Category: India

At least 14 Naxals were neutralised in major encounters with security forces in Sukma and Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, with weapons recovered and operations led by Kiran Chavan.

At least 14 Naxals were neutralised in two separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and Bijapur districts on Saturday, officials said, in one of the biggest recent anti-insurgency operations in the Bastar region.

The bodies of two Maoist cadres, including Hunga Madkam, were recovered along with one SLR and one 12-bore rifle from a forested area near Gaganpalli village under Basaguda police station limits in Bijapur district. With this, a total of 14 Maoist cadres—12 in Sukma and two in Bijapur—have been neutralised so far in two ongoing operations.

The operation was launched late on Friday evening by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) Sukma from Palodi and Potakpalli areas under Kistaram police station limits.

Automatic weapons, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles, were recovered from the encounter site.

Officials said the operation was closely monitored by Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan, adding that further details are awaited.

Earlier in the day, two Naxalites were killed in a separate encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, police said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/more-than-10-maoists-killed-in-encounter-in-chhattisgarhs-sukma-9807164.html

The remarks sparked widespread outrage, prompting the Bihar State Women’s Commission (BSWC) to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.

The husband of Uttarakhand’s Women and Child Development Minister has triggered widespread outrage after a video surfaced in which he is heard making derogatory remarks about women from Bihar.

A video of his comment is going viral on social media, where he can be heard saying, “Will you get married in old age? If you’re unable to get married… we’ll bring a girl for you from Bihar– you can get one there for Rs 20000-25,000.”

He was speaking at an event in the Someshwar constituency of Almora. “Come with me, we’ll get you married,” he said.

The remarks sparked widespread outrage, prompting the Bihar State Women’s Commission (BSWC) to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.

Speaking to ANI, Apsara, chairperson of Bihar Mahila Aayog, said, “This statement reflects his intellectual bankruptcy. When the women of Bihar are reaching new heights. You are making such statements about the women of Bihar, which is reprehensible.”

“The Women’s Commission is taking suo motu cognisance and sending him a letter,” she added.

Uttarakhand Mahila Congress president Jyoti Rautela also reacted to the controversy, terming the statement “shameful” and demanding an apology. “He should sincerely apologise for his statement. We should also look into why such a statement was made,” she said.

Amid the controversy, Sahu said he holds the utmost respect for women.

“In my address, I mentioned the marriage of one of my friends. Opposition leaders including the Congress have twisted that discussion and presented it in the media, which is completely wrong,” The Print quoted him as saying in a report.

Describing the comment as deeply offensive, Bihar BJP spokesperson Prabhakar Mishra said it insulted not only the women of Bihar but women nationwide, and demanded action against those responsible.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/bihar-girls-ready-for-marriage-at-rs-20000-uttarakhand-ministers-husband-sparks-row-ws-l-9807329.html

Mandeep Kumar, a specially-abled man from Punjab, was allegedly trafficked and forced to fight in the Russian Army, dying months before his identity was confirmed. With no official help, his brother travelled to Russia to uncover the truth, raising serious questions about human trafficking, accountability and state apathy.

Mandeep Kumar should never have been a soldier. Born with a congenital limb disability, the 30-year-old from Goraya in Punjab was, by any standard, unfit for military service. Yet in December 2023, while pursuing the promise of a better life in Europe, his journey spiralled into a nightmare that ended on a battlefield far from home — acknowledged by the system only after his family crossed borders to uncover the truth.

Mandeep was allegedly duped by travel agents, routed through Armenia and forcibly recruited into the Russian Army despite being specially abled. From a foreign land, he sent desperate video messages, pleading to be rescued from a war that was never his to fight.

“He kept sending videos, begging for help,” Jagdeep Kumar, Mandeep’s brother, told India Today. “He said he had been forced to join the army. He was scared. He just wanted to come home.”

SILENCE AFTER MARCH 2024

The last time Mandeep spoke to his family was in March 2024. After that, there was nothing — no calls, no messages, no official word. Only fear, uncertainty and an endless wait. Mandeep was among the recruits allegedly trafficked into the Russian Army during the Russia-Ukraine war.

For months, the family knocked on every possible door — local authorities, the state government and the Centre — seeking help to locate Mandeep or bring him back. They allege their pleas were met with silence.

“With no support from the system, we were left alone to fight this battle,” Jagdeep said. “No one told us anything.”

A BROTHER’S DESPERATE JOURNEY TO RUSSIA

The confirmation the family had dreaded finally came, but not through diplomatic channels or official communication. It came after Jagdeep himself travelled to Russia.

Towards the end of 2025, Jagdeep, accompanied by his father, went to Russia at his own risk to search for his missing brother. He tracked down members of the Russian Army and submitted his DNA sample in December to identify Mandeep.

Seven days later, as the New Year dawned, the call finally came from Russia — not with hope, but with the truth the family had been dreading: his brother was dead.

What makes the revelation deeply troubling is Jagdeep’s allegation that he had already submitted his DNA sample at AIIMS in February 2025, a process facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs. He claims those DNA reports were never sent to Russia.

“If my DNA was already collected in India, why did it take me going to Russia for them to confirm my brother’s death?” he asked. “Why were those reports never sent?”

‘CLOSURE CAME, BUT WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT’

Jagdeep says neither the Punjab government nor the Centre extended any meaningful help during his search — not logistical, not diplomatic, not financial.

Instead, he says the cost of the Russia trip that finally brought closure was assisted by Congress MP Raja Warring.

“The government did nothing,” Jagdeep alleged. “It was Raja Warring who helped me. Not the system.”

Deepak Vashisht, a Congress worker who was present at the Delhi airport to assist Jagdeep, said the family had been left to fend for itself. “Neither the state government nor the Centre extended any help. What this family has gone through is not just an administrative failure, it is humanly wrong,” he said.

DISTURBING IMAGES, QUESTIONS OF DIGNITY

Images shared by a Russian commander showed Mandeep’s body in a severely decomposed state — visuals that have left the family traumatised and raised disturbing questions about dignity in death.

In a chat accessed by India Today, an official from the Russian Army, while confirming Mandeep’s death through DNA identification, is seen saying that the condition of the body was “not pretty.” When the family nevertheless insisted on seeing proof, the official sent a disturbing image, adding, “It was taken before freezing. Not much is left. He was identified by DNA.”

On Tuesday, Mandeep’s mortal remains finally arrived at the Delhi airport, bringing an end to more than a year-long wait — but not to the grief. “It has ended the waiting, but not the pain,” Jagdeep broke down while speaking.

‘AT LEAST TELL FAMILIES IF THEIR LOVED ONES ARE DEAD’

Jagdeep says he has been in touch with at least 13 other families from Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh and parts of Bihar, whose sons too were allegedly trafficked and sent to fight in Russia. “Out of them, at least 10 have died,” he claimed.

“There are many families connected with me,” Jagdeep said, his voice breaking. “But there is no help from the embassy or the government. At least families deserve to know if their loved one has died.”

The pain is compounded by the fact that Jagdeep has not yet found the courage to tell his parents the truth. “They are still waiting for him,” he said. “They believe Mandeep will return. I don’t have the strength to tell them that their son will never come home alive.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/trafficked-forgotten-specially-abled-indian-died-fighting-foreign-war-mandeep-kumar-forcibly-recruited-russian-army-human-trafficking-2846111-2026-01-03

The woman left her phone with her two children and then jumped into Hussain Sagar lake in Telangana.

A 29-year-old woman died by suicide in Telangana after jumping into a lake on Friday evening.

The woman was identified as Vasantha. She is survived by her two sons — the elder aged seven, a Class 2 student, and the younger aged three-and-a-half years.

According to the police, Vasantha lost her husband, Laxman, four years ago and had since been living with her mother and brother. She supported her family by working as a daily wage labourer.

On Friday evening, she brought her children to Tank Bund, gave them a mobile phone to play with, and then jumped into the Hussain Sagar lake. Some people present at the spot noticed the incident and alerted the police.

Police personnel rushed to the scene and retrieved her body from the water. The body was later shifted to the Gandhi Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/telangana/story/telangana-woman-suicide-hussain-sagar-lake-sons-orphaned-2846143-2026-01-03

 

A 33-year-old man in Singapore cheated 14 victims of nearly ₹ 3.5 crore by abusing an internal staff purchase scheme to fund his spiralling credit card debts.

A former employee of luxury watch retailer Cortina Watch cheated customers of nearly S$500,000 (around ₹3.46 crore) by abusing an internal staff purchase scheme to fund his spiralling credit card debts, a Singapore court has heard.

According to a report by CNA, the accused has been identified as 33-year-old Soh Jian Kun. He pleaded guilty on January 2 to four amalgamated cheating charges. Another 13 charges will be taken into consideration during sentencing, which is expected in February.

Soh had reportedly worked at Cortina Watch since 2015 and was arrested when his offences came to light in 2025. According to court documents, he swindled S$494,583 from 14 victims between September 2024 and July 2025.

The 33-year-old began applying for credit cards after his salary increased following his deployment to the retailer’s Marina Bay Sands store in 2017 or 2018. At one point, he had approximately seven credit cards, and he reportedly splurged on luxury goods and travel, accumulating substantial debt.

Even after entering a debt consolidation plan through Credit Counselling Singapore, he was unable to keep up with repayments and continued borrowing from moneylenders. According to CNA, Soh also cheated his friends, acquaintances and former clients whom he believed trusted him because of his long service with Cortina Watch.

The company operated a staff purchase scheme allowing eligible employees and their next-of-kin to buy “hard-to-obtain” luxury watches. Soh “was of the view that Cortina Watches did not closely scrutinise the purpose of the purchase under the scheme, and thought that this was a loophole he could exploit”, said the prosecutor.

Failed Ponzi scheme

Soh reportedly convinced victims they could purchase high-demand watches through him, citing the scheme. To sustain the deception, he forged receipts, falsified company forms with Cortina Watch’s stamp and fabricated screenshots of conversations with supposed company staff. Several victims were told to pay deposits of up to half the retail price in advance.

One of Soh’s victims transferred S$181,350 for 7 luxury watches from Rolex and Patek Philippe. However, Soh never intended to place orders and instead used the funds to repay his debts. Prosecutors said he planned to run what effectively became a Ponzi-style arrangement, where he planned on refunding earlier victims using deposits from later ones. However, the scheme eventually collapsed.

Soh resigned from the company after his offences came to light in 2025. He has since cooperated with investigators and provided details of victims who had not yet lodged police complaints. He has repaid S$13,000 so far.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/singapore-man-admits-to-cheating-customers-of-rs-3-5-crore-through-luxury-watch-scheme-to-repay-his-credit-card-debts-101767408917056.html

A Pune man’s inspiring journey from factory worker to full-stack developer went viral online.

A Pune man’s inspiring journey from a factory worker to a full-stack developer role has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter).

Sambhav Wakhariya shared his story with the caption, “From a factory worker to a full-stack developer in 1.5 years of grind.”

From factory worker to developer:

According to the post, about 1.5 years ago, his life looked very different. Wakhariya worked in a vegetable factory, spending nearly 10 hours a day packing and picking products.

The daily routine was demanding, with little rest and constant physical strain. Financial issues had pushed Wakhariya out of college.

“I had dropped out of college because of financial issues. This felt like the end of the road,” the post adds.

A turning point came after a friend suggested that he should learn coding. With limited savings and help from his parents, Wakhariya purchased a laptop and left his factory job. For the next few months, the internet became his classroom.

“I kept remembering something Elon Musk once said: Everything you need to learn is available on the internet for free.”

Hard work pays off:

Wakhariya focused on learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript within a month before moving on to React. Instead of expensive courses, he relied on official documents, hands-on projects, and learning from mistakes.

The early stages of his tech career were not easy. His first internship came with steep learning curves, but it helped him build confidence and skill.

Challenges continued in his personal life when his grandfather suffered a heart attack. Wakhariya paused his professional work to recover from the setback before returning to freelance projects.

“My journey hasn’t been clean. It’s been messy, uncertain, and uncomfortable. If you’re starting from zero, don’t underestimate what 1–2 years of focused grind can do,” the post adds.

HT.com has reached out to the user for more details. This report will be updated when he responds.

Check out the post here:

The student reportedly fell ill following the attack and repeated mental and sexual harassment. Her health deteriorated over time, and she died on December 26.

A 19-year-old student died during treatment in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala on December 26 after allegedly being ragged by three senior students and sexually assaulted by a college professor. A purported video chilling has now surfaced of the woman in hospital, in which she details the ordeal she said she faced at her college.

Confirming that a case has been registered, Kangra Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Ratan said that all the allegations are being thoroughly investigated. Medical records, video evidence and statements of all concerned are being examined, PTI news agency quoted him as saying.

A case has been registered in the matter following a complaint by the woman’s father, who alleged that his daughter was beaten by three senior students, Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika. He also alleged that a college professor, Ashok Kumar, subjected her to “obscene acts”, the report said.

The student reportedly fell ill following the attack and repeated mental and sexual harassment. Her health deteriorated over time, and she died on December 26 in Ludhiana, police said.

What did the woman say in the video?

The case drew attention after a video purportedly showing the student in a hospital surfaced on social media. The girl in the video accuses the professor of indecent acts, mental harassment and intimidation after she objected to his behaviour.

HT.com could not independently verify the authenticity of this video.

A woman was heard asking the name of the professor, to which she replied, “Ashok sir.”

When asked what he would do to her, the student said, “Peeche padh jaate the. Ajeeb harkatein karte the.” (He would keep bothering me, do strange things.)

She was then asked to describe the kind of acts the professor would indulge in. She appeared hesitant, after which the woman questioning her asked whether she wanted her father to step out of the room.

The student said she did not want her father to leave and replied, “Touch wagerah karte the. Bahut kuch bolte the.” (He would touch me, say a lot of things.)

A case has been filed under Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009. Police said a probe is currently underway.

The accused professor has denied all allegations levelled against him, the news agency reported, adding that some teachers have come in support of the professor.

The professor reportedly said that the student had studied under him in a previous academic session and was not his student in the current session.

Who was the student

Preliminary investigations by the police pointed out that the deceased student was enrolled in the college in 2024 and faced ragging by some students and failed her BA first-year examination, according to the PTI report.

She later stopped attending college after the results were declared in July 2025. Her name was reportedly dropped from college rolls on August 21, 2025.

In a bid to get admission, the student is believed to have again in September visited the college, where she was told that she would be admitted to the second year only if she cleared the re-evaluation, failing which she would have to re-enroll in the first year.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/breathing-through-your-mouth-ent-surgeon-shares-major-health-risks-from-gum-problems-to-sore-throat-101767356764599.html

A drunk man triggered panic at the Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple in Tirupati after climbing the gopuram and reaching the kalashas, demanding alcohol to come down.

A man under the influence of alcohol caused panic at the Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple after he managed to evade security personnel and enter the temple premises late last night, officials said.

Vigilance staff noticed the individual just in time as he attempted to climb the temple wall. After gaining access to the complex, the man climbed the gopuram and reached the kalashas, alarming temple authorities and devotees present at the site. Vigilance personnel immediately informed the police and fire department to prevent any mishap.

Officials identified the man as Kuttadi Tirupati (45), a resident of Peddamalla Reddy Colony, Kurmawada, in Telangana’s Nizamabad district. According to officials, he entered the temple like other devotees and allegedly climbed the Nadimi Gopuram using tent poles placed there.

During the standoff, the man demanded a quarter bottle of alcohol and claimed he would come down only after receiving it. After authorities agreed to his demand, he climbed down safely without sustaining injuries.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/andhra-pradesh/story/tirupati-temple-drunk-man-climb-gopuram-incident-andhra-pradesh-sri-govindarajaswamy-temple-2845891-2026-01-03

Speaking at an event in Udapipur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned that rising “white-collar terrorism” showed education without ethics can be deadly, citing the Red Fort car bomb blast, where three doctors were arrested.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday flagged what he described as a disturbing rise of “white-collar terrorism” in the country, warning that higher education without values can turn dangerous for society.

Speaking at the 104th foundation day of Bhupal Nobles’ University, Singh cited the November 10 car bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort to underline his point. He noted that the accused in the attack were qualified doctors, calling it a stark example of how education alone does not guarantee ethical conduct.

“Today, an alarming trend of white-collar terrorism is emerging in the country. Highly-educated people are working against society and the country. The perpetrators of the (Delhi) bomb blast were doctors – those who had degree in hand and RDX in their pockets. This highlights the need for knowledge to be accompanied by values and character,” he said.

The explosion involved an explosives-laden i20 car driven by Dr Umar-un-Nabi and resulted in the deaths of 15 people. Officials later uncovered a white-collar terror module, leading to the arrest of three doctors — Muzammil Ganai, Adeel Rather and Shaheena Saeed — among others.

“The purpose of education is not only professional success but also the development of morality, ethics and human character. Any education system that cannot fulfil this objective, which does not impart humility, a sense of character and ‘dharma’ (righteousness) along with knowledge, is incomplete,” the Defence Minister said.

Singh said terrorists are not necessarily illiterate and can hold university degrees, but often lack wisdom and values.

“When I talk about religion, it should not be associated with going to the temple, mosque or church for prayer. Religion is a sense of duty. Education devoid of religion and morality will not be useful to society, and sometimes it can even prove fatal. This is why educated people are sometimes found to be involved in crimes,” he added.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rajnath-singh-white-collar-terror-degrees-in-hand-rdx-in-pockets-red-fort-blast-2845880-2026-01-03

Shashi Tharoor stressed that India must continue diplomatic pressure on Dhaka while keeping sport separate.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, amid a political row over Kolkata Knight Riders’ selection of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, came out strongly in defence of the decision, asserting that sport must remain insulated from geopolitical tensions.

“Cricket should not be made to bear the burden for attacks on minorities in Bangladesh,” he said, adding, “We should try and insulate some areas from others.”

Shashi Tharoor stressed that India must continue diplomatic pressure on Dhaka while keeping sport separate.

“We are reaching out to Bangladesh and urging them to do the right thing to protect and look after their minorities, and this messaging must continue,” he said, continuing, “But Mustafizur Rahman is a cricketer and has nothing to do with any of these things.”

Calling the backlash against Mustafizur Rahman unfair, Shashi Tharoor said the player had not been accused of any wrongdoing.

“He has not been personally accused of any hate speech or condoning or defending any attacks. Mixing these two things is simply not fair,” he said.

The row began over KKR- co-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan- picking Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction. The decision triggered a backlash amid strained India–Bangladesh ties following the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh.

Shashi Tharoor cautioned against isolating neighbouring countries, arguing that such an approach would be counterproductive.

“If we become a country that isolates all of our neighbours and say nobody is playing with any of them, how does it do any good?” he asked.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/cricket-shouldnt-bear-burden-of-politics-shashi-tharoor-on-calls-to-boycott-bangladeshi-player-ws-l-9806585.html

In a meeting with the chief minister, aggregator companies said they are ready to onboard private EVs provided regulatory changes are notified.

Delhi is preparing a major overhaul of how people commute as rising pollution levels continue to plague the capital. From allowing privately owned electric vehicles to operate as taxis to launching shared ride services and airport shuttles, the latest plan aims to cut the number of vehicles on the road, a key contributor to toxic air.

The roadmap emerged from a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta with automobile manufacturers and ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido. The message was blunt: Without fewer vehicles on the road, pollution control will remain out of reach.

“Effective and sustainable control of pollution in Delhi is possible only by reducing the number of vehicles on the roads,” Gupta told the companies, stressing that transport firms must actively support the effort.

Private EVs as Taxis: What’s Changing

In a first for the city, the Delhi government has agreed, in principle, to allow privately owned electric vehicles to operate as shared taxis. This would require amendments to existing rules, which the government said will be made.

Aggregator companies said they are ready to onboard private EVs, and even BS-VI vehicles, provided regulatory changes are notified. The chief minister assured them that the government would put a mechanism in place while insisting that passenger safety norms must be strictly followed.

Shared Rides and Women-Driven Taxis

Ride-hailing companies also committed to rolling out shared taxi services within a month. Alongside this, taxis driven by women drivers are expected to be introduced, a move the government sees as both a safety and employment push.

Gupta said flexibility in rules would be offered to encourage EV adoption, but added that companies must also pass on benefits to commuters. “If people don’t find EV services affordable and attractive, the shift won’t happen,” officials quoted her as saying.

Airport, Ring Road Shuttles

To reduce the number of private cars entering key corridors, the government has asked aggregators to explore shuttle services on the Ring Road and to and from the airport. Pilot projects may be launched to test feasibility.

Automobile manufacturers flagged the need for faster expansion of EV infrastructure, particularly charging stations. In response, the chief minister said the government is ready to provide land for charging stations, but pushed companies to explore solar-powered charging as well.

She also highlighted battery disposal as a growing concern. “Battery waste cannot become the next pollution problem,” she said, asking companies to take responsibility for managing it.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/to-battle-pollution-delhi-plans-to-allow-private-evs-to-operate-as-cabs-or-taxis-10209823

The accused has been identified as Pramod Kumar Raj, a resident of Bhagwanpur in the Bochaha police station area, they said.

A man was arrested in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district on Friday for allegedly creating and circulating AI-generated fake videos and audio clips of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, police said.

The accused has been identified as Pramod Kumar Raj, a resident of Bhagwanpur in the Bochaha police station area, they said.

Raj allegedly edited and shared fabricated content on social media by misusing the names, images and voices of the president and the PM, police said in a statement.

“The objective behind the AI-generated content was to mislead the public, undermine the dignity, prestige and trust associated with the highest constitutional offices of the country, create distrust towards democratic institutions, and adversely affect social harmony and law and order,” the statement said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/man-arrested-in-bihar-for-circulating-ai-generated-fake-videos-of-pm-modi-president-10213257

They said the action was taken following orders of a special court in connection with cases registered at the Malhar police station.

Police on Friday attached immovable properties of seven people from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district who are allegedly involved in anti-national activities while operating from Pakistan, officials said.

They said the action was taken following orders of a special court in connection with cases registered at the Malhar police station. The attached properties include over 10 kanals of land in the Lohai Malhar area of Kathua district, valued at crores of rupees.

“A proclamation had earlier been issued against the seven accused, all residents of Tehsil Lohai Malhar, who are presently staying in Pakistan. As they remained on run, police, with assistance from the revenue department, identified and attached their immovable properties after completing all legal formalities under BNSS,” an officer said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jammur-and-kashmirs-police-attach-properties-of-7-pak-based-men-in-j-ks-kathua-10223309

MasterChef India’s Vikas Khanna recently raised concerns about the dirty carpet at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. His post quickly grabbed attention, prompting the airport authorities (CSMIA) to respond. The issue has sparked discussions about hygiene and maintenance standards at one of India’s busiest airports. See his post below!

Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, best known for judging MasterChef India, recently took to his social media handle to express his concern over the condition of the carpet at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. While he appreciated the airport’s overall efficiency, he called the carpet “unnecessary and unacceptable,” saying it has become too dirty to clean properly. Highlighting health risks, he urged authorities to remove it. He said that it could cause serious breathing problems, especially for people with asthma or bronchitis. After his message prompted discussions about urgent action, CSMIA’s official handle reacted to the post.

Louis Vuitton’s Monogram hits 130 and it’s still the hottest icon in luxury. From graffiti-splashed collaborations to bold reinventions, the emblem has grown far beyond luggage, becoming a symbol of creativity, status, and relentless style. In 2026, the house marks the milestone with year-long capsule collections, global window displays, and exclusive campaigns celebrating a design that continues to captivate the world.

French maison Louis Vuitton is celebrating 130 years of its monogram. The Louis Vuitton Monogram is one of the most popular and recognisable symbols in luxury.

In 1896, Louis Vuitton’s innovative trunks became so popular that they began to be copied, with fakes flooding the market. Georges Vuitton, son of Louis Vuitton, started brainstorming ways to protect the integrity of the brand in a unique manner. An ornamental pattern of interlaced LV initials and stylised floral motifs became the Louis Vuitton monogram. “Conceived amid Paris’s artistic bloom, the iconic design was created in tribute to Georges Vuitton’s father, in a fusion of inspirations from kitchen tiles in the family’s Asnières home and Neo-Gothic art. Undeniably recognisable and destined to endure, it has been continually renewed through dialogue with art and culture, a story rooted in legacy,” states the Louis Vuitton website.

The Monogram was patented in 1897.

But under successive creative directors, the Monogram evolved into a fashion statement. Marc Jacobs was appointed the creative director in 1997. He played a pivotal role in modernising the canvas. Under Jacobs, it transformed from classic travel luggage into a chic, fashion-forward emblem. It was during his tenure that the Monogram became a platform for artistic dialogue through high-profile collaborations with the likes of Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. The designs were reinterpreted by each with graffiti, vibrant colour palettes and pop sensibilities. Traditional notions of luxury were challenged through these collaborations, and the Monogram was firmly positioned within modern culture.

In 1996, Louis Vuitton celebrated 100 years of its brown and gold canvas. For the 130th anniversary of the Monogram, a year-long celebration has been planned. Throughout 2026, special anniversary capsule collections will be launched.

See more

According to the maison’s website, “To celebrate 130 years of the legendary Monogram, three exclusive capsules reinterpret the House’s emblem: Monogram Origine, VVN, and Time Trunk. Reimagining five icons across canvas, leather, and trunk-making savoir-faire, each capsule embodies a distinct facet of Louis Vuitton’s heritage. The Monogram Multicolore also returns in a vibrant re-edition of the icons originally created by Takashi Murakami.”

The Monogram is associated with some of Louis Vuitton’s most iconic bags, including the Speedy and the Keepall, launched in 1930. The Noé was designed in 1932 to carry multiple bottles of champagne.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/fashion/louis-vuitton-celebrates-130-years-iconic-monogram-article-153386962

 

A look back at the judiciary’s most controversial moments this past year.

On March 14, 2025, a blaze at the official residence of then Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma caused India’s higher judiciary to come under fire. Images and videos of burning cash recovered from the site were symbolic of the public’s eroding trust in the courts.

The fire may have been doused that evening, but its smoke continues to hang in the air. Much like Delhi’s infamous PM10 and PM 2.5.

However, 2025 didn’t see the judiciary fighting just one fire. It moved from one controversy to another right until the end of the year. Here, we look at the judiciary’s most controversial moments of the year.

Blaze of (no) glory

After his transfer from the Allahabad High Court in October 2021, Justice Varma established a distinct presence in Delhi by delivering verdicts of seminal importance. He did not shy away from writing judgments that were lengthy and often complex in their drafting. Ironically, he now finds himself at the centre of a verdict that is equally lengthy and complex, but this time, he is not the author.

A three-member committee constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker under the Judges (Inquiry) Act is probing the allegations relating to the discovery of cash at Justice Varma’s residence. On the other hand, Justice Varma has moved the Supreme Court alleging irregularity in the initiation of the impeachment proceedings and the constitution of the probe panel.

Of hot-headed lawyers and flying shoes

Politicians are often seen being hit with shoes by angry members of the public. For a judge to face something similar in his own courtroom, however, is a rarity.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai experienced just that when a lawyer, emboldened by right-wing rhetoric, threw a shoe towards him in the Supreme Court’s first courtroom. The attack was reportedly in reaction to an oral remark attributed to CJI Gavai during a case seeking the restoration of a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho.

CJI Gavai showed magnanimity by choosing not to act against the lawyer. Unlike his predecessor, CJI Gavai may not have been worried about the legacy he would leave after retirement. Yet, given that two trial court judges faced similar shoe attacks weeks later, he might have considered whether a non-personal and institutional response was needed to deter such brazen acts inside India’s apex court.

Lungs aflame

Just days after the shoe-throwing incident, a CJI Gavai-led Bench permitted so-called green firecrackers to be burst in the National Capital Region (NCR) during Diwali, departing from the strict stance adopted by the Court in view of the capital region’s abysmal air quality. Beyond the legal arguments lay the unmistakable rhetoric around the right to celebrate a religious festivity at any cost. Yet, the Court proceeded to allow the fireworks. The burden today continues to be borne by the city’s lungs.

Since then, Delhi’s air quality has continued to remain abysmal (it occasionally improves to poor). Of course, there are multiple factors at play and the Supreme Court’s changing stance on firecrackers is not the sole cause. What remained troubling, however, was that despite a situation demanding urgent intervention, the Supreme Court did not make the air pollution case a priority for weeks.

What magic wand can a judicial forum exercise? CJI Surya Kant asked recently. The answer was perhaps obscured in the polluted air itself – where do citizens turn when neither the executive appears unwilling to act?

Emergency exits?

Transfers are said to be incidental to service, or so we are told. 2025 saw a series of transfers of High Court judges across India. In all, 6 Chief Justices and 41 judges were transferred. While some moves were routine, others remained shrouded in mystery.

Much like the rest of the national capital, the Delhi High Court now has the privilege of outside talent. 10 of its judges including the Chief Justice come from different parts of the country. An anguished Bar circulated many representations in protest, yet no one told us why a judge from the Rajasthan High Court was sent back within weeks of his arrival in Delhi. Perhaps, a different kind of fire was at play.

Similar is the case with the out-of-turn elevation of Gujarat High Court Justice Vipul Pancholi to the Supreme Court, where there was no dearth of Gujarati talent on the Bench. Justice BV Nagarathna had opposed the move, but the Central government wasted no time to approve the Collegium recommendation. Justice Pancholi is slated to become CJI in October 2031.

Calcutta High Court Justice Joymalya Bagchi was elevated to the Supreme Court, superseding several senior judges across High Courts. The Collegium explicitly justified the recommendation on the ground that Justice Bagchi would assume office as CJI in 2031, noting that no judge from the Calcutta High Court has held the position since the retirement of Justice Altamas Kabir in 2013.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/columns/no-smoke-without-fire-indias-judiciary-in-2025

Early reports from an inquiry into the deaths confirmed the presence of bacteria ‘generally found in sewer water’ in drinking water samples.

Early reports from an inquiry into the deaths of at least nine residents in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area confirmed the presence of bacteria “generally found in sewer water” in drinking water samples, officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday, three days after the first of victims were brought in with vomiting and diarrhoea.

Officials earlier said that the cause of bacterial infection likely lay in a sewage pipeline leeching into a drinking water line, and added on Thursday that more results are awaited before specific pathogens can be identified. The total number of dead rose from a confirmed four on Wednesday. At least 150 more residents of the locality are being treated at hospitals.

The National Human Rights Commission, meanwhile, has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government over the deaths.

“The initial report has confirmed the presence of abnormal bacteria generally found in sewer water comprising human waste. However, we are yet to identify the bacteria as the culture report of bacteria is awaited. The report of stool tests of affected patients has not been received yet — that will also make it clear,” Indore-based Mahatma Gandhi Medical College’s dean Dr Arvind Ghanghoria said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-bacterial-infection-likely-cause-of-deaths-in-indore-101767292757517.html

From crew safety systems to long-duration life-support and mission management, the foundations being laid in 2026 may well determine the pace and direction of space exploration

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a watershed moment in the story of human space exploration, with India and the United States preparing for two landmark missions that could redefine the future of spaceflight. While Gaganyaan programme aims to establish India’s independent human spaceflight capability, NASA’s Artemis-II mission will send astronauts beyond the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. Together, the missions signal a decisive shift towards a more multipolar space era.

India is gearing up for the first uncrewed orbital test under the Gaganyaan programme, known as the G1 mission, tentatively targeted for March 2026. The launch will take place aboard the human-rated LVM3 (Gaganyaan-Mk3) rocket. A humanoid robot named Vyommitra, designed to simulate astronaut functions and responses, will be placed onboard to help validate critical systems.

The spacecraft will operate in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of roughly 300 to 400 kilometres. The mission’s primary objective is to thoroughly test life-support systems, re-entry safety, communication links, mission control and parachute-assisted sea recovery before India attempts a crewed flight. Success would see India join an elite club of nations capable of independently sending humans into space and bringing them back safely. It would also pave the way for future Indian space stations, private space missions and reduced reliance on international partners.

Across the world, NASA is preparing to return humans to deep space with the Artemis-II mission, now scheduled no earlier than February 5, 2026. The approximately 10-day journey will carry four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft, powered by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, on a trajectory around the Moon. It will mark the first human mission beyond low-Earth orbit since Apollo-17 in 1972.

Artemis-II will test a wide range of deep-space systems, including navigation and communications, radiation shielding, extended life-support capability and mission operations at great distances from Earth. The spacecraft is expected to travel at least 5,000 nautical miles beyond the Moon, making it the farthest human voyage in history. The mission is seen as a precursor to future lunar landings, permanent lunar bases and the eventual human exploration of Mars.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/isros-gaganyaan-and-nasas-artemis-ii-poised-for-history-in-2026-all-you-need-to-know-ws-kl-9804272.html

The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Amrapali Golf Homes Kingswood Society in the Bisrakh area.

A 31-year-old man died after allegedly falling from the 15th floor of a residential society in Greater Noida while celebrating New Year’s Eve with his friends, police said on Thursday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Amrapali Golf Homes Kingswood Society in the Bisrakh area.

According to police, the man, Vineet, a native of Tarwara village in Bihar’s Siwan district, was living in a rented flat in the society and while celebrating a New Year’s Eve party with his friends, he fell from the 15th floor.

Investigations are on to ascertain how he fell, police said.

Residents of the society rushed him to a hospital, where he died during treatment, they added.

Police said CCTV footage from the society is being examined and people who were present at the time of the incident will be questioned to ascertain the exact sequence of events.

The victim’s family has been informed and the body has been sent for post-mortem examination after completing the required legal formalities, they said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/man-dies-after-falling-from-15th-floor-in-noida-on-new-years-eve-cops-10184378

The SIT claims that gold-clad copper plates, including those from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols, were removed and taken from replating. The same method was used for plates from two nearby pillars and seven plates from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), the investigators assert.

In a startling revelation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has moved the Kollam Vigilance Court with a custody application, stating that more gold was likely siphoned off from the temple than initially believed.

The SIT’s probe suggests that seven gold-clad copper plates, apart from the earlier Dwarapalaka idols and door frame, were also stolen in a similar manner.

The custody application was filed for further questioning of the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty; the ninth accused, Pankaj Bhandari; and the tenth accused, Govardhan. According to the SIT, the gold was extracted using a chemical mixture at Chennai-based Smart Creations, which is owned by the ninth accused Pankaj Bhandari, and is in his and Govardhan’s possession.

The SIT, through its petition, submitted that gold-clad copper plates, weighing a total of 42.1 kg, were handed over to Potty in 2019 for electroplating at Smart Creations.

The remaining gold was allegedly siphoned off by the accused after the plating process. The SIT claims that gold-clad copper plates, including those from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols, were removed and taken from replating. The same method was used for plates from two nearby pillars and seven plates from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), the investigators assert.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sabarimala-gold-theft-case-sit-suspects-more-gold-than-previously-believed-stolen-from-sabarimala-temple-2845242-2026-01-01

An Air India pilot was removed from operating a Vancouver-Delhi flight after failing a pre-flight alcohol test, prompting concerns from Canadian authorities regarding his fitness for duty.

New Delhi: An Air India pilot was grounded from operating Vancouver-Delhi flight allegedly after he failed a pre-flight alcohol test, reports have said. The matter came to light after Canadian authorities raised the matter over pilot’s “fitness” for duty before the airline.

The matter was first reported by a duty-free store manager at the Vancouver airport. The manager informed authorities that the pilot was purchasing alcohol at the duty-free shop adding that there was something suspicious about his (pilot) conduct as he was allegedly smelling of alcohol.

In a letter written by the Canadian authorities to Air India, they mentioned, “We were advised by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that the pilot reported for duty on Air India flight Al186 on December 23, 2025, while under the influence of alcohol, and unfit for duty. Two breathalyser tests conducted by the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport confirmed this, after he was advised to leave the aircraft.”

“This incident indicates a contravention of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 602.02 by the Operator and the Crew Member, and CARs 602.03 by the Crew Member, as well as condition outlined in Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). It is likely that enforcement action will be pursued by the RCMP, and by TCCA,” the letter mentioned.

The Canadian authorities further asked Air India to conduct a thorough review and investigation under their Safety Management System (SMS) and provide details of corrective actions taken to prevent any such recurrence.

What Air India Said After Pilot Denied From Operating Vancouver-Delhi Flight
Meanwhile, addressing the matter, Air India on Thursday said that one of its pilots was grounded after being stopped from operating a Vancouver-Delhi flight on December 23, following concerns raised by the Canadian authorities over his “fitness” for duty.

PTI quoted Air India saying that the pilot was deplaned just prior to the departure of the airline’s Delhi flight from Vancouver.

“Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23, 2025, experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure,” Air India said in a statement.

Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s “fitness for duty”, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry, the airline stated.

“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities. The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry,” it said.

In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay, Air India said.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with the company policy, the airline said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/canada-air-india-pilot-offloaded-over-alcohol-smell-before-operating-vancouver-delhi-flight-detained-for-2-days-what-we-know-article-153382350

A truck veered off the main highway and rammed into a house in Patrasahi village, Chandbali area of Odisha’s Bhadrak district. The driver was reportedly follow Google maps.

A truck veered off the main highway and crashed into a house in Patrasahi village, Chandbali area of Odisha’s Bhadrak district early Thursday morning. The truck was reportedly using Google Maps to navigate through dense fog.

According to sources, the accident occurred near Digachhia Chowk on the Bhadrak-Chandbali main road while the truck was en route from Cuttack to Dhamra port.

Due to the thick fog, the truck driver could not clearly see the road signs and turns, so he attempted to find his way using GPS data. This led the vehicle into a narrow village lane.

Realising his mistake, the driver tried to reverse out of the narrow lane, but the truck collided with the asbestos-roofed house of Ramesh Das. The collision partially damaged the house, but fortunately, the family escaped unharmed.

Villagers then informed the police, who arrived at the scene and seized the truck for investigation.

Police attributed the accident to low visibility due to dense fog and the driver’s reliance on Google Maps navigation despite being unfamiliar with the local route.

Ten Andhra Fishermen Held for Intruding into Odisha’s Marine Sanctuary
In another incident, the authorities in Odisha on Thursday arrested 10 marine fishermen from Andhra Pradesh on the charge of illegally fishing within the prohibited turtle congregation zone in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary of Kendrapara district, said forest officials.

The fishing equipment of the 10 individuals, haling from Vizianagaram district of the neighbouring state, were seized. Later they were remanded to judicial custody.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/odisha-truck-misled-by-google-maps-in-dense-fog-crashes-into-village-house-in-bhadrak-district-article-153382653

The deceased have been identified as Gardi Birowa (43) and Mira Birowa (33).

Diphu, Assam: A group of people burnt alive a couple in a village in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, suspecting them to be involved in witchcraft, police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place at No 1 Beloguri Munda village in Howraghat area on Tuesday night.

“The miscreants first attacked the couple with sharp weapons inside their house. After that, they burnt the house, and the couple died in the fire,” he added.

The villagers accused the deceased of practising witchcraft and bringing ill effects to the surrounding area, the official said.

The deceased have been identified as Gardi Birowa (43) and Mira Birowa (33).

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/assam/assam-couple-burnt-alive-on-suspicion-of-witchcraft-3847306

Officials said engineers from Lucknow, Auraiya and Kanpur were rushed to the site and efforts were on to contain the leak.

Kanpur: A deafening explosion followed by a gas leak at a GAIL India Limited substation triggered panic in the area on Wednesday evening, with the leakage continuing for over four hours.

Officials said engineers from Lucknow, Auraiya and Kanpur were rushed to the site and efforts were on to contain the leak, which had not been fully stopped till late night.

As a precautionary measure, police asked residents and roadside vendors to extinguish burning bonfires in the vicinity, citing the risk of ignition. Security around the installation was tightened and movement in the area restricted.

Traffic on the Achalganj–Unnao road was halted after police put up barricades nearly a kilometre away from the site to prevent vehicles from entering the danger zone.

 

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/explosion-at-gail-substation-in-unnao-causes-gas-leak-traffic-halted-101767203889478.html

Victim suffered severe injuries to her face and head and required more than 12 stitches. Her condition is critical, and she is not yet fit to record a statement

A 25-year-old married woman was allegedly raped in a moving car in Haryana’s Faridabad while being driven around and was later thrown out while the vehicle was at high speed, resulting in severe injuries to her face and head.

In a shocking revelation by the police, the accused allegedly drove around through the night on Monday and threw her out of the vehicle that was moving at a speed of over 90 kmph near Raja Chowk at around 3 AM.

She suffered severe injuries to her face and head and required more than 12 stitches. Her condition is critical, and she is not yet fit to record a statement, a police officer said.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the alleged rape.

India will showcase a first-of-its-kind animal contingent from the Indian Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps during the Republic Day 2026 parade.

India is set to witness a rare and evocative spectacle on Republic Day, 2026, as the Indian Army showcases, for the first time, a specially curated animal contingent during the ceremonial parade along Kartavya Path, which underlines the endurance, sacrifice and operational versatility that define the country’s defence forces.

The unique contingent, drawn from the Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC), will highlight the indispensable role animals continue to play in safeguarding India’s most challenging and sensitive frontiers, from icy glaciers to cold deserts.

The animal contingent will comprise two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, ten Indian-breed Army dogs, and six conventional military dogs currently in active service.

Together, they represent a blend of tradition, innovation and the Indian Army’s increasing emphasis on self-reliance within its operational ecosystem.

Leading the formation will be the Bactrian camels, recently inducted for deployment in the cold deserts of Ladakh.

These hardy animals are uniquely adapted to extreme weather conditions, thin air and altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet.

Capable of carrying loads of up to 250 kilograms, the camels can traverse long distances with minimal water and feed, significantly enhancing logistical support and mounted patrolling along the Line of Actual Control, particularly in sandy terrain and steep gradients.

Marching alongside them will be the Zanskar ponies, an indigenous mountain breed native to Ladakh.

Despite their relatively small size, these ponies are renowned for exceptional endurance, routinely carrying loads of 40 to 60 kilograms across inhospitable terrain at extreme altitudes and in temperatures that can plunge to minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Since their induction into the Army in 2020, Zanskar ponies have served in some of the harshest operational areas, including the Siachen Glacier, supporting logistics and mounted patrols that can cover up to 70 kilometres in a single day.

Adding a dimension of aerial vigilance will be four raptors, deployed for bird-strike control and surveillance, reflecting the Army’s innovative use of natural capabilities to enhance operational safety and effectiveness.

A key highlight of the contingent will be the Army Dogs, often referred to as the “Silent Warriors” of the Indian Army.

Trained and nurtured at the RVC Centre and College in Meerut, these dogs support troops in counter-terrorism operations, explosive and mine detection, tracking, guarding, disaster response and search-and-rescue missions.

Over the years, Army dogs and their handlers have earned gallantry awards and commendations for acts of courage in both combat and humanitarian operations.

In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, the Army has increasingly inducted indigenous breeds such as Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai and Rajapalayam, underscoring India’s push towards self-reliance in defence.

HEAVY SECURITY IN DELHI

As preparations intensify for Republic Day and New Year celebrations, security across the national capital has also been significantly stepped up.

Large-scale verification drives are underway in sensitive areas of Delhi, with the Delhi Police and central security agencies holding coordination meetings to prevent any untoward incident.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/republic-day-parade-2026-animal-contingent-camels-raptors-ponies-army-military-dogs-9801826.html

PM Modi wrote that the death of Khaleda Zia has created an irreplaceable void in the country. However, he asserted that the legacy of the former Bangladesh PM would be carried forward by her son, Tarique Rahman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his letter to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s acting chairperson, Tarique Rahman, appreciating his mother, Khaleda Zia’s role in boosting bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh on the day of her funeral. India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar handed over the letter to Rahman after meeting him in Dhaka during Zia’s funeral on Wednesday.

“I warmly recall my meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba (Khaleda Zia) in Dhaka in June 2015. She was a leader of rare resolve and conviction, and had the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh as well as to the strengthening of the India-Bangladesh ties,” PM Modi wrote in his letter.

PM Modi also expressed his condolences following Zia’s death. Mentioning that Zia’s death would create an irreplaceable void in the country, he emphasised that her legacy would be carried forward in the coming time under the supervision of Tarique Rahman.

“While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh,” Modi mentioned.

On Wednesday, the former three-time Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia was buried with state honours in Dhaka, with thousands of people and several dignitaries, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, attending the funeral ceremony.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/khaleda-zia-a-leader-of-rare-resolve-contributed-to-boost-india-bangladesh-ties-pm-writes-to-tarique-rahman-2844819-2025-12-31

Pig manure is commonly used as a fertiliser in corn cultivation in the United States. The issue has gained traction and generated buzz because Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, where the use and consumption of pork-related products are considered haram.

The US embassy in Dhaka recently posted that American corn was on its way to Bangladesh. However, the post ended up feeding a social media frenzy as users zeroed in on an unlikely, and culturally sensitive, detail – pig manure.

Pig manure is commonly used as a fertiliser in corn cultivation in the United States. The issue has gained traction and generated buzz because Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, where the use and consumption of pork-related products are considered haram or forbidden under Islamic law.

“US corn is on its way to Bangladesh this month. Known for its nutritious quality, it serves as a key ingredient in many foods, including staples like cornbread and breakfast cereals. Corn is also used to feed animals, helping to ensure a reliable supply of meat, dairy, and eggs,” the US embassy in Dhaka tweeted.

SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS

However, social media users had a field day in mocking the post after pointing out that pig manure is used as fertiliser in US corn farming. Several users framed the issue sarcastically.

“For su***** up to the Don (Trump), Bangladesh gets American corn (boosted by pig poop manure), and Pakistan gets to send ‘peacekeeping force’ to Gaza,” a journalist tweeted.

Another posted, “Uncle Sam destroying Bangladesh. They will now eat pig-manured corn.” “Now, the Islamists will eat the corn grown with pig faeces. Enjoy,” a third said. “Poor Bangladeshis are becoming the scapegoats of Trump’s malicious food and debt policies,” another tweeted.

The US embassy has not responded to the wave of criticism so far.

Just a few years ago, Bangladesh authorities detected the presence of pork products in meat and bone meal (MBM) powder that was being imported for use as fish and animal feed. MBM is a powder made by drying and grinding inedible parts of slaughtered animals. Following the incident, Bangladesh banned the sale and import of MBM powder.

US CORN IN BANGLADESH: THE BACKSTORY

Corn requires significant fertilisation, and pig manure is often applied to cornfields to boost production. This year, the US had a bumper corn production and has been pushing for its exports to global markets like Bangladesh and India. There have been reports that the glut has forced US farmers to dump stacks of corn by highways.

In fact, India’s pushback against US pressure to import corn and soybeans is believed to have stalled trade deal negotiations. India has, so far, resisted large-scale market access for American corn, citing the need to protect the livelihoods of small farmers. However, as per Reuters, India may allow limited imports only for ethanol output.

Bangladesh’s move to import corn from the US comes amid trade tensions with Washington. Bangladesh has a whopping $6 billion trade deficit with the US.

Sara Tendulkar, who is an entrepreneur and the daughter of cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, is facing intense trolling on social media

Sara Tendulkar, who is an entrepreneur and the daughter of cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, is facing intense trolling on social media. The reason: a video of her with friends on the streets of Goa. While it cannot be confirmed when the video was shot, some social media users claimed it was filmed close to New Year’s Eve. In the video, Sara can be seen strolling on the road along with her friends. Some social media users, however, made unsavoury comments as she was holding a bottle, which they claimed was a beer bottle.

Some social media users even name-dropped Sachin Tendulkar in their comments. Sara, however, received support from a section of social media too. “What kind of brain-dead mentality is this? How is Sara having a beer equivalent to Tendulkar promoting alcohol? And can’t a daughter have a drink?” wrote one user.

“There is nothing worth trolling here,” wrote another user.

This is the video which is going viral.

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In August, Sara revealed the reason behind not pursuing a career in cricket. Sara’s brother, Arjun, is also a cricketer and plays at the domestic level for Goa as an all-rounder. However, Sara said that while she has countless favourite memories of her father’s iconic knocks, the 27-year-old never thought about following in his footsteps. “Never. It’s been my brother’s forte. I have played gully cricket, but never thought about it,” Sara told India Today in an interview.

On the professional front, Sara officially stepped into India’s wellness landscape with the launch of Pilates Academy X Sara Tendulkar in Andheri, Mumbai.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sara-tendulkar-daughter-of-sachin-tendulkar-targetted-over-video-with-friends-in-goa-gets-support-on-social-media-10142822

 

The federal probe agency said in a statement on Wednesday that a provisional order was issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday to attach the asset.

The Enforcement Directorate has attached an immovable property worth Rs 150 crore near the Buckingham Palace in London in a case of alleged bank loan fraud linked to money laundering involving textile major S Kumars Nationwide Ltd and its ex CMD Nitin Kasliwal.

The federal probe agency said in a statement on Wednesday that a provisional order was issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday to attach the asset.

The “high-value” property valued at Rs 150 crore near the Buckingham Palace is held under the “beneficial ownership” of Nitin Shambhukumar Kasliwal and his family members, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said.

Kasliwal is accused of defrauding a consortium of Indian banks to the tune of Rs 1,400 crore, it said.

After attaching assets located abroad, the ED approaches its counterpart agencies in that country to take possession of such properties under the criminal provisions of the anti-money laundering law.

The agency alleged that Kasliwal, through S Kumars Nationwide Ltd, cheated the consortium of banks and “diverted” the funds outside India in the guise of foreign investments and subsequently acquired immovable assets abroad, which were “concealed” through a complex structure of private trusts and companies in foreign jurisdictions.

The ED conducted raids in this case on December 23 and seized some documents and devices.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bank-fraud-case-ed-attaches-rs-150cr-worth-property-near-buckingham-palace-in-london-10138928

In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava reported seven deaths due to contaminated drinking water, causing widespread diarrhoea and vomiting.

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava on Wednesday (December 31) confirmed that at least seven people have died after allegedly consuming contaminated drinking water in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, triggering cases of diarrhoea and vomiting. His statement came amid conflicting claims over the actual number of fatalities linked to the outbreak.

“The health department has reported three deaths due to the diarrhoea outbreak in the Bhagirathpura area. However, to my knowledge, four more patients suffering from the disease were admitted to hospitals and they too passed away,” Bhargava told reporters.

He said a preliminary assessment indicated that drainage water had entered the drinking water pipeline because of a leak, leading to the outbreak in Bhagirathpura. District Magistrate Shivam Verma separately confirmed that doctors had verified four deaths caused by diarrhoea linked to contaminated water.

Victims of Water Contamination

149 patients across the city suffering from the disease have been admitted to 27 different hospitals and their health condition is currently under observation, reported PTI.

Earlier reports suggested conflicting figures. Local residents claimed that around eight people, six of whom were women, had succumbed to illness in the past one week after consuming contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep grief over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased. He also assured patients undergoing treatment that the state government would bear their medical expenses.

Investigation into the Outbreak

A probe into the incident has been ordered, with a three-member committee headed by an IAS officer constituted to investigate the contamination of drinking water. Municipal Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav said a leak was found in the main water supply pipeline in Bhagirathpura at a location where a toilet has been constructed, raising the possibility that the water supply was contaminated.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indores-contaminated-water-outbreak-leaves-seven-dead-what-we-know-so-far-article-153376793

The recovery comes just weeks after the deadly Delhi Red Fort car blast. Two men have been arrested, and intelligence agencies are probing the source and intended use of the explosive material amid heightened security concerns.

Police seized a large cache of explosive material from a car on the Tonk–Jaipur highway during a special vehicle-checking drive on New Year’s Eve, triggering a security alert.

Around 150 kg of ammonium nitrate was recovered from the vehicle, along with 200 explosive batteries and 1,100 metres of electric wire, officials said on Wednesday.

The seizure was made within the limits of Baroni police station after officers intercepted a Maruti Ciaz car that was reportedly heading towards Bundi. Two men travelling in the vehicle were detained and later arrested in connection with the recovery.

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#WATCH | Tonk, Rajasthan: DSP Mrityunjay Mishra says, “Explosives were seized from a Maruti Ciaz car. 150 kg of ammonium nitrate hidden in sacks of urea seized. In addition, police recovered 200 explosive batteries and 1100 meters of wire. Two accused have been arrested. One is… pic.twitter.com/RYPLPW7ZgE

— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025

Confirming the details, DSP Mrityunjay Mishra said, “Explosives were seized from a Maruti Ciaz car. 150kg of ammonium nitrate hidden in sacks of urea seized. In addition, police recovered 200 explosive batteries and 1,100 meters of wire. Two accused have been arrested. One is Surendra and the other is Surendra Mochi.”

Police said multiple bags containing ammonium nitrate were found concealed inside the car.

The arrested men are being questioned to ascertain the source of the chemical and its intended destination.

Intelligence agencies have also been alerted, and investigators are tracing the supply chain to determine who procured the material and for what purpose.

The recovery has raised serious concerns in view of the recent suicide bombing in Delhi on November 10 that killed 15 people.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/new-years-eve-alert-150-kg-ammonium-nitrate-200-explosive-batteries-found-in-car-on-tonkjaipur-highway-article-153375901

In his statement, Faisal Karim Masud said his connection with Hadi was purely for business purposes and suggested that Jamaati elements could have orchestrated the murder

Bangladesh’s most wanted man and the prime accused in the Osman Hadi murder case—who sections of Bangladeshi media had alleged fled to India—has in fact surfaced in Dubai, dramatically shifting the narrative around one of the country’s most politically sensitive killings.

CNN-News18 has accessed documents and a video statement showing that Faisal Karim Masud, the prime accused in the Hadi murder case, is currently in the UAE. Masud has launched a blistering attack on Jamaat-e-Islami, claiming the Islamist outfit may be behind the murder.

In a sensational video message from Dubai, Masud categorically denied any role in the killing of Hadi, asserting that he and his family are victims of a “political witch-hunt.” “I did not kill Hadi. My family and I are being implicated. I have come to Dubai to save myself from the witch-hunt,” Masud said, contradicting reports that he had taken refuge in India.

A couple of days ago, additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) SN Md Nazrul Islam told a press conference, “The suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh, crossed into Meghalaya with the help of local associates.” The Daily Star quoted him labelling allegations against India that Masud entered India through the Haluaghat border.

Turning the spotlight on Jamaat, Faisal claimed that Hadi himself was a “product of Jamaat” and suggested that Jamaati elements could have orchestrated the murder. “Jamaatis may have been behind it,” he alleged, in what is likely to deepen political fault lines in Bangladesh, where the killing has already triggered widespread outrage and violence.

Masud admitted to having professional and political dealings with Hadi, saying the relationship stemmed from his business interests. “Yes, I met Hadi for professional reasons as I own an IT firm. I made political donations to him. He promised to get me government contracts,” he said.

CNN-News18 has exclusively accessed Masud’s UAE visa documents, confirming his presence in Dubai. The documents show that the Hadi murder prime accused holds a five-year multiple-entry UAE visa and is currently on a long-term tourism visa. The visa was paid for in December 2022.

With Bangladesh’s ‘most wanted’ now confirmed to be in Dubai—and publicly naming Jamaat—the case appears to be entering a far more complex and politically charged phase. As investigators sift through competing claims, Masud’s allegations threaten to redraw the contours of the Hadi murder probe and intensify scrutiny of Islamist politics, political patronage, and accountability in Bangladesh.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/key-accused-in-osman-hadi-murder-says-he-is-in-dubai-denies-role-in-killing-ws-l-9801224.html

Amid dense fog conditions impacting flight operations in Delhi, airlines also issued travel advisories and urged passengers to check their latest flight status.

A total of 150 flights have been cancelled and more than 250 others are delayed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport today as dense fog enveloped the national capital on the final day of the year 2025 (Wednesday), disrupting New Year travel plans for many passengers, HT has learnt. IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet were among the airlines that issued travel advisories for passengers due to flight disruptions at the airport.

Delhi’s IGI Airport said that delays and cancellations were expected due to dense fog conditions.(Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times)
Delhi’s IGI Airport said that delays and cancellations were expected due to dense fog conditions.(Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog on New Year’s Eve. Visuals shared by news agency ANI showed that visibility had dropped to only a few metres, leaving almost nothing visible on Wednesday morning.

Dense fog in Delhi: 150 flights cancelled, over 250 others delayed

The dense fog reduced visibility and disrupted normal movement along several key stretches.

At least 150 flights have been cancelled at Delhi’s IGI airport for the day, which include 79 arrivals and 71 departures. Meanwhile, more than 250 flights are delayed the airport amid dense fog conditions.

Notably, rail services were also hit, as poor visibility led to delays across several routes. Passengers were seen waiting at railway stations in the national capital while train movement remained slow because of foggy conditions.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality also showed no sign of improvement. The national capital recorded “very poor” air quality and was on the brink of turning “severe” on Wednesday, as Delhi recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 383 as of 6:05 am, data from the Sameer app developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed.

Delhi airport issues advisory

In its latest passenger advisory, Delhi’s IGI Airport said that delays and cancellations were expected due to dense fog conditions. It urged passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates.

“Due to prevailing dense fog conditions, flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III protocols, which may result in delays or cancellations. Our ground teams are on-site and actively assisting passengers to ensure a smooth travel experience,” it said.

The advisory added, “For the latest flight updates, please reach out to your respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused.”

IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet issue travel advisories

Amid dense fog conditions impacting flight operations in Delhi, several airlines also issued travel advisories and requested passengers to check their latest flight status before heading to the airport.

In its advisory, Air India said: “…We anticipate impacts on flight schedules and potential cascading delays across our network. We are keeping a close eye on the situation and have taken proactive measures to minimise inconvenience to our passengers. This includes planned cancellation of some morning flights most likely to be affected by fog with advance information to passengers to avoid prolonged and uncertain wait at the airports. In the event of any unexpected delay, diversion or cancellation of flights, our airport teams will remain at your service to extend necessary assistance and support.”

It added, “To give you more control over your travel, our FogCare initiative allows passengers booked on certain flights during the fog window, which may be affected, to receive advance alerts on their registered phone numbers, offering the option to reschedule their flights without any additional payment or seek a full refund on their bookings without penalty.”

Meanwhile, India’s largest airline IndiGo said that flight departures and arrivals may be impacted throughout the day due to reduced visibility conditions across Delhi and other airports in northern India.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and are making operational adjustments wherever required to keep journeys moving as smoothly as possible,” it said.

The advisory further said, “Should there be any changes to your flight, timely updates will be shared on your registered contact details and through our digital channels. Our teams remain attentive and ready to assist, and we will continue to keep you informed as conditions evolve.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-fog-indigo-spicejet-air-india-flight-status-igi-airport-advisory-passengers-new-year-eve-2026-101767145124399.html

The levy, locally known as a safeguard duty, will be imposed at 12% in the first year followed by 11.5% in the second year and then 11% in the third year.

India has imposed a three-year import tariff of between 11% and 12% on some steel products, according to a finance ministry order published on Tuesday, as the government aims to curb cheap shipments from China.

The levy, locally known as a safeguard duty, will be imposed at 12% in the first year followed by 11.5% in the second year and then 11% in the third year.

The measure, which was published on the official government gazette, excludes imports from certain developing countries, though China, Vietnam, and Nepal will be subject to the levy. It also will not apply to specialty steel products such as stainless steel.

The federal steel ministry has repeatedly said it does not want the domestic steel industry to face injury due to cheap imports and sub-standard products.

The government imposed a temporary 200-day tariff of 12% in April.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies recommended the three-year duty after finding a “recent, sudden, sharp and significant increase in imports … causing and threatening to cause serious injury to the domestic industry”, the order said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-imposes-tariff-on-steel-products-for-3-years-to-curb-cheap-imports-10120273?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

A shocking incident in Punjab’s Dhani Sucha Singh left NRI Harpinder Singh dead after his pistol misfired as he stood up. CCTV footage shows the frantic efforts of family members. Despite being rushed to hospitals, he didn’t survive. Police are probing the unnatural death under BNS Section 194.

In a bizarre accident from Punjab, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) died after his licensed pistol accidentally went off while he was getting up from a sofa at his residence in Dhani Sucha Singh village on Monday. The entire incident was captured on the house’s CCTV cameras.

The deceased has been identified as Harpinder Singh, also known as Sonu. According to police, Harpinder was sitting in the house and conversing with his cousin at the time of the incident. He was carrying a fully loaded pistol holstered at his waist.

Police said that while attempting to stand up from the sofa, the firearm accidentally discharged. The bullet struck Harpinder in the abdomen, causing him to collapse on the spot.

CCTV Footage Captures Chaos

India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy at USD 4.18 trillion and is on track to surpass Germany by 2030. Strong domestic demand drove GDP growth to 8.2% in Q2 FY26, with global agencies projecting India as the fastest-growing major economy.

India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a size of USD 4.18 trillion, and is poised to overtake Germany to become the third-largest by 2030, the government has said.

With continuing good growth numbers, India is also the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

India’s real GDP grew 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2025-26, up from 7.8 per cent in the first quarter and 7.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal.

“With GDP valued at USD 4.18 trillion, India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, and is poised to displace Germany from the third rank in the next 2.5 to 3 years with a projected GDP of USD 7.3 trillion by 2030,” according to a government release providing a snapshot of reforms in 2025.

The US is the world’s largest economy, and China occupies the second spot.

The growth momentum further surprised on the upside, with GDP expanding to a six-quarter high in Q2 of 2025-26, reflecting India’s resilience amid persistent global trade uncertainties, it said.

Domestic drivers, led by robust private consumption, played a central role in supporting this expansion.

The release further said international agencies have echoed this optimism and cited projections made by various entities.

The World Bank has projected a 6.5 per cent growth in 2026; Moody’s expects India to remain the fastest-growing G20 economy with a growth of 6.4 per cent in 2026 and 6.5 per cent in 2027.

The IMF has raised its projections to 6.6 per cent for 2025 and 6.2 per cent for 2026; the OECD forecasts 6.7 per cent growth in 2025 and 6.2 per cent in 2026.

Also, S&P anticipates a growth of 6.5 per cent in the current fiscal and 6.7 per cent in the next; the Asian Development Bank has lifted its 2025 forecast to 7.2 per cent; and Fitch has raised its FY26 projection to 7.4 per cent on stronger consumer demand.

“India is among the world’s fastest-growing major economies and is well-positioned to sustain this momentum. With the ambition of attaining high middle-income status by 2047- the centenary year of its independence, the country is building on strong foundations of economic growth, structural reforms, and social progress,” the government said.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-overtakes-japan-to-become-worlds-fourth-largest-economy

A collision between a loco train carrying workers and officials and a goods train occurred inside the Pipalkoti tunnel of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project in Uttarakhand, injuring approximately 60 individuals.

About 60 people were injured after two trains collided inside a hydropower project tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district late Tuesday evening.

The incident happened when a loco train carrying workers and officials collided with a goods train inside Pipalkoti tunnel of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project tunnel, officials said.

Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said that there were a total of 109 people on the train at the time of the accident, which occurred late in the evening, and 60 of them were injured.

He said that all the people have been rescued and condition of all the injured is stable.

See more

#WATCH | Chamoli, Uttarakhand | Several workers injured after internal transport trains operating within the THDC hydropower project area at Pipalkoti, collided with each other.

SP Chamoli, Surjeet Singh says, “42 people have been admitted to the district hospital, out of which… pic.twitter.com/gxVEXHwScB

— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025

The DM said that one train carrying people and another carrying materials were moving inside the Pipalkoti tunnel of the project, being constructed by THDC (India), when they collided.

According to officials, loco trains are used inside tunnels for the transportation of workers, officials, and materials for construction work.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chamoli said that 10 injured people have been sent to the district hospital in Gopeshwar for treatment.

This 444-megawatt hydroelectric project is being built on the Alaknanda River between Helang and Pipalkoti in Chamoli district. The project is to generate 111 megawatts of electricity through four turbines. It is targeted to be completed by next year.

 

The Dehradun police have urged the family of Angel Chakma to formally include allegations of racial slurs in their complaint following the tragic death of 24-year-old after an attack on him on December 9.

The Dehradun police is likely to ask the family of deceased Angel Chakma to formally include allegations of racial slurs in their complaint statement, police sources said. Chakma, a 24-year-old student from the northeastern state, was attacked by six men on December 9, and he succumbed to injuries on December 26.

Chakma who hailed from Nandannagar in West Tripura district was allegedly attacked when he objected to a racial slur at Dehradun on December 9. Five of the accused have already been arrested, including two minors sent to a juvenile reform home, while the sixth accused, a Nepalese national, remains at large with a reward of Rs 1 Lakh announced for his capture.

As the case is under investigation, Dehradun SSP may direct the new Investigating Officer to reach out to Michael Chakma — the younger brother of Angel — and record a fresh statement via video conference, documenting accounts of racist abuse, in this case.

The move comes after police noted that no mention of racial slurs was made by the Chakma family in statements from December 9 to 26.

Police maintain that while the family shared the racism allegations with the media, those claims currently have no legal standing as they are not part of the FIR or complaint.

The Dehradun police will now invite the family to update their statement with detailed accounts of the alleged slurs. The existing FIR only refers to casteist remarks, without specifying the exact words or racial language used.

The step aims to broaden the scope of investigation by incorporating new allegations raised after Angel’s death. Additional sections may be invoked once the updated statement is recorded.

The hotel body said that the restriction applies even to Bangladeshis visiting India on student visas or for medical treatment. The reason cited for the decision is the repeated anti-India statements issued in Bangladesh.

Hotels across Siliguri in West Bengal have decided to deny accommodation to Bangladeshi nationals during the New Year period, citing recent anti-India campaigns and statements from Bangladesh.

The decision was announced by the Greater Siliguri Hotel Welfare Association, which said the earlier relaxation granted this year has now been withdrawn. As a result, no Bangladeshi nationals will be allowed to stay in hotels in the city.

Ujjwal Ghosh, Joint Secretary of the association, told ANI that the boycott was first implemented in December last year. “This year, we had given a relaxation, which we have now withdrawn. No Bangladeshi nationals are being allowed to stay in any hotel in Siliguri this time,” he said.

He added that the restriction applies even to Bangladeshis visiting India on student visas or for medical treatment. According to Ghosh, the decision was taken in response to what he described as repeated anti-India statements.

“First comes the country’s identity, then business. Business cannot be given priority by hurting the country’s identity,” he told ANI, urging Bangladesh to restrain such remarks, particularly references to Siliguri’s strategically important ‘chicken neck’ corridor.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/west-bengal/story/siliguri-hotel-body-bars-bangladeshis-on-new-year-over-anti-india-remarks-2844355-2025-12-31

Speaking at a public meeting, Mamata Banerjee also warned against digital misinformation and urged vigilance among voters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday levelled a sensational charge against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party had used artificial intelligence to delete the names of 54 lakh voters from the electoral rolls ahead of elections. Warning people against “digital manipulation” and fake videos on social media, Banerjee claimed the exercise was aimed at creating duplicate entries to deprive citizens of their voting rights.

Addressing a public meeting at Barjora in Bankura district, Chief Minister Banerjee said, “Don’t believe every video on the social media. Today there is AI. They (BJP) have deleted names of 54 lakh voters with the help of AI. Just see that the BJP is doing this. Duplicate names are being made to snatch your voting rights. When you will go to the polling booth, you will find out that you cannot vote as someone having the same name will cast your vote. Keep you eyes and ears open. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) means your doom.”

She alleged that the party had set off to remove 1.5 crore names from Bengal’s voters’ list and alleged that Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are not allowed inside hearing polling centres. “Instructions are being issued through the WhatsApp. If you (Election Commission) have guts then give us in writing. We will go to the people’s court and the court of law for justice,” CM Banerjee said, IANS reported.

She also asked BLAs to remain stationed in SIR camps set up by the Trinamool Congress to provide all kinds of assistance to people who have been called for the SIR hearings.

“What was the crime of an elderly person from Purulia? He was called for an SIR hearing yesterday. Humiliated by this, that person has committed suicide. Don’t you have sympathy? If your parents were called for hearings, wouldn’t you be ashamed? Have some shame and stop harassing people of Bengal in the name of SIR,” Chief Minister Banerjee said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the West Bengal government of allowing illegal immigration from Bangladesh for political gains, claiming the state’s demography has been “dangerously altered” over the years.

The home minister accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of promoting a culture of fear and violence and said, “We will identify infiltrators and drive them out,” Shah said.

India has firmly dismissed Pakistan’s allegations regarding the treatment of religious minorities, labeling Islamabad’s criticism as hypocritical given its own poor human rights record.

India on Monday strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations of attacks on religious minorities, saying the neighbouring country has an “abysmal record” on the treatment of minorities and no moral authority to comment on India’s internal affairs.

Responding to remarks by Pakistan’s foreign affairs spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, the Ministry of External Affairs said Islamabad was indulging in baseless “finger pointing” to divert attention from its own human rights record.

“We reject the reported remarks from a country whose abysmal record on this front speaks for itself. Pakistan’s horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities of various faiths is a well established fact. No amount of finger pointing will obfuscate it,” the MEA said in a statement.

The response came after Andrabi urged the international community to take note of what he described as recent incidents “targeting religious minorities” in India, including “Christmas-related vandalism and attacks on Muslims”, according to a report by ARY News.

In a statement issued from Islamabad, the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The persecution of minorities in India is a matter of deep concern. Recent condemnable incidents of vandalism during Christmas, as well as state-sponsored campaigns targeting Muslims including the demolition of their homes and repeated lynchings, notably the case of Muhammad Akhlaq, in which the state worked to shield the perpetrators from accountability have deepened fear and alienation among Muslims. The list of such victims is sadly long. The international community should take note of these developments and take appropriate steps to help protect the fundamental rights of vulnerable communities in India.”

Last month, a day after Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed “deep concern” over the raising of a religious flag on the shikhara (spire) at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Ministry of External Affairs rejected Islamabad’s remarks with “contempt” and said Pakistan should look into its own record of “bigotry” and “repression”.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/abysmal-record-india-rejects-pakistan-allegations-on-minority-attacks-mea-article-153366530

Four people were killed after they were hit by a BEST bus while it was reversing in Mumbai tonight. Nine others were injured. The incident happened in Mumbai’s Bhandup

Four people were killed and nine others injured after they were hit by a BEST bus in Mumbai on Monday. The incident happened in Mumbai’s Bhandup around 10 pm, officials said.

The injured people have been admitted to a hospital.

BEST, short for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, runs the country’s largest public bus fleet.

The Mumbai Police said the bus lost control before it hit pedestrians. The accident occurred when the driver was reversing the bus at the endpoint of its route.

Soon after the accident, a large police presence was deployed at the site to manage the situation and regulate traffic in the area.

Senior officials rushed to the spot to help with emergency response teams.

At the time of the accident, Santosh Ramesh Sawant (52), a BEST staff driver, was driving the bus, while Bhagwan Bhau Ghare (47) was on duty as the conductor.

The authorities have started an investigation to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident, including whether mechanical failure or other factors were involved.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-dead-9-injured-after-mumbais-best-bus-crashes-into-pedestrians-10065689?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Amit Shah in a strong message to party workers in Bengal said that there should be only one goal — Victory.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday held a meeting at the BJP office in Salt Lake in Kolkata to take stock of the party’s organisational preparedness for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026.

The meeting was held for more than two hours, where he was briefed by leaders on the preparations for next year’s elections.

According to sources, Shah instructed the party workers to work on every front — campaigns, protests, and programmes — and stated that there must be “tight and aggressive mobilisation”.

He further instructed the party leaders to sharpen their pitch so that the Trinamool Congress does not get any breathing space. Additionally, in a strong message, the Union Home Minister said, “There should be only one goal — Victory.”

Amit Shah’s message to the state leadership clearly mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that winning in Bengal is crucial for the entire country. “Focus entirely on that objective. No loopholes should be left,” Shah was quoted by the sources.

The Union minister further sought reports on public outreach and street meetings—how much response they are getting and how many people are attending. He has asked the party leadership to provide these details.

Shah has also sought an update from the state party president on the condition of the organisation, according to BJP sources. State leaders raised complaints with Shah regarding the law and order situation.

Amit Shah’s Schedule

Shah on Tuesday is expected to hold a press conference, followed by back-to-back closed-door meetings with BJP’s public representatives from the state in Parliament, Assembly and civic bodies and also with the top brass of Bengal RSS.

He may also chair several core committee meetings during his stay.

Source : https://www.news18.com/politics/only-goal-should-be-victory-amit-shahs-strong-message-to-bjp-workers-ahead-of-bengal-polls-9799202.html

“I have got justice from the Supreme Court. I will not rest until he is hanged. I will keep fighting,” Unnao rape survivor said after high court’s order stayed.

The Supreme Court on Monday paused a Delhi High Court order suspending expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s life sentence in the 2017 Unnao rape case.

The big move has triggered reactions from both sides — with the survivor calling it justice, her lawyer terming it only a brief respite, and the convict Kuldeep Sengar’s daughter maintaining her father’s innocence.

A special vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih stayed the Delhi high court’s December 23, 2025 order that had opened the door for Sengar’s release.

Survivor vows to continue fight

The order was welcomed by the survivor, who had attempted self-immolation outside the Uttar Pradesh chief minister’s residence in 2018 to draw attention to her case.

“I have got justice from the Supreme Court. I will not rest until he is hanged. I will keep fighting,” she said, as reported by HT earlier.

In an interaction with news agency PTI later, she said that her family continues to face threats. “I will keep fighting. I will not rest until he is hanged. Only then will my family and I get justice. We receive threats even today.”

Reiterating her faith in the judiciary, the survivor said, “I do not make allegations against any court. I have faith in all courts, but the Supreme Court has given me justice and will continue to do so.”

The survivor’s family also expressed relief over the apex court’s intervention. Her sister said she had complete faith that the court would ensure Sengar is not released.

“He is a monster. He first raped my sister and then destroyed the entire family. I am satisfied today. His bail should remain rejected,” she added.

The survivor’s mother also thanked the top court and told reporters that those responsible for her husband’s death should be awarded the death sentence, the PTI report added.

Sengar’s daughter alleges injustice

On the other side, Sengar’s daughter Aishwarya Sengar voiced anguish and accused the system of denying her family a fair hearing.

“We have been stripped of our dignity, our peace, and even our basic right to be heard. Still, I hope for justice,” she said in a statement after the Supreme Court order.

She claimed there was an “age-old enmity” between her family and the survivor’s family that predated the rape case, and urged the media to question the survivor about evidence against her father, reported ANI news agency.

Aishwarya also alleged that the survivor’s uncle was a history-sheeter with 17 cases against him and claimed he had attacked her uncle.

She further levelled allegations against the survivor, saying, “The rape victim had previously filed cases against other people, and two and a half months later, she deliberately included my father’s name”.

At the same time, Aishwarya said, “If my father has even glanced at that girl with ill intent, he should be hanged,” ANI reported.

Survivor’s lawyer calls stay ‘small relief’

Reacting to the Supreme Court’s order, survivor’s counsel Mehmood Pracha said the stay only offered limited relief. “This should not be called victory, but we have got a little time to breathe,” ANI quoted Pracha as saying.

Expressing anguish, he questioned whether the order truly amounted to relief. “I will leave it to the people of the country and the legal fraternity to gauge for themselves if this is a big respite for us. I would say no. Do you want me to be happy when the girl has been taken away by the CRPF? I don’t even get a chance to speak to her about the order, so do you think I will be happy?” he said.

Background of the case

Sengar, a strongman politician from the Unnao region of central Uttar Pradesh, has won assembly elections four times from three different parties, most recently from Bangarmau in 2017 on a BJP ticket.

In 2019, he was convicted under IPC Section 376 (rape) and Section 5(c) of the Pocso Act. In 2020, he was also convicted under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) in connection with the custodial death of the survivor’s father.

In its order, the Delhi high court had held that while Sengar was convicted under Section 5(c) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, an elected representative did not qualify as a “public servant” under Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/unnao-victim-vows-more-fight-kuldeep-sengar-s-daughter-cries-foul-play-who-said-what-after-sc-stay-order-101767057913324.html

Delhi’s air quality settled at 385 on Tuesday morning with the general visibility of 350 metres. IMD issued an alert for dense to moderate fog in the city.

Delhi’s air quality on Tuesday remained in the ‘very poor’ category with a dense fog taking over the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 385 as of 6 am.

On Monday, the overall 24-hour average AQI stood at 401, falling in the ‘severe’ category. As per the India Meteorological Department, the general visibility of Delhi at 6:30 in the morning was 350 metres.

The IMD also issued a fog alert for the night of December 29 and the morning of December 30. It sounded a warning for dense to very dense fog expected in Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of the Northeast, East, and North India.

The weather panel also issued a red alert for dense fog for Tuesday, HT reported earlier.

Airlines issue advisory

Low visibility around Delhi led to IndiGo Airlines releasing a Travel Advisory warning of possible flight disruptions. It said the visibility is expected to reduce across Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ranchi, Kolkata and others.

A similar advisory was released by Air India for Delhi and parts of northern India. It said that flight schedules to and from Delhi are likely to be affected. Delhi Airport also issued a warning for possible flight disruptions a day before. However, on Tuesday, it said that flight operations are running smoothly as the visibility improved.

Regional Meteorological Department’s nowcast warning showed an orange and yellow alert issued for Delhi for moderate to dense fog on Tuesday. A yellow alert was issued in west, northwest and north Delhi, while the orange alert was for the south, northeast and central Delhi. The temperature was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius at 6:30 in the morning.

Earlier on Monday, over 550 flights were delayed, and at least 130 were cancelled at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport due to low visibility, HT reported.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-continues-with-very-poor-air-red-alert-for-dense-fog-today-101767056952257.html#google_vignette

The suo motu case was initiated amid protests over a potential threat to the Aravallis following the Supreme Court’s decision to accept a committee’s recommendations on the mountain range.

The Supreme Court on Monday said that certain clarifications were necessary regarding the definitions it recently approved for the Aravalli Hills, while staying a ruling passed last month on the issue.

The Court also stated that a committee of experts will be constituted to study the environmental impact of the recommendations made by an earlier committee that was mostly comprised of bureaucrats.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices JK Maheshwari and AG Masih thus stayed the recent ruling on Aravalli that was based on the recommendations made by a panel constituted to define the Aravalli range for the purposes of mining.

The Court passed today’s order in a suo motu case on issues concerning the definition of the Aravalli Hills, following widespread protests over fears of threats to the mountain range.

“We direct that recommendations of the committee and findings of the Supreme Court … shall remain in abeyance till then. Case to be taken up on January 21, 2026,” the Court ordered.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Union government.

“There were a lot of misconceptions regarding orders, the government’s role, etc. An expert committee was constituted and a report was given which the court accepted,” Mehta said.

CJI Kant said that an independent expert opinion was needed to resolve ambiguities and to provide definitive guidance on the issues concerning Aravalli, particularly the definitions of hills and ranges.

The Court added that there was a need to examine whether the restrictive demarcation approved last month would broaden the scope of areas where activities like mining can be permitted.

“An analysis of whether sustainable mining or regulated mining within the newly demarcated Aravalli area, notwithstanding the regulated oversight, would result in any adverse ecological consequences… that aspect can be examined,” CJI Kant said.

It then issued notice to the Union government as well as the concerned State governments. In the interim, the Court ordered that the earlier court directions as well as the previous committee’s recommendations shall remain in abeyance.

In its order staying the November 20 judgment and the recommendations of the expert committee in the Aravalli matter, the Supreme Court acknowledged that its earlier ruling had triggered a wave of challenges and requests for clarification.

At the same time, the Bench made it clear that these challenges were not being entertained on the basis of scientific merit. The Court recorded that it had “no scientific reasons justifying any ex-facie acceptance of the same, nor any cogent evidence or expert testimony to substantiate these individual contentions.” Despite this, the Court said that it appeared prima facie that there were gaps in the articulation of its earlier directions.

The bench took note of the wider reaction to the judgment, recording that there had been “a significant outcry among environmentalists,” who had raised concerns about how the newly adopted definition and the Court’s directions might be interpreted and implemented on the ground.

According to the Court, this reaction could not be brushed aside. The order states that such public dissent and criticism “appear to stem from the perceived ambiguity and lack of clarity in certain terms and directives issued by this Court.” In that backdrop, the Bench underlined the need for institutional caution before allowing the directions to operate.

The Aravalli range spans across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The suo motu case was initiated amid protests over a potential threat to the Aravallis following the Supreme Court’s decision to accept a committee’s recommendations on the mountain range.

Last month, the top court had approved an elevation-linked definition for classifying landforms as part of the Aravalli Hills for the purpose of mining regulation. According to reports, the definition will exclude more than 90 per cent of the Aravallis for the purpose of mining.

In May 2024, the Court in a matter related to illegal mining in Aravalli had called for properly defining the mountain range. It was then noted that States had adopted different definitions for “Aravalli Hills/Ranges”.

A constituted a committee to look into the issues then submitted a report in October this year, suggesting various measures to protect and preserve the Aravalli Hills.

It said that any landform in the Aravalli districts having an elevation of 100 metres or more from the local relief shall be termed as Aravalli Hills.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court-stays-its-recent-verdict-on-aravalli-says-clarification-necessary

When the insurance companies raised flags, the investigation by the police revealed that the accused had allegedly procured a snake and used it to stage the murder as an accidental death. Read further to know more about the sinister plot by the victim’s own sons…

In a chilling case from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district, police have arrested six persons, including the victim’s two sons, for allegedly orchestrating the murder of a government employee by using a snake bite to claim insurance money worth nearly Rs 3 crore.

The incident occurred on October 22 at Pothathurpettai near Tiruvallur. The victim, Ganesh (56), was working as a laboratory assistant in a government institution.

Ganesh was found dead at his residence after being bitten by a snake on the neck while he was asleep. The death was initially treated as accidental. However, suspicion arose after insurance companies flagged the case.

Police said Ganesh had taken 11 insurance policies with a combined cover of around Rs 3 crore. Investigators also found that he had met with an accident a few weeks before his death, which further raised red flags.

During the probe, police examined call detail records and other technical evidence, which reportedly established links between Ganesh’s son and the other accused. The investigation revealed that the accused had allegedly procured a snake and used it to stage the murder as an accidental death.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/in-tamil-nadu-snake-bite-used-by-sons-to-kill-father-claim-3-crore-insurance-in-tiruvallur-2843710-2025-12-30

In June this year, a massive explosion at Sigachi Industries Limited located near Pashamailaram in Sangareddy district of Telangana killed 54 workers who were on duty. The heart wrenching incident came as a big shock to the entire nation and called for an immediate lawful action against the company authorities for not following adequate safety measures.

Nearly after six months, the BDL-Bhanur police on Saturday arrested Sigachi Industries Limited Chief Executive Officer Amit Raj Sinha, who was named as Accused No 2 in the case. As soon as the blast took place on June 30th, a case of culpable homicide was booked on the company’s management for negligence and flouting safety norms.

The arrest was made after the High Court insisted on action against the management while hearing a public interest litigation filed by a group of retired scientists. He was produced before the magistrate and has been sent for 14 days judicial remand to Kandi Central Jail. There are a total of six accused in the case and all belong to the same company.

The Telangana High Court has been expressing its dissent over the delay in the investigation process of this case. It repeatedly questioned why no one was arrested months after the blast, despite witness statements and prima facie evidence.

Source : https://www.gulte.com/news/389026/telangana-blast-pharma-company-ceo-arrested-after-6-months

Tarun Chakma said that the police initially refused to register a report about the incident and only filed an FIR two to three days later. However, the Police said the victim’s side filed a complaint with the police on December 10, based on which, a case was registered and police started an investigation.

Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old Tripura youth, who succumbed to his injuries following an alleged racial attack in Uttarakhand, was “brutally attacked” with knives and blunt objects, said his father. Tarun Chakma, a BSF jawan currently posted in Tangjeng in Manipur, alleged that police delayed the FIR.

Tarun said it was a brutal murder. “Angel’s neck was broken in the attack, which led to his death,” he said, adding that those responsible for his son’s untimely death should be punished. “I have lost my son and now he should get justice,” the devastated father told PTI.

Speaking to PTI over the phone, Tarun Chakma said that the attackers called his son “Chinese momo,” to which Angel told them that he “was also Indian, not Chinese. They attacked him with knives and blunt objects, the devastated father said.

Police Delayed FIR, Claims Father; Cops Counter

Tarun Chakma said that the police initially refused to register a report about the incident involving his sons in the Selakui area and only filed an FIR two to three days later after pressure from the All India Chakma Students Union and senior officers. However, the Police said the victim’s side filed a complaint with the police on December 10, based on which, a case was registered and police started an investigation. On December 14, police arrested three accused and detained two minors.

Angel Chakma Succumbs To Injuries After 17-Day Battle

Angel Chakma, an MBA student at a private university in Dehradun, died on Friday after fighting for his life for 17 days in the hospital. He had received blows to his head and back with a sharp object and a ‘kadaa’ (bracelet) following a quarrel with 5-6 people at a canteen on December 9.

5 Held, Hunt on for Main Accused

Suraj Khwas (22), who was from Manipur, Avinash Negi (25), Sumit (25) and two juveniles have been apprehended for the incident, the police said. The police revealed that the key accused, identified as Yagya Awasthi, is from Nepal and a team has been dispatched to nab him. Police announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the only absconding accused.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/angel-chakma-father-tarun-chakma-neck-broken-police-delayed-fir-dehradun-racist-attack-article-153362863

Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old final-year MBA student from Tripura, died after being stabbed during a racist attack in Dehradun.

The father of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old final year MBA student from Tripura, who died after being stabbed during a racist attack in Dehradun, has appealed to authorities to take preventive action so that no person from the North East should go through this.

While exclusively speaking to CNN-News18, Tarun Prasad Chakma, the grieving father, said that his son was beaten and repeatedly stabbed after being subjected to racial abuse.

He said that the incident took place when Anjel went out to buy vegetables. He claimed that the accused arrived on a motorcycle and hurled racial slurs at his son. When Anjel opposed, they started beating and abusing him.

“My child had gone to buy vegetables. The accused had come on a bike. The main accused, who is from Dehradun, along with others, hurled racial abuses. When Anjel opposed, he was beaten to death,” Tarun said.

He further said the parents of the accused had tried to contact him, but he was unable to speak to them as Anjel was hospitalised at the time.

He urged the district administration and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure the safety and security of students from the North East living in Dehradun.

“I don’t want any child or student from the North East to go through this,” he said.

What Happened To Anjel?

Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old final-year MBA student from Nandanagar in Unakoti district of Tripura, died after being stabbed during a racist attack in Dehradun. Anjel and his younger brother Michael were stopped by a group of men on December 9, who allegedly hurled racial slurs at them, leading to a confrontation at a local market.

Witnesses said the men referred to the brothers as “Chinese”.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/dont-want-any-north-east-child-to-face-this-father-of-tripura-student-killed-in-racial-attack-ws-l-9796912.html

Delhi AQI: The worsening air quality has raised health concerns especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

Parts of Delhi and adjoining cities of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram as well as Faridabad woke up to zero-visibility fog on Monday as the air quality in the morning stood at ‘severe’ category with a 400-plus Air Quality Index (AQI).

Though Sunday started with AQI in the ‘very poor’ category, it worsened towards the end of the day as the Capital remained trapped under a combination of dense fog and high levels of pollution.

‘Severe’ air in major stations

Some of the monitoring stations that recorded 400+ AQI on Monday morning include Anand Vihar (458), Ashok Vihar (430), Burari Crossing (401), Chandni Chowk (426), Jahangirpuri (439), Mundka (416), Narela (404), Okhla Phase-2 (411), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

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#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Visibility in Noida is affected as a layer of fog engulfs the city.

Visuals from Noida Sector 115 pic.twitter.com/2HCuzXRa60

— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025

As the air quality turned severe amid the continued dip since December 25, experts flagged health concerns, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

Cold and fog grips Delhi

Delhi weather is likely to remain cold as the Indian Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Delhi on December 29. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 22 degree Celsius, while the minimum will settle at 7 degree Celsius.

 

Suraj Shivanna, 36, hanged himself from a ceiling fan two days after his wife, Ganvi, died by suicide in Bengaluru on Thursday

A man travelled from Bengaluru to a hotel more than a thousand kilometres away in Maharashtra’s Nagpur, where he died by suicide on Saturday. His mother, who accompanied him on the journey, also attempted suicide and remains in critical condition.

Suraj Shivanna, 36, hanged himself from a ceiling fan two days after his wife, Ganvi, died by suicide in Bengaluru on Thursday. Following her death, a case had been registered against Suraj for allegedly driving her to suicide, based on a complaint filed by her parents.

The couple got married on October 29 in Bengaluru and subsequently travelled to Sri Lanka for their honeymoon. However, the trip was cut short, and they returned to Bengaluru last week following a dispute.

Ganavi’s family claimed they brought the 26-year-old back to their home after she reportedly faced “rejection and humiliation” from her in-laws.

On Tuesday, Ganavi attempted suicide and was rushed to a hospital. She was later declared brain dead and kept on a ventilator support. She died on Thursday.

After her death, Ganavi’s family filed a complaint in Bengaluru, accusing Shivanna and his family members of dowry harassment. They also staged a protest in front of her in-laws’ home, demanding their arrest.

Facing backlash in their city, Shivanna and his mother, Jayanti, travelled to Nagpur, where the man was later found dead.

Suraj’s brother, Sanjay Shivanna, informed the Nagpur Police about the suicide attempt at a hotel on Wardha Road.

While Suraj’s body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, his mother continues to fight for her life in a local hospital.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/newlywed-bengaluru-couple-dies-by-suicide-2-days-and-1-000-km-apart-10050146?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

A senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer had claimed that two prime suspects in the murder case had entered Meghalaya’s Garo Hills region “with the help of local associates”.

The Border Security Force (BSF) in Meghalaya on Sunday rejected claims made by Bangladesh Police that the killers of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi had fled to India through the Meghalaya border, saying there was no evidence of any such cross-border movement. BSF officials said the allegations were baseless.

“The claims are unfounded and misleading,” BSF Inspector General in Meghalaya OP Opadhyay said.

Refuting assertions that the suspects crossed over from the Haluaghat sector, he added, “There is no evidence to suggest that any individual crossed the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. The BSF has neither detected nor received any report of such an incident”.

Earlier in the day, a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer had claimed that two prime suspects in the murder case had entered Meghalaya’s Garo Hills region “with the help of local associates”.

He said police had received informal reports suggesting that the two individuals who assisted the suspects have since been detained by Indian authorities.

However, Meghalaya Police also dismissed the claim, saying there was no intelligence input to support it.

A senior police officer in the state said there was “no input or intelligence to corroborate” the presence of the suspects in the Garo Hills.

He added that local police units had not detected any suspicious movement and that coordination with central agencies was continuing.

BSF officials said forces deployed along the international border remain on high alert, particularly in view of the unrest and volatile situation in neighbouring Bangladesh.

The force reiterated that the border in the sector is under constant surveillance and that any attempt at illegal cross-border movement would be promptly detected and dealt with.

The Garo Hills region falls under Meghalaya’s western sector, which shares an international border with Bangladesh and is guarded by the BSF.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer also said that the Bangladesh government was in touch with India to secure the return of the fugitives, adding that communication was underway through both formal and informal channels for their arrest and extradition.

WHO WAS SHARIF OSMAN HADI?

Sharif Osman Hadi was a high-profile political figure in Bangladesh and a vocal critic of both India and the Awami League. He rose to prominence during last year’s violent student-led protests, widely referred to as the July Uprising, which culminated in the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

In the aftermath of the movement, Hadi launched a new political platform, Inqilab Mancha, and had begun preparations to contest the parliamentary elections scheduled for February.

He was later airlifted to Singapore for advanced medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries six days later. His death sparked large-scale unrest across Dhaka and other parts of the country.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/border-security-force-refutes-osman-hadi-killers-fled-to-india-claim-made-by-bangladeshi-authorities-2843028-2025-12-28

Several videos on social media showed people carrying the flower pots, some loading them onto two-wheelers, while others walking away with them on foot.

Flower pots placed along roads for the inauguration of the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were stolen in Lucknow hours after the event, officials said on Friday.

Several videos on social media showed people carrying the flower pots, some loading them onto two-wheelers, while others walking away with them on foot.

A few were seen removing cutouts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Officials from the horticulture department of Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) confirmed that over 4,000 flower pots, intended to beautify the road leading to the memorial complex, were stolen after the prime minister and other dignitaries left the venue on Thursday.

The thefts, reported from areas under the Dubagga Police Station, attracted the ire of the municipal corporation, district administration, and the LDA.

Officials said the people made off with the public items even while the police were there.

Its vice-chairman, Prathamesh Kumar, told the media on Friday that a written complaint had been submitted with the police in connection with the loot.

The authority has begun removing the remaining pots to prevent thefts, officials said.

Police said that an FIR will be registered once the complaint is registered.

On Thursday, Modi inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal on the 101st birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Yogi Adityanath shared the dias with the prime minister.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/flower-pots-placed-along-roads-stolen-hours-after-pm-modis-event-in-lucknow-3843500

Australia’s immunisation advisory group warned that counterfeit Abhayrab rabies vaccines may have circulated in India since late 2023, potentially leaving recipients unprotected. Indian Immunologicals Limited refuted the claim, calling it an isolated packaging anomaly in one batch. Rabies remains nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making timely vaccination and verification critical.

Australia has issued a health advisory stating that counterfeit rabies vaccines have been circulating in India since November 2023. Issued by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, or ATAGI, the recommendation says those who have been vaccinated with the Abhayrab vaccine may not be protected against the viral disease, which is 100 per cent fatal if it spreads.

However, the Indian Immunologicals Limited – manufacturers of the Abhayrab vaccine, have now issued a clarification regarding the recent ATAGI refuting the “over-cautious and misplaced reference”, stressing it does not reflect the current situation.

According to the World Health Organization, rabies is an extremely deadly, yet preventable, viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing fatal inflammation of the brain in mammals, including humans, and spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal like bats, dogs, or raccoons via their saliva. Once symptoms appear, like fever, confusion, hallucinations, and paralysis, it is almost always fatal, highlighting the importance of immediate post-exposure treatment after potential exposure, often involving vaccination and immunoglobulin. Children between the ages of 5 and 14 years are the usual victims.

A video of Chandigarh’s annual Christmas Shobha Yatra has gone viral, showcasing a vibrant procession led by the Tricity Churches Association that blended devotion, music and local culture. Online viewers praised the event’s display of unity.

Festive visuals from Chandigarh are making waves online after a video capturing the city’s annual Christmas Shobha Yatra began circulating widely on social media. Organised by the Tricity Churches Association (TCA), the procession transformed several streets into a vibrant celebration of faith, music and togetherness, quickly drawing attention far beyond the city.

The widely shared clips, posted across platforms such as X and other social networks, show a large procession moving through the streets with participants from different walks of life. In the video, a man wearing a turban can be seen walking alongside others as a Bible, placed inside a glass case, is carried with reverence. The atmosphere is set to devotional music dedicated to Jesus Christ, blended with lively Punjabi beats, adding a unique regional flavour to the celebration.

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Christmas Shobha Yatra😂 pic.twitter.com/JCrfx7uDMw

— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) December 25, 2025

According to reports, the yatra was led by Bishop Sahaya T. Thomas and featured colourful tableaux illustrating the birth and teachings of Jesus Christ. The event witnessed the participation of thousands of residents from across the Tricity, as people lined the roads to welcome the procession. Several local groups and associations also arranged langars, offering tea and refreshments to attendees as a gesture of hospitality.

Children dressed in festive outfits, cheerful greetings of “Merry Christmas” echoing across neighbourhoods, and smiling faces along the route highlighted the spirit of the occasion. The procession stood out not just as a religious event, but as a public celebration reflecting unity and shared joy.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/chandigarhs-christmas-shobha-yatra-goes-viral-internet-calls-it-pure-festive-joy-watch-article-153355613

 

Anjel and his younger brother Michael were stopped by a group of men who allegedly hurled racial slurs at them. Witnesses said the men referred to the brothers as “Chinese”.

A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura died after being stabbed during a racist attack in Dehradun. Anjel Chakma passed away in hospital on Friday after battling for life for more than 14 days. The incident took place on December 9 in the Selaqui area, when a routine visit to a local market turned into a violent confrontation.

Anjel and his younger brother Michael were stopped by a group of men who allegedly hurled racial slurs at them. Witnesses said the men referred to the brothers as “Chinese”.

‘We Are Indians’

Friends said Anjel calmly challenged the abuse. “We are not Chinese. We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?” he reportedly said. Moments later, the situation escalated. The men allegedly attacked the brothers with knives while continuing to abuse them.

Anjel suffered severe injuries to his neck and spine. Michael was also injured and remains in serious condition. A close friend, who stayed at the hospital throughout Anjel’s treatment, said he was shocked by the violence. “He was calm and friendly. None of us can believe this happened,” the friend said.

Anjel’s body was flown to Agartala on Saturday. His death has sparked anger and grief across Tripura and other northeastern states. Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, chairman of the Tipra Motha Party, helped the family with medical support and funeral arrangements.

Speaking to the media, Debbarma said it was tragic that people from the northeast were targeted with racist abuse. “These attacks divide us. We want justice,” he said.

Police Action

Police said a case was registered on December 12 following a complaint by Michael Chakma. Five of the six accused, including two juveniles, were arrested on December 14. The main accused, Yagya Awasthi, is believed to have fled to Nepal. Police have sent teams to trace him and announced a reward of Rs 25,000.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/i-am-indian-last-words-of-tripura-student-before-he-was-killed-in-dehradun-racist-attack-9796105.html

According to police, the accused CEO had organised a party on his birthday last Saturday, in which the manager was also a guest.

Days after a female manager of an IT firm in Udaipur was raped by the CEO and co-staffer, more details have emerged in the shocking incident that unfolded after a birthday party in the Rajasthan city.

The medical examination report confirmed the rape and showed that the survivor had sustained injuries and was experiencing pain in her private parts as well as other areas of her body, NDTV reported.

The survivor also checked the car’s dashcam, which allegedly recorded the incident along with a conversation between the accused.

In her police complaint, she stated that some of her jewellery, socks and undergarments were missing.

Police said three people, including the CEO of a private IT company, have been arrested in connection with the alleged gangrape of the female manager after the birthday party in Udaipur.

According to the police, the CEO had organised a birthday party last Saturday, which the manager attended as a guest. The other two accused are a female executive head of the company and her husband.

All three were arrested on Thursday and produced before a court, which remanded them to four-day police custody.

The alleged incident took place in Udaipur on the night of Saturday, December 20.

Here’s what happened:

1. After regaining consciousness, the survivor said she noticed injuries on her body. HT had earlier reported, when she regained consciousness, she found herself being assaulted inside the moving car.
2. She later checked the car’s dashcam, which allegedly recorded the entire incident along with a conversation between the accused, NDTV reported.
3. She filed the police complaint, submitting the dashcam recordings as evidence along with details of the injuries she had sustained.
4. In her police complaint, the survivor stated that some of her jewellery, socks and undergarments were missing, the report added.
5. The case has been handed over to Additional Superintendent of Police Madhuri Verma.
6. The incident involves a Udaipur-based IT firm whose CEO allegedly committed the crime along with an employee of the same company. The survivor was working as a manager at the same IT firm.
7. As per the woman’s complaint and a PTI report, three people were involved: the CEO, a female employee of the firm, and the female employee’s husband. The husband of the female employee is a resident of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh.
8. The accused allegedly committed the crime under the pretext of dropping the survivor home. A case was registered at Sukher police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused were arrested and produced before a court on Thursday.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/udaipur-it-staffer-rape-jewellery-undergarment-missing-dashcam-captured-crime-10-points-101766828797806.html

According to data from the Sameer app, developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI stood at 391 as of 6:05 am on Sunday.

Delhi recorded “very poor” air quality early Sunday morning as parts of the national capital woke up to dense fog and cold wave-like conditions. More than 150 flights have been delayed at Delhi’s IGI airport, FlightRadar24 data showed.

While Delhi’s AQI was on the brink of breaching the “very poor” category, Noida recorded “severe” air quality on Sunday, with an AQI of 415.

On Saturday, air quality in the national capital slipped into the “severe” category. The AQI stood at 385, which was “very poor”, at 4 pm, according to the bulletin. It worsened through the day, rising to 390 by 6 pm and reaching 391 by 10 pm.

Delhi AQI

According to data from the Sameer app, developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI stood at 391 as of 6:05 am on Sunday.

Of the 39 active stations out of a total of 40, a total of 20 stations recorded “severe” air quality. These included Anand Vihar (445), Chandni Chowk (415), Jahangirpuri (430), Shadipur (443) and Wazirpur (443).

All other stations recorded “very poor” air quality, with AQI levels between 301 and 400, while one station, NSIT Dwarka, recorded a “poor” AQI of 214.

The CPCB categorises an AQI of 51 to 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 to 200 as “moderate”, 201 to 300 as “poor”, 301 to 400 as “very poor”, and readings above 400 as “severe”.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounded a yellow alert for Sunday morning in the national capital, warning of dense fog and cold wave-like conditions. Experts said this would keep wind speeds slow and AQI at the same level, as mentioned in an earlier HT report.

“The wind speed was very low on Saturday. The average speed was around 4-5 kmph, with the wind speed reaching 8-9 kmph only for a few hours in the afternoon and then again dropping by the evening. As a result, Delhi saw a spike in pollution. Similar wind conditions will persist till January 1, 2026, due to the influence of a western disturbance,” the earlier report quoted as saying Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet, a private weather forecaster.

Delhi airport issues advisory

In its latest advisory as of 9 am, Delhi’s IGI airport said that the flight operations are running smoothly. It also advised passengers to contact their airline or visit the official airport website for latest updates.

“Flight operations are running smoothly as visibility at the airport has improved. Please be assured that our on-ground staff is available across terminals to assist passengers and provide necessary support,” it said.

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Passenger Advisory issued at 09:00 hours.

Please click on this link for real-time winter travel updates: https://t.co/KkKldKTNWi#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/SqflobqoTo

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 28, 2025

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dense-fog-low-winds-bring-delhi-aqi-on-brink-of-severe-level-no-changes-to-grap-curbs-yet-101766884852703.html 

The administration of justice does not end with the pronouncement of judgments inside courtrooms. It extends to how the Bench and the Bar are perceived beyond them. The advent of social media has irrevocably altered the landscape of public and private life, presenting a unique and profound ethical dilemma for the legal fraternity in India.

Judicial officers and members of the Bar, whose professional integrity is inextricably linked to public trust and the impartial administration of justice, find themselves navigating platforms that prioritise virality over veracity and spectacle over subtlety.

This article aims to comprehensively analyse the ethical and legal limitations governing the use of social media by India’s legal professionals, focusing on maintaining professional conduct, dignity and etiquette with special reference to the Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules and the standards of judicial decorum. It specifically addresses emerging concerns such as ‘reel culture’ among advocates, online advertisement and the ethics of public appearances by both sitting and retired legal figures.

Judges and lawyers are increasingly present on platforms like Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram, not just as individuals, but sometimes as opinion leaders and influencers. Tweets, reels, podcasts and online commentaries may appear innocuous at first glance. But for judges and advocates, such expressions have the potential to affect public confidence in the judicial process. This surge in online presence has raised crucial questions about professional conduct, confidentiality and the boundaries of acceptable public engagement for those tasked with upholding the law.

Officials said the deletions mainly stem from three reasons: deaths, people moving out of their registered addresses, and duplicate entries.

Ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, the state’s electoral roll has seen a massive clean-up, with over 10.56 lakh voter names removed during a Special Revision exercise carried out by the Election Commission of India.

The updated draft rolls, released on Saturday, show that Assam now has 2.51 crore registered voters, not counting more than 93,000 ‘D-Voters’ — a category reserved for people whose citizenship status remains under question. These voters continue to appear in the draft rolls with the same personal details, but without voting rights.

Officials said the deletions mainly stem from three reasons: deaths, people moving out of their registered addresses, and duplicate entries. Nearly 4.8 lakh names were removed after verification confirmed the voters had passed away, while over 5.23 lakh individuals were found to have shifted elsewhere. Another 53,000-plus entries were flagged and removed due to similarities suggesting duplication.

The revision followed an extensive door-to-door verification drive conducted between November 22 and December 20. Election staff covered over 61 lakh households across the state to check voter details on the ground.

With the draft rolls now out, voters have time to raise objections or seek corrections until January 22. The final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on February 10.

Assam currently has 31,486 polling stations, following a recent rationalisation process. While several other states going to polls — Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal — are undergoing a Special Intensive Revision, Assam was placed under a Special Revision, which officials say lies between routine annual updates and a full-scale intensive revision.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar earlier noted that Assam follows separate citizenship-related provisions under the law, and that the broader citizenship verification process in the state is nearing completion under the Supreme Court’s supervision.

WHAT IS SIR?

Special Intensive Revision or SIR is an intensive, on-ground exercise that requires verification of all registered voters by booth-level officers (BLOs). The explicit goal of such an exercise is to remove duplicate, deceased, migrated, and “illegal” voters.

The last such intensive revision of electoral rolls in India was undertaken two decades ago.

This year, the SIR exercise in Bihar, conducted just months before the state went to polls, was shrouded by a massive controversy and confusion on the ground. The matter also reached the Supreme Court, which, however, allowed the exercise to progress with modifications.

The opposition has alleged that the SIR exercise was nothing but a smokescreen behind which lakhs of people, from marginalised communities and who, it claimed, traditionally vote for them, were being disenfranchised. The final roll in Bihar saw 68.6 lakh deletions.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/over-10-lakh-names-dropped-assam-draft-sir-voter-roll-2842757-2025-12-27

The hearing comes after the Centre ordered a complete ban on new mining leases across the Aravalli range from Delhi to Gujarat, and reiterated that existing mines must comply strictly with environmental safeguards and Supreme Court orders.

The Supreme Court will hear the matter related to mining in the Aravalli Hills on Monday. A three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice will take up the suo motu case. Former forest conservation officer R P Balwan has also filed a petition before the apex court in connection with the issue.

The Supreme Court’s decision to take suo motu cognisance has raised hopes among environmental activists and those concerned about the November 20 verdict, with expectations of a positive shift in the court’s stance on the matter.

During its November 20 hearing, the Supreme Court accepted the recommendations of a Union environment ministry panel on which landforms should be considered part of the Aravalli hills. In an affidavit filed before the court, the Centre proposed that only landforms with an elevation of 100 metres or more above the local relief, along with their slopes and adjoining areas, should be classified as Aravallis.

The court, led by Justice B R Gavai, accepted the revised definition and directed the ministry to formulate a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the Aravalli region, triggering a huge uproar from the opposition and environment enthusiasts.

Amid the controversy, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Wednesday directed all concerned states to impose a complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, from Delhi to Gujarat. The ministry said the prohibition would apply uniformly and was aimed at preserving the integrity of the ancient geological formation by curbing illegal and unregulated mining.

The Centre said the directions were intended to safeguard the Aravallis as a continuous ridge, amid long-standing concerns over rampant mining and environmental degradation.

The ministry has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas across the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited, beyond zones already barred by the government. This exercise will be based on ecological, geological and landscape-level considerations.

ICFRE has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will assess cumulative environmental impacts and ecological carrying capacity, identify conservation-critical and ecologically sensitive areas, and outline measures for restoration and rehabilitation. The draft plan will be placed in the public domain for stakeholder consultation.

The latest directions came two days after Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav rejected claims that recent changes related to the Aravallis were intended to open the region to mining, terming such assertions “misinformation.” He said the government was pursuing a balanced approach that takes the ecology and economy together, while remaining firmly committed to protecting the Aravalli ecosystem.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/supreme-court-takes-note-of-aravalli-hills-issue-bench-headed-by-chief-justice-to-hear-matter-on-monday-2842768-2025-12-27

The demolition drive near Bengaluru’s Kogilu village has sparked internal dissent within the Congress party, with senior leaders urging caution and compassion. The issue has escalated into a political tussle involving protests, opposition criticism, and sharp remarks from leaders across states.

A demolition drive on the outskirts of Bengaluru has opened cracks within the Congress, with senior leaders publicly stepping in to contain political damage as protests, opposition criticism and sharp remarks from within the wider Opposition ecosystem put the state government on the defensive.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Saturday spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over the eviction of residents from Kogilu village near Yelahanka, a move that has triggered outrage among locals and drawn uncomfortable comparisons for the ruling party.

Venugopal said the All India Congress Committee was deeply uneasy over how the exercise was carried out and conveyed that such actions required far greater caution, sensitivity and compassion, with the human cost placed at the centre of decision-making. According to him, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar assured that they would personally engage with affected families, establish a grievance redress mechanism and ensure rehabilitation and relief.

PROTESTS AND ACCUSATIONS ON THE GROUND

The assurances came amid protests by the Social Democratic Party of India and local residents, who accused the government of displacing vulnerable families without adequate alternatives. Demonstrators demanded immediate rehabilitation, shelter and fulfilment of basic needs for those rendered homeless.

SDPI Karnataka general secretary Mujahid Pasha accused the state government of repeating the same eviction politics it once criticised. He rejected claims by ministers that the residents were illegal immigrants or that the land was earmarked solely for solid waste management, arguing that humanitarian considerations had been sidelined. He also pointed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s criticism to argue that the issue had acquired national resonance.

GOVERNMENT DEFENDS ACTION

Siddaramaiah defended the eviction, saying the land in the Kogilu Badavane area near Yelahanka was a waste dumping site unfit for human habitation and had been encroached upon. He said repeated notices had been issued asking families to relocate, but there was no response, making eviction unavoidable.

The Chief Minister said he had directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike commissioner to arrange temporary shelter, food and other necessities. While noting that most of those living on the land were migrant workers rather than local residents, he said suitable housing arrangements would be ensured from a humanitarian perspective.

BJP HITS OUT AT CONGRESS LEADERSHIP

BJP leader R Ashoka criticised Venugopal for “interfering” in state administration, calling it an insult to federalism. “Who is KC Venugopal to intervene in the administration of Karnataka? Is he a Super CM, or does the Congress high command believe state governments function on Delhi diktats?” Ashoka asked in a post.

He added that the selective outrage exposed political motives, saying, “This is not about humanity or sensitivity; it’s about Congress high-command politics, Kerala appeasement, and election optics.” Ashoka demanded that humanitarian concerns be addressed through law, due process, and accountable state mechanisms rather than instructions from party officials with no constitutional role.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bengaluru-demolitions-congress-kc-venugopal-tells-siddaramaiah-to-act-with-compassion-2842800-2025-12-28

The exchange unfolded on Thursday as Shastri arrived in Bhilai for his Hanuman Katha programme, where he addressed the media even before the event began.

A fresh political-religious confrontation has erupted in Chhattisgarh after former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and spiritual preacher Dhirendra Shastri or Bageshwar Baba traded sharp remarks over superstition, faith, and the idea of Hindus being “in danger,” turning a religious discourse into a flashpoint of ideological debate.

The exchange unfolded on Thursday as Shastri arrived in Bhilai for his Hanuman Katha programme, where he addressed the media even before the event began and responded strongly to Baghel’s earlier comments on religious preachers.

Speaking to reporters, Shastri reacted to Baghel’s statement that preachers like him and Pradeep Mishra were spreading superstition. Shastri said that if “uniting the Hindu community, spreading devotion and awakening nationalism” is being labelled superstition, then “those who think so should leave the country.”

“I am not a politician and I usually do not comment on political statements. But this issue concerns faith and society, so I felt it necessary to respond,” Shastri said. “Strengthening the Hindu community, spreading devotion to Hanuman and awakening a sense of nationalism cannot be called superstition.”

Referring to demographic trends, Shastri said that the population share of one community was increasing while that of Hindus was declining. He cited neighbouring Bangladesh as an example, saying that “if precautions are not taken in time, the danger becomes visible later.”

On the issue of ‘Love Jihad’, Shastri said that when families are personally affected, people understand the seriousness of the issue. He claimed that Hindus have become a minority in several localities and said that this made unity within the Sanatan community necessary.

On religious conversions, Shastri said the Hindu community in Chhattisgarh was “now awakening” and that he would continue organising programmes across the state. He said a future event in the Surguja-Jashpur region would be held with the stage set up in front of a large church.

Earlier in Durg, Bhupesh Baghel had criticised religious preachers, saying that two “Maharajas” Pradeep Mishra and Dhirendra Shastri were visiting the state and spreading rituals and superstition instead of knowledge about Lord Shiva or Hanuman.

“The more educated society becomes, the more superstition seems to increase,” Baghel said. “Ordinary people know better than these preachers who Shiva is, who Hanuman is, and how worship should be done.”

Baghel also rejected the narrative that Hindus are in danger. “Hindus were not in danger during Mughal rule, during the freedom struggle, or when Muslims were in power. This narrative has only emerged after the RSS and BJP came to power,” he said, alleging that fear is being used as a political tool.

He added sarcastically that people now prefer calling themselves “Sanatanis” rather than Hindus.

A separate controversy has emerged over the manner in which Dhirendra Shastri travelled to Chhattisgarh.

Shastri reached Raipur using a Chhattisgarh government aircraft and then travelled onward to Bhilai. According to reports, a state minister flew from Raipur to Satna in Madhya Pradesh on the same government aircraft to pick up Shastri, and then returned with him to Raipur. A video circulating from the state hangar in Raipur shows a uniformed police officer removing his shoes and touching Shastri’s feet after he disembarked from the aircraft. Both incidents have triggered criticism online, with users alleging misuse of government resources and violation of official conduct rules.

Several social media users questioned why a religious preacher, who does not hold any constitutional position, was provided government transport for a private religious programme.

One user cited Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, asking why similar facilities are not available to ordinary citizens, writers, artists or social workers. Another user claimed that because Shastri was not eligible to travel on a government aircraft under existing rules, a minister was formally sent to Satna to facilitate his travel.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bhupesh-baghel-vs-bageshwar-baba-dhirendra-shastri-over-superstitious-beliefs-9993593

An NRI’s reaction to visiting India ate 8 years abroad has sparked a discussion online.

An NRI’s reaction to visiting India after 8 years abroad has sparked a discussion online after his comments praising the country’s “energy”, rapid growth and lower costs of living were shared on social media.

Taking to X, Alok Jain, founder of WeekendInvesting, said his friend, who travelled from New York, was struck by what he described as India’s “amazing energy” and the pace at which the country is growing.

“An outsider’s perspective can be so different from our own,” Jain wrote, adding that his friend was particularly “shocked” by the relatively low cost of medical care, transportation, internet and mobile services in India.

According to Jain, his friend said he pays $600 for mobile and data at his house in the US, around $30,000 annually for health insurance for a family of 4, and nearly 2% of his property’s value each year as property tax. “Yes air is cleaner there but there are many more good things happening here,” Jain added.

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A friend visited me from New York today. He had come to India after 8 yrs.

He was all praise for the amazing energy in the country and how rapidly he felt India is growing.

An outsiders perspective can be so different from our own.

He was shocked to see our cost of medical…

— Alok Jain ⚡ (@WeekendInvestng) December 23, 2025

Social media divided

The post quickly drew mixed reactions from users, with many pushing back against the comparison. One user commented, “It’s the other way around. A few things are better in India but when it comes to what actually defines a better living standard, from AQI to walkable public spaces, New York is way ahead, no comparison.”

Another wrote, “I am an outsider and I can say that everything wrong with the country has to do only with lack of civic sense among the people.”

A third user was more critical, saying, “At the end of the day, even if you save money on mobile data, commute, property tax and health insurance, you still can’t breath money or even walk on money outside. Your life will be still restricted in the society you live in. My NRI friends also talk like this to make you feel good but at the end of the day they got back to the developed nations.”

Others, however, agreed with Jain’s assessment. “Sometimes it takes an outsider to show us our blind spots. India has its problems, but affordability, speed, and momentum are real advantages we underestimate,” one user wrote.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/nri-visits-india-after-8-years-in-us-praises-growth-and-low-costs-internet-divided-101766598201317.html

 

This comes a day after Union minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh called for the swift return of liquor baron Vijay Mallya.

India is “fully committed” that fugitives and people “wanted by law” in the country return here to face trial before the courts, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday during a press briefing.

Jaiswal said that India is in talks with several countries and “process are on” to bring such people back, however, there are “several layers of legalities” involved in such cases.

“We remain fully committed that people who are fugitive and wanted by law in India, return to the country. For this, we are in talks with several governments and processes are on,” Jaiswal said.

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#WATCH | Delhi: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We remain fully committed that people who are fugitive and wanted by law in India, return to the country. For this, we are in talks with several governments and processes are on… There are several layers of legalities… pic.twitter.com/HwxGzUUtIB

— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

“There are several layers of legalities involved but we remain committed to bring them back to the country so they can face trial before the courts here,” he added.

This comes a day after Union minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday called for the swift return of businessman and liquor baron Vijay Mallya.

“Action will be taken. Such people flee the country out of fear,” he said, adding that even terrorists can be extradited these days while referring to Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

“No one would have imagined that even terrorists could be extradited, but one of them was brought back,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court warned Vijay Mallya to return to India or the court will not hear his plea challenging the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-says-fully-committed-to-bring-fugitives-back-days-after-vijay-mallyas-birthday-video-surfaces-101766759617839.html

 

In 2025, over 24,600 Indians were deported from 81 countries, with Saudi Arabia leading the figures at more than 11,000. The United States ranked second, deporting approximately 3,800 individuals, the highest in five years, attributed to increased scrutiny under President Trump.

More than 24,600 Indians were deported from 81 countries in 2025, with Saudi Arabia accounting for the highest number, according to data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs in Parliament. Saudi Arabia deported over 11,000 Indians during the year, far more than any other country. By comparison, about 3,800 Indians were deported from the United States in 2025. While lower than Saudi Arabia’s figure, the U.S. number is the highest recorded in the past five years, the data showed.

Experts attributed the rise in deportations from the United States to tighter scrutiny under the administration of US President Donald Trump, including checks on visa status, work authorisation and overstays. Most deportations from the US took place from Washington, D.C., with 3,414 cases, followed by Houston with 234.

Other countries that saw significant deportations of Indians included Myanmar (1,591), United Arab Emirates (1,469), Malaysia (1,485), Bahrain (764), Thailand (481) and Cambodia (305).

According to the ministry, the most common reasons for deportations, particularly from Gulf countries, were overstaying visas, working without valid permits, violating labour rules, absconding from employers and involvement in civil or criminal cases.

“This is a pattern with Gulf countries, which see a large migration of workers from India,” said Bheema Reddy, vice-chairman of the Telangana government’s NRI advisory committee. “Most of them are low-skilled workers who migrate through agents and, in many cases, in an attempt to earn extra money, end up involved in minor offences,” he said. “In other instances, lack of awareness about local laws and regulations proves costly,” Reddy added, as quoted by The Times of India.

The data also showed that deportation of Indian students was highest from the United Kingdom, with 170 cases, followed by Australia (114), Russia (82) and the United States (45).

Separately, India on Friday said it flagged its concerns to the US over cancellation of pre-scheduled H1B visa interviews of large numbers of Indian applicants and that both sides are engaged on the issue.

The interviews of thousands of H-1B visa applicants slated from the middle of this month in India have been abruptly postponed by several months to scrutinise their social media posts and online profiles. Some of the applicants, whose visa appointments were scheduled last week, received e-mails from US immigration authorities informing that their interviews are being pushed back as late as May next year.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/saudi-arabia-not-us-deported-most-indians-in-2025-shows-mea-data-article-153354950

Sources said that the terrorists are seeking temporary winter hideouts to survive the season, forcing them to move into uninhabited and difficult terrain.

The Indian Army has intensified counter-terror operations in Kishtwar and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir, following multiple intelligence inputs, defence sources told CNN-News18.

As per sources, around 30–35 Pakistani terrorists are believed to be hiding in the higher and mid-mountain belts of Jammu region. They said that these terrorists are using winter conditions and snow cover to evade detection and avoid direct confrontation with security forces.

Sources said that the terrorists are seeking temporary winter hideouts to survive the season, forcing them to move into uninhabited and difficult terrain. With local support networks weakening, they are increasingly relying on coercion to procure food and supplies.

Meanwhile, Army troops have expanded their presence along snowbound ridgelines and remote forest areas to maintain pressure. Specially trained winter warfare units, equipped for survival and combat in extreme cold, have been deployed to retain operational advantage.

Joint operations are being carried out with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group (SOG), Forest Guards and Village Defence Guards (VDGs). This coordination has strengthened intelligence sharing and enabled faster, more precise action on the ground.

Defence sources said the army is focussed on isolating and neutralising remaining terrorist groups and preventing them from slipping into populated areas during winter.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/army-intensifies-operations-after-intel-of-over-30-terrorists-in-jammu-region-sources-ws-l-9794087.html

The meeting comes days after a video of Thapliyal Ji went viral. In the video he revealed that he earned Rs 763 after completing 28 deliveries over nearly 15 hours in a single day.

A Blinkit delivery agent whose video on low daily earnings recently went viral, sparking public outrage, met Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha.

Chadha invited Thapliyal Ji, who hails from Uttarakhand, to his residence for lunch. The meeting came days after the MP raised concerns in Parliament about poor pay, long working hours and the lack of social security for gig workers.

Thapliyal Ji later posted clips of his meeting with the MP on his Instagram account. In the videos, he described Chadha as a warm and approachable person. He said he felt heard and respected during the interaction.

During their conversation, the delivery executive spoke about the everyday struggles faced by delivery partners. These included long and unpredictable working hours, fluctuating income, pressure from algorithm-based targets and the absence of proper grievance redressal systems or basic protections.

The meeting comes days after a video of Thapliyal Ji went viral. In the video he revealed that he earned Rs 763 after completing 28 deliveries over nearly 15 hours in a single day.

The video, which resurfaced online recently, sparked sharp reactions from users who questioned whether such earnings were fair or sustainable.

Sharing the video on X, Chadha termed the situation as “systemic exploitation hidden behind apps and algorithms.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/raghav-chadha-invites-blinkit-delivery-partner-for-lunch-after-low-pay-video-goes-viral-watch-ws-l-9794134.html

The Supreme Court has ruled that a driving licence becomes invalid immediately after expiry without renewal.

The Supreme Court has clarified that a driving licence stops being valid immediately after its expiry if it is not renewed, bringing an end to any assumption of automatic extension under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and S. V. N. Bhatti said that after the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 came into force, a licence holder becomes legally unfit to drive from the very next day after the licence expires if renewal has not been done. The court said this creates a “legal disability” to drive.

Explaining the current legal position, the bench noted that the amended law does not provide any grace period after the expiry of a licence. Earlier, before the 2019 amendment, the Act allowed licences to remain valid for an additional 30 days after expiry. That provision, the court said, no longer exists.

“The first proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 15, gives a window to a person for renewal of his existing licence, which starts one year prior to the date of the expiry of the licence and continues for one year post-expiry. The theory that once a licence is renewed, even after a gap, the renewal would operate from a back date implying that the licence was continuing and valid even for and during the interregnum cannot be countenanced,” the bench said.

The observations were made in a judgment delivered on December 18, 2025, while allowing an appeal filed by the Telangana State Level Police Recruitment Board. The appeal challenged a 2023 order of the Telangana High Court, which had allowed certain candidates to apply for the post of driver even though their driving licences had expired within the two years preceding the recruitment notification. These candidates had renewed their licences after a gap.

Setting aside the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court held that the requirement for candidates to hold a valid driving licence continuously for the two years preceding the notification could not be called unreasonable.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/expired-driving-licence-cannot-be-treated-as-valid-supreme-court-ws-el-9794064.html

In an interview with India Today TV’s consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor discussed Pakistan’s political and economic situation, China’s influence and regional security issues.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday warned that India cannot ignore Pakistan’s evolving military strategy, particularly its focus on hypersonic missile technology and asymmetric deterrence. In an exclusive interview with India Today TV’s consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Tharoor discussed General Asim Munir’s growing influence and rising anti-India radicalism in Pakistan, to which he replied that India has learnt from past experiences with Pakistan and must remain fully prepared.

“After the barrage of drones, rockets, and missiles they sent us, they are now pursuing hypersonic technologies,” he said, adding that the country’s new military doctrine, known as asymmetric deterrence, “is not something we can lightly ignore.”

Highlighting Pakistan’s internal dynamics, Tharoor described the country as “very problematic” with a nominal civilian government largely dominated by the military. He pointed to economic fragility and reliance on foreign aid as factors that could encourage military adventurism.

“Pakistan is a very, very problematic state at various levels,” Tharoor said. “It is a nominally civilian government that has been created by the military and is dominated by the military, so the military’s agenda will always be outsized in terms of the policy choices there.”

The Congress MP also highlighted Pakistan’s economic weakness. “It is economically fragile,” Tharoor added. “It’s had a lot of money coming in from various international and western donors, and that may help give it a lifeline for a while, but economic fragility often leads to military adventurism.”

Tharoor compared the two economies, noting that Pakistan’s GDP growth stands at 2.7 per cent, while India’s growth is around 7 per cent or higher.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s moves into sectors where India has a strong presence, saying the country is expanding in areas such as textiles and agriculture, which could increase competition in regional markets.

The discussion then moved to Pakistan’s expanding ties with the United States and broader shifts in global geopolitics.

While discussing the growing bilateral ties between the two nations, Tharoor said Pakistan has offered mineral access to the US and transferred its cryptocurrency business to a company connected to Zachary Witkoff and Donald Trump’s sons.

He added that with support from Saudi Arabia and backing from China, Pakistan may feel less compelled to engage with India.

“There’s no doubt that the tectonic plates in the world are shifting, and we are entering a period of turbulence,” Tharoor said. “The question is not who will rein in anybody, but how we manage those who cannot be reined in.”

Turning to China and regional issues, Tharoor spoke about Bangladesh, noting that the country “is grappling with its own problems. They have energy shortages, inflationary pressures, and declining investor confidence.”

The Congress MP also warned that Bangladesh’s discussions on defence pacts with Pakistan suggest that “at this point, they really seem to want to give the impression that India is their enemy.”

He added that India has proposed regional connectivity plans through ports, rail, and energy grids, which “would actually help Bangladesh, but that depends heavily on stability in the country.”

When asked whether India should be concerned about rising instability in its neighbourhood, including the toppling of a government in Nepal and increasing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, Shashi Tharoor said a peaceful and stable Bangladesh is crucial for India, warning that instability could turn the country into “India’s soft underbelly.”

Tharoor said, “We know that Pakistan, in the past, the ISI has been fishing in troubled waters through that soft underbelly.” Tharoor added, “There has also been a problem of militants in the northeast seeking refuge in Bangladesh, obtaining safe haven, crossing over, wreaking havoc, and then returning.”

The Congress leader also raised concern over provocative rhetoric from student leaders, saying some are “openly threatening to sever our seven sisters northeastern states from the rest of the country” and are “providing refuge to separatist elements.”

On communal tensions, he added, “The Islamist forces, Jamaat-e-Islami in particular, have added a layer of communal anxiety to all of this.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/shashi-tharoor-pakistan-military-dominance-economic-fragility-india-relations-2842400-2025-12-26

Passengers DH spoke to remained grateful for having booked a non-AC bus.

Bengaluru: A winter vacation to Gokarna turned tragic even before it began, as a bus travelling to the beach town from Bengaluru went up in flames in Chitradurga on Thursday morning.

The 32-seater non-AC Seabird Tourists bus departed from Majestic at 8:30 pm on Wednesday, with a majority of the passengers headed to Gokarna, barring a few whose destinations were Kumta and Shivamogga.

Passengers DH spoke to remained grateful for having booked a non-AC bus.

“When we tried to get out of the bus, we realised that the front door was jammed. Despite many attempts to push it open, it wouldn’t budge. That’s when my wife suggested we jump from the window as the fire was getting stronger. In that moment, we were so glad that this was a non-AC bus,” recalled Hemraj Kumhar, who had booked an upper berth close to the main door.

Hemraj, a 37-year-old resident of Varthur, was travelling to Gokarna for a weekend getaway with his wife and eight-year-old son. While his son remained unharmed, his wife, Kalpana Prajapati, sustained injuries to her back.

“We were all asleep when the accident happened. I only woke up when I started to have difficulty breathing, and the window rod suddenly fell on my face. By the time we made it out, the driver, the conductor and a few other passengers had already exited the bus. Moments after we exited, the entire bus went up in flames,” he told this reporter.

The family made it to the local hospital by hitching a ride and eventually reached Bengaluru by Thursday noon.

Similarly, 23-year-old IT employee Kiran Pal H was travelling to Gokarna with his friends Kirthan M, Nanditha GB and Devika H. All four were treated at Victoria Hospital on Thursday — two for burns and two for other injuries.

Kiran’s brother, Kishan Pal, learned about the accident at 6 am. “Although the accident had happened much earlier, my brother didn’t want to worry us, so he called once he was at the local hospital. He has sustained injuries on his arms and legs from jumping from the window. Several glass shards have pierced through his skin. All of them had to jump through the window, as that was the easiest exit,” he shared.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/glad-it-was-a-non-ac-bus-survivors-of-chitradurga-bus-accident-recall-dramatic-escape-from-burning-vehicle-3842711

The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 23.65° North and longitude 70.23° East.

Kachchh (Gujarat) [India], December 26 (ANI): An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale struck the Kachchh district of Gujarat early Friday morning at around 4:30 am, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 23.65° North and longitude 70.23° East.

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An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 occurred in Kachchh, Gujarat, at 4.30 IST today: National Centre for Seismology pic.twitter.com/0Jb7nU5ogI

— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/gujarat-earthquake-44-magnitude-tremor-hits-kachchh-early-morning 

An IT company manager alleged that the firm’s CEO and a senior executive offered her a lift after a New Year party in Udaipur and raped her in a moving car.

Udaipur Police has arrested three people, including the CEO and the executive head of a private company, along with her husband, for allegedly gang-raping a female employee in a moving car, officials said on Thursday.

Action was initiated after the survivor lodged a complaint, following which her statement and medical examination were recorded. The medical report has confirmed injury marks, which, prima facie, support the allegation of gang rape, District Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal said.

Police are also relying on footage recorded by a webcam installed in a car used during the incident. Based on the evidence collected so far, the company’s CEO Jeetesh Sisodia, his colleague Gaurav, and Gaurav’s wife Shilpa have been arrested. The accused are being produced before a court for further legal proceedings. The online profile of Sisodia shows he is the CEO of GKM IT Private Limited.

According to the complaint, the incident followed a birthday and New Year party hosted by the company’s CEO on December 20 at a hotel in Shobhagpura area. The survivor reached the hotel around 9 pm, and the party continued until about 1.30 am. Present at the venue were the CEO, a senior female executive, and her husband.

When the survivor began feeling intoxicated, some attendees suggested dropping her home. However, the female executive allegedly invited her to an after-party. Around 1.45 am, the survivor was seated in a car where the CEO and the executive’s husband were already present. The trio reportedly drove her home, stopped at a shop to purchase smoking material, and made her smoke as well.

After smoking, the woman allegedly lost consciousness. When she regained partial awareness later, she found the CEO molesting her. She alleged that the CEO, the female executive, and her husband sexually assaulted her. Despite repeatedly asking to be taken home, she was dropped only around 5 am, the complaint stated.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/udaipur-it-firm-ceo-executive-rape-manager-after-party-case-rajasthan-2841894-2025-12-26

All six men accused of lynching a West Bengal migrant worker in Odisha’s Sambalpur district have been arrested, police said, while asserting that the killing was not linked to the victim’s identity or nationality.

Six men allegedly stopped a group of migrant workers from West Bengal in Odisha’s Sambalpur district, asked for a bidi and then demanded to check their Aadhaar cards before launching a brutal assault that left one labourer dead and several others injured, police said on Thursday.

Odisha Police said the violence followed a dispute over a bidi late Wednesday night. The workers and the victim’s family, however, told authorities they were attacked after being suspected of being Bangladeshi nationals. All six accused involved in the lynching have been arrested.

According to police, the incident occurred when the victim, identified as Juel Sheikh, and other workers from West Bengal were preparing food at their living place in Sambalpur. A group of six men approached them asking for a bidi. When the workers refused, the men allegedly demanded to see their Aadhaar cards, triggering an altercation that escalated into a scuffle.

Sheikh was hit on the head with a hard object and succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Sambalpur hospital.

“The miscreants first asked for bidi from us and then asked me to show our Aadhaar cards. Later, they rammed Juel head against a hard object,” another worker, Majhar Khan, injured in the attack, told news agency PTI.

Nizamuddin Khan claimed the assailants branded them as Bangladeshis before attacking Sheikh and two others. Two of the injured workers have been admitted to hospital and are undergoing treatment.

IGP (Northern Range) Himanshu Kumar Lal said that the murder has nothing to do with whether the “victim was a Bengali or a Bangladeshi”. Another official said that the workers had been living in the area for several years, and they knew the accused persons.

TRINAMOOL BLAMES BJP

Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress blamed the killing on what it called a “sustained campaign against Bengalis” by the BJP, asserting that the incident occurred in a state governed by the saffron party.

“The lynching of a Bengali migrant worker in Sambalpur is the direct outcome of @BJP4India’s sustained campaign against Bengalis. A citizen of India was beaten to death because a mob believed the lie that Bengalis are infiltrators who must constantly prove their right to exist,” the party said in a post on X.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bengal-worker-killed-in-odisha-bangladeshi-suspicion-tmc-attacks-bjp-sambalpur-2841890-2025-12-26

Shashi Tharoor pointed out that there was an attack on a carol singing group in Kerala’s Palakkad, adding that there’s a need to display “solidarity with our Christian brothers”.

Spotlighting the reports of the alleged attack on Christians in the days leading up to Christmas, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor served a warning: “when traditions are attacked, it is all of us”.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP pointed out that there was an attack on a carol singing group in Kerala’s Palakkad, adding that there’s a need to display “solidarity with our Christian brothers”.

“To my mind, this solidarity is fundamental, and we’re going through a time, and sadly, there are attacks on Christians in different places of the country. Even in Kerala, there was an attack on a carol singing group in Palakkad, which is truly shocking,” Tharoor, the four-time MP, said.

“When our traditions are attacked, it is not only Christians who are attacked, it is all of us. Every Indian is assaulted. Our constitutional guarantee of freedom of worship, freedom of belief is being attacked, and we must all stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers,” he said.

The Congress leader said that he spent every Christmas Eve going from one church to another, though he managed to visit only four churches this time as his flight from Delhi was delayed.

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1/2 While the festive spirit remained alive in Kerala, it’s dismaying that Christmas 2025 has been marked by an unprecedented level of anxiety, driven by specific local incidents and a rising national trend of intolerance.

A Christmas carol group in Pudussery, Palakkad was… https://t.co/4uF1EBd6G6

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 25, 2025

“This year, my flight was late from Delhi, so I managed only four churches, but it is always very special to go, to listen sometimes to only a part of the sermon, but also then end up at midnight mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral,” he said.

“I had a wonderful experience in going from church to church, and in particular at St Mary’s, where Cardinal Cleemis, the major archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Church, he called me up on stage and gave me a morsel of chocolate cake himself and said some kind things,” he said.

The Congress leader stressed how showing respect for cultural traditions of all communities is central to Kerala politics.

“For me, this has always been very important. I’ve been an MP now for 17 years, and showing solidarity with members of my constituency is basic, but also showing respect for the cultural and religious traditions of all communities is central to Kerala politics,” he said.

In Rajasthan’s Nagaur, the principal of a private school has alleged that a group of people claiming to be Bajrang Dal members threatened children and staff over Christmas celebrations at the institute.

In UP’s Bareilly, Members of the Bajrang Dal staged a protest outside St Alphonsus Cathedral Church and recited the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’, alleging that the Hindu religion and society were portrayed in an objectionable manner during a Christmas programme organised by the church.

Shashi Tharoor, without naming the BJP, urged the “responsible leadership of a party” in power at the Centre to condemn the attacks.

“In the Mahabharata, when Dushasana tried to outrage Panchali’s modesty in the Kaurava Court, in the presence of teachers, elders, and the Pandavas, even Bhishma remained silent. At that moment, the lone voice of protest arose not from the Pandava side but from within the Kauravas. Vikarna, Duryodhana’s brother, spoke out and said, ‘Elder brother Duryodhana, this is unjust, this is adharma,'” Tharoor posted on X.

“Waiting for someone within the responsible leadership of a party in power to say even as much as ‘Stop, O man of cruelty (Manishada),” he added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption along with a large congregation of Christians of Delhi and north India.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/christmas-violence-not-only-christians-who-are-attacked-its-all-of-us-shashi-tharoor-9960593?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

The protest, called by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU), highlighted long-standing demands for better pay, safety, and working conditions.

A nationwide strike by gig workers employed with major e-commerce, food delivery, cab, and home service platforms led to significant service disruptions in Gurugram on Thursday, while Delhi and Noida reported minimal to no impact.

The disruption stemmed from organised gatherings of workers who temporarily logged off from their apps. (Representational image)
The disruption stemmed from organised gatherings of workers who temporarily logged off from their apps. (Representational image)
The protest, called by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU), highlighted long-standing demands for better pay, safety, and working conditions.

In Gurugram, the strike’s effect was pronounced, with residents across several sectors facing lengthy delays in food deliveries. Key affected areas included Badshahpur in Sector 66, Sohna Road, and Sectors 31, 47, and 48.

The disruption stemmed from organised gatherings of workers who temporarily logged off from their apps. Approximately 70-80 delivery partners assembled at the Rodeo Drive Market Complex in Sector 47, with similar protests reported at Baani Square (Sector 50), ILD Tower near Subhash Chowk, Eros City Square (Sector 49), and HUDA Market (Sector 46).

Protesting workers voiced grievances over low earnings and difficult working terms.

One delivery executive, sharing a screenshot of a recent payment, stated he earned only ₹49 for a delivery spanning nearly 11km. “Food delivery companies pay us around ₹5-6 for each kilometre traveled… fuel expenses take away a major chunk,” he said, requesting anonymity.

Another worker argued that with current inflation, a rate of ₹10-14 per km is necessary to survive in NCR cities.

They also criticised the structure of incentives, which are often tied to completing a high number of daily orders. “Incentives are usually given if we manage to complete 31 orders, which is difficult. This should be brought down to 25 or less,” another delivery partner said.

Beyond pay, workers highlighted safety concerns, demanding that companies halt deliveries after 11pm during the winter peak due to dense fog and hazardous driving conditions.

A protesting worker showed how his rate card was “deleted” from the e-commerce app after his team leader spotted him at one of the protesting sites. Workers said similar protests were held in other locations across the city, where around 50 to 100 of them had gathered for the protests.

A restaurant owner in an affected area confirmed the operational strain, revealing that they had to deploy their own staff for deliveries as no platform riders were available. “Our two riders have been completing orders since morning, taking at least two hours per order. We only received 15 orders today due to the protests,” he said.

The GIPSWU’s formal demands include income security equivalent to statutory minimum wages, a fair rate of not less than ₹20 per km for ride-hailing drivers, an eight-hour working day, overtime pay, and robust social security, including functional insurance that supports workers in emergencies.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/gig-workers-protest-across-gurugram-customers-face-delivery-delays-101766687995658.html

 

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on December 26, with the AQI surging to a hazardous 566 just days after GRAP-4 curbs were lifted, amid chilly, misty weather and poor visibility affecting daily life and travel.

Air pollution levels in Delhi deteriorated sharply on Friday, December 26 and moved dangerously close to the “hazardous” category as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 566. This comes just days after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas.

This marked a significant deterioration from the ‘poor’ AQI of 234 recorded on Thursday (December 25, 2025), which led to the removal of GRAP stage IV restrictions, which were enforced after pollution levels breached the 450 mark in Delhi and adjoining areas. However, with air quality showing improvement earlier this week, authorities lifted the strictest restrictions, though residents had been advised to stay cautious as dense fog and poor visibility are expected to persist this week, potentially disrupting flights and daily road travel.

As per the CPCB classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.

Ongoing mining activities are to be regulated stringently, with additional restrictions, to ensure environmental protection and adherence to sustainable mining practices.

Amid the ongoing controversy on the protection of the Aravalli hills, the Union Environment Ministry on Wednesday said directions have been issued to the States “for a complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases in the Aravallis” till new sustainable mining plans are prepared as per the Supreme Court’s direction.

The ministry wrote to Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana governments directing them not to issue any new mining leases till the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education finalises the scientific management plans and follow strict environment protocols for operational mines.

The communication to States comes a month after the top court told the government to stop all new mining leases and carry out a detailed exercise by the ICFRE for sustainable mining plans in the lines of what was undertaken for Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary in Jharkhand.

Dehradun-based ICFRE has also been asked by the ministry to identify additional areas in the entire Aravallis, where mining should be prohibited, over and above the areas already prohibited for mining by the Centre, based on ecological, geological and landscape-level considerations.

“This prohibition applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape and is intended to preserve the integrity of the range. The directions are aimed at safeguarding the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region, and at stopping all unregulated mining activities,” the ministry said in a statement.

Currently mining is prohibited in protected areas including four tiger reserves and 22 wildlife sanctuaries; eco-sensitive zones; buffer areas, wetlands and in areas where plantation have been raised. Also mining is banned in all the districts falling within the National Capital Region.

“The ICFRE has been directed to prepare a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region,” the ministry said.

“The plan will be placed in the public domain for wide stakeholder consultation. It will assess the cumulative environmental impact and ecological carrying capacity, identify ecologically sensitive and conservation-critical areas, and lay down measures for restoration and rehabilitation.”

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/centre-imposes-complete-ban-on-new-mining-leases-in-aravalli-3841825

India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met with US Ambassador Sergio Gor at Mar-a-Lago amid Christmas festivities.

India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met his American counterpart Sergio Gor at US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. According to the envoy’s post on social media platform X, the discussion centred on the “shared goal” of strengthening trade ties between India and the United States and priorities for the bilateral partnership.

“Happy to connect with @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor in Mar-a-Lago. Extensive discussions on our shared goal to (strengthen) trade ties, as also his plans and priorities for our bilateral partnership as he prepares to assume his responsibility as the US Ambassador to India!” Kwatra said in the post.

In a separate post, US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, Gor, wrote, “It’s always a pleasure to meet with India’s Ambassador to the US @AmbVMKwatra. This was his first visit to Mar a Lago!”

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Happy to connect with @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor in Mar-a-Lago
Extensive discussions on our shared goal to strength trade ties, as also his plans and priorities for our bilateral partnership as he prepares to assume his responsibility as the U.S Ambassador to India! https://t.co/mwLwkkyvBF

— Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) December 24, 2025

Trump is also currently in Mar-a-Lago, having arrived at his Palm Beach, Florida, residence over the weekend for the Christmas holidays.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will convene a three-day meeting with chief secretaries in Delhi from December 26-28.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a three-day meeting with chief secretaries in the national capital this week. According to a senior government official, PM Modi will chair the fifth national conference of chief secretaries in Delhi in a bid to consolidate the Centre-state coordination. Several officials, including young district collectors and magistrates from states and Union Territories, as well as several Union ministries, are likely to attend the conference.

“The fifth national conference of chief secretaries will be held in Delhi from December 26-28, and it will be a significant step towards further strengthening the partnership between the Centre and state governments,” the official told PTI.

 

Nitin Gadkari recalled meeting a Hamas leader at the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran in July 2024.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday recalled his meeting with the head of the political bureau of Hamas hours before his assassination in Iran back in 2024. During his address at a book launch recently, Gadkari spoke about attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran in July that year, and recalled how a Hamas leader was given priority at the event.

While the union minister didn’t name him directly in his speech, the remarks most likely referred to Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas political chief who was killed in Tehran after attending Pezeshkian’s inauguration ceremony.

A handshake, then a shocking news

Looking back at the swearing-in ceremony, Nitin Gadkari said that he was there because Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to represent India there. He said that the dignitaries were welcomed at a 5-star hotel room and served coffee and refreshments.

Gadkari recalled that Haniyeh had caught his eye as he was the only leader not representing any country. “When I shook his hands and asked, I got to know that he is the chief of Hamas, but was accompanying the chief justice and the prime minister since the Iranian government had given him priority,” Gadkari said.

The ceremony ended, Gadkari finished his dinner and went to bed later, only to be woken up by a knock on the door. “The ambassador came at 4 and told me we have to leave. When I asked why, I was told that the powerful Hamas leader was killed inside his room,” Gadkari said, further highlighting how the leader was assassinated despite being kept inside a special room.

The union minister mentioned the incident to point out the need for futuristic technology and vision in trade, defence, business and export.

Haniyeh’s assassination

Ismail Haniyeh, 62, was the head of Hamas who lived in Qatar and was visiting Tehran for the Iranian President’s swearing-in ceremony in July last year. While there was some suspense over how he was assassinated, Iranian authorities later said that a “short-range projectile” was launched from outside of his accommodation.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/when-nitin-gadkari-shook-hands-with-ismail-haniyeh-in-iran-hours-before-hamas-chiefs-assassination-101766630608092.html

Navi Mumbai International Airport: The drones moved in seamless coordination, creating striking aerial formations such as 3D lotus blooms

On the eve of the commencement of operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a spectacular drone show featuring 1,515 drones was organised to mark the airport’s operational launch.

The drones moved in seamless coordination, creating striking aerial formations such as 3D lotus blooms, lotus design interiors, airport logo, green airport, a plane flying over Mumbai, the rise of India among others – all centered around the theme and splendour of the airport, NMIA said in a statement today.

The evening brought together innovation and artistry, transforming the night sky into a canvas of memorable and visually compelling displays, it said.

The audience who saw the beautiful drone show included the differently abled, young athletes and NMIA employees.

First conceived in 1997 by Maharashtra’s city planning agency, City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the airport in 2018. The airport was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on October 8 this year.

Since 2021, Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), has led the development, construction, and operational readiness of the greenfield airport, progressing it from accelerated construction to phased commercial operations within a compressed time frame.

Now, finally, the airport, inspired by India’s national flower, the lotus, the terminal architecture integrated cultural identity, contemporary design and sustainability features, is set for operations after nearly eight years, which also includes two years of the pandemic.

The development is expected to reduce congestion at the existing Mumbai International Airport, besides significantly boosting capacity in the MMR.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/over-1-500-drones-lit-the-sky-ahead-of-navi-mumbai-airports-operational-launch-9935927

The Graded Response Action Plan’s (GRAP) sub-committee in a meeting today said air quality in the Delhi region has improved

Delhi has removed GRAP-4 conditions on controlling air pollution a week after imposing it due to the worsening situation.

The Graded Response Action Plan’s (GRAP) sub-committee in a meeting today said air quality in the Delhi region has improved.

“AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement since yesterday night owing to high winds and favourable meteorological conditions,” the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said in a statement today.

It said the AQI “has been recorded as 271 (‘poor’ category) on Wednesday.” However, it also pointed out a new concern – “air quality forecast provided by IMD/IITM suggests an increase in AQI of Delhi due to slower winds in coming days.”

The CAQM imposed GRAP-4 after AQI breached 450, which meant air quality was “severe-plus”. All actions under GRAP 1 to 3 will remain effective, it said.

Older vehicles which went off the road due to conditions imposed by GRAP-4 can return to the roads in Delhi now. The Delhi government had also made it a must for schools to hold classes until Class 11 (except Class 10) in hybrid mode – both physical and online.

GRAP-1 restrictions come into force when the AQI is between 201 and 300 (which is categorised as ‘Poor’), GRAP-2 restrictions when it is between 301 and 400 (‘Very Poor’), and GRAP-3 between 401 and 450 (‘Severe’).

Delhi’s decision to allow only Bharat Stage (BS) 6 vehicles to enter the national capital had blocked at least 1.2 million older vehicles registered outside from entering the city.

According to Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, only BS-6 vehicles from outside Delhi will be allowed to enter Delhi while GRAP-3 and -4 are in effect.

Vehicles without a valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate can’t get oil at fuel stations.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/strict-pollution-curbs-under-grap-4-lifted-in-delhi-as-air-quality-improves-9934291

The notification stated that the Government of Assam received reports from the District Magistrates of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong on December 23 of a serious “law and order” situation in two districts

Following a serious law and order situation that arose in Assam’s Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, the Assam government on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) has ordered the suspension of internet and mobile data services in both districts with immediate effect.

“It is, however, clarified that the voice calls and the broadband connectivity based on fixed telephone lines shall remain functional during this period. Any violation of the promulgation will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and also under the relevant provision of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885,” Biswajit Pegu, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home and Political Department, said in the notification.

The notification stated that the Government of Assam received reports from the District Magistrates of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong on December 23 of a serious “law and order” situation in two districts.

The government also apprehended that the social media and internet might be used to spread “inflammatory” messages, rumours, etc., which can aggravate the situation.

“The Government of Assam through the District Magistrates of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong Districts received reports regarding serious Law and Order situation that has arisen in the two Districts on 23.12.2025 and whereas, there is serious apprehension that there might be likelihood of breach of public peace and tranquility in the Districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong, and whereas, the Government of Assam apprehending that social media and internet may be used to spread inflammatory messages, rumours etc further. That may further aggravate the situation.”, the notification said.

Source :https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/assams-karbi-anglong-west-karbi-anglong-law-and-order-concerns-internet-suspended-updates/article70432316.ece

Lalit Modi on Monday appeared to take a swipe at India when he shared a video from Vijay Mallya’s birthday party, where he referred to himself and Mallya as the two “biggest fugitives”.

“We are the two fugitives, the biggest fugitives of India,” Lalit Modi – the founding commissioner of popular cricket league, Indian Premier League – is heard saying on the video from London.

“Let me do something to break the internet down again. Something for you folks. Wat your heart out with envy (sic),” Lalit Modi captioned the video posted on his Instagram.

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The short video clip drew sharp reactions.

“What a mockery they have made of Indian government,” commented a user.

“You ain’t breaking no internet son sit down,” commented another.

Some found fault with the Indian authorities for the state of affairs.

“Indian law shame that they dare to make such a video (sic),” said a user.

“They are laughing at Indian CBI/ED,” said yet another.

Earlier today, the Bombay High Court asked Vijay Mallya when he intends to return to India and told his counsel it would not hear his plea against the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act unless he first submits himself to the high court jurisdiction.

Mallya, based in the UK since 2016, has filed two petitions in the High Court — one challenging an order declaring him as a fugitive economic offender and the other questioning the constitutional validity of the 2018 Act.

The extradition proceedings initiated against Mallya are at an advanced stage.

Vijay Mallya was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender in January 2019 by a special court hearing cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The businessman, accused of defaulting on multiple loan repayments and facing money laundering charges, left India in March 2016.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/were-biggest-fugitives-of-india-lalit-modi-vijay-mallyas-new-video-9902877

 

An Uttar Pradesh court has rejected the government’s request to withdraw charges against those accused in the 2015 lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq, ordering a day-to-day trial instead.

An Uttar Pradesh court on Tuesday dismissed UP government’s plea seeking withdrawal of charges against all the accused in the 2015 lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri and directed that the trial be conducted on a day-to-day basis.

The Uttar Pradesh government had moved the court seeking permission to withdraw the case against all the accused, citing maintenance of social harmony.

The application was filed by the assistant district government advocate (criminal) following directions from the state government and the joint director of prosecution.

Eighteen student-athletes from Odisha faced harrowing train travel, sitting near toilets due to unconfirmed tickets while returning from the 69th National School Games; the education department has ordered an inquiry.

A batch of student-athletes returning from the 69th National School Games in Uttar Pradesh were forced to sit near the toilets on a train as their tickets were not confirmed. Parents said the children had only four confirmed seats while travelling from Bhubaneswar to the tournament. The students described the incident as “nothing less than harassment.” As a result of the mismanagement, the team reached the destination only when the match had already concluded. The issue came to light after a video went viral, attracting criticism over the poor travel arrangements. Taking the matter seriously, the School and Mass Education Department on Monday ordered an inquiry to determine why confirmed tickets were not provided to the children representing Odisha in the inter-state competition.

A total of 18 student-athletes, comprising 10 boys and 8 girls from different schools across the state, travelled with four teachers to Uttar Pradesh for the National School Games, held from December 8 to 12. They departed on December 5 for Ballia and returned on December 14.

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Train Horror for Odisha Athletes: Kids Forced to Travel Near Toilets

On Cam: Athletes sitting near toilets

– No ticket confirmation for athletes

– Outrage over negligence by state

Times Now’s Satish shares more details with @anchoramitaw pic.twitter.com/hSN4dj3FUE

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 23, 2025

Assistant director, who was arranging the journey for the children, said they had written to the Railway authorities, requesting for confirmed seats under sports quota. They followed up multiple times but did not get any positive response.

Student’s Testimony

One of the girls, speaking anonymously to TOI, said they were only offered proper seats at Hinjli in Ganjam district when a TTE, who was himself a sportsperson, saw them sitting on the floor near the toilets and sympathised with their plight. “At Hinjili, the TTE saw us sitting near the toilets and inquired about our tickets. He offered us seats in different compartments of the train all the way to Bhubaneswar,” she said.
On December 5, the students, having only four confirmed tickets, took turns sitting on the berths and spent the rest of the journey sleeping on the floor in the general compartment.

A parent, Sanjeev Patnaik of Sambalpur, questioned the arrangement: “If tickets for ministers and officials can be confirmed even a few hours before travel, why could the same not be done for the children sent by the department? Even girls had to endure harrowing conditions.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/odisha-young-athletes-sit-by-train-toilets-miss-match-at-69-national-school-games-in-uttar-pradesh-ballia-watch-video-article-153339513

 

Delhi’s air quality was ‘very poor’ on Wednesday, with AQI levels reaching 374 at ITO and 354 near India Gate amid thick smog.

Delhi continued to experience hazardous air quality on Wednesday, as a dense layer of smog enveloped large parts of the city.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) around the ITO area was recorded at 374, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.

Similar conditions were observed near India Gate, where the AQI stood at 354, also classified as ‘very poor’.

Meanwhile, Republic Day parade rehearsals continued at India Gate, with performers and organisers having to contend with the thick smog.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated all measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR, as authorities work to contain the escalating pollution levels.

These measures include restrictions on certain industrial and vehicular activities to reduce emissions and mitigate public health risks associated with prolonged exposure to toxic air.

In parallel with these emergency measures, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of steps aimed at strengthening the city’s environmental governance.

Announcing the decisions, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the initiatives are expected to “bring a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution, while creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.”

A significant portion of the Cabinet’s plan involves the rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies, with an allocation of Rs 100 crore dedicated to the project.

Out of roughly 1,000 water bodies in the capital, 160 fall under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Government. Minister Sirsa emphasised that restoring these water bodies will play a critical role in controlling pollution levels and improving the city’s overall environment.

He added that the Chief Minister has directed authorities to provide all necessary financial support to ensure that the work is completed within the current year.

The deterioration in air quality coincides with harsh winter weather in northern India, which has further complicated the situation.

Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and monitor AQI updates as the capital continues to face extremely poor air quality.

The combined impact of toxic smog and winter weather is expected to persist over the coming days, highlighting the urgent need for both immediate measures and long-term solutions to tackle Delhi’s pollution crisis.

Dense fog and cold wave conditions have been reported in several regions.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-pollution-smog-fog-delhi-air-qulity-very-poor-aqi-grap-9788974.html

For the first time, the Army Day parade on January 15 will have a full road-based march-past like Republic Day, instead of the traditional cantonment or parade ground setting

The Indian Army will celebrate its 78th Army Day on January 15 in Jaipur, marking the first time the ceremonial parade is being held in the Rajasthan capital. The event comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and is expected to be a strong display of the Army’s combat power, valour, and operational success. From M777 guns to Prachand and Apache helicopters to those who led the entire Op Sindoor, the event will have it all.

For the first time, the Army Day parade will be organised on the lines of the Republic Day parade, with a full road-based march-past instead of the traditional cantonment or parade ground setting. The parade will be held along a 1.5-kilometre stretch on Sitapura Road, where a special three-layer seating arrangement is being created for nearly 25,000 spectators. Overall, around 1.5 lakh people are expected to witness the event.

Army Day 2026 will feature nine marching contingents, including the Bhairav Battalion, which will participate in the parade for the first time. Formed after Operation Sindoor, the battalion is expected to be accompanied by displays of Shaktibaan and Divyastra systems. Other contingents taking part include the Assam Regiment, Artillery, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Madras Regiment, Scouts, and NCC cadets. Marching contingents will be accompanied by Army band units playing indigenous tunes, with the Nepal Army band also participating. Nepal’s band had made its debut during Army Day celebrations in 2025.

Op Sindoor fervour

The entire event will be heavily themed around Operation Sindoor. Sources say soldiers decorated for gallantry during Operation Sindoor, including Vir Chakra awardees, will be present for the first time. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees will also be part of the parade. A dedicated tableau showcasing the success of Operation Sindoor is also expected.

A wide range of weapons and platforms used during the operation will be displayed. These include the M777 ultra-light howitzer, T-90 Bhishma tanks, Arjun main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, K9 Vajra self-propelled guns, Dhanush artillery systems, Smerch long-range multi-barrel rocket launchers, and Grad rocket systems. Air defence systems that played a key role in thwarting Pakistani attacks during Op Sindoor, including MRSAM, Akash missile systems, and the Schilka air defence gun system, will also be showcased.

For the first time, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and Apache attack helicopters will take part in the aerial display, accompanied by Rudra and Chetak helicopters. The parade will also feature counter-UAS systems, swarm drones, robotic mules, and separate contingents of Indian-breed and foreign-breed dogs trained by the Army’s K9 units.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/op-sindoor-valour-m777-guns-prachand-choppers-to-headline-republic-day-style-army-day-parade-in-jaipu-9788471.html

The medical body said it has received distressing messages from Indian students in Bangladesh, many of whom are living in unsafe and uncertain conditions.

The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “immediate and urgent intervention” to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian medical students currently stranded in Bangladesh amid rising anti-India sentiments in the neighbouring country.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, AIMSA said it had been receiving “serious and distressing communications” from Indian students and their families, warning that the prevailing situation had left many living under unsafe and uncertain conditions.

The association said the developments had triggered widespread fear, anxiety and emotional distress among students and their relatives in India.

“On behalf of the All India Medical Students’ Association, we respectfully seek your immediate and urgent intervention concerning the safety and well-being of Indian medical students currently stranded in Bangladesh,” the letter stated.

“Their security remains vulnerable, leading to immense fear, anxiety, and emotional distress among the students as well as their families.”

The medical body underlined that Indian students who pursue medical education abroad do so with the expectation that the Indian government will support and protect them during crises. It urged the Prime Minister to coordinate closely with the Minister of External Affairs and Indian missions in Bangladesh to ensure immediate protection for all affected students.

The association also called for strengthened on-ground support through the Indian Embassy and related missions, as well as timely, clear and transparent communication with students and their families to prevent panic and misinformation. Stressing the urgency of the matter, AIMSA requested that it be treated as a top-priority emergency to safeguard the students’ lives, dignity and future.

What is happening in Bangladesh

The appeal comes amid heightened tensions in Bangladesh following a fresh wave of protests and anti-India slogans, sparked by political developments linked to last year’s July Uprising that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The unrest intensified further after the killing of Osman Hadi, the convenor of Inquilab Mancha and a prominent figure in the July Uprising. Hadi was shot at close range in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw. He was later airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment but died on December 18.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/fashion/nita-ambani-deepika-padukone-saree-draper-dolly-jain-reveals-this-is-the-best-way-to-store-your-sarees-101766461679503.html

The protest platform Inquilab Mancho, led by Osman Hadi’s associates, has threatened the interim government with a mass movement if justice is not delivered.

Bangladesh’s unrest has started spilling across borders, with the country suspending visa services for an indefinite period on Monday after a small group of protesters gathered near its high commission in New Delhi. India too has summoned Bangladesh’s envoy and conveyed strong objections over attacks on minorities and diplomatic missions.

The fallout has also been visible on the streets of Kolkata, where large protests erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission, fuelled by outrage over the lynching and burning of a Hindu man in Mymensingh and fears of growing Islamist mob violence next door.

At the heart of the turmoil lies a grim chain of events: the brutal mob killing of a Hindu garment worker on unproven blasphemy allegations, the assassination of a radical youth leader who emerged from last year’s uprising, and a wave of protests that has turned increasingly violent.

Media houses have been attacked, journalists trapped in burning buildings, minorities have taken to the streets demanding protection, and political platforms that once supported the interim government are now threatening to bring it down.

Here are the 10 latest developments from the unrest in Bangladesh:

Visa services suspended: Bangladesh has suspended visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi and missions in Tripura and Siliguri, citing security concerns after protests near diplomatic premises, people familiar with the matter said. India has responded by summoning Bangladesh’s envoy and registering strong objections over attacks on minorities and threats to diplomatic missions.

Anger spills onto Kolkata’s streets: Large protests erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata, with demonstrators condemning the lynching of a Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. Protest leaders warned of further agitation, including border blockades, reflecting the depth of public anger in India.

Lynching of Dipu Chandra Das shocks the region: The killing of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, beaten by a mob, dragged out of his factory, hung and set on fire, has become a symbol of the breakdown of law and order in Bangladesh. Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officials say the killing was not spontaneous and unfolded over several hours.

Blasphemy claim collapses under investigation: Authorities have found no evidence that Das made any blasphemous remarks or social media posts. Investigators now believe the allegation was vague, unverified and possibly used as a pretext, with a workplace dispute emerging as a potential trigger.

Factory officials among those arrested: At least 12 people have been arrested so far, including factory supervisors and co-workers. Investigators say Dipu was forced to resign and pushed out of the factory instead of being handed over to police – a delay that law enforcement says proved fatal.

Murder of Osman Hadi ignites nationwide unrest: The death of Osman Hadi, a key face of last year’s July uprising against Sheikh Hasina, has triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh. Hadi was shot in Dhaka, airlifted to Singapore, and died days later, turning him into a rallying point for radical mobilisation.

Inquilab Mancho threatens to topple interim government: The protest platform Inquilab Mancho, led by Hadi’s associates, has issued an ultimatum to the interim government, warning of a mass movement to oust it if justice is not delivered. The group has demanded a speedy trial tribunal and even foreign investigative assistance.

Media houses attacked, journalists trapped: Mobs on Monday vandalised and torched the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, trapping journalists inside for hours. Editors say the attacks were aimed at silencing the press, not protesting coverage.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/diplomatic-face-off-with-india-angry-protests-spill-to-kolkata-10-points-on-bangladesh-unrest-101766447874998.html