Maize farmers fail to recover cost as prices plummet amid ethanol rush

NEW DELHI: CONTRARY to the governments claim of transforming farmers from food providers to energy providers, Indias ethanol production, particularly from maize farmers, is creating a crisis situation for farmers. The price of maize has dropped to nearly half of the fixed minimum support price (MSP), while the production cost of ethanol remains significantly higher than the established base price. Ramapal Jat, president of the farmers organisation Kisan Mahapanchayat, highlighted the difficulties faced by maize farmers in the country. He explained that the price of maize has plummeted due to speculation regarding cheaper imports from the US, allowing ethanol manufacturers to profit significantly. The market price of maize has dropped to around Rs 900, which is well below both the MSP and the production cost, he stated. The government has set the MSP for maize at Rs 2,400 per quintal. One of Indias largest maize markets, the Nasrullaganj maize mandi in Madhya Pradesh, reported a price of Rs 1,121 per quintal, while Nahargadh mandi in Rajasthan recorded Rs 1,100 per quintal. In Bihar, which is the third-largest producer of maize after Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, the price reported was as low as Rs 900 per quintal. However, the governments estimated production cost for a quintal of maize is Rs 1,952. The benefits of ethanol production are being directly transferred to 779 industries, leaving farmers at the mercy of the market, Jat said. In the current market season of 202526, the government has announced plans to procure 1,048 crore litres of ethanol for blending with petrol in an 80:20 ratio, known as E20. Over 72% of this ethanol will be sourced from maize, while the remainder will come from sugar. Currently, India produces 422.81 lakh tonnes of maize across 120.17 lakh hectares, which accounts for three per cent of global production, while the US contributes 35 per cent of the total output. There are widespread market speculations that similar to cotton, India may permit the import of cheap maize from the US, contributing to the price drop. Industries are taking advantage of the low prices to produce cheaper ethanol from maize and sell it to the government, Jat remarked. According to calculations by Kisan Mahapanchayat, the price of ethanol would be Rs 54.52 per litre based on a maximum maize price of Rs 1,821 per quintal. Caught in the Maze Price Crash Maize has come down to Rs 1,121 per quintal in Nasrullaganj maize mandi in Madhya Pradesh, Rs 1,100 per quintal in Nahargadh mandi in Rajasthan, and as low as Rs 900 per quintal in Bihar Elusive MSP The government has set MSP for maize at Rs 2,400 per quintal, which is not realised in most mandis Cost Mismatch Officials estimate the production cost for a quintal of maize at Rs 1,952 Robust Production The country produces 422.81 lakh tonnes of maize across 120.17 lakh hectares

Colour and song return to climate talks in Brazil

BELEM(BRAZIL): The gypsies invariably brought colour and magic to the grey city of Macondo in One Hundred Years of Solitude. Belm is no Macondo living in isolation and innocence, neither are the indigenous people and climate activists who joined the Great Peoples Marchon Saturday at halfway point of the UN climate summit the wandering Roma. But the tens of thousands marching through the streets of the Amazonian host city demanding climate action did splash a vibrant palette of colours and added song and dance to the otherwise grey proceedings at the conference venue of Parque da Cidade. Through the late morning hours, the procession stretched for kilometresa river of red, white, yellow and green flags flowing past watching crowds leaning from balconies to capture the spectacle on their phones. The streets pulsed with drumbeats and chants as protest transformed into celebration, grief into performance. In the most gothic part of the procession, demonstrators carried enormous coffins marked for oil, coal and gas. A 30-metre inflatable serpent wound through the marchers, an enormous anaconda symbolising the sacred and iconic Amazonian creature. A giant balloon painted as Earth bobbed on the streets while sound systems on trucks blared everything from Brazilian samba to socialist anthems. The joy was deliberate, the defiance unmistakable. This was the first major protest outside UN climate talks since Glasgow four years ago. The last three summits held in autocratic Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijanoffered no such freedom. The answer is us: Indigenous groups protest Here in Brazil, marchers revelled in their right to be heard, their voices rising in a city chosen precisely to focus the worlds attention on the Amazon and its defenders. Indigenous groups led much of the procession, their painted faces and feathered headdresses a vivid reminder of who stands on the frontlines of climate breakdown. Their banners spoke of mining threats, land invasions and agribusiness encroachment. The answer is us, read their signs, a tellingmessage to negotiators working behind fences at the conference venue. The march came at the halfway point of COP30, a summit already marked by tension. Indigenous activists had twice disrupted proceedings earlier in the week, demanding their voices carry weight in decisions that will shape their survival. Saturdays peaceful procession channelled that urgency into spectacle, transforming anger into art and desperation into dance. The protesters energy stood in contrast to the slow grind of negotiations inside the conference halls. Delegates remained stuck on fundamental questions, on how to deliver the $300 billion in annual climate finance promised to poorer nations, how to ensure countries implement years of pledges, and how to respond to national climate plans that scientists say remain largely inadequate. Brazil, as host, has taken an unusual approach. President Luiz Incio Lula da Silvas government has indicated it will not pursue a traditional cover decision, a grand agreement typically hammered out in the final hours of these summits. Instead, the focus is on implementation of existing commitments. What that means in practice remains unclear, even as the talks enter second week. The challenges are immense. The United States has sent no delegation, with President Donald Trump stuck in the fog climate denial. Meanwhile, analysis suggested a record 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists are attending, a staggering 12% increase from last year. Against this backdrop, expectations for breakthrough agreements remain modest. Most hope for incremental progress on past promises rather than transformative new commitments. The talks are scheduled to conclude on November 21. Between now and then, negotiators must navigate four major sticking points, comprising climate finance, trade, transparency, and the inadequacy of national climate plans. These issues have been shunted into separate, so-called presidency consultations, a sign of how difficult consensus has become. Outside the negotiating rooms, the marchers carried their own message. Women in black lace veils mourned fossil fuels as if at a funeral. Rural workers demanded river protections. Youth activists held signs declaring enough is enough with theory and meetings. The crowd was a coalition of the threatened that included indigenous communities, small farmers, island nations facing rising seas, and young people inheriting awarming world. As the procession wound its way through Belm, it splashed vibrant paint across grey proceedings. Whether that colour and passion can penetrate the conference walls and shift the pace of negotiations remains to be seen. But for one afternoon at least, the streets belonged to those demanding that the world finally match its climate promises with action.

India Dominate Pakistan in Blind Womens T20 World Cup Clash

India entered the fixture unbeaten after four commanding wins, already assured of a semifinal berth.

Karra asks BJP MPs, MLAs to break silence on statehood

Cong launches Ghar Ghar Dastak campaign Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 16: The Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president, Tariq Hameed Karra today asked the local MPs and MLAs from BJP to break their silence on the issue of Statehood to the Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a large gathering after launching Ghar Ghar Dastak, Har Ghar Dastak, campaign for restoration of Statehood from Purani Mandi, Jammu East, Karra said the BJP MLAs and the MPs have maintained total silence [] The post Karra asks BJP MPs, MLAs to break silence on statehood appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Gurha FC, Sangwali FC triumph in Thalora Premier League openers

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SAMBA, Nov 16: Gurha Football Club and Sangwali Football Club emerged victorious in the opening matches of the Thalora Premier League, held at Thalora Mandi playground, her today. In the first match, Gurha FC faced Chandan FC. The first half ended goalless, but minutes into the second half, Chanchal Slathia scored the decisive goal, giving Gurha FC by a 1-0 win. The team successfully defended their lead till the final whistle. The second match saw Sangwali FC [] The post Gurha FC, Sangwali FC triumph in Thalora Premier League openers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SMVD in Jammu, DPS in Srinagar lift Asmita Basketball League titles

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Nov 16: SMVD Jammu and DPS Srinagar lifted the Asmita Basketball League titles in their respective cities after commanding performances in the finals. In Jammu, the experienced SMVD women displayed superior offence and defence, dominating STC from the start and finishing with a convincing by 60-32 victory. The match was officiated by Harpreet Singh, Vaneet Pangotra and Rajesh Bandral. In Srinagar, DPS outclassed Silent Buckets to claim the Championship, showcasing disciplined team play and tactical brilliance [] The post SMVD in Jammu, DPS in Srinagar lift Asmita Basketball League titles appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

New govt blueprint almost final: Chirag

Chirag Paswan, chief of LJP (RV), announced that the new NDA government in Bihar will be formed before November 22nd. Discussions among alliance partners are progressing well, with a clear blueprint expected soon. Paswan made these remarks after visiting Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib with his family, where he prayed for Bihar's peace and prosperity.

NDA used state machinery, vote manipulation, money to win Bihar polls: CPI-M

NEW DELHI: After its dismal performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), a key ally of the opposition Mahagathbandhan, on Sunday raised serious allegations against the ruling NDA coalition that swept the polls with over 200 seats. The CPI-M alleged that the JD(U)-led NDA had utilised state machinery, resorted to various manipulations, and deployed large sums of money along with large numbers of cadres brought in from outside the state. In a press statement, the party also said that the coalition benefited from the polarising communal and casteist rhetoric of its leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. This rhetoric, amplified by a compliant corporate media, drowned out the peoples issues raised by the INDIA bloc, it added. A record 67 percent of voters participated in the Bihar Assembly electionsan increase of 9.6 percent compared to the previous election. Notably, 71.6 percent of women voted, marking a significant rise in female political participation. As the vote share data shows, though the NDA did not gain much in terms of votes compared to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it was able to increase its tally in the legislative assembly, read the statement issued after the Polit Bureau meeting that concluded on Friday. The CPI-M further said that the Bihar elections show that to defeat the BJP, opposition parties must make a more concerted effort, leading joint struggles against its anti-people policies. The CPI-M will examine in detail the partisan attitude of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the abrupt initiation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and all other factors, if any, behind these results. The Polit Bureau of the CPI-M thanks the people of Bihar who voted for its candidates and those of the other opposition parties, the statement read. The party contested in four seats but won just one. Referring to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Polit Bureau said that the move, targeting 12 states, is a calculated political project by the BJP-RSS combined, operationalised through a pliant Election Commission of India (ECI). This is intended to systematically disenfranchise millions of voters, the party said. Modeled on the controversial Bihar process, the SIR deliberately employs onerous documentation requirements and an archaic 2002 baseline to effectively function as a backdoor National Register of Citizens (NRC). Its primary objective is to alter the electoral demography to favour the ruling party and undermine the very foundations of universal adult suffrage, representing the most significant assault on electoral democracy, the CPI-M statement added. Congress's 'vote theft' claims without proof only to pave way for its further poll defeats: Maharashtra CM The party said it would campaign extensively against the ECIs attempt to usurp the right to determine citizenship and ensure that no eligible voter is removed from the voters list. It also called upon people to remain vigilant and ensure that bogus voters are not enrolled in the voters list through the connivance of the BJP and the EC machinery. On the recent bomb blast that killed 13 people in Delhi, the CPI-M said that the incident revealed the involvement of a widespread network in carrying out the attack. It also criticised the Centre for the terror attack. The failure of the government to provide security to the people and prevent such terrorist attacks is once again exposed by this incident. Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the government had claimed that Operation Sindoor had eliminated terrorist infrastructure, particularly as it targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters. However, the Delhi blast punctures these claims, as the government itself has attributed the latest attack to Jaish. The government must act swiftly to uncover the terror networks responsible and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. Efforts to polarise society on communal lines using this incident should be firmly dealt with, the statement said. The party also said that the RSS's centenary commemoration, which started with a series of lectures by its leaders, is being used to extensively spread its communal and divisive ideology. The Sanghs hatred towards Marxism is made amply clear by its leaders, who also made disparaging comments on Kerala, calling it a disturbed state, the statement added. The RSS is using its control over various levers of the State to push for the realisation of its objective of establishing a Hindu Rashtra, the party said. The Polit Bureau also denounced the government for pushing the country deeper into the US embrace, which it said is proving detrimental to Indias interests. Congress made strategic mistake by demanding over 50 seats in Bihar, should undergo serious introspection: Tariq Anwar

Army Northern Commander calls for proactive anti-terror steps

Jammu Tawi, Nov 16: Armys Northern Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Sunday reviewed counter-terrorism grid in Udhampur district and exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and proactive against emerging threats in the hinterland. The general officer commanding-in-chief of Northern Command visited Basantgarh and Rampur areas, which witnessed several terror incidents over the past [] The post Army Northern Commander calls for proactive anti-terror steps appeared first on Northlines .

Legacy of boys companies: They shaped Tamil theatre's legacy; Talent nurtured amidst hard times and strict discipline

Tamil theatre's 'boys' companies,' troupes of young actors aged 6-16, were vital to the early 20th-century renaissance. These commercial ventures, though demanding and isolating, honed future stars like MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. The advent of talkies eventually led to their decline, but not before enriching Tamil cinema with immense talent across various artistic fields.

Congress made strategic mistake by demanding over 50 seats in Bihar, should undergo serious introspection: Tariq Anwar

NEW DELHI: As the Congress's poor showing in the Bihar Assembly elections has sharpened concerns within the party, former Union Minister and party MP from Bihar, Tariq Anwar, has said it made a strategic mistake by staking claim to more than 50 seats in the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance). Speaking to TNIE , the Katihar MP said the party must now undertake serious introspection if it wants to remain competitive in future elections. The Congress managed to win only six out of the 61 seats it contested in the assembly polls. Anwar noted that the party did not have a sufficiently strong organisational network in the state to justify such a large share of seats. While the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered a thumping win by bagging 202 seats, Anwar argued that the transfer of Rs 10,000 to the bank accounts of crores of women, along with the controversila Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, were among the key factors that worked in favour of the ruling party. The money was transferred to the bank accounts of women just days before the Election Commission announced the polling dates for the assembly election, and the EC did not stop it. It wasnt fair on the commissions part. So there was a major turnout of women in favour of the NDA. Thats one of the major reasons for their win. And of course, our organisational weakness and internal strife were also reasons behind our partys poor performance, he said. Unless the organisation adapts quickly, the party may struggle to regain ground in the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for next year, he added. I believe we need to learn important lessons from the states where we faced defeats last year, he said, emphasising the need for reflection and corrective action within the party. The leader also admitted that the stalemate over seat-sharing negotiations and the lack of coordination between the alliance partners dented the prospects. The coordination between alliance partners was not up to the mark. All stakeholders are responsible for it, he added. Anwar emphasised that the Congress must examine internal issues, such as allegations of unfair ticket distribution and the lacklustre campaign that followed. Congress's 'vote theft' claims without proof only to pave way for its further poll defeats: Maharashtra CM Our campaign was also not very well organised, he admitted, highlighting the partys shortcomings in strategy and grassroots mobilisation. We shouldnt have asked for more than 50 seats to contest. We demanded more than we could handle as we didnt have the organisational structure, he said. While the state unit saw internal revolt and resignations over ticket distribution, the Congress leader criticised the partys approach, saying, They have not established any clear criteria for selecting candidates. Decisions were made arbitrarily, and that has led to allegations of ticket selling. The leader also dismissed allegations that Congress was solely responsible for the Grand Alliances defeat. It is incorrect to suggest that Congress pulled down the entire alliance, he said. All alliance partners, including the RJD and the Left, also faced losses. The outcome was a collective result of multiple factors, and responsibility cannot be attributed to a single party alone. The party chief must immediately convene a Congress Working Committee meeting to discuss the results in detail, he added. I had a one-on-one meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, and I shared my concerns with him, he said. Bihar's new government formation before November 22, says Chirag Paswan

India Beat Pakistan To Continue Unbeaten Run In Women's T20 World Cup For The Blind

T20 World Cup: Day 6 of the Women's T20 World Cup - Cricket for the Blind delivered one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament as arch-rivals India and Pakistan collided in a high-voltage Match 10 at the BOI Grounds, Colombo. India came in unbeaten after four commanding victories, already securing their semifinal spot with clinical consistency. Pakistan, despite this being only their second outing, entered with immense confidence following a massive 200+ runs win over Sri Lanka. The build-up, the rivalry, and the stakes made this fixture a global spectacle. Pakistan posted a total of 135/8, anchored almost entirely by a superb 66 off 57 balls from B3 Mehreen Ali. Her innings brought stability after Pakistans top order crumbled to 23/4 inside six overs under intense pressure from Indias disciplined bowling and relentless fielding. A brief contribution from Esha Faisal, who added 6, offered temporary respite before B3 Bushra Ashraf revived the innings with a determined 44 off 38 balls, keeping the scoreboard moving through sharp running and well-judged placement. Skipper Nimra Rafiques 8 added minor resistance, but Pakistans innings was repeatedly disrupted by Indias brilliance in the field, resulting in seven run-outs that reflected the precision, awareness, and intensity of the Indian unit. With 15 extras boosting their total, Pakistan finished at a defendable 135/8, though the innings remained heavily reliant on the contributions of Mehreen and Bushra. Indias bowling remained sharp and purposeful throughout the first innings. Phula Saren delivered crucial breakthroughs, Anu Kumari maintained discipline in the middle overs, and Ganga Kadam built pressure with tight, economical spells. However, it was Indias exceptional fieldingquick pickups, direct hits, and unwavering composurethat consistently halted Pakistans momentum and shaped the course of the innings. Chasing 136, India came out with explosive intent and transformed the pursuit into a dominant statement. Skipper Deepika TC ignited the chase with a stunning 45 off just 21 balls, striking at an astonishing 214.29. Her fearless stroke play and clean hitting electrified the BOI Grounds, giving India complete control before a sharp run-out ended her blazing knock. The momentum continued seamlessly as Anekha Devi took centre stage with a magnificent unbeaten 64 off 34 balls. Her innings was a masterclass in timing, placement, and controlled aggression, maintaining a strike rate of 188.24 and ensuring India stayed well ahead of the required rate throughout the chase. Pakistans bowlers attempted several variations but struggled to contain Indias commanding flow. With 12 extras contributing further, India eased to victory, extending their unbeaten march through the tournament. Indias bowling remained sharp and purposeful throughout the first innings. Phula Saren delivered crucial breakthroughs, Anu Kumari maintained discipline in the middle overs, and Ganga Kadam built pressure with tight, economical spells. However, it was Indias exceptional fieldingquick pickups, direct hits, and unwavering composurethat consistently halted Pakistans momentum and shaped the course of the innings. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Mondays fixture - Sri Lanka versus Australia - is set to be another pivotal clash as the league stage intensifies and the battle for semifinal positions continues to heat up. Article Source: IANS

RSS leaders grandson shot dead in Ferozepur; BJP blames AAP govt for deteriorating law and order

CHANDIGARH: A 32-year-old shopkeeper, the son of a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader and the grandson of late Dina Nath, a senior RSS functionary and social worker, was shot dead in Ferozepur, Punjab, by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants on Saturday evening. The Bharatiya Janata Party attacked the AAP-led Punjab government over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The incident occurred around 7 pm when Naveen Arora, son of senior RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora, who ran a dupatta shop in the main bazaar of Ferozepur, was walking to his residence near Dr Sadhu Chand Chowk. The assailants fired at him near Budhwara Wala Mohalla. He died on the spot. Family members and traders gathered at the scene and expressed anger over the shooting. The two unidentified youths on a motorcycle opened fire at Naveen from point-blank range before fleeing. He was later rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. His father, Baldev Raj Arora, said, Naveen is my son and we were all sitting and talking. He goes out and comes back to be with his children every day. Just five minutes after he left, a couple of boys came and informed us that someone shot my son. Sources said police are scanning CCTV footage from the locality, which shows two men running after the firing and escaping. The visuals are being used to identify the attackers. Naveen was on his way home when two unidentified individuals shot him. Our team is investigating and we are also scanning CCTV footage, said Senior Superintendent of Police, Ferozepur, Bhupinder Singh Sidhu. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA for Ferozepur (Urban), also visited the family and assured strict action against the accused. Attacking the AAP-led state government on law and order, BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar said that the shooting and murder of Naveen Arora, the young son of RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora in Ferozepur, had once again exposed the collapse of law and order under the AAP government. He said gangsters were running a parallel government in the state, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had failed to fulfil his responsibilities and had left Punjab abandoned. Expressing grief over the death of the RSS leaders son, Jakhar added that people in Punjab were being forced to live in an atmosphere of fear, while the Aam Aadmi Party government had completely failed to provide law and order and security to citizens. Jakhar said people were receiving threatening and extortion calls every day, and some serious incident was occurring in one part of the state or another. He added that anti-social elements no longer fear the government because those running the government lack even the basic understanding of governance. Ashwani Sharma, working president of the Punjab BJP unit, said this was neither the first nor an isolated incident. He said the continuous murders and crimes targeting businessmen, athletes, youth, and common people raised serious questions about the incompetent working style of the Punjab government. Sharma alleged that the state government had proven to be a complete failure in handling law and order, and asserted that the BJP would not remain silent on the safety of innocent people. He said the incident clearly showed how the morale of criminals had risen under the current governments rule. Expressing deep concern, he stated that people in Punjab no longer felt safe anywhere. He further said, Instead of ensuring public safety, the Punjab Police has been deployed to serve Arvind Kejriwal and his team, who have come from Delhi, which is against public interest. Sharma said the BJP would continue its fight against the rising wave of crime and would keep demanding strict measures to restore peace and security in the state. Union Minister and senior BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu said the killing had shaken the entire state and added that the incident at the home of senior RSS volunteer and social worker Baldev Raj Arora showed that criminals had become fearlessly emboldened. He said people in Punjab feel increasingly unsafe and that the BJP would take a serious course as the state government was failing to control crime.

Padyatra to take place around Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid site on Nov 19

Sambhal: Mahant Rishi Raj Giri, one of the litigants from the Hindu side in the Shahi Jama Masjid-Harihar Mandir title dispute, announced on Sunday that his organisation, Harihar Sena, will conduct a 2.5-km circumambulation of the disputed site on November 19. No official permission has been sought for the proposed one-day Harihar Mandir Padyatra, which 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 .

Aditi Rao Hydari warns of her WhatsApp impersonator

Mumbai: Actress Aditi Rao Hydari, who was last seen in the streaming series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, has issued a statement saying that someone is impersonating her on the messaging platform WhatsApp. On Saturday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a note along with the WhatsApp details of the impersonator. She wrote, I 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 .

Towering heap of construction waste: Hitech Citys new mountain view?

By Suman Rodrigues Hyderabad: Hundreds of investments, thousands of buildings, lakhs of IT professionals Hitech City, once a USD 350 million symbol of Telanganas tech-driven ambitions, now lies under a mountain-sized heap of construction debris, stretching across Deloitte Towers, IKEA Hyderabad, and Meenakshi Tech Park. For IT employee Parth, his job is demanding and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Locals block devotees from entering court-declared illegal Sanjauli mosque in Shimla; six booked

CHANDIGARH: Six people, including four women, have been booked by the Himachal Pradesh Police for preventing devotees from offering prayers at the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla, which had earlier been declared illegal by a local court. Sources said the incident occurred on Friday when several people from other states were headed to the mosque to offer prayers (namaz). This reportedly did not go down well with sections of the local population, following which the accused, associated with the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, gathered at the spot and stopped them. They prevented the devotees from entering the mosque, claiming that the structure had been declared illegal by the court and, therefore, offering namaz should not be permitted. Police personnel arrived at the spot to resolve the issue; however, the accused continued to oppose the devotees. Officers said they raised slogans while asking Muslims to show their IDs and questioned how they could offer prayers in a mosque that was declared illegal and ordered to be demolished. The women stated that they would not allow Muslims to pass by their houses, claiming that they peered inside their homes. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Some locals also stopped the visiting crowd from offering prayers and sent them back. Taking cognisance of the issue, the police booked the accused for disturbing communal harmony and law and order, adding that further investigation is underway. After the incident, the Samiti submitted a letter to the office of a senior police officer in Shimla, demanding restrictions on the increasing number of people coming to the site for namaz, asserting that their identities cannot be ascertained. It also requested that electricity and water connections to the mosque be cut off, as it had been declared illegal by the court.

Army Northern Commander Calls For Proactive Steps Against Emerging Terror Threats In Jammu

Jammu, Nov 16: Armys Northern Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Sunday reviewed counter-terrorism grid in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district and exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and proactive against emerging threats in the hinterland. The general officer commanding-in-chief of Northern Command visited Basantgarh and Rampur areas, which witnessed several terror incidents over the past couple of years. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Basantgarh and Rampur to review the counter terrorism grid. He exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant [] The post Army Northern Commander Calls For Proactive Steps Against Emerging Terror Threats In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Few trains may be cancelled due to blocks on Western Railway suburban

Western Railway is conducting a five-hour jumbo block today between Borivali and Ram Mandir on the Up fast line, and Ram Mandir and Goregaon on the Down fast line. During this period, Up fast trains will run on the slow line between Borivali and Andheri, and Down fast trains on the slow line between Andheri and Goregaon.

Viral video: 'Atheist' SS Rajamouli 'insulted' Lord Hanuman? Star director 'blames' almighty at Varanasi launch, leaves netizens furious for saying...

At the Varanasi first look event, SS Rajamouli faced a technical error, and while giving a speech, he indirectly blamed Lord Hanuman for it. This statement went viral for wrong reasons, and netizens are demanding an apology from the star director.

Hooked! How angling has become a new wellness hobby, from weekend escapes to a serious passion

Angling in India has evolved from a quiet hobby into a dynamic experience, attracting urban professionals seeking calm and connection with nature. Enthusiasts invest in specialised gear, embrace catch-and-release, and travel extensively, highlighting a growing passion for this demanding yet rewarding outdoor pursuit. Read on!

Shubman Gill ruled out of Kolkata Test against South Africa; BCCI gives major health update

India holds a commanding position in the Kolkata Test despite captain Shubman Gill's withdrawal due to a neck injury. South Africa, trailing significantly, struggled in their second innings and were 93/7 at stumps, holding a slender 63-run lead. India had earlier been restricted to 189.

Auto workers stage protest demanding financial aid of 15,000

Under the Vahana Mitra scheme, 15,000 was given to only 2,90,000 drivers, while remaining 5,53,659 auto and cab drivers have been left out, alleges IFTU Auto Workers Union president

IED Destroyed In Controlled Explosion In J&Ks Rajouri; House Damaged

Rajouri/Jammu, Nov 15: Security forces recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Saturday, and later destroyed it in a controlled explosion, officials said. A house was partially damaged in the explosion which was carried out in Upper Bangai village of Thanamandi sub-division in the district, they said, adding that there were no casualies in the explosion. According to officials, a security patrol found the IED near the house, and called in the bomb disposal [] The post IED Destroyed In Controlled Explosion In J&Ks Rajouri; House Damaged appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Techie reveals how tyrant VP had his downfall overnight: 'Karma is real'

A software employee shared a story of destructive leadership at a young tech firm. A domineering Engineering Vice President created a culture of fear, demanding long hours and firing employees for minor errors. He replaced experienced staff with his loyalists. Ultimately, the chief executive recognized the damage and dismissed the VP.

Final arrangements for Ram temple flag hoisting event in Ayodhya nearing completion

LUCKNOW: Preparations for the Ram Mandir flag-hoisting (Dharma Dhwajaarohan) ceremony in Ayodhya are close to completion, with final arrangements being done. Scheduled for November 25, the event is viewed as a symbolic marker of the temples completion. On this day, general devotees will not be able to have darshan of Ram Lalla, as the temple trust has urged people to participate in the ceremony from home. Among the dignitaries to be present at the temple on the occasion include Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest, and Arun Yogiraj, who had sculpted the idol of Ram Lalla, will be a special guest. Invitations were also sent to prominent figures, including Mukesh Ambani, Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan and Singer Sonu Nigam. The Prime Minister will once again meet the workers and artisans involved in the temples construction. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Ayodhya, with joint teams from the trust and security agencies monitoring all activities in and around the temple premises. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's General Secretary Champat Rai said that PM Modi, UP Governor Ananadiben Patel, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will be present at the flag hoisting ceremony on November 25. Considering security and dignity of the event, darshan of Ram Lalla will be closed for general devotees from the night of November 24. No devotee will be allowed to visit the temple on November 25. Champat Rai said that the flag hoisting (Dhwajarohan) ceremony was an announcement that the construction of the Ram temple was now complete. He appealed to all devotees to maintain restraint and celebrate the historic moment with respect. Besides, industrialists and business tycoons, key invitees include L&T MD & CEO SN Subramanyam, Tata Group CEO N Chandrasekaran and GMR Groups G Kiran Kumar. The sources claimed that NRIs who contributed funds under FCRA would also be among the guests. Moreover, experts from top national technical and scientific institutions are also being invited. Special recognition is planned for experts involved in the temples scientific and technical work.

Bihar polls: RJD not to have representation in Rajya Sabha by next state polls

With the NDA's impressive showing in the Bihar assembly elections, they are poised to secure a commanding lead in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The ruling coalition is expected to capture all available seats, signaling a substantial decline for the Rashtriya Janata Dal in the Upper House, while the NDA's representation is set to expand significantly.

'Most challenging role of my career': Jaaved Jaaferi on 'Mayasabha'

Veteran actor Jaaved Jaaferi has called his role in the upcoming film Mayasabha the most demanding of his four-decade career.

India Storm Into Semis Of 2025 Womens T20 World Cup For The Blind

T20 World Cup: India advanced to the semi-finals of the Cricket for the Blind 2025 Women's T20 World Cup with a commanding ten-wicket win over the USA. In only their sixth match of the tournament, India secured their fourth consecutive win, defeating the USA by ten wickets in a contest that was as symbolic as it was one-sided. For the USA Womens Blind Cricket Team, this was a remarkable occasion. As they made their World Cup debut, the team was assembled from scratch over the past year, shaped through an unprecedented developmental partnership with Indian institutions that identified, trained, and nurtured visually impaired cricketers across the United States. Opting to bat first, USA fought hard but were limited to 60/8 in 20 overs, owing to Indias disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Tatyana (17 off 41, B2) and Caroline (12 off 26, B2) demonstrated resilience against a relentless attack, but wickets kept falling as Indias bowlers kept tight lines and created pressure throughout. Simranjeet Kour (B2), Sunita Srathe (B2), Simu Das (B1), and Ganga Kadam (B3) each picked up a wicket, while Indias fielders contributed with multiple run-outs a testament to their coordination across all categories. Opting to bat first, USA fought hard but were limited to 60/8 in 20 overs, owing to Indias disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Tatyana (17 off 41, B2) and Caroline (12 off 26, B2) demonstrated resilience against a relentless attack, but wickets kept falling as Indias bowlers kept tight lines and created pressure throughout. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India now turn their attention to what promises to be one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament: a high-voltage showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in Colombo. Article Source: IANS

'Should start filming very soon': 'Heeramandi' writer shares S02 update

The much-loved Sanjay Leela Bhansali series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, is gearing up for its second season.

Sivapriyas death: Probe report says source of infection not clear

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A four-member committee probing the death of J R Sivapriya , 26, of Karikkakom, has confirmed that she died due to an infection, but found no evidence that it originated from the SAT Hospital. The report was submitted to the DME on Friday. However, Sivapriyas family has rejected the report, alleging serious medical negligence and demanding strict action. The family had alleged that she died of a hospital-acquired infection caused by Acinetobacter. However, the inquiry found the actual pathogen to be Staphylococcus, a bacterium commonly present in public environments and capable of remaining in the body for long periods. Tests conducted a week earlier on samples from the labour room and postnatal ward showed no trace of the bacterium, leaving the source of the infection unclear. Sivapriya had been referred to the SAT Hospital on October 19 after reduced fetal movements were detected. With 37 weeks completed, doctors decided to proceed with the delivery. She gave birth on November 22 and was discharged on November 24. However, two days later, she returned with high fever and was diagnosed with septic shock. Despite intensive treatment in the multidisciplinary ICU, she died on Sunday, sparking protests and prompting a health department inquiry. The committee questioned nurses and nursing assistants who attended to Sivapriya, reviewed case sheets from SAT Hospital and the Medical College, and recorded the familys statement. The panel was headed by Dr Sangeetha Menon, HoD of Gynecology at Alappuzha Medical College, with Dr Latha (Critical Care), Dr N S Saji Kumar (Surgery), and Dr Juby John (Infectious Diseases) as members. SAT Hospital officials maintained that both mother and baby were stable during their stay, and that Sivapriya was discharged only after confirming her fitness. The hospital, which handles 20-30 deliveries a day, handled 17 deliveries on the day Sivapriya delivered and reported no health issues among other patients.

NiMo Landslide in Bihar

PATNA: The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) scored a victory for ages in the Bihar Assembly election on Friday, securing a commanding three-fourths majority. While the NDA bagged 202 seats in the 243-member assembly, the RJDCongress combine was not even close, garnering a meagre 35 seats. The drubbing pushed the alliance to the periphery of Bihars political landscape. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats, while JD(U) won 85, LJP(RV) 19, HAM 5, and RLM 4. The opposition Mahagathbandhan suffered a crushing defeat: RJD won 25 seats, Congress 6, CPI(ML) 2, and CPM 1. The BJP and JD(U) contested 101 seats each, while LJP(RV) fielded candidates in 28. Hyderabad MP Asasuddin Owaisis party All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) maintained its stronghold in Muslim dominated Bihars Seemanchal region, winning five of the 23 seats it contested in this region. AIMIMs vote share has also increased from 1.3 per cent in 2020 to 1.85 per cent in 2025. For the Congress, this election is befuddling. It marked its second-worst performance in Bihars electoral history, just short of 2010 when it won four seats in another NDA landside year. This years election recorded a historic voter turnout of 66.91% the highest since 1951. Women voters led with 71.6% participation, outpacing men (62.8%). Historically, rising turnout has triggered government change thrice in Bihar: 1967 (+7%, Congress ousted), 1980 (+6.8%), and 1990 (+5.7%, Congress again removed). But in 2025, the NDA defied that trend, delivering a blow to the Mahagathbandhan since there was no anti-incumbency against the Nitish government. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reinforced his political relevance through bold policies, including womens reservation laws and welfare schemes for economically backward classes (EBCs). Despite concerns over age and health, Nitish passed the test of endurance and public trust. JD(U) retained strong support among Kurmi-Kushwaha communities, EBCs, women, and Dalits. Women voters were decisively consolidated via initiatives like Mahila Rojgar Yojana. Unlike 2020, when Chirag Paswans LJP(RV) dented JD(U)s vote share, the 2025 polls saw complete NDA cohesion. A primarily development narrative saw the NDA storm traditional Mahagathbandhan strongholds in Magadh and Shahabad, while boosting gains in Muslim-majority Seemanchal and Kosi. It further solidified in Mithilanchal, Champaran, and Tirhut. The NDA was able to breach Muslim-dominated seats, fracturing the opposition. AIMIM and Jan Suraaj Party split votes, cracking RJDs MY (Muslim-Yadav) base. Yadavs stayed loyal to RJD, but many Muslims shifted to Nitish Kumars JD(U). At the other end of the spectrum, the Congress hit rock bottom, winning just 6 of 61 seatsdown from 19 of 70 in 2020. The people of Bihar have taken the state by storm, PM Narendra Modi told jubilant supporters in Delhi. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, set to take oath for a record 10th time, thanked voters and attributed the victory to peoples trust and the Centres support.

HADP: DC Sgr hands over Reefer Van to beneficiary at Parimpora Fruit Mandi

Step to strengthen post-harvest logistics,horticulture marketing in district SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Friday handed over the key of Reefer Van to a beneficiary under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) during a programme organized by Horticulture Planning & Marketing at Parimpora Fruit Mandi. The event was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz []

Independent candidates secure 28.87% votes in Budgam

NOTA defeats 7 including 6 from registered parties Irfan Tramboo Srinagar, Nov 14: With Independents commanding a substantial share of votes in Budgam as the results of the J&K Assembly bypolls were declared today, None of the Above (NOTA) registered fewer than 900 votes in both Budgam and Nagrota constituencies. In Budgam, NOTA got more votes than 7 candidates including six from registered parties. Budgam reported a notable trend, with Independent candidates collectively securing 28.87 percent of the total votes [] The post Independent candidates secure 28.87% votes in Budgam appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

DC Samba organizes public engagement programme at historic Purmandal Temple Shrine

Excelsior correspondent SAMBA, Nov 14: In a significant administrative outreach, Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan conducted an intensive public engagement programme at the revered Shiv Mandir in Purmandal today, marking a decisive step toward addressing long-standing developmental challenges and preserving the regions rich cultural heritage. The programme witnessed overwhelming participation from local residents, community representatives and DDC Members who presented their concerns regarding basic amenities, infrastructure deficiencies and the urgent need for heritage conservation. Demonstrating responsive governance, the Deputy Commissioner [] The post DC Samba organizes public engagement programme at historic Purmandal Temple Shrine appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Played My Natural Game And Backed Myself, Says Vaibhav Suryavanshi After 32-ball Ton In Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Asia Cup Rising Stars: Soon after scoring a 32-ball century to help India 'A' hand UAE a big defeat in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 opener in Doha on Friday, teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi said he played his natural game as it was a T20 format. Suryavanshi rewrote record books yet again, hammering a breathtaking 144 off just 42 deliveries to set up India As thumping 148-run win over UAE. His extraordinary effort powered India 'A' to 297 for 4, the joint fifth-highest total in mens T20 cricket, before the bowlers sealed a commanding victory. It was just my natural game, and it's the T20 format, so I wanted to back my own game, Suryavanshi said after his knock. I was dropped first ball, but I just thought I didn't want to change my intent because we needed a big score on this ground. The wicket was good and the boundary was small. So I was trying to back my shots, Suryavanshi told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net). Suryavanshis knock was an exhibition of clean, fearless hitting. The 14-year-old left-hander smashed 11 fours and 15 sixes, finishing with a strike rate of 342.85, the fourth-highest ever for a T20 score of 100 or more. His century, reached in 32 balls, is now the joint-second fastest by an Indian in mens T20s, alongside Rishabh Pants 2018 effort, and behind only the 28-ball tons by Urvil Patel and Abhishek Sharma in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. Overall, it stands as the joint-fifth fastest century in T20 cricket history. Suryavanshis knock was an exhibition of clean, fearless hitting. The 14-year-old left-hander smashed 11 fours and 15 sixes, finishing with a strike rate of 342.85, the fourth-highest ever for a T20 score of 100 or more. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score He also played down talk of feeling pressure, despite drawing attention at a young age. There is no pressure. Because the fans have come to support, he said. And after going to the ground, the field outside the ground doesn't come to mind. Then my focus is on playing the ball. Article Source: IANS

NDA Secures Decisive Victory in Bihar 2025 Elections, Congress Struggles to Gain Ground

NDA Secures Decisive Victory in Bihar 2025 Elections, Congress Struggles to Gain Ground Patna, Bihar The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured a resounding victory in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, cementing its dominance in the states political landscape. The results, announced late yesterday, indicate a comfortable majority for the NDA, while the Indian National Congress faced another disappointing performance, failing to significantly increase its seat share. NDAs Commanding Performance The NDA, comprising primarily the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], capitalized on a well-coordinated campaign focusing on development, good governance, and social welfare programs. Early trends suggested a close contest, but as the [] NDA Secures Decisive Victory in Bihar 2025 Elections, Congress Struggles to Gain Ground

32-ball Ton, 297 On Board: Suryavanshi Stars As India A Dominate UAE In Asia Cup Rising Stars

Asia Cup Rising Stars: Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi rewrote record books yet again, hammering a breathtaking 144 off just 42 deliveries to set up India As thumping 148-run win over UAE in their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 opener in Doha on Friday. His extraordinary effort powered India 'A' to 297 for 4, the joint fifth-highest total in mens T20 cricket, before the bowlers sealed a commanding victory. Suryavanshis knock was an exhibition of clean, fearless hitting. The 14-year-old left-hander smashed 11 fours and 15 sixes, finishing with a strike rate of 342.85, the fourth-highest ever for a T20 score of 100 or more. His century, reached in 32 balls, is now the joint-second fastest by an Indian in mens T20s, alongside Rishabh Pants 2018 effort, and behind only the 28-ball tons by Urvil Patel and Abhishek Sharma in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. Overall, it stands as the joint-fifth fastest century in T20 cricket history. At 14 years and 232 days, Suryavanshi also became the youngest man to score a century for a national representative side at senior level, surpassing Mushfiqur Rahims previous mark set in 2005, when the Bangladesh wicketkeeper was 16 years and 171 days. This was Suryavanshis second T20 century, following his 35-ball ton for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 a knock that made him the youngest man to score a T20 hundred and the second-fastest centurion in IPL history, behind Chris Gayles 30-ball blitz in 2011. What made Suryavanshis innings even more remarkable was the context. He was dropped off the very first ball he faced, but the reprieve only ignited his assault. He surged to a 17-ball fifty and never looked back, dismantling UAEs bowling attack with an astonishing mix of power and precision. His dominance was the backbone of a 163-run second-wicket stand off 57 balls with Naman Dhir (34), a partnership that shifted India A from a steady start to a position of total control. After Suryavanshis dismissal in the 13th over, captain Jitesh Sharma kept the momentum going, smashing 83 not out off 32 balls, ensuring India A stayed on course for a towering total. At one point, they appeared poised to become just the fifth team in mens T20s to breach the 300-run mark. However, a modest final over left them tied with Indias 2024 total of 297 against Bangladesh, still one of the highest ever recorded. Only Barodas 349 in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has bettered it in Indian cricket. Chasing a monumental 298, the UAE were never in the contest. Their innings lacked momentum, with only Sohaib Khan offering resistance through a gritty 63 off 41 balls. India A maintained control throughout, with Gurjapneet Singh leading the attack with figures of 3 for 18. UAE eventually reached 149 for 7, well short of threatening India As mammoth total. However, a modest final over left them tied with Indias 2024 total of 297 against Bangladesh, still one of the highest ever recorded. Only Barodas 349 in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has bettered it in Indian cricket. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India A 297/4 in 20 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 144, Jitesh Sharma 83; Aayan Afzal Khan 1-42, Muhammad Arfan 1-57) beat UAE A 149/7 in 20 overs (Shoaib Khan 63, Muhammad Arfan 26; Gurpanjeet Singh 2-18, Harsh Dubey 2/-2) by 148 runs Article Source: IANS

'I will not answer': Bumrah shuts down workload management talk

Jasprit Bumrah, after a stellar 5-wicket haul, firmly shut down workload discussions, stating his focus is on giving his best and managing his body. He emphasized patience and discipline on a challenging Eden Gardens pitch, where he was the standout performer. Bumrah's commitment to contributing across formats remains unwavering despite a demanding schedule.

Kin of Sivaganga accident victims protest on NH demanding govt. job

As VCK members joined the protesters, the victims family members were contacted over phone by party chief Thol. Thirumavalavan, who requested them to call off the protest

BJP Councillor stages dharna demanding Dindigul Corporation Council meeting be held this month

Nearly one in eight college freshers cant do middle-school math, UC San Diego report reveals

A UC San Diego report reveals a sharp decline in math readiness, showing nearly one in eight incoming college students cannot meet middle school standards. Remedial placements have surged thirty-fold in five years, straining universities and exposing systemic K12 failures. Experts warn this crisis threatens academic progress, workforce competence, and national economic resilience, demanding urgent reform and sustained policy action.

1st Test: Tough To Bowl On A Slow Wicket, Says Kuldeep Yadav, Breaking Down His Day-one Plan As India Skittle Out South Africa

While Jasprit Bumrah: Kuldeep Yadav said that sticking to his stump-hitting method and drawing from recent preparation against South Africa were central to his success on a slow and demanding Eden Gardens pitch, as India bowled out the visitors for 159 on the opening day of the first Test on Friday. While Jasprit Bumrah stole the headlines with a five-wicket haul, Kuldeeps disciplined spell (2 for 36) and clever planning played an equally important role in Indias decisive grip on the contest. Speaking on JioStars post-match show Cricket Live, Kuldeep described the step-up in intensity when playing Test cricket and how his India A outing against South Africa earlier this month gave him useful insight. When you play a Test match, your intensity always goes up, and obviously, you need a lot of energy. When we played as India A, it was a good practice match against South Africa, and I bowled to Temba Bavuma there. I knew what sort of shots he plays, so I was prepared to bowl accordingly. Kuldeep said the sluggish pitch made his job as a wrist-spinner more demanding, as he had to generate his own pace to trouble the batters. Today, the wicket was very slow. As a wrist-spinner, its tough to bowl on this type of wicket because there is hardly any pace. You have to generate that pace yourself. Despite the conditions, he stuck to his approach of attacking the stumps a method he believes translates across formats. My bowling type is all about hitting the stumps; thats the most important thing in any format: ODI, T20, or Test. Cricket has changed a lot; players try reverse sweeps and sweep shots, so you dont want to miss those leg-before chances. That was my plan. That plan paid off as Kuldeep played a key role in breaking South Africas early resistance, providing control in the middle overs and striking at crucial moments. My bowling type is all about hitting the stumps; thats the most important thing in any format: ODI, T20, or Test. Cricket has changed a lot; players try reverse sweeps and sweep shots, so you dont want to miss those leg-before chances. That was my plan. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score With Mohammed Siraj (2 for 47) and Axar Patel (1 for 21) also contributing, Indias well-rounded bowling effort ensured South Africa squandered the advantage of winning the toss. Article Source: IANS

Uttarakhand agent part of international human trafficking, cybercrime arrested

DEHRADUN: An local agent linked to an international human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate that lured young men from Uttarakhand with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to force them into illegal online operations in Myanmar, has been arrested by the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF). The arrested individual has been identified as Sunil, a resident of Jaspur in Udham Singh Nagar district. The STF is currently pursuing other members of the gang based on information extracted from Sunil during intensive interrogation. STF Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar confirmed the development to TNIE on Friday. Following recent efforts, in collaboration with the central government, approximately 21 youths from Uttarakhand, along with others from various Indian states, were successfully rescued from Myanmar (Burma) and repatriated, SSP Bhullar stated. During the investigation, the STF team learnt that these victims were trafficked through local agents operating within the state. These agents lured the young men with offers of high-paying jobs, transporting them from Delhi to Bangkok. According to sources within the STF, the victims were subsequently moved illegally from Bangkok, crossing jungles and rivers, to the K K Park area (Myawaddy) in Myanmar. There, they were held captive and forced to engage in high-pressure calling scams and other cyber-fraud activities. The breakthrough came following a complaint filed by Mohammad Azam, a youth from Jaspur, at the Jaspur police station on Thursday. Sunil was arrested in connection with this specific case. It is that Sunil deceitfully sent Azam to Bangkok, effectively enslaving him to cyber criminals, SSP Bhullar explained. Azam was promised a good life and a salary of 70,000 rupees. However, upon arrival at Bangkok airport, he was handed over to another individual and transported by boat through rivers and forests into Myanmar. Once in Myanmar, Azam was handed over to the cyber criminals, where he was forced to participate in scam calls. Azam managed to contact his father via phone, recounting his ordeal. When the father approached agent Sunil demanding his son's return, Sunil demanded four lakh rupees for his release. Against all odds, Azam managed to escape his captors on October 22. He reported his situation to Army personnel at the border, who promptly contacted the Indian Embassy, leading to the successful rescue of Azam and the other detained youths. The STF team used information gathered from Azam and other sources to arrest the local facilitator, Sunil. Further investigation is underway to trace his contacts with the overseas cyber syndicate.

Ankita Bhakat stuns Olympic silver-medallist Nam to clinch Asian gold

Ankita had earlier knocked out her longtime senior teammate, former world No. 1 Deepika Kumari, in the semifinals. Locked at 5-5, both archers shot a nine in the shoot-off, but Ankita's arrow was closer to the centre, sending her into the title clash. Ankita began the final in commanding fashion, firing two 10s to take the opening set 29-27.

BJP retains Nagrota as Devyani Rani wins by 24,522 votes

Jammu: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Devyani Rana clinched the Nagrota Assembly constituency by-election, securing 42,183 votes in the decisive 11th and final round of counting. The win, with a commanding margin 24,522 votes, ensured the BJP retains the seat in Jammu district, which fell vacant following the demise of Devyanis father and veteran politician []

Devyani Rana Takes Strong Lead in Nagrota Assembly Bypoll

SRINAGAR: Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Devyani Rana has established a commanding lead in the Nagrota Assembly by-election, amassing 30,230 votes after seven of the eleven counting rounds were completed. Figures from the counting centre show Rana ahead by 21,424 votes, creating a wide margin over her closest rivals in what is shaping up to be []

Bihar polls: Initial trends suggest record women turnout help NDA take strong lead

NEW DELHI: The initial rounds of counting in Bihars high-stakes assembly election shows the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) taking an early lead, moving towards a potential landslide victory. The alliance is gaining leads in around 166167 seats. As projected by the exit polls, Bihar seems poised to return the NDA to power. One of the key factors tilting the election in favour of the NDA has been the massive turnout of women voters. More than 2.5 crore women cast their votes outnumbering male voters, following the NDAs announcement of a significant financial support scheme of Rs 10,000 to be deposited into the accounts of over 1.5 crore women. Women turned out in record numbers in 2025 71.78% of women cast their ballots compared with 62.98% of men. Women outvoted men by more than 14 percentage points in seven districts and by over 10 points in 10 others. Patna was the only district where men outvoted women. Bihar Election Results 2025: JD(U)s strong comeback lifts NDA into commanding early lead The NDAs strategic use of financial incentives, coupled with concerns about a return to what it described as the jungle raj period under previous RJD governments, appears to have resonated strongly with women voters. Emerging trends suggest that Bihars women, who make up half of the states population, were not persuaded by the RJD, with the NDA repeatedly reminding them of past law-and-order issues and the alleged impact on womens safety during earlier RJD rule. Amid these developments, the JD(U), which did not perform well in 2020, has shown a notable resurgence, taking significant leads and emerging as a stronger force within the NDA. While the RJD has managed to retain its political relevance, its ally, the Congress, has seen its prospects diminish, with early leads in only 78 seats. Women voters have long been central to the JD(U)s coalition, alongside the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), who make up more than 36% of Bihars 13.07 crore population. Nitishs own Kurmi community, classified within the EBCs, accounts for around 3%.

Driver Found Dead Inside Vehicle At Sopore Mandi; Police Launch Probe

Sopore, Nov 14: A man working as a driver was found dead inside his vehicle at Sopore Mandi in North Kashmir Baramulla district on Friday. Officials said that the vehicle was spotted parked under suspicious circumstances, following which police reached the spot and secured the area. A dead body was found inside the vehicle, while officials identified the deceased as Noor Muhammad, resident of UP. A senior police officer told KNC that apparently, it seems to be a case of [] The post Driver Found Dead Inside Vehicle At Sopore Mandi; Police Launch Probe appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

KGMCTA strike hits outpatient care across Kerala medical colleges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hundreds of patients were inconvenienced on Thursday as doctors under the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) staged a state-wide protest, disrupting outpatient services and planned surgeries across medical colleges. OP clinics were run by house surgeons and senior residents, while academic sessions and other non-emergency services were affected. Authorities at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College said the impact was minimised through prior planning. Non-emergency surgeries were rescheduled in advance, considering the protest was announced weeks ago, said a senior professor. As part of the protest, KGMCTA boycotted OP services, non-emergency surgeries, and student classes. However, treatment for admitted patients, casualty services, labour rooms, ICUs, emergency surgeries, and postmortem procedures continued without disruption. KGMCTA has been protesting since July 1, citing unresolved demands despite repeated representations and discussions with the government over the past four years. Despite submitting several representations and holding multiple rounds of discussions with the authorities over the past four years, no satisfactory outcome has been achieved, prompting KGMCTA to launch the protest. However, the organisations demands have not yet been implemented. During the discussion held with the health minister on November 10, neither the minister nor the finance department made any favourable decision, nor was there any clear assurance that the associations demands would be fulfilled, according to state president Dr. Rosnara Beegum T and General Secretary Dr. Aravind C S. Even after previous OP boycotts on October 20, 28, and November 5, the government has not taken steps to address the issues, the association said. Protests are scheduled to be held on November 21 and 29. Key demands include rectifying salary anomalies in the entry-cadre of assistant professors, expediting PSC appointments, releasing pending pay revision arrears, avoiding unnecessary temporary transfers, ensuring regular appointments as per NMC norms, increasing sanctioned doctor posts based on patient load, and upgrading infrastructure in government medical colleges. KGMCTA warned that without a favourable response, it may escalate the protest to an indefinite strike after the local body elections. Meanwhile, the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association announced its decision to withdraw from VIP and e-Sanjeevani duties starting November 15, citing workplace safety concerns. The association has been on a non-cooperation protest since November 1, demanding safe working conditions in government hospitals.

Road works likely to worsen logjam amid pilgrimage rush

KOCHI: The annual Mandala pilgrimage season to the revered Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is set to commence in a week, bringing with it the customary massive influx of devotees from across South India. However, this year, the sacred journey threatens to devolve into a chaotic ordeal, thanks to the unfortunate timing and sluggish pace of major road works that are creating severe bottlenecks across Central Kerala. The convergence of heavy traffic and widespread construction is set to test the patience of pilgrims and local commuters alike. NH 544 bottleneck at Amballoor One of the most immediate and critical gridlocks is forecast for the Thrissur-Angamaly section of NH 544, specifically at Amballoor. The construction of an underpass here is progressing at a snails pace. The work should have been completed before the pilgrimage season began. A heavy traffic congestion is being experienced at Amballoor now. Neither have they readied any alternative roads nor any traffic diversion plans have been formulated so far. Most of the alternative roads are in a dilapidated condition, said lawyer-cum-Congress leader Shaji J Kodankandath. He warned that the issue will turn much worse with the impending arrival of vehicles from neighbouring states, highlighting a serious lack of foresight in planning. A top NHAI official, however, refuted the charges, maintaining that measures are in place. In Amballoor, the police have identified diversion roads to help ease traffic congestion. Additional traffic marshals have also been deployed, and necessary traffic signboards have been installed, the official said, placing the responsibility for traffic management squarely on local law enforcement. Elevated highway woes on NH 66 Further south, the construction of the elevated highway on the 12.75-km-long Aroor-Thuravoor section of NH 66 presents another critical choke point. The dilapidated Ezhupunna-Kumbalangi road through which heavy vehicles are being diverted from Thuravoor due to highway construction The dilapidated condition of alternative routeslike the Thuravoor-Thycattussery and the Thuravoor-Ezhupunna-Kumbalangi Coastal Roadwill force most vehicles onto the main highway, where construction is heavily under way. While a slight, temporary relief has been felt following court intervention, which led to the deployment of traffic wardens and the start of tarring work on marshy stretches, the overall situation remains precarious, said Sanoob Aziz, a member of the Janakeeya Jagrata Samiti. Aziz emphasised the need for authorities to hasten the process before the pilgrimage starts and to immediately clear construction waste and rebuild roads where work is complete, demanding a war-footing response. Responding to the concerns, a senior NHAI official claimed significant progress, stating, Weve already completed 80% of the construction works in the Aroor-Thuravoor section. The official promised to complete structural elements like piers by January but shifted blame for immediate delays to another agency. A major hurdle is the setting up of high tension power lines at two locations. The KSEB is going slow on the same, he said. Tough ride on MC Road, and a distant solution The anguish is not confined to the National Highways. The MC Road from Angamaly to Muvattupuzha will also suffer due to existing works, with heavy congestion expected around Kalady and Muvattupuzha town. While the finance department recently sanctioned a significant Rs 377.8 crore for the renovation of 82 roads, this relief will not materialise in time for the current pilgrimage. Regarding the perpetually clogged Muvattupuzha Junction, a senior NHAI official offered a future solution, confirming that the tender for the detailed project report for a Muvattupuzha bypass has been awarded to a consultancy firm, HEC Pvt Ltd, which has been given six months to prepare the report. For the thousands of pilgrims set to arrive in the coming days, however, this promise of a bypass is a far-off hope. The acute traffic congestion at Amballoor junction

Coldplay, Dua Lipa join stars demanding price cap on ticket resales

The British rock band Coldplay and singer-songwriter Dua Lipa have joined the list of stars, who are urging the UK government to put a cap on ticket resale prices. They have joined other artists including New Order, Iron Maiden, Sam Fender, PJ Harvey, Mark Knopfler and The Cures Robert Smith in signing a letter demanding []

Shillong tea growers demand fair price for green leaves

Small tea growers in Shillong are demanding fair prices for their green tea leaves. They are urging the government to implement a Minimum Support Price or Fair and Remunerative Price mechanism. This aims to protect them from market volatility. The growers also seek government support through agricultural schemes, including subsidies for machinery and inputs.

ACB catches two govt officers red-handed for taking Rs 75,000 bribe

Hyderabad: Anti-corruption bureau sleuths on Thursday arrested a town planning officer of Adibatla municipality along with his assistant for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 75,000 for doing official work. According to ACB officials, the accused officer Bandela Varaprasad, working in Ibrahimpatnam mandal of Rangareddy district, had demanded bribe for issuing a building permission. 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 .

Valve confirms that it has stopped making the Index VR headset

In case you missed it, Valve announced a load of new hardware this week, including a second stab at the Steam Machine , a Steam controller, and a long-rumored new VR headset called the Steam Frame . But in with the new often means out with the old, and perhaps inevitably, the company has confirmed that its previous headset, the Valve Index, is no more. Valves Lawrence Yang told The Verge that its no longer manufacturing the Index, which we called the best desktop VR yet when it launched in 2019. The Index arrived around the same time as the Oculus Quest and its promise of an affordable all-in-one future for VR. By contrast, the Valve Index was very much still a high-end tethered device for the hardcore enthusiasts, with a price tag that reflected that. We dont know how much the Steam Frame will cost yet, but it definitely sounds like Valve is making a play for the more casual VR crowd here too, as well as those who want to play demanding 3D titles. You can stream flatscreen and VR games from your PC or Steam Machine using a wireless adapter, but the Steam Frame is also a standalone device like the Meta Quest 3 , backed by a built-in Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 16GB of RAM. Valve is supporting Android games too, seemingly a move to entice VR developers to bring their Quest games over to Steam. In order to track your movements in virtual space, the Valve Index relied on external lighthouse base stations, which meant you had to go through a more than a little laborious setup process to play roomscale VR games. Consumer VR has moved towards built-in sensors since then, and it sounds like Valve wants to leave its lighthouses in the past too, with the company confirming to The Verge that they wont be supported on the Steam Frame. The new headset instead has four high-res monochrome cameras for inside-out tracking, as well as infrared LEDs on the outside that help with tracking in darker environments. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/valve-confirms-that-it-has-stopped-making-the-index-vr-headset-150324456.html?src=rss

Indias fight against TB is achieving remarkable momentum: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Indias fight against TB is achieving remarkable momentum. Citing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global tuberculosis report 2025, he said, it highlights that India has recorded a commendable reduction in TB incidence since 2015, and it is nearly twice the global rate of decline. This is one of the sharpest drops seen anywhere in the world. Equally heartening is the expansion of treatment coverage, the fall in missing cases and the sustained rise in treatment success, the PM posted on X. India sees 21% decline in tuberculosis incidence, double of global pace: WHO https://t.co/a2i1YlqRRN via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/lo814S8KYw PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 13, 2025 Complimenting those who have worked towards achieving the success, the prime minister said, We remain committed to ensuring a healthy and fit India! India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global target of 2030. Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on X: Under the visionary leadership of Honble PM @narendramodi, India has emerged as a global frontrunner in the fight against TB! The @WHO has acknowledged Indias remarkable progress of reducing TB incidence by 21% since 2015, nearly twice the global rate. Treatment coverage now stands at 92%, with a 90% success rate, placing India far ahead of others. This success is powered by Jan Andolan for #TBMuktBharat. In 2024, India detected 26.18 lakh TB patients: highest ever in a year. Modern technology has been a game changer: portable, AI-enabled X-rays and decentralised NAAT testing are detecting cases faster, cutting transmission and saving lives. Together, through true Jan Bhagidari, we are moving closer to a TB-free India, Nadda said. According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025,India is among eight countries accounting for 67 % of total TB cases in 2024. In 2024, 87% of the global number of people who developed TB disease was concentrated in 30 countries. Just eight of them accounted for 67% of the global total: India (25%), Indonesia (10%), the Philippines (6.8%), China (6.5%), Pakistan (6.3%), Nigeria (4.8%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3.9%) and Bangladesh (3.6%). The global report released Wednesday said India alone accounted for 28% of deaths globally caused by TB among HIV-negative people, while the country accounted for 25% of deaths among people with or without HIV in 2024. According to the Union Health Ministry, Indias TB incidence (new cases emerging each year) reduced by 21% - from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024 - at almost double the pace of the decline observed globally at 12 %. Citing the Global TB Report 2025, the ministry said, This is one of the highest declines in TB incidence globally, outpacing reductions noted among other high-burden countries. Indias innovative case finding approach, driven by the swift uptake of newer technologies, decentralization of services and large scale community mobilization, has led to the countrys treatment coverage to surge to over 92% in 2024, from 53% in 2015 with 26.18 lakh TB patients being diagnosed in 2024, out of an estimated incidence of 27 lakh cases. This has helped reduce the number of missing cases those who had TB but were not reported to the programme from an estimated 15 lakhs in 2015 to less than one lakh in 2024. Also, there is no significant increase in the number of MDR TB patients in the country. Treatment success rate under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan increases to 90%, ahead of the global treatment success rate of 88%, according to the ministry statement. Similarly, Indias TB mortality rate has decreased from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 21 per lakh population in 2024, reflecting significant progress in reducing deaths due to TB. This progress has been achieved through strong government commitment, evidenced by a historic near-ten-fold increase in government funding to the TB programme over the last 09 years, the statement added. Since its launch in December 2024, Indias flagship TB elimination mission, the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, has achieved extensive reach, screening over 19 crore vulnerable individuals for TB across the country, leading to the detection of over 24.5 lakh TB patients, including 8.61 lakh asymptomatic TB cases. This proactive approach draws on both global and local evidence underscoring the prevalence of asymptomatic (sub-clinical) TB in high-burden settings, it added. Indias commitment to early detection is backed by the largest TB laboratory network in the world, comprising 9391 rapid molecular testing facilities and 107 culture & drug susceptibility testing laboratories, the ministry said. In addition, it said, to bolster community screening efforts, over 500 AI-enabled hand-held chest x-ray units are available across the country, with an additional 1,500 machines being delivered to the States/UTs. Through 1.78 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country, the programme has been able to decentralize services and take TB care closer to communities. The ministry said they have also expanded nutritional support provided to TB patients. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) was increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per month per patient for the entire treatment duration. Since its launch in April 2018, Rs. 4,406 crores have been disbursed directly into the bank accounts of 1.37crore beneficiaries. Furthermore, to date, 6,77,541 individuals and organizations have enrolled as Ni-kshay Mitras and distributed over 45 lakh food baskets to TB patients, reflecting a strong and growing public-private-community partnership in Indias fight against TB. In a strong demonstration of whole-of-society engagement, the ministry has also harnessed the energy of over two lakh youth volunteers to strengthen community participation in the fight against TB. Over two lakh My Bharat volunteers have come forward to serve as Ni-kshay Mitras, providing psychosocial support and encouragement to TB patients across the country. This vibrant youth-led movement reflects Indias commitment to making TB elimination a peoples movement and ensuring that no patient feels alone on their journey to recovery, the statement said. The ministry has also scaled up a differentiated TB care approach across the country, whereby high-risk TB patients are identified based on clinical parameters and presence of co-morbidities that impact treatment outcomes and are accordingly provided individualised and tailored treatment to ensure recovery. Also the ASHA workers have been trained to identify early warning signs in TB patients in their areas for referring the TB patients immediately to higher treatment facilities. The ministry said the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan will continue to focus on proactively screening all vulnerable populations, including asymptomatics and individuals in congregate settings through hand-held X-rays, early detection of all patients using upfront molecular diagnostics and providing them with comprehensive high-quality care, treatment, nutritional and psychosocial support to ensure full recovery and prevention of community transmission. This integrated approach will further reduce TB incidence and mortality, bringing the country closer to the goal of a TB-Mukt Bharat, it added.

Odisha to Begin Kharif Paddy Procurement from Nov 20

The government has decided to establish 100 model mandis across Odisha within the next two years

Senior sub-registrar stages protest demanding posting

Narayanappa, a senior sub-registrar formerly posted in Chintamani, was transferred three months ago but was not given a new posting

more-trouble-for-al-falah-university-after-terror-link-fake-accreditation-claim-founders-criminal-past-exposed

Al-Falah University, which is under scrutiny in connection with the Delhi blast probe as three doctors arrested in connection with the white-collar terror module were linked to the university, appears to be in further trouble as the founder and managing trustee of the university, Javed Ahmed Siddiqui, seems to have a criminal past. According to media reports, a parallel investigation into the Delhi Red Fort blast is also looking into an old criminal case for which Siddiqui and one of his associates faced a three-year prison term. An NDTV report said they were accused in a 7.5 crore fraud case. Siddiqui is linked to as many as nine firms, all of which have connections to Al-Falah Charitable Trust, which oversees the functioning of the university. Siddiqui was accused of coming up with fake investment firms and urging people to deposit money in the Al-Falah group of firms. The funds gathered from people, amounting to 7.5 crore, were diverted to the personal accounts of the accused. He was arrested in 2001 in connection with the case. Delhi High Court rejected his bail plea in 2003. He finally managed to secure bail in 2004 after he agreed to refund people whom he had cheated. NAAC show-cause notice Meanwhile, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has issued a show-cause notice to Al-Falah University for misleading the people with false accreditation details. In the show-cause notice, NAAC said it has noted that Al-Falah University, which is neither accredited nor applied for accreditation by NAAC, has publicly displayed on its website that Al-Falah University is an endeavour of Al-Falah Charitable Trust, which has been running three colleges on the campus, namely Al Falah School of Engineering and Technology (since 1997, Graded A by NAAC), Brown Hill College of Engineering and Technology (since 2008), and Al-Falah School of Education and Training (since 2006, Graded A by NAAC). This is absolutely wrong and misleading the public, especially the parents, students and stakeholders, read the show-cause notice. Demanding an explanation from the university, NAAC directed it to remove the accreditation details from its website and any other publicly available or distributed documents.

BJP leaders visit to Manipur sparks speculation over government formation

GUWAHATI: Speculation is rife in ethnic violence-hit Manipur over the possible formation of a new government, with the state remaining under Presidents Rule since 13 February this year. The buzz was triggered by the sudden visit of BJP national general secretary (organisation) B.L. Santhosh and the partys Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra to the state. The two leaders arrived in Imphal on Wednesday for a two-day visit, following demands from BJP legislators for the formation of a popular government. A BJP legislator said the two central leaders had come to guide the states leadership in the run-up to the Assembly elections, which are scheduled to be held in early 2027. They interacted with different groups of people and party MLAs. They came to guide us so that we perform well in the 2027 elections, the BJP legislator said, requesting anonymity. They said with conviction that the government will be formed and asked us to remove any other notion that we may have. They said we will go to elections with our own government, the MLA further stated. He, however, added that he had no idea when the government would be formed. The legislator dismissed media reports suggesting that Santhosh and Patras visit was aimed at reaching a consensus on the chief ministerial candidate. There was no discussion at all on the matter, he said. During their visit, Santhosh and Patra also interacted with eminent personalities in Imphal on Wednesday before travelling to Kuki-majority Churachandpur and Naga-majority Senapati districts on Thursday. In Churachandpur, they met party leaders and visited a relief camp where they distributed relief materials to internally displaced persons and interacted with children. In Senapati, they attended a meeting with village chiefs and members of the Development Council of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, where local BJP leaders were also present. Manipur was placed under Presidents Rule after the BJP failed to reach a consensus on a successor to N. Biren Singh, who had resigned as Chief Minister on 9 February. His resignation came just a day before his government was due to face a no-confidence motion and a floor test. The resignation followed nearly two years of ethnic violence that began in May 2023 and left the state internally divided. Over 260 people have been killed and around 60,000 others displaced since the unrest began. A large majority of the displaced continue to stay in relief camps. Singhs resignation came amid mounting pressure from the Opposition, which had been demanding his removal over his alleged failure to restore peace in the state.

Shubman Gill Rallies Behind Indias Blind Team For Womens T20 World Cup For The Blind

Captain Deepika TC B3: Team Indias Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill, shared his thoughts on the first-ever Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2025, which India and Sri Lanka are currently co-hosting. In a video shared by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), Gill wished the Indian womens blind team for their success at the tournament, saying, These extraordinary women remind us that true vision isnt about sight but about belief. Blind cricket has always been a story of resilience and pride. And this moment celebrates inclusion and empowerment. As a cricketer, and as a nation, Im proud that India is leading the way. Lets stand behind our women and celebrate their spirit and cheer for this historic moment for India and for the world. So far, the Indian team has played two matches in the tournament and remains unbeaten. Having faced Sri Lanka in their campaign opener and Australia in their next fixture, Team India emerged victorious in both matches with strong performances. Winning the toss and choosing to bat first in the first game, Sri Lanka scored only 41 runs in 13.3 overs, thanks to Indias exceptional bowling and fielding efforts. The Indian teams sharp fielding resulted in seven run-outs, with Deepika TC, Ganga Kadam, and Jamuna Rani Tudu each taking a wicket. In response, India easily surpassed the small target, reaching 43 without losing a wicket in just three overs and bagged a 10-wicket win. Captain Deepika TC led the charge, scoring 26 runs off 14 balls with four boundaries. Anekha Devi also contributed effectively with 15 runs off six balls, including three fours. Ganga Kadam earned the Player of the Match award for her all-round performance and disciplined bowling. Team India maintained their winning streak, securing their second consecutive victory with a commanding 209-run win over Australia in the third match of the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup - Cricket for the Blind in New Delhi on Wednesday. The team started the tournament with a convincing win against Sri Lanka on the first day. In response, India easily surpassed the small target, reaching 43 without losing a wicket in just three overs and bagged a 10-wicket win. Captain Deepika TC led the charge, scoring 26 runs off 14 balls with four boundaries. Anekha Devi also contributed effectively with 15 runs off six balls, including three fours. Ganga Kadam earned the Player of the Match award for her all-round performance and disciplined bowling. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Chasing 293, Australia were bowled out for 57 in 19.3 overs. Despite Chanakan Buakhaos resilient 40 not out, Indias bowlers and fielders dominated, aided by seven run-outs and disciplined bowling that ensured victory. Article Source: IANS

Army, IAF conduct multi-domain combat exercise in Arunachal Pradesh

General Officer Commanding (GoC) of 3 Corps Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, reviewed the exercise on Thursday and commended the high degree of synergy and operational preparedness displayed by participating formations.

Delhi Blast Suspect Dr Shaheen Saeed Had LinkedIn Endorsement From Pakistan Military Doctor:Sources

Investigators suspect the Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked Dr Shaheen may have connections with the Pakistani military, demanding further investigation

TMC hits out at ECI after UIDAI deactivates Aadhaar numbers of 34 lakh 'deceased' in Bengal

KOLKATA: The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday after the Unique Identification Authority of India ( UIDAI) deactivated Aadhaar numbers of around 34 lakh deceased people in West Bengal , triggering serious controversy in the poll-bound state. Assembly elections in Bengal are scheduled to be held in AprilMay next year. It is learnt that the UIDAI recently held a meeting with officials from the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal and informed them about the deactivation of Aadhaar numbers belonging to such a large number of deceased residents from the state. The UIDAIs revelations identifying 34 lakh deceased individuals with Aadhaar cards have virtually placed the ruling party in an embarrassing situation, particularly at a time when the national poll body has been seeking the exact number of deceased and fake voters in the state through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Around seven crore enumeration forms have been distributed among voters so far across the states 294 Assembly constituencies since the month-long SIR process commenced on 4 November. According to the ECI, there are 7.66 crore voters in the state. 34 lakh Aadhaar card holders identified as 'deceased' in West Bengal, UIDAI informs EC Sources said that apart from the 34 lakh deceased residents whose Aadhaar numbers were allegedly deactivated, the ECI has also identified 13 lakh other deceased people who did not possess Aadhaar cards. The ECI has included the Aadhaar card in the list of indicative documents that people are required to submit as proof of identity during the SIR. The Trinamool Congress leadership in the state has strongly opposed the UIDAIs findings, claiming it to be a pre-planned move by the national poll panel. The ruling party has raised questions about the authenticity of the Aadhaar authoritys claims on the issue. In social media posts, the party said, On what basis has the UIDAI made the claim of deactivating Aadhaar of such a huge number of dead people? Earlier, UIDAI had assured that it never collected figures related to the Aadhaar deactivation process based on any grounds and names of any states. Its a planted exercise to delete names. We will organise mass protests and take legal steps if any genuine voter is deleted from the list, the party claimed. Political observers felt that with the alleged deactivation of 47 lakh deceased individuals Aadhaar cards, the Trinamool Congress may suffer a setback just five months ahead of the Assembly polls in the state. Opposition parties, mainly the BJP, have been demanding the removal of deceased and fake voters from the states electoral rolls.

Mumbai court clerk held for accepting Rs 15 lakh bribe, additional sessions judge 'wanted': ACB

MUMBAI : A civil clerk-cum-typist was arrested for allegedly accepting a Rs 15 lakh bribe, prima facie on behalf of an additional sessions judge in Mumbai in exchange for a favourable verdict in a land dispute case, Anti-Corruption Bureau officials have said. The anti-graft agency said that the judge has been named as a wanted accused. This may be the first such incident in recent years where an additional sessions judge has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the official said on Wednesday. The ACB arrested the clerk, identified as Chandrakant Vasudeo, on Tuesday. The additional sessions judge of the civil court in Mazgaon, Ejazuddin Salauddin Kazi, has been named as a wanted accused in the case, according to an official release. The ACB stated that a demand of Rs 25 lakh was initially made from the complainant, whose wife had filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court alleging forceful possession of company-owned land. The amount was later negotiated down to Rs 15 lakh. Of the Rs 25 lakh demanded, Rs 10 lakh was allegedly Vasudeo's share, and Rs 15 lakh was meant for Judge Kazi. In April 2016, the High Court had stayed the creation of third-party rights on the disputed land. As the land's valuation was below Rs 10 crore, the commercial suit was transferred to the civil sessions court in Mazgaon. On September 9, 2025, an office associate of the complainant received a call from Vasudeo while he was at Court No.14 of the civil sessions court, the ACB stated. Vasudeo allegedly met the complainant at a coffee shop in suburban Chembur, where he demanded Rs 25 lakh. After the complainant refused to pay the huge amount, Vasudeo allegedly made repeated calls demanding the bribe, prompting the complainant to approach the ACB and file a complaint on November 10. Following ACB's instructions, the complainant met Vasudeo on the court premises and agreed to pay Rs 15 lakh. Vasudeo then called Judge Kazi to inform him about the payment, and the judge allegedly acknowledged the bribe. Vasudeo was subsequently apprehended and arrested. Both Vasudeo and Judge Kazi have been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act. While Vasudeo has been remanded to police custody for five days, Judge Kazi remains a wanted accused. Further investigation is underway, the official said.

BHIVE Founder & CEO, Shesh Rao Paplikar Becomes the World's First Flex Workspace Founder to Complete Ironman 70.3

Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder and CEO of BHIVE Workspace , has made history by becoming the first flex workspace founder in the world to complete the Ironman 70.3 Goa, finishing the race in his first-ever attempt. He was joined by a dedicated team of BHIVE employees, symbolizing the companys shared spirit of endurance, teamwork, and mental strength. The Ironman 70.3, one of the toughest endurance races globally, consists of a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride, and 21.1 km run, totaling 113 km (70.3 miles). Shesh successfully completed the race in 7 hours, 51 minutes, and 54 seconds, with split timings of 47:22 for the swim, 3:21:42 for cycling, and 3:09:41 for the run. Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder & CEO, BHIVE Workspace Reflecting on his journey, Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder & CEO, BHIVE Workspace, shared - Im extremely glad to be part of Ironman Goa 2025 and to complete it on my first attempt. The entire journey was an incredible experience, and crossing that finish line was truly special. The event was organized to world-class standards. A big salute to Yoska and Deepak Raj for setting such a benchmark. This was the fifth edition of Ironman India, and I believe this movement will be a key driver for the evolution of sports in our country." Sheshs first Ironman experience wasnt just about crossing the final finish line; it was about the discipline, planning, and self-belief that went into showing up every single day. These same principles have been instrumental in building BHIVE. Sharing this journey with BHIVE employees made the experience even more meaningful, reinforcing his belief that success is and will always be a team sport. A test of endurance and resilience Race day at Ironman Goa was a mix of anticipation and adrenaline. The morning began strong, with Shesh powering through the 1.9 km sea swim before an unexpected jellyfish sting disrupted his rhythm. Despite swelling, pain, and cramps, he pressed through the cycling and running segments adjusting his strategy, managing his nutrition, and relying on sheer mental strength to finish what he started. Shesh was accompanied by BHIVE employees, Melvin Muthanna, Anikethan HVU, Adishesh Sandeep Murthy, Ravindra MK, and Rithick Shivaji. They shared Participating in Ironman Goa with our CEO was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It reminded us that endurance isnt just physical its mental. Seeing Shesh lead from the front inspired us to adopt the same focus and discipline in our daily work and personal goals. The race taught us the value of preparation, teamwork, and pushing limits lessons we carry back to BHIVE. From a forgotten dream to a founders comeback Sheshs triathlon journey began nearly two decades ago. A long-distance runner during his college years, he completed the New York Marathon in 2007, an experience that planted the seed to attempt Ironman. But as BHIVE grew and his responsibilities increased, fitness took a backseat. That changed earlier this year. A small nudge from his Whoop tracker, encouragement from friends and co-founders, and a public promise on social media reignited the dream. From that moment, there was no turning back. He immersed himself in disciplined training like morning swims, cycling through Bengalurus outskirts, and running at Cubbon Park. Through coaching and a training group, Shesh rebuilt his endurance from scratch, balancing early-morning workouts with his demanding role as a Founder & CEO of one of Indias leading workspaces, BHIVE. Shesh also credits modern tools and data-driven insights for his preparation, saying that AI and ChatGPT played a pivotal role in structuring his training, tracking recovery, planning nutrition, and interpreting performance metrics during his preparation journey. The BHIVE mindset: building endurance for business For Shesh, Ironman is more than a sporting achievement; its a metaphor for entrepreneurship. A company is a marathon, not a sprint, he often says, a philosophy now mirrored in BHIVEs culture of wellness and work life harmony. Under his leadership, BHIVE has introduced members & employees to Work Life Harmony which focuses on finding purpose and alignment between personal and professional growth. BHIVE is creating a positive work environment that encourages physical fitness and emotional well-being. From dedicated sports zones, fitness-driven initiatives like pickleball, football, and cricket tournaments, and health check-ups, BHIVE wants to make fitness not an occasional effort but a sustained, integrated part of corporate life. Looking ahead Having conquered Ironman 70.3, Shesh now sets his sights on the full Ironman (140.6 miles) in the future. But for now, his focus remains on inspiring his team and the larger business community to think long-term about fitness, leadership, and the pursuit of balance.

Museum dog attack sparks demand to remove strays from public institutions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The stray dog attack reported from the Museum premises has triggered widespread concern across the capital, with the City Corporation flooded with calls demanding the removal of dogs from public institutions. However, the absence of adequate shelters has landed the civic authorities in a fix. On Wednesday, the Corporations dog squad captured four dogs from the public office premises following complaints from officials. We are getting numerous requests from various establishments to remove stray dogs. But the lack of shelters to house them remains a serious challenge, said an official. In the wake of Tuesdays incident where five morning walkers were attacked by a stray dog the Museum authorities have decided to tighten regulations inside the campus. Consumption of food brought from outside has been restricted to prevent dogs from being attracted to the premises. We have put up display boards prohibiting eating in certain areas. Our resources are limited, but efforts are on to implement these measures effectively. People leaving food waste around is one of the main reasons for dogs entering the premises. One more dog was removed from the premises on Tuesday morning, said P S Manjula Devi, director of Museum and Zoo. She added there has been no decline in the number of morning walkers or visitors since the incident.

Chennai dancer comes out with new YouTube series on Varnams

The Varnam stands as the central and most elaborate piece in Bharatanatyam, embodying a perfect synthesis of nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya (expressive storytelling). Traditionally composed in a format blending arudhi , sansari , and jathi usually three or more the dancers will alternate between rhythmic precision and deep emotional interpretation, portraying the devotees yearning for the divine. As the longest and most demanding segment of the repertoire, the Varnam tests a performers stamina, artistry, and ability to unify technical mastery with soulful expression. Explaining the theory of the Varnam , its traditional composition, structural framework, and detailed segmentation, is Vidhya Bhavani Suresh, a Bharatanatyam exponent, musician, and musicologist, in her new YouTube series titled Exploring the Varnam. The series, spanning over five episodes, was conceived because Vidhya believes that students do not understand the basic facts behind Varnam compositions and that students arent taught how and why genres of Varnam are different from one another say pada varnam from daru varnam . She says, Varnam is also something that is confused by many since it is different in classical music and is very different in Bharatanatyam, although they are two fields that are close to each other. Learners always get confused and that was one of my inspirations for this series as well. She wants these five episodes to be the go-to material for students to theoretically understand the facts behind the compositions. Vidhya Bhavani Suresh In the series, she admits to critiquing the growing trend of excessively long jathis in contemporary Varnam performances. She observes that todays jathis are far lengthier than those performed three decades ago, during her years as a young dancer. According to her, modern performers seem to believe that a prolonged jathi automatically warrants applause, leading them to prioritise endurance over artistry. In doing so, she argues, dancers have begun to overlook the very essence of the Varnam . We should be taking inspiration from the fact that the muktayi swaram and the swarams are of a certain length. The central swaram today is four avarthanams but the earlier swarams are one or two avarthanams , which was the balance the original composer intended. This time frame is no longer guiding the performances of today. Although the pieces remain confined within a time capsule, devoid of feminist ideas or portrayals of the modern woman, she clarifies that she has deliberately refrained from altering them. To her, these works are invaluable fragments of heritage, and her focus lies not in rewriting their narratives, but in deepening the understanding of their theory and preserving their traditional essence. The first of the five episodes was out yesterday on @vidyabhavanisuresh YouTube channel. The next four episodes will be released on consecutive Wednesdays.

Cong, SP support Dalmandi traders cause, seek compensation

UPCC chief writes to PM over plight of Varanasi Dalmandi traders

Centre to amend and reform Plant Variety Act: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

A group of scientists had recently written to the Union Agriculture Minister, demanding the governments intervention to protect Indias sovereign rights over its vast genetic wealth

Uttar Pradesh govt suspends Gonda BEO over Rs 2.25 crore bribery case; know what happened

Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has suspended Atul Kumar Tiwari, the Basic Education Officer of Gonda district, for allegedly demanding a commission of around Rs 2.25 crore in return for awarding a tender.

ACB arrests Mulugu SI, constable taking Rs 50,000 bribe

Hyderabad: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Telangana caught a sub-inspector and a police constable from the Mulugu police station red-handed while demanding a bribe of Rs 50,000. Also ReadTelangana ACB nabs 3 govt officials, recovers Rs 85K in bribes Sub inspector Vijay Kumar and constable Raju had demanded the bribe for helping in the eviction process 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 .

YSRCP launches protests against privatisation of medical colleges in Andhra

Amaravati: The YSRCP on Wednesday launched statewide protests opposing the Andhra Pradesh governments alleged move to privatise government medical colleges. The opposition party said that rallies are held across all 175 Assembly constituencies, with people participating in the one-crore signature campaign, demanding the withdrawal of the decision to allegedly privatise medical colleges. The YS Jagan 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 .

Meet The Benares Courtesan Who Outsmarted The British To Hide Chandrashekhar Azad

Dhaneshri Bai's 'kotha' in Dalmandi secretly sheltered Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh, blending art and rebellion in Benares during India's freedom struggle

Qamran Iqbal Leads Jammu Kashmir to Historic First-Ever Ranji Trophy Win Over Delhi

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir created history on Tuesday by defeating Delhi for the first time in 65 years of Ranji Trophy encounters, sealing a commanding seven-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The victory, powered by opener Qamran Iqbals unbeaten 133, marked a defining moment for JK cricket and pushed them to second []

Kerala scrambles to implement SC order on stray dogs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Supreme Court directing the state government to remove stray dogs from the premises of schools, colleges and other public institutions within eight weeks, the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) is scrambling for solutions. The LSGD principal secretary has convened an urgent high-level meeting on Thursday with secretaries from key departments, including animal husbandry, health, transport, PWD, and NHAI to chalk out a coordinated action plan. As per the Supreme Court direction, the stray dog caught from public places should be vaccinated, neutered and relocated to shelters. We have studied the order and it mandates that the animals be shifted to shelters, but the state does not currently have the infrastructure to accommodate them. The apex court has specifically mentioned the places where the dogs need to be removed. Various departments are involved. Hence we have called for this meeting to arrive at a decision on how to implement the court order, an official said. The official said that after the meeting, a chief secretary-level meeting will be held. According to the animal husbandry department, LSGD is responsible for 80 per cent of stray dog management including setting up of shelters, ABC centres and other infrastructure. We will be giving a set of suggestions in the upcoming meeting. The construction work of around 30 ABC centres attached to the veterinary hospital under the department will be expedited, said an official source. Meanwhile, animal welfare groups plan legal fightback against the Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs. Animal welfare organisations are preparing to move a review petition before the Supreme Court challenging its recent ruling on the management of stray dogs, alleging that the verdict was passed without hearing their side. A collective organisation of 25 animal welfare organisations across the state will file a review petition. If the review plea is rejected, the groups intend to file a curative petition and seek the constitution of a new bench by the Chief Justice of India, said Sreedevi S Kartha, a member of People for Animal (PFA). The organisations also raised concerns over the growing hostility faced by dog feeders in various districts. Following complaints, animal rights activists recently met the state police chief, who has directed all district police heads to accept and act on complaints related to harassment against dog feeders. According to unofficial records, the state has around 4 lakh strays. The Supreme Court directive is being widely misinterpreted by the public. The residents are calling us demanding to remove community dogs from streets and neighbourhoods. It is impractical to take care of so many dogs, and know who is going to cover the expenses and mobilise the resources. For food alone it will cost around Rs 100 per dog, said Sreedevi S Kartha. ABC centres Number of ABC centres approved by AWBI: 19 Number of ABC centres under construction: 30 Total number of stray dogs vaccinated from 1-9-2024 to 31-8-2025: ,51,610 Number of strays vaccinated from March 2025 to 30-9-2025: 53,401 Number of stray dogs sterilised from 1-9-2024 to 31-08-2025: 15,825

Why MVD cant act on illegal online taxi aggregators in Kerala

KOCHI: Despite the Kerala transport minister openly labelling the operations of multinational online taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola as illegal for their failure to register under state regulations, the motor vehicles department (MVD) is unable to take specific punitive action. The core issue, as articulated by traffic experts and legal professionals, is a critical gap between policy and law. To be precise, policy exists but specific rules do not. The Union government, through amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 (specifically, Sections 93 and 193), made it mandatory for aggregators to hold a licence from the respective state to operate. Following this, the Kerala government framed a policybased on central guidelinesrequiring registration with the State Transport Authority (STA). However, as former Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO) B J Antony noted, the state has not yet formulated the rules necessary to implement and enforce the policy. Though the Central Act is there, the lack of specific rules, to be framed by the state, are rendering the authorities powerless to act against the online taxi services. These rules would define key administrative aspects such as who should be the licensing authority, the exact licensing system and fee structure, the process for penal action if rules are violated, and so on. Without legally binding rules, the states aggregator policy lacks the legal backup required for the MVD or the transport commissioner to issue formal notices or register cases against the companies, despite the ministers strong statements, Antony pointed out. The situation is further complicated by the popularity of these services, which, according to experts, serve the aim of public transportation. The governments aim too is to provide sufficient travel facilities. Instead of terming their operations as illegal, the authorities should bring in a legal framework that allows for their smooth functioning, but in a controlled way. For instance, the state rules should have clauses that the data of online taxi drivers should be provided to the MVD, which driver is attached to which vehicle, whether the cabs have undergone pollution test, etc, said transport expert G P Hari, former additional general manager (urban transport), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. Backlash and demand for comprehensive law Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumars illegal tag has ignited a backlash from the Online Taxi Drivers Union (OTDU). Citing recent incidents in Kozhikode and Thrissur, the union charged that the irresponsible statements have escalated violence and physical assaults against online cab drivers by local taxi and autorickshaw unions. OTDU, which is seeking clarity on the legal status of online taxis from the Kerala High Court, is demanding a comprehensive law to govern the sector. The current central and state aggregator policies are too vague for effective implementation. We challenge the government to register cases if the operations are truly illegal. So far, no official notice has been served to Uber or Ola to cease services, said OTDU legal advisor T R S Kumar.

RDD staff goes on two days pen down strike

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Demanding registration of an FIR against the then SDPO Gandhinagar, Sunil Singh Jasrotia and his immediate suspension for assaulting BDO Nagrota and a Panchayat Secretary, All J&K Panchayat Secretaries Association (Jammu province) went on two days pen down strike today. In a letter flashed to the Commissioner/ Secretary to the Govt, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, All J&K Panchayat Secretaries Association declared two days pen downs strike on November 11 and 12. Provincial [] The post RDD staff goes on two days pen down strike appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

HC nabbed, PSI detained by CBI

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today arrested a Head Constable of the Jammu and Kashmir Police red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A Probationer Sub-Inspector (PSI) ranked officer was also detained by the Central agency for questioning in connection with the incident. Sources said Head Constable Riyaz Ahmed, posted at Police Station Bagh-e-Bahu, has been arrested on the complaint of a restaurant owner, who [] The post HC nabbed, PSI detained by CBI appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Impersonator posing as cop arrested

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 11: Police in Pulwama today apprehended a person who was allegedly impersonating as police officer and extorting money from the public. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A police spokesman in a statement issued here said that the accused Altaf Ahmad Dar son of Assadullah Dar resident of Marval Kakpora, had been posing as a police officer of SOG Srinagar, threatening locals and demanding money from them. A case under FIR No. 74/2025 under Sections [] The post Impersonator posing as cop arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Woman shot in Bhojpur village, people demand compensation

A 22-year-old married woman, Mikki Devi, was shot dead in Bhojpur district, with tensions high in her village following election-related clashes. While returning from a market, she was fatally shot, and her death has led to protests and road blockades by angry villagers demanding justice.

Bhairav Mandir, Jammu: The Fifth Rudra of Lord Shiva and the sacred seat of Divine protection

By Ravi Rohmetra A Temple Where Wishes Are Fulfilled and Evil Dissolves Jammu, revered as the City of Temples, is blessed with countless sacred shrines that enrich its spiritual landscape. Among these, the ancient and deeply venerated Bhairav Mandir at Chowk Chabutraholds a special place. Dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fifth Rudra manifestation of [] The post Bhairav Mandir, Jammu: The Fifth Rudra of Lord Shiva and the sacred seat of Divine protection appeared first on Northlines .

Differently abled people agitate demanding better assistance

They say even some other States with less economic development compared to Tamil Nadu provide higher monthly assistance for the differently abled people

Div Com Reviews Progress Of Ongoing Projects At Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex

JAMMU, Nov 11: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, today chaired a meeting to review the progress of the ongoing projects at Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. The meeting was attended by Commissioner JMC, Executive Director Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society, Director Archives, SSP Jammu, Chief Engineer, PW (R&B) Department Jammu, SE PWD, representatives from NHLML and JK Cable Car Corporation Ltd. The Divisional Commissioner sought the status of different projects including Multilevel Parking Facility coming up at the Complex and progress [] The post Div Com Reviews Progress Of Ongoing Projects At Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Police Arrest Impersonator Posing As SOG Officer In J&Ks Pulwama

Srinagar, Nov 11: Jammu and Police on Tuesday said that acting swiftly on credible information, Police in Pulwama apprehended an individual who was allegedly impersonating a police officer and extorting money from the public. The police said that the accused, identified as Altaf Ahmad Dar son of Assadullah Dar resident of Marval Kakpora, had been posing as a police officer of SOG Srinagar, threatening locals and demanding money from them. A case under FIR No. 74/2025 under Sections 319/351 of [] The post Police Arrest Impersonator Posing As SOG Officer In J&Ks Pulwama appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India: Protests decry New Delhi's air pollution spike

Hundreds gathered in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Sunday to protest against a rising public health crisis brought on by air pollution, demanding government action.Riot police dispersed the protesters and detained dozens, saying they did not ...

West Bengal: Matua row between Trinamool, BJP intensifies over SIR

Matua community members are staging an indefinite hunger strike in Bongaon over electoral roll revisions. This has escalated political tensions between TMC and BJP factions. Union minister Shantanu Thakur criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's involvement. Matua leaders have vowed to intensify the protest demanding unconditional voting rights.

Chennai couple held for killing son over quarrel

CHENNAI: A couple was arrested for murdering their 31-year-old son, an autorickshaw driver, at his home in Kalyanapuram, Ambattur, on Saturday night. Police said the suspects C Manmadhan (57) who works at a meat shop in Ambattur, and his wife M Kalyani (54) were upset over their sons drug abuse, his failure to support them financially, and recurring incidents of domestic violence. The police said the deceased, identified as M Sridar, living separately from his wife, had no steady employment, and occassionally hired an autorickshaw. On Saturday night, Sridar, who allegedly came home drunk assaulted his parents demanding money. In a sudden outburst, Manmadhan is said to have attacked him with a knife, with Kalyani aiding him. The couple left the body inside the house. Following the attack, Manmadhan went to his shop while Kalyani went to her daughters home. After neigbours raised suspicion on Sunday morning, the police personnel reached the house, recovered the body and sent it to Kilpauk Government Hospital for postmortem. Later during questioning, the couple allegedly confessed to the murder. An FIR under Section 103 of the BNS has been registered, and both were remanded in judicial custody on Monday.

Fresh faces, land of Sita, Seemanchal: Key battles shaping Bihar elections phase 2

After a record 64.66% voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar elections, the state is gearing up for the second phase, where political temperatures are set to rise. A total of 122 constituencies across 20 districts will go to the polls, featuring a mix of ministers, celebrities, and first-time contenders. Each seat carries its own local narrative and power equation. This phase will see 1,302 candidates, including 136 women, contesting roughly 10% of the total. In the 2020 assembly polls, the BJP won 42 of these seats, followed by the RJD with 33, JD(U) 20, Congress 11, and Left parties five. Below are key constituencies to watch: Chakai: Sumit Kumar Singh (JD(U)) vs Savitri Devi (RJD) Bihars Science and Technology Minister Sumit Kumar Singh is eyeing another term, this time as a JD(U) candidate under the NDA. Known for frequently shifting parties, he first entered the assembly in 2010 as a JMM candidate and made a comeback in 2020 as an Independent. His rival, RJDs Savitri Devi, previously won the seat in 2015. The constituencys sizeable Santhal tribal population adds complexity, with Alijaveth (Elizabeth) Soren commanding loyal support despite never winning. Adding to the mix is Chandan Kumar Singh, a philanthropist-turned-Independent, who initially backed Chirag Paswan before contesting on his own. Jamui: Shreyasi Singh (BJP) vs Mohammad Shamsad Alam (RJD) Shooter-turned-politician Shreyasi Singh seeks a second term as the BJP candidate. A gold medallist and member of a powerful political family, she defeated RJDs Vijay Prakash in 2020 by over 41,000 votes. This time, the Grand Alliance has fielded Mohammad Shamsad Alam against her. Lauriya: Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh (VIP) vs Binay Bihari (BJP) Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh, the richest candidate this election, has drawn attention in Lauriya with declared assets of 368.98 crore and his wifes 131 crore. He faces BJPs Binay Bihari, the sitting MLA. Bihar elections 2025: Voting begins for second phase, State on high alert after Delhi explosion Gaya Town: Dhirendra Agrawal (Jan Suraaj Party) vs Prem Kumar (BJP) vs Akhaury Onkar Nath (Congress) Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party has fielded Dhirendra Agrawal, a three-time former MP from Chatra, against BJPs Prem Kumar, who has held Gaya Town for eight consecutive terms. Agrawal, son of former RSS South Bihar chief Daya Prakash, represents Kishors attempt to project Jan Suraaj as a credible alternative. Congress has nominated Akhaury Onkar Nath. The wider Gaya district is key to Kishors experiment, where his party has also fielded ex-NDA figures in several seats. Phulparas: Sheela Kumari Mandal (JD(U)) vs Subodh Mandal (Congress) In Madhubanis Phulparas, Transport and Communication Minister Sheela Mandal is defending her seat. Known for her grassroots presence, she stirred controversy in 2020 after remarks comparing freedom fighters Veer Kunwar Singh and Ramphal Mandal triggered caste-based debate. She now faces Congresss Subodh Mandal. Amarpur: Jayant Raj Kushwaha (JD(U)) vs Jitendra Singh (Congress) Young cabinet minister Jayant Raj Kushwaha, son of former MLA Janardan Manjhi, is seeking re-election from Amarpur. A BBA graduate, he narrowly beat Congresss Jitendra Singh in 2020 and was later inducted into Nitish Kumars cabinet. The two face each other again this year. Dhamdaha: Leshi Singh (JD(U)) vs Santosh Kumar (RJD) In Purnias Dhamdaha, veteran JD(U) leader Leshi Singh, Bihars Food and Consumer Protection Minister, is eyeing another term. A consistent winner since 2000, she retained her seat in 2020 by about 34,000 votes. RJDs Santosh Kumar is her challenger this time. Kargahar: Ritesh Ranjan Pandey (Jan Suraaj) vs Santosh Mishra (Congress) vs Vashishth Singh (JD(U)) Popular Bhojpuri actor-singer Ritesh Pandey, known for hits like Balma Bihar Wala and Hello Kaun , is contesting from Kargahar under Jan Suraaj. He faces Congresss Santosh Mishra and JD(U)s Vashishth Singh. Pandeys entry surprised many who expected Prashant Kishor himself to contest from this seat. Chhatapur: Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu (BJP) vs Dr Vipin Kumar Singh (RJD) Neeraj Kumar Singh, popularly known as Bablu, and cousin of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, is contesting again from Chhatapur in Supaul district. Currently Bihars Environment and Forest Minister, he gained prominence after vocally demanding justice for Sushant in 2020. He now faces RJDs Dr Vipin Kumar Singh. Bettiah: Renu Devi (BJP) vs Washi Ahmad (Congress) Former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi, currently Minister for Animal and Fisheries Resources, seeks re-election from Bettiah. A long-time BJP figure who began her political career in 1981 through social work, Devi has risen through the ranks of the BJP Mahila Morcha since 1988. She faces Congresss Washi Ahmad this time. Muslim women vote in large numbers in first phase of Bihar polls after SIR exercise Sitamarhi: Sunil Kumar Pintu (BJP) vs Sunil Kumar (RJD) Sunil Kumar Pintu, a four-time MLA and former MP, is contesting again from Sitamarhi. Pintu, who also heads the Shri Bhagwati Sita Tirtha Kshetra Samiti, wields significant cultural and political influence His campaign was hit by controversy after an alleged private video resurfaced online a clip he dismissed as an old opposition trick. Despite this, he has the BJPs full backing, with Amit Shah campaigning for him. He faces RJDs Sunil Kumar. Chainpur: Mohammad Zama Khan (JD(U)) vs Brij Kishor Bind (RJD) vs Balgovind Bind (VIP) In Chainpur, Minority Affairs Minister Mohammad Zama Khan faces opposition from both allies and rivals. Khan, who won in 2020 as a BSP candidate before joining JD(U), has faced criticism from sections of the Muslim community over the Waqf Bill controversy. The RJD has fielded Brij Kishor Bind, while the VIP has nominated Balgovind Bind, resulting in a three-cornered contest. Parihar: Gayatri Devi (BJP) vs Ritu Jaiswal (Independent) vs Smita Purbe (RJD) In Sitamarhis Parihar, three women are in the fray. The seat, near the Ma Janki temple at Punaruadham, gained national attention after Amit Shah announced its 800 crore renovation plan. Sitting MLA Gayatri Devi (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive win. In 2020, she narrowly defeated Ritu Jaiswal (RJD) by about 2,000 votes. Denied a ticket this time, Ritu is contesting as an independent, while the RJD has fielded Smita Purbe, daughter-in-law of veteran leader Ram Chandra Purbe. The Seemanchal Equation The politically sensitive Seemanchal region comprising Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar will be a crucial battleground in this phase. Home to a large portion of Bihars 17% Muslim population, Seemanchal has seen intense campaigning from all major parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rahul Gandhi. In 2020, the BJP won eight of the regions seats, JD(U) four, Congress five, CPIML and RJD one each, while AIMIM won five before four of its MLAs joined the RJD. Friendly Fire Several constituencies will witness intra-alliance clashes within the Grand Alliance. In Narkatiaganj, Congresss Shashwat Kedar Pandey faces RJDs Deepak Yadav, while the NDA has fielded BJPs Sanjay Pandey. In Kahalgaon, Congresss Praveen Singh Kushwaha takes on RJDs Rajnish Bharti, with JD(U)s Shubh Anand Mukesh representing the NDA. In Pipra, CPI(ML)s Anil Kumar faces CPI(M)s Rajmangal Prasad, while BJPs Shyambabu Prasad Yadav contests for the NDA. Bihar polls: Legacy, family feuds and fresh faces shape key battles in Phase 1