Politics News
Text view
Talks Almost Over: Sanjay Raut On Shiv Sena (UBT)MNS Alliance For BMC Polls
His remark came only a day after he said on Sunday the meeting held earlier in the day was likely the final round of discussions between the two sides.
Goa fire: Police remand of Luthras extended by five days; 25 died in blaze at brothers' nightclub
Speaking on the Supreme Court's acceptance of the ew definition of Aravalli, the minister said: The ruling recognises and endorses the Government of Indias sustained efforts to protect the Aravalli range through scientific assessment, strict safeguards and initiatives such as the Aravalli Green Wall Project. Yadav explained that the Aravali range comprises all landforms located within 500 metres of two adjoining hills with a height of 100 metres or more.
Russian Lieutenant General Killed in Car Bomb Blast in Moscow
MOSCOW, Dec 22: A Russian lieutenant general was killed on Monday after a car bomb exploded in Moscow, Russias Investigative Committee said, raising fresh concerns over targeted attacks on senior military officials. Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff, succumbed to his injuries following the [] The post Russian Lieutenant General Killed in Car Bomb Blast in Moscow appeared first on Northlines .
Bengal Babri row: Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir floats new party; CM Mamata hits back
Humayun Kabir, a West Bengal MLA, has launched his new political party, the Janata Unnayan Party. This move follows his suspension from the Trinamool Congress. Kabir plans to contest the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. He aims to challenge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and has declared his intention to contest from two seats in Murshidabad
Govt Orders Transfers, Postings of JKAS Officers
JAMMU, Dec 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday ordered the transfer and posting of several JKAS officers in the interest of administration, according to an official order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). As per Government Order No. 1934-JK(GAD) of 2025, Mr. Lal Chand, JKAS, Deputy Commissioner (South), Jammu Municipal Corporation, has [] The post Govt Orders Transfers, Postings of JKAS Officers appeared first on Northlines .
Yogi Adityanath Takes Do Namoone Jibe At Akhilesh, Rahul; SP Chief Hits Back
A jibe by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during an Assembly debate has reignited claims of political rivalry and internal tensions within the BJP.
J&K: Search Operations Conducted Near Bakshi Stadium Ahead of Republic Day
Srinagar, Dec 22: Security forces on Sunday carried out searches in areas surrounding Bakshi Stadium, the main venue for Republic Day celebrations in Kashmir, officials said. The searches were conducted in the densely populated commercial and residential areas of Amirakadal and Maharaja Bazaar, located close to the stadium. Sniffer dogs and metal detectors were deployed [] The post J&K: Search Operations Conducted Near Bakshi Stadium Ahead of Republic Day appeared first on Northlines .
School Picnic Permissions Cancelled in Jammu Amid Adverse Weather
Jammu, Dec 22: In view of prevailing adverse weather conditions and concerns over student safety, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Jammu on Monday cancelled all previously granted permissions for school picnics scheduled from December 22 onwards, officials said. According to a notice issued by the Office of the CEO Jammu, all permissions granted to government [] The post School Picnic Permissions Cancelled in Jammu Amid Adverse Weather appeared first on Northlines .
It's A Tourist Party: Shiv Sena-UBT Hits Out At Congress After Maharashtra Civic Poll Rout
Uddhav faction leader Anand Dubey said the Congress had lost touch with voters and failed to build a sustained grassroots presence.
National Herald case: Delhi HC issues notice to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul; seeks reply
The Delhi High Court has issued notices to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, among others, in the National Herald money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate is challenging a trial court's refusal to take cognisance of its complaint, alleging assets worth 2,000 crore were acquired for just 50 lakh. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in March 2026.
J&K Govt Forms Committee to Finalize Inputs for MHA
JAMMU, Dec 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high-level committee to finalise inputs and comments for submission to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, officials said on Monday. The committee will examine and consolidate actionable points arising from the Prime Ministers interaction with Secretaries to the Government of India [] The post J&K Govt Forms Committee to Finalize Inputs for MHA appeared first on Northlines .
CM Omar Abdullah Chairs Cabinet Meet to Review Projects, Clear Key Proposals
JAMMU, Dec 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a Cabinet meeting here to review ongoing projects and discuss several key administrative and developmental matters. Sources said the meeting focused on assessing the progress of major works being executed by different departments and clearing time-bound proposals related to governance and public welfare. Measures [] The post CM Omar Abdullah Chairs Cabinet Meet to Review Projects, Clear Key Proposals appeared first on Northlines .
India Is a Hindu Rashtra, No Constitutional Approval Needed: RSS Chief Bhagwat
New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 22: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said that India is a Hindu Rashtra and does not require constitutional approval for it, asserting that it is a factual reality. He made the remarks while addressing a programme at Science City auditorium in Kolkata. Expressing concern over the condition of [] The post India Is a Hindu Rashtra, No Constitutional Approval Needed: RSS Chief Bhagwat appeared first on Northlines .
Mumbai-Bound Air India Flight Returns to Delhi Following Engine Snag
New Delhi, Dec 22: A Mumbai-bound Air India Boeing 777 aircraft returned to Delhi on Monday morning after developing a technical issue in its right engine, sources said. The aircraft, operating flight AI887 and carrying around 335 passengers, remained airborne for nearly an hour before making an air turn-back and landing safely at the national [] The post Mumbai-Bound Air India Flight Returns to Delhi Following Engine Snag appeared first on Northlines .
Dense Fog Prompts Traffic Advisory in Rural Jammu, Motorists Urged to Exercise Caution
Jammu, Dec 22: Amid dense fog persisting across several areas over the past two days, Traffic Police Rural Jammu on Saturday issued a comprehensive traffic advisory, warning commuters of poor visibility and an increased risk of road accidents and congestion. According to the advisory issued by SSP Traffic Rural Jammu, motorists have been advised to [] The post Dense Fog Prompts Traffic Advisory in Rural Jammu, Motorists Urged to Exercise Caution appeared first on Northlines .
End Confusion Before Budget: G Parameshwara Tells Congress High Command Amid Karnataka Power Tussle
The Karnataka Home Minister said all leadership-related matters should be resolved quickly to allow the government to concentrate on fulfilling promises made to the people.
Light Rain, Snow Likely in Parts of J&K Till Tuesday Morning: Weatherman
Srinagar, Dec 22: Light rain or snowfall is likely in parts of Jammu and Kashmir till Tuesday morning as a weak Western Disturbance may affect the region, the weatherman said on Monday. The Meteorological Department said the main weather system has already moved out, but the influence of another Western Disturbance could bring light precipitation [] The post Light Rain, Snow Likely in Parts of J&K Till Tuesday Morning: Weatherman appeared first on Northlines .
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured strict action and justice for Ram Narayan Bakel, a Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh, who was beaten to death by a mob in Walayar, Palakkad. A special investigation team has been formed to probe the incident, which the CM termed unacceptable in a progressive society.
BrahMos and beyond: How UP is becoming Indias defence capital
India's supersonic prowess is taking flight from Lucknow with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility. This 200-acre complex is set to become the epicentre for producing the formidable BrahMos cruise missile, catering to surging domestic and international demand, including significant export orders.
Yearend special: 25 firsts of 2025
Air India flight safely returns to Delhi after one engine shutdown
Mid air scare: Air India flight returns to Delhi after 'one engine shutdown'
BJPs Purse Swells Over 50% To Rs 6,088 Crore A Year After Electoral Bonds Scrapped
BJP received Rs 6,088 crore in donations in 2024-25, an increase of more than 50 per cent from the Rs 3,967 crore it received in 2023-24.
We Work Like Brothers: DK Shivakumar Dismisses Rumours Of Rift With Siddaramaiah
Responding to questions about his recent meeting with former minister KN Rajanna, often perceived a close aide to the CM, Shivakumar termed it a courtesy call
Indonesia bus crash: Driver loses control, hits barrier; 15 killed
At least 15 people died when an inter-province passenger bus veered off a toll road on Java, Indonesia, early Monday. The bus, en route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta with 34 passengers, struck a barrier and overturned. The cause of the crash and the condition of the injured are still being investigated.
Assam cops, BSF push 19 illegals into Bangladesh
Assam Police and BSF deported 19 illegal immigrants to Bangladesh following their apprehension in Nagaon and Karbi Anglong. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared it a full Doomsday moment for infiltrators, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. This operation is part of a larger campaign to safeguard Assam's demographic balance and security, sending a clear warning to those attempting illegal settlement.
Sarod player forced to flee Bangladesh hiding Indian identity
Renowned sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan fled Bangladesh to Kolkata after his concert venue was vandalized. Hours before his performance, the cultural hub was attacked amid unrest. Khan, whose family has roots in Bangladesh, concealed his Indian identity to safely depart, while his tabla player remains stranded. He vows not to return until artists and cultural spaces are protected.
A first in 40 years: Kamptee president post goes to BJP
BJP secured the Kamptee municipal council president post for the first time in 40 years, with Ajay Agrawal winning by a narrow margin of 103 votes. The close contest saw allegations of malpractice from the runner-up, Congress' Shakur Nagani, who claimed a suspicious late shift in results.
BJP candidate wins by one vote in Mukhed
BJP's Pramila Panchal secured the presidency of Mudkhed Municipal Council by a razor-thin margin of one vote against the AIMIM candidate. Despite a recount demand, the result stood, prompting Panchal to reflect on the profound significance of individual votes, echoing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's philosophy.
'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.
Government destroying rural job guarantee scheme, says Congress as it steps up protest
Congress staged nationwide protests at district headquarters against the alleged rollback of MGNREGA, accusing the Modi government of dismantling the scheme. Party leaders asserted that the lack law seeking to repeal it will be defied, with future actions to be decided on December 27. Left parties have also called for joint protests.
With President's assent, G RAM G replaces UPA-era MGNREGA
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, replacing the UPA-era MGNREGA. The new law guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, enhancing livelihood security and income stability for the poor.
Kerala minister warns schools against Christmas curbs
Kerala's Education Minister V Sivankutty has warned private schools against blocking Christmas celebrations, citing reports of such incidents. He emphasized that the state government will not tolerate divisive religious models and will take strict action against institutions promoting narrow communal interests.
India shuts Chittagong visa operations as tensions rise
India suspended visa operations in Chittagong following protests sparked by the lynching of a Hindu man for alleged blasphemy. New Delhi slammed attempts to equate protests targeting its facilities with a demonstration outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, calling them misleading propaganda.
Mahayuti sweeps Phase 1 of Maharashtra local body polls
The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition has secured a decisive victory in Maharashtra's civic elections, winning nearly 207 out of 288 council and nagar panchayat president posts. This performance mirrors their assembly election success, with the BJP emerging as the biggest gainer. The results consolidate Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's position and are seen as a significant win for the ruling alliance.
'The trauma never goes... but I won't break': Survivor of 2016 NH gang rape
A survivor of a brutal 2016 gang rape on NH-91, now a law student aiming to be a judge, shared her family's harrowing journey of constant relocation and vilification. Despite enduring savage and inhuman treatment and nightmares, they remained united. A recent court conviction offers hope, though healing remains a distant prospect.
Looking at RSS through BJP lens a big mistake: Mohan Bhagwat
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that viewing the Sangh through the BJP's lens is a ig mistake, clarifying the organization's goal is the organization of Hindu society without opposing others. He defined Hindus as those respecting their motherland, irrespective of language or rituals, and urged Muslims to recognize their shared national and cultural identity.
Compensation denial leads to DM house seizure
No 'sovereign immunity' for negligent Army drivers: HC
20 Flights cancelled at Jammu, Srinagar Airports due to adverse weather
Fresh snowfall marks the start of Chillai-Kalan Heavy snow blocks Mughal Road Dense fog triggers traffic advisory in Jammu Jammu Tawi, Dec 21:Flight operations at Jammu and Srinagar airports faced major disruptions on Sunday as dense fog and snowfall reduced visibility, leading to the cancellation of 20 flights. At Jammu Airport, five flights were cancelled [] The post 20 Flights cancelled at Jammu, Srinagar Airports due to adverse weather appeared first on Northlines .
VB- G RAM G Bill gets Presidents Assent
New law enhances statutory employment guarantee to 125 days; Panchayats to lead the future planning New Delhi, Dec 21: The President of India has given assent to theViksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VBG RAM G) Bill, 2025marking a significant milestone in the transformation of rural employment policy. The Act enhances the statutory [] The post VB- G RAM G Bill gets Presidents Assent appeared first on Northlines .
CJIs Bench hits the nail on a problem that the courts were always shy to discuss
Dangers of Judicial decision guided by extraneous considerations By K Raveendran A pointed observation from the apex court has opened an uncomfortable but necessary conversation about judicial integrity, a subject that has long been discussed in hushed tones but rarely confronted head-on within the system itself. A bench of the Supreme Court of India [] The post CJIs Bench hits the nail on a problem that the courts were always shy to discuss appeared first on Northlines .
DELHI FILES: Ignorance, the blame game and AQI
From slow burn to full-blown emergency ARTICLE BY- SOLDIER & MONK For years, Delhis Air Quality Index(AQI) has been a source of alarm. In winter 2025 alone, readings regularly soared above 450, well into the hazardous category, affecting visibility, delaying flights, forcing office and school closures and choking 30 + million residents in [] The post DELHI FILES: Ignorance, the blame game and AQI appeared first on Northlines .
Landslide deaths: Jammu & Kashmir court quashes plea seeking FIR against Vaishno Devi shrine board
A Reasi court dismissed a plea seeking an FIR against Vaishno Devi shrine board officials for the deaths of 35 pilgrims in a landslide, ruling a natural disaster was responsible. The judge stated no criminal negligence was made out, though this doesn't affect the LG's inquiry.
Electoral bonds scrapped by SC, trusts now swell BJP coffers
Scrapping electoral bonds has surprisingly boosted BJP's donations, with electoral trusts disbursing over Rs 3,577 crore in 2024-25. This marks a significant increase, with the party securing 83.6% of all trust contributions. While corporate donors sought anonymity, the BJP remains the primary beneficiary of this funding route.
Kerala government warns against 'communalisation' of schools
NGT pulls up officials over illegal quarrying near Navi Mumbai cancer hospital
Ankit Dewan made casteist remarks; issued threats to female family members: AI Express pilots lawyer
Shiv Sena (UBT)MNS Tie-Up Likely Next Week, Says Sanjay Raut
The proposed alliance has raised concerns within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), particularly from the Congress, which is a key ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT).
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the disruption of a peaceful Sikh Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand, calling it a threat to religious freedom and universal brotherhood. He praised the Sikh community for maintaining restraint despite provocation and urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar to raise the issue with the New Zealand government, as police intervened to ensure the procession could continue safely.
Second killing of Gandhi: Chidambaram hits out at Centre over VB-G RAM G bill, calls it a fraud
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram strongly criticized the Centre's move to replace MGNREGA, calling it the second killing of Mahatma Gandhi. He stated the party will oppose the new VB-G RAM G bill until the original employment guarantee framework is restored, vowing to expose the alleged fraud.
BJP Minority Morcha National President Jamal Siddiqui condemned the lynching of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh, blaming rising radicalisation and alleging growing attacks on minorities. He criticised the Bangladeshi governments response, and said India was closely monitoring the situation. Siddiqui also accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of encouraging radicalisation for political gain, claiming the state risked following a similar path.
2-0 in 2025 elections, can opposition bounce back in 2026?
Following BJP's 2025 victories in Delhi and Bihar, 2026 presents a crucial comeback opportunity for the opposition. Key contests in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry will test incumbent governments and emerging political forces, with updated electoral rolls adding another layer of intrigue to these significant state elections.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking in Kolkata, voiced concerns about live-in relationships, deeming them an unwillingness to accept responsibility. He suggested renunciation for those avoiding marriage. Bhagwat also shared insights from experts, recommending early marriage (19-25) and three children for health and ego management, while acknowledging his personal lack of experience in these matters.
'Might change name': Congress taunts BJP over railways fare hike; slams increasing travel prices
Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan criticized the Union government's recent railway fare hike, stating it will burden the middle and lower middle class before the Union budget. She slammed the increase of Rs 10 per 500 km, impacting long-distance travel costs significantly.
'Confusion at state level': Mallikarjun Kharge on Karnataka CM row; defends Cong high command
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, replacing the MGNREGA. The new law guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually to rural households volunteering for unskilled manual work, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Opposition parties have criticized the move, citing concerns over undermining Mahatma Gandhi's legacy.
'Jago Ma Silenced In Bengal': BJP Slams TMC After Singer Lagnajita Chakraborty Heckled On Stage
Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty alleged that she was heckled and abused on stage for not singing a secular song during a live performance at a private school.
Railways Hikes Train Fares: 12 Paise/Km From Dec 26
New Delhi, Dec 21: The Railway Ministry on Sunday announced an increase in train fares, effective December 26, 2025. Ordinary class passengers traveling beyond 215 km will pay an additional 1 paise per km, while non-AC classes of mail/express trains and all AC classes will see a 2 paise per km hike. Officials clarified that [] The post Railways Hikes Train Fares: 12 Paise/Km From Dec 26 appeared first on Northlines .
Mountain older than memory: How new 'definition' of Aravalli risks undercutting 'Viksit Bharat'
India's ancient Aravalli Range faces a new definition crisis after a Supreme Court ruling. The court accepted a 100-meter elevation threshold for identifying the hills, sparking concerns among environmentalists. Critics argue this narrow view ignores the range's vital ecological functions, potentially opening it to unchecked mining and real estate development, threatening water security and climate stability.
'Congress Ignored Problems Of Farmers, Saving Infiltrators': PM Modi Targets Opposition In Assam
PM Modi said the Congress did not offer any solutions for the problems of farmers and was protecting infiltrators to strengthen their vote bank.
Right To Disconnect, Youtubers To Indigo Chaos: Winter Session Saw Substance Amid The Noise
Even as the opposition and government were up in arms on electoral reforms and Vande Mataram, the winter session managed to strike a fine balance with MPs raising some key issues
Nine Dead, Several Injured as 12 Gunmen Open Fire Near Johannesburg
Johannesburg: At least nine people were killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at a township west of Johannesburg in the early hours of Sunday, South African authorities said. The shooting occurred around 1 am at a tavern in Bekkersdal township, located southwest of Johannesburg, according to details released by the South African [] The post Nine Dead, Several Injured as 12 Gunmen Open Fire Near Johannesburg appeared first on Northlines .
NH-44 Open Amid Inclement Weather; Mughal, Sinthan, SSG Roads Closed Due To Snowfall
Jammu/Srinagar, Dec 21: Traffic is moving on the JammuSrinagar National Highway (NH-44) from both sides as of Sunday morning despite prevailing inclement weather, officials said. An official confirmed that the national highway remains open for vehicular movement amid wet weather conditions. However, the Mughal Road, Sinthan Road and the SrinagarSonamargGumri (SSG) Road have been closed [] The post NH-44 Open Amid Inclement Weather; Mughal, Sinthan, SSG Roads Closed Due To Snowfall appeared first on Northlines .
Need Immediate Decision On Karnataka Tussle: Sudarshan To Kharge As Shivakumar Ramps Up Outreach
Karnataka power tussle: As deputy CM DK Shivakumar ramps up his diplomatic efforts among party veterans, senior leaders are now calling on the central high command to intervene
Security Tightened at Indian Mission, Visa Centre in Bangladesh Amid Protests
DHAKA, Dec 21: Security has been significantly tightened at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and the Indian visa application centre in Bangladeshs Sylhet city amid protests and rising tensions following the death of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, officials said. Additional security deployment was made to ensure that no third party can exploit [] The post Security Tightened at Indian Mission, Visa Centre in Bangladesh Amid Protests appeared first on Northlines .
ISROs LVM3 to Launch Next-Gen Communication Satellite on Dec 24
SRIHARIKOTA, Dec 21: ISROs LVM3-M6 mission is set to launch the next-generation BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite on December 24 under a commercial agreement with US-based AST SpaceMobile, marking a major step toward global direct-to-smartphone connectivity. The mission will deploy the advanced satellite into low Earth orbit to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide, [] The post ISROs LVM3 to Launch Next-Gen Communication Satellite on Dec 24 appeared first on Northlines .
Chillai-Kalan begins: Kashmir sees snow and rain in its higher reaches - watch
Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rain in plains as Chillai-Kalan, the harshest winter period, commenced after a dry spell. Authorities have finalized preparations for potential heavy snowfall, anticipating improved air quality and a boost to winter tourism despite possible hardships.
J&K terror probe: Terrorists take food from village house to forest; search operation launched
Security forces are conducting a major search operation in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, after two terrorists allegedly took food from a villager's home before disappearing into a nearby forest. This joint operation follows a recent encounter in the same region where a policeman lost his life. The combing effort aims to track down the militants.
Railways revises passenger fares again; AC and express travel gets little costlier
J&K: Searches Underway After Terrorists Take Food From House In Udhampur
JAMMU, Dec 21: Security forces on Sunday launched a massive search operation in a village of Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district after terrorists allegedly took food from a local house before escaping into the nearby forest area, officials said. A joint team of police and paramilitary forces began the operation in Chore Motu village and [] The post J&K: Searches Underway After Terrorists Take Food From House In Udhampur appeared first on Northlines .
Its giving 2025: Gen-Z slangs that were caught in 4K this year
Vaishno Devi landslide case: Court rejects FIR plea; calls incident 'natural disaster'
A Katra court has refused to initiate criminal proceedings against Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board officials following a deadly landslide, ruling the incident a natural calamity. The court stated that while administrative lapses may have occurred, they did not meet the threshold for criminal negligence or culpable homicide.
Congress plays down Omars dismissal of vote theft charge
Congress leader Salman Khurshid stated that alliance membership doesn't negate a constituent's political ideology, responding to J&K CM Omar Abdullah's distancing from the vote chori issue. Khurshid also highlighted the fight for Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and questioned the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from MGNREGA.
Being casteist biggest demand of time: Another IAS officer stirs row
Maharashtra CM orders SIT probe in Chandrapur kidney racket case
Maharashtra government formed a special investigation team to probe a Chandrapur kidney racket. Farmers were allegedly coerced by illegal moneylenders to sell kidneys for debt repayment, with one farmer forced into an illegal transplant in Cambodia. The probe also revealed another case of severe financial exploitation in Brahmapuri.
9 years after NH-91 horror, UP court convicts 5 in mother-daughter gangrape, sentencing tomorrow
Nine years after a brutal gang rape and assault on NH-91, a special Pocso court convicted five men. The horrific 2016 incident, where a family was targeted by robbers, shocked the nation and prompted road safety reforms. Forensic evidence proved crucial in securing the convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
Ward boy refills child's nebuliser with 'spirit' at UP hospital, sacked
A ward boy at LLRM Medical College in Meerut was fired after nearly administering spirit instead of water to a child's nebuliser. The inebriated employee's dangerous mistake was caught by colleagues, averting disaster. This follows another recent termination of outsourced staff for assaulting a patient.
SIM-linking stays but government may up auto logout time
The government is firm on its SIM-binding rule for messaging apps to combat cyber fraud and foreign intelligence misuse, despite industry pushback. While the continuous SIM-binding mandate remains, authorities may increase the auto-logout time for web sessions from six hours to 12-18 hours, but not exceeding 24 hours, to address user concerns about workflow disruption.
4th elephant death on rail tracks this year, toll rises to 94 since 2019
2,961 signalling failures a year in South Western Railway: Auditor
The Comptroller and Auditor General has identified nearly 3,000 annual signalling system failures within South Western Railway, highlighting irregular maintenance and repeated non-compliance. Despite declining accident rates, 'Signal Passing At Danger' incidents and potential track diversions remain serious concerns. The audit stresses the urgent need for more effective maintenance to ensure railway safety.
High court seeks report from chief secretary on steps to unclog Shimla traffic
Himachal Pradesh High Court has demanded a comprehensive report from the chief secretary regarding Shimla's persistent traffic woes. Noting a prior action report, the court seeks an update on proposed solutions like ropeways and mass transit, emphasizing the Shimla Smart City Project's involvement. The next hearing is scheduled for March 19.
PM Modi posts on CAA, Lionel Messi mess to target TMC
Prime Minister Modi took to X after leaving Kolkata, addressing CAA concerns for Matua and Namasudra communities, assuring them of dignity and rights. He also criticized Trinamool Congress over the Salt Lake Stadium incident and alleged infiltration from Bangladesh. Trinamool countered, calling his statements damage control and questioning his script.
