Top News / The Times of India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jamui, Bihar, to launch the 150th birth anniversary celebration of tribal leader Birsa Munda. During his visit, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects exceeding Rs 6,640 crore, focusing on tribal welfare and infrastructure enhancement in the region.
Supreme Court Justice Gavai, issuing guidelines for property demolitions, emphasized the universal aspiration for a home. The court ruled that shelter is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution and condemned 'bulldozer justice'. Arbitrary demolitions based on accusations violate the rule of law, as the Executive cannot usurp judicial functions by declaring guilt and demolishing properties.
Union home minister Amit Shah criticized the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, labeling it an Aurangzeb fan club opposed to progress. He contrasted the MVA with the ruling BJP's alliance, highlighting the BJP's commitment to development and fulfillment of promises like the Ram temple construction.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has declared the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries as unconstitutional. Twelve BJP MLAs challenged the appointments, arguing that the state government overstepped its authority by creating offices not recognized by the Constitution. The court agreed, voiding the appointments and ordering the immediate withdrawal of any benefits or facilities they received.
The Supreme Court of India has issued strict guidelines to curb the practice of ulldozer justice, emphasizing due process and the rule of law. The court mandated a 15-day notice period before demolitions and stipulated compensation for properties razed without legal procedures.
Tensions escalate in Maharashtra's political landscape as Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) accuses Shiv Sena (UBT) workers of assaulting their women members in Jogeshwari. Sheetal Mhatre, a Shinde faction leader, alleges the UBT workers tore clothes and attacked a woman's car, vowing police action. The incident underscores the rising hostility as the state gears up for assembly elections.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud convened in New Delhi to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability.
Addressing a rally in Maharashtra, Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, criticizing their stance on Article 370, Muslim reservation, and the Ram Temple. Shah asserted that Article 370 would not be reinstated, even if Indira Gandhi were to return from heaven.
A parliamentary committee will examine the stalled bill aiming to unify the legal marriage age for men and women in India. The committee will hear from government officials and advocacy groups about the proposed changes, which would raise the minimum marriage age for women to 21. The original bill, introduced in 2021, lapsed before passage.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has released a report detailing over 300 incidents since January 2023 that it claims demonstrate escalating attacks on Hindus in India. The VHP alleges these attacks, categorized as various forms of Jihad, are intended to incite religious division and are often overlooked by political parties seeking power.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation stone for a new AIIMS in Darbhanga, Bihar, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region and beyond. He emphasized the government's comprehensive approach to healthcare, including disease prevention, affordable treatment, and infrastructure development.
HDFC Bank and TOI are joining forces to host the Cyber Security Summit in New Delhi on November 14, 2024. This crucial event aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely.
The Supreme Court issued guidelines for property demolitions, emphasising due process. Demolition solely due to an occupant's accused or convicted status is deemed unconstitutional. Mandatory show cause notices, video recording of demolitions, and compensation for unlawful actions are mandated. These guidelines, applicable nationwide, aim to protect the right to shelter and prevent arbitrary demolitions.
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has issued strict guidelines to halt the unlawful demolition of homes belonging to accused individuals. The court emphasized that 'bulldozer justice' violates fundamental rights and undermines the rule of law. The guidelines mandate due process, prohibit collective punishment, and ensure accountability for arbitrary actions by authorities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a three-nation tour to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16th to 21st. The visit aims to bolster bilateral ties, with Modi attending the G20 Summit in Brazil and engaging in high-level talks in Nigeria and Guyana.
The Supreme Court established strict guidelines to prevent authorities from demolishing properties without due process. The court emphasized that officials who illegally demolish homes will face consequences, and affected families will be compensated. The court stressed that India's secular nature demands equal application of the law, regardless of religion.
The ministry of home affairs has outlined reasons for denying or revoking NGO registrations under the foreign contribution (Regulation) Act. These include inciting protests, engaging in forceful religious conversions, and participating in activities deemed anti-development. The ministry emphasized that NGOs found misusing foreign funds or engaging in activities that disrupt harmony will face consequences.
At COP29, India is advocating for clear standards in carbon market creation and pushing for substantial climate finance for developing nations. India emphasized the need for accessible, predictable funding exceeding $1.3 trillion annually to support mitigation, adaptation, and address loss and damage.
Voting is underway in Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency for the by-election. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her electoral debut against 15 other candidates. The bypoll was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat. Wayanad, a Congress stronghold, will see its 14.7 lakh voters decide the outcome.
Ajit Pawar disclosed his involvement in political discussions with the BJP five years prior, stating that prominent figures like Amit Shah, Gautam Adani, and Sharad Pawar were present. He emphasized that decisions were made collectively, and while he faced the repercussions, the reasons behind Sharad Pawar's eventual reluctance remain unknown.
Nawab Malik, NCP candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, stated that his party will not be part of a government that promotes divisive politics. He condemned the 'Batenge toh Katenge' slogan and criticized the BJP's proposed anti-conversion law, calling it misleading.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while campaigning in Maharashtra, accused Congress of supporting the reinstatement of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He criticized Congress for its alleged praise of Aurangzeb and criticism of Veer Savarkar, challenging Rahul Gandhi to publicly acknowledge these historical figures. Modi further alleged that Congress was using funds from the Karnataka government for its Maharashtra campaign.
The Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at 17 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal in connection with an illegal Bangladeshi infiltration case. The agency has seized fake Aadhaars, forged passports, illegal arms, and other items. The ED is investigating a potential conspiracy involving politicians and officials facilitating large-scale infiltration.
Addressing rallies in Nagpur and Amravati, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged voters to give a decisive mandate to BJP, emphasizing the importance of Nagpur for the party and the Sangh. He also launched a scathing attack on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing the Congress of neglecting national security and dividing Hindu votes for political gains.
Ayodhya is under tight security following a threat from SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who vowed to shake the foundations of Ayodhya. The city has been fortified with increased surveillance, including CCTV and drone cameras, particularly around the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. Security forces like PAC, CRPF, and UP Special Security Force have been heavily deployed to counter the threat.
A consular camp in Brampton, Canada, organized for retired Indian civil servants to renew pension benefits, has been canceled due to threats from pro-Khalistan supporters. The SFJ, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, threatened to target Indian diplomats at Hindu temples on November 16 and 17, prompting security concerns and the cancellation of the event at Brampton Triveni Mandir.
Designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, wanted in India for the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has been arrested in Canada. Dalla, along with an associate, initially claimed to be victims of a rival gang shooting. However, Canadian authorities discovered that Dalla's gunshot wound was self-inflicted, leading to their arrest.
Prime Minister Modi's expansion of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has led to the enrollment of nearly 500,000 senior citizens aged 70 and above. The scheme, which provides an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family, has seen the highest number of applications from Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has given the green light for the first all-woman battalion in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This elite force, comprising 1,025 personnel, will undergo specialized training to handle VIP security, airport security, and Delhi Metro duties. The battalion will be strategically stationed, likely in the Delhi-NCR region, for rapid deployment during emergencies.
The Taliban announced the appointment of Ikramuddin Kamil as acting consul in Mumbai, though India hasn't officially recognized the Taliban government. This follows unsuccessful attempts by the Taliban to appoint officials in Afghan missions in India, despite ongoing humanitarian cooperation between the two nations.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the disbursement of the fourth installment of the Maiyan Samman Yojana, a scheme providing monthly financial assistance to women. The initiative, a key part of the JMM-Congress-RJD government's re-election campaign, promises to increase the monthly payment from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 if re-elected.
A 45-year-old woman, injured in a grenade attack at a Srinagar market on November 3, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday. The attack, attributed to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, left 11 others injured. The woman, a mother of three, was shopping for winter clothes when the grenade exploded.
Suspected Pakistani terrorists exchanged fire with security forces in Bandipora district's Nagmarg area, marking the eighth gunfight in Kashmir this November. This encounter is the latest in a surge of violence since a new government took office in mid-October, including the deaths of soldiers, village defense guards, and civilians. Security forces have neutralized nine terrorists in Kashmir this month alone.
A sword believed to have belonged to Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, fetched 317,900 at a Bonhams auction. The sword, with a provenance tracing back to the Battle of Seringapatam in 1799, was presented to Captain James Andrew Dick for his service in the battle and remained with his family until recently.
A bus carrying wedding guests plunged into the Indus River in northern Pakistan, resulting in at least 18 fatalities. The accident occurred in the Gilgit Baltistan region as the bus journeyed towards Chakwal, Punjab. Rescue operations are underway, with only one female survivor located and receiving medical attention.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole defended his use of the word dog in reference to the BJP, claiming it was a response to alleged insults against the OBC community. Patole's comments sparked criticism from the BJP, who called it a sign of the opposition's desperation ahead of the upcoming elections.
Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is embroiled in a legal battle with his former business partners, Mihir Diwakar and Soumya Das, over allegations of fraud and unauthorized use of his name for cricket academies. Dhoni claims the duo continued to operate under his name despite his revocation of their authority, resulting in significant financial losses.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is raising concerns over the lack of compensation provided to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) child victims of sexual abuse under the POCSO Act.
Thirteen civil society organizations in Manipur have called for a 24-hour shutdown, demanding the rescue of six people allegedly abducted in Jiribam. The organizations are also protesting against recent violence and what they claim are coordinated attacks on civilians in the region. The shutdown comes amidst a surge in clashes between armed groups, resulting in fatalities and disappearances.
Five years after the enactment of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, only 11 states and union territories in India have established Transgender Protection Cells, crucial for addressing discrimination and ensuring justice for the transgender community. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is urging remaining states to set up these cells and submit quarterly reports on their functioning.