Photo: Maoists killed in gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand

Three Maoists, including one carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhands Hazaribag district on Monday morning, police said. The encounter broke out in the Pantitri forest under the Gorhar Police Station limits around 6 am between the squad of Sahdev Soren of the 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 .

Naxalism completely eradicated from Jharkhand's Bokaro region, says Home Minister Amit Shah

RANCHI: Elated with the achievement of security forces in Jharkhands Hazaribagh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Naxalism has been completely eradicated from the Bokaro region in northern Jharkhand. The entire country will be free from the Naxal problem, he said. In an X post, Shah expressed, Today, in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, a joint team of the CRPF's Cobra Battalion and the state police has achieved a major success in an anti-Naxal operation. In this operation, the notorious Naxal commander with a Rs 1 crore bounty, Central Committee Member of CPI(Maoist) Sahdev Soren alias Parvesh, has been eliminated. Additionally, two others wanted Naxals, Raghunath Hembram alias Chanchal and Birsen Ganjhu alias Ramkhelawan, have also been gunned down by the security forces. CRPF 1 , , - Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 15, 2025 Earlier on Sunday, Jharkhand police had also gunned down a wanted Maoist Mukhdeo Yadav, a member of the banned Maoist organisation, Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), during an encounter. The fierce encounter took place between security forces and TSPC in the Manatu jungles of Palamu, lasted for several hours. Notably, as Police action against Maoists and organised criminals have been intensified in Jharkhand, on average three encounters have taken place every month during the last eight months in the state. A total of 30 Maoists and three notorious criminals have been killed in police encounters by the security forces across Jharkhand in different districts. Meanwhile, five security personnel have also been martyred during those encounters. 'Modi government won't rest until Naxals are surrendered, caught or eliminated': Amit Shah

CRPF-CoBRA joint strike eliminates 3 more Naxal leaders with Rs. 1.35 Cr bounty in Jharkhand

Rain lashes Jharkhand; heavy rain alert issued for 16 districts

The IMD issued a yellow alert for East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Simdega, Seraikela-Kharswan, Deoghar, Dumka, Giridih, Jamtara and a few other districts

Maoist Carrying Rs 1 Crore Bounty On Head Among Killed In Gunfight In Jharkhand

The encounter broke out in the Pantitri forest under the Gorhar police station limits around 6 a.m. between the squad of Sahdev Soren of the banned CPI (Maoist) and security forces.

Maoist carrying Rs 1 cr bounty on head among 3 red rebels killed in gunfight

Ranchi: Three Maoists, including one carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhands Hazaribag district on Monday morning, police said. The encounter broke out in the Pantitri forest under the Gorhar Police Station limits around 6 am between the squad of Sahdev Soren of 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 .

Maoist carrying Rs 1 crore bounty among 3 red rebels killed in gunfight in Jharkhand

RANCHI: Three Maoists, including one carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Monday morning, police said. The encounter broke out in the Pantitri forest under the Gorhar police station limits around 6 am between the squad of Sahdev Soren of the banned CPI (Maoist) and security forces, a senior officer said. The bodies of Sahadev Soren, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore, and two other Maoists have been recovered during the search operation, he said. The search operation is still going on.

Top Maoist Commander With Rs 1 Crore Bounty, 2 Others Killed In Jharkhand Encounter

The fight broke out in the forests of Pantitri under Gorhar police station limits during a joint operation by troops of the 209 CoBRA unit and the state police.

Maoist carrying 1 cr bounty on head among three killed in gunfight in Jharkhand

The encounter broke out in the Pantitri forest under the Gorhar police station limits around 6 a.m.

Maoist carrying Rs 1 crore bounty on head among 3 red rebels killed in gunfight in Jharkhand

In Jharkhand's Hazaribag district, a fierce gunfight erupted between security forces and Maoists in the Pantitri forest. The clash resulted in the death of three Maoists, including Sahdev Soren, who had a significant bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of the bodies, and a search operation is currently underway in the area.

Jharkhand: Maoists Carrying 1 Crore Bounty Among 3 Killed in Encounter

Sahdev Soren, a central committe member, had a bounty of 1 crore on his head, police said.

Insider track | V-Ps oath sparks superstition talk

When CP Radhakrishnan took the oath as Indias 15th Vice-President last Friday, his red shirt caught as much attention as the timing of the ceremony. It fell squarely within Pitra Paksha, a fortnight that Hindus generally consider inauspicious for fresh beginnings. Whispers echo in political corridors was this an oversight, or a calculated choice? Some argue the Suns strength, symbolised by red, shields the V-P from ill effects. Others recall that the previous V-P, Jagdeep Dhankhar, resigned suddenly, sparking murmurs about vastu flaws in the Vice-Presidents new enclave. While most dismiss it as superstition, the chatter persists: did the RSS-linked V-P deliberately align with astrological counsel, or did faith give way to formality? In Delhis political grapevine, even timing becomes destiny. Dynasty Returns in Bihar Polls Bihar, headed into polls this October and November, is abuzz with talk of political dynasties staging a comeback. Sons, grandsons, a granddaughter, and even a daughter-in-law of seven former chief ministers plus the son of the current CM Nitish Kumar are tipped to test their fortunes. Nishant Kumar, Nitishs son, may contest despite his fathers aversion to dynastic politics. From the RJD camp, Tej Pratap Yadav could follow his brother Tejashwis footsteps into the Assembly. Nitish Mishra, son of late CM Jagannath Mishra, is eyeing Jhanjharpur on a BJP ticket, while Karpoori Thakurs granddaughter Dr. Jagriti could enter from Jan Suraj. Speculation swirls around Lalus estranged daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai. She is also the granddaughter of the late CM Daroga Prasad Rai. Bihars political battleground, it seems, will echo with many family voices this time. Deepa Manjhi, daughter-in-law of former CM and Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, has plans to contest from a seat in Gaya district. Nikhil Mandal, grandson of the late CM, B.P. Mandal, and S.K. Singh, son of the late CM, Satish K. Singh, are also likely candidates. RJD, LJP flex poll muscles As Bihar heads to the polls, two regional parties the RJD and the LJP (RV) are making their senior partners uneasy. Both have hinted they could contest all 243 seats, sending a subtle warning to allies. Tejashwi Yadavs remark, ready to contest from 243 seats, was read as a nudge to the Congress, whose presence in Bihar politics has faded to the margins. Chirag Paswan of LJP (RV), meanwhile, continues to style himself as Modis Hanuman, asserting his partys readiness to go it alone if needed. Yet, with equal ease, he tempers his tone: Being in alliance means contesting on all seats. Behind the smiles and slogans, the message is clear in Bihars high-stakes chessboard, regional players want to be treated as equals. Railways key to 2029 campaign pitch The BJP seems to be scripting its 2029 campaign on the steel backbone of Indian Railways. Party leaders speak of railing the Opposition through railways. It is learnt that the massive work being carried out by Indian Railways is intended to be one of the main USPs in 2029 connecting areas long bereft of rail services, and running trains to reach the pulse of common people who, until now, lacked railway connectivity. Projects in previously inaccessible areas, such as the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla link in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bairabi-Sairang line in Mizoram, the Ratlam-Nagda upgrade in Madhya Pradesh, and the Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat stretch in Jharkhand, are likely to be among the headline achievements. The political message is simple: connecting villages and towns equals connecting voters. Simian trouble in power corridors For decades, bureaucrats in Delhis high-security North and South Blocks had unlikely co-workers monkeys. From stealing files to startling diplomats, the simians became part of Raisina Hill lore. However, with ministries shifting out, no more guarding tiffins or shooing away troops of langurs mid-meeting. Yet, with the Blocks falling silent, a new worry rises. The colonial buildings are set to host artefacts in the upcoming Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum. Officials fear the same monkeys, roaming unchecked, could damage priceless relics displayed in courtyards. From nuisance to heritage threat, the monkey saga has entered a new chapter. Kartavya Bhawan appeals to some While senior CSS officers may dislike the new, compact, open workstations at Kartavya Bhavan-3, junior staff find the relocation from North Block appealing. The latter appreciate its location near Janpath and Connaught Place, which provides them with convenient access to shopping during work breaks. At an informal briefing, Union Minister Jitendra Singh observed that younger employees seem content, possibly due to this proximity, countering assumptions of widespread dissatisfaction with the move.

Now, RJD threatens to contest all 243 seats in Bihar assembly election

PATNA: AMID the ongoing seat-sharing talks within the Opposition INDIA bloc for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav sparked controversy by declaring that the RJD would contest all 243 seats. Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarpur late on Saturday evening, Tejashwi said, We will return. Understand this, You all have to stay united, and this time, Tejashwi will contest elections on 243 seats. Whether it is Kanti, Muzaffarpur, or Gaighat, Tejashwi will contest elections from every place. This government, which has been in power for 20 years, which works to spread communal violence, has to be ousted, he said. Tejashwis remarks are being seen in political circles as a pressure tactic at a time when seat sharing talks within INDIA bloc are stuck. However, RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari downplayed Tejashwis remarks, and said he meant to say that elections would be contested under his (Tejashwis) leadership. So, he will contest all seats. Tejashwis remarks would not impact the alliance as INDIA bloc candidates would be fielded on all 243 seats under Tejashwis leadership. It should not be read beyond that, Tiwari said, adding that INDIA bloc was intact. Seat sharing negotiations in INDIA bloc have got trickier with the possible entry of Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and former union minister Pashupati Parass Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP). Launching a blistering attack on the states NDA government, Tejashwi at the workers event said that businessmen were being kidnapped and killed daily in the state, and corruption had reached its peak, with the poor being exploited from local police stations to the state headquarters. Earlier this week, AICC in-charge of Bihar Krishna Allavaru suggested that RJD should show more flexibility in seatsharing deal. Sources said Congress wants to contest 70 seats that it fought in the 2020 elections, while RJD is ready to offer it 52 seats. Among NDA allies, Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) has said it will contest 100 seats if it is not offered 15-20 seats in the upcoming election.

Maoist linked to 2 cop killings shot in Jharkhand encounter

TSPC Commander with Rs 5 Lakh Bounty Killed in Jharkhand Encounter

Security forces gun down Maoist leader Mukhdev Yadav in Palamu; rifle recovered from the spot

Amit Khare Appointed As Secretary To Vice President CP Radhakrishnan

Amit Khare is an IAS officer of the 1985 batch from the Bihar/Jharkhand Cadre. He has been serving as Advisor to the Prime Minister since October 12, 2021.

Amit Khare appointed Secretary to Vice-President after distinguished career in public service

NEW DELHI: A day after CP Radhakrishnan took the oath as Indias 15th Vice-President on 12 September, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of retired Jharkhand cadre IAS officer (1985 batch) Amit Khare as Secretary to the Vice-President of India. As per the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on Sunday, Khares appointment will be on a contractual basis, in the rank and pay of Secretary, for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge of the post. Prior to this appointment, Khare had been serving as Advisor to the Prime Minister in the PMO since 12 October 2021, handling matters related to the social sector in the Prime Ministers Office. Earlier, he had also held several key positions in the Central and State Governments during his distinguished career in public service. Khare served the Government of India for six years as Joint Secretary, Higher Education (August 2008August 2014), where he dealt with UNESCO, Education Policy, and Book Promotion & Copyrights. He also worked as Secretary, HRD, Government of Jharkhand, and as Vice-Chancellor of Ranchi University. As Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance-cum-Planning in Jharkhand, he is credited with introducing wide-ranging reforms such as pre-budget consultations, performance budgeting, gender budgeting, sectoral budgeting, financial inclusion, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and the implementation of various Central and State sector schemes. He joined the Government of India as Secretary, Information & Broadcasting, on 31 May 2018 and subsequently served as Secretary, School Education & Literacy, and Secretary, Higher Education. Khare was part of the core team that formulated and implemented the National Education Policy, 2020. Khare is a graduate of St Stephens College in Delhi and holds a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from IIM Ahmedabad. He is also widely noted for his role in exposing the infamous Fodder Scam of Bihar.

Wanted Maoist Mukhdev Yadav gunned down in encounter with security forces

RANCHI: Days after the death of its two jawans in a Maoist attack, Jharkhand police have gunned down Mukhdeo Yadav, a member of banned Maoist organisation, Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), during an encounter early in the morning on Sunday. The fierce encounter, which took place between security forces and TSPC in the Manatu jungles of Palamu, lasted for several hours. Palamu SP Rishma Rameshan confirmed the encounter and said that a Maoist, Mukhdev Yadav, carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head, was killed in the encounter. According to police sources, his dead body has been recovered along with an INSAS Rifle from the spot. More than 200 soldiers, along with the contingents of Cobra Battalion, Palamu Police and Jharkhand Jaguar, were involved in this operation. Notably, there was an encounter between security forces and TSPC Maoists in the Kedal area of Manatu on September 3, during which, two jawans of Palamu Police were martyred. The police launched a massive operation against the Maoists following the incident and gunned down the wanted Maoist in the encounter on Sunday. Police sources informed that the recent operation is being carried out to eliminate the same squad that had attacked the security forces on September 5. Mukhdev Yadav was also involved in that incident. Two maoists killed in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur gunfight as security forces intensify operations The police and paramilitary forces have surrounded the area from all sides and started a search operation, banning the entry of anyone into the forest. According to the information received from the local police, the security forces have launched a special operation to nab TSPC Chief Shashikant Ganjhu, who has a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head. As soon as the jawans entered the dense forests of Manatu, the Maoists started firing on them, following which, the security forces also opened fire in retaliation killing Mukhdeo Yadav. The firing from both sides continued for several hours. According to police, Shashikant Ganjhu has been under surveillance for a long time and it is difficult for him to get out of that area. Along with Shashikant Ganjhu, about 8 to 10 Maoists are said to be active in his region, including the wanted Maoist Nageena. Security forces are considering this as the one of the biggest operations till date. The operation will continue until the entire squad is wiped out, they said. Meanwhile, continuous search operations are being carried out in the area and the police have also appealed to the villagers to remain alert.

UP Man Files FIR over Elephant Theft in Jharkhand's Palamu

The female elephant, which was on its way to Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh from Ranchi, was allegedly stolen in Palamu

This Jharkhand village, spread over 87 hectares, is home to just one family of 40, they receive...

Even though only one family lives in Chengre, government benefits still reach them.

Thieves Who Took Shower After Slitting Woman's Throat At Her Hyderabad Residence, Arrested

A 50-year-old woman was murdered in her flat in Hyderabad. The accused, who allegedly fled with gold and cash, are arrested from Jharkhand.

Cyberabad Police Nabs 2 Persons Involved in Renu Agarwals Murder

The special teams went to Jharkhand and arrested the two accused Harsha and Roshan

An engineering marvel: Newly built Bairabi-Sairang railway line set to become Mizoram's gateway to growth

AIZAWL: When a two-coach special train carrying railway officials arrived at the newly built platform near Sairang, 85-year-old Satwna stood motionless with his eyes fixed on the gleaming train that had just rolled in. His wrinkled hands trembled in excitement as he touched the metallic surface of the vistadome coach. For the first time in his life, the octogenarian from nearby Darlawng village who spent his entire lifetime in the hills of Mizoram had a glimpse of a train. I had heard about trains, but never thought that I would be able to see one rolling on my land. My dream came true, he said in the local Lushai language softly. Satwna has never been to any place outside Mizoram. He hoped people of his area could now easily move out of the hill state for jobs, education and advanced healthcare. With green hills sweeping into the misty air, buildings dotting the slopes and miles of bamboo and banana forests, Mizoram is considered one of the most beautiful yet remote states in India. But for the people of the hilly land, the dream of railway connectivity remained elusive for decades. The state had just 5 km of metre-gauge line from the Assam border to Bairabi in Kolasib district until the Bairabi-Sairang project was sanctioned in 2008-09. The Indian Railways has recently completed the 51.38 km new line connecting Bairabi with Sairang, about 17 km from capital city Aizawl and 15 km from Lengpui airport, linking Mizoram to the countrys rail network for the first time. Sairang railway station The project suffered delays due to numerous challenges, including landslide-prone difficult terrain, inclement weather, and lack of construction materials and workforce. Despite challenges, the project was fast-tracked with an eco-sensitive approach by constructing more tunnels and elevated viaducts to minimise on-site deforestation and destruction of habitats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had laid the foundation stone in 2014, is scheduled to inaugurate the newly built railway line on Saturday. Once the trains are flagged off, Mizoram will be the fourth northeastern state to have its capital linked to the national railway grid. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said it is a historic moment for Mizoram as the state gets connected to the railway network. The Prime Minister will also flag off three trains, including a Rajdhani Express to Delhi, tri-weekly to Kolkata and a daily Mizoram Express to Guwahati, he said. Engineering marvel Built at a cost of around Rs 8,000 crore, the railway line is not just historic, but also an engineering marvel after the Chenab rail section in the Kashmir valley and Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu. The line snakes through 45 tunnels covering a distance of nearly 12.85 km, besides 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges and six road underbridges, a feat achieved in one of the most challenging terrains in the Northeast. One of the most iconic structures is the bridge No. 196, towering at 114 metres, taller than Delhis iconic Qutub Minar by 42 metres. Rising from the deep green valleys near Sairang station, it is now a signature symbol of the project. The longest tunnel (No. 40) stretches for more than 1.37 km. For railway engineers, the entire period of construction was a battle with nature. Even though the railways built over 200 km of road to carry construction materials to different locations for the 51.38 km new railway line, the construction team faced immense difficulties in getting materials transported. The tragic bridge collapse that killed 26 workers in 2023 also failed to dampen the spirit. One of the 45 tunnels along the railway line Principal chief engineer Vinod Kumar said the project was a challenging task in every aspect. The men and materials were sourced from various states. While crushed stones were brought from Assam, West Bengal and Jharkhand, sand was procured from Assam. The reinforcement rods were brought from Kolkata and the steel girders from Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Maharashtra. Labourers were from West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, he said. Carrying girders to the construction site was such a huge logistical challenge that, Kumar said, they had to carry them up to Bairabi using the rail network and then to different sites by making special transportation arrangements. Sometimes it took more than a month to complete a day's work due to the logistic issues, he said. Gateway to growth The Bairabi-Sairang railway line is expected to reshape the states economy by lowering transport costs, creating jobs and boosting tourism. The cost of commodities is estimated to fall by at least 20 per cent, making life in the state more affordable to the more than 12 lakh people of Mizoram. As per estimates, Mizorams Gross State Domestic Product will grow at an annual rate of Rs 500 crore to Rs 700 crore due to the railway connectivity. A village head C Zonunsanga said construction materials, vegetables, rice, and even petrol become costlier every time the highway gets blocked due to landslides. The railway connectivity is a major gift to the people of the region after Independence. We hope it will help our state and its citizens prosper, he said. Farmers also expect opportunities. Mizoram grows orange, guava and pineapple in abundance along with ginger and turmeric, but struggles to sell the produce outside the state. Currently, post-harvest losses due to poor transport in the Northeast average around 25 to 30 per cent. We often sell at throwaway prices because transport is costly and roads are unreliable. The income will definitely increase as the railway will extend direct access to other city markets, said Lalranthara Rama, a local. A view of the city of Aizawl Apart from the logistics, the new railway line is set to give a much needed boost to the states tourism sector. The state government estimates that tourist arrivals would increase by 50 per cent within the next five years, an influx that would drive up sales in hotels, homestays, handicraft markets and transport services. The new line will bring in more visitors as travel to Aizawl has always been expensive and tiring. With trains, tourists can reach faster through Assam. It will help local youths get jobs, said Amuana Tlau, a car driver. While many welcomed the economic opportunities the new rail link promises, sections of the population expressed fears about cultural dilution and demographic changes. Some also flagged concerns over the social impact due to the increased migration. We have been waiting for better connectivity for decades. It will make goods cheaper, travel easier and transcend business. Simultaneously, we are worried about the influx of outsiders. We want development without affecting our Mizo identity, said VT Muani, a waiter. Officials, however, stressed that improved connectivity will help create jobs and boost the states economy. General manager of North East Frontier Railway Chetan Shrivastava said the rain line will ease passenger movement, cut freight costs and lessen the states reliance on fragile road links. It has been planned to flag off at least three trains on the day of inauguration. The number of trains will increase depending on the volume of traffic. There are plans to expand the line further up to the Myanmar border for which a survey is underway, Shrivastava added.

Madhya Pradesh villagers biometric data misused to issue fake SIMs for national, international cyber frauds

BHOPAL: Villagers in Madhya Pradesh are increasingly falling prey to multi-layered rackets that misuse their identification details to source fake SIM cards, fueling inter-state and international cyber frauds run from countries like Cambodia and Thailand. Ongoing crackdown by the MP Police against rackets sourcing fake SIM cards to be used for cyber crimes across the country and abroad have stumbled upon an increasingly prevalent modus operandi of some SIM card point-of-sale (PoS) who are using identification details, particularly biometric data (especially thumb impression/fingerprint details) to issue SIM cards in bulk for use by the cyber fraud rackets. Our detailed investigations and analysis has revealed that in around 60% cases of fake SIM cards, the thumb impression/fingerprints of people aged particularly between 18 and 45 years, especially those from rural areas, have been used to supply SIM cards for use by cyber fraud rackets operating from Indian states, like Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, UP and Delhi, besides international cyber crime syndicates operating from South East Asian nations, particularly Cambodia and Thailand, superintendent of police (SP-Cyber Cell Bhopal) Pranay Nagwanshi told the TNIE on Friday. As per sources connected with the ongoing crackdown against the PoS indulgent in issuing fake SIM cards to cyber fraudsters, Villagers going to such PoS to get new SIM cards are often asked deliberately to give their thumb impressions on the thumb impression machines on the pretext that their thumb impressions arent getting properly scanned for verification purposes. While the impression is used just once to issue a SIM card to the concerned villager, the same impression, which was taken multiple times by the SIM card PoS, is then used to generate more SIM cards, which are handed over subsequently to local facilitators who supply them to cyber fraud rackets. The other most prevalent modus operandi is that many SIM card PoS are actually using men in rural areas, who in the lure of quick money are bringing their relatives and friends to the such PoS in the name of getting them registered for benefits under various government schemes and using their identification details, including fingerprints to generate fake SIM cards for cyber fraud syndicates. According to Nagwanshi, everyone who is giving fingerprint/thumb impressions on devices at SIM cards PoS, should be alert and question why the staff at the PoS is asking for the thumb impression/fingerprint scanning multiple times, to prevent their genuine ID details from being used to generate SIM cards for use by cyber fraudsters, including those indulging in Digital Arrests. These alarming revelations have been made during the ongoing Operation FAST (Forged-Activated-SIM-Termination) of the MP Police, which is being carried out across the state jointly by the state polices cyber cell and district police forces. The basis of Operation FAST is the detailed info provided to the MP Police by the Ministry of Home Affairs I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre). As per the data, as many as 6200 complaints from various states on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal were related to 7500 fake SIM cards issued by 3824 PoS across MP. Under the first phase of the Operation, which began 15 days back, the police have registered 50 FIRs against 94 SIM Card PoS and agents in 20 districts and 44 people have been arrested so far. As many as 100 fake SIM cards and seven thumb impression machines have also been seized. Similar operations are underway in the 35 remaining districts of the state based on the information given by the I4C. Were also working on regularly carrying out similar operations based on cyber fraud complaints being made directly to us in the state about mobile phone numbers being frequently used by cyber thugs, Nagwanshi added. In the next phase, we will probe the backward and forwards linkages of these notorious SIM card PoS, including the possibility of the cellular service providers staffs collusion with the tainted PoS and the facilitators getting bulk SIM cards for cyber fraud rackets from such point-of-sale contacts, he maintained. The hotspot districts so far The ongoing Operation FAST which, has so far covered 20 of the 55 districts in the state, has revealed that five districts, including Sidhi, Chhatarpur, Datia, Dindori and Shivpuri, have emerged as the prime hotspots of such SIM Card PoS, which are supplying fake SIM cards to cyber fraudsters. In each of these districts, more than 100 such SIM cards have been issued by the dubious PoS. Sidhi, which is located in the Vindhya region and is neighboured by Eastern UP, has emerged as the biggest such hotspot, with around 1000 such SIM cards having been issued by the dubious SIM Card PoS there, Nagwanshi said. This latest revelation means that the Vindhya region (which is neighboured by UP and Chhattisgarh both) is not just a fertile land of mule accounts (bank accounts used by criminals to receive, transfer or launder illegal money with or without the knowledge/complicity of the actual account holders), but also a hub for supply of fake SIM cards to cyber fraud rackets. In the past, there have been multiple cases of suspected hawala money, money meant for suspected terrorist and spying activities and money generated from cyber fraud, having been parked in mule accounts of people living in various parts of MPs Vindhya region, particularly Satna, Rewa, Maihar, Katni and Umaria districts. The second set of fake SIM cards hotspot districts, includes Gwalior, Indore, Damoh, Morena and Jabalpur districts.

Delhi terror alert: Police bust jihadi group plotting suicide bomb blast, Shiv Sena leaders killing, and caliphate in India

Delhi Police's special cell has reportedly thwarted a major terror plot by arresting five individuals across multiple states. The suspects, allegedly radicalized and inspired by extremist ideologies, were planning targeted killings of right-wing politicians and aimed to establish a terror training base in Jharkhand.

Coal minister Kishan Reddy unveils key safety, welfare initiative for workers

RANCHI: The Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy has announced significant measures focusing on enhancing safety and welfare for coal sector workers. While talking to media persons in Ranchi, he also highlighted Indias achievements in coal production and the governments plans to boost critical mineral exploration. These initiatives highlight the government's commitment to protecting workers and boosting socio-economic development in coal-dependent communities. The Union Coal Minister said that starting September 17, the ex gratia payment for coal workers will be increased from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. He also announced an additional insurance cover of Rs 1 crore for coal workers, over and above the schemes currently provided by public sector coal firms. Contractual coal workers will also be covered with an insurance benefit of Rs 40 lakh. Uniforms for all employees, ranging from mining workers to Chairmen and Managing Directors (CMDs), will be introduced from September 17, said the minister. This initiative coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday and Vishwakarma Puja, symbolising a push for equality and unity within the organisation, he added. According to the minister, the role of coal and mining is crucial to achieving the goal of a self-reliant India. Energy security is a huge task, and the coal ministry is working tirelessly to achieve it, he said. Reddy also highlighted that, for the first time, India has crossed the milestone of producing one billion tonnes of coal. Acting on Prime Minister Modis directions, the country now maintains coal stocks sufficient for 25 days, compared to much lower levels earlier, he said. The minister further said that this year, coal imports have reduced compared to last year, saving valuable foreign currency. Reddy also informed that the government has launched a National Critical Mineral Mission in view of rising global demand. The mission will focus on boosting production, research, and development in the sector, he said. Lithium exploration has already started in Argentina, and exploration work is also underway in Zambia, he said. Acknowledging Jharkhands significant contribution to India's mining sector, Reddy emphasised the central government's commitment to resolving outstanding royalty dues with the state. A committee has been established to address this issue, with Reddy assuring that the matter will be resolved soon, highlighting the government's equitable treatment of all states. Referring to the illegal mining-related accidents, the minister expressed concern and said the ministry is in constant touch with state governments to strengthen safety and security measures, especially around abandoned mines. Reddy further informed that an Integrated Control and Command Centre has been set up at the Central Coalfields Limited headquarters in Ranchi. The centre uses AI-driven technology to enhance the safety of miners and to curb illegal mining activities. The minister said the welfare initiatives announced will directly benefit lakhs of coal workers across the country, while the broader focus on energy security, domestic coal production, and critical mineral exploration is aimed at securing Indias long-term economic and strategic interests.

Non-confrontational, rooted in RSS: C P Radhakrishnan begins new chapter as Vice President

NEW DELHI: Named after first Vice President S Radhakrishnan and strongly rooted in the RSS and the BJP, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan brings with him a rich political and administrative experience as the 15th vice president of India, which his supporters believe will also prove handy in his role as the ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Seen as a soft-spoken and non-confrontational leader, the 67-year-old Radhakrishnan took oath on Friday . He succeeds Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned as vice president on July 21, taking everyone by surprise. Radhakrishnan is the third leader from Tamil Nadu to occupy the coveted post. Dhankhar was known for his frequent run-ins with the Opposition, and had even faced an impeachment notice from them. Described as a 'Pachai Tamizhan' (true-blue Tamil) by well-wishers, Radhakrishnan was serving as the governor of Maharashtra when he was named as the vice presidential nominee of the BJP-led NDA. On Tuesday, when he was elected as the vice president, his mother Janaki Ammal fondly recalled the story behind his name. When my son was born, the then President Radhakrishnan was in office. He was a teacher, and I too was a teacher. In his memory, I named my son after him. At that time, my husband looked at me and asked, 'are you giving this name because you want your son to become the President one day?' After 62 years, just as my husband had said, it has come true, she had told reporters in Tamil Nadu. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday described his election to the second-highest Constitutional post as a victory of the nationalistic ideology and vowed to work towards making India a developed nation by 2047. He won the vice presidential election by bagging 452 votes, while the opposition candidate, B Sudershan Reddy, polled 300 votes. The other side camp (opposition alliance) said that this (election) is an ideological fight, but from the voting pattern, we understand that the nationalistic ideology has emerged victorious, Radhakrishnan said in his first public remarks after the win. It is a victory for every Indian; we all have to work together. If we have to develop Viksit Bharat by 2047, which means we should not do politics in everything, now we will have to concentrate on development, he had said. CP Radhakrishnan elected Vice President of India; know all about him A two-term member of the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore during the tenure of prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Radhakrishnan came close to becoming a Union minister, but had to lose out to fellow Tamilian Pon Radhakrishnan in 1998 after some confusion over his name by the then floor managers of the BJP. Radhakrishnan joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a teenager and rose through the ranks in the organisation and later in the BJP, gaining acceptability in the party and the state. A member of the socially dominant and economically prosperous Kongu Vellalar Gounder community, he became the secretary of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit in 1996 and served as the party's state unit president between 2003 and 2006. An avid sportsperson, Radhakrishnan was a college champion in table tennis and a long-distance runner. He also enjoys cricket and volleyball. Radhakrishnan is considered an untainted leader with rich political and administrative experience for the vice president's office and this would also prove useful as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states. His Parliamentary interventions were always incisive. During his gubernatorial tenures, he focused on addressing challenges faced by common citizens. These experiences ensured that he has vast knowledge of legislative and Constitutional matters. I am confident he will be an inspiring vice president, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said after the NDA chose Radhakrishnan as the vice presidential candidate. The Tamil Nadu leader is said to be held in high esteem across party lines in his state, resulting in the BJP giving him multiple gubernatorial assignments in Jharkhand, Telangana, Maharashtra and Puducherry. Radhakrishnan's candidature also seeks to disarm the Opposition of a key political narrative, as he is the first OBC leader from South India to be named for the vice-president's office. An official profile circulated by the NDA projects Radhakrishnan as a leader who is eminent, knowledgeable and untainted by any legal accusations. Radhakrishnan's political innings started with his association with organisations such as the RSS and the Jan Sangh. He took up student politics and has since used politics as a medium to serve the people. Radhakrishnan's track record of holding electoral, organisational and constitutional responsibilities shows that he is set to create history as the vice president of India. He was sworn in as the governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024. Before this, he served as the governor of Jharkhand for nearly one-and-a-half years. Born on October 20, 1957, at Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Starting as an RSS swayamsevak at the age of 16, he became a state executive committee member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974. Between 2004 and 2007, Radhakrishnan served as the Tamil Nadu BJP president. In this role, he undertook a 19,000-km 'Rath Yatra' that lasted for 93 days. Congress reminds VP-elect of impartiality, recalls Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's 1952 warning on democracy

Uttarakhand's Nepali heartache: Families divided by unrest await to reach out to loved ones

DEHRADUN: A wave of profound anxiety has swept through the Nepali community residing in Uttarakhand, particularly in Pithoragarh and Dehradun, following the outbreak of violence and civil unrest in Nepal. With communication lines severely hampered, many are struggling to reach their loved ones, leaving them grappling with an agonising silence. Nepali people here are desperately attempting to ascertain the situation back home, but phone calls to family members are often being unanswered. While some migrant Nepalis have managed to connect using expensive Nepali SIM cards, the high cost restricts prolonged conversations. We can only advise them to stay indoors and look after the children and elderly, one resident shared, highlighting the limited support they can offer from afar. We are physically here, maybe, but mentally, we are entirely consumed by the events unfolding in Nepal, expressed a concerned migrant. The unrest, fueled by anti-corruption protests and a ban on social media, has left the community deeply unsettled. The communication blackout has left many completely unaware of what is happening, deepening their fear. Sandeep Bohra, a Nepali resident in Pithoragarh, said, My mother Gaura, father Beer Bahadur, and other family members live in Bajhang. We spoke three days ago, but there has been no contact since then. There's no other way for me to reach them. Vikram Dhami, another local, shared a similar plight: My mother and wife are in Nepal. I came here to earn a living, but now I have no idea about their situation. For Ramesh Ram of Gothilapani, the situation is particularly distressing. I managed to speak to my family using a recharged phone, but it was very expensive. Earlier, social media was a cheap way to communicate, but the ban in Nepal has made things much harder, he lamented. Mahesh Ram, whose family is split between Pithoragarh and Nepal, confirmed, I haven't been able to speak to my brother or other relatives since the violence began. The concern extends beyond Pithoragarh to Dehradun, where the Nepali-origin population is equally distraught. Nepal's youth vs the 'nepo kids': A generation rises against a broken system Jharkhand BJP warns Hemant government of Nepal-like consequences if youngsters in State unite Shriram from Motihari, now residing in Pithoragarh, after watching videos of the protests, noted, The younger generation appears most agitated. It won't be easy to contain their anger. If the movement is forcibly suppressed, the future consequences could be very dangerous. In Dehradun, Surya Vikram Shahi worries for his family in Nepal. I've only managed to speak to one brother since the violent protests started; other family members' phones are unreachable, he said, highlighting that his anxiety is mounting daily. Urmila Tamang, whose two daughters-in-law are of Nepali origin, shared their distress. They married and came to Dehradun years ago, but this violence has left them in tears, consumed by worry for their families. Sona Shahi of Chandrabani, whose maternal home is in Nepal, has been filled with apprehension since the news of the unrest broke. Notably, the current events have also brought back memories of past turmoil. Pranjal Karki of Baitadi recalled, In 1996, there was an anti-monarchy movement in Nepal. Then, in 2008, the Maoists won, and the monarchy ended. Something or the other has been happening continuously since then. This historical context only adds to the community's deep-seated fears for the future. 'Peace will soon return to trouble-torn Nepal,' says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Jharkhand BJP warns Hemant government of Nepal-like consequences if youngsters in State unite

RANCHI: Drawing comparisons to Nepals political turmoil, Jharkhand State BJP has issued a stern warning to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, cautioning that if the state's youngsters unite against the state administration, then it could lead to significant repercussions. Jharkhand State BJP on Thursday staged demonstrations Akrosh Pradarshan across 264 blocks of the State, demanding a CBI probe into the alleged fake encounter of former BJP leader Surya Hansda on the behest of the Hemant Soren government and the conspiracy being hatched to forcibly grab the tribal land from the rayyats in the name of Hospital Project. Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das, while speaking during an Akrosh Pradarshan, said that the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand should be aware that it will have to face Nepal-like consequences if youth get united here. BJP delegation urges governors intervention in Surya Hansdas fake encounter and land acquisition row Today's movement is a symbolic movement to warn the Hemant government. If the government does not wake up, then it will expand into a bigger movement by mobilising the people of this state, said Raghubar Das. Looking at the situation in Nepal, the government should be aware that if the youth unite against corruption, unemployment and bad governance, then they will not wait for 5 years; they will overthrow this syndicate-based corrupt government, he added. According to Das, when entire Jharkhand was mourning the death of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren and his shraddha karma was being conducted, the syndicate government of Jharkhand killed a social worker and tribal youth working against corruption in a fake encounter. Most remarkably, it was said by police that a squad of 40-50 people had attacked them. My question is whether only Surya Hansda ji was shot. Secondly, no one else involved in the attack has been identified by the police to date, said Das. What other proof can there be that Surya Hansda was killed in a fake encounter?, he questioned. Das further added that Surya Hansda's mother and wife have demanded a CBI inquiry into the case. I too demand a CBI inquiry, said the former Chief Minister. State BJP President and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi also targeted the State Government saying, Rampant killing of tribal people and the loot of agricultural land of the farmers is taking place in what they call, Abua Raj (peoples own government). Surya Hansda had become a thorn in the eyes of the mafia and middlemen because he had been opposing the large-scale loot of minerals. The state government is the patron of middlemen, and mineral mafia; Surya Hansda was brutally murdered at its behest, said Marandi. The so-called encounter is completely fake and hence, the BJP wants a CBI inquiry into this murder so that the truth can come out, he added. Marandi said that on one hand tribals are being murdered in the Hemant government and on the other hand, the agricultural land of the peasants is being looted in the name of RIMS 2. A memorandum was also handed over to Governor Santosh Gangwar seeking a CBI probe into the murder of social political activist Surya Hansda and to get back the land of the farmers of Nagri which is being snatched in the name of RIMS-2.

Pakistan-backed terror module busted; five individuals across India arrested in multiple raids

NEW DELHI: In a joint operation with state police and central agencies, the Delhi Polices Special Cell has busted a Pakistan handlerbacked pan-India terror module and arrested five people from different States via multiple raids. Two of them were planning to purchase land as a base to initiate caliphate related training activities. The accused have been identified as Ashhar Danish (23), a resident of Bokaro in Jharkhand, Aaftab Qureshi (25), Sufiyan Abubakar Khan (20), a resident of Mumbra, Mohammed Huzaif Yaman (20), a resident of Telangana, and Kamran Qureshi alias Samar Khan (26), a resident of Rajgarh in MP. Simultaneous raids were conducted at multiple locations in Delhi, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. Incriminating material, arms, ammunition, and chemicals used in making IEDs were also recovered. Through a tip-off, a terror module with operational footprints in Delhi, Ranchi, Thane, Nizamabad and Rajgarh was identified. The members possessed significant knowledge about preparing gunpowder and fabricating IEDs. A few of them expressed willingness to sacrifice their lives in pursuit of establishing a caliphate in India under the concept of Gazwa-e-Hind, a senior police officer said. It was further revealed that Danish, a key figure, was attempting to procure weapons from Delhi/NCR and chemical substances from agro-chemical shops and online platforms. A trap was laid on Tuesday near Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, where Qureshi and Sufiyan were intercepted while carrying two semi-automatic pistols, along with 15 live cartridges. During the investigation on Wednesday, joint raids were carried out in Ranchi, Thane, Bengaluru, Nizamabad, and Rajgarh with assistance from the sister agency. Later, Danish was arrested in Ranchi. From his rented room, IED-making components and chemical substances were recovered. He admitted that he had procured arms, ammunition and explosives in pursuance of a criminal conspiracy to establish a caliphate through violent means, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Kushwah said. Danish stated that he was receiving instructions from a Pakistan-based handler and was in constant communication with other module members. Later, Yaman was arrested by Nizamabad, who disclosed his involvement in experiments related to manufacturing arms and ammunition under the guidance of Danish. Police also arrested Kamran from Rajgarh, Kushwah stated. Three pistols, 16 live cartridges, copper sheets and steel hollow pipes, Sulphuric acid, Nitric acid, Sodium bicarbonate, Sulphur powder, pH value checker, ball bearings, weighing machine, Rs 10,500 cash, etc. were recovered from their possession. Danish, a post-graduate in English from Ranchi, began listening to lectures of Dr. Israr Ahmad and gradually adopted radical beliefs. He came across individuals like Aaftab Qureshi and Izhar-Ul-Haq on social media, who shared a similar ideology. He created a group and added around 40 people, where discussions centred on establishing a caliphate, Kushwah said. He also created multiple groups with multiple social media IDs showing himself as CEO of a company, a professor or an NGO operator to disguise any surveillance upon him and his activities. He collected for the procurement of chemicals and purchased Sulphur for making gunpowder. In August, he procured copper plates to manufacture cartridges. He also obtained a bullet and a country-made pistol from Bokaro to study as a prototype for manufacturing arms. Aaftab was active on social media platforms and started consuming radical Islamic content around 2020, including speeches of Tariq Masood, Zakir Naik, Israr Ahmed and Tariq Jameel. He became a member of radical groups discussing Jihadi ideologies. He connected with Danish through various social media platforms, police said. According to the police, Yaman is a B. Pharmacy student who came into contact with Danish three to four years ago, through an online platform. Danish discussed perceived atrocities against Muslims in India and proposed forming a Lashkar to retaliate through armed jihad. Danish assigned him the responsibility of learning firearm manufacturing for jihadist purposes. Kamran admitted that he came into contact with Danish through the WhatsApp group, which promoted radical ideology for the Gazwa-e-Hind. He contributed funds to the Danish and was instructed to recruit more members. He and Danish were also planning to purchase land as a base to initiate caliphate related training activities, police added.

Cyberabad Police Teams Launch Hunt to Nab Renuka Agarwals Killers

The police suspect that the accused could have escaped to their native place in Jharkhand

ED searches across five States in alleged fake Input Tax Credit case

Last month, the agency had searched 12 locations in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Maharashtra in connection with another case linked to fake GST invoices, as part of the probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Jharkhand HC issues contempt notice to Chief Secretary, others for failing to conduct local body elections

RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday strongly reprimanded the state government for failing to conduct local body elections despite explicit court directives. Justice Ananda Sen issued contempt notices to top officials including Chief Secretary Alka Tiwary, Home Secretary Vandana Dadel and former Urban Development Secretary Vinay Chaubey for non-compliance of the court orders. Several other officers involved in deliberations have also been issued notices. While hearing the contempt petition filed in connection with local body elections, the court expressed its displeasure and ordered to frame charges against Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, the then Principal Secretary of Urban Development Vinay Chaubey, IAS Vandana Dadel, Additional Secretary Gyanesh Kumar and other officer, said petitioners Advocate Vinod Singh. The High Court has fixed October 4 for the next hearing, when charges will be framed against these officers. The Jharkhand High Court's contempt case stems from a January 4, 2024 order directing the state government to hold local body elections within four months. Despite the court's explicit warning that further delays would be seen as defying constitutional provisions and invite strict action, the government didn't comply. Later, on January 16, 2025, the Chief Secretary gave a written undertaking that polls would be held within four months -- an assurance that was also not fulfilled. The contempt petition was filed in the Jharkhand High Court by outgoing councillor Roshni Khalkho. Advocate Vinod Singh, representing the petitioner, argued in the court that the records make it evident that the officials deliberately ignored the High Courts order, and that all those involved at different stages must face contempt action. Chief Secretary Alka Tiwary was present in person before the High Court during the hearing. This marked her third personal appearance in the ongoing contempt case. Earlier, Roshni Khalkho and others had filed a petition in the High Court against the government for not holding the elections even after the completion of the tenure of the local urban bodies. Notably, elections in 34 municipal bodies of the state have been pending since May 14, 2020. In such a situation, instead of public representatives, the administration of Municipal bodies is being looked after by the Municipal Commissioner, Additional Municipal Commissioner or their officials.

Anglo-Indians fight for visibility and voice in 'numbers game' across the country

KOCHI: In what many describe as a perilous umbers game, India's Anglo-Indian communitydescended from European fathers and Indian mothers during colonial timesis grappling with the erosion of its political influence and cultural footprint. The 2011 census officially pegged their numbers at a mere 296, a figure hotly contested by community leaders who insist the true count exceeds 4,00,000. This statistical disparity has fuelled tangible setbacks, including the stripping away of their assured seats in legislative bodies. Compounding the issue, younger generations are increasingly emigrating or intermarrying, threatening the community's distinct identity amid India's fast-evolving society. Dr Charles Dias, a former Member of Parliament and president of the Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India, outlined the historical safeguards: Articles 331 and 333 of the Constitution once permitted the nomination of two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha and one to each of 12 state legislative assemblies. However, in 2020, this provision was revoked through the 104th Constitutional Amendment in a profoundly unjust manner. Dias noted, According to the Union government, the Anglo-Indian population stands at just 296 according to the 2011 census, and they are 'well off'. These claims were rigorously challenged by opposition parties, backed by data. Countering the official narrative, Dias highlighted association-collected data showing a nationwide population of nearly 4,15,000. He further estimated an additional 50,000 individuals dispersed across urban areas, unaffiliated with any associations. Echoing these concerns, Harry Maclure from Chennai, who runs the magazine Anglos in the Wind, challenged the official census figures and called for continued representation. You go to any wedding of our community and you can see 500 people. The census data is wrong. We were a big community and the maximum recorded population is around 7.5-8 lakh, he said. Maclure acknowledged the community's decline but emphasised its relative size: It is true that we are now a dwindling community but we are bigger than the Parsi community and we do need representation. He added that many from the community are marrying outside it, making the preservation of culture and heritage an ongoing struggle. Maclure remains cautiously optimistic, noting that while old settlements are disappearing, the educated youth in the community feel more comfortable in India and could carry forward the community's legacy. Charles Dias emphasised that the Anglo-Indian community's contributions to modern India far outweigh their population size. He highlighted their unparalleled role in nation-building across sectors like education, sports, railways, post and telegraph, health, and especially the armed forces, where eight Anglo-Indians have risen to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal and over 25 have received top gallantry awards such as the Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. The three service chiefsAdmiral R L Pereira, Air Chief Marshal Denis Anthony La Fontaine, and Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browneexemplify the Anglo-Indian community's unwavering commitment to the nation, he said. Despite these achievements, the community faces significant hurdles. In 2013, the ministry of minority affairs formed a fact-finding team to study the problems and aspirations of the Anglo-Indian community in cities including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi. The team's report noted that amongst the various challenges and problems being faced by members of the Anglo-Indian community in India, the more significant ones are related to (1) identity crisis, (ii) lack of employment, (iii) educational backwardness, (iv) lack of proper facilities, and (v) cultural erosion. ANGLO-INDIAN POPULATION Assam 4,300 West Bengal 37,500 Bihar - 8,200 Chhattisgarh 7,500 Odisha 4,500 Madhya Pradesh 25,500 Jharkhand 7,500 Uttarakhand 5,500 Uttar Pradesh 18,500 Punjab 2,500 Haryana 3,800 Delhi 4,500 Maharashtra 27,500 Andhra Pradesh 15,500 Telangana 17,500 Goa 1,500 Karnataka 42,500 Tamil Nadu 42,000 Kerala 82,500 Total: 4,15,000 (Source: Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India) STATE-WISE ENUMERATION (2011 CENSUS) West Bengal -9 Odisha - 4 Chhattisgarh - 3 Maharashtra - 16 Andhra Pradesh - 62 Karnataka - 9 Kerala - 124 Tamil Nadu - 69 Total: 296

Centre approves rail, road projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for poll-bound Bihar

NEW DELHI: In a major pre-poll boost ahead of Bihar assembly elections in October-November, the government on Wednesday approved two key infrastructure projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for the state. Briefing media about the decisions taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, the first of the two projects is the construction of 82 Kms green field Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur high-speed National Highway corridor worth Rs 4,447 crore. The second decision has been taken for doubling of the 177 kms Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat rail line with an estimated cost of Rs 3,169 crore, as both of these are likely to be completed in the next three years, the Minister informed. According to an official release, the construction of the four-lane access-control highway project is estimated to generate nearly 14.83 lakh man-days of direct employment and another 18.46 lakh man-days of indirect employment, creating an opportunity to foster additional employment to boost economic activity in the state. - 4- , - https://t.co/dSxOAJAzMT Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2025 It further said that the road project would support an average vehicle speed of 80 km/h, with a design speed of 100 km/h, as the aim is to reduce the overall travel time by approximately 1.5 hours. The increased economic activity in the region is expected to drive up the freight movement and the traffic on the Mokama-Munger section in the future, Vaishnaw said. Meanwhile, the 177-km Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat rail project will significantly improve connectivity among Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, as the multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across the Indian Railways network, the Minister said. Noting that the railway cargo had been on the decline since Independence and had hit a low of 27 percent in recent times, Vaishnaw said, with the slew of measures taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the same has now risen to nearly 29 percent. He said the approval of infrastructure projects worth Rs 11 lakh crore during Prime Minister Modis third term reflects a transformational change that is boosting employment and improving the lives of people across the country. According to the government release, the new doubling of the railway line project will serve five districts covering 441 villages and about 28.72 lakh people in the three states as the national transport monolith expands its network nationwide. Project section also provides rail connectivity to prominent destinations such as Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham), Tarapith (Shakti Peeth) etc., attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country, the government said in the note. This route has been termed as an essential route for the transportation of commodities like coal, cement, fertilisers, bricks and stones, it said, adding that after the completion of the project, the transportation capacity is expected to become 5 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

Govt committed to boosting pace of economic development in Bihar, says Modi

The central government approves projects to improve connectivity in Bihar. The Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur corridor will be four-laned. This project aims to reduce travel time and increase employment. The Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat railway line will also be doubled. These projects will benefit people in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The expansion aligns with the vision of a developed India.

Jharkhand to host first defence expo next week with eye on emerging as manufacturing hub

Ranchi will host the 'EastTech 2025' defence exposition from September 19-21, marking Jharkhand's first such event. The expo, inaugurated by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, aims to showcase the latest defence technologies and promote Jharkhand as a defence manufacturing hub.

Cabinet clears key road and rail projects worth Rs 7,616 crore for poll-bound Bihar

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 7,616 crore for infrastructure projects, including a four-lane highway between Mokama and Munger and the doubling of the BhagalpurDumkaRampurhat railway line. These initiatives aim to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost economic activity across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, generating employment and facilitating freight movement.

Delhi Police, Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad Arrest Two Suspected ISIS Operatives

The prime accused, identified as Bokaro native Ashar Danish, was arrested from Ranchi. Another suspect, Aftab, was apprehended from Delhi during the coordinated action.

Delhi Cops, Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad Arrest 2 Suspected ISIS Operatives

In a joint operation, Delhi Police's Special Cell, Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Ranchi police have arrested two suspected ISIS operatives, an official said on Wednesday.

Delhi Police, Jharkhand ATS Nab 2 Suspected ISIS Operatives

New Delhi, Sep 10: In a joint operation, Delhi Polices Special Cell, Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Ranchi police have arrested two suspected ISIS operatives, an official said on Wednesday. The prime accused, identified as Bokaro native Ashar Danish, was arrested from Ranchi, he said. He was wanted in a case registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell related to an ISIS-linked module. Another suspect, Aftab, was apprehended from Delhi during coordinated action carried out simultaneously by the [] The post Delhi Police, Jharkhand ATS Nab 2 Suspected ISIS Operatives appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jharkhand: Suspected ISIS terrorist arrested from Ranchi lodge by the joint security team

RANCHI: A joint team comprising Ranchi Police, the Delhi Police Special Cell, and the Jharkhand Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a suspected terrorist believed to be associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The arrest was made at Tabarak Lodge, located in Islamnagar under the jurisdiction of the Lower Bazaar police station in Ranchi. The suspect, identified as Ashar Danish, is reportedly linked to ISIS. During the raid, the joint team also seized several electronic devices from the premises. According to police sources, the Delhi Police Special Cell had been searching for Danish for a considerable period in connection with an old case registered against him in Delhi. Following continuous surveillance and intelligence gathering, he was finally apprehended in Ranchi. After receiving a tip-off about the suspected ISIS terrorist, a joint team of Ranchi Police, Delhi Police Special Cell, and Jharkhand ATS conducted a raid at the lodge and arrested Ashar Danish, said a police source. Danish was staying in a room at Tabarak Lodge in Islamnagar, the source added. It has been confirmed that Danish is originally from Petarwar Block in the Bokaro district. During the operation, the ATS and the Delhi Police Special Cell seized multiple electronic devices, which are now being analysed. Additionally, the joint team carried out a raid in Palamu district, detaining one individual who is currently being interrogated by security agencies. Authorities are investigating whether this person has any links to Ashar Danishs alleged network. Interrogation of Danish is ongoing and is expected to uncover critical information about ISISs activities and connections within the region. Security agencies are particularly focused on identifying individuals who were in contact with him and understanding the extent of his operations. Officials believe that the investigation may reveal significant insights into ISISs presence and potential plans in India. Notably, several suspects have already been arrested from different districts in Jharkhand in connection with ISIS-related cases. This latest arrest has once again heightened alertness among security agencies across the region.

ISIS-inspired terror module busted: Delhi Police arrest two suspects Aftab and Danish

In a coordinated operation, central intelligence agencies and Delhi Police Special Cell busted an ISIS-inspired terror module in Delhi, arresting Aftab in South Delhi. Raids are ongoing across multiple states, with around a dozen suspects detained. Another suspect, Danish, was arrested in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and is being brought to Delhi on remand.

CP Radhakrishnan elected Vice President of India; know all about him

Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, the ruling NDAs nominee, was on Monday elected as the Vice President of India after securing 452 first preference votes in the Electoral College. Announcing the results, Rajya Sabha Secretary-General PC Mody said that Radhakrishnan defeated Opposition candidate Justice (retired) Sudershan Reddy, who polled 300 first preference votes. Radhakrishnan, a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu and two-time Lok Sabha MP, will now assume charge as the 15th Vice President of India. He succeeds Jagdeep Dhankhar, whose term ends shortly. The election comes 50 days after Dhankhar resigned from his post on July 21, citing health reasons. The Vice President is also the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. #WATCH | Delhi: PC Mody, Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha says, NDA nominee and Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan got 452 first preference votes. He has been elected as the Vice President of India... Opposition's vice-presidential candidate Justice Sudershan Reddy secured pic.twitter.com/hW7dUY0yfi ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2025 Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur -- the knitwear capital of India in Tamil Nadus Kongu belt -- Radhakrishnan was drawn to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) early. At just 17, he joined the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the political forerunner to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A founding foot soldier of the BJP since its inception in 1980, Radhakrishnan has held multiple key roles in the party's Tamil Nadu unit, including State President (200407). His 19,000-km, 93-day Rath Yatra across Tamil Nadu during this period spotlighted issues ranging from river-linking and counter-terrorism to social reform and anti-drug campaigns. He later led two more padayatras for separate causes. Radhakrishnan entered Parliament from Coimbatore in 1998 and retained the seat in 1999. He contested the same constituency multiple times, finishing strong even in 2014 when the BJP went solo, with nearly 3.9 lakh votes. During his time in Parliament, he served as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles and was a member of panels on PSUs, finance, and the stock exchange scam. Beyond politics, Radhakrishnan holds a BBA and made his mark as an entrepreneur. Between 1985 and 1998, he pioneered the export of 100% cotton knitted fabric to Bangladesh and developed textile links with countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In administrative roles, he was Chairman of the Coir Board (20162020) and later BJPs Kerala in-charge (202022). His appointment as Governor of Jharkhand in February 2023 marked a transition from party politics to constitutional office. In his first four months as governor, Radhakrishnan toured all 24 districts. He briefly held additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Lt. Governor of Puducherry. Since July 2024, he has been Governor of Maharashtra. Known for his grassroots connect and political adaptability, Radhakrishnan has maintained cordial relations across party lines including recent gestures such as visiting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to inquire about his health. Though he has remained outspoken on national issues, Radhakrishnan ruled out any return to active politics. An advocate after becoming a judge cannot go back to being an advocate... I don't think about returning to active politics, he said in a recent interview, drawing a parallel with his gubernatorial responsibilities. A tireless campaigner, a disciplined ideologue, and a seasoned parliamentarian, Radhakrishnans elevation to the Vice-Presidency marks a symbolic coming-of-age for the BJP in Tamil Nadu, a state where the party still seeks a significant electoral breakthrough.

Jharkhand HC halts minor mineral mines auctions in tribal areas, until PESA Rules notification

RANCHI: In a landmark decision, the Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to stop the auction of minor mineral mines in Scheduled Tribal Areas until the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Rules are notified. This ruling puts the ongoing auction process for sand quarries in various districts on hold. The bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar delivered the order. The order follows a contempt petition filed by the tribal outfit -- Adivasi Buddhijivi Manch in the Jharkhand High Court, seeking action for the non-implementation of the July 29, 2024, order. The court directed that until the PESA Rules are formally notified, all auctions and lease allocations of sand quarries and other minor mineral mines must be stopped. During the hearing, the court also expressed displeasure saying that the state government is undermining the intent of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which provides local bodies in Scheduled Tribal Areas with rights over land and natural resources. Lawyers Abhishek Rai, Gyanant Singh, and senior advocate Ajit Kumar, representing the petitioner, alleged that the state government is deliberately delaying the notification of the rules. The government is engaged in long-term auction and lease processes for sand quarries and other minor mineral mines, and by the time the rules are notified, Gram Sabhas will be left with no authority over these resources, argued the petitioners advocate in the court. Petitioner Victor Malto, convener of Adivasi Intellectual Forum, informed that during the hearing, when Principal Secretary of Panchayati Raj Department, Manoj Kumar, tried to put the responsibility on the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers, the court took a tough stand and said, Do you want us to send the Chief Minister and his Ministers to jail? This is what you are suggesting. The High Court refused to grant four weeks time to the government and allowed only two weeks to comply. The case will be heard after two weeks.

At NDTV GST Conclave, BJP And Opposition Differ On Compensation, Responsibility

The finance minister of Punjab and Jharkhand and the industries minister of Delhi ensured a spirited start to the NDTV GST Conclave on Tuesday, with their panel discussion on 'Matters of States' witnessing a heated debate on the GST reforms.

20,000 RSS volunteers working at grassroots in Bihar to boost NDA's chances in assembly polls

NEW DELHI: With Bihar set for a keenly fought battle at the polls following the Opposition's launch of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', the RSS the ideological mentor of the BJP has reportedly intensified its groundwork in the state to smoothen the pitch for the BJP-led NDA. Over 20,000 RSS volunteers are discreetly advancing the organisations mission at the grassroots level by promoting the Sanghs nationalist ideology and highlighting how the government's actions are aligned with the Sanghs vision of the national interest. With Bihar poised for a high-stakes triangular contest in a majority of assembly constituencies after the entry of political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's newly formed Jan Suraj Party, the role of the Sangh on the ground has become more crucial. In an emerging situation where the Opposition-led by the RJD with the Congress has started creating a fake narrative on SIR and other issues against the government, our duty as citizens is also to dispel these narratives on the ground. The Sangh is dedicated to the nation and the people as the world's largest social organisation, remarked a Sangh volunteer, neither denying the presence of Sangh volunteers on the ground nor admitting it on record. Although the Sangh does not directly engage in political campaigning, its volunteers, who are called Swayamsevaks, continue to actively promote its nationalist and Hindutva ideologies to help create a favourable ground for the saffron party in the electoral arena. As part of its nationwide strategy to mark its centenary celebrations beginning this Vijayadashami which falls on October 2 this year the Sangh is planning outreach efforts across the country, including in the remote areas of Bihar. A series of public interactions have been planned to deepen the Sanghs connection with the masses. Topics such as the success of Operation Sindoor, the SIR whether it is needed in the country or not and other issues designed to bring about social change in the broader interest of the public, will be actively addressed during the centenary year. Sources indicated that Sangh volunteers are already active on the ground in many districts across Bihar, including Siwan, Buxar, Ara, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Bhagalpur, Kishanganj, Purnia, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Rohtas, West Champaran, Vaishali, and others. With the aim of educating and making people aware of national issues and interests, the Sanghs volunteers are reportedly well ahead in their ground-level work in the run-up to the assembly elections. The RSS has also deployed volunteers from other states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and others to assist in groundwork ahead of its centenary functions, which coincide with the Bihar assembly elections scheduled for November this year. Even in Bihars Seemanchal region, which has a significant Muslim population, the Sangh has an organised presence, with volunteers working in a disciplined manner to inspire people towards nationalist ideologies. The entire state of Bihar has been divided into four zones, each managed by experienced Sangh volunteers working in coordination with volunteers from other RSS-inspired social organisations. The Sanghs volunteers, affiliated with several RSS-inspired organisations such as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Sanskar Bharti, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, and the Rashtriya Shaikshanik Mahasangh are also on the ground ahead of the elections, in the same coordinated manner they had adopted in Haryana and Maharashtra prior to the assembly polls there. A senior source closely associated with the Sangh said the centenary-related activities in Bihar have already commenced, but they are expected to gain momentum after 22 September the conclusion of the inauspicious Pitra-Paksha period, which begins on September 7. Numerous Hindu Sammelans are scheduled to be held in Bihars interior regions as part of the centenary events, coinciding with the growing election fervour in the state.

Jharkhand: Month-old baby sold by parents for 50,000, rescued

The father sold his son to a tout couple from a neighbouring village as he did not have money to make ends meet or to treat his wife who has been unwell since the delivery

'Will blow you up': Jharkhand health minister receives death threat again

RANCHI: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari once again received a death threat through a phone call from an unknown number late Sunday night. The caller initially used abusive language and warned that the minister would be blown up very soon. You just wait We will blow you up very soon, the caller said. The minister informed the police immediately, following which security agencies were put on alert and efforts were made to further strengthen his security. The investigation has also been intensified as the police have started tracking the phone number to identify the caller. According to sources, the threat call came on the minister's mobile at around 11:56 pm on Sunday, while he was staying at Bokaro Circuit House. He had gone there to attend an official programme. Ansari's office later confirmed the incident and said that he is not afraid of any threat, adding that the law will take its course and the culprit will soon be in police custody. Senior administrative and police officials have been informed about the entire incident, they said. Notably, this is not the first time Ansari has received such threats. A few days ago, a youth from Giridih released a video on social media threatening to blow up Ansari and Urban Development Minister Sudivya Kumar with a bomb. In the video, which went viral on social media, the youth was seen threatening to blow up Sudivya and Ansari within 24 hours. The youth, identifying himself as Ankit Kumar Mishra, a resident of Giridih, claimed to be a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The youth said that he had some personal matter with these ministers, but if they apologised, he would not do anything. Later, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Giridih Police arrested Mishra from Patna in Bihar. During interrogation, the police found that he had no connection with any organised criminal gang, but he had been to jail for petty crimes on several occasions.

Organised gang from West Bengal, Jharkhand strikes at Chennais crowded places targeting mobile phones; joint alert issued

Police say the gang follows a nomadic operational model, staying in one city for about a week before moving to another urban hub including cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Howrah, or New Delhi.

Jharkhand: Maoist commander with Rs 10 lakh bounty killed in encounter

A top Maoist commander, Amit Hansda alias Aptan, carrying a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jharkhands West Singhbhum district. The gunfight broke out early Sunday at Burjuwa Hill in Goilkera area during a search operation. Police recovered Hansdas body along with a firearm.

Governor to flag off procession to mark Onam fete conclusion on Tuesday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar will flag off the closing procession of the Onam celebration at Manaveeyam Veedhi in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, state ministers, and cultural icons are expected to participate in the event, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said in a press conference on Sunday. The procession from Vellayambalam to East Fort will start by 4 pm and feature nearly 1,000 artists performing 91 art forms. Reflecting the theme unity in diversity, the procession will exhibit various art forms from Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The Indian armys band team will also be part of the event. It will also see 59 floats, under themes of Keralas culture, tradition, cinema, literature, womens safety, empowerment, science, and technology. Additional 60 floats, depicting the state governments developmental activities, will also be there. All the floats have been prepared by adhering to the green protocol, Sivankutty said. He also urged the public to follow the instructions given to them. Traffic regulations will be imposed from Kowdiar to Eanchakkal from 2 pm on the day of procession. Vehicle parking will not be allowed along the roads through which the procession will pass, City Police Commissioner Thomson Jose said. Parking grounds have, however, been arranged in different schools and colleges of the city. Diversions from key roads will also be arranged for other travellers, as other key roads will also fall under regulations. Ambulances, fire services, etc will be deployed as part of safety precautions, tourism director Shikha Surendran said. Drinking water facilities will be set up for people to avoid the use of plastic bottles. Schools and government institutions in the city will not be functioning in the afternoon.

Maoist commander with Rs 10 lakh bounty killed

In Chaibasa, Jharkhand, security forces killed Amit Hansda, a Maoist commander carrying a 10 lakh bounty, during an encounter. The operation, a joint effort by district police and the COBRA battalion, followed intelligence regarding Left-wing extremist leaders' movements. Hansda, also known as Apatan, was allegedly involved in multiple killings and attacks in the Kolhan region.

BJP says Opposition leaders issuing threats against it over infiltrators issue

BJP Leader Sambit Patra claimed Jharkhand Minister and Congress leader Irfan Ansari has said he will dig the grave of the BJP while attacking the party over the infiltrator issue.

Seat Sharing Gets Tougher For Bihar's Grand Alliance As 2 More Parties Join In

While talks in the ruling alliance has become challenging due to the demands of Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha, in the Opposition camp, two more parties have joined in - the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha of Hemant Soren and the LJP fac

Hundreds From UP, Bihar, Jharkhand Appear For SSC Exam In West Bengal

Hundreds of students from across the country arrived in West Bengal to appear for the SSC exam.

Jharkhand: Hardcore Naxal commander Amit Hansda with Rs 10 lakh bounty killed in Chaibasa encounter

In a significant operation in Chaibasa, security forces neutralized Amit Hansda, a top Naxal commander carrying a Rs 10 lakh bounty. The joint operation by district police and COBRA battalion occurred following intelligence about CPI (Maoist) leaders' movements. Hansda, implicated in multiple killings and attacks, was killed in an encounter in the Panchaltaburu forest, with weapons recovered from the site.

Marred By Poverty, Jharkhand Couple Sells Month-Old Baby For Rs 50,000; Cops Rescue Child

The police action came after Chief Minister Hemant Soren took cognisance of the incident and ordered the cops to immediately rescue the boy.

Maoist, With Rs 10 Lakh Bounty, Killed In Gunfight With Security Forces In Jharkhand

A maoist zonal commander with a Rs 10 lakh bounty, was killed on Sunday in a gunfight with security forces at Burjuwa Hill in Jharkhand.

Wanted Maoist killed in gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand

The encounter broke out at Burjuwa Hill in Goilkera police station area

Maoist With Rs 10 Lakh Reward Killed In Encounter In Jharkhand's Chaibasa

Amit Hasda alias Aaptan was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district.

Jharkhand: Wanted Maoist Killed in Gunfight with Security Forces

The encounter broke out early in the morning at Burjuwa Hill in Goilkera police station area

Maoist with Rs 10 lakh bounty killed in gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand

CHAIBASA: A Maoist, carrying a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head, was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district on Sunday, police said. The encounter broke out in the morning at Burjuwa Hill in Goilkera police station area. Speaking to PTI , Kolhan DIG Anuranjan Kispotta said, An encounter between Maoists and security forces took place in the morning. A body was recovered during a subsequent search operation. IG (operations) and Jharkhand Police spokesperson Michael Raj S told PTI, The body was identified as that of Amit Hansda alias Aptan, a self-styled zonal commander of CPI(Maoist) who carried a Rs 10 lakh reward. He said the search operation is still underway in the area. The Chaibasa superintendent of police had received a tip-off about the presence of Maoists in Relaparal area under the jurisdiction of Goilkera police station, another officer said. Based on the input, teams of security forces carried out a search operation in the morning and an encounter broke out around 6 am, he added. Seeing that the security forces were overpowering them, the Maoists fled into the dense forests and during the subsequent search operation, Hansda's body was found along with a firearm, the officer added.

Mizorams capital set to join Indian railway network: 51.38-km BairabiSairang line to boost connectivity in the Northeast

AIZAWL : With the completion of the 51.38-km broad-gauge line from Bairabi to Sairang, Mizoram becomes the fourth Northeastern state to gain direct train connectivity to its capital. This marks a milestone in Indian Railways ambitious plan to link the capitals of all eight Northeastern states with the national rail network. The line, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, connects Bairabi on the AssamMizoram border to Sairang, located 20 km from Aizawl and 12 km from Lengpui Airport. The new Sairang railway station will serve as the key railhead for Aizawl. The project, for which approval was granted in 2008 and construction began in November 2014, has been built at a cost of 8,071 crore. Engineering feat The 51.38-km line, passing through the Kolasib and Aizawl districts, is an engineering feat, with over half its length running through tunnels and bridges. It includes 48 tunnels spanning 12.85 km, 55 major and 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and six road underbridges. The line has three intermediate stations at Hortoki, Kawnpui, and Mualkhang. Among the bridges, Bridge No. 144 over the Kurung River near Sairang has earned the distinction of being the worlds second-tallest pier bridge, rising 114 metres above the ground. The tallest is the Noney Bridge in neighbouring Manipur, standing 141 metres tall, which is being built as part of the under-construction 111-km JiribamImphal railway line. World's second tallest pier bridge over Kurung river at Sairang station Challenges faced The railways faced huge challenges in building the BairabiSairang line due to its rugged Indo-Burmese tectonic terrain, marked by steep slopes, deep valleys, and fragile, clay-like soil prone to erosion. Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction), the agency which executed the project, with design and safety aspects reviewed by IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee, had to build 223 km of approach roads as well. Reaching construction sites for hill excavation and pier construction was extremely difficult, as there was no road access. NFR (Construction) built 223 km of approach roads, which have since benefitted several villages in Kolasib and Aizawl districts, a railway official explained. In addition to the topographical challenges, the project encountered other obstacles as well, including opposition to workers brought in from other states and the non-availability of construction materials in Mizoram, which meant they had to be transported from Bihar and Jharkhand. To address local resistance, the Railways eventually engaged local people from Mizoram in the construction work. The project progressed at a slow pace due to the regions short working season of just 67 months a year. Despite higher wages, many labourers left the project because of the remote location and lack of internet connectivity at worksites, the official added. Tunnel in BairabiSairang line Expectations Locals in Dawrpui told TNIE that the railway line will help tackle the high cost of road travel from Silchar to Aizawl, which currently costs between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,000 along the hilly two-lane highway. During the monsoon season, which lasts for more than five months, landslides frequently cut off road access. Flights, too, are unreliable as they often get cancelled due to bad weather, and there are no departures after 4 pm, said Anthony Zohmingliana, a resident. M. Sathish Kumar, a project associate at Mizoram Central University and a resident of Aizawl for 15 years, noted that over 8 lakh of Mizorams 14 lakh population live in and around Aizawl. This project will benefit a large section of the population, reducing dependence on flights and cabs, he said. Joel Lalengmawii of Lengpui said, My family often travels via Silchar to reach Manipur, Punjab, and Kerala. But the 154-km journey to Silchar takes 910 hours by road. We have been told train fares will be cheaper, but only when services begin will we know how much difference it really makes. S. S. Ajin, a PhD student at Mizoram University, said, We mostly rely on flights or road transport. There are times when vegetables and other essentials do not reach the city for a few days due to landslides on the national highways, and there are no other public transport options. Train connectivity will greatly benefit people from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other states traveling to Mizoram. Once the line becomes operational, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will be able to transport freight for the public distribution system by train, significantly reducing the cost of transporting goods, vegetables, and other items from other states. Initially, passenger services may run between Sairang and Silchar, the railway official added. Rail connectivity to northeast At present, the railway line through Assam's capital, Guwahati, serves as a gateway to the seven other Northeastern states. From Guwahati, branch lines extend to Bairabia station just 7 km inside Mizoram on the SilcharBairabi sectionwhere a passenger train currently runs daily between Bairabi and Silchar. This link to Silchar connects Mizoram with northern and southern states via Guwahati. Additionally, it provides connectivity to Manipur and Nagaland. Guwahati (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) are the other state capitals with rail connectivity. Work is under way to connect the capitals of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, and Nagaland. NFR officials said they expect these works to be completed by December 2029. It may be noted that Sikkim remains the only Northeastern state without rail connectivity, mainly due to local opposition. Extending to Myanmar Highlighting plans to develop Sairang station with state-of-the-art facilities, the railway official said the government is also exploring the feasibility of extending the line from Sairang to Myanmar. The proposed route would cover 230 km within Mizoram and the remainder in Myanmar. If realized, this would reduce freight transport from South India to Mizoram via Visakhapatnam and Kolkata ports from 2,000 km to just 500 km, the official explained. Fact File: BairabiSairang Broad Gauge Line New Line: BairabiSairang (51.38 km) Key Locations: Bairabi: Border station on AssamMizoram border Sairang: 20 km from Aizawl, Mizoram Project Cost: Rs 8,071 crore Railway Connectivity in the Northeast Guwahati (Assam): Only railway gateway for all eight Northeastern states Line from Guwahati runs to Bairabi (7 km from Assam border via Silchar) BairabiSilchar (105 km): Daily passenger train operational New Line: SairangSilchar (155 km), passenger services to be introduced Road Access Two-lane National Highway is the only mode of access to Aizawl Travel Cost: Rs 1,000Rs 1,600 per person (Silchar Aizawl) Travel Time: 89 hours by road; train will reduce it to 3 hours States with railway connectivity to capitals Assam Guwahati Tripura Agartala Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Mizoram Sairang (to be inaugurated)

Jharkhand Mine Accident: Three More Bodies Recovered, Death Toll Rises To Seven

Jharkhand Mine Accident: The accident took place after a landslide occurred in the open-cast mine in BCCL Area-4 in Ramkanali.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar to hold meeting with Chief Electoral Officers on Sept 10; likely to discuss nationwide SIR

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India has called a meeting of all the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the states and Union Territories on Wednesday to discuss and deliberate on their preparedness to conduct similar exercise in the rest of the country, officials said on Saturday. They said that though the conduct of SIR in other states would be in focus, deliberations would also take place on other issues relating to holding upcoming assembly elections later this year in Bihar and in few other states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pudduchery next year. Noting that the meeting is going to be third of such kind since Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar took charge of the office on February 19 this year, the officials said, the conglomeration will be attended by him, election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi and other senior officers of the ECI. A senior poll panel official said, Even as the final agenda for the meeting is yet to be finalised, during the deliberations, it is expected that the Commission is going to assess the preparedness of different states to take up SIR exercise As after Bihar, the next round of intensive revision exercises is going to be taken up in those states, which are scheduled to go for assembly polls next year. They, however, confirmed that all the CEOs have been asked to make presentations with regard to the number of electors and the details of the last SIR conducted in their respective states and UTs. Electoral rolls being prepared as per BJP's wishes: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren It is to be noted here that the SIR exercise undertaken in Bihar had led to a huge political controversy, with opposition parties, including the RJD, the Congress, the CPI, the CPM, the TMC, the SP and the DMK launching scathing attack of the Commission alleging the poll panel was working against its mandate by deleting a large number of voters, mostly belonging to poor and underprivileged people. According to poll panel officials, the ECI is likely to launch the SIR for the rest of the country with the qualifying date of January 1, 2026. In an order on June 24, the poll panel had decided to conduct the SIR for the country, but only rolled it out for Bihar initially, ahead of the Assembly elections in the state. For the remaining states and UTs, it had said that separate orders would be issued in the times to come. Notably, Chief Ministers of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin have, respectively, expressed their opposition to the SIR drive, while BJP-ruled states have supported the poll panel. CEC Gyanesh Kumar has so far dismissed allegations of bias against the Commission during the SIR exercise for Bihar and stressed that some are trying to fool the voters by spreading confusion and questioning the credibility of both the poll body and the electorate. Bihar SIR: Claims, objections can be filed beyond September 1 deadline, EC tells SC

'Alcoholic' Husband Killed, Buried In House By Wife In Jharkhand

A middle-aged tribal woman allegedly murdered her 'alcoholic' husband after a heated argument and buried the body inside the house for over 10 days in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, police said on Saturday.

Ranchi Diary | Government announces plan to preserve Shibus legacy

The Jharkhand government has announced plans to honour Shibu Soren by converting his official residence at Morhabadi in Ranchi into the Guruji Memorial Museum. Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari and Urban Development Minister Sudivya Kumar presented this proposal to Chief Minister Hemant Soren during a Cabinet Meeting, highlighting the intention to preserve Sorens contributions for future generations. The cabinet also reviewed a proposal to develop a park and install a statue at Sorens birthplace and early political base, Chirudih in Jamtara district, an area regarded for its historical association with Sorens career. Three encounters rock state in a month As police action against Maoists and organised criminals has intensified in Jharkhand, three encounters have taken place every month in the last eight months in the state. A total of 26 Maoists and three notorious criminals have been killed in encounters with the security forces in different districts. The forces have suffered losses tooat least five security personnel have died during these encounters. The latest incident took place on Wednesday, where two policemen were killed and another was seriously injured in an encounter with the banned Maoist outfit, Tritiya SammelanPrastuti Committee (TSPC), in Palamu. Misty the female giraffe at Birsa Zoo is no more A female giraffe, Misty, brought to Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park from the Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata 28 days ago, died late on Wednesday night. She was ill for two days and had eaten fodder during the day on Wednesday. According to zoo officials, she fell in her enclosure and died before the doctors could reach her. After conducting a post-mortem on Thursday, the body was buried in her enclosure. The cause of death is yet to be ascertained. The six-year-old Misty and a pair of silver pheasants had been brought to the Ranchi zoo as part of an inter-zoo animal exchange programme with the Kolkata zoo. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

22 river monitoring stations record severe flood situation: CWC

New Delhi: The Central Water Commission on Friday warned of widespread flooding across several states, with 22 river monitoring stations reporting severe flood situation and 23 others above normal water levels. According to the daily flood situation report, eight stations each in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and one each in Gujarat, Delhi, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan []

Justice Chandrashekhar appointed as CJ of Bombay High Court

He assumed the office of acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court on December 29, 2023, and was transferred to the Rajasthan High Court in July 2024. He joined the Bombay HC in July this year

Humans in the Loop inquires AI bias through eyes of a tribal gig worker: Filmmaker Aranya Sahay

NEW DELHI, Sept 4: If AI is going to have an impact on all of humanity, does it represent all of us? is the question that filmmaker Aranya Sahay wanted to explore in his film Humans in the Loop, which questions hierarchy in knowledge systems through the eyes of a tribal gig worker. Set in Jharkhand, the story revolves around Nehma, a tribal woman who finds work at an AI data-labelling centre after her divorce. Initially enthusiastic about her job, [] The post Humans in the Loop inquires AI bias through eyes of a tribal gig worker: Filmmaker Aranya Sahay appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

FIR against ex-Jharkhand Minister for slapping bodyguards, hurling casteist abuses

A case has been lodged under sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, police said.

Bengaluru to receive thundershowers, rain till this weekend

BENGALURU: Bengaluru is in for a week of intermittent rain, thundershowers and cloudy skies. The city and surrounding areas are expected to get light to moderate showers every day until Sunday, with gusty winds likely on some days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted on Wednesday. In the past 24 hours, Bengaluru Urban recorded a maximum temperature of 26.7 degree Celsius and minimum of 20 degree Celsius. Bengaluru Rural saw a maximum of 27.7 degree Celsius and 2.8mm of rain. Both areas reported drizzle and light rain. As per the IMD, light to moderate rain and thundershowers with gusty winds (40-50 kmph) are likely to occur at a few places, including Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chamarajanagar and Shivamogga, among other districts. Coastal Karnataka will also come under heavy rain at one or two places in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts. The rain is due to a well-marked low-pressure system over northwest Bay of Bengal, off the Odisha coast. This system, along with a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6km above sea level, is moving inland towards Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The associated monsoon trough is passing through central India, keeping rainfall active in Karnataka. Forecast for Bengaluru Sept 4: Cloudy skies with light to moderate rain or thundershowers, gusty winds likely Sept 57: Cloudy skies with light to moderate rain; temperatures in 20-29 degrees Celsius range

2 security personnel killed in gunfight with Maoists in Jharkhand: Palamu DIG

RANCHI: Two security personnel were killed and another was injured in a gunfight with members of the banned TSPC, a splinter group of CPI (Maoist), in Jharkhand's Palamu district on Thursday, police said. The encounter between security forces and members of the proscribed Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) broke out in Kedal area under the Manatu Police Station limits around 12. 30 am on Thursday, an officer said. Two security personnel were killed, and one jawan was injured in the gunfight. The injured was admitted to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital, Palamu DIG Naushad Alam told PTI.

Centre wants to abrogate fulcrum of Constitution: Karnataka, WB & HP to SC

NEW DELHI: On 7th day of hearing in the Presidential reference case on Wednesday, governments of several states, including Karnataka, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh, claimed before the Supreme Court that the Union government sought to abrogate the fulcrum of the Constitution by questioning the Courts April 8 ruling that prescribed timelines for the President and the Governor to decide on Bills passed by the state legislatures. Senior Advocate Gopal Subramanium, appearing for Karnataka, argued that the Union government tried to indirectly abrogate the fulcrum of the Constitution,which is the cabinet form of government and the responsibility of the legislature. He clarified that the democratic form of government through the Cabinet has been held to be part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing West Bengal, contended that the Court should not fall into a trap where the governor becomes an impediment to the functioning of the Constitution. The Constitution is a living document. It owes its genesis to history, but owes its allegiance to the future, and you [judges] are the future because you interpret it. Let us not fall into a trap where the governor becomes an impediment to the functioning of the Constitution. Therefore, you will have to say something.... Dont give a timeline, but you still have to say that there is no way he can withhold if it is passed again, he argued. The submissions were made before the Constitution Bench of the Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, PS Narasimha, and Atul S Chandurkar. Sibal, seeking dismissal of the Presidential reference, told the apex court that the governor cannot examine the legislative competence of a bill passed by the assembly. Since Independence, there is hardly any example where the President has withheld a bill passed by Parliament because it is the will of the people. The legislative competence of a bill has to be tested in courts, he added. Sibal argued that the governor cannot look into the constitutionality of a bill. The bench then asked whether the governor can withhold assent if the bill is repugnant in view of the central legislation. Sibal said that would be a rarest of rare case. Legislation can be challenged in a court of law by citizens or by someone else. Its in the rarest and rare case that a governor says I cannot pass, Sibal said. Also in top court Policy for convicted foreigners needed After it learnt that a foreign national accused in a cheating case jumped bail and is on the run, the SC has underlined the need for a policy to ensure foreign nationals committing crimes in the country dont flee from justice. The SC had on December 4 last year set aside the Jharkhand High Courts May 2022 order granting bail to accused Alex David. Early bail tendency unacceptable: SC The SC on Wednesday slammed Leena Paulose, wife of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, seeking expeditious hearing of her bail plea before the Delhi High Court in a `200 crore extortion case. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Prashant Kumar Mishra said the tendency of approaching SC for seeking early hearing of cases is not acceptable.

Low Pressure System Brings Heavy Rains To AP Coast, Yellow Alert Issued

The state disaster management authority said the low-pressure system, positioned off the north Odisha coast, was expected to move west-north-westwards across north Odisha and adjoining Jharkhand and north Chhattisgarh states over the next 24 hours.

GST Council meeting: Consensus on two-rate structure; states seek compensation for revenue loss

In the 56th GST Council meeting, states reached a consensus on a two-slab structure as proposed by the Centre, but they are demanding assurance on a compensation mechanism to address potential revenue loss. Opposition-ruled states are also in favour of the two-slab structure but insist on clarity regarding the mechanism to offset the expected losses. Opposition states like Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have raised concerns about revenue loss, stating that they will not approve the proposal in the Councils meeting unless a clear compensation mechanism is outlined. Speaking to the media, Jharkhand Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore said that they would not agree to the proposal until they understood the implications of the revenue loss. Rajesh Dharmani, Minister for Technical Education, Himachal Pradesh, told reporters that they would explore possible solutions to address the loss. Earlier, opposition states pointed out that the total revenue loss for all states could be around Rs 2.5 lakh crore, with individual states facing losses as high as Rs 10,00015,000 crore. States expressed concern that the revenue losses would directly impact their social welfare and development programmes. A government source told TNIE that considerable effort would be required to get the two-rate structure passed. The Council is scheduled to meet again on Thursday. Rate rationalization remains one of the key items on the GST Councils agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address on August 15, announced major reforms in the GST framework, promising fewer rates and easier compliance procedures. GST Council approves compliance relief, proposes major slab rationalisation: Report

Supreme Court Asks Centre To Mull Framing Policy For Foreigners Jumping Bail

New Delhi, Sep 3: After it learnt that a foreign national accused in a cheating case jumped bail and is on the run, the Supreme Court has underlined the need for a policy to ensure foreign nationals committing crimes in the country dont flee from justice. The apex court had on December 4 last year set aside the Jharkhand High Courts May 2022 order granting bail to accused Alex David. When matter came up for hearing on August 26 before [] The post Supreme Court Asks Centre To Mull Framing Policy For Foreigners Jumping Bail appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Opposition States Seek Compensation Ahead of GST Rate Rejig

Jharkhand Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore said his state will suffer a Rs 2,000 crore revenue loss if the Centre's GST reform proposal of reducing the number of slabs is implemented

Digital arrest threat; Jharkhand man held

Four arrested for brutally assaulting man to death in Jharkhand

The incident took place on Sunday evening in Kasmar village under Dumaria police station, after Brindavan had a heated exchange of words with the accused persons over a petty issue, Deputy SP (Musabani) Sandip Bhagat said

Jharkhand: Nine Maoists surrender with AK-47 rifles

Jharkhand: Nine members of the banned Maoist splinter group, Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), surrendered before the security forces with their arms and ammunition in Jharkhands Latehar district on Monday, police said. Among the nine red rebels were a self-styled zonal commander and four sub-zonal commanders carrying rewards of a total of Rs 23 lakh 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 .

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren joins Vote Adhikari Yatra in Patna

Patna: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday, September 1, alleged that peoples rights were being snatched by the BJP-led NDA in the name of the special intensive revision, and that electoral rolls were being prepared as per the wishes of the ruling coalition. Addressing a rally in Patna at the culmination of Congress Voter 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 .

Rahul Gandhi promises 'hydrogen bomb' of 'vote chori' revelations; claims 'Modi wont be able to show his face'

Gandhi was accompanied by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Vikassheel Insan Party chief Mukesh Sahani, CPI (ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, CPIs Annie Raja, TMC MP Yusuf Pathan, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, and other INDIA bloc leaders.

'Hydrogen bomb' of revelations on 'vote chori' will expose ploy of Modi, BJP: Rahul Gandhi

PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said his party will soon come out with a hydrogen bomb of revelations about vote chori and after that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be able to show his face to the country. Speaking at the concluding event of his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' here, Gandhi said Bihar is a revolutionary state and it had given a message to the country. Get ready, BJP people, a hydrogen bomb is coming. Be prepared. The truth of vote theft will be brought forth before the entire country. I am giving you a guarantee, Modi Ji will not be able to able to show his face after the vote theft get exposed, he remarked amid presence of top senior INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. He said votes were stolen in Maharashtra assembly elections and then with evidence, his party showed how vote chori was done in Mahadevapura assembly segment in Karnataka's Bangalore central Lok Sabha Seat. I want to tell the youth of Bihar, vote chori means 'chori of rights, chori of democracy, chori of employment'. They will take away your ration card and other rights, he alleged. His remarks came after the INDIA bloc allies held a march marking the culmination of the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' led by Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders that covered 1,300-km and passed through 110 assembly constituencies covering 25 of the 38 districts ahead of the upcoming state elections. Speaking on the occasion, Mallikarjun Kharge cautioned people of Bihar from the alleged ill intentions of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, otherwise they would be doomed. He said that Modi had a time to visit various countries but no time for visiting Manipur where people were facing trouble. He would meet sometimes US President Donald Trump, sometimes would enjoy on a swing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and would hug even unwilling leaders of foreign countries. Congress president also claimed that BJP and RSS would dump Bihar chief minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar after the Bihar polls. A new government of the Opposition will come to power after the elections, he said, referring to the mismanagement during the march due to insufficient deployment of police forces. Do your duty with a professional approach. This government will not last for six months, he added. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said that Nitish government was copying his programmes and policies, calling it a copycat government. Do you want a duplicate CM or original CM, he asked, once again declaring himself as the CM face of the INDIA bloc. INDIA bloc leaders, including Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, former chief minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot, Rashtrawadi Congress leader Supriya Sule, CPI general secretary D Raja and others participated in the march from Gandhi Maidan to Dakbungalow roundabout. Dipankar Bhattacharya of CPI-ML also spoke on the occasion. The march was scheduled to reach Baba Saheb Abedkars statue near the Patna High Court, but it was rescheduled, and leaders addressed the gathering near Dak Bungalow roundabout. The 'Gandhi se Ambedkar' march marking the culmination of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' was stopped midway by the police at the Dak Bungalow crossing where they addressed a gathering. Gandhi was joined by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Vikassheel Insan Party chief Mukesh Sahani, CPI (ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, CPI's Annie Raja, TMC MP Yusuf Pathan, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, and other INDIA bloc leaders. The march in Patna started with the INDIA bloc leaders offering floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Maidaan. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', launched by Rahul Gandhi from Sasaram on August 17, was aimed at highlighting the alleged assault on people's right to vote through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

'Hydrogen bomb' of revelations on 'vote chori' coming, Modi will not be able to show his face: Rahul

PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said his party will soon come out with a hydrogen bomb of revelations about vote chori and after that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be able to show his face to the country. Speaking at the concluding event of his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' here, Gandhi said Bihar is a revolutionary state and it had given a message to the country. We will not let them (BJP) murder the Constitution and that is why we took out a yatra. We got a tremendous response. People came out in large numbers and raised the slogan 'vote chor gaddi chhor', the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. I want to tell the BJP people. Have you heard of anything bigger than an atom bomb, it is a hydrogen bomb. BJP people, be ready, a hydrogen bomb is coming. People are soon going to find out the reality of vote chori, Gandhi said. In the coming time, I am guaranteeing you that after the hydrogen bomb (comes), Narendra Modi ji will not be able to show his face to the country, the former Congress chief said. He said votes were stolen in Maharashtra assembly elections and then with evidence, his party showed how vote chori was done in Mahadevapura assembly segment in Karnataka's Bangalore central Lok Sabha Seat. I want to tell the youth of Bihar, vote chori means 'chori of rights, chori of democracy, chori of employment'.They will take away your ration card and other rights, he alleged. His remarks came after the INDIA bloc allies held a march marking the culmination of the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' led by Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders that covered 1,300-km and passed through 110 assembly constituencies covering 25 of the 38 districts ahead of the upcoming state elections. The 'Gandhi se Ambedkar' march marking the culmination of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' was stopped midway by the police at the Dak Bungalow crossing where they addressed a gathering. Gandhi was joined by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Vikassheel Insan Party chief Mukesh Sahani, CPI (ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, CPI's Annie Raja, TMC MP Yusuf Pathan, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, and other INDIA bloc leaders. The march in Patna started with the INDIA bloc leaders offering floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Maidaan. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', launched by Rahul Gandhi from Sasaram on August 17, was aimed at highlighting the alleged assault on people's right to vote through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Bihar SIR: Claims, objections can be filed beyond September 1 deadline, EC tells SC

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India on Monday said claims, objections and corrections in the draft electoral roll prepared in the Bihar special intensive revision (SIR) exercise can be filed beyond September 1, but the same would be considered once the electoral roll was finalised. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi noted the submission of the Election Commission (EC) which said claims and objections could be filed till the last date of nomination forms in each assembly constituency. The top court, while terming the confusion over the Bihar SIR as largely a trust issue, directed the state legal service authority to deploy paralegal volunteers to assist individual voters and political parties in filing claims and objections to the draft roll, which was published on August 1. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for EC, said, any extension of the deadline will lead to disruption of the entire exercise and finalisation of final electoral roll. The poll panel further said 99.5 per cent of the 2.74 crore electors in the draft electoral roll had filed the eligibility documents and countered the claims of RJD, which alleged of having filed 36 claims, and said the party had filed only 10 such claims. Electoral rolls being prepared as per BJP's wishes: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Dwivedi futher said the 36 claims that RJD party mentioned in its petition had also been duly accepted. The poll panel said it will be issuing notices within seven days to those electors whose documents were incomplete, calling SIR a continuing exercise. Most claims and objections filed by political parties, the EC said, were for exclusion, not inclusion, of names from voter rolls. The bench, on the other hand, directed the paralegal volunteers to file confidential reports with the district judges concerned, and the same would be considered on September 8. RJD and AIMIM have sought extension of the deadline to file claims and objections in the poll revision exercise in poll-bound Bihar. The deadline for filing claims and objections for inclusion or exclusion of elector names from the draft roll was today.

Electoral rolls being prepared as per BJP's wishes: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

PATNA: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday alleged that people's rights were being snatched by the BJP-led NDA in the name of the special intensive revision, and that electoral rolls were being prepared as per the wishes of the ruling coalition. Addressing a rally in Patna at the culmination of Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader accused the NDA government of following a 'divide and rule' policy, and called upon all the INDIA bloc constituents to remain united to unseat the ruling alliance from power. He also accused the BJP of indulging in 'vote chori' (vote theft) and horse-trading to topple state governments. The BJP is using Enforcement Directorate (ED), CBI and other central agencies against opposition leaders, he alleged. Our vote protects and safeguards our Constitution, he asserted.

Jharkhand CM, TMC's Yusuf Pathan to join concluding leg of 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Patna

RANCHI/KOLKATA: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and TMC leaders Yusuf Pathan and Lalitesh Tripathi will join the concluding leg of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's capital Patna on Monday. While Pathan and Tripathi have already reached Patna, Soren will reach there on Monday morning. JMM president and Chief Minister Hemant Soren will join Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and leader of opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, at the concluding leg of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. This historic occasion will transform into a show of strength for the opposition unity, JMM central general secretary Vinod Pandey said in a press statement. 'Mahagathbandhan' leaders will hold a march in Patna on Monday, marking the culmination of the yatra that covered about 1,300 km and passed through over 110 Bihar assembly constituencies in what was seen as a prelude to a high-octane assembly polls campaign in the state. The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a joint conspiracy of the BJP and the Election Commission to deprive voters, especially the poor, backwards, minorities, Dalits, labourers, farmers, and tribal communities, from exercising their franchise against the BJP's ideology, Pandey alleged. The JMM leader said that the ruling coalition government in Jharkhand has already passed a resolution in the assembly against the SIR, conveying its message to the people. Hemant Soren called it a direct attack on democracy. In Bihar, the opposition has also termed the SIR as a conspiracy to marginalise poor people, he claimed. Tripathi, before leaving for Patna on Sunday, told reporters at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, We will represent TMC at the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. 'Vote chori' (stealing of votes) is one of the biggest issues at the moment, and we are going to take it to every region. We will take the message of our leader Mamata Banerjee to the common people. This is our responsibility. Pathan, a former Indian cricketer, echoed Tripathi. Both the Congress and the TMC are part of the opposition bloc INDIA at the national level. The yatra, launched by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on August 17, aimed to highlight the alleged assault on people's right to vote through the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. The opposition parties have been alleging that the deletion of names of 65 lakh people from the draft electoral rolls published as part of SIR was an assault on their right to vote. The Election Commission (EC) had come out with the names of 65 lakh people who were removed from the draft electoral rolls. The development came after the Supreme Court directed the EC to publish the deleted names by August 19 and file a compliance report by August 22. Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav joins 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar

Insider track | Mama and the politics of devotion

Shivraj Singh Chouhanfondly called Mamahas a knack for blending faith and timing. This week, he walked barefoot, sons in tow, carrying Ganapati Bappa Morya into his home. On its own, a heartwarming image. However, for observers, the timing was interestingly coincidental with murmurs about him as a frontrunner for the BJPs national president post. He has brushed off the speculation, saying his focus is on farmers and his ministerial duties. Still, some in the party insist his religious observances mattereach time he prays, a political door seems to open. One senior leader even mused, with a grin, Mama mahir hai sambhavanaon ki rajniti meinMama truly is a master of possibility politics. Is it a coincidence, or karma in action? Hard to say. With Mama, nothing ever feels entirely accidental. Pauses speak louder than words At the recent RSS conclave, Mohan Bhagwat drew a clear line between the Sangh and the BJP: They do their work, we do ours. Nothing more, nothing less. It was a diplomatic response to lingering rumours of interference. However, then came the line, tossed in casually yet carrying more weight than anything said officially: If we were deciding, would it have taken so long? The room laughed, but behind the chuckles was the unmistakable sense that he had revealed more than intendedor perhaps exactly what he intended. Some observers quietly wonder whether the Sangh is losing patience over the delay in the BJPs top-level decisions. Others think it was just Bhagwat being his cryptic self. Either way, the one-liner has sparked more debate than the entire speech preceding it. A bureaucratic U-turn? Earlier this year, the Centre was quite strict in denying states requests to extend the service tenures of their Chief Secretaries and top police officers. Jharkhand, UP, and Bihar all had their proposals rejected. It seemed like a patternor even a message. This week, however, brought a quiet shift. Madhya Pradesh was allowed to extend Chief Secretary Anurag Jains term by a year. Telanganas chief secretary, K. Ramakrishna Rao, also got an extra seven months. Theres no official explanation why, which of course creates space for speculation. Some read this as a political favour, others view it as a simple reassessment. In Delhi, its often difficult to determine whether the rules are being bentor applied a little flexibly. Mallick may replace George in Japan Nagma Mohamed Mallick is likely heading to Japan as Indias next ambassador, succeeding Sibi George. If confirmed, shell be only the second woman ever to hold that role, significant in the still male-heavy corridors of global diplomacy. Her career spans an impressive arc: France, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia, Brunei, and now Poland. She served in the PMO, managed Russia and Africa relations, and was Deputy Chief of Protocola first for a woman. Beyond her credentials, theres quiet assurance in her presence. She reads English literature, practices classical dance, speaks five languages, and balances diplomacy with wellness. Profiles like hers often shape the tone of relationships between nations. Bamboo diplomacy at its best In a very different corner of the world, something quietly hopeful unfolded this week. A delegation from Arunachal Pradesh went to Indonesia for a dialogue on sustainable bamboo practices. Backed by the Environmental Bamboo Foundation and the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, the visit focused on skill-building and knowledge-sharingespecially for women and youth from Northeast India. The idea is to turn bamboo into more than a plantits positioned as an engine for rural entrepreneurship and climate resilience. Bamboo charcoal, ethanol, design innovationsits a rich space with global potential. The Regent of Ngada even hosted a dinner in honour of the delegation. A small gesture, yes, but one that signified genuine warmth. In a world often dominated by geopolitical tension, perhaps such grassroots collaboration is the more enduring form of diplomacy.