Pakistan-trained terrorist held in West Bengal for J&K cleric killing
A Pakistan-trained Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen terrorist, Jawed Munshi, wanted for a 2011 cleric's murder in J&K, was arrested in West Bengal. Posing as a shawl seller, the IED expert, acting under Lashkar-e-Taiba's instructions, was apprehended while planning to flee to Bangladesh. Munshi admitted to traveling to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal using fake passports.
Kolkata's forest cover up but city has lowest greenery among metros
Kolkata's forest cover saw a slight increase between 2021 and 2023, reaching 2.06 sq km, but remains the lowest among India's megacities. Despite the gain, cyclones have significantly impacted the city's greenery. While other metros like Chennai and Delhi experienced declines, Ahmedabad recorded the largest increase in forest cover.
90% of civic volunteers in West Bengal are Jamaat supporters: BJP leader Arjun Singh
Assam and West Bengal police arrested two suspected Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorists in Murshidabad. A suspected Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen member, Javed Munshi, was arrested in Canning. Munshi allegedly aimed to revive the Muslim League. He reportedly planned to flee to Bangladesh. Police seized a book, CD, and documents. Munshi has a history of terror-related activities.
500 enemy properties encroached in Bengal: MHA
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data has revealed that out of the total 4,376 enemy properties in West Bengal, over 500 of them are encroached by illegal occupants and the authorities initiated eviction proceedings only in cases of 49 such assets so far. MHA officials said that the government has recently conducted a survey in West Bengal and it was found that there are 4,376 enemy properties in the states of which 4,320 were left by Pakistani nationals and 56 were that of Chinese, who left during 1962 war. Based on the survey conducted so far, encroachment has been found in 536 enemy properties situated in West Bengal and so far, 49 eviction proceedings have been initiated, a senior MHA official said, adding that out of these two are situated at 78- A&B Shakespear Sarani and the rest are in South Tangra Road, Kolkata. The official went on to add that no enemy property in the state has been sold in the past three years. But, lease rents o he tune of `69.72 lakh have been collected during the last three years in respect of such properties in the state, he said. The District Magistrates (DMs) act as an ex-officio Deputy Custodian of such properties and they are responsible for preservation and maintenance, and act as Estate Officers. Therefore, under the law they are authorised to take action against illegal occupants under the Enemy Property Rules, 2015, the official said. The maximum number of 1,728 enemy properties is situated in Murshidabad district, followed by 711 in Coochbehar, 625 in Purba Bardhaman, 427 in Birbhum and 100 in Alipurduar. All of these were left by Pakistani nationals. Among those enemy properties, which were left by Chinese nationals include 19 in Kolkata, 17 in Kalimpong, 13 in Darjeeling, 5 in Jalpaiguri and 2 in Alipurduar, according to the MHA data. Giving details of the procedure of disposing off the enemy properties, the official said, In terms of guidelines framed in 2018, such assets are sold through e-auction after carrying out valuation by a committee under the chairmanship of the DM of a district, where the property is situated and based on this the central government decides the manner in which they are to be dealt with.
Meghalaya pushes for direct road link with West Bengal
Guwahati: Power Minister AT Mondal has urged the Centre to support the states ambitious infrastructure projects, including a direct road link between Balurghat-Hili in West Bengal and Mahendraganj in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. This proposed road link would reduce travel distance from 600 km to just 85 km, fostering trade and commerce in the region. [] The post Meghalaya pushes for direct road link with West Bengal appeared first on NorthEast Now .
State sees dip in organdonations in 24
Shanty fires: Focus on indoor cooking in winter, illegal storage of cylinders
Efforts Underway to Tranquilize Tigress Zeenat and Bring her Back to Similipal
Bhubaneswar: Efforts are in full swing to tranquilise and relocate tigress Zeenat, who strayed into the forests of West Bengal from Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve. With no signs of the tigress returning to her habitat on her own, Baripada Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) Prakash Chand Gogineni confirmed plans to tranquilize the big cat to ensure her safe return. Officials from both the Odisha and West Bengal forest departments are closely monitoring Zeenat's movements. According to RCCF Gogineni, the three-year-old tigress is in stable health. It has been over ten days since she ventured out of Similipal, traveling through parts of Jharkhand before being traced to the Belpahari forest in West Bengal. Under National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines, tranquilisation is permitted only if the tiger poses a threat by straying into human settlements or attacking humans or livestock. Since Zeenat remains in the forest, direct intervention is restricted. Sources indicate that Zeenat has found an ample prey base in the Belpahari forests, which may explain her reluctance to return to Similipal. Despite this, Odisha forest department officials are determined to bring her back. Camouflaged cages with trap doors, baited with cattle, have been set up to capture the tigress humanely, but she has yet to fall into any of the traps. Given that Belpahari is a popular tourist destination, the West Bengal government has issued public advisories, warning tourists about the presence of the tiger to ensure their safety. Four specialised teamsthree from Similipal Tiger Reserve and one from Sundarbansare actively tracking Zeenat's movements to safeguard both human and wildlife interests. Zeenat's journey has garnered significant attention due to her origins. Along with another tigress, Yamuna, Zeenat was translocated from Maharashtras Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal. The move was part of a genetic revitalization program aimed at introducing fresh genetic material into the Similipal Tiger Reserve. As authorities continue their efforts to ensure Zeenat's safe return, the incident underscores the challenges of managing wildlife translocations and conserving endangered species in a rapidly changing ecological landscape.
Metro ops hit for 34 mins after 47-yr-old falls on tracks
Lamp posts defunct, Belgharia E-way plunges into darkness
Kidnapped girl rescued in 4 hrs
CA held with 18 lakh in cash at Shalimar stn
Two-wheeler hits Maa guard wall, 2 riders flung off, die after 60ft fall
Early rush on Park Street chokes C Kol traffic on Sun
Keen on giving back to Bengal, NRBs talk business
Art & culture on clubs menu this festive season
Min temp may not dip much till Dec 25
Hyderabad police arrest 12 for robbing gold worth Rs 1.2 cr from bizmans house
Hyderabad: A man and his gang of 11 men were arrested by the Hyderabad city police on Sunday, December 22, for dacoity and robbing gold worth Rs 1.2 crore from a gold merchants house in Hyderabads Domalguda region. The arrests were made based on a complaint lodged by Ranjeet Ghorai, a native of West Bengal, 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 .
MGNREGS funds for West Bengal stopped due to irregularities at 31 worksites
Section 27 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act empowers the Centre to stop releasing funds if irregularities are found in the schemes implementation
Eight members of the Al-Qaeda affiliate Ansarullah Bangla Team were arrested across India. Two arrests were made in West Bengal, sparking political debate. One arrest occurred in Kerala, and five in Assam. A Bangladeshi national was among those arrested. Police seized evidence and are investigating. The arrests highlight the ongoing threat of terrorism.
Cops drug raid on condo, 2 arrested
TMC, BJP war of words over terrorists name on voters list
Ajoy Edwards launches new party, Gorkhaland to be prime goal
Churches light up, spl prayers & charity meets kick off Christmas celebrations
Eye on biz boost as Pous Mela returns after 4 yrs
Arrest of terror suspects in West Bengal triggers political bickering
While the Trinamool said that it was the Centres job to secure the border, the BJP questioned the States law and order situation and the infiltration through the India-Bangladesh border
J&K Terror Suspect Held in Bengal, Wanted to Visit Bdesh
Kolkata : A suspected member of Tehreek-e-Mujahideen, a banned terror outfit in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), was arrested by the special task force (STF) of the West Bengal Police in a joint operation with J&K police from South 24 Parganas in West Bengal early Sunday. Javed Ahmed Munsi (58), the accused, is an IED expert hailing from Tanpura of Srinagar. He had taken shelter at a relative's house in Canning of the district a few days ago. Acting on a tip-off, the STF caught him in the wee hours of the day and handed him over to the J&K police. Munshi however claimed to the cops during interrogation that his visit to Bengal was personal. His relatives also said that they were not aware of his links with any terror outfit. Munshi however admitted to having visited Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan many times using fake Pakistani passports following instructions from his handlers. This time also, he had plans to visit Bangladesh amid unrest on the order of Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, an STF officer revealed. Munshi was allegedly involved in subversive activities, including his alleged role in the 2011 murder of Shaukat Shah, a leader of the Ahl-i-Hadith, in the Valley and was wanted by the J&K Police for a long time, according to sources. Munshi, who earlier served multiple jail terms for terrorism-related charges, was produced at the Alipore Court in the afternoon. Public prosecutor Vikash said, From Srinagar, police came here to get a transit remand of Munshi who was working with the purpose of reviving the Muslim League. From his possession, a book, a CD, a plastic bag and several documents were seized by the police from his possession. The court granted his transit remand till December 31.
Centre should be blamed for illegal immigration from Bangla: WB minister
A clash erupted between the West Bengal government and BJP over the arrest of suspected terrorists. The state minister blamed the Centre for unchecked illegal immigration. The BJP accused the ruling TMC of using illegal infiltrators to gain votes. Police arrested eight suspected terrorists linked to a Bangladeshi group. One suspect reportedly had multiple voter IDs.
Wifes family, friends in hubbys place cruelty: HC
UNICEF, Bengal Govt join hands to combat Juvenile Diabetes
UNICEF has joined hands with the West Bengal Health & Family Welfare Department. The initiative aims to bring treatment and care for children suffering from non-communicable diseases, such as juvenile diabetes, to the grassroots level. Juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, is a condition where a child's body destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, which is essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Consequently, children affected by this disease have to inject insulin multiple times a day.
Marital discord made me vagabond: Hubby in HC
NHRC seeks ATRs from Centre, Maharashtra government on plight of sex workers in Mumbai
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sought Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the issues of human trafficking, prostitution and plight of sex workers in different locations in Mumbai within eight weeks from the Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India, New Delhi, the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra and the DGP, Maharashtra. Acting on a petition filed by noted human rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer, Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC sought the deatiled reports from the authorities concerned within eight weeks. The petitioner, Tripathy, has raised the issue of human trafficking, sexual harassment, torture of minor girls and women in Mumbai Red light areas, due to the alleged failure and negligence of the government of Maharashtra. Tripathy has submitted that the infamous Kamathipuram is one of the largest red-light areas, where more than 1500 destitute marginalized women inhabited 300-year-old dilapidated buildings. Each room is as small as 20 Square feet hotspot for transmission of diseases like TB, AIDS, HIV, STDs among others. Citing the plight of the victims in some other red ight areas in Mumbai, Tripathy has requested the Commission to seriously consider the issues raised in the petition. According to sources, after the action of the NHRC on the petitions of Tripathy, in cases of redlight areas like G B Road, Delhi the Government of Delhi has come up with action plans including a sex worker Policy in the State. Also, his petitions in the NHRC on similar issues in Sonagachhi, Kolkatta and Bhubaneswar the State governments are actively considering the issues with visible result. Tripathy also put forth the plight of sex workers during COVID across India and the NHRC also issued certain advisories subsequently. The petitioner alleged inaction, negligence and failure of the center and State government, the abominable phenomenon continues unabated till date. The Apex rights panel has alo sought reports from the authorities on social, legal and health points of view and rehabilitate the victims properly. The NHRC also asked the authorities to submit an action taken report on the compliance of the directions of the Supreme Court laid down in the Budhadev Karmaskar against West Bengal state case. The NHRC order stated the Authorities to ensure the needful action, and submit their action taken reports in eight weeks.
Kashmiri terror suspect arrested in Bengal
Javed Munshi, suspected to be a member of the outlawed 'Tehreek e Mujahideen' outfit in Kashmir Valley, was picked up from near Canning Hospital by a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and West Bengal Police's Special Task Force, the officer said.
The women who took on organic rice growing, and patriarchy
Thousands of women in West Bengals Jhargram district have set up a farmer producer company, Aamon, cultivating indigenous varieties of paddy without using lab-made fertilisers. The enterprise has made them economically stable, and has given them the power to make decisions on agriculture and on matters at home. Now,Shiv Sahay Singhreports, it has given them a new confidence
Suspected Tehreek-e-Mujahideen Terrorist Arrested in West Bengals South 24 Parganas
Javed Munshi, the arrested TEM member, was planning to enter Bangladesh to carry out terror activities.
Suspected 'Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen' member granted transit remand till Dec 31
Javed Munshi, a suspected Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen member, was arrested in West Bengal near the Bangladesh border. Police granted transit remand until December 31st. Munshi, an IED expert with alleged ties to LeT, is accused of working to revive the Muslim League and is linked to a 2011 murder. He reportedly used fake passports to travel to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.
A team from the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police apprehended a Pakistan-trained militant near the Indo-Bangladesh border in the Canning area of West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district.
Pakistan-Trained Kasmiri Militant Caught By Special Task Force Of West Bengal From Canning Area
Acting on secret information a team of the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police has caught a Pakistan trained militant yesterday, identified as Javed Munshi, near the Indo-Bangladesh border in the Canning area of South 24 Parganas. The person had come to Canning area few days ago to exfiltrate into Bangladesh under the instructions of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operatives. Javed Munshi, a known IED expert and weapons handler, is affiliated with the banned terrorist organization Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM). Munshi has a history of involvement in terror-related activities, including alleged participation in the 2011 murder of Shauqat Shah, a leader of the Ahl-i-Hadith, and has served multiple jail terms under terrorism-related charges. n18oc_indian18oc_breaking-updateNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
Suspected Kashmiri terrorist arrested in West Bengal
Kolkata, Dec 22: A suspected member of the terrorist outfit Tehreek e Mujahideen operating in Kashmir Valley was arrested from South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal on Sunday, according to police officials. Javed Munshi, a resident of Srinagar, was apprehended near Canning Hospital by a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Bengal [] The post Suspected Kashmiri terrorist arrested in West Bengal appeared first on Northlines .
Tigress which strayed from Similipal Tiger Reserve spotted in West Bengals Purulia
Kolkata/Baripada: Forest personnel are monitoring the movement of a tigress which strayed from Odishas Similipal Reserve Forest and is currently in West Bengals Purulia district, an official said Sunday. The three-year-old tigress brought from Maharashtra to Similipal Reserve Forest is fitted with a radio collar and is currently located in the Bandwan area of Purulia []
Suspected Member Of Kashmir Militant Outfit Arrested In Bengals South 24 Parganas
Kolkata, Dec 22: A suspected member of a militant outfit in Kashmir valley was arrested from West Bengals South 24 Parganas district on Sunday, a police officer said. Javed Munshi, suspected to be a member of the outlawed Tehreek e Mujahideen outfit in Kashmir Valley was picked from near Canning Hospital by a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Bengal Police, the officer said. Javed, who claimed to have visited the residence of a relative in the Canning [] The post Suspected Member Of Kashmir Militant Outfit Arrested In Bengals South 24 Parganas appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Fake Remarks About Replacing Indian Education System Attributed to Macaulay
Macaulay had moved to West Bengal's Kolkata in December 1834.
West Bengal, Bihar most impacted by arsenic contamination: Centre tells NGT
Arsenic contamination in West Bengal and Bihar groundwater impacts rice production, prompting NGT to seek remedial measures from Centre
KT Rama Rao goes hammer & tongs against Telangana govt over farm incentives
HYDERABAD: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Saturday attacked the Congress government over Rythu Bharosa, accusing it of slashing benefits to a number of farmers while claiming that it was issued to all farmers. Pointing out that just Rs 15,075 crore was earmarked in the Budget towards Rythu Bandhu, Rama Rao said that he would renounce politics if the government proves that it has waived loans for all farmers in any given village across the state, including Chief Minister A Revanth Reddys native village Kondareddypalli. Taking part in a short discussion on Rythu Bharosa, Rama Rao said: It requires Rs 23,000 crore annually to implement Rythu Bharosa for 15,000 acres, covering around 1.53 crore acres and 70 lakh farmers. However, only Rs 15,075 crore was allocated, which suggests that the state government constituted a Cabinet sub-committee after deciding to make cuts. It is an attempt to do away with Rythu Bandhu. Rama Rao also demanded to know whether the government planned to cut input subsidies for farmers who are Income-Tax assessees and for public servants. They say that they would not give input subsidies to government employees. Will you sever the connection between government employees and the land? he asked. Rama Rao said that the state has a debt of Rs 17,500 per acre for each farmer. He noted that about 98% of the beneficiaries of Rythu Bandhu were small and marginal farmers and that 91.1% of farmers hold less than five acres of land and only 1.39% own over 10 acres. Accusing the Congress government of running false propaganda against Rythu Bandhu, Rama Rao said that several state governments and the Centre emulated the scheme. He said that Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh implemented the input subsidy schemes in their respective states and that the Centres Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi was inspired by Rythu Bandhu, with some cuts. From the UN to leading economists like Ashok Gulati, Arvind Subramanyam, Raghuram Rajan, Abhijit Banerjee and Devender Sarma have appreciated Rythu Bandhu, he said.
Mlaya seeks direct road link to WB through WGH
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 21: The Meghalaya government on Saturday sought support from the Centre to establish a direct road link between Balurghat-Hili in West Bengal and Mahendraganj in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Speaking at the 72nd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC), chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Agartala, [] The post Mlaya seeks direct road link to WB through WGH appeared first on The Shillong Times .
String of suspensions in Trinamool for brandishing Abhisheks name
The developments come days after party chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee put an end to all speculations about the leadership debate as she told her party MLAs that she was the final word in the Trinamool
Passport verification lapses: Court slams cops
Remains that of Bangla MPs, confirms DNA match
Not bothered by fringe demands: Hospitals
Terror module planned to incite communal tensions in Bengal
Sighting, no collar signal in shadow zone challenges for tigers capture
After cop proposal, Patuli to get foot overbridge
Cops warn against fake Kumbh Mela websites
450 homeless as fire ravages slum at New Alipore; traffic, train services hit
Cafe where flyers can snack for less
Panel no to La Martinieres demand for heritage de-list
GoM to Dwell on 1% State Calamity Cess Under GST Framework
Vijayawada : The 55th GST Council led by union finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman will constitute a Group of Ministers (GoM) to consider permitting states to impose a calamity cess of one per cent on luxury goods under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework. The levy is aimed at providing financial relief to states in the aftermath of natural calamities. Andhra Pradesh finance minister Payyavula Keshav came up with the proposal of levying one per cent calamity cess on luxury goods, attracting over 5 per cent GST, being transported in a state. He recalled a precedent in Kerala when one per cent cess had been levied for flood rehabilitation in 2019. Later, speaking to media, Nirmala Sitaraman disclosed that APs move, along with other states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Telangana, on levying the calamity cess received unanimous support in the council. These states expressed their willingness to take part in the GoM. They assured that the group would deliberate on various aspects, including the nomenclature and applicability of this cess for different calamities. When Payyavula Keshav raised the matter, he received accolades from his counterparts from other states. The AP finance minister thanked Nirmala Sitaraman for agreeing to set up the GoM.
BJP, Congress Clash Over Dalit Votes, Ambedkars Legacy
New Delhi: Behind the ongoing political battle over the alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar, there appears to be a concerted effort by the BJP and the Congress, along with its India bloc partners, to win over the 17 per cent Dalit votes in the country. Union home minister Amit Shahs remark in the Rajya Sabha gave the Opposition an opportunity to whip up anti-BJP sentiments among the Dalits, the objective is clear the Congress wants to further consolidate the 4 per cent Dalit votes it gained in the last general election over the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. And the BJP seeks to regain the Dalit voteshare it lost. Concerned with the loss of Dalit voteshare in the last Lok Sabha polls as compared to the general election in 2019, the top BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, came forward to counter the Opposition's allegations of B.R. Ambedkar's insult during the debate on the 75 years of the Constitution. In the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, the Congress won 20 of the 84 Lok Sabha seats reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, while its allies won 33 seats, taking the total India bloc tally to 53 seats. The BJP, on the other hand, came down to 29 seats in 2024 from its victory in 46 seats in 2019. The NDA overall won 39 SC reserved seats in the 2024 polls. The Congress vote share increased by 4 per cent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against 16.7 per cent in the 2019 elections. While the ruling BJP got 34.5 per cent of the Dalit votes in 2024 in SC reserved seats, which was 1 per cent less than what it got in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP is working hard to prevent any further cracks in its Dalit vote share as they hold the key to its electoral success in the next years Assembly polls in Delhi and Bihar. The Dalit factor will also play an important role in Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu scheduled in March-April 2026. The Dalits do not follow a similar voting pattern across the country, but, it has been noted, whichever alliance or party received their support had won more seats. Despite having a similar nature of political contest, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar voted differently in the recent Lok Sabha polls. The I.N.D.I.A. bloc won 43 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh out of 80, while the NDA won only 36. In Bihar, the NDA led by the BJP won 30 seats and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc won nine. Amid the sudden spurt of political activity surrounding Dalit hero B.R. Ambedkar, Congress Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja, a veteran Dalit leader, said that the BJP is trying to usurp the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar. She said, The BJP and their founding fathers have always stood against the policies and thoughts of B.R. Ambedkar. Suddenly they have discovered this love for him. BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan said that the Congress believes it is the custodian of Babasaheb's legacy, but it is not true. The Congress opposition to Babasaheb is known to everyone. Their claim to his legacy is unnatural and irrelevant. The Congress is far behind us (the BJP). History and evidence are against them, Paswan said, adding, The BJP government led by Modi has given maximum share and representation to the Dalit community in the last 10 years. Dubbing the ongoing slugfest between the BJP and the Congress over the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar sheer politics, Lok Sabha MP from Nagina and chief of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) Chandra Shekhar said that it is clearly visible that they (the Congress and the BJP) are doing politics over Babasaheb. What do you think is going on here? With an eye on political dividends, they (the BJP and the Congress) are showing themselves as followers of Babasaheb. They are doing politics and people know this, Azad said. Political parties, including both the Congress and the BJP, recognise the sensitivities and importance of the Dalits voters. The BJP not only sought to corner the Opposition, particularly the Congress, over the alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar, but it also moved fast on the issue of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In 2018, when Yogi Adityanaths Uttar Pradesh government moved to add Ramji to B.R. Ambedkars name in official records, widespread protests broke out. The BJP defended the use of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkars full name, but the move was met with suspicion, as B.R. Ambedkar is the standard in official documents.
Dalit Vote Battle Heats Up Between BJP, Congress
New Delhi: Behind the ongoing political battle over the alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar, there appears to be a concerted effort by the BJP and the Congress, along with its India bloc partners, to win over the 17 per cent Dalit votes in the country. Union home minister Amit Shahs remark in the Rajya Sabha gave the Opposition an opportunity to whip up anti-BJP sentiments among the Dalits, the objective is clear the Congress wants to further consolidate the 4 per cent Dalit votes it gained in the last general election over the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. And the BJP seeks to regain the Dalit voteshare it lost. Concerned with the loss of Dalit voteshare in the last Lok Sabha polls as compared to the general election in 2019, the top BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Shah, came forward to counter the Opposition's allegations of B.R. Ambedkar's insult during the debate on the 75 years of the Constitution. In the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, the Congress won 20 of the 84 Lok Sabha seats reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, while its allies won 33 seats, taking the total India bloc tally to 53 seats. The BJP, on the other hand, came down to 29 seats in 2024 from its victory in 46 seats in 2019. The NDA overall won 39 SC reserved seats in the 2024 polls. The Congress vote share increased by 4 per cent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against 16.7 per cent in the 2019 elections. While the ruling BJP got 34.5 per cent of the Dalit votes in 2024 in SC reserved seats, which was 1 per cent less than what it got in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP is working hard to prevent any further cracks in its Dalit vote share as they hold the key to its electoral success in the next years Assembly polls in Delhi and Bihar. The Dalit factor will also play an important role in Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu scheduled in March-April 2026. The Dalits do not follow a similar voting pattern across the country, but, it has been noted, whichever alliance or party received their support had won more seats. Despite having a similar nature of political contest, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar voted differently in the recent Lok Sabha polls. The INDIA bloc won 43 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh out of 80, while the NDA won only 36. In Bihar, the NDA led by the BJP won 30 seats and the INDIA bloc won nine. Amid the sudden spurt of political activity surrounding Dalit hero B.R. Ambedkar, Congress Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja, a veteran Dalit leader, said that the BJP is trying to usurp the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar. She said, The BJP and their founding fathers have always stood against the policies and thoughts of B.R. Ambedkar. Suddenly they have discovered this love for him. BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan said that the Congress believes it is the custodian of Babasaheb's legacy, but it is not true. The Congress opposition to Babasaheb is known to everyone. Their claim to his legacy is unnatural and irrelevant. The Congress is far behind us (the BJP). History and evidence are against them, Mr Paswan said, adding, The BJP government led by Mr Modi has given maximum share and representation to the Dalit community in the last 10 years. Dubbing the ongoing slugfest between the BJP and the Congress over the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar sheer politics, Lok Sabha MP from Nagina and chief of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) Chandra Shekhar said that it is clearly visible that they (the Congress and the BJP) are doing politics over Babasaheb. What do you think is going on here? With an eye on political dividends, they (the BJP and the Congress) are showing themselves as followers of Babasaheb. They are doing politics and people know this, Mr Azad said. Political parties, including both the Congress and the BJP, recognise the sensitivities and importance of the Dalits voters. The BJP not only sought to corner the Opposition, particularly the Congress, over the alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar, but it also moved fast on the issue of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In 2018, when Yogi Adityanaths Uttar Pradesh government moved to add Ramji to B.R. Ambedkars name in official records, widespread protests broke out. The BJP defended the use of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkars full name, but the move was met with suspicion, as B.R. Ambedkar is the standard in official documents.
Winter rain brings down max-min temp gap by 2C
US Court ruling on Pegasus: Here's its direct impact in India
The US court's decision on Friday (December 20) in favor of WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, which holds Israeli spyware maker NSO Group directly liable for targeting around 1,400 users with its spyware, Pegasus, is expected to have ripple effects in India. In 2021, many reports in the media revealed that Pegasus spyware was used to target over 300 Indian mobile numbers, including those of two serving ministers, opposition leaders, journalists, and business people. Bringing much-needed context to the alleged spyware targeting WhatsApp users and the accountability for this privacy violation, a US court has, for the first time, ruled that the Israeli spyware maker NSO Group is liable for deploying Pegasus, stating that it violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and California's Cybersecurity laws. This ruling could set a precedent for accountability, as NSO has long downplayed its involvement in targeting individuals worldwide, including senior officials, journalists, and human rights activists. The Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi denied any involvement, calling the surveillance claims aseless, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asserted that Indias surveillance laws prevent unauthorised surveillance. However, in the wake of the revelations, the country's Supreme Court formed a committee to investigate the allegations. Though the committee found no conclusive evidence, it noted the central governments lack of cooperation. The issue also gained attention in states like West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, where allegations of Pegasus use became political. West Bengals government set up a commission to investigate, claiming the state had been offered Pegasus spyware by NSO. In Andhra Pradesh, political tensions arose over suspicions that Pegasus was used to monitor rival political figures, with accusations directed at both the previous and current state governments. The controversy continues to unfold, highlighting the far-reaching implications of spyware use in India.
Airport @100: Ministers, MP call for revival of global flight links
Rythu Bharosa from Sankranthi: Tummala
Hyderabad: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao on Saturday said that the government would start Rythu Bharosa from sankranthi. He stated that the government wanted to give cash to those who actually till the land as specified in the scheme objectives of Rythu Bandhu. Addressing the Assembly to initiate a discussion on Rythu Bharosa he said, We formed a cabinet sub-committee to arrive at collective opinion and toured all the districts and elicited feedback. Some video conferences were also held. The PM Kisan has its own modalities all of which have to be thoroughly thought of. In all, Rs 72,000 crores was given to farmers under the scheme. After we took over we paid Rs 7,825 crores. BRS working president thanked the agriculture minister for acknowledging the introduction of the scheme by them. The BRS leader said, The scheme was emulated by the Centre to start the PM Kisan though they will be averse to acknowledging it publicly. The government should clarify if the PM Kisan norms will be considered. If they are invoked, only 25 per cent of the farmers in our state will be eligible for the Rythu Bharosa scheme. There should be clarity if the 4.5 lakh (Recognition of Forest Rights Act) ROFR lands tilled by them will get the benefit for two crop seasons as they dont have water facility. Crops like cotton grown on 48 lakh acres are spread over seven to eight months and only one crop can be raised per year. Will this land get one installment or two should be clarified? he asked. Explaining the rationale for not keeping a ceiling for the beneficiaries of the scheme, KTR informed that farmers who have 30 to 40 acres were becoming labourers as farming was not profitable when the state was formed. Drought was the norm and farmers were digging bore wells left right and center. Fertilizers had to be sold in police stations. 11 per cent of farmer suicides were from Telangana. So the government gave 24 hours power. Komatireddy Venkat Reddy interjected and said, The patent for free power goes to the Congress government. We gave it for 9 hours. I had exposed the 24 hour claim by visiting power substations. They hardly gave 10 to 14 hours power. The logbooks of the stations from across the state were brought to Hyderabad to avoid being caught red-handed. Intervening at this juncture, Tummala said, No decision has been taken on the modalities. The house and farmers should not be misled by the members. This is only a discussion to elicit opinions of the members and they should stick to the subject. KTR blamed the government for seeking to water down the Rythu Bharosa scheme and said the government at Rs 7,500 per acre owes Rs 26,755 crores to farmers. 98 per cent of farmers have less than 10 acres. The scheme was backed by economists Arvind Subramanian, Ashok Gulati and Raghuram Rajan and was adopted by states like West Bengal and Orissa. The scheme should be continued as is, he said. Minister for panchayati raj D. Seethakka asked if those getting Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh salary should also get Rythu Bandhu. The scheme served as patta pettubadi (income for document) and not panta pettubadi (crop input help). BJP MLA Payal Shankar reminded that the PM Kisan funds have been deposited sans interruption unlike the state government. Congress came to power only because of farmers. Only 64,000 farmers have more than 10 acres and hence the scheme should be continued sans cuts.
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Trinamool Congress Leader Abul Nasar Found Dead At Hotel In West Bengal
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Agniva Chakraborty's 2025 calendar honors Marathi cartoonist Shivram Dattatreya Phadnis (SDP) as he approaches his 100th birthday. Phadnis, known for his caption-less cartoons in publications like Mohini, is celebrated for his simple yet profound humor. The calendar recognizes Phadnis's seven-decade career and his unique contribution to Indian cartooning.
Terrorists planned to attack NE link, 'Chicken's Neck'
Eight suspected members of terrorist outfit Ansar-al-Islam Bangladesh, who were recently arrested, had been planning to target the 'Chicken's Neck' connecting West Bengal's Siliguri with the northeastern states, a top police officer said. They wanted to create large-scale instability in the corridor by carrying out synchronised attacks and fomenting instability, he said.
West Bengal Police arrest Ansar-al-Islam Bangladesh members planning to target Siliguri corridor, aiming to create instability in northeast India
GST Council defers decision on insurance tax cuts amid lack of consensus among states: Sources
The GST Council's 55th meeting in Jaisalmer faced a deadlock over proposed GST rate cuts for term and health insurance. Several states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, expressed concerns over potential revenue losses, leading to the deferral of the decision.
A night to remember: Sunidhi Chauhan and Tamannaah Bhatia to perform in Kolkata on Christmas eve
Sunidhi Chauhan's spectacular production, 'I Am Home,' is coming to Kolkata for the first time this Christmas Eve. Along with her chart-topping hits, Bollywood diva Tamannaah Bhatia will join the stage with a sizzling performance, promising an unforgettable night of music and dance organized by Centrestage and Whos Next.
Observers say Mamata Banerjee will gear up for the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls from the very first day of 2025
10-acre Kalagram along Ganga for Mahakumbh
NEW DELHI: For the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, a culture village, called Kalagram, will be set up on over 10 acres at Daraganj along the banks of the Ganga and it will have demarcated spaces for seven zonal cultural centres (ZCC), officials said. The marked areas are named aangans (courtyards), where the ministry of culture plans to showcase art and crafts from all member states and union territories (UT). Exhibitions on the theme of Kumbha, including an immersive display, food court, and activity areas will also be put up at the venue. The ambience creation of Kalagram will be done by an expert private agency in collaboration with artists of ZCCs and Lalit Kala Akademi. The participating ZCCs are located in Patiala (Punjab), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Dimapur (Nagaland), and Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). According to the officials, diverse art installations, including cultural, educational, and commercial exhibits, are also planned for an engaging visitor experience. Union tourism culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat earlier told this newspaper that a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the vibrant and colourful customs, arts and crafts of the states, is planned at Mahakumbh starting January in Prayagraj. After the consultation with the Uttar Pradesh government, the ministry has got prime space allocated close to the main Mahakumbh Mela venue so that more visitors can witness the festivities, Shekhawat said. The authorities have also planned to place an installation on the proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the venue. One of the highlights at Kalagram will be a Ganga pandal with capacity of 10,000 audiences by the Mela Authority. This will be the main arena, where celebrity performances will be held everyday. Additionally, three pandals with a space for 4,000 people will be erected at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil. There will also be another amphitheatre of 1,000 capacity at Kalagram, where Snageet Natak Akademi awardees artists, National School of Drama productions and ZCC ensembles will be organised, an official said. Apart from this, 20 stages will also be built throughout the city. They will be handed over to the UP culture department and the ministry of culture, the official added. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways is gearing up to redefine the Mahakumbh experience with an innovative Gram Tent City initiative in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh, scheduled from January 14 to February 2025, is set to blend spirituality with modernity, providing a unique experience for millions of pilgrims. The Mahakumbh Gram Tent City plan, launched by IRCTC, aims to deliver a seamless and memorable experience for visitors.
MEA ticks off Yunus government for aides remarks
NEW DELHI: The government on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities were reported from Bangladesh this year up to December 8. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh gave the information in a written response, citing data from minority and human rights organisations. He said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is closely monitoring the situation, adding that New Delhi has raised the issue with Dhaka. The Government of India has expressed its concerns about such incidents, including the demolition of the Jagannath Temple in Bangladesh, the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024, he said. In another development, India has strongly protested with Bangladesh over a now-deleted social media post by a key aide of Dhakas interim government claiming certain areas of Indian territory should be part of Bangladesh. Mahfuz Alam, known for his provocative comments, had also posted on Facebook a map purportedly showing parts of West Bengal, Tripura and Assam as parts of Bangladesh. He deleted the post later. Must watch your comments: MEA Alam is a de facto minister in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh. We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments. While India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Deployment of SSB in J&K has given big boost to all security forces: Amit Shah
New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah attended the 61st Raising Day function of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Siliguri in West Bengal. Union Home Minister also E-inaugurated Integrated Check Point (ICP) Agartala and newly constructed residential complex of BGF at Petrapole. On this occasion, Director (IB), Secretary, Border Management, MHA, []
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