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Bajrang Dal, VHP Protest Outside Jagannath Temple Over Atrocities Against Hindus In Bangladesh
Members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad protested at Jagannath Temple in Puri over the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mondal in Bangladesh, demanding justice.
J&K reservation policy under scrutiny as open merit quota shrinks to 40 per cent
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmirs Reservationpolicy has again come under intense scrutiny after only 40 per cent jobs out of the 1815 police constable posts and 480 Medical Officers were allocated for Open Merit aspirants in the Union Territory. Meanwhile, disgruntled NC MP Aga Ruhullah has warned Omar Abdullah to talk to students until Saturday and inform them of decisions on reservation, and stated that he would join the students' protest outside the CM's residence on Sunday. J&K police has advertised 1815 constable posts, including 934 posts in the Jammu region and 881 posts in the Kashmir region. Of the total 1815 posts, only 728 (40% posts) have been allocated for OM aspirants. The remaining 60 per cent posts have been reserved for various categories, including 145 posts for SC, 181 each for ST1, ST2 and RBC, 147 for OBC, 72 for ALC, IB and 180 for EWS. Earlier, the Health and Medical Education Department referred 480 Medical Officer posts to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission for direct recruitment. Out of these, only 192 posts were reserved for OM aspirants. The remaining posts were allocated to reserved categories, including 38 for SC, 48 each for ST-1, ST-2, and RBA, 39 for OBC, 48 for EWS, and 19 for ALC/IB. The allocation of only 40 per cent posts for PM has once again brought the reservation policy, revised by the Lt Governors administration ahead of last years Assembly elections, into sharp focus. At present, SCs have 8% quota, ST 20%, EWS 10%, Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) 10%, Other Backward Classes (OBC) 8%, ALC/IB 4%. Besides, there is a 10 per cent horizontalreservation,including six per cent to ex-Servicemen and four per cent to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The J&K Open Merit Students Association (J&K OMSA) saidthat after horizontal reservations and reserved-category candidates occupying Open Merit seats, general category aspirants could be left competing for a few seats, 200 to 300 posts, as seen in previous police recruitments. This effectively forces nearly 70 per cent of J&Ks population to fight for a fraction of posts. The OMSA demanded an immediate halt to all ongoing recruitments until a transparent, finalised, and equitable reservation policy is implemented.The OMSA has rejected any token reduction in one or two categories. We will not tolerate deception packaged as reform. Anything less than full, category-wide rationalisation is a direct insult to lakhs of aspirants. Cosmetic cuts are unacceptable, unforgivable, and will be resisted at every level. Sahil Parray, a representative of a group advocating for Open Merit aspirants, said day by day, jobs are slipping away, and open merit is being reduced to zero. Our frustration is not entitlement; it is exhaustion. Our anger is not rebellion; it is survival, he said. The J&K cabinet has approved the Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) report onreservation and forwarded the file for approval to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. LG's approval is still awaited. Sources said the CSC report has proposed a 10 per cent increase in the OM quota by reducing the EWS quota by 7 per cent and the RBA by 3 per cent. Meanwhile, disgruntled National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah urged the government to talk to students and apprise them of measures and decisions to resolve the reservation issue. If that does not happen till Saturday, I will not leave our youngsters and students helpless. I will walk with them and sit with them on this coming Sunday at the same place as we did last year on 23rd December to make them hear, he said. Last December,Ruhullahhad joined hundreds of students for a protest outside CMs Gupkar residence in Srinagar, demanding the framing of a balanced reservation policy. Following that protest, the Omar government constituted a cabinet sub-committee on December 10 to examine grievances raised by aspirants regarding the reservation policy in J&K. Jammu exceeds Kashmir in category certificate issuance in 2025
Substandard Baardana Packaging Threatens Mandi Operations
SRINAGAR: Fruit industry leaders have issued a grave warning that the widespread use of substandard cardboard packaginglocally known as Baardana will paralyze operations at fruit Mandis. In a crucial all-valley meeting, President of Asias second-largest Mandi in Sopore, Fayaz Ahmad Malik Aka Kaka Ji said that the low-quality Baardana fruit packing not only harms the []
Pharmacy vs Biotechnology: Which degree should science students choose after Class 12?
Choosing between Pharmacy and Biotechnology after Class 12 requires understanding their distinct career paths. Pharmacy offers a more applied, practice-oriented route with defined roles and steady demand, allowing for earlier entry into the workforce. Biotechnology, conversely, is research-driven, demanding higher studies for advanced roles and offering broader, though less predictable, growth opportunities.
A man, Pintu Barnwal, from Gopalganj district, Bihar, was arrested on charges of allegedly marrying three women over a span of three years, without divorcing any of his previous wives. The arrest followed complaints from his first and second wives, who accused him of domestic violence and demanding dowry.
Bhaderwah Beopar Mandal meets MLA, raises demands
Excelsior Correspondent BHADERWAH, Dec 25: A deputation of Bhaderwah Beopar Mandal (BBM) led by its president, Naseer Mehboob here today met MLA Bhaderwah, Daleep Singh Parihar and raised demands related to administrative accessibility and public convenience. During interaction, the Beopar Mandal submitted a detailed representation to the MLA, demanding convergence of various government departments into a single secretariat by utilising the old hospital building. The traders highlighted that key offices, including Irrigation, ICDS, Social Welfare, ADC office, Tehsil and other [] The post Bhaderwah Beopar Mandal meets MLA, raises demands appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sangharsh Samiti lead protests warn of shutdown over SMVD medical college admissions
Jammu, Dec 25 : Several right-wing Hindu groups held a protest in Jammu on Thursday evening, demanding the shifting of Muslim students from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence and reservations for Hindu students. They also warned of intensifying the agitation if their demands are not met. The controversy began after admissions [] The post Sangharsh Samiti lead protests warn of shutdown over SMVD medical college admissions appeared first on Northlines .
Hostility towards women in digital spaces damaging democracy: Uttarakhand women's commission chief
DEHRADUN: Chairperson of Uttarakhand Women's Commission Kusum Kandwal has issued a statement condemning the growing hostility against women on social media platforms. She emphasised that while women are making vital contributions across all sectors, the increasingly toxic digital environment actively discourages their participation. Women are proving their worth in every field, strengthening our democracy and making policy more inclusive ... Certain elements are using abusive, objectionable, and indecent language against both men and women online. Inappropriate remarks targeting women hurt their dignity and discourage their entry into public life, Kandwal stated. The Chairperson expressed deep distress over the alleged political misuse of the memory of the late Ankita Bhandari . It is deeply unfortunate that the name of our daughter, the deceased Ankita Bhandari, is being used for political point-scoring on social media and public forums, she asserted. Kandwal clarified that the judiciary is handling the case independently. If anyone has facts or evidence, they must present them legally in court. Using the victims name for public statements is against her dignity. She dismissed attempts to twist routine political interactions into scandals questioning women's dignity or the judicial process as completely inappropriate. Following these concerns, Kandwal contacted Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth, demanding immediate action against the offensive, misleading, and obscene material circulating online. The misuse of women's rights for political gain on social media casts doubt on the plight of other genuine victims, Kandwal warned. She concluded that cultured, dignified, and fact-based politics is the foundation of a strong India, urging leaders to foster an environment where women and youth can advance with security and trust.
Students protest against alleged Islamophobia at Jadavpur University convocation
KOLKATA: Two students held a poster reading ''there is no place for Islamophobia at Jadavpur University'' while receiving their citations and certificates from the Vice-Chancellor (VC), triggering controversy. Speaking to media, the students alleged that during an English semester examination held on Monday, an invigilator had asked a third-year undergraduate female student wearing a head scarf to help her classmate partially remove her hijab to verify whether she was using any wireless headphone. We thought such type of conduct is undesirable in a prestigious university like JU, which is known for its liberal and secular views. We had no intention to create any ruckus but we thought we must protest against this conduct. Thats why we had held a poster while receiving undergraduate degrees during the convocation programme, said one of two protesting girls on Wednesday evening. Distancing itself from the protest, the CPI(M)-backed Students Federation of India (SFI) leader said, ''What they did is entirely their own decision. It had nothing to do with SFI's demonstration during the convocation demanding immediate student union polls, representation in ICC, or campus security. We do not support any act which may hurt the sentiments of an individual. Dismissing the allegations, an English faculty member said, ''We deny allegations of Islamophobia. Several students were caught attempting to cheat during the exam, following which vigilance was tightened. If anyone's conduct seemed suspicious, re-checking was carried out. At least four examinees were caught using headphones last week, none of whom belonged to the minority community.'' If teachers are targeted in this manner, it would become impossible for them to carry out their duties, the faculty member said requesting anonymity. Its learnt that the JU authorities have started looking into the allegations after students submitted a letter to the VC.
57,000 displaced people from Manipur are battling third winter
Manipur faces its third harsh winter since ethnic strife began in May 2023. Displaced people are restless, demanding resettlement. Recent clashes in Bishnupur district highlight ongoing tensions. Despite visits by dignitaries and festivals, displaced individuals protest, seeking basic needs and a return home.
Top Maoist leader Ganesh Uikey, five others killed by security forces in Odisha
NEW DELHI: Top Maoist commander Ganesh Uikey was killed by security forces in Odisha's Rampa forest area on Thursday. Five other Maoists, including two women cadres, were also killed in the encounter. Uikey was a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist) and head of Odisha's Naxal outift. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a social media post, In a significant milestone towards Naxal-free Bharat, 6 Naxalites, including Central Committee member Ganesh Uikey, have been neutralised so far in a major operation in Kandhamal, Odisha. Security officials said that a joint operation based on specific intelligence inputs from the Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) was launched in the Chakapad police station area of Kandhamal district and the bordering regions of Ganjam district under the Rambha forest range. The operation involved 23 teams comprising 20 from the Special Operations Group (SOG), two from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and one from the Border Security Force (BSF), a senior security official said. Uikey was regarded as the administrative backbone of the Maoist movement in Odisha and adjoining regions. Rising through the ranks as an organiser, he was responsible for maintaining communication channels, managing logistics and overseeing finances across key divisions during the insurgencys peak years, according to officials. Security officials said, after killing Uikey, focus has now shifted to veteran Maoist leader Devuji. Devuji, now believed to be battling ailments that accompany old age, once had a significant influence on the military wing of extremist groups in the region. According to our inputs, Devuji is no longer playing a commanding role.He is now limited only to hold together the remnants of the organisation that has steadily eroded under sustained security pressure, the security official said. The official said, the latest operation underscores the weakening of the Maoist hierarchy in eastern India, where the Naxal influence has steadily been eroding with territorial contraction and declining local support. Security officials said the latest operation reveals the gradual hollowing out of Maoist outfits in Eastern India due to declining local support and increased surveillance by security forces. Officials said Uikey's encounters signals the beginning of 'end-game' for armed Maoists.
Kashmiri leaders voiced strong condemnation over assaults on traders in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, demanding swift legal action. Jailed MP Engineer Rashid and NC leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi highlighted the violation of constitutional rights and human dignity. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged the Uttarakhand DGP to register an FIR against perpetrators, emphasizing accountability and preventing future incidents.
Flash strike by platform, gig workers receives lukewarm response; mega strike on New Year's eve
NEW DELHI: The Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) announced a flash strike on Thursday demanding for better wages and a national policy for gig and platform workers. Nearly 40,000 workers in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru participated in the protests. There are nearly one crore platform workers in India. A mega strike has been planned on December 31, which is expected to create disruption in the e-commerce delivery market. Shaik Salauddin, National General Secretary of Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) told TNIE , We want the government to come out with a Policy for gig and platform workers with a fixed minimum wage. We are aspiring for a minimum wage of Rs 35 per delivery, when the distance touches upto 4 km. At present, the delivery person gets Rs 7 or Rs 10 or Rs 15 depending on the destination. It needs to be regularised completely. While workers get paid extra for their services on holidays, they demand for a permanent hike in wages. We have decided upon December 31 as the demand for deliveries will be very high around that time and we want the employers to take notice of the protest, Salauddin added. Elaborating on the flash strike, he said, We announced it only yesterday (Wednesday). It takes some time for the message to percolate across the country. A good number did not take part for fear of their employers blacklisting them. By flash strike, we mean workers in a particular zone announcing they are on strike for an hour or two and not carrying out any deliveries during the period. This is the biggest strike we have done so far, he said. In Hyderabad there was a bike rally at Gachibowli Kondapur where over 2,000 workers took part. The revised Labour Codes has mandated bringing the workers into the social security fold. Asked about it, the national president of IFAT, Prashant Bhagesh Sawardekar, said, The reforms have merely been announced. The implementation has not happened. If it is going to take place after ten years, it will not help the struggling workers. ID blocking is a major issue among gig workers. The employee is barred from working for the platform anymore. There is a ten-minute delivery option. Some customer complains it was not done and the ID gets blocked by the company and he cannot work on the platform anymore, he said. Employees of Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart took part in the strike on Thursday, he claimed. An official release said the protest was against unsafe working conditions, unfair pay,ID blocking and denial of dignity and social security to gig workers across the country.
Himachal doctors are planning a mass leave on December 26, demanding the suspension of a resident doctor be revoked. The doctor faces allegations of assaulting a patient at IGMC Shimla after a dispute over respectful address. The association also seeks legal action and better hospital security, warning of further action if demands aren't met.
Hindutva groups protest in Jammu, warn of shutdown over medical college admissions
Jammu: Several right-wing Hindu groups held a protest in Jammu on Thursday evening, demanding the shifting of Muslim students from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence and reservations for Hindu students. They also warned of intensifying the agitation if their demands are not met. The controversy began after admissions for the inaugural 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 .
Your 2026 horoscope is here the major shifts every zodiac sign needs to prepare for
2026 Horoscope: As 2026 dawns, astrologers spotlight a rare alignment of eclipses and outer-planet transits set to reshape careers, relationships, and wallets across all zodiac signs. Drawing from NASA's precise eclipse timetablethree potent lunations on March 3 (Virgo), March 17 (Pisces), and August 12 (Leo lunar)these events signal seismic pivots. Saturn enters Aries on May 24, demanding bold career moves. Uranus in Gemini from July 7 stirs financial innovations.
Ankita Bhandari case: Mother demands action after actress alleges VIP involvement in video
DEHRADUN: The Ankita Bhandari murder case has once again come under political and social scrutiny following the release of a video by actress Urmila Sanavar. In the video, Sanavar claims to have named a purported VIP linked to the case and levelled serious allegations against several Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. The development has triggered a sharp response from Ankita Bhandaris mother, Soni Devi, who has demanded swift action based on the new claims. Speaking emotionally, Soni Devi urged Sanavar to place any crucial evidence she possesses directly before the court without delay. The truth must come out, she said. Whoever this VIP or any other individual involved in this heinous crime is must be given the strictest punishment under the law. Recounting the tragedy, Soni Devi alleged that her daughter was pressured by an influential person to engage in unethical activities. When Ankita flatly refused any immoral act, she was brutally murdered, she said, adding that the case concerns the safety of every daughter in Uttarakhand, not just her own. Soni Devi said she believes Ankita was killed because she had knowledge of suspicious activities at the resort and intended to make them public. After watching Sanavars social media video, in which a name long speculated about was allegedly revealed, she expressed concern for the actresss safety. I fear something untoward might happen to Urmila as well, she said, demanding adequate security for Sanavar. Appealing directly to the actress, the victims mother urged her to submit all available proof to the court to ensure complete transparency. This is necessary not just for Ankita, but for all the daughters of Uttarakhand, so that such a horrific incident is never repeated, she said, expressing faith in the judiciary to deliver justice. New revelations regarding Ankita Bhandari murder case spark protests against BJP in Uttarakhand The Ankita Bhandari murder case, which shocked the nation, came to light on September 18, 2022. Ankita, a 19-year-old receptionist at the Vanantara Resort in Yamkeshwar, Pauri district, was brutally murdered, and her body was recovered from the Cheela Shakti Canal about a week after her disappearance. Before her death, Ankita had reportedly shared concerns about the resorts activities and her own safety with her friend Pushpdeep through phone calls and chats, details of which emerged during the investigation. Police later revealed that Ankita was allegedly being pressured by resort owner Pulkit Arya and his associates, Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar, to engage in immoral activities. A key point of dispute centred on Ankitas refusal to provide extra service to an alleged VIP. A Special Investigation Team conducted a detailed probe and filed a 500-page chargesheet in court. After examining 47 witnesses, the Additional District and Sessions Court in Kotdwar on May 30 this year found the accused guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment.
BJP MP accuses AAP MLA of Rs 75 lakh demand during PM programs, threatens to quit party
AHMEDABAD: A storm has erupted in Gujarats Narmada district after Bharuch BJP MP Mansukh Vasava accused AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava of demanding Rs 75 lakh during programmes linked to the Prime Minister, triggering a political clash that has drawn in the district collector and put the ruling BJP government under direct pressure. The controversy revolves around what began as coordination over a Prime Ministerial programme has escalated into allegations of extortion, administrative intimidation and threats of political rebellion. The dispute, which initially surfaced during coordination meetings, escalated after the BJP MP alleged that the AAP MLA had demanded and scattered Rs 75 lakh from officials of the Roads and Buildings Department during two major national-level programmes held in the district. The controversy deepened when Mansukh Vasava targeted not only the opposition MLA but also the district administration. Speaking to the media in an unusually aggressive tone, he said, I have a recording of the Rs 75 lakh demand, yet I fail to understand why the collector is suppressing the matter. The collector appears afraid of Chaitar Vasava. With this statement, the MP directly questioned the neutrality of the district collector, suggesting the administration was bending under political pressure. The BJP MP went a step further by issuing a dramatic ultimatum to his own party. I am fighting for the government and for honest officials. But if the government does not give me justice, I will leave the Bharatiya Janata Party. I cannot tolerate such wrong people, he said, sending shockwaves through BJP ranks in the tribal belt. According to Mansukh Vasava, the alleged demand surfaced twice during district coordination meetings, where Chaitar Vasava repeatedly sought details of expenditure related to the programmes. Even after officials presented the accounts, he continued to intimidate them and demanded Rs 75 lakh, the MP claimed, adding that he objected immediately and ensured no money was paid. The controversy took a sharper turn when BJP MP claimed that the district collector had earlier acknowledged the demand in the presence of the district BJP president. However, when Chaitar Vasava later met the collector seeking clarification, the collector reportedly denied that any such demand had been made. That sudden U-turn has left me furious, the MP said, accusing the administration of backtracking under pressure. Escalating the issue further, Mansukh Vasava said, This is not a small matter that can be brushed aside. If this continues in the media, the state government will have to decide who is right the collector, Chaitar Vasava or Mansukh Vasava. He insisted that both the collector and the state government must take a clear stand and warned that he would not allow the matter to fade. In one of his strongest remarks, the MP said, Chaitar Vasava is dominating the district collector, and the collector is sitting as if nothing has happened. I will place all facts before the government. If justice is denied to me, I will quit the BJP. He reiterated that his fight was not for personal gain but to protect officials and development works from what he described as wrong elements. Providing political context, Mansukh Vasava referred to an earlier press conference in which he had accused AAP leaders, without naming them, of acting like agents in tribal districts. They roam across the state, disrupt development works, demand inquiries in coordination meetings, and then harass officials and agencies, he alleged, claiming such tactics were leading to siphoning off lakhs of rupees meant for tribal development projects. As accusations continue to fly, the Narmada controversy has moved beyond a local dispute, placing the BJP government, district administration and AAP leadership under intense scrutiny and turning a Prime Ministerial programme into one of Gujarats most explosive political flashpoints.
'Hurt Hindu sentiments': Bajrang Dal stages protest outside Bareilly church; video goes viral
Right-wing groups Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad protested outside a Bareilly church on Christmas Eve, alleging objectionable portrayals of Hinduism. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, they claimed Christmas events hurt Hindu sentiments. Police are investigating after the groups submitted a memorandum demanding action against alleged misleading depictions of religious conversion and Hindu society.
Watch: How Gen Z protests shaped the world in 2025
2025 was the year the worlds youngest citizens refused to stay silent. From Asia to Africa, Europe to Latin America Gen Z stepped out of their screens and onto the streets, demanding something simple and revolutionary: accountability.
Malaria cases, deaths dip in India: ICMR report
NEW DELHI: Malaria cases in India have dropped from 1.17 million in 2015 to around 227,000 in 2024, an 80-85% reduction, said a latest ICMR report released Wednesday. Similarly, malaria-related deaths have fallen from 384 to approximately 83, a decrease of about 78%. India has made significant and steady progress in reducing its malaria burden, said the report, Indias progress towards malaria elimination technical report 2025 by Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR-NIMR), National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). Currently, 92% of districts report an Annual Parasite Incidence (API) is less than 1, indicating that India has largely entered the pre-elimination phase and is well-positioned for accelerated malaria elimination in the coming years, the report released by Union Health Minister JP Nadda said. These gains are underpinned by strengthened surveillance, expanded access to diagnosis and treatment, targeted vector control interventions, and sustained political and programmatic commitment at national and sub-national levels, it said. India aims to eliminate Malaria by 2030, with the government saying that it is committed to achieving zero Indigenous cases by 2027. India is well-positioned to achieve zero indigenous malaria by 2030. Achieving this goal will require sustained political commitment, strengthened multisectoral coordination, and data-driven interventions, the report said. However, as India transitions from malaria control to elimination, the nature of the challenge has fundamentally changed. The current phase is characterised not only by a substantially reduced overall disease burden but also by increasingly heterogeneous, focal, and operationally complex transmission, it added. Malaria is no longer uniformly distributed across large geographic areas; instead, it persists in limited pockets shaped by local ecological conditions, human mobility, occupational exposure, health-system access, and vector dynamics. In several states approaching elimination, remaining cases are often sporadic, imported, or asymptomatic, making detection, investigation, and response more demanding than in earlier phases of higher transmission. The report highlighted that urban transmission presents unique challenges related to container breeding, construction sites, informal settlements, high population density, and fragmented healthcare delivery, necessitating city-specific vector control and surveillance strategies. It highlighted key challenges in the country, including inconsistent private-sector reporting, limited entomological capacity, drug and insecticide resistance, operational gaps in remote tribal areas, and sporadic shortages of diagnostics and treatment commodities. Cross-border transmission from Myanmar and Bangladesh continues to affect border districts in the Northeast. Strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing vector monitoring, and improving supply chain reliability emerged as top priorities, it added.
Indian banks are intensifying scrutiny on overseas money transfers, demanding detailed proof of fund origins from individuals and businesses. This heightened caution, particularly for remittances from NRO accounts, arises amid the rupee's slide and increased customer urgency to move funds abroad, leading to compliance hurdles.
Unnao rape case: Survivor to move SC seeking justice after HC suspends convict Sengar's jail term
NEW DELHI: A day after the Delhi High Court suspended the life sentence awarded by a trial court to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, the survivor on Wednesday said she would move the Supreme Court. On Wednesday, she and her mother staged a protest near Mandi House against the HC verdict. Earlier in the day, the duo met Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi after alleging ill-treatment by Delhi Police. On Tuesday night, the survivor and her mother were reportedly forcefully removed by police from a protest site near India Gate. Speaking to the media, she said no one from the government came forward to help her while Rahul Gandhi promised to get a top lawyer to fight the case in the Supreme Court. The survivor said the HCs decision to suspend Sengars jail term is kaal (death) for her family. If the convict gets bail in a case like this, how will the countrys daughters remain safe? For us, this decision is no less than kaal, she said. In its order on Tuesday, the HC granted bail to Sengar with conditions. It directed him not to come within a 5-km radius of the survivors residence. Sengar, who is currently in jail, will not be immediately released as he is also serving a 10-year term in the custodial death case of the survivors father. He is yet to get bail in that case. The survivor was a minor when she was kidnapped and raped by Sengar in 2017. Deploring the alleged ill treatment meted out to the survivor during her protest in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said she is being punished for seeking justice. Is such treatment of a gang-rape survivor appropriate? The fact that her perpetrator has been granted bail is extremely disappointing and shamefulespecially when the survivor is being repeatedly harassed and is living under the shadow of fear, he said in a social media post. Bail for rapists and treating survivors like criminalswhat kind of justice is this? he asked.
Karman, Athrav shine as J&K nears 4th straight win
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 24: Jammu & Kashmir moved closer to their fourth consecutive innings victory in the U-16 Mens Vijay Merchant Trophy at CK Pithawala Ground, Surat thanks to a masterful century by Karman Singh and a sensational 8-wicket haul by Athrav Sharma. Opting to bat first, J&K amassed a commanding 405/9 declared in 85 overs. Karman Singh anchored the innings with 142 off 258 balls, while Hadi Amin (54) and Hammad Firdous (50) provided crucial support. Arslan [] The post Karman, Athrav shine as J&K nears 4th straight win appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Banks seek certification on source of overseas transfers
High-street banks are now demanding testimonials on 'sources of funds' from wealthy Indians, NRIs, and businesses looking to move money abroad. This comes as the rupee's slide against the US dollar tempts individuals to remit funds overseas, with banks insisting on CA validation for these transactions.
Nitin offers prayers at religious sites in city
During his recent trip to Patna, BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin partook in spiritual rituals at the revered Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, alongside visits to local temples. In addition, he convened with party affiliates in the Bankipur constituency, focusing on enhancing organizational strength and an unwavering commitment to democratic values.
Narendra Modi Stadium Ground: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, along with Ishan Kishan and Devdutt Padikkal, smashed centuries to benefit their respective teams in Round One of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 Season on Wednesday. It was a day on which a record 22 individual centuries were scored on the opening day of the competition. From a team perspective, Karnataka and Bengal completed mammoth successful run chases to make a big statement on Day One of Indias premier domestic mens one-day tournament. Kohli marked his return to Bengaluru with a commanding century as Delhi chased down 299 against Andhra with more than 12 overs to spare in their Elite Group D opener on Wednesday. Kohli's 58th List A hundred - 131 off 101 balls with 14 fours and three sixes - at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground overshadowed Ricky Bhui's 122 for Andhra as Delhi secured a four-wicket victory. Delhi pacer Simarjeet Singh was adjudged Player of the Match for picking 5-54. Meanwhile, in Jaipur, another former India captain, Rohit Sharma, produced a masterclass in front of over 20,000 spectators at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, smashing an unbeaten 155 off 94 balls to guide Mumbai to an eight-wicket victory over Sikkim in Elite Group C. Rohit raced to his 37th List A century in just 62 balls before adding another 50 runs off 29 deliveries, cutting and driving at will against an inexperienced Sikkim attack that had posted 236/6, as Mumbai chased down the target in 30.3 overs. In Ranchi, Bihar posted a staggering 574/6 - now the highest score in men's List A cricket - as teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 190 off 84 balls and captain Sakibul Gani blasted an unbeaten 128 off 40 balls - the fastest by an Indian batter in men's List A cricket - to crush Arunachal Pradesh by 397 runs in a Plate Group match on Wednesday. Suryavanshi struck 16 fours and 15 sixes in his blistering knock at a strike rate of 226.19, adding 158 runs for the opening wicket with Mangal Mahrour (33) before combining with Piyush Singh (77 off 66 balls) for a 103-run second-wicket partnership. Wicketkeeper Ayush Loharuka continued the carnage with 116 off 56 balls, including hitting 11 fours and eight sixes, before Gani unleashed mayhem in the final overs by hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes to propel Bihar past the 500-mark. Bihar's bowlers then completed the rout, dismissing Arunachal Pradesh for just 177 in 42.1 overs with Akash Raj (3-29), Suraj Kashyap (3-31) and Himanshu Tiwari (2-33) sharing eight wickets between themselves. In Rajkot, Dhruv Jurel and Rinku Singh hit half-centuries as Uttar Pradesh opened their campaign with an 84-run win over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Apart from the duo, Abhishek Goswami and Aryan Juyal were among their other half-centurions. UP's spin trio - List A debutants Zeeshan Ansari (4-31) and Prashant Veer (3-47), along with Vipraj Nigam - stifled Hyderabad's chase of 325 after the UP top-order posted 324/5. Hyderabad captain Tanmay Agarwal's 53 off 43 balls threatened briefly before the lower-order collapsed, as they were bowled out for 240. Defending champions Karnataka pulled off a stunning run chase, overhauling a record target of 413 against Jharkhand with 15 balls to spare at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground B in Ahmedabad. Player of the Match Devdutt Padikkal's brilliantly-paced 147 off 118 balls eclipsed Ishan Kishan's explosive 125 off just 39 balls - the second fastest List A century by an Indian male batter - as Karnataka romped home despite losing five wickets on the way. Captain Mayank Agarwal (54 off 34 balls) and Padikkal added 114 in the first 11.5 overs before Abhinav Manohar (56 not out) and debutant Dhruv Prabhakar (40 not out) sealed Karnatakas victory with an unbroken 88-run stand off 41 balls. Kishan had earlier clubbed 14 sixes in his whirlwind knock, helping Jharkhand amass 151 runs in the final 10 overs to post 412 for nine. Meanwhile, at the main Narendra Modi Stadium, Tamil Nadu opened their campaign with a 101-run victory over Pondicherry, with Pradosh Ranjan Paul (73) and captain N. Jagadeesan (67) laying the foundation for a total of 310/9. Bengal completed a successful chase of 383 against Vidarbha, with Abishek Porel (56 off 35 balls), captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (71), Sudip Gharami (68), and Shahbaz Ahmed (71 off 58 balls) guiding them to a stunning victory. Shubham Khajuria smashed an unbeaten 129 as Jammu and Kashmir thrashed Chandigarh by 10 wickets, with Nasir Lone taking four wickets and recent IPL auction pick Auqib Nabi claiming two. Himachal Pradesh defeated Uttarakhand by 95 runs as Akash Vasisht took three wickets, while Arzan Nagwaswalla's four-wicket haul powered Gujarat to an eight-wicket victory over Services. Saurashtra successfully chased down a 346-run target against Odisha with five wickets in hand, powered by Gajjar Sammar's unbeaten 132. Odisha's Swastik Samal had earlier smashed 212 with Biplab Samantaray contributing 100. Kerala thrashed Tripura by 145 runs after posting 348 for eight, with Baba Aparajith taking 5-15. Vignesh Puthur created List A cricket history by taking six catches as a fielder - the most ever in an innings, surpassing the previous record of five shared by 21 fielders. Punjab defeated Maharashtra by 51 runs, with Naman Dhir's 97, Anmolpreet Singh's 85, and Prabhsimran Singh's 60 laying the foundation for their big win before debutants Sukhdeep Bajwa and Krish Bhagat claimed two wickets each. Brief scores: Andhra 298/8 in 50 overs (Ricky Bhui 122; Simarjeet Singh 5-54, Prince Yadav 3-50) lost to Delhi 300/6 in 37.4 overs (Virat Kohli 131, Nitish Rana 77; Maramreddy Hemanth Reddy 2-6, Satyanarayana Raju 2-74) by four wickets Sikkim 236/7 in 50 overs (Ashish Thapa 79, Shardul Thakur 2/19) lost to Mumbai 237/2 in 30.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 155) by 8 wickets. Bihar 574/6 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 190, Sakibul Gani 128 not out; Tadakamalla Mohith 2-99, Techi Neri 2-83) beat Arunachal Pradesh 177 in 42.1 overs (Kamsha Yangfo 32 not out, Techi Doria 28; Akash Raj 3-29, Suraj Kashyap 3-31) by 397 runs. Odisha 345/6 in 50 overs (Swastik Samal 212, Biplab Samantaray 100) lost to Saurashtra 347/5 in 48.5 overs (Gajjar Sammar 132 not out, Chirag Jani 86) by five wickets Services 184 in 42.2 overs (Arzan Nagwaswalla 4-34) lost to Gujarat 185/2 in 34.5 overs (Aarya Desai 77 not out) by eight wickets Haryana 267/9 in 50 overs (Himanshu Rana 126, Parth Vats 57) lost to Railways 270/4 in 43.4 overs (Ravi Singh 109 not out, Upendra Yadav 80) by six wickets Uttar Pradesh 324/5 in 50 overs (Abhishek Goswami 81, Dhruv Jurel 80) beat Hyderabad 240 all out in 43 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 53, Rahul Buddhi 47; Zeeshan Ansari 4-31) by 84 runs Jharkhand 412/9 in 50 overs (Ishan Kishan 125, Virat Singh 88; Abhilash Shetty 4/72) lost to Karnataka 413/5 in 47.3 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 147, Abhinav Manohar 56 not out) by five wickets Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Punjab 347/6 in 50 overs (Naman Dhir 97, Anmolpreet Singh 85) beat Maharashtra 296/8 in 50 overs (Ramakrishna Ghosh 73, Prithvi Shaw 46) by 51 runs Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chhattisgarh 233 in 48.5 overs (Amandeep Khare 76, Mayank Verma 64; Deepraj Gaonkar 4/35) lost to Goa 234/4 in 44.1 overs (Snehal Kauthankar 107 not out) by six wickets Article Source: IANS
VHP, Bajrang Dal rally in Agartala over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal members protested in Agartala, demanding Indian government intervention against alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. Protesters cited escalating targeted violence since August last year, including recent incidents of arson and the killing of a Hindu youth. They urged direct action and humanitarian passage for marginalized Hindus.
HOCKEY | Focus is on building momentum ahead of a demanding international calendar: Harmanpreet
We are preparing for the World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad in March next year, says Salima, while Savita feels that the Asian Games could be her last major international tournament
Two MCD employees arrested for demanding and accepting bribe
Despite Stree 2's record-breaking success, Shraddha Kapoor's limited filmography has sparked debate. Her father, Shakti Kapoor, clarified that she intentionally chooses fewer, quality projects, prioritizing balance and commanding high remuneration over constant visibility. Her career strategy is driven by her strong principles and instincts.
Not just dead economy, we're turning into dead society too: Rahul on rape victim's ill-treatment
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said India is not just becoming a dead economy but also a dead society after alleged ill-treatment of the Unnao rape survivor. Gandhi said the rape survivor, who was protesting in Delhi against the bail granted to accused Kuldeep Singh Sengar by the high court, should be treated with respect and that justice should be ensured to her, instead of giving her injustice and fear. Is such treatment of a gang rape survivor appropriate? Is it her 'fault' that she has the courage to raise her voice for justice? The fact that her perpetrator (former BJP MLA Sengar) has been granted bail is extremely disappointing and shameful -- especially when the survivor is being repeatedly harassed and is living under the shadow of fear, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said in a post in Hindi on X. Bail for rapists and treating survivors like criminals -- what kind of justice is this? We are not just becoming a dead economy -- with such inhuman incidents, we are also turning into a dead society, he said. Gandhi added that in a democracy, raising a voice of dissent is a right and suppressing it is a crime. The survivor deserves respect, safety and justice -- not helplessness, fear and injustice, he asserted. The 2017 Unnao rape survivor on Wednesday termed the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend the jail term of expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sengar kaal (death) for her family and said she would move the Supreme Court against the order. The rape survivor and her mother staged a protest near Mandi House here against the verdict granting bail to Sengar. In its order, the high court directed that Sengar shall not come within a five-kilometre radius of the victim's residence and threaten the survivor or her mother. It also said a violation of the conditions would automatically lead to the cancellation of the bail. Sengar, however, will remain in jail as he is also serving a 10-year term in connection with the custodial death of the rape survivor's father and has not been granted bail in that case. The survivor was a minor when she was kidnapped and raped by Sengar in 2017.
An employee on approved medical leave, including unpaid days, faced repeated calls, WhatsApp messages, and emails from their team lead demanding medical documents and timelines. Despite explaining that treatment reports were issued in phases and contained confidential information, the employee experienced mounting pressure and stress. The incident, shared on Reddit, highlights broader issues in Indian workplaces where medical leave is often treated as a privilege rather than a right.
NCP (SP) opens talks with Congress for BMC polls, stakes claim to 50 seats
mumbai: The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP) has begun negotiations with the Congress for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, demanding 50 seats, after efforts to reach a workable seat-sharing arrangement with the Thackeray brothers failed. After Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray left little space for other parties in seat-sharing talks, the former Union agriculture ministers party decided to explore an alliance with the Congress. According to highly placed sources, Sharad Pawar was keen on retaining the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and wanted Raj Thackeray included in the alliance to take on the BJP in the BMC polls. However, the Congress leadership refused to take the MNS chief on board, citing his earlier antiNorth Indian stance. Sharad Pawar tried to pursue it, but his effort went in vain. Then, the local cadre of his party was keen to be part of an alliance with the Thackeray brothers. But in the primary negotiations, it was found that Thackerays brother refused to concede a satisfactory number of seats to NCP (SP). They felt there was little space between the two Thackerays. Therefore, NCP (SP) has freshly started negotiations with the Congress with a demand of 50 seats in Mumbai, said a senior leader, requesting anonymity. The NCP Mumbai unit leader, Rakhi Jadhav, reportedly met Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and submitted a list of seats the party wants to contest. However, a final decision is yet to be taken. For the BMC elections, the Congress has decided to contest on its own, having concluded that an alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) was not electorally beneficial. Congress leaders believe that while the partys minority votes get easily transferred to the Thackeray faction, the Shiv Sena (UBT)s Hindutva voters do not shift to the Congress. As a result, the party has opted to go solo and focus on consolidating its Dalit, minority and other backward class vote base. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal held a meeting with OBC leader Mahadev Jankar, with both expressing a desire to tie up for the local body elections. Mr Jankar leads the Dhangar shepherd community, which has a sizeable presence across Maharashtra and is considered decisive in western Maharashtra and parts of the Marathwada region.
DEHRADUN: In a significant development linked to alleged large-scale irregularities in Uttarakhands Forest Department, a Division Bench of the Uttarakhand High Court on Wednesday took cognisance of the matter. It issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Government, the Uttarakhand Government, the Survey of India and the Supreme Courts Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The court action follows a petition pointing to the disappearance of 7,375 forest boundary pillars in the Mussoorie Forest Division and the rapid and unusual rise in accumulation of wealth among territorial forest officers posted in the division over recent years. The Bench, led by Justice Manoj Tiwari, expressed strong displeasure over the sheer scale of the missing demarcation markers. It directed all respondents to file their counter-affidavits within six weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on February 11, 2026. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by environmental activist Naresh Chaudhary. The petition urges the court to direct the Survey of India to conduct a comprehensive, scientific and geo-referenced survey to accurately locate and restore the missing boundary pillars. It also seeks the implementation of a dedicated Restoration and Reclamation Plan for the affected forest areas. Crucially, the PIL seeks a court directive to transfer all forest lands currently under the control of Revenue Authorities back to the Forest Department within a fixed timeline. The issue surfaced in 2023, when an audit of the Mussoorie Forest Divisions boundaries was ordered by the then Chief Conservator of Forests (Working Plan), Sanjiv Chaturvedi, during the preparation of a new working plan. According to the subsequent report submitted by the then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Mussoorie, of a total 12,321 boundary pillars, as many as 7,375 were found missing on the ground. Sources familiar with the matter said around 80 per cent of the missing pillars were concentrated in the Mussoorie and Raipur ranges, areas considered highly lucrative for real estate development, including hotels and residential complexes. Following the findings, Chaturvedi escalated the matter. In June and again in August 2025, he wrote to the Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Uttarakhand, demanding that the investigation be handed over to the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. He specifically sought a probe into the alleged acquisition of substantial immovable properties by the concerned forest officers. However, the petition alleges that internal attempts were made to dilute the findings. It states that the HoFF constituted a fresh internal committee, headed by Conservator of Forests Rajiv Dhiman, IFS, to re-examine the issue. The petitioner has alleged that the committee was intended to downplay the numbers and may also destroy/ temper with evidences, on ground. The petition further notes that several officers on the committee had previously faced scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities linked to Miyawaki plantation schemes and had prior postings in the Mussoorie Forest Division.
Leopard runs riot in three villages in Himachal's Mandi; kills one, injures 9 before being slain
A leopard attacked villagers in Mandi district early Wednesday. One person died and nine were injured. The big cat ran amok in Chandyal, Badhyal, and Malwana villages. Villagers armed with weapons cornered and killed the leopard. Forest officials took the animal's body for examination. Relief has been provided to the affected families.
KOLKATA: Violence broke out between two rival Matua groups affiliated to Union minister of shipping and BJP MP Shantanu Thakur and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur in Thakurnagar, the administrative headquarters of the Matua community in West Bengal, on Wednesday. The clash took place amid heightened tensions over the deletion of nearly one lakh Matua voters names following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. The clash followed comments made by Shantanu Thakur at a BJP meeting on Monday night, where he said the names of nearly one lakh Matuas could be excluded from the draft electoral rolls and remarked that a sacrifice was necessary, even as he spoke of disenfranchising 50 lakh Muslims. His remarks triggered anxiety within the Matua community and intensified political confrontation in Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for next year. On Wednesday, several hundred supporters belonging to the Mamatabala Thakur group brought out a protest procession and marched towards the Union ministers residence in Thakurnagar, demanding clarification over the comments made on Monday night. However, followers of Shantanu Thakur attacked the protesters when they attempted to reach his house, triggering a scuffle between the two groups. The area near the ministers residence turned into a battlefield as the rival groups clashed. Several Matuas were injured in the violence, following which a large police contingent rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. The All India Matua Mahasangha alleged, The aggrieved Matuas were organising a peaceful demonstrations in protest against deletion of their names from electoral rolls but they were attacked. BJP has been duping the Matuas giving false promises to them. Why did the party leadership organise camps and distribute cards assuring them to include names of Matua voters to the electoral rolls? Mamatabala Thakur said. The conspiracy of Shantanu Thakur and the BJP to delete one lakh Matua voters names has come to light through his statement, she added. Addressing a BJP meeting at Hanshkhali-Garapota on Monday night, the BJP MP from Bongaon appeared to ask members of the community to be prepared for what he described as a sacrifice for a good cause. Even if it is a problem, we should accept this, he added. Shantanu Thakur acknowledged the likelihood of a large number of Matua voters being dropped from the electoral roll and reiterated that applying for citizenship under the amended citizenship law was, in his view, the only solution to resolve what he described as the identity crisis of Hindu migrants from Bangladesh, including the Matuas. A large number of voters from Matua-dominated areas in North 24 Parganas, Nadia and parts of Jalpaiguri districts are among the 58 lakh dead, duplicate, permanently shifted and absentee electors dropped from the electoral rolls during the SIR exercise in West Bengal. Shantanu Thakur is the chief of the BJP-leaning faction of the All India Matua Mahasangha. His remarks, however, have put the BJP on the back foot, raising concerns within the party about a possible erosion of its Matua vote base. BJP leaders have sought to portray the omission of voters names as temporary, claiming it would ultimately lead to a permanent resolution of the citizenship issue faced by the community. Within the BJP, concerns over the potential fallout among Matua voters are also rising. BJP MLA Subrata Thakur, brother of Shantanu Thakur, has called for fast-track hearings of Citizenship (Amendment) Act applications to ensure citizenship and voter enrolment for eligible members of the community.
CRPF personnel manhandle Unnao rape survivor's mother, prevent her from addressing media
NEW DELHI: Security personnel in Delhi on Wednesday prevented the Unnao rape survivor and her mother from addressing the media and allegedly forced the survivors elderly mother to jump off a moving bus, according to reports and eyewitness accounts. The incident occurred a day after the Delhi High Court suspended the jail sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was serving a life term following his conviction in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The court suspended the sentence pending the disposal of Sengars appeal, subject to certain conditions. The survivor and her mother were protesting the High Courts decision and had planned to address the media at Mandi House. However, the CRPF-escorted bus transporting them did not stop at the venue. According to a CRPF officer, permission had not been granted for protests at Mandi House or India Gate, and the authorities intended to take the duo either to Jantar Mantar or back to their residence. The previous night, the survivor, her mother, and activist-lawyer Yogita Bhayana had staged a protest at India Gate, where they were detained by the police. Speaking to the media after the incident, the survivors mother alleged that security personnel forcibly separated her from her daughter. We did not get justice. My daughter has been held captive. It seems they want to kill us. CRPF men took the girl and dropped me on the road, she said. She added that they were on their way to Mandi House to protest when her daughter was taken away. Delhi High Court suspends Kuldeep Singh Sengars life term in Unnao rape case Visuals from the scene showed the survivors mother standing near the gate of the moving bus, with CRPF personnel reportedly pushing her and asking her to disembark. After repeated pressure, she was seen jumping off the moving vehicle, while the bus drove away with the survivor still inside. Reports also noted the absence of women CRPF personnel on the bus, despite it carrying the survivor and her mother. Reacting to the incident, activist Yogita Bhayana questioned the treatment of the victims family. Is this justice? The victims mother was thrown onto the street. She is crying and calling us. The survivor is all alone on the bus, being driven around, she said. Meanwhile, when questioned by reporters about his reaction to the rape survivor being driven out of Red Gate, Uttar Pradesh minister OP Rajbhar said that her house is in Unnao before breaking into laughter.
Leopard kills one, injures five in multiple attacks across Himachals Mandi district
CHANDIGARH: One person was killed and five others injured after a leopard carried out a series of attacks at three different locations in the Balh Ghati area of Himachal Pradeshs Mandi district on Tuesday morning before being shot dead by locals, officials said. The leopard attacked people in Chandiyal, Bhadyal and Malwana villages, triggering panic among residents. According to officials, the animal first struck at Chandiyal, after which it moved to Bhadyal, injuring several people, and finally reached Malwana village, where it mauled a 40-year-old man, Balveer Singh, resulting in his death. Singh, a resident of Bholi village, was a migrant worker living in Mandi and had come to Malwana to visit relatives. All those attacked sustained paw-related injuries and were immediately shifted to hospital, where doctors described their condition as stable. Sources said forest department teams were rushed to the affected villages soon after the first alerts were received. As panic and chaos gripped the area, villagers reportedly came out of their homes armed with sticks and sharp implements in an attempt to protect themselves. The leopard was eventually killed when it tried to attack again. Its carcass has been taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination. The injured have been identified as Sahib Singh, a native of Bihar; Dinanath of Bhadyal; Rekha Devi, wife of Dinanath; Janit, also from Bhadyal; and Champa Devi of Malwana. They have been admitted to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital, Nerchowk, where they are undergoing treatment. Confirming the leopard attack, an official of the local administration said one person had died, five others were injured and the animal had also been killed. Following the incident, forest officials have intensified surveillance in and around the affected villages. Locals have been advised to avoid venturing out alone during early morning and late evening hours, when wildlife movement is more likely. An inquiry is underway to determine how and why the leopard entered densely populated areas, once again highlighting the growing humanwildlife conflict in the region.
Is This Justice? Unnao Rape Survivor's Mother Manhandled, Stopped From Protest In Delhi
According to officials, permission had not been granted for a protest at Mandi House or India Gate, and the duo was to be taken either to Jantar Mantar or back to their residence.
Eviction demand: Additional forces deployed, no fresh violence in Assams West Karbi Anglong
GUWAHATI: An uneasy calm prevailed in the Kheroni area of Assams West Karbi Anglong district on Wednesday after two days of violence over the demand to evict outsiders from some village grazing reserves (VGRs) and professional grazing reserves (PGRs). Official sources said no untoward incident was reported throughout the night and on Wednesday morning. The violence had left two persons dead and over 45 others, including 38 police personnel, injured on Tuesday. A protestor from the tribal Karbi community, who was allegedly injured in police firing, had succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The other deceased, a differently abled man from the Bengali community, was charred to death after he got trapped inside a house that was set on fire. A group of non-tribals staged a protest at a place on the West Karbi Anglong-Hojai district border on Wednesday, demanding the arrest of those who were involved in the violence and compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the non-tribal deceased. Assam violence: Two killed in Karbi Anglong district, Police attacked Authorities deployed additional forces, including five more companies of CRPF, to the affected areas. Security forces conducted a joint flag march. Inspector General of Police (law and order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh told The New Indian Express that the situation was under control. Forces have been deployed in and around Kheroni. There is no unauthorised gathering after we dispersed people, he said. There is no army deployment, but they are moving through the area, he said, responding to a query. Nobody has been arrested so far in connection with the violence, with the IPS officer stating that the focus of the forces is now on restoring normalcy. Protestors torch Assam tribal council chiefs ancestral residence On Tuesday, the protestors from the Karbi community ran riot, torching and vandalising scores of shops and houses. Non-tribal communities, particularly Bihari, were largely affected. The protestors also attacked the police with bombs, stones and arrows. Director General of Police Harmeet Singh and the IGP had sustained minor injuries in stone-throwing. The incidents occurred even as prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS remained in force in West Karbi Anglong and Karbi Anglong districts. The government temporarily suspended internet/mobile data services. The two districts fall under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, where land is protected for indigenous tribal communities. The protesters alleged that vast swathes of land in VGRs and PGRs had been encroached upon by outsiders. Last year, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council administration served eviction notices on the illegal settlers, but they moved to the Gauhati High Court challenging the notices. Later, the court issued an interim stay on eviction. Differently abled man among two killed; over 45 injured as violent protests demanding eviction roil Assam
The Bombay High Court strongly criticized the BMC for failing to implement its own air pollution guidelines, demanding immediate practical solutions. Justices questioned the civic body's lack of action, citing election duties as a reason for squad non-compliance. The court emphasized the need for concrete, implementable proposals to ensure citizen's right to life is not compromised.
Unnao rape survivor to move Supreme Court against suspension of Sengars jail term
The survivor and her mother staged a protest near Mandi House against the verdict granting bail to the accused, expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Sengar
Simhachalam Road Row: MLA Ganta Faces Public Anger
The displaced residents stood firm, demanding swift action
Hijab row: Jamaat-e-Islami Hinds womens wing holds protest demanding Bihar CM Nitish Kumars ouster
Kerala MVD warns quick-commerce firms over rash driving by riders
Kerala's Motor Vehicles Department has issued notices to quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto, and Bigbasket, demanding policy overhauls within 15 days. This action follows a rise in traffic violations and reckless driving by delivery riders, driven by pressure for ultra-fast deliveries. The department stressed that public safety must not be compromised for commercial competition.
Bangladesh News: The brother of slain Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi has blamed the interim government for his murder, demanding accountability. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina echoed these sentiments, citing a breakdown in law and order. Protests erupted in Dhaka, with the government promising a fast-tracked trial under the Speedy Trial Tribunal.
Ranveer Singh's beast Dhurandhar is now racing for the Rs 1000 crore mark, and Lyari town residents are now demanding a huge profit share from the makers, leaving the internet in chukkle.
Girl 'raped and murdered' in Odishas Bhadrak; locals stage protest
Local people staged a road blockade at Baligaon on Tuesday night, demanding immediate arrest of those involved in the crime
Kin of detained Gujarat fishermen in Pakistan protest, seek PMs help
AHMEDABAD : Families of 197 Gujarat fishermen, allegedly detained in Pakistan jails for six years, held a protest at the secretariat in Gandhinagar, demanding immediate government intervention, diplomatic push, and a timeline for their return. Coming from coastal belts of Somnath, Junagadh, Una, Kodinar, Diu and vicinity, the families travelled over 1,000km on Monday to submit a memorandum to authorities, seeking Prime Ministers intervention. They said the fishermen were apprehended after their boats allegedly lost direction at sea due to rough weather, unknowingly crossing the international maritime boundary during routine fishing operations. They were detained by Pakistans maritime security agencies and put in jails. In several instances, fishermen inadvertently cross maritime boundaries due to weather disturbances or navigational issues. Once detained by Pakistan authorities, the matter shifts to diplomatic channels, which often delays repatriation, a coastal police officer said on condition of anonymity. Leelaben of Paldi village summed up their despair bluntly. Poor people like us are heard only during elections, she said.
Secondary grade teachers to go on indefinite strike demanding equal pay for equal work
India's first PPP-model medical colleges to be set up in Madhya Pradesh's tribal districts
BHOPAL: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda joined the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Tuesday, in laying the foundation of two medical colleges in two tribal-dominated districts of the state. The two medical colleges which will be built in Dhar district of western MP and Betul district of central MP respectively, will be the first medical colleges in the country, to come up under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The two colleges are part of four PPP-based medical colleges which are planned to be developed in the StateDhar, Betul, Katni, and Panna. They will be linked with existing district hospitals to strengthen both medical education and healthcare service delivery. Under this model, the state government has provided up to 25 acres of land on lease, while private service providers will construct academic and clinical infrastructure, including medical college buildings, hostels, laboratories, and residential complexes. The associated district hospitals will be upgraded in strict accordance with National Medical Commission (NMC) norms, while remaining under the administrative control of the State Government to ensure uninterrupted public health services. Terming the occasion as a historic milestone, Nadda noted that the PPP model reflects a forward-looking approach to expanding medical education and healthcare delivery. He highlighted that Indias healthcare system, once focused primarily on curative care, has undergone a paradigm shift since 2017 moving towards preventive, promotive, and holistic healthcare. While highlighting the key achievements in the sphere of health and family welfare, the union minister informed that institutional deliveries in the country have risen to nearly 89%, driven by ASHA workers grassroots mobilisation. Indias decline in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has been more than twice the global average. Over 40 crore people have been screened for hypertension, with 6.80 crore diagnosed and under treatment. Over 40 crore screened for diabetes, with 4.60 crore diagnosed and receiving care. Cancer screening initiatives have reached millions, identifying thousands of cases early. He emphasised that systematic screening and early detection are enabling timely treatment and improved health outcomes. Further, he underscored the role of over 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) in delivering comprehensive primary healthcare, particularly maternal and child health services, from pregnancy to safe institutional delivery and vaccination. He also noted the success of the U-WIN portal, which enables real-time immunisation surveillance for approximately 2.5 crore pregnant women and 2.5 crore children nationwide, supported by Anganwadi and ASHA workers. The union minister also highlighted the unprecedented growth in medical education infrastructure in the country, which was reflected by the number of medical colleges having increased from 387 in 2014 to 819 currently, MBBS seats having more than doubled from 51,000 to over 1.28 lakh. The government is committed to adding 75,000 new medical seats by 2029, strengthening Indias healthcare human resources. While terming the foundation laying ceremony of the two medical colleges in Dhar and Betul as historic and unprecedented milestone in the healthcare sector, the MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav, announced that after Dhar, Betul, Panna and Katni (foundation laying ceremonies of the last two will be held later), similar medical colleges will be built in Bhind, Morena, Khargone, Ashoknagar, Guna, Balaghat, Tikamgarh, Sidhi, and Shajapur districts. The medical college in Dhar district is being constructed on 25 acres of land at a cost of Rs 260 crore. The Swami Vivekananda Shiksha Dham Foundation has partnered with the government for this medical college. Until 2002-03, there were only 5 medical colleges in the state. Now, the number of medical colleges in the state has increased to 33. In the last two years, 6 government medicalcolleges have been started in the state. These include medical colleges in the tribal areas of Singrauli and Sheopur. The state government has sanctioned 354 posts of senior resident doctors, the MP CM said. Continuing the sickle cell anaemia campaign in the state, more than 1.25 crore people have been screened. In Dhar, more than 15 lakh people have been screened under the sickle cell program. Upgradation of 800 beds and sanctioning of 810 new posts for doctors are being provided in the hospitals of Tikamgarh, Neemuch, Singrauli, Sheopur, and Dindori districts of the state, the CM informed.
Congress MP Imran Masood endorses Priyanka Gandhi as PM face; 'no faith in Rahul', claims BJP
NEW DELHI: Defending Priyanka Gandhi Vadras comments on minority violence in Bangladesh, Congress MP Imran Masood on Tuesday said Gandhi would prove to be a strong Prime Minister if given the opportunity, much like her grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Speaking to news agency ANI , he said: Is Priyanka Gandhi the Prime Minister? Make her the Prime Minister and see how she will retaliate like Indira Gandhi. Masood added that she was the granddaughter of Indira Gandhi, whose leadership, he said, had a lasting impact on Indias adversaries. Masoods remarks came days after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress MP from Wayanad, condemned the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man accused of blasphemy in Bangladesh. In a post on X, the Congress leader described the incident as disturbing and urged the Indian government to take note of what she said was rising violence against Hindu, Christian and Buddhist minorities in the neighbouring country, and to raise the issue firmly to ensure their safety. The BJP, however, interpreted Masoods comments as evidence that the Congress had lost confidence in Rahul Gandhi. Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla said the remarks amounted to a call to replace Rahul Gandhi with his sister. Congress MP Imran Masood has clearly said that he has no faith in Rahul Gandhi anymore. Rahul hatao, Priyanka Gandhi laao. It cannot be clearer that no one has confidence in Rahul Gandhi, Poonawalla said. Poonawalla claimed that Rahul Gandhi is rattled because his party colleagues themselves are rejecting what he says with the latest example being Shashi Tharoor, who completely diffused his vote-chori (vote-theft) narrative by appreciating the work done by the NDA in Bihar over the last 20 years. Amid the BJPs claims, Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law and businessman Robert Vadra on Tuesday expressed confidence in his wife, saying many would like to see Priyanka Gandhi as Prime Minister someday and that it was just a matter of time. Vadra said: I think she has a bright future in politics and a bright future in changing what is required on the ground in this country. This will happen in time, it is inevitable. Vadra added that Priyanka Gandhi had learned from several leaders in her family. I think Priyanka also has learnt a lot from her grandmother Indira Gandhi, her father Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia ji and her brother Rahul Gandhi as well. People do admire her. When she speaks, she speaks from her heart. She speaks on subjects that really need to be heard, he said. The Congress has not issued an official response to the BJPs allegations and has maintained that Rahul Gandhi remains central to the partys leadership. However, the remarks by Masood and Vadra, and the BJPs sharp reaction, come in the wake of a section in Congress party demanding greater role for Priyanka Gandhi in the wake of successive defeats of Congress in the polls.
Labour Codes: Unions call for strike on February 12
Ten central trade unions and federations have announced a nationwide strike on February 12. This action is a protest against the four Labour Codes introduced last month. Workers are demanding the repeal of these codes. The strike date will be confirmed at a convention on January 9, 2026. Unions are prepared for further actions if their demands are not met.
Pattern Of Persecution: Canadian MP On Hindu Man's Lynching In Bangladesh
Canadian MP Shuv Majumdar has called for an end to the pogroms against minorities in Bangladesh, demanding the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus for accountability.
Nagesh Trophy: CAB Rajasthan, CAB Kerala Win In League Matches
National T20 Cricket Tournament: Rajasthan delivered a dominant all-round performance to register a convincing 10-wicket victory over Himachal in a league match of the 8th Edition of the Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind, held at the Railway Sports Ground, Hubli on Tuesday. After winning the toss, Rajasthan opted to field and produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Himachal to 164/8 in 20 overs. Vijay Kumar anchored the innings for Himachal with a brisk 104 runs, while BR Kaushal contributed 22 runs. Despite the resistance from Vijay Kumar, regular strikes by the Rajasthan bowlers prevented Himachal from building sustained momentum. Rajasthan skipper Lalit Meena (B1) led from the front with the ball, picking up two wickets, well supported by Murari Lal (B2). In reply, Rajasthan showcased complete batting dominance. Openers Nikhil Maharshi and Rohitash made light work of the chase, remaining unbeaten and guiding the team to victory in just 14.4 overs. Nikhil Maharshi scored a fluent 65 off 46 balls while Rohitash smashed an aggressive 86 off 47 balls. Their explosive partnership ensured a swift finish without the loss of a wicket. For his match-winning knock and impactful all-round contribution, Nikhil Maharshi (CAB Rajasthan) was deservedly adjudged the Player of the Match. Kerala secured an emphatic win Kerala continued the momentum with a commanding performance, registering a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Maharashtra in another league match of the tournament. After winning the toss, Maharashtra opted to bat but were kept under tight control by a disciplined Kerala bowling attack. Maharashtra were bowled out for 109 in 16 overs, with Anil Belsare (B3) top-scoring with 31 runs, while Swapnil Dilip Wagh contributed 28 runs off 22 balls. Keralas bowlers shared the spoils effectively, led by Sayanth K.B. (B1) and Jayakrishnan, who claimed two wickets each, supported well by Sachin (B2) and Snehith (B2). After winning the toss, Maharashtra opted to bat but were kept under tight control by a disciplined Kerala bowling attack. Maharashtra were bowled out for 109 in 16 overs, with Anil Belsare (B3) top-scoring with 31 runs, while Swapnil Dilip Wagh contributed 28 runs off 22 balls. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For his impactful all-round performance, Sayanth K.B. (B1) was adjudged the Player of the Match. Article Source: IANS
Employees of 104 MMU stage protest demanding pay hike in Ongole
Eviction demand: IPS officer among 38 cops injured in riot in Assams West Karbi Anglong
GUWAHATI: Assams West Karbi Anglong district remained on the boil for the second day on Tuesday with protestors rioting, torching and vandalising shops, and attacking the police with bombs, stones and arrows at Kheroni. The incidents occurred even as prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS remained in force in the district as well as in Karbi Anglong district since Monday evening. In the wake of the violence, the state government temporarily suspended internet/mobile data services in West Karbi Anglong and Karbi Anglong districts with immediate effect and until further orders. The protestors from the tribal Karbi community are demanding the eviction of outsiders from some village grazing reserves (VGRs) and professional grazing reserves (PGRs). Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, who has been camping in the district since Monday, told the media that 38 police personnel were injured. They attacked us from two sides. Thirty-eight police personnel, including an IPS officer, were injured. I was hit on my shoulder, Singh said without explaining the nature of the injuries. They (protestors) had promised yesterday that they would not resort to violence. Today again, they attacked shops and burst gas cylinders. We were attacked with bombs. One of our personnel was hit by an arrow. We are exercising restraint. We fired only tear gas and rubber bullets, he further stated. He appealed for peace but warned that if the violence continued, legal measures would be taken. The violence had subsided on Monday night when the states education minister, Ranoj Pegu, and the DGP visited the areas. It broke out again on Tuesday, soon after the minister had left the area. Pegu had managed to persuade the protestors to end their fortnight-long hunger strike, assuring them of dialogue on their demand. We are holding discussions with both protestors and the encroachers, he had told the media before leaving the place. The protestors had on Monday torched the ancestral residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, after news spread that nine persons taking part in the hunger strike at Kheroni were arrested by the police on Sunday night. Protestors torch Assam tribal council chiefs ancestral residence Later, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that they were taken to Guwahati as their health condition deteriorated. On Monday morning, after briefly blocking a road and vandalising shops, a large number of protestors proceeded to Donkamokam, which is the constituency of Ronghang located 26 km away, to stage a demonstration. However, security personnel used force, firing blank shots to disperse the protestors. Even as the standoff continued, a few alleged protestors set fire to Ronghangs house and it was gutted. West Karbi Anglong, as well as Karbi Anglong, falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, where land is protected for indigenous tribal communities. The protesters alleged that vast swathes of land in VGRs and PGRs in West Karbi Anglong had been encroached upon by outsiders. Last year, the KAAC administration had served eviction notices on the illegal settlers, but they moved to the Gauhati High Court challenging the notices. Later, the court issued an interim stay on eviction.
Eviction demand: IPS officer among 34 cops injured in riot in Assams West Karbi Anglong
GUWAHATI: Assams West Karbi Anglong district remained on the boil for the second day on Tuesday with protestors rioting, torching and vandalising shops, and attacking the police with bombs, stones and arrows at Kheroni. The incidents occurred even as prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS remained in force in the district as well as in Karbi Anglong district since Monday evening. In the wake of the violence, the state government temporarily suspended internet/mobile data services in West Karbi Anglong and Karbi Anglong districts with immediate effect and until further orders. The protestors from the tribal Karbi community are demanding the eviction of outsiders from some village grazing reserves (VGRs) and professional grazing reserves (PGRs). Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, who has been camping in the district since Monday, told the media that 38 police personnel were injured. They attacked us from two sides. Thirty-eight police personnel, including an IPS officer, were injured. I was hit on my shoulder, Singh said without explaining the nature of the injuries. They (protestors) had promised yesterday that they would not resort to violence. Today again, they attacked shops and burst gas cylinders. We were attacked with bombs. One of our personnel was hit by an arrow. We are exercising restraint. We fired only tear gas and rubber bullets, he further stated. He appealed for peace but warned that if the violence continued, legal measures would be taken. The violence had subsided on Monday night when the states education minister, Ranoj Pegu, and the DGP visited the areas. It broke out again on Tuesday, soon after the minister had left the area. Pegu had managed to persuade the protestors to end their fortnight-long hunger strike, assuring them of dialogue on their demand. We are holding discussions with both protestors and the encroachers, he had told the media before leaving the place. The protestors had on Monday torched the ancestral residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, after news spread that nine persons taking part in the hunger strike at Kheroni were arrested by the police on Sunday night. Protestors torch Assam tribal council chiefs ancestral residence Later, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that they were taken to Guwahati as their health condition deteriorated. On Monday morning, after briefly blocking a road and vandalising shops, a large number of protestors proceeded to Donkamokam, which is the constituency of Ronghang located 26 km away, to stage a demonstration. However, security personnel used force, firing blank shots to disperse the protestors. Even as the standoff continued, a few alleged protestors set fire to Ronghangs house and it was gutted. West Karbi Anglong, as well as Karbi Anglong, falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, where land is protected for indigenous tribal communities. The protesters alleged that vast swathes of land in VGRs and PGRs in West Karbi Anglong had been encroached upon by outsiders. Last year, the KAAC administration had served eviction notices on the illegal settlers, but they moved to the Gauhati High Court challenging the notices. Later, the court issued an interim stay on eviction.
KOLKATA: Three persons, including a ruling Trinamool Congress leader and his son, were sentenced to life imprisonment after they were found guilty in the gang rape and death of a schoolgirl in Hanshkhali of Nadia district in West Bengal. The incident took place in April 2022, prompting Opposition parties like the BJP, CPI-M and Congress to intensify protests against the ruling party in the State, demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees resignation. The nine convicted in the case are Trinamool leader Samarendra Gayali, his son Brajagopal aka Sohail and seven others Prabhakar Samaddar, Ranjit Mullick, Surajit Roy, Akash Baroi, Dipta Gayali, Pijush Kanti Bhakta, and Anshuman Bagchi. The court, today, pronounced the sentence giving Sohail, Prabhakar and Ranjit imprisonment till death, while Samarendra, Dipta and another were sentenced for five years jail each. One of the nine convicted is a minor boy who has been granted conditional bail for now. The court will makdecide him after a year. However, the family members of the victim are not happy with the verdict, as they expected that the court would sentence the convicts to death. We are not happy with the judgment because we had demanded their death sentences. I had so many expectations and dreams for my daughter, but the bastards ruined all, the victims mother said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigated the case following a Calcutta High Court order. They were pronounced guilty under various sections of the BNSS related to gang rape, criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, destruction and suppression of evidence, along with Section 6 of the POCSO Act. According to the prosecution, on April 4, 2022, the minor girl attended a birthday party organised for Brajagopal, where she was gang-raped. She returned home bleeding profusely and died the next day. The victims parents said that they were prevented by the convicts from taking her to a hospital. Her body was forcibly taken away and cremated locally without a post-mortem. She did not even get a death certificate.
Protestors demanding eviction of encroachers from tribal belt areas call off hunger strike
GUWAHATI: Protestors on Tuesday called off their hunger strike demanding eviction of encroachers from tribal belt areas in Karbi Anglong district following talks with Assam minister Ranoj Pegu, a day after the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief was set on fire by agitators . The agitators, belonging to several political and social organisations, have been on a hunger strike for the last 12 days, demanding the eviction of illegal settlers. The protesters set ablaze two motorcycles in the Kheroni area of the district on Tuesday, but there was no report of any other incident of violence since Monday night, officials said. Pegu held talks with protestors, and they called off their hunger strike following assurances from the government that tripartite talks will be held on the issue soon. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will be present in the meeting, Pegu said. On Monday, four people were injured in police firing on protestors who went on a rampage, setting ablaze the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang and around 15 shops in Kheroni Bazaar. The protestors also attempted to attack the police station in Kheroni on Monday, but it was foiled by security forces. Prohibitory was still in force in Karbi Anglong and in neighbouring West Karbi Anglong district. Night curfew was also imposed in Karbi Anglong district with restrictions on the movement of any person or groups and private vehicles throughout the district from 5 pm to 6 am. Pegu arrived at Kheroni on Monday night to review the situation. DGP Harmeet Singh also rushed to Karbi Anglong and visited the affected areas, and reviewed the prevailing situation. Pegu said that additional forces have been rushed to the area from neighbouring districts and the 'situation is under control'. 'A section of the people are angry that the encroachers are settling on PGR and VGR land, and there was an attempt to evict them last year, but a petition was filed in the Gauhati High Court, which passed an interim order staying the eviction process', he said. The matter can be resolved only through dialogue, and, 'We are holding discussions with both protestors and the encroachers', Pegu added. The chief minister had said on Monday night that rumours began circulating that three protestors who were on hunger strike had been arrested, and they became agitated. No one has been arrested, but they were taken for treatment to Guwahati as their health deteriorated, he said. Sarma said that he was in touch with the district officials and leaders of the organisations protesting. We hope to bring the situation under control by tonight, he added. The protestors are demanding the eviction of encroachers, who mostly hail from Bihat, from Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands in the two districts. The police allegedly tried to remove the protesters forcibly in the Kheroni area of Karbi Anglong, following which a clash ensued. The protestors also alleged that the police had arrested three persons who were on hunger strike, but KAAC chief Tuliram Ronghang later told reporters that they were admitted to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital. As news of the clash spread, a group of protesters set ablaze the old residence of KAAC's CEM in Donkamokam, following which the security forces opened fire, in which three agitators and a policeman were injured, officials said.
NHAIs Apathy Forces Hayathnagar Residents to Stage Protest Demanding FoBs
Raising slogans denouncing the attitude of the NHAI, the residents led by Hayathnagar corporator K Navajeevan Reddy and Mansoorabad corporator K Narasimha Reddy criticized the negligence of officials in ensuring pedestrians safety on the national highway
Mumbai: Real estate broker held for rape, cheating partner on marriage promise
A Mumbai real estate broker faces rape charges after allegedly exploiting his business partner. He is accused of promising marriage, then demanding she remain his mistress, followed by threats and stalking. The accused's lawyer claims the FIR is a counter-blast to arbitration proceedings, but police have remanded him to custody.
Days after the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, another prominent youth leader, Motaleb Sikdar, was shot in head on Monday. He was taken to hospital in critical condition. This incident escalates concerns over political violence amidst heightened tensions following Hadi's death, which sparked widespread protests demanding justice.
'Astitva' At Stake: Congress Weighs Solo Run In Tamil Nadu As DMK Alliance Faces Vijay Roadblock
If the Congress decides to break ranks with the DMK or be demanding, it would be a strategy that is in sync with Gandhis initial desire that the party needs to go alone
Bill Clinton has raised concerns over the selective release of Jeffrey Epstein files by the DOJ, alleging that some information is being withheld to protect an individual or entity. The recent release includes photos of Clinton with Epstein, but he denies any wrongdoing, demanding full transparency
Swadeshi Darshan 2.0 project at Varkala lands in fresh legal trouble
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The controversial Varkala Dakshin Kashi project, launched at the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, has landed in legal trouble, with environmental activists filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court seeking its intervention. The PIL highlights the archaeological and immense heritage value of the nearly 2,000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and alleges that the project is causing damage to the temple. It further claims that public money is being wasted on a poorly planned project, executed without proper documentation or mandatory clearances from statutory authorities. Sanjeev S J, president of the Environment Protection and Research Council (EPRC), said the project is being carried out without any scientific planning and with no regard for the temples heritage and archaeological significance. The High Court has scheduled the hearing on January 5, he said. Earlier, the Varkala municipality had served two stop memos to the tourism department on September 25 and December 2, citing serious procedural lapses. These included the lack of approvals from the local body, the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA), the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Despite the stop memos, the tourism department allegedly continued construction activities, including cliff cutting. The district collector remains mum on the issue despite repeated complaints. A natural stream is also being destroyed as part of the project. The project has not received clearance from the municipality, Sanjeev alleged, demanding that the works be halted immediately. Following the tussle between the Varkala municipality and the tourism department over the implementation of the controversial Varkala Dakshin Kashi project, the municipality has asked the tourism authorities to submit all the documents required for getting the nod from the municipality. Municipality authorities said the tourism department is yet to submit the complete documents. The GSI has granted no objection certificate to the project. But the Tourism Department is yet to produce the documents on the ownership of the land where the project is coming up. Only after getting the documents will we be able to forward the application for the KCZMA clearance, said G Mithran, secretary, Varkala municipality.
As nurses continue protest, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian offers 723 new posts
Despite the offer from the government, nurses affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Nurses Empowerment Association have decided to continue their protest, demanding more negotiations
Kallankuthal villagers stage protest demanding basic amenities
Scheduled Caste community in this village has been living there for more than 70 years, with over 100 families still deprived of even basic civic infrastructure like road and drinking water, says District Secretary of the Aathi Thamizhar Katchi
Assam police firing during eviction protest in West Karbi Anglong leaves 3 injured
Police fired on protestors in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district, injuring three, after clashes erupted over illegal land encroachment. Agitators demanding immediate action against encroachment blockaded a highway, leading to the violent confrontation. The protestors also set fire to the ancestral home of the KAAC Chief Executive Member.
Protestors torch Assam tribal council chiefs ancestral residence
GUWAHATI: Protestors on Monday torched the ancestral residence of Assams Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang. The incident comes amid the demand for the eviction of outsiders from a few village grazing reserves (VGRs) and professional grazing reserves (PGRs). At least three protestors were injured. The violence broke out at Donkamokam in the hill district of West Karbi Anglong, where tribal Karbis are in the majority. Ronghangs house was gutted in the incident. For the past fortnight, a group of protestors had been on a hunger strike at the Kheroni area of the district, demanding eviction. Trouble broke out after the police had picked up nine protesters on Sunday night. Enraged over their detention, a large number of locals gathered at the site of the hunger strike on Monday morning. Soon, the situation flared up with the protestors blocking the road and allegedly vandalising shops. Later, they proceeded to Donkamokam, a constituency of Ronghang located about 26 km away, to stage a demonstration. However, security personnel used force, firing blank shots to disperse the protestors, infuriating them further. Even as they were fighting a pitched battle with the personnel, a few alleged protestors set fire to Ronghangs house. Nobody was injured in the arson attack. Ronghang was away. West Karbi Anglong, as well as Karbi Anglong, falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, where land is protected for indigenous tribal communities. The protesters alleged that vast swathes of VGRs and PGRs in West Karbi Anglong had been occupied by outsiders. Last year, the KAAC administration had served eviction notices on the illegal settlers, but the settlers moved to the Gauhati High Court challenging the notices. After the violence on Monday, Ronghang told the media that he did not intervene in the matter as it is sub-judice. The case is in the court. If I had done anything, it would have been a contempt of the court, and I would have been punished, he said. The situation remained tense. Additional forces were rushed to the affected areas. According to reports, Minister Ranoj Pegu was on his way to the site at the direction of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Mango farmers stage protest demanding payment of dues from pulp industries
Over 300 mango farmers participate in the Chalo Collectorate programme in Chittoor; allege that some industries paid only 2-5 per kg so far, as against the governments assurance of 8
CHANDIGARH: A patient was allegedly assaulted by a doctor at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla triggering protests by his kin outside the hospital premises. Medical superintendent of the hospital Rahul Rao said that action against the accused doctor has been initiated and a report has been sought. Further action will be taken after the report is received, he said, adding that the victim has lodged a police complaint and an FIR has been filed against the doctor who is a specialist in pulmonary medicine. The patient, who belongs to a village in the Kupvi subdivision of Shimla district, told the media that he had visited the hospital after experiencing breathing problems. When the doctor arrived, he spoke to me rudely. When I requested him to speak respectfully, he started beating me, he alleged. A video of the alleged assault was recorded and has since gone viral on social media. Following the incident, the patient's kin raised slogans outside the hospital, demanding the suspension of the doctor. State health minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil assured that strict action would be taken following a thorough inquiry into the incident, which took place on Sunday. Shandil said that such conduct was unacceptable and went against the ethics of the medical profession. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. An explanation has been sought from the Health Secretary, IGMC Medical Superintendent, and the Principal. A detailed investigation will be conducted, and strict action will be taken to ensure such incidents are not repeated anywhere, he said. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur termed the incident unfortunate and disturbing. He said such episodes raise serious concerns about professional conduct in public healthcare institutions.
Artificial intelligence falters in domains demanding moral judgment, contextual nuance, and human accountability. From healthcare diagnostics to criminal sentencing, relying wholly on AI exposes vulnerable populations to bias, wrongful outcomes, and erosion of critical thinking itself.
Ishan Kishan Named Captain As Jharkhand Announce Squad For Vijay Hazare Trophy
Jharkhand Squad For Vijay Hazare: India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been named captain of Jharkhand for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite (VHT) 2025/26, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) confirmed. The domestic 50-over tournament begins on December 24, with Jharkhand set to open their campaign against Karnataka in Ahmedabad. The squad announced for the season features a mix of experience and youth, including Kumar Kushagra, Anukul Roy, Robin Minz, Abhinav Sharan and Virat Singh, as Jharkhand look to build on recent success in white-ball cricket. Kishans appointment follows a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 season, where he led Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title. The wicketkeeper-batter was in outstanding form throughout the tournament, amassing 517 runs from 10 innings at an average of 57.44, with two hundreds and two half-centuries to his name. His defining moment came in the final against Haryana, where he struck a commanding 101 to guide his side to the championship. That run of performances has also earned Kishan a recall to the Indian squad for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026. He has been included as the teams second-choice wicketkeeper-batter, behind Sanju Samson, marking a return to the national setup on the back of sustained domestic excellence. Kishans appointment follows a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 season, where he led Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title. The wicketkeeper-batter was in outstanding form throughout the tournament, amassing 517 runs from 10 innings at an average of 57.44, with two hundreds and two half-centuries to his name. His defining moment came in the final against Haryana, where he struck a commanding 101 to guide his side to the championship. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jharkhand Squad For Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26: Ishan Kishan (WK & captain), Virat Singh, Utkarsh Singh, Kumar Kushagra (WK & vice-captain), Robin Minz, Anukul Roy, Sharandeep Singh, Shikhar Mohan, Pankaj Kumar (WK), Bala Krishna, Md Kounain Quraishi, Shubh Sharma, Amit Kumar, Manishi, Abhinav Sharan, Sushant Mishra, Vikash Singh, Saurabh Shekhar, Rajandeep Singh, Shubham Singh. Article Source: IANS
WTC standings: NZ surge to second after WI rout; India languish in sixth
New Zealand have climbed to second in the ICC World Test Championship standings after a commanding 2-0 series victory over the West Indies. Pacer Jacob Duffy's exceptional bowling and twin centuries from openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham powered the Black Caps' dominant performance, marking a strong start to their WTC campaign.
No specific info on prime suspect in Hadis killing: Bangladesh police
Dhaka: Bangladesh Police has said they have no specific information on the whereabouts of the prime suspect in the killing of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The remarks came a day after Hadis Inqilab Mancha party on Saturday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government, demanding visible progress in the arrest of those 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 .
Hyderabad man finds cockroach in food served at mandi restaurant
Hyderabad: A person on Sunday alleged that he found a cockroach in the food served at a famous mandi restaurant in Hyderabad. In the video shared on social media, the cockroach was seen in the mandi served at the restaurant located in Malakpet. Hyderabad mandi restaurant refuses responsibility It is also alleged that the restaurant 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 .
No leads yet on Hadi murder prime suspect, say Bangladesh police
Guwahati: Bangladesh Police said on Sunday that they have no concrete information on the whereabouts of Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The statement came a day after Hadis Inqilab Mancha party issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government on Saturday, demanding visible progress in [] The post No leads yet on Hadi murder prime suspect, say Bangladesh police appeared first on NorthEast Now .
'2 years on, Congress is yet to fulfil Telangana pledges,' says G Kishan Reddy
Union minister G Kishan Reddy has written to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, demanding clarification on the party's unfulfilled promises to farmers and others in Telangana. Reddy questioned Gandhi about the status of the Abhayahastam manifesto, released during the 2023 assembly polls, and highlighted the state government's focus on a new vision document instead of addressing earlier guarantees.
Gurugram administration issues work-from-home advisory for private offices amid GRAP-IV curbs
CHANDIGARH: The Gurugram Administration has issued an advisory recommending that private institutions and corporate offices encourage employees to work from home from December 22 until further orders, following the Commission for Air Quality Managements Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan. The advisory has been issued following a sustained spike in air pollution across Delhi and the National Capital Region, with authorities tightening controls to limit emissions and prevent further deterioration in air quality. As per directions issued on December 13 by the CAQM, offices were allowed to operate at only 50 per cent strength, with the remaining staff working remotely. Following these directions, Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram Ajay Kumar advised private offices to adopt work-from-home arrangements and ordered staggered office timings for all public offices under the state government to reduce vehicular movement and emissions, in compliance with GRAP Stage IV measures. In addition to the advisory for private offices, the district administration has also revised working hours for government offices in Gurugram. According to the new schedule, state government offices in Gurugram will operate from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm during this period. Offices under the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, Municipal Corporation of Manesar, Sohna Municipal Council, Pataudi Mandi Municipal Council and Farrukhnagar Municipal Committee will operate from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. These timings will remain in force for the duration of GRAP Stage IV. Sources added that coordinated action by government offices, private institutions and employees is crucial for the effective implementation of GRAP measures and for improving air quality across Gurugram and the National Capital Region.
5 essential tips to stay healthy if you work night shifts
Working night shifts has become common in todays demanding world. But what comes with such shifts is the toll on health. Studies have shown that staying awake at night can disrupt the bodys natural circadian rhythm, and lead to a number of health-problems and even increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and certain cancers. It isnt possible for everyone to leave a job that demands night shift timings, however, certain strategies can help protect health and improve overall quality of life. Here are 5 research backed tips. The biggest challenge with night shift is the misalignment it does to sleep timings. According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety, going to bed on a consistent schedule, waking up at the same time trains the biological clock.
Ukkunagaram Sri Sathya Sai Mandir celebrates silver jubilee
Why SRK May Never Act With Suhana Again
For the actor, sharing the screen with daughter turned out to be far more demanding than expected emotionally, mentally, and physically leaving little room for a repeat
Why your brain does not want you to multitask
Multitasking has become a common habit for many of us. Many times it seems like the only option to manage everything in this fast-paced world. But did you know, the routine that you consider productive is actually hated by your brain and is ultimately sabotaging your productivity? Lets understand the science behind why the brain hates multitasking. We multitasking is considered, we commonly refer to it as switching from one task to another. However, neuroscience shows that the brain cannot perform two attention-demanding tasks simultaneously. As per an expert reviewed article from News Medical and Life Sciences, what feels like multitasking is actually the brain rapidly switching its focus from one task to another, and the process becomes task-switching.
123-year-old clock gifted by Lord Curzon to Golden Temple restored
CHANDIGARH: The 123-year-old manual clock, which was gifted to the Golden Temple by Lord Curzon, who was the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, has now been restored after two years and will be put back in the sacred sanctum in January 2026. The clock is now ticking. It was in 2023 that the Birmingham-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) took out this brass-made, one-foot-wide and one-and-a-half-feet-tall manual clock, weighing ten kilograms, from the Golden Temple to Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had handed over the restoration and conservation of frescoes, wall paintings and golden plates of the shrine to GNNSJ, led by Bhai Mohinder Singh. The clock, which was made on order for Lord Curzon in 1900, has now been fully restored and is working again. The clock carries the inscription: This clock was presented to the Golden Temple at Amritsar by Lord Curzon, Viceroy & Governor General of India, on the occasion of his first official visit, April 1900. This clock was concealed on the northeast side entrance of the Golden Temple inside one of the spans in the wall and was hidden behind another modern clock as this clock was not in working condition. When we removed that clock, we found this clock. We took this clock to Elkington & Co Limited at Birmingham, from where this clock was made on order. We do not know when it stopped working. Thus, the original mechanical movement system of this manual clock, hands and dial had been removed and replaced long back with a quartz mechanism and dull aluminium dial, but it supposedly also did not work. The brass housing bore dents, cracks, scratches and missing decorative elements, said Inderjit Singh, representative of GNNSJ, while talking to TNIE . Singh added that after removing the clock, extensive research was carried out and the officials and employees of the company made a brand-new manual system of the watch piece by piece and assembled the clock again. Now gold patras will be put and the clock will be placed at the same spot in January 2026 where it was earlier installed. Around 80,000 (approximately Rs 96 lakh) has been spent on the restoration of this clock, he said, adding that Bhai Mohinder Singh brought it back to India after restoration in November and it is now fully functional. The aluminium face with hand-painted Punjabi numerals has been replaced with a brass face and Roman numerals, just the way it was when Lord Curzon handed it over. Also, special brushes have been given by the company to clean it, he added. It was on April 9, 1900, that Lord Curzon and his wife visited the Golden Temple and saw what he described as an unworthy appearance of the clock which used to hang upon the walls of the Harmandir. Curzon then expressed his desire to replace it with a more fitting timepiece designed specifically to harmonise with the sanctity of the temple. A clock was subsequently ordered from Elkington & Co Limited in Birmingham. It took two years to make and was shipped to India. On October 31, 1902 (Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas), the timepiece was presented through the then Lahore commissioner. Restoration of the clock movement, hands and dial design was undertaken by Alastair Chandler, Director of The Clock Clinic. In January 2024, I was contacted by the project, who shared an incredible story about the discovery of a clock at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, that had been gifted by Lord Curzon. However, it soon became evident that the clock, in its current state, was severely damaged, he narrates in Clock Within the Golden Temple: A Restoration Project . Upon examining the cases design, I determined that the new movement needed to be of exceptional quality and British craftsmanship, featuring what is known as a single fusee. A further challenge was the absence of space to accommodate a traditional pendulum mechanism, which required me to search for a fine single fusee movement with a balance wheel escapementtypically used in ships bulkhead clocks. After weeks of searching, I was thrilled to discover a perfect match -- a movement crafted by the esteemed clockmaker James Muirhead. The superb craftsmanship of this movement made it an ideal match for the clock case. After a series of meticulous adjustments by both Kam Lawla and myself, it fit seamlessly into place. With the movement secured, we fully dismantled it for cleaning and a complete overhaul. It was then reassembled, lubricated, and, once the balance was set, began ticking away, ready to be housed in its new case, he added.
Inqilab Mancha warns of protests if Hadis killers are not arrested today
Guwahati: Protests intensified on Saturday as Inqilab Mancha, a student-led political and cultural platform in Bangladesh, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Home Affairs Adviser, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing of its spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi. Addressing a protest rally at Shahbagh, Dhaka Inqilab Mancha member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber [] The post Inqilab Mancha warns of protests if Hadis killers are not arrested today appeared first on NorthEast Now .
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration in Bangladesh has received a 24-hour ultimatum from the radical organisation Inquilab Mancha, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing of its leader, Sharif Osman Hadi.
Donald Trump To Bill Clinton, Full List Of People Named In Epstein Files
The Epstein files were made public after sustained pressure on the US Department of Justice and a congressional order demanding transparency.
Security tightened at Indian Assistant High Commission, visa centre in Sylhet amid protests
Security has been stepped up at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and the visa application centre in Bangladeshs Sylhet city following rising tensions after the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi , officials said. Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Saiful Islam said the measures were taken to ensure that no third party can exploit the situation, according to The Dhaka Tribune . Police said enhanced security was deployed from Friday morning at the Assistant High Commission office in the Upashahar area, the residence of the Assistant High Commissioner nearby, and the visa application centre in Shobhanighat. Security personnel also remained stationed overnight. The move followed the announcement by Gano Odhikar Parishad to besiege the Assistant High Commission office after the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Hadi. Inqilab Mancha supporters had staged a sit-in at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar, protesting his killing and raising slogans against what they termed Indian dominance. Hadi, 32, was a key figure in last years student-led protests that culminated in the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. He was also a candidate in the February 12 general elections. He was shot in the head by masked assailants during an election campaign in Dhakas Bijoynagar area on December 12 and later died while undergoing treatment in Singapore on Thursday. His death sparked protests and incidents of vandalism across Bangladesh, including stone-throwing at the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chattogram on Thursday. Hadi was laid to rest on Saturday beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University mosque amid tight security. Tens of thousands attended the funeral prayers, during which protesters raised anti-India slogans. Following the burial, Inqilab Mancha issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government, demanding visible progress in arresting those responsible for Hadis killing. Tied to a tree and set on fire: Father recounts killing of Hindu man lynched in Bangladesh
