Red alert till Thursday morning in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, ASR and Anakapalli, orange in Visakhapatnam; schools shut across Uttarandhra
Revenue Minister Reviews Heavy Rain Situation in Odisha; 33 ODRAF Teams Deployed, SEOC Active 24
A deep depression over the West-Central and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal has triggered relentless torrential rains across several parts of Odisha, prompting state authorities to step up emergency measures. The system is expected to cross the North Andhra PradeshSouth Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam, between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, by late tonight (September 23). In response [] The post Revenue Minister Reviews Heavy Rain Situation in Odisha; 33 ODRAF Teams Deployed, SEOC Active 247 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik writes to Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad for APSPF personnel at the plant, which has been paying 150 crore to 200 crore a year for a CISF force the Centre is withdrawing over unpaid dues
Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik writes to Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad for APSPF personnel at the plant, which has been paying 150 crore to 200 crore a year for a CISF force the Centre is withdrawing over unpaid dues
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a recent Patna High Court judgment concerning the ingredients of the offence of attempt to rape, after the High Court held that an alleged attempt to remove a womans salwar and pressing her chest did not, on the facts of the case, establish an attempt to [] The post Supreme Court takes suo motu cognizance of Patna High Court ruling holding removal of salwar, pressing chest insufficient for attempt to rape appeared first on India Legal .
Heavy rain for Odisha, Coastal AP, Chhattisgarh, Telangana as storm heads to Kalingapatnam
Track of the deep depression would take it likely from Visakhapatnam northwards to interior of south Odisha and onward to Jharkhand
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is bracing for moderate to heavy rainfall due to an ongoing weather depression. The India Meteorological Department has predicted significant downpours and strong winds in the upcoming days. In an effort to ensure safety, schools and Anganwadi centres in a number of districts have been temporarily closed. Alerts are in place across various regions to caution residents about potential dangers, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Stakeholders from eight districts will showcase local industrial potential; NTR Collector G. Lakshmisha urges entrepreneurs to use the regional summit to sign MoUs
2 more held for Jamui assault, prime accused shot in leg
CITU opposes privatisation of Ramayapatnam Port
Already, 80.55% of the port construction was completed so far. At a time when it can generate revenues, why the government is trying to privatise it? Who will be benefitted with this move? asked a CITU leader
Rains cool Visakhapatnam; holiday declared for educational institutions today
Continuous rain under the influence of a Bay of Bengal depression has brought much-needed relief from the heat in Visakhapatnam, raising hopes of improved groundwater recharge and higher reservoir levels; departments placed on high alert for potential weather-related disruptions
Constable shoots sister, dies by suicide in Danapur
Motorcycle-borne youth attacks two girls with blade in Muzaffarpur
Govt plans to reintroduce rhinos in VTR, may bring them from Assam & Bengal
CM reviews development projects; sets Oct deadline to launch Gaya, IMC
EC announces schedule for 8 legislative council seats
As Ganga water recedes, PMC starts cleaning ghats
Govt sets Oct 31 deadline for COs to rectify jamabandi errors
EOU searches govt engineers premises, finds Rs3-cr assets
HC seeks govt replies on disclosure of child sexual offence survivors identities
After Centres review, ball now in state govts court on Patna airport expansion
HC asks govt to give inmates access to history tickets
My moral policing remark misquoted: Shreyasi
Visakhapatnam Collector tells officials to remain alert amid heavy rain warning
Transport commissioner orders faster licence and registration processing
Four AP Cities Feature In Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026
Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Nellore and Vijayawada have featured among the worlds top 1,000 cities in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026.
Criminals have no caste or religion, says Samrat
Bihar govt to provide extra subsidy for rooftop solar: CM
Protests erupt in Jamui, Patna over molestation
Jamui horror: Prime accused held after gunfight with police
School principal held as girls allege inappropriate touching
Deep Depression Tightens Grip Off Andhra-Odisha Coast
A weather system that was still a Depression this morning has now packed more punch. As of 5.30 PM on Tuesday, the Depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a Deep Depression. It lay centred near latitude 18.0N and longitude 85.4E about 140 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra [] The post Deep Depression Tightens Grip Off Andhra-Odisha Coast Crossing Tomorrow Night appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Jamui harassment case: Priyanka, Tejashwi, PK slam NDA govt
Patna: The recent molestation of a minor girl in Jamui district of Bihar on Tuesday, September 22, drew flak from leaders of parties opposed to the ruling NDA like Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, RJD working president Tejashwi Yadav and Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition, which underscored 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 .
CM Naidu lays foundation stones for 3,892 crore worth development projects in Visakhapatnam
Chief Minister virtually launches 16 GVMC and VMRDA projects, including 24/7 drinking water supply systems, sewerage networks, industrial water pipelines and an AI-based traffic management system, with a target of completion within 18 months
CM Naidu lays foundation stones for 3,892 crore worth development projects in Visakhapatnam
Chief Minister virtually launches 16 GVMC and VMRDA projects, including 24/7 drinking water supply systems, sewerage networks, industrial water pipelines and an AI-based traffic management system, with a target of completion within 18 months
As tenure ends, Visakhapatnam ZP focus now on asset sharing
The concluding meeting of the elected bodys five-year term saw members review development initiatives, discuss post-reorganisation challenges and reflect on their role in grassroots governance following the division of the district into three Zilla Parishads
A depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified on Tuesday and is likely to develop into a deep depression before crossing the north Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The system is expected to cross between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur by the night of September 23.
Deep Depression Over BoB to Hit Odisha-Andhra Coast on Sept 23 Night, Warns IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal will move northwestwards and cross the Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur on the night of September23. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the system is likely to intensify into a deep depression by evening and touch the coast [] The post Deep Depression Over BoB to Hit Odisha-Andhra Coast on Sept 23 Night, Warns IMD appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Teens murder sparks mob fury in West Champaran
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on September 22
Pitripaksh Mela: Flying squads to keep watch
Union minister Giriraj inaugurates KFC, sparks debate over his jhatka meat remarks
Union minister Giriraj Singh recently graced the opening of a KFC outlet in Begusarai, stirring up a frenzy on social media. This event brought back his controversial remarks suggesting Hindus should choose only jhatka meat and steer clear of halal options. This reopening has reignited the debate surrounding his dietary suggestions and the implications for cultural dining.
Made us sit on lap: Bihar girls accuse headmaster of entering washroom, harassing
Allegations of a headmaster's inappropriate actions have surfaced at a Nawada government school. These incidents follow a Class X student's alleged molestation in Jamui. Girls reported the headmaster entered their washroom and touched them inappropriately. The headmaster was arrested under the POCSO Act after protests by students and parents. These events highlight serious concerns regarding the safety of minor girls in Bihar.
Python, Chicken Rescued During Ganesh Visarjan Procession In Hyderabad
According to GHSPCA, its team had been tracking a dance group from Visakhapatnam for nearly five days following information about the alleged use of a live snake during its performances.
Were Schoolgirls in Patna Made To Dance to a Bollywood Song? No, Video Is Edited
The video has been edited to add a Bollywood song to the audio track.
Two held with country-made gun in Visakhapatnam; police say weapon was brought from Bihar
City Task Force raid at Gollalapalem catches two men, both about 30, who run a biryani centre; the II Town police are investigating why the firearm was procured
Bihar molestation case: Main accused Nandan Yadav injured in police encounter
In a police operation targeting Nandan Yadav, the accused in a Jamui molestation case, he sustained a bullet injury to his leg and is now receiving medical treatment. This follow-up comes after viral videos of the incident sparked outrage across social media. Authorities have identified and charged several individuals related to the case, with investigations ongoing and steps being taken to erase the circulated videos.
Woman found dead in Hyderabad OYO hotel, boyfriend on the run
Hyderabad: A 29-year-old private employee reportedly died in an OYO hotel room in Madhapur, where she had allegedly checked in with her boyfriend. The deceased and her boyfriend, Srinivasa Ravi Teja, are both natives of Visakhapatnam. They had checked into an OYO room at Siddiqui Nagar, Madhapur, on Monday, September 21. She was later found 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 .
Depression in Bay to intensify, cross Vizag-Gopalpur coast from tomorrow night
Likely deep depression eyes north Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coasts between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur during the projected window from Wednesday night till early hours of Thursday
Two Youths Detained After Gun Seized In Visakhapatnam
The youths were detained and handed over to the Two Town police, who registered a case and questioned them about the weapon and the incident.
2 videos, 20 minutes, 3 arrests: How a Class X girl was harassed on camera in Bihar's Jamui
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 22 (IANS) Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Tuesday condemned the alleged molestation of a young woman in Jamui, describing the incident as extremely unfortunate and deplorable and said that families will have to give morals, not just education. He also criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue in a social media post and urged him not to politicise the matter. Speaking to IANS, Yadav said the government had taken the incident seriously and assured that strict action would be taken against all those responsible. The Jamui incident is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. No matter how strongly this incident is condemned, it would not be enough. The government has taken the incident seriously. Strict action will be taken, and is being taken, against all those responsible. Under the POCSO Act, the accused who are arrested will be booked under the Act and given the strictest possible punishment, he said. Yadav said that people with such 'low mentality' needed to change with changing times. I think such things which are happening, in the age of change, such people who have such a low mentality, they will have to change themselves, he told IANS. Families will have to give morals, not just education, he added. Reacting to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's social media post on the Jamui incident, Yadav said, Rahul Gandhi, do not politicise the issue. In the states where your governments are in power, although your governments are gradually losing power and only a few states may be left, look at your states and examine the performance of your governments. See how law and order was violated, how many rapes, robberies, dacoities, thefts, murders, mass killings and mass rapes took place during that period. Meanwhile, a viral video showing the alleged harassment of two Class 10 students, including a girl, in Bihar's Jamui district has triggered a political confrontation, with Opposition leaders questioning Bihar's law-and-order situation and the ruling alliance defending the administration's response. The incident reportedly took place on September 19 in a hilly area near the Jamui-Lakhisarai border. According to police, the two students had left after attending coaching classes and were returning on a scooter when a group of youths allegedly stopped them. A video of the incident later surfaced on social media, showing the two students surrounded and subjected to inappropriate behaviour. The girl was allegedly molested, while the boy was assaulted. The circulation of the video prompted police action and widespread political criticism. LoP Gandhi criticised the Bihar government over the incident and questioned why all those allegedly involved had not yet been arrested. In a post on X, Gandhi described the video as disturbing and said the students had allegedly been stopped, harassed and humiliated. He demanded that all individuals visible in the footage be identified and prosecuted under the POCSO Act and called for speedy justice. LoP Gandhi also questioned the safety of girls travelling on roads in Bihar and sought an explanation from the state government over the alleged delay in arresting all those involved. RJD National Working President Tejashwi Yadav also targeted the Bihar government, sharing the video on X and alleging a deterioration in law and order. He claimed that women and female students were no longer safe in the state and accused the NDA government of failing to protect women, students, poor people and Dalits.
BoB Depression Intensifies, To Cross Odisha-Andhra Coast As Deep Depression On Sept 23-24
The Depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal is moving west-northwestwards and is likely to intensify into a Deep Depression within the next 12 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday. The system is forecast to continue moving west-northwestwards and cross the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and [] The post BoB Depression Intensifies, To Cross Odisha-Andhra Coast As Deep Depression On Sept 23-24 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Air India Express cancels Delhi-Patna flights for 7 days: Check dates, reason and affected services
Air India Express has cancelled flights IX1346 and IX1348 operating on the Delhi-Patna-Delhi route from September 24 to 30, citing operational reasons. The airline informed Patna Airport authorities about the week-long cancellations but did not specify the nature of the issue or provide details on alternative travel arrangements.
India's cable map was never built for this moment. Eighteen international systems land at just five or six cities, and Mumbai alone reportedly carries something like ninety-five percent of the country's international bandwidth, according to Carnegie India's July analysis of the country's subsea posture. Versova's thirteen-cables-in-six-kilometres cluster, flagged by the Takshashila Institution's July governance review, is the kind of concentration that planners elsewhere would call a single point of failure and route around on principle, war or no war. Even a perfectly rerouted cable runs into a second problem: India cannot repair its own undersea infrastructure. Takshashila's review counts zero Indian-flagged cable repair vessels. A break is fixed by ships based in Singapore or Dubai, and a routine repair takes four to five months to complete, longer if the vessel has to be diverted through a warzone or if its home government decides the trip is not worth the risk. Eleven of India's eighteen cables are already past twenty years old, edging toward the end of a typical twenty-five-year service life, which means the odds of needing that repair are only rising. The diversification underway is real. Lightstorm, Microsoft, Singtel and Tata Communications are building I-2SEA, a Singapore-to-India system landing at Machilipatnam and Chennai, explicitly pitched for the AI and hyperscaler traffic feeding Hyderabad's data centres. Google's separate America-India Connect programme adds three more paths out of Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Mumbai, reaching Singapore, South Africa and Western Australia, which Google itself frames as reducing India's reliance on its existing Mumbai and Chennai landings. But oil and data fail differently. A tanker rerouted around a chokepoint still delivers its cargo late; a cable rerouted into a new chokepoint still goes dark the same day something cuts it, and geography alone does not shorten the four-to-five-month repair clock. Takshashila's own prescription is telling: before anything else, it wants undersea cables formally designated Critical National Infrastructure, a step still stuck on whether the Telecommunications Act, 2023 even permits it without fresh legislation, alongside a sovereign repair fleet the government has targeted, optimistically, for 2027. Neither depends on which ocean the next cable crosses.
Girl molested on camera in Jamui, three minors detained; NCW seeks report
Class X girl found dead in Lucknow, one held
Visakhapatnam tops YouthPOWER rankings in A.P. handbook
Oppn attacks govt over Jamui incident, NDA functionaries assure strict action
Two teachers dismissed over misconduct with students in Buxar
Disha Salian probe rekindles hope in Bihar for fresh look at Sushant death
Garbage transfer station delay prolongs waste, flight risk
East has huge potential in oil filtration
Govt: Green hydrogen investment can create 12,000 jobs in Bihar
India must be creator, not just consumer of knowledge: Governor
Cash, jewellery stolen from locked doctors flat in city
HC flags checkpoint security gaps in ganja seizure case
Python, hen rescued from Ganesh Chaturthi dance in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: An Indian rock python and hen being used during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Hyderabad were rescued on Sunday, September 20. The two animals were being used by a dance group from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPC), in coordination with the Madhuranagar police, rescued the animals 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 .
Danapur army to host Agniveer recruitment rally from today
CM suggests panchayats tax mobile towers, brick kilns, private schools for revenue
BJD to Raise Mineral Rights and Textbook Delay as Odisha Assembly Opens
BJD, after a legislature party meeting chaired by Naveen Patnaik, says it will press the Odisha government to move a House resolution seeking withdrawal of the MMDR Amendment Act and flag delays in supplying corrected Class IVIII textbooks as the Monsoon Session opens. The post BJD to Raise Mineral Rights and Textbook Delay as Odisha Assembly Opens appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Man held for defacing Gandhi Satyagrah Smarak wall in Motihari
Naidu to virtually inaugurate 16 infrastructure projects in Visakhapatnam
Govt wants to open 50 pvt universities: CM
Man shot dead near canal bridge in Bhojpur
GVMC plans to upgrade 228 km of roads in Visakhapatnam
968 police stations in Bihar now linked to CCTNS
Dont come to Patna to apply for housing plots, minister tells landless families
Lawyer dies as truck hits bike on NH-19 in Rohtas
Rain deficit notwithstanding, Bihar achieves 99% paddy coverage
Liquor worth Rs 10L seized from postal parcel van in Buxar
Visakhapatnam: SCoR Steps Up Checks on Drinking Water Quality
All the samples tested during the drive passed the prescribed quality standards, the release said.
Manjhi slams Rajan Singh's remarks on Chirag Paswan, demands action
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 21 (IANS) Former Bihar Chief Minister and Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has strongly condemned remarks made by Rajan Singh, a member of the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, against Union Food Processing Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, and demanded action against him. The controversy erupted after a video of Rajan Singh went viral on social media, in which he made an unsubstantiated claim regarding Paswans gender identity and urged him to publicly acknowledge what Singh described as an association with the transgender community. Rajan Singh also alleged that members of the transgender community lacked adequate political representation and claimed that some individuals concealed their identities. He further asserted, without providing any evidence, that Paswan belonged to the community. Singh went on to say that if Paswan were to publicly identify himself as transgender, members of the community would rally behind him and support his candidature for the post of Chief Minister. Reacting sharply to the remarks, Manjhi termed the comments baseless and inappropriate. He said making indecent remarks about a Union Minister and attempting to label him based on unsupported claims was unacceptable. Manjhi said that making indecent remarks about a Union Minister and attempting to label him on the basis of an unsupported claim was completely inappropriate. He demanded that the Samrat Choudhary government take action against the person responsible for the remarks concerning Chirag Paswan. The controversy comes amid heightened political activity in Bihar, with leaders of different parties frequently making statements targeting one another ahead of key political developments in the state. The video and the remarks attributed to Singh have since generated discussion on social media, while the claim regarding Paswans gender identity remains unsubstantiated. No official statement from Chirag Paswan's party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has come yet.
BJPs Awadhesh Narayan Singh resigns as Bihar Legislative Council chairman, JD(U) may get key post
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 21 (IANS) Bihar Legislative Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh has resigned from his post, triggering fresh speculation over the distribution of key constitutional positions within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state. With the BJP leader stepping down, the Legislative Council Chairman's post is now expected to go to the Janata Dal (United), according to reports. The name of incumbent Deputy Chairman Prof. Dr Ramvachan Rai has emerged as the leading contender for the position. The development comes amid discussions over a fresh power-sharing arrangement between the BJP and JD(U) following the formation of the new government in Bihar. The BJP currently holds the Chief Minister's post and the Speaker's position in the Legislative Assembly, while it has also held the Legislative Council Chairman's post. Against this backdrop, the JD(U) had reportedly been seeking the Council Chairman's position as part of the broader distribution of key posts between the two NDA allies. Reports indicate that the BJP and JD(U) leadership have reached an understanding on the issue. According to reports, the BJP leadership asked Awadhesh Narayan Singh to step down as Chairman, following which he tendered his resignation. The formal process for selecting a new Chairman is expected to follow. In the interim, Ramvachan Rai is likely to take charge as Acting Chairman, as he is the incumbent Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council. Rai was elected unopposed as Deputy Chairman in July 2024 and has been associated with the Council for several years. The possible change is being viewed as part of a broader effort to rebalance the distribution of important constitutional posts between the BJP and JD(U). With the BJP holding the Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker positions, the Council Chairman's post could provide the JD(U) with a key constitutional position within the NDA arrangement. The development has also renewed discussion over the internal power equation between the two principal NDA allies in Bihar. While the reported understanding between the BJP and JD(U) could pave the way for a change in the Council's leadership, the formal appointment of a new Chairman is yet to be completed.
Salman Khan says,'What a superb voice' to Tamannaah Bhatia as she appears on 'Bigg Boss 20'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Actors Tamannaah Bhatia and Sidharth Malhotra recently visited the sets of the popular reality show 'Bigg Boss 20' to promote their forthcoming mytho-fantasy-thriller 'The Vvaan: Force Of The Forrest'. In an adorable moment that has been doing the rounds on social media, host Salman was seen praising Tamannaah for her incredible voice. As Tamannaah spoke, Salman turned to Sidharth and said, What a superb voice she's got yaar. Hearing the compliment, the 'Baahubali' actress started to blush and thanked Salman for the kind words. Sidharth further commented that Tamannaah has 'Adaah' in her voice. Talking about The Vvaan, the makers recently unveiled the trailer of the much-anticipated drama. Rooted in folklore and fantasy, the film revolves around a forbidden forest and its ominous secrets. With Tamannaah and Sidharth as the leads, the project will also see Shweta Tiwari, Sunil Grover, Anup Soni, and Maniesh Paul in ancillary roles, along with others. Meanwhile, the makers also recently released the 'Chhathi Maiya' song from 'The Vvaan'. Talking about the devotional number, Tamannaah shared that she made it a point to study and understand the significance of Chhath in order to do justice to the devotional track. The 'F3' actress added that she feels deeply connected with Chhathi Maiyya. She said, I have always held a deep reverence for Chhath Puja. Before we started shooting for the song, I spent time studying and understanding the significance of the ritual and how it is performed in Bihar and Patna. Honestly, I was stunned to learn the power it holds. The strong connection I felt with Chhathi Maiyya is something I cannot put in words. I found myself feeling deeply connected to her. Directed by Deepak Mishra, the story of 'Vvaan' has been written by Arunabh Kumar. Backed by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar and Niraj Kothari, 'The Vvaan' is likely to be out in the cinema halls on September 25.
Bihar: NCW takes suo motu cognisance of Jamui molestation case
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 21 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged harassment, molestation and assault of two minor students in Bihars Jamui district after videos purportedly showing the incident surfaced on social media. According to officials, the incident occurred on September 19 when a minor boy and girl travelling on a scooter were allegedly stopped and surrounded by a group of people in the Jamui area. The girl was reportedly subjected to inappropriate physical contact, while the boy was assaulted. The incident was recorded on video and later circulated on social media. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Bihar Director General of Police (DGP), directing that an FIR be registered and that all those involved be identified and arrested based on the available video evidence. The Commission has also called for a time-bound, impartial investigation, directing authorities to ensure the victims' safety and provide them with legal assistance and psychological counselling. The NCW further urged that legal measures be taken to prevent further circulation of the objectionable video on social media. It has sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) from Bihar authorities within seven days. After the videos circulated, Jamui Police initiated an investigation and contacted the two minor victims. Police recorded their statements and registered an FIR. Reports say seven people have been named in the case and three arrested, while efforts continue to identify and apprehend others allegedly involved. Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajit Dayal confirmed the incident occurred on the evening of September 19. We are examining the videos and other available evidence to establish the individual roles of those involved, he said. The Bihar State Womens Commission has also taken cognisance of the matter. Its Chairperson, Apsara, sought details of the incident from the Jamui District Magistrate and directed strict action against those found responsible. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police assured the Commission that they would take appropriate action after the investigation. As the victims are minors, authorities are maintaining confidentiality regarding their identities. Police said the investigation remains underway and further legal action will follow as the identities and roles of the remaining suspects are established.
Indian, Lankan Navies hold professional exchanges during Exercise SLINEX-26
Digital Desk | Visakhapatnam, Sep 21 (IANS) Navies of India and Sri Lanka participated in professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, Underway Replenishment (UNREP) training, Yoga and sporting interactions during the harbour phase of the bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-26 (Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise) which concludes in Visakhapatnam on Monday. The 13th edition of SLINEX-26, which kicked off on September 17 began with the harbour phase and was followed by the sea phase. The harbour phase of SLINEX26 at Visakhapatnam featured professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, UNREP training, Yoga and sporting interactions between the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy, the Indian Navy posted on X on Monday. Capt PHSS Appuhamy, CO SLNS Sindurala, also called on RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, FOCEF, EasternSword, furthering professional dialogue and mutual understanding. The engagements enhanced interoperability, camaraderie and exchange of best practices, it added. Sri Lankan Naval Ship Sindurala arrived at Visakhapatnam on September 17 to participate in the SLINEX-26. The Indian Navy formally welcomed the Sri Lankan Navy vessel upon its arrival, adhering to naval traditions. From the Indian Navy, INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, the Fleet Tanker, are participating in the exercise. The exercise reaffirms the enduring maritime partnership and shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to a secure Indian Ocean Region, according to the Indian Navy. Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has evolved into an important forum for fostering maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two Navies, the Ministry of Defence mentioned in a statement. Aligned with India's vision of MAHASAGAR, SLINEX-26 reinforces Indias commitment to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment and further consolidates the enduring maritime partnership between the two nations, according to the statement released by the Ministry of Defence. Earlier this month, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at Sri Lanka's Colombo for a three-day operational visit, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations. The ship's visit coincided with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Sri Lanka. In a post on X, the Indian Navy Spokesperson wrote, Indigenously constructed multi-role stealth frigate INS Udaygiri arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a three-day operational visit from 0811 Sep 26. The ships visit coincides with the landmark visit of Honble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, who also attended a deck reception onboard INS Udaygiri. The engagements aim to strengthen maritime cooperation through Mobile Training Teams, experience sharing and provision of machinery/ equipment spares to the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, in line with Indias Neighbourhood First policy. The visit underscores Indias unwavering commitment towards realising the vision of MAHASAGAR, the spokesperson added.
Tejashwi Yadav targets Bihar govt over Jamui student harassment case
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 21 (IANS) Political tensions have intensified in Bihar following the alleged harassment of two minor students in Jamui, after a video of the incident surfaced on social media. Opposition leaders have criticised the state government, raising questions about law and order and the safety of women and students. Following Congress leader LoP Rahul Gandhi, RJD National Working President Tejashwi Yadav also targeted the Bihar government. Sharing the video on X, Tejashwi alleged that the incident reflected a deterioration in law and order in the state. He wrote that anarchy had emerged in Bihar and claimed women and female students were no longer safe. He accused criminals of committing offences openly and blamed the NDA government for failing to ensure the safety of women, students, poor people and Dalits. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tejashwi referred to election promises concerning financial assistance to women and alleged that the Prime Minister had remained silent over such incidents. He also criticised Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, alleging that the state government had spent heavily from the exchequer during the Assembly elections but failed to address law-and-order concerns. In a broader attack, Tejashwi alleged that senior BJP leaders had handed over Bihars administration to inexperienced leaders after the NDAs electoral victory. He held PM Modi politically responsible and criticised the BJP and its allies over the incident. The Jamui incident reportedly took place on September 19, when a minor boy and girl returning from coaching were allegedly stopped by a group of youths. The incident was recorded and circulated on social media, prompting police action. Jamui Police contacted the two minors, recorded their statements and registered an FIR. Police have arrested three people so far, while investigations into the roles of other suspects continue. The case has also drawn the attention of the Bihar State Womens Commission, which has sought details and called for strict action against those found responsible. Authorities have maintained confidentiality regarding the identities of the minor victims. Police said the investigation remains underway and further legal action will follow as the roles of the remaining suspects are established.
Bihar Panchayat polls only after delimitation exercise: CM Samrat Choudhary
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 21 (IANS)Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday said the Panchayat Raj elections will be conducted only after the ongoing delimitation exercise is completed, which is expected to reshape local administrative and electoral boundaries across Bihar. Addressing the Gram Sansad Bihar Chapter programme in Patna, Choudhary said the process of redrawing Panchayat boundaries is currently underway, and no election-related process will begin until it is completed. He said the exercise is being carried out with a population benchmark of 7,500, and Panchayat boundaries will be reorganised accordingly. The announcement assumes significance for aspirants preparing to contest elections for posts such as Mukhiya, Sarpanch, Panchayat Samiti member and Zila Parishad member, as changes in boundaries and population distribution are likely to alter the electoral landscape. The Chief Minister pointed out that several Panchayats in Bihar cover large geographical areas and have substantial populations, making administrative reorganisation necessary. Citing his own village as an example, Choudhary said it has a population of around 20,000 but is currently grouped with three other villages to form a single Panchayat. He said a request for delimitation had been made to the State Election Commission and that the process had now commenced. The delimitation exercise could lead to changes in the composition and boundaries of existing Panchayats. Some villages could be shifted from one Panchayat to another, while new Panchayats could also be created or existing ones reorganised. Such changes could affect the electoral calculations for Mukhiya, Sarpanch, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. For prospective candidates, the final administrative boundaries will therefore be important before they formulate detailed election strategies. The precise electoral landscape will become clearer only after the delimitation process is completed. During the programme, Choudhary also spoke about the importance of elected Panchayat representatives in grassroots governance. He said that although people often consider the Prime Minister, Chief Minister or District Magistrate to be the most powerful figures in the administrative system, the Mukhiya plays a particularly important role at the grassroots level. Choudhary said the Mukhiya carries significant responsibilities and that contesting a Mukhiya election is not easy. He observed that elections become more competitive as they move closer to the grassroots, with local relationships and social dynamics playing an important role in contests for ward members and Mukhiyas. Referring to the nature of grassroots democracy, he said voters often keep their choices private, sometimes even from neighbours or family members. Choudhary also discussed the responsibilities of Panchayat representatives and the availability of government resources. He said that while, as Chief Minister, he would want the Centre to provide all the funds required by Bihar, such a situation was not practically possible. Similarly, he said representatives at the Zila Parishad and Panchayat levels must recognise that government resources are limited. According to him, people assign responsibilities to elected representatives and ultimately hold the power to choose who represents them. Discussing Bihar's Panchayati Raj structure, Choudhary also claimed that the specific office of Sarpanch, as it exists in Bihar, is unique to the state and is not found in other states.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on September 21
