The exercise will strengthen interoperability, facilitate exchanges of best operational practices and strengthen joint planning and execution. Technology infusion will form a key focus area. The training will include the employment of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance as well as demonstration of contemporary weapon systems will be undertaken at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, the Ministry of Defence mentioned in a statement. Subject Matter Experts from both Armies will also exchange views on emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare. The exercise provides an opportunity for both Armies to share tactics, techniques and procedures; and enhance their ability to undertake coordinated military operations across varied terrain and operational environment, it added.
Adani Group to invest over 1 trillion in West Bengal by 2035: Gautam Adani
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Thursday announced that the conglomerate would invest more than Rs 1 lakh crore in West Bengal by 2035. Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation for a 2,000-bed hospital in the New Town area near Kolkata along with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Adani said the group would spend Rs 4,000 crore on the multi-speciality 'Adani Arogya Mandir', and the project would create 10,000 jobs. Adani Group investments in West Bengal will be in ports, logistics, power, roads and data centre, the industrialist added.
Gautam Adani, Bengal CM Adhikari lay foundation for 2,000-bed hospital in Kolkatas New Town
Gautam Adani, along with his wife and Adani Foundation chairperson Priti Adani and son and Adani Ports managing director Karan Adani, and the CM performed bhumi pujan for the Adani Arogya Mandir
Indi taluk added to Karnataka drought list after Cong MLA Patil submits resignation in protest
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 24 (IANS) The Karnataka government has yielded to pressure from Congress MLA Yashwantharayagowda Patil by adding Vijayapura district's Indi taluk to the drought-hit list on Thursday, a day after the legislator submitted his resignation protesting its exclusion from the list. The government has included Indi taluk in the ground-truthing list and issued an official notification to this effect. Patil had resigned from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, protesting the exclusion of Indi and Chadachan taluks from the drought-hit areas list. The development came after Patil conveyed his concerns to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and expressed disappointment that his repeated requests to include the two taluks had not been considered. I have conveyed my concerns to the Chief Minister, and he has assured me that the issue will be rectified. Twelve taluks in Vijayapura district have been declared drought-hit. However, only my two taluks have not been included in the drought declaration. I am repeatedly being treated unfairly. Ours is the last taluk, yet it has not been declared drought-hit. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has understood my concern, and I am confident that he will rectify the issue, Patil said. Patil, the Congress MLA from Indi, had submitted his resignation letter to Assembly Speaker G.S. Patil and also informed Chief Minister Shivakumar about his decision. His resignation triggered a political uproar in the Assembly, with the Opposition BJP demanding clarification from the Speaker. Former Home Minister and BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra raised the issue in the Assembly and sought clarification on the status of Patil's resignation. R. Ashoka also intervened, saying he was speaking in his capacity as the Leader of Opposition on the resignation of a sitting MLA. Ashoka said the BJP had a copy of Patil's resignation letter and recalled Shivakumar's earlier statement that resignations submitted by legislators would be accepted. Is the resignation now accepted? If so, does D.K. Shivakumar's word have any value? If you have the courage, accept the resignation, Ashoka said. Responding to the Opposition, CM Shivakumar said there was no need for the BJP to panic and maintained that Patil's resignation was linked to the concerns of people in his constituency. This is a resignation given for the sake of the people's livelihood. The Prime Minister has also warned us about the drought situation, CM Shivakumar said. The Chief Minister said Patil had been under pressure as farmers in his constituency had borrowed money and invested in cultivation. He also explained that there were established guidelines for declaring a taluk drought-affected and that the government could not arbitrarily declare an area drought-hit. The Speaker later clarified that Patil's resignation had not been accepted, stating that it did not comply with the prescribed rules. Patil's latest resignation came amid continuing dissatisfaction among some Congress legislators over the declaration of drought-hit taluks. He had earlier also expressed disappointment after being denied a ministerial berth during the recent Cabinet expansion. Following efforts by Shivakumar and senior Congress leaders, he had withdrawn his earlier resignation and continued as MLA. Karnataka had declared 188 taluks as drought-affected in four phases under the drought-declaration guidelines framed by the Centre in 2020. The first phase covered 101 taluks, followed by 23 in the second, 53 in the third and 11 in the fourth phase.
Representative Haley Stevens introduced a bill to allow workers in physically demanding jobs to retire at 60. Currently, the full retirement age is 67, which poses challenges for laborers. The bill aims to provide Social Security benefits earlier for those in occupations like construction and nursing. It offers a weighted points system to determine eligibility based on years worked in such jobs.
Bank strike from Sept 28-30: Why are employees demanding 5-day work week and pension tweak?
Bank unions (UFBU) plan a 3-day strike (Sept 28-30) demanding a five-day banking week and pension reforms. Banks will stay open on Sept 27 (Sunday) to offset disruption. Strike coincides with half-yearly closing on Sept 30, a key date for provisioning and treasury operations.
Brad Pitt heaps praise on Heart of the Beast canine co-star Uber: He was really good
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 24 (IANS) Hollywood icon Brad Pitt has opened up about his experience working alongside Uber, the German Shepherd who plays Odin in the upcoming survival adventure Heart of the Beast , recalling how well the canine co-star handled the films demanding outdoor sequences. The filmmakers launched a New Zealand-wide casting call, where the film was being shot, to find the noble canine who is the heart of the film. Animal trainer Andrew Simpson, who worked on Heart of the Beast, searched too. He ultimately selected four dogs to play Odin.The dogs had to be prepared for a film packed with action, challenging locations and demanding sequences alongside Brad Pitt. All of these dogs had been sitting on somebodys couch watching TV and eating treats when we found them, says Simpson. We spent the first week of the five we trained them just getting to know them and understand their quirks. This movie is action from beginning to end, and every scene had its own challenges for us. Luckily, David (Ayer, director) was open to understanding how to get the best out of the animals. When shooting began, Uber, a majestic, German Shepherd, emerged as the principal dog playing Odin. After serving as a police dog, Uber transitioned into search and rescue. Following the passing of his partner, he was put out to pasture until Simpson discovered him and recognised the experience he could bring to the film. Simpson said: Hes used to being in helicopters, boats, trucks. You name it; hes done it. And he has the Brad Pitt face of dogs, so hes the dog we used most often for closeups. Uber became so central to the project that the filmmakers made him number one on the daily call sheet, a position normally reserved for an actor of Pitts stature. He was really good when we were hiking through the woods and through the forest, said Pitt. Pitt added: When Andrew discovered Uber visiting the North Island, his trainer was overjoyed. Her exact words were, I knew he had another life in him. The film's other three dogs are all his sons littermates Ryker and Zika, along with their younger half-brother Hondo. Produced by Paramount Pictures in association with Domain Entertainment and Gulfstream Pictures, Heart of the Beast arrives exclusively in cinemas across India this Friday, 25 September 2026.
Raj Thackeray demands resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, scrapping EVMs
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 24 (IANS) The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), asserting that recent media revelations have conclusively exposed the complete erosion of the poll body's constitutional autonomy. Citing an investigative media report, which revealed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded written dissent on at least 14 occasions over 10 months against steps taken by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Thackeray stated that the findings validate what opposition parties in Maharashtra have been alleging all along. Thackeray, in his long post on X, alleged that the CEC did not act independently but was compelled to take arbitrary decisions to suit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He argued that the concept of an autonomous poll panel now exists solely in textbooks, alleging that under the current political dispensation, autonomy is defined as complete subservience to the ruling party. The objections raised by Election Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi are too severe to be swept under the carpet. When two out of three commissioners are kept in the dark and sidelined, it proves that electoral rolls were manipulated at will, remarked Thackeray. Highlighting specific instances from the report, Thackeray questioned how key directives regarding voter list software, modification of statutory forms, and mass legal appeals -- such as the 1.61 million appeals filed in West Bengal -- could be issued without the approval of the full commission. He also cited technical glitches in Goa that led to the disenfranchisement of 97 verified voters as evidence of deliberate centralisation and systemic manipulation. Commending the two dissenting Election Commissioners for recording their objections on file, Thackeray urged all opposition parties across India to unite for a larger struggle. He declared that the battle against electoral irregularities must now expand into a nationwide movement demanding a return to paper ballots. The MNS Chief has demanded an immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a high-level independent probe into the alleged masterminds directing ECI decisions, resignation of the current government on grounds of compromised election integrity and scraping of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in favour of traditional paper ballots for all upcoming elections. The Chief Election Commissioner ought to resign, certainly, but the government that came to power by leveraging such a spineless Election Commission should also step down. The fact that there were no celebrations on the streets following the election of a government claiming a majority mandate speaks volumes. This is precisely what I have been saying all along. Therefore, everyone must realise the ultimate truth that only if the Election Commission becomes truly autonomous, as it ought to be, can the ruling dispensation be brought down to earth; otherwise, this battle will be endless, he commented. Responding to queries often posed by political commentators regarding high turnout at his rallies not translating into seats, Thackeray remarked that internal disclosures from within the ECI provide the definitive answer to who steals the votes and how. He concluded with a warning that unless the Election Commission's neutrality is restored, democratic contests in the country will remain fundamentally compromised.
Student suicide case: Rahul Gandhi speaks to IIT-B students parents, assures help
Rahul Gandhi held a video call with Sahil Wakode's parents to offer support after their son's death. Sahil, a second-year BTech student, was found dead shortly after an exam incident. His parents allege caste-based discrimination and are seeking action against those responsible. Protests are ongoing demanding an independent investigation into his death.
Delhi Rape Case Accused Was Removed From Gym For Misbehaving With Women
The incident took place earlier this week when the girl and her 17-year-old friend went to Astha Kunj Park after offering prayers at Kalkaji Mandir on the occasion of her 17th birthday.
Adroit Industries IPO Day 2: GMP at 25%, subscription reaches 5.18 times. Should you subscribe?
Adroit Industries IPO enters its second day of bidding with strong investor interest, commanding a 25% premium in the grey market. The Rs 150.71-crore issue was subscribed 5.18 times on Day 1. Analysts suggest considering the issue from a long-term investment perspective given its vertically integrated operations and strong exports.
Odisha youth march to Assembly protesting errors in textbooks
Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of youths and students from across Odisha on Wednesday, September 23, joined the Biju Janata Dals (BJD) assembly gherao agitation here, demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over the large-scale errors in the school textbooks. Braving incessant rain, the protesters breached two barricades set up by the police, 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 .
SpectraA Technology Solutions is commanding a much higher grey market premium, while Kheria Autocomp is currently trading at a relatively modest premium in the unofficial grey market. GMP figures are unofficial and unregulated and may change before listing, so they do not guarantee the actual listing price.
Nifty showing signs of trend reversal; buy the dips says Jatin Gedia
The Nifty closed in the green above the falling channel on Wednesday indicating signs of a trend reversal, says Jatin Gedia of Teji Mandi. The analyst is bullish on Indus Towers and South Indian Bank.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar Under Opposition Fire After Report Of 14 Internal Objections
A report of 14 formal objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over 10 months has triggered a fresh political confrontation over the Election Commission's functioning. Opposition parties, including Congress, are demanding action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while the EC says differing views are a normal part of internal deliberations and maintains that final decisions of the full Commission were unanimous.
Rupa Bhawani: Kashmirs Apostle of Peace
As Kashmir continues its search for peace, Roop Bhawanis legacy offers a vital reminder: no political settlement can endure unless it is accompanied by an inner transformation that overcomes fear, hatred and division. The Kashmiri Pandit mystic and yogini made self-knowledge, discipline and the transcendence of hatred central to her spiritual visionideas that remain relevant to a Valley seeking not merely an end to violence, but the restoration of trust, dignity and coexistence. Her teachings do not provide a political programme, nor should they be presented as a substitute for justice, security or accountability. Their relevance is more specific. They speak to the human attitudes that determine whether formal peace can take root in everyday life: whether neighbours can again regard one another without suspicion, whether displaced families can return without fear, whether historical suffering can be acknowledged without being converted into permanent hostility, and whether public memory can make room for more than one communitys pain. Roop Bhawanis life is generally placed in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, but the surviving documentary record is limited. Much of the biographical material associated with her comes through Kashmiri Pandit community traditions, while devotional accounts have further shaped the way her life and spiritual stature are remembered. These sources should be understood with appropriate historical care, without diminishing their importance to the community that has preserved them. For Kashmiri Pandits, she is revered as Mata Roop Bhawani or Alakheshwari. For Kashmirs wider cultural history, she represents a tradition in which spirituality was not merely a matter of ritual identity but a disciplined journey towards self-knowledge, inner freedom and realization of universal consciousness. That journey gives her legacy contemporary force. In the teachings attributed to her, peace begins not with the defeat of an external adversary but with the mastery of the restless mind. Applied carefully to Kashmirs present circumstances, this means recognizing that agreements and security arrangements can stop violence, but cannot by themselves rebuild relationships damaged by displacement, militancy, fear and competing memories. Reconciliation requires people to resist the impulse to reduce one another to inherited identities or political positions. It requires the discipline to acknowledge suffering across communities, the humility to recognize ones own partial understanding, and the moral courage to reject revenge as the basis of the future. This is where Roop Bhawanis message can contribute to Kashmirs search for peace. Her emphasis on self-knowledge suggests that communities, like individuals, must examine the fears and resentments that shape their conduct. Her insistence on discipline points towards the restraint necessary in public speech, education and political mobilization, especially when memories of violence remain raw. Her rejection of narrow attachment offers a way to distinguish legitimate attachment to ones history and homeland from the belief that another communitys belonging must therefore be denied. Such an interpretation does not erase conflict or flatten historical differences. Nor does it ask victims to forget what they have suffered. Peace without truth would be fragile, and coexistence without security would be merely rhetorical. Roop Bhawanis relevance lies instead in reminding us that justice and reconciliation require an ethical foundation: the capacity to seek redress without dehumanising the other, to preserve memory without sanctifying hatred, and to imagine a shared future without denying the past. For a Kashmir marked by separation and mistrust, that is a demanding but necessary form of peace. It begins in the inner life, but it must eventually be expressed in public conductin the protection of minorities, the safe return of displaced people, the recovery of shared cultural spaces and the rebuilding of ordinary relationships. Roop Bhawanis teachings cannot accomplish these tasks on their own. They can, however, help articulate the moral disposition without which political peace is unlikely to become social peace. ( The author is a noted Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Political analyst and columnist)
Rajasthan civil poll results: BJP wrests stronghold seats from Congress
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 23 (IANS) The results of the Rajasthan civic elections have highlighted varying levels of regional influence among Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress Ministers and senior leaders. The BJP retained control in several Assembly constituencies of its Ministers, securing Chairman and Vice-Chairman posts in multiple urban local bodies. In some Assembly constituencies, however, the Congress mounted a challenge and managed to secure key positions. The results have also provided a picture of the regional influence of several Congress leaders who have been active in Rajasthan politics for years. The BJP won 20 seats in the Bharatpur Municipal Corporation, which is the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's home city, and relied on the support of Independents to strengthen its position. The BJP also succeeded in electing Mayors in all seven municipal bodies. While the Mayoral election for the Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota Municipal Corporations is scheduled for September 25. The BJP formed boards in two of the three municipalities in the Assembly constituency. However, the BJP lost the Jhalawar Municipal Council, where both the President and Vice-President posts went to the Congress. In the Dudu Assembly constituency, the BJP failed to form boards in either municipality. In the Phagi and Dudu municipalities, both the President and Vice-President posts went to Congress and Congress-supported candidates. Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, however, is also associated with the Sanganer Assembly constituency. In the Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituency, elections were held in the municipalities of Phalodi, Bap, Balesar and Pokaran. The BJP won in Phalodi, Bap and Balesar, while the Congress won in Pokaran. The Jodhpur Municipal Corporation election results are scheduled to be announced on September 25. There are two municipalities in the Srimadhopur Assembly constituency. The BJP won in Srimadhopur, while the Congress won in Ajitgarh. In the Sangod Assembly constituency, BJP candidates won both the President and Vice-President posts in the Sangod municipality. The BJP won both the President and Vice-President posts in the Sawai Madhopur Municipal Council, located in the Sawai Madhopur Assembly constituency. The BJP won both posts in Ramganj Mandi which is constituency of Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar. The BJP captured all four municipalities in the Malpura-Todaraisingh Assembly constituency: Malpura, Diggi, Lambaharisingh and Todaraisingh. The BJP led in nine of the 12 urban local bodies in the Alwar Parliamentary constituency. The BJP also performed successfully in the constituencies associated with Jawahar Singh Bedham, Minister of State for Home Affairs; Sumit Godara, Food Minister; Avinash Gehlot, Social Justice Minister; Suresh Rawat, Water Resources Minister; Jogaram Patel, Parliamentary Affairs Minister; and Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Health Minister. The BJP did not secure the top positions in the constituencies associated with Ministers of State Vijay Singh Chaudhary, Manju Baghmar and Otaram Dewasi, Cooperation Minister Gautam Kumar Dak, Revenue Minister Hemant Meena and Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg. Of the seven urban local bodies in Bikaner, which falls within Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal's Lok Sabha constituency, the BJP secured the President's post in four, while the Congress won two and the CPI-M one. However, the BJP did not secure the Mayoral post in the Bikaner Municipal Corporation, one of the most prominent urban local bodies in the region. The Congress won the Mayoral post, while the BJP secured the Deputy Mayor's position. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is the Congress MLA from Sardarpura, which falls within the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation area. Of the 100 wards, the BJP won 45 and the Congress 44. Former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot is the Congress MLA from Tonk. The Congress secured a majority in the civic body and elected its candidates as Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Elections were held in 59 of the 60 wards, with the Congress winning 32 and the BJP 19. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra is the Congress MLA from Laxmangarh. Of the 45 wards in the Municipal Council, the Congress won 20, the BJP 15 and Independents 10. The Congress subsequently took control of the municipality. Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully is the Congress MLA from Alwar Rural. In Malakhera Municipality, of the 20 wards, the Congress won nine, the BJP two and independents nine.
Opposition unity: SP-Congress rift in UP a close reminder of 2025 Bihar polls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) The latest exchange between leaders of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election is a reminder of opposition parties making the political contest against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secondary to the war of attrition within its own ranks. While the BJP has begun strengthening its organisation and preparing for the high-stakes electoral battle next year, sections among its principal rivals appear preoccupied with settling the question of who should be leading the Opposition. This is currently the contention between SP MP Iqra Hasan and Congress MP Imran Masood. Hasan reportedly said that only SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav is capable of defeating the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and suggested that the Congress could achieve little on its own. Masood is said to have responded by insisting that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is the only Opposition leader with a national reach capable of unsettling the BJP. The signal thus emerging from Uttar Pradesh is that despite repeated assurances from the top leadership of both parties that the alliance remains intact, there is still no consensus on hierarchy, ownership and political primacy within. That should worry Opposition ranks at this hour. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the SP emerged as the principal beneficiary of the alliance, winning far more seats than the Congress and re-establishing itself as the state's dominant Opposition force. Akhilesh Yadav sought to broaden his party's social coalition with PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak) and provided a coherent political message against the BJP. It is the principal reason that SP leaders see Akhilesh Yadav, not Rahul Gandhi, as the central face of any challenge in Uttar Pradesh. But for the Congress, despite the political setbacks, Rahul Gandhi's national campaign against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) remains the focus, saying that national visibility and a broader anti-BJP platform that regional parties alone cannot provide. For a probable alliance platform, the trouble is that rather than discussing it internally, opinions are being aired publicly. Uttar Pradesh has seen alliances collapse under the weight of leadership ambiguity and seat-sharing disputes. Yet, the issue of the top face has emerged larger than whether voters believe the coalition's common purpose. Before the Bihar Assembly election last year, the Opposition Mahagathbandhan spent months wrestling with questions that should have been resolved early. There were disputes over seat-sharing between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, and among other allies, with disagreements over each party's bargaining power and persistent speculation over leadership arrangements. Reports at the time highlighted friction between the RJD and Congress as negotiations dragged on and both parties accused each other of being inflexible. It created the impression that alliance partners were more concerned with protecting their respective egos than presenting a united alternative. Even when compromises were eventually reached, public memory of the wranglings lingered. Back in Uttar Pradesh too, seat-sharing remains a sensitive issue. Congress leaders have pushed for an early settlement, while the SP appears less eager to finalise arrangements. Congress functionaries have spoken of fighting on equal terms and demanding greater space, while SP leaders have projected confidence in their independent strength. However, electoral logic strongly favours cooperation. The Congress is too weak in the state to seriously challenge the BJP on its own, while the SP knows that even a modest Congress vote share can matter in closely fought Assembly constituencies. Like Bihar, a public spat may not augur well where every spat on who is the eal Opposition face chips away at voter's confidence. The BJP will likely benefit from such utterances. While Opposition leaders debate credit, the ruling party's well-oiled electoral machine is preparing early, strengthening organisation and focusing on booth-level mobilisation. The Opposition needs to have learnt its lesson from Bihar where too much time and animosity now on leadership and seat-sharing may pose a similar risk. They would do well to remember that elections are rarely won by deciding who gets top billing in the Opposition poster, though these make good debate; rather, won by convincing voters that everyone on that poster is working towards the same goal.
Fashion designer Masaba Gupta joins UNFPA as India's new maternal health advocate
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India has named designer and entrepreneur Masaba Gupta as its India Advocate for Maternal Health at a moment when the country stands closer than ever to eliminating preventable maternal deaths. She joins UNFPA India for a year-long push on maternal health, as the country's maternal mortality ratio falls to its lowest ever, 87 per lakh live births in 2022-2024, according to a statement released by the world body on Wednesday. India has reduced its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by an impressive 73 per cent between 2000 and 2023, positioning the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of an MMR below 70 before 2030, it added. This remarkable progress, driven by more than two decades of government investment in institutional deliveries, skilled birth attendance and last-mile health worker networks under the National Health Mission, has saved the lives of countless women across the country, particularly those from marginalised communities, the statement observed. Even as the numbers tell the story, Masabas advocacy will begin with what happens after a woman gives birth, including the exhaustion, the stigma, the silence around recovery and mental health. Over a year-long engagement, she will bring together digital advocacy, thought leadership and on-ground engagement in service of a single goal: putting the physical and emotional realities of pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood at the centre of public conversation. Nobody warns you what motherhood actually costs a woman: physically, mentally, socially. The moment the baby arrives, all the attention shifts to the child, and the mother, whos just been through the most demanding thing a body can do, quietly disappears from the conversation. Shes the one who needs care the most at that moment, and shes the one nobodys checking on, the statement quoted Masaba Gupta. I wanted to work with UNFPA specifically because this isnt a marketing story for them. Its decades of unglamorous work: the health workers, the systems, the real reasons Indias maternal mortality numbers have actually come down. Im not interested in the soft-light version of this. If I can use whatever platform I have to say the things women usually only say to each other in private, thats the role I actually want, she added. The 37-year-old fashion designer, who has developed her own label, the iconic House of Masaba, is the daughter of film actress Neena Gupta and West Indies former cricketer Viv Richards. A decline in maternal mortality reflects what is possible when sustained public investment, strong health systems and committed health workers come together, said Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA Representative India. India has made extraordinary progress, but reaching zero preventable maternal deaths means going further: ensuring that every woman can access quality care, make informed choices and receive the support she needs before, during, and after childbirth. Masaba brings a powerful ability to make these conversations visible, relatable, and impossible to ignore. Her advocacy can help ensure that the progress India has made translates into an even deeper commitment to every womans right to survive, recover, and thrive, added Wojnar. Masaba Gupta joins a growing consortium of celebrated voices committed to UNFPA India's cause, alongside Kriti Sanon, National Ambassador for Gender Equality and Soha Ali Khan, Advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 23 (IANS) The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers and leaders on Wednesday staged a massive protest and clashed with the police at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar during the march towards the State Assembly demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over printing blunders found in the school textbooks in the state. Braving the rainfall triggered by the deep depression, senior party leaders and legislators also joined the protest jointly organised by Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD), the youth wing of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and the party's students' wing, Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), on Wednesday. BJD workers and leaders clashed with security forces at Lower PMG while marching towards the Odisha Assembly after police tried to stop them from proceeding further. The cops later detained around 40 to 50 Congress leaders and workers to bring the situation under control. The youth and student leaders of the BJD have been holding protest at the Lower PMG for the last two days demanding the resignation of Minister Gond. Speaking to media persons, Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya said, We are demanding the resignation of the concerned Minister to take moral responsibility. It is an utter failure on the part of the state government. They are jeopardising the future of lakhs of boys and girls of the state. It is unforgivable. The agitation will continue unless the state government takes moral responsibility and the Minister resigns. The students and young people of the state will continue their agitation, and we will support them, he added. Senior BJD leader and party MLA Niranjan Pujari backed the party's youth and student wings protest over the printing errors in school textbooks. Speaking on the issue, Pujari said education was crucial for the state's overall development and expressed concern over the condition of the education sector. He added that the BJD was raising the issue in the State Assembly while its youth and student wings were protesting on the streets. We are agitating over this issue, and our youth and students are also agitating on the streets. We are going to support them, he said. Notably, BJD MLAs have also been staging protests inside the Odisha Assembly for the past two days during the ongoing Monsoon session.
Days After Rape Of 17-Year-Old, Delhi Restricts Entry To Parks After Sunset
The security measures come days after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three men at Astha Kunj, a DDA-maintained park near Kalkaji Mandir.
SAD (Punar Surjit) Seeks SIT In Ex-SGPC Member Rape Case
A delegation from Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe rape allegations against former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. Chawla resigned after being booked for rape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation. The delegation highlighted serious questions surrounding the case, including the woman's travel, arrest, and stay in various facilities, and expressed concern over the impact on revered Sikh institutions.
AI doom fears overstated, global pause unrealistic: Zoho's Sridhar Vembu
Predictions that artificial intelligence could lead to catastrophic outcomes are overstated, and a global pause in AI development is unlikely, Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu said on Wednesday, while urging India to keep its strategic options open and invest heavily in foundational R&D across sectors. Vembu said India should pursue an independent approach to AI, building on partnerships without becoming locked into the emerging technology rivalry between the United States and China. We must be friends with everybody, enemies with nobody and keep our options open, Vembu, Chief Scientist and Co-founder, Zoho, said in an interview with PTI. Vembu argued that any big tech company genuinely wanting to slow AI development is free to do so on its own; nothing stops one player from pacing itself without demanding the whole industry follow, he pointed out. Vembu was skeptical of calls by AI labs for an industry-wide pause, which, as per him, appeared to be less about safety and more a bid .
Meerut Lawyers 'Ban' Entry Of BJP Representatives In Courts Over High Court Demand
The decision was taken after a delegation of lawyers met UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding the creation of the bench.
Captain Lakshya Raichandani Hits Century In India U19's Dominant Win Over Australia
Skipper Lakshya Raichandani struck an unbeaten 110 to power India U-19's commanding six-wicket victory in the third and final Youth ODI against Australia, with the home team completing a 3-0 sweep on Wednesday.
Farmers end stir after Haryana govt says farmers may bring paddy to mandis
CEC Gyanesh Kumar must go, SIR exercise must be halted, says Stalin
Chennai, Sep 23 (PTI) DMK president M K Stalin on Wednesday said CEC Gyanesh Kumar must resign from his post and claimed that he has no right to continue in office. Demanding that the SIR exercise be halted, the former Tamil Nadu chief minister sought a fair probe, into everything that transpired within the EC and those responsible should be held accountable. Stalin, in a statement, said that the explosive findings, published by Indian Express backed by evidence, had cast serious doubts over the results of every Assembly election held after the SIR exercise. He said his party had all
Delhi Rape Horror: LSR Students Protest, Demand Safety Measures
Students of Delhi's Lady Shri Ram College staged a protest demanding stronger safety measures after the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl at a park near the campus. LSR had shifted classes online after an accused in the Kalkaji gang-rape case was injured in a police encounter near the college's back gate. The students' union said women's safety cannot be the responsibility of women alone.
PGTI Tour: Khalin Joshi extends lead to six shots at Bengaluru Open 2026
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 23 (IANS) Khalin Joshi followed his career-low opening round with a four-under 68 to extend his lead to six shots at the halfway stage of the INR 1 crore Bengaluru Open 2026 at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The 34-year-old Bengaluru golfer (61-68), who began the day four strokes ahead after firing an 11-under 61 in round one, made five birdies and a solitary bogey to reach 15-under 129 at his home course on a cloudy, cool and windy day. Joshi remained bogey-free until his 16th hole of the day, the par-four seventh, where he dropped his only shot of the round. The three-time PGTI winner this season arrived in Bengaluru after claiming last weeks Nava Raipur Open. He began the week in seventh place in the Race to India Championship. Local teenager Manoj S. (65-70) retained second place at nine-under 135 after returning a two-under 70. The 18-year-olds eventful round featured five birdies, one bogey and a double bogey. Four players shared third place at seven-under 137: Gurugrams Manu Gandas (69-68), Greater Noidas Saptak Talwar (67-70), Delhis Shaurya Bhattacharya (66-71) and Gurugrams Veer Ahlawat (68-69). Gandas was the 2023 DP World PGTI Rankings champion, while Talwar is the current Race to India Championship leader. Ahlawat topped the DP World PGTI Rankings in 2024. Bengalurus Mari Muthu R. (67-71) slipped from a share of fourth overnight to seventh at six-under 138. Joshi was satisfied with another assured performance and his commanding position at the halfway stage. It was another solid day, Joshi said. Im pleased with the way Ive played over the first two rounds and satisfied with where I am. Im now looking forward to the final two days. Joshi began his second round with consecutive birdies and added three more before his only blemish on the seventh. I started strongly with birdies on my first two holes, he said. I would have liked to finish a little better, especially after making my first bogey of the week, but my game still feels good. Gusty winds and more demanding flag positions provided a different examination from the opening round, although Joshi felt the conditions allowed the players to appreciate KGA at its best. We were blessed with excellent weather, although the gusty wind and tougher flag positions made the course interesting, he said. KGA is my home course, and it is wonderful for the entire field to experience such a great venue in these conditions. With a six-shot cushion heading into the last two rounds, Joshi intends to retain the approach that carried him to 15-under through 36 holes. I want to continue finding fairways and greens, create birdie opportunities and keep applying pressure at the top of the leaderboard, added Joshi, who has his Thai girlfriend caddying for him this week. The halfway cut fell at one-over 145, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds. The Bengaluru Open is the final tournament before the top-60 on the 2026 PGTI Order of Merit are confirmed. The players finishing inside the top-60 at the end of this event will retain their playing rights for the 2026-27 season.
Raichandani Ton Seals India U-19's Clean Sweep Over Australia U-19
India U-19 secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Australia U-19 in the third and final Youth ODI, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Skipper Lakshya Raichandani led the chase with an unbeaten 110, while Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan starred with the ball. The teams will now prepare for a two-match Youth Test series.
Oppn wants CEC jailed; seeks repoll in Maha, TN, Bengal
Opposition parties have launched a strong attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his impeachment and arrest, following reports that two election commissioners raised objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They accuse Kumar of running the Election Commission as a one-man autocracy and undermining democracy. The ruling BJP, however, defended the EC, stating that differing views reflect a democratic functioning.
LSR College Students Protest Over Delhi Gang-Rape
Students of Lady Shri Ram College took out a protest march over the alleged gang-rape near Delhis Kalkaji Temple, raising concerns over womens safety and demanding action.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 23 (IANS) Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad on Wednesday invoked Rahul Gandhi's repeated warnings to the Election Commission while demanding answers from the poll panel over reported objections raised by two Election Commissioners on issues concerning electoral rolls. Hariprasad in his statement said that Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly questioned alleged irregularities in voter lists and warned the Election Commission that those responsible would eventually be held accountable. Rahul Gandhi's warning to the Election Commission was clear: 'Time will come, we will catch you and you will not be spared.' He has repeatedly demanded answers over alleged voter irregularities and challenged the ECI to come clean, the Karnataka Congress President said. His remarks came following reports claiming Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over a period of 10 months to decisions and orders concerning electoral-roll management. The objections reportedly related to the addition and deletion of voters, changes to Form 6 and the functioning and control of the voter database. According to the news report, the two Election Commissioners had also raised concerns over what they described as the gradual centralisation of the electoral-roll database in Delhi and questioned whether state-level election officials were being provided proper access to the system. Some of the steps concerning new voter registration were reportedly described as unauthorised and illegal in their objections. Hariprasad said the reported objections had brought renewed attention to the concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi over the Election Commission and voter lists. This is not about one party. It is about the sanctity of every Indian's vote. You may have power today, but power is temporary. Accountability is not. The time will come when every question will have to be answered, he added. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi's concerns could no longer be dismissed as political rhetoric, as similar questions had now reportedly emerged from within the Election Commission itself. Rahul Gandhi's concerns can no longer be dismissed as political rhetoric. The questions he raised have now surfaced from within the Election Commission itself. The Election Commission must answer. Indian voters need complete transparency, Hariprasad said. The Election Commission, however, has rejected reports of internal disagreement, with its sources saying that all decisions, including those concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), had the approval of all three Election Commissioners.
Gyanesh Kumar must quit, reform ECI: CPI(M)
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 23 (IANS) The politburo of the CPI(M) on Wednesday issued a statement claiming that following explosive revelations by a media house surrounding the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, not just the exercise but the integrity of the Election Commission of India (ECI) had come under serious question. The statement further observed that the ECI needed reforms, considering the current Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar had no moral right to continue in office. The disclosures have only strengthened suspicions and concerns that the CPI(M), other opposition parties and civil society organisations have all along raised since the SIR process was initiated. Reports indicate that two out of the three Election Commissioners recorded objections to several decisions relating to electoral-roll revision and the SIR process. According to the law, all three Election Commissioners are equal, and any difference should be settled by majority or unanimity. The CEC did not follow this rule but imposed his views without caring for the objections raised by his colleagues. Significantly, these differences concern fundamental questions about how voters are being added or removed from the rolls and how the SIR is being implemented, the statement read. Quoting the media report, the CPI(M) politburo claimed that the CEC had falsely maintained that the SIR process was transparent and decentralised. It is now clear that over the past few months the entire system has been centralised to the extent that it obscures who is actually taking decisions. The Supreme Court has also flagged the over-reliance on technology and the mechanical issuance of notices, the statement added. The CPI(M) leadership said the issues raised by the two Election Commissioners went beyond the SIR process, touching on institutional integrity, the democratic functioning of the ECI, transparency in the electoral process, over-centralisation, and the protection of universal adult franchise. The credibility of the Election Commission as an unbiased institution is at stake. People have lost confidence in a compromised Election Commission, for which CEC Gyanesh Kumar should be held accountable. He cannot continue in office any longer, the politburo stated. Besides demanding an immediate halt to the SIR process, the CPI(M) politburo said it should restore the integrity and democratic functioning of the ECI. Transparency in the appointment of Election Commissioners has to be ensured by scrapping the concerned legislation and enacting a new one by accepting the Supreme Court guidelines for a selection committee composed of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Justice of India, the statement read.
Youth Congress and VBA protest at IIT Bombay demanding arrest in student death case
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Kushagra Ton, Mulani 4-Fer Put India A in Command Vs Australia A
Kumar Kushagra's composed century and Shams Mulani's four-wicket haul propelled India A to a commanding 163-run lead over Australia A on day two of their four-day match in Puducherry. Kushagra scored 113, helping India A reach 334, while Mulani's spell dismantled Australia A's batting, bowling them out for 171.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) A growing health crisis has emerged in Pakistan, where dozens of parents claim their children contracted HIV after receiving routine medical treatment at hospitals, a report has said. The affected families allege that unsafe medical practices, including the repeated use of syringes and needles for injections and intravenous (IV) drips, exposed their children to the virus, according to a report by NPR. According to parents cited by the website, their children had been taken to healthcare facilities for common illnesses and routine procedures, only to later test positive for HIV. The shocking diagnoses have left families devastated, with many struggling to understand how their children became infected despite having no known risk factors. The outbreak has had tragic consequences. At least six children have reportedly died, while many others are now living with a lifelong condition that requires continuous medical treatment and monitoring, the report said. HIV attacks the body's immune system and, although manageable with modern medicines, remains a chronic illness that can carry serious health, financial and social burdens. Families of the affected children are demanding accountability and official recognition of what they describe as a preventable tragedy. Many parents have accused hospital staff of negligence, alleging that basic infection-control procedures were ignored, leading to the spread of the virus among young patients. Beyond seeking justice, the families are also grappling with the long-term challenges of caring for children diagnosed with HIV. The cost of treatment, regular medical check-ups and concerns about stigma have added to their difficulties, the report noted. Parents said that they fear for their children's future as they come to terms with a diagnosis that could have been avoided. The incident has renewed concerns about patient safety and infection-control standards in parts of Pakistan's healthcare system. Rights advocates and affected families are calling for thorough investigations, stronger oversight of medical facilities and measures to ensure that similar outbreaks do not occur again.
CEC Has No Right To Continue: M K Stalin Demands Gyanesh Kumars Resignation Over SIR
DMK president M K Stalin on Wednesday said CEC Gyanesh Kumar must resign from his post and claimed that he has no right to continue in office. Demanding that the SIR exercise must be halted, the former Tamil Nadu
Bengal: Two arrested after Trinamool-BJP clash in Kolkata
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 23 (IANS) The Purba Jadavpur police on Wednesday arrested two people in connection with a clash between Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers over the occupation of a party office in Kolkata's Mukundapur area. Police have identified the arrested persons as Srideep Das and Pritam Pandey. However, the party is yet to confirm whether they are affiliated with Trinamool. Tensions flared between Trinamool and BJP workers on Tuesday night over the occupation of the party office. The situation escalated during a programme by local Trinamool workers demanding that the office be vacated. A quarrel soon turned into a scuffle, forcing police to intervene and bring the situation under control. Several people were injured in the incident. Former IPS officer and ex-Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir was left bleeding in the clash and was also accused of assault. A written complaint was filed with Purba Jadavpur police station, after which the investigation began. Police are examining video footage and eyewitness statements. Police arrested Das and Pandey during the investigation, though details of the specific allegations or evidence against them are yet to be confirmed. Questions have also been raised about their political identity. A police officer said more people may be involved. Efforts are being made to identify them. The role of the remaining accused is being verified by examining the video footage. If specific evidence is found, more arrests may follow, the officer stated. Political pressure has already mounted over the clash, which centres on allegations of occupying a party office and the injuries sustained during the violence.
Kerala BJP intensifies attack over CMRL probe
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 23 (IANS) The CMRL-Exalogic case, involving allegations surrounding payments to Exalogic Solutions, has triggered a fresh political battle in Kerala, with two senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) figures on Wednesday questioning the State governments decision to order a preliminary investigation by the Crime Branch. Former Kerala Director General of Police R. Sreelekha, the first woman to head the State police force and now a BJP councillor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, said the decision showed that the UDF government was not serious about taking the matter forward. She wrote in a social media post that after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigated and found the offence in the monthly-payment case, a preliminary investigation had now been ordered again citing the Lalitha Kumari case, and that too not by Vigilance but by the Crime Branch under the Police Department. What this makes clear is that the UDF government does not intend to do much in this matter. After all, it is the Indi alliance, isnt it? What else can one expect? she added. Sreelekhas remarks came shortly after senior BJP leader and former Kerala vice-chancellor K.S. Radhakrishnan questioned the governments handling of the ED material forwarded to the State Police Chief. Radhakrishnan alleged that the material raised serious questions about former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena, and former minister and CPI(M) MLA Mohammed Riyas. He said the State government had delayed criminal investigation while seeking legal opinions on the appropriate course of action. He argued that a vigilance inquiry could not substitute for a criminal investigation if the material disclosed a cognisable offence. A criminal investigation, he said, involves collecting evidence, questioning witnesses, establishing the link between the alleged offence and the accused, filing a charge sheet, and allowing the courts to decide the matter. Radhakrishnan also referred to statements recorded by the ED under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and discussed the legal remedies available to anyone alleging that such statements were obtained under pressure. The BJP leaders comments have added a fresh political dimension to the governments decision to entrust the matter to the Crime Branch. The State government has maintained that the decision followed examination of the material received from the ED and legal opinions obtained by the government. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said there was no undue haste and that the material was forwarded to the State Police Chief before the government proceeded further. The CMRL-Exalogic controversy, which began with allegations over payments made by CMRL to Exalogic, has already passed through investigations and legal proceedings involving several agencies. With the State now moving towards a police investigation, the issue is set to remain a major political flashpoint, with the BJP demanding a full criminal probe and the CPI(M) preparing to defend its leaders against what it describes as politically motivated targeting.
Early cultivation on charlands strains fertiliser supply
The early cultivation of additional char land, however, has pushed up demand for fertiliser, creating shortages in several riverbank and char areas. Farmers in some places have protested and blocked roads, demanding adequate fertiliser supplies.
Calls grow for martyr status to ranger killed during anti-mining operation in Rajasthan
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 23 (IANS) Forest Department Ranger Pratap Singh Chundawat, who was killed while leading an operation against illegal mining in Rajasthan's Pratapgarh district, is being widely hailed for his service, with public representatives, forest officials and social organisations demanding that he be accorded martyr status. The demand has gathered momentum in the wake of the ranger's death during a late-night enforcement operation in Chhoti Sadri, where he and his team had acted on information regarding illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of soil in a forest area. ADM Vijayesh Pandya said the request for martyr status was being forwarded to the government, while DFO Suresh Agarwal said the Forest Department would also submit a formal proposal. For Pratap Singh's family, however, the loss is far more personal. The 40-year-old ranger was the sole breadwinner of his household. His death has left his wife, Asha Kunwar, 13-year-old daughter Gunjan, and 8-year-old son Aniruddh without their primary support. The family had already suffered the recent death of Pratap Singh's father. His own death has now deepened the family's grief and uncertainty. Pratap Singh had been posted in Chhoti Sadri around two years ago. During this period, he became actively involved in forest protection, wildlife monitoring, and rescue operations. He participated in rescue efforts involving tigers, leopards, pythons and crocodiles. Colleagues and people familiar with his work also knew him as a skilled marksman and an accomplished swimmer. His work had reportedly earned wider recognition, with his name proposed for a state-level award in recognition of his service. His death came while he was performing one of the most challenging aspects of his official duty, acting against illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of soil in a forest area. Around 11.30 p.m. on Monday, Pratap Singh and his team reached the forest area of Chak Sukhad, near Ghati-wale Balaji in Chhoti Sadri, after receiving information about illegal mining and soil transportation. The team found a JCB, a tractor, and a soil-loaded dumper at the site. During the operation, the dumper was seized. Forest staff member Suresh Meghwal was inside the dumper, while Pratap Singh began returning towards the range office on his Bullet motorcycle. According to the police account, the dumper driver suddenly accelerated the vehicle. The ranger and his motorcycle were allegedly dragged for around 50 metres. Pratap Singh sustained critical injuries and was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. What began as a routine enforcement operation against illegal mining had turned into a fatal incident, cutting short the life of a forest official who had spent years working in the field. Following the incident, police intensified the investigation and launched a search for the dumper driver. Pratapgarh SP Vishal Jangid said several people had been detained for questioning and that all aspects of the case were being investigated. Three police teams have been deployed to locate the accused driver, and raids are being conducted at different locations, he said. Police have also seized the JCB and tractor found at the site. Investigators are examining the role of the dumper and people allegedly associated with the illegal soil transportation. According to reports, the dumper driver took the vehicle towards the vicinity of his village, unloaded the soil, and then fled. Three people, including JCB owner Harish Thakur, have reportedly been detained for questioning. The person who allegedly commissioned the soil removal is also being questioned. A forensic team has collected evidence from the scene, while the ranger's body was handed over to his family following the post-mortem examination. Pratap Singh hailed from Amrana village in the Medi area of Chittorgarh district. For his wife and two young children, his death means losing not only a husband and father but also the family's principal financial support. His 13-year-old daughter Gunjan and 8-year-old son Aniruddh are now facing a future without the person who was supporting the household. The circumstances are particularly painful for the family as Pratap Singh had himself recently lost his father. His last rites were performed with state honours, amid grief among family members, villagers and colleagues. The demand to accord Pratap Singh martyr status has emerged as one of the central responses to his death. Supporters of the demand point to the circumstances in which he died -- while carrying out an official operation against illegal mining -- and his record of service in forest and wildlife protection. MP CP Joshi has demanded martyr status along with strict action against those responsible. ADM Vijayesh Pandya said the request would be forwarded to the government. DFO Suresh Agarwal has also said the Forest Department will formally submit a proposal to the government. The final decision on the demand rests with the government. The incident has put a focus on forest protection challenges. Pratapgarh has a forest area of approximately 1,319 square km, making enforcement and protection a significant responsibility for the Forest Department. The incident has also brought renewed attention to vacancies, manpower and resource constraints faced by forest officials working across large and difficult terrain. For forest personnel, operations against illegal mining and other unauthorised activities can involve working at night and in remote areas, often in challenging conditions. Pratap Singh's death has therefore become more than a case being investigated by police. It has also prompted questions about the risks faced by field-level forest officials and the support available to them while carrying out enforcement duties. As the police continue searching for the accused dumper driver and the government considers the demand for martyr status, Pratap Singh's family is left to cope with an irreversible loss. For his wife and two children, the ranger who spent his career protecting forests and rescuing wildlife was, above all, the person holding their family together.
MP: Three cops suspended after lawyers protest in Bhopal
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Sep 23 (IANS) Three policemen, including the SHO of Jahangirabad police station, were suspended on Wednesday following an overnight protest by lawyers over the alleged assault of an advocate at the police station. The action came after around 50 lawyers gathered at Jahangirabad police station on Tuesday night and continued their protest until around 3 am, demanding action against the police officers allegedly involved in the assault of advocate Rakesh Rawal. The suspended police officers were identified as SHO Rajan Singh Ahirwar and constables Yash Lakhera and Ramswaroop. Officials said they have been attached to the Reserve Centre for the duration of their suspension. DCP (Zone-1) also ordered a preliminary inquiry into the incident and directed that its report be submitted within seven days. The issue escalated further on Wednesday, when a large number of advocates staged a protest at the Bhopal district court. The lawyers demanded registration of an FIR against the police officers allegedly involved in the incident and expressed solidarity with Rawal. They also raised slogans demanding action and sought a fair investigation. According to Rawal (45), he was stopped by police personnel near the Control Room intersection on Tuesday night while looking for an alternative route to Bairagarh. He alleged that the policemen asked him to accompany them to the police station. Rawal said he informed them that his vehicle had run out of fuel, following which the police officers allegedly abused him. When he objected, they allegedly threw him into the mud and assaulted him with batons, he claimed. The lawyers later circulated a video purportedly showing injury marks on Rawals legs and mud on his clothes. Additional Commissioner of Police Shailendra Singh Chauhan said the police were examining the sequence of events and collecting information from all concerned. The entire sequence of events is being examined. Information regarding the matter is being collected, and further action will be taken based on the facts, Chauhan said. The police have also presented a different account of the incident. Before his suspension, SHO Ahirwar alleged that Rawal had misbehaved with Traffic ACP Ajay Bajpai during the dispute and verbally abused the officer in public despite being advised to stop. He also claimed that the police had video footage of the incident. The preliminary inquiry will examine the circumstances in which Rawal was stopped, his interaction with the policemen and the events that followed at the police station. Chauhan said further action would be decided after the inquiry report is submitted.
4.5L girls used to elope with non-Hindu men during garba: BJP MLA
Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Usha Thakur has sparked controversy by claiming that 4.5 lakh girls elope with non-Hindu men during Garba celebrations annually, leading to demographic change. She advocated banning non-Hindus from Garba pandals, a stance supported by the VHP, which suggests Aadhaar checks to prevent love jihad. The Congress has condemned her remarks, demanding an apology, and highlighted similar controversial statements from another BJP MLA.
Bihar BPSSC SI recruitment exam 2026 cancelled; new dates soon for 'Daroga' aspirants
The Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission, BPSSC has cancelled the Sub Inspector (SI) recruitment exam 2026. The BPSSC SI recruitment exam was earlier held on May 27 in two shifts. The candidates had long been demanding the cancellation of SI recruitment exam alleging of fraud and irregularities.According to BPSSC, the written exam scheduled for May 26 in two shifts has been cancelled due to unavoidable reasons. A new exam date will be announced separately. The candidates can check and downloadBPSSC SI exam date 2026 on the official website - bpssc.bihar.gov.in , once released.
Tensions flared on MG Road (Gandhi Marg) on Wednesday as hundreds of activists from the Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) staged a massive demonstration, attempting to gherao the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The protesters were demanding the immediate resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over widespread errors [] The post Textbook Error Row: BJD Youth Wing Attempts Assembly Gherao, Demands Resignation of Education Minister appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Karnataka BJP Protests Demand for White Paper on States Financial Status
Karnataka BJP leaders protested against the Congress government, demanding a white paper on the states financial situation amid rising debt. Karnataka BJP Protests Demand for White Paper on States Financial Status
India Storm Into Asian Games Men's Kabaddi Semifinals With Win Over Bangladesh, Confirms Medal
India stormed into the men's kabaddi semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games with a commanding 48-25 victory over Bangladesh in their Group A clash at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Wednesday.
'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail'
A political storm has erupted with the Opposition demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following reports that two Election Commissioners raised 'expansive red flags' over the Special Intensive Revision of voters' lists, citing issues like name deletions and decisions made without their knowledge.
PSBs, RRBs to function normally on a Sunday: Finance Ministry
The proposed strike by UFBU to demandimplementation of 5-day banking coincides with the preceding weekend holidays of September 26 and 27
LSR to resume offline classes from Thursday after Astha Kunj gangrape
Lady Shri Ram College for Women will resume offline classes and its regular academic schedule from Thursday, a day after it shifted classes online following the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir, the college principal said on Wednesday. Meetings are going on offline with a large number of students and faculty. Offline classes and regular schedule shall resume from tomorrow, LSR principal Kanika K Ahuja said. The college had cancelled classes on Tuesday and shifted Wednesday's classes online following the incident, citing concerns over the safety, security and well-being of its students. After we got to know about the unfortunate incident, we cancelled classes. The safety, security and well-being of our students is of paramount importance to us. We have requested our faculty mentors and college counsellor to remain available for any support students may require, Ahuja had said. The decision to resume offline classes comes as the college .
Kalkaji gangrape sparks Delhi-wide park safety audit including presence of Pink Police
Delhi lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has ordered a safety audit of all city parks. This follows the gangrape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir. Authorities have been directed to enhance lighting, security, and regular patrolling measures in these parks. Pink Police personnel will be deployed to improve safety during vulnerable hours at public locations.
New Delhi, Sep 23: Expansive red flags raised by two Election Commissioners within the poll panel over the Special Intensive Revision of voters list triggered a massive political storm on Wednesday, with the Opposition accusing CEC Gyanesh Kumar of indulging in one-man autocracy and demanding his removal. Officials said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had flagged multiple issues, including deletion of names, in various states during the voter roll cleanup but the poll body was unanimous in its decisions related to the pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list. The reactions poured in after a report in The Indian Express revealed that questions were raised on issues related to the SIR of electoral rolls within the three-member Election Commission (EC) itself, time and again by two of the three Election Commissioners. The national rollout of the SIR has been under the supervision of all three Commissioners. But Sandhu and Joshi have formally objected, on record, at least 14 times over the last 10 months -- four times on a single day -- to decisions taken and orders issued, they say, without their knowledge, the report in the English daily said. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared the screenshot of the media report on X. Ramesh said that on behalf of the party, his colleague Abhishek Singhvi will be speaking in detail to the media on the sensational revelations made in the leading national newspaper on the way he CEC has destroyed the credibility and integrity of the Election Commission of India. Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said there is no doubt remaining that Kumar has no right to remain in office. How the hell can one man, acting on His Master's orders, strike off names at whim? How can he sideline fellow Constitutional officers to only take blatantly illegal steps that put our democracy in danger? he said. The right to vote is an essential Constitutional power given to every citizen, the fundamental bedrock of our democracy. If it is to be taken away, due process must be followed with utmost probity, he said. Today, when we are staring at crores of genuine voters being excluded and a similar number of bogus voters being added to the rolls, it is clear that Gyanesh Kumar was the Chief Architect of the nationwide 'Vote Chori' exercise, with the the Modi top brass pulling the strings, he alleged. We demand Gyanesh Kumar's immediate removal and a Supreme Court-monitored impartial investigation to expose the rot that has destroyed the ECI's credibility, Venugopal said. If Kumar remains in office, the people of India will come forward and make sure that our democracy is not destroyed by a mere bureaucrat, he added. Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera lashed out at Kumar, saying he is planted and being protected by the BJP to hollow out the Election Commission of India from within. It was already known that things were not exactly well within the ECI. But just how messy, dysfunctional and, frankly, disturbing things had become is laid bare by this brilliant expose by @IndianExpress, he said on X. Kumar has to be the single most sold-out bureaucrat of the Modi era who has disenfranchised crores of Indians, and he must face the law, he alleged. Congress MP Manish Tewari also reacted to the media report, saying that if the ostensible facts as reported are correct then it seems to suggest that there is an invisible hand running the Election Commission. If rules were not allegedly followed and decisions were taken that were not unanimous or by majority then all the decisions of @ECISVEEP are per -se arbitrary and capricious if not completely illegal, Tewari said on X. This is perhaps a fit case for serious considering an impeachment proceeding but more importantly the fundamental question is as to how will the credibility of @ECISVEEP be ever resurrected, he said. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal demanded Kumar's suspension and filing of an FIR to probe who is behind his actions. Former chief election commissioner O P Rawat said changes to the statutory voter registration Form 6 are absolutely wrong and illegal, while describing revelations of differences within the Election Commission as very serious and unfortunate. CPI(M) MP John Brittas said this is no longer an Election Commission, it is a one-man autocracy under CEC Kumar. Two Election Commissioners have formally objected 14 times in 10 months. They branded the addition of new voters and mass deletion 'unauthorised and illegal'. They recorded objections to secret deletions, restorations, and form 6 changes that harass young first-time voters - all while being kept in the dark, he said. This is the open subversion of the EC and our democracy too, Brittas said. Parliament must immediately start the process for the removal of the CEC. We had in fact submitted a notice for removal on 24th April, 2026 as per the constitutional stipulations - solid grounds and around 70 members signing( 50 in the stipulated number), he said. The Constitution provides this power for precisely such moments of institutional capture and subversion, he said. The Supreme Court must annul the entire SIR process without delay. When two of the three Commissioners put on record that the exercise is illegal and destructive of the electoral roll's integrity, judicial silence becomes complicity, Brittas said. What Kumar is doing is the death knell of a democratic nation, he said. Remove the CEC. Strike down the SIR. Or accept that free and fair elections in India are already being buried, the CPI(M) MP said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also cited the media report, and said A-Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail! He will have to go! His masters will flee the country and run away! TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien said on X, Five months ago, 60+ Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar. After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy.
Elevate Campuses IPO gets 'neutral' call as valuations appear demanding
Elevate Campuses IPO: In the grey market, Elevated Campuses shares are trading at 367 apiece. This means that the listing gains could be 1.4 per cent.
SS Retail shares extended gains after a bumper debut, rising over 6% following a 50.73% listing premium on the BSE. With the stock trading at around 46.5x FY26 P/E, Swastika Investmart maintained a Neutral view, citing demanding valuations and limited margin of safety despite strong growth and profitability.
Kalkaji Rape Case: A 17-year-old Faridabad girl, who was visiting temple for birthday celebration, was allegedly gang-raped inside Delhi's Aastha Kunj Park near Kalka Ji Mandir after three men posing as policemen separated her from her male friend. Police arrested the three accused, identified as a lawyer, his BSc student brother and an onion wholesaler, after an investigation that included CCTV footage and local enquiries.
Oppn MLAs Create Ruckus in Odisha Assembly Demanding Edu Min's Resignation Over Errors in Textbooks
The BJD members raised the issue of errors in textbooks, while the Congress MLAs demanded the repeal of the MMDR Act
Record savings on medical expenses under Ayushman Bharat: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said more than 60 crore beneficiaries now have access to Rs 5 lakh annual health cover under Ayushman Bharat, as the flagship healthcare programme completed eight years. In a post on X marking the occasion, Modi said Ayushman Bharat was rolled out eight years ago with the idea that every Indian should have access to quality and affordable healthcare. Today, more than 60 crore beneficiaries have access to Rs 5 lakh annual health cover making it the largest healthcare scheme in the world, he said in his post. It has enabled record savings on medical expenses, thus benefitting the poor and middle class, he said. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have already recorded over 500 crore visits, strengthening primary healthcare at the grassroots, he said. Union Health Minister J P Nadda, in a separate post on X, said more than 60 crore people were covered under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), with 48.54 crore Ayushman card
Mac Mini M6, Mac Studio With M5 Max and M5 Ultra Chips Go on Sale in India: Price, Specifications
Apples new Mac mini and Mac Studio are now available for purchase in India. They were announced in August as the latest addition to the Cupertino-based tech giants compact desktop lineup. The new Mac mini is powered by the M6 and M5 Pro chips, while the Mac Studio is available with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra silicon. Both models also run macOS 27 and come with Apple Intelligence features, including Siri AI. Apple says the new desktops offer support for demanding workloads such as agentic AI, video production, software development, and 3D rendering.
Puri Srimandir to Pause Public Darshan for 6 Hours Today for Bamana Janma Niti
General public entry for darshan of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities at the holy Srimandir in Puri will remain suspended for approximately six hours today, on the auspicious occasion of Badraba Shukla Dwadashi. According to an official notice issued by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), public viewings will be paused from 5:00 PM [] The post Puri Srimandir to Pause Public Darshan for 6 Hours Today for Bamana Janma Niti appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Lady Shri Ram College Shifts Classes To Virtual Mode After Minor's Rape In Astha Kunj Park
A minor girl was allegedly raped by three men inside the Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir on Monday evening. The college is situated just about 2 kilometres from the spot.
Congress firmly supports meaningful constitutional safeguards in Ladakh: Kharge
New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the party stood firmly with the demand of the people of Ladakh for meaningful constitutional safeguards, including the Sixth Schedule, to protect Ladakhs land, employment, fragile environment, culture and identity. He also demanded that the judicial probe into the deaths of four people during statehood protests must ensure accountability and bring out the truth. On September 24, 2025, police in Leh shot and killed four people during violent protests demanding statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh. In a post on X, Kharge said that a year ago, four
Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College for Women cancelled its regular classes on Tuesday and shifted classes online for Wednesday after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir in the national capital. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of students and people living or studying in the area. Lady Shri Ram College is located around 2 kilometres from the spot where the alleged incident took place.Following the incident, the college administration decided to cancel regular classes and move Wednesday's academic activities online.
Tail-end areas face intermittent water supply disruptions: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 22: The government has attributed the intermittent disruption in drinking water supply to Basant Bagh, Mandir Bagh, Ganpatyar, Dal Hassan Yaar and adjoining areas to fluctuations in raw water availability and treatment constraints at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Rangil. In its response, the government said the areas fall at tail-end of the distribution network of WSS Rangil and have been affected by interruptions in raw water supply during the past few months. As per the government, successive cloudburst events led to a sharp rise in turbidity levels in raw water, at times exceeding the permissible treatment capacity of the existing filtration facilities. The government stated that incidents of drowning necessitated frequent stoppages of water supply through Sindh Extension Canal and Sindh Power Canal to facilitate recovery and safety operations. These stoppages temporarily affected the availability of raw water to WTP Rangil, consequently impacting drinking water supply, particularly in tail-end areas. It said that even after restoration of supply, air entrapment in the distribution network results in reduced residual pressure. The network generally takes around three to four days to stabilise and regain the required pressure, causing further temporary constraints in water supply. As an immediate relief measure, the government said water tankers were deployed to provide potable water to the affected population during such disruptions. For a long-term solution, two new Water Treatment Plants are currently under construction at Rangil with a cumulative treatment capacity of 10.50 MGD. The plants are expected to be commissioned by the end of the current year. The government said the new facilities will substantially augment the availability of treated water and are expected to significantly improve the continuity of drinking water supply in the affected areas.
IIT Bombay Case | What Happened In Sahils Last Class? CCTV Footage Reveals Key Details
NDTV has accessed details of the initial Crime Branch probe into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil. Sources say CCTV footage is being examined and shows Sahil allegedly engaging in cheating during a class, following which Professor Dulla asked him to step out. The probe has so far found no concrete evidence of abetment to suicide or eyewitness confirmation of the alleged casteist remarks. Sahils family, however, has alleged caste-based harassment and is demanding the immediate arrest of the professor.
IIT-Bombay suicide case: Victim's father threatens hunger strike
In a gripping turn of events, Sahil Wakode's father declared his intention to go on a hunger strike if the authorities do not act concerning his son's death. In response, IIT-B has put together an investigative committee, headed by Prof Ramesh Venkateswaran. The university community is in turmoil, with students demanding answers while simultaneously standing by the professor linked to the case, highlighting big worries regarding campus security protocols.
Doon School Srinagar beats DPS Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 22:The grounds of Doon School Srinagar reverberated with energy, thunderous applause, and youthful enthusiasm on Tuesday as the school proudly hosted the grand inauguration of Doon Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2026 marked immediately by a statement performance. As per a statement issued, in a thrilling opening clash that set the tone for the entire championship, the girls' cricket team of Doon School Srinagar delivered a masterclass in skill and resilience, completely outclassing DPS Srinagar to secure a comprehensive and commanding victory. The electrifying atmosphere on campus transitioned seamlessly into a vibrant opening ceremony led by the anchors and a warm welcoming address by the school leadership. The ceremonial proceedings captured the spirit of unity and sportsmanship with a majestic flag hoisting, a stirring rendition of the school anthem, and the formal felicitation of esteemed guests, including AshiqHussain, SDPO ZakuraHazratbal, and Abdul QayoomBagaw, former first-class cricketer for Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the charged crowd of students and faculty, the dignitaries delivered inspiring speeches emphasising discipline, teamwork, and athletic excellence before officially declaring the tournament open, culminating in a proud commemorative team photograph. With formal proceedings gracefully concluded by a vote of thanks from the Head Boy and closing remarks from the anchors, the sporting spotlight shifted back to the pitch for the day's other highly anticipated fixture between Green Valley and Birla Open Minds Pampore. From tactical brilliance on the field to fierce, unyielding sportsmanship, the day's matches showcased exceptional regional talent and set a breathtakingly high standard for the remainder of the inter-school championship.
Delhi's Lady Shri Ram Shifts Classes Online After Rape-Encounter Near College
A minor girl was allegedly raped by three men inside the Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir on Monday evening.
Pak Must Act on Cross-Border Terrorism Before World Believes Its Claims: MEA
New Delhi previously dismissed Pakistan's PKR 70 lakh bounty announcement regarding Azhar as an insincere gesture, demanding tangible actions against the terrorist leader
How can parents handle squabbles between kids?
School vacations inevitably mean more squabbles. Longer days together, less structure and more sharing (of toys, screens, space and parental attention) all lead to children demanding that you referee fights and arguments.
Srinagar, Sep 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed heated exchanges and noisy scenes on Tuesday after a demand for restoration of holidays associated with National Conference (NC) founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah triggered a confrontation between ruling NC members and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The controversy erupted when Anantnag West MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi raised the issue of government holidays, pointing out that September 23 is observed as a holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh. Larmi demanded restoration of a holiday on the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He further said that if the government was unwilling to restore the holiday associated with Sheikh Abdullah, the existing holiday on Maharaja Hari Singhs birth anniversary should also be reconsidered. The remarks immediately drew strong objections from BJP legislators, who protested against any suggestion of withdrawing the holiday associated with Maharaja Hari Singh. BJP members raised slogans in his favour, leading to noisy scenes inside the House. Congress MLA G A Mir sought to strike a balance, saying that his party supported the demand for a holiday in memory of Sheikh Abdullah, but maintained that it was not fair to suggest cancellation of the holiday associated with Maharaja Hari Singh. Mirs intervention came as members from different parties voiced their positions on the issue, with the Congress seeking recognition of Sheikh Abdullahs legacy while opposing the removal of an existing holiday associated with Maharaja Hari Singh. PDP MLA Waheed Para also intervened, supporting the demand for restoration of the Sheikh Abdullah holiday and calling for the return of July 13 as a public holiday to commemorate the 1931 martyrs. The demand was legitimate and that July 13 should also be restored as a state holiday, he said. NC members backed the demand, with senior legislator Mubarak Gul saying the party had remained in power for decades but had not removed holidays associated with historical figures. The interventions further intensified exchanges between members from the ruling benches and the BJP. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened repeatedly and urged members to maintain order and allow the listed business of the House to proceed. He made it clear that the issue could be discussed through the prescribed procedure and that the House could not function amid protests and sloganeering. Despite the Speakers intervention, BJP members continued their protest and later staged a walkout from the Assembly amid slogans in favour of Maharaja Hari Singh. The holiday controversy added to the charged atmosphere in the Assembly, which has already witnessed sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches during the ongoing autumn session. The dispute brought competing historical and political perspectives into the centre of legislative proceedings, with NC members pressing for recognition of Sheikh Abdullah, PDP seeking restoration of July 13, Congress supporting the Sheikh Abdullah holiday while opposing cancellation of the Maharaja Hari Singh holiday, and BJP members protesting any move against the existing September 23 holiday. Meanwhile, BJPs Devyani Rana while speaking to Rising Kashmir said that let NC put their point on what they are demanding about Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah but they should not seek cancellation of Maharaja Hari Singhs holiday. On the other hand, despite BJPs walk out, question hour and business hour went on normally as per the schedule with important bills introduced and business taken up.
APSCC urges MLAs to prioritise public concerns
Srinagar, Sep 22: All Party Sikh Coordination Committee chairman and senior political leader Jagmohan Singh Raina has criticised the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly session, alleging that political confrontations and Jammu-versus-Kashmir rhetoric were taking precedence over issues affecting the public. Reacting to the uproar over the cancellation of the December 5 holiday marking the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Raina said legislators should focus on issues for which people had elected them. Questions were also raised in the House over the continuation of the holiday marking the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, with some members demanding its cancellation. Raina said people expected legislators to raise their problems in the Assembly, debate them and work towards finding solutions. He said the House should give greater attention to unemployment, vacant posts in the health sector, shortages of doctors and paramedical staff, and vacancies in educational institutions. Raina alleged that thousands of posts remained vacant across departments and questioned whether the government had a long-term strategy to address unemployment and staffing shortages, particularly in healthcare and education. He also expressed concern over what he described as increasing Jammu-versus-Kashmir rhetoric in the Assembly, saying issues related to Article 370 and Article 35A should not overshadow concerns affecting people's daily lives. Raina urged MLAs to use the Assembly platform to highlight constituency-level problems and seek practical solutions. Referring to earlier Assemblies, he said, in his view, legislators had maintained greater decorum and devoted more attention to government programmes, policies and public welfare. He further alleged that both the government and opposition had not shown sufficient focus in recent years on programmes aimed at addressing people's day-to-day problems. Raina questioned the purpose of electing legislators if issues affecting ordinary citizens were not adequately debated and addressed in the Assembly.
Maharaja Hari Singh: The Legacy of a Ruler Who Shaped the History of Jammu and Kashmir
The history of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be understood without understanding the life, governance and legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh. He was not merely the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir; he was a central figure during one of the most complicated periods in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Born on 23 September 1895, Maharaja Hari Singh became the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir in 1925. His reign unfolded during a period of enormous political and social transformation. British rule was approaching its final phase, political consciousness was expanding across India, and questions of representation, social reform, education and constitutional governance were becoming increasingly important. Maharaja Hari Singh inherited a geographically vast and socially diverse state. Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and other regions had different historical experiences, cultural traditions and social structures. Governing such a state was never a simple task. His legacy, therefore, needs to be examined in its full historical context rather than through a single political lens. A Ruler at the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity Maharaja Hari Singh belonged to the Dogra ruling dynasty, whose history was closely associated with the political formation of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Yet his reign cannot simply be described as a continuation of traditional monarchy. During his rule, efforts were made to modernise aspects of administration, education, justice and social policy. His government introduced and supported measures aimed at addressing social problems and expanding educational opportunities. One of the important features associated with his reign was attention to social reform. Measures concerning child marriage and education reflected the changing social environment of the period. The importance given to education demonstrated an understanding that a modern state required an educated population. These developments should be viewed against the conditions of the 1920s and 1930s. India was still under colonial rule, literacy was limited, and political institutions were evolving. In that environment, administrative and social reforms in a princely state were part of a much wider transition from traditional systems toward modern governance. Education as an Instrument of Social Change Education was one of the most important areas of social transformation during Maharaja Hari Singh's period. A society cannot modernise without expanding access to education. The development of educational institutions and encouragement of schooling helped create opportunities for sections of society that had previously remained outside formal education. For Jammu and Kashmir, this question was particularly significant because the state contained communities with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Education could serve not only as a means of personal advancement but also as an instrument for creating administrative capacity and social mobility. The importance of this aspect of Maharaja Hari Singh's reign is sometimes overshadowed by the political controversies surrounding his rule. Yet the social reforms and educational initiatives of his period deserve serious historical examination. Administrative Reform and the Idea of a Modern State Maharaja Hari Singh also presided over efforts to strengthen the administrative machinery of the state. The transition from personalised monarchy toward more organised institutions was one of the major challenges facing princely states in the early twentieth century. Government departments, legal procedures, public administration and systems of governance had to respond to a society that was becoming increasingly politically conscious. Maharaja Hari Singh's administration attempted to address these changing requirements. This does not mean that his government was identical to a modern democratic administration. It was not. Jammu and Kashmir remained a princely state under hereditary rule. Political representation and democratic participation remained major areas of debate and conflict. But precisely because his reign occurred during this transitional period, it is historically significant. The Political Upheaval of 1931 The year 1931 occupies a particularly important place in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. Political dissatisfaction had been developing for several years, and questions concerning representation, administration and political rights increasingly entered public debate. The events of 1931 marked a major turning point. The events of 13 July 1931 subsequently became a powerful political symbol, although their interpretation has differed among political groups and historians. A serious examination of history requires distinguishing between established facts, contemporary accounts and later political interpretations. The events of 1931 should therefore be studied through multiple historical sources rather than reduced to a single political narrative. What is clear is that the 1930s transformed the political environment of Jammu and Kashmir. The relationship between the ruler, political organisations and different sections of society became increasingly complex. The pressure for political reform was no longer something that could simply be ignored. The state had entered a new political age. The Challenge of Balancing Authority and Political Aspirations Maharaja Hari Singh's reign illustrates a wider problem faced by many rulers of princely states. On one side stood the traditional concept of hereditary authority. On the other stood a rapidly growing demand for political participation and representative institutions. This conflict was not unique to Jammu and Kashmir. Across India, political movements were demanding greater participation in government. The rise of mass politics was changing the relationship between rulers and their subjects. Maharaja Hari Singh therefore governed during a period when the old political order was under increasing pressure. Understanding this context is essential. It allows us to examine both the reforms undertaken during his reign and the political opposition that developed against his administration without reducing the entire history to either praise or condemnation. 1947: The Moment That Changed Everything If one event permanently transformed the historical legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh, it was the crisis of 1947. India became independent in August 1947. The British withdrawal created a new political reality for the princely states. Each ruler faced the question of the future relationship of his state with the newly independent dominions of India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir occupied a unique position. It had a Muslim-majority population but a Hindu Dogra ruling dynasty. It shared geographical connections with both India and Pakistan and possessed immense strategic importance because of its borders. Maharaja Hari Singh initially explored the possibility of maintaining independence. The situation, however, changed dramatically in October 1947. An armed tribal invasion from Pakistan's side entered the princely state. The crisis rapidly developed into a military and political emergency. Faced with the deteriorating situation, Maharaja Hari Singh sought military assistance from India. The Instrument of Accession was signed on 26 October 1947, and India subsequently accepted the accession and provided military assistance. This decision became one of the most consequential moments in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The Instrument of Accession The Instrument of Accession is central to understanding the constitutional history of Jammu and Kashmir. Through the document, the Maharaja acceded the state to the Dominion of India in specified areas of authority, including defence, external affairs and communications, subject to the terms of the accession. Whatever political debates emerged later, the accession document remains a foundational historical document in the relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and India. For Maharaja Hari Singh, the events of October 1947 represented an extraordinary crisis. The state was facing armed conflict, political uncertainty and territorial insecurity. His decision must therefore be studied in the context of the circumstances existing at that particular moment. Jammu and the Dogra Legacy Maharaja Hari Singh's historical significance is especially strong in Jammu. For many people in the Jammu region, he represents the Dogra historical legacy and the political identity associated with the Dogra dynasty. The history of Jammu cannot be separated from the Dogra period. The political expansion and consolidation of the Dogra state played a major role in shaping the territorial and administrative structure that existed before independence. Maharaja Hari Singh was the final reigning representative of that dynasty. His memory therefore carries a meaning that extends beyond the history of one individual. It is connected with questions of heritage, identity, culture and historical memory. The public celebration of his birth anniversary in Jammu reflects the continuing importance of that legacy. Beyond Political Slogans Maharaja Hari Singh has increasingly become a symbol in contemporary political discussions. Different political groups interpret his legacy in different ways. But history should not become merely a collection of slogans. To understand Maharaja Hari Singh properly, one must study his entire period: his accession to the throne in 1925, his administrative policies, social reforms, educational initiatives, the political developments of the 1930s, the events of 1931, the constitutional changes of the 1940s and finally the crisis of 1947. It is equally important to recognise that historical figures can have both achievements and limitations. A mature society does not fear complexity. It studies its past honestly. Why Maharaja Hari Singh Still Matters More than seven decades after his political authority ended, Maharaja Hari Singh remains part of public discourse. Why? Because the questions surrounding his era remain connected to questions that continue to shape Jammu and Kashmir: regional identity, political representation, constitutional relationships, governance, cultural heritage and the interpretation of history. His life also reminds us that political decisions are often made under circumstances that are very different from those existing decades later. The decision-making environment of 1947 cannot be understood through the political realities of 2026 alone. Historical figures must be judged within the circumstances in which they lived and acted. A Message for the Younger Generation For today's generation, Maharaja Hari Singh should not be merely a portrait displayed on a wall or a name mentioned during an annual celebration. Young people should study his era. They should ask: What was Jammu and Kashmir like before independence? What reforms were introduced during his reign? Why did political opposition grow during the 1930s? What happened in 1931? Why did the political situation become increasingly complicated in the 1940s? What happened during the October 1947 crisis? What was the Instrument of Accession? And how did these events influence the subsequent history of Jammu and Kashmir? These questions encourage historical understanding rather than political mythology. Remembering Maharaja Hari Singh Remembering Maharaja Hari Singh does not require ignoring the difficult chapters of his reign. Nor does criticism of aspects of his rule require erasing his contributions. A historical personality should be remembered through the complete record. His legacy includes social and administrative reforms, the development of education, the challenges of governing a diverse princely state, the political upheavals of the 1930s and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the accession of 1947. His story is therefore inseparable from the story of Jammu and Kashmir itself. Conclusion Maharaja Hari Singh occupies a unique place in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. He was the last reigning Maharaja of the Dogra dynasty. He governed during an era when traditional monarchy confronted modern political aspirations. His reign witnessed social reforms, administrative change, political unrest and ultimately the dramatic events surrounding the partition of India and the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India. His historical importance cannot be reduced to one event or one political interpretation. For Jammu, he remains an important symbol of Dogra history and heritage. For students of Indian history, his reign provides an important window into the transformation of princely India. For those seeking to understand the origins of the modern political history of Jammu and Kashmir, the events of his reign are indispensable. The most meaningful tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh is not simply to celebrate his name, but to study his era with honesty, depth and historical discipline. A society that remembers its history understands its identity more clearly. And Jammu's history cannot be written completely without Maharaja Hari Singh. Maharaja Hari Singh was not merely a ruler of a bygone era. He was a central figure in a period of transformation whose decisions, reforms and historical circumstances continue to influence the story of Jammu and Kashmir. (The author is a columnist)
Odisha Students Protest Against Textbook Errors, Demand Ministers Resignation
BJD youth and student organizations in Odisha protest against errors in textbooks, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Nityanand Gond. Odisha Students Protest Against Textbook Errors, Demand Ministers Resignation
