India

what-is-an-onion-bomb-andhra-man-blown-into-pieces-after-sackful-of-firecracker-accidently-detonates

Fri Nov 01 08:22:25 IST 2024

In a tragic incident, a bike-borne man was killed on Thursday afternoon after the firecrackers he was carrying accidently detonated. The man, identified as Sudhakar from Andhra Pradesh's Eluru, was reportedly carrying 'onion bombs', a powerful firecracker, for Diwali celebrations.

The shocking video, which has gone viral on social media, shows the man riding a two-wheeler with a friend through an alleyway. A sudden blast occurs after which smoke and fire engulfs his vehicle.

The pillion rider and six others have been injured and is currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. The condition of two is said to be serious.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident but reports hint that the two-wheeler he was riding fell into a pothole causing the bombs inside his sack to shift and collide with each other, triggering an explosion. There are also reports that the bombs from the sack fell into the pothole.

Two vehicles parked in the vicinity also suffered damage in the impact of the explosion.

What is an onion bomb?

An onion bomb is a powerful firecracker that comes in the shape of an onion. It can produce high-declibel bang with a sudden flash, equal to that of an IED or a small dynamite. The bombs which flood the market during Diwali season is of great demand due to its impact.

However, many have issued warnings about the use of onion bombs it can cause devastating explosion that can kill a human instantaneously. In some countries like the UK, the onion bombs are only use for professional displays and not available for sale to the general public.

jandk-l-g-tells-omar-abdullah-to-accept-the-fact-after-cm-cabinet-boycott-ut-foundation-day

Thu Oct 31 18:19:35 IST 2024

In a clear reference to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his government, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha Thursday said that everyone must acknowledge that the region is currently a Union Territory (UT) while expressing hope for the future celebration of statehood.

Sinha made this statement in response to Abdullah and his cabinet's boycott of the fifth UT foundation celebration.

Speaking at an event held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) to commemorate the fifth UT foundation day, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the vision laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, entailing delimitation, Assembly elections and ultimately restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the appropriate time.

Addressing reporters, Sinha remarked, "At present, Jammu and Kashmir is a UT, and everyone must accept this reality. When Jammu and Kashmir becomes a state again, we will celebrate that day as well."

He criticised NC leaders' stance on the UT Foundation Day celebrations, describing it as having a "dual character”—taking an oath under the Indian Constitution while simultaneously opposing Jammu and Kashmir’s UT status.

Yesterday, NC leader and Zadibal MLA Tanveer Sadiq said that the NC would not participate in the celebrations as they do not recognise Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a Union Territory.

Regarding panchayat elections, the LG said the polls had been delayed due to unresolved issues related to backward class reservations. He assured that the J&K administration is committed to holding these elections as soon as possible to strengthen grassroots democracy.

Talking about the turnaround of the J&K Bank, Sinha said that it, once burdened with debt, is now a profitable institution that supports local loans and financing.

"Today, it is a people’s bank and a testament to the progress Jammu and Kashmir has experienced in recent years," he said, adding the bank’s success reflects the broader strides toward economic stability in the region.

Reflecting on the changes in Jammu and Kashmir, he described the positive transformations in public spaces, such as Lal Chowk, which was once associated with unrest but is now a hub for anti-terror and candlelight protests, symbolising a revamped identity for locations like Pulwama Chowk.

"Post-2019, the atmosphere has changed," the LG said, while also acknowledging recent terrorist incidents that resulted in the loss of security personnel. He expressed confidence that the J&K Police and other security forces would effectively respond, reinforcing efforts to eradicate terrorism.

"The time is not far when Jammu and Kashmir will be free from terror,” he said.

He also warned those using disruptive rhetoric, urging them to “refrain from provocative statements,"while highlighting the importance of maintaining the peace achieved through significant efforts in recent years.

what-s-the-new-scam-by-bengaluru-cab-drivers--and-why-is-it-so-s

Thu Oct 31 16:51:15 IST 2024

This week, users took to social media to expose a potential scam by cab drivers in Bengaluru. The posts allege ride-hailing drivers trying to fleece more money out of unsuspecting taxi rides to and from the airport. Shivam Sourav Jha on X recounted a friend’s account of how Bengaluru cab drivers are scamming passengers, especially women.

According to the thread, the driver, on the way to the airport, stops at a petrol pump, claiming that there is no fuel in the car. Then they ask the passenger to pay for the fuel. Jha said that the fuel was filled for Rs 1,100, and the driver asked his friend for Rs 1000 to be adjusted against the fare. If you refuse, they refuse to move the vehicle. Most people don’t want to miss their flight, so they pay up. It is after this that it gets tricky.

According to the account, the cab driver then takes an alternate inner road that runs parallel to the highway in a bid to avoid the toll of Rs 200. However, most aggregators like Uber and Ola already include the toll in the total fare, and a Rs 1000 ride would, therefore, be just Rs 800. The post alleged that the driver never paid back the balance of the money.

Another user on X, Kritika Kumari, also confirmed on social media that she had the same experience. Anyone who has gone through the inner road that the cab drivers use as an alternate knows that it is dusty and deserted, with no street lamps or regular police patrol. With cab drivers allegedly running this racket with women passengers and potentially endangering them, this is indeed a cause for concern.

This is not the first or second time Bengaluru has been at the centre of controversy as far as ride-hailing is concerned. A few months ago, an anonymous user on Reddit also alleged that Uber staff were creating artificial demand for its higher-priced Uber XL, Uber Premiere, and Uber Sedan slabs at the Bengaluru international airport.

According to the user, the cheaper Uber Go cars were not allowed to approach the waiting area on time despite waiting in the opposite lane, rendering the app to show them longer to arrive. Therefore, users like the aggrieved are forced to book cabs in higher price ranges, the post alleged.

Recently, Anjana Massey, a professional in Mumbai, commented on Uber’s official Instagram, recounting how her cab driver was intoxicated. “The driver exhibited clear signs of intoxication, posing a serious risk to my safety. It was a frightening experience, and I felt compelled to request that the driver stop the ride promptly. I am deeply concerned about the lack of regard for passenger safety and well-being displayed in this instance,” she said in the comment.

Last month, there were also unverified reports in the media of a man claiming that an airport cab driver in Bengaluru left his friend midway at midnight after threatening him for Rs 4,000 rupees.

national-unity-day-pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-sardar-patel-administers-ekta-pledge

Thu Oct 31 09:15:13 IST 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations in Gujarat's Kevadia on Thursday, honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with floral tributes and administering the Ekta Diwas pledge.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is celebrated on October 31 every year to commemorate Patel’s birth anniversary. Born in Nadiad, Gujarat, in 1875, Patel was a key figure in India's fight for independence. As independent India's first home minister, the "Iron Man of India" unified over 565 princely states into the Indian Union.

An Indian Air Force flypast paid a floral tribute to Patel at the Statue of Unity. Modi then observed the Ekta Diwas Parade, which had 16 marching contingents from nine states, one Union Territory police, four central armed police forces, National Cadet Corps, and a marching band.

The NSG Hell March contingent, a daredevil show by BSF and CRPF male and female bikers, stole the show. There was also an Indian martial arts demonstration by the BSF, the IAF’s ‘Surya Kiran’ flypast, and a piped band performance by schoolchildren, among other events.

PM Modi's two-day Gujarat visit

Modi is on a two-day visit to Gujarat. On Wednesday, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects as well as new tourist attractions worth Rs 284 crore. Later in the day, he addressed Officer Trainees from 16 civil services of India and three civil services of Bhutan who were part of the 99th Common Foundation Course, at the Statue of Unity.

The new projects included a sub-district hospital, smart bus stops, a 4 MW solar project, and two ICU-on-wheels.

Modi also inaugurated a new 50-bed sub-district hospital built at a cost of Rs 22 crore.

Other facilities inaugurated included 10 smart bus stops and as many pick-up stands for tourists at Ekta Nagar, push-button pedestrian crossings, car charging points, and a running track for State Reserve Police Force personnel.

kashi-mathura-must-also-shine-like-ayodhya-adityanath

Wed Oct 30 23:13:02 IST 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the transformation of Ayodhya is proof of "double-engine government delivering on its promise" and asserted that a similar transformation must also happen in Kashi and Mathura.

Participating in the eighth edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya - the first since the consecration of Ram temple on January 22, Adityanath said, "This is a historic first as after 500 years, Lord Ram is now in his abode in Ayodhya for Diwali."

"This is just the beginning and this beginning has to reach its logical conclusion. So by 2047, when the country celebrates 100 years of its independence, Kashi and Mathura must also shine like Ayodhya," he said.

"The double engine government has delivered on its promise (construction of Ram temple) and now is the turn of Ayodhya to prove itself. Remember, this 'agnipariksha' of Maa Sita should not happen again and again. We have to come out of this (bane)... People of Ayodhya must come forward once again (for this). This is why we are here today for this grand celebration," the CM said in his address while hitting out at the opposition for "becoming barriers" in the government's growth agenda.

"Just like mafias, these barriers would also be eliminated," he said.

He said Ayodhya's transformation was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for development of the heritage of Sanatan Dharma and taking them to the global stage.

"On January 22 this year, after 500 years of wait, Lord Ram Lalla was once again enshrined at his birthplace, sending a message to the oppressed and troubled world that one should never stray from their path as this approach would surely lead to success," the CM said.

He said this was a moment to remember all those souls who had dedicated their lives for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

"I bow to all those saints on this occasion, and to the martyrs?, around 3,50,000 in number,? who laid down their lives with one wish as they left this world: that, no matter the cost, even at the price of their sacrifice, a temple for Lord Ram must be built on the soil of Ayodhya," Adityanath said.

"Their vow has been fulfilled... Ram Lalla has returned to reside in Ayodhya Dham," he added.

"Earlier, we used to say that we deliver on what we promise. This double-engine government does exactly that. For Ayodhya alone,? where there was no regular electricity before 2017,? projects worth Rs 31,000 crore have either been completed or are progressing at a rapid pace.

"There is much more to be done. This is just the beginning. Ayodhya is the starting point for Sanatan Dharma, translating Prime Minister Modi's vision of heritage and development into reality on the ground, and taking that mission to the global stage," Adityanath said.

"Today, Kashi (Varanasi) is shining. The world is witnessing the grandeur and divinity of Kashi," he said, adding that the government was determined to make Ayodhya one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

why-coimbatore-police-on-high-alert-ahead-of-diwali

Wed Oct 30 17:51:25 IST 2024

Coimbatore Police has stepped up security across the city ahead of Diwali after central intelligence agencies issued an alert, reports said on Wednesday.

The alert was issued days after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested three more accused in the October 2022 car bomb blast in the city. The probe agency has also unearthed the terror financing angle in the case.

The explosion near the Arulmigu Kottai Sangameshwarar Thirukovil temple in Ukkadam on October 23, 2022 had claimed the life of a 29-year-old youth.

The attack was perpetrated by deceased accused Jamesha Mubeen, a self-styled operative of the Islamic State and a suicide bomber.

With the arrest of three more persons last week, the total number of people arrested in the case has gone up to 18. Those arrested were identified as Aboo Hanifa, Saran Mariappan and Pavas Rahman. The agency has so far filed four chargesheets.

Police had earlier arrested Mohammed Talka, the nephew of S. A. Basha, founder of the Al-Umma terror organisation, in connection with the blast. Al-Umma was responsible for the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts, targeting then Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani.

As many as 58 people were killed while several others injured in the blasts.

In view of the festival rush, city police has beefed up security in key locations like shopping malls, railway stations, airport, schools, colleges, and religious sites, reported IANS. It also claimed that markets in the city have seen brisk business, including at firecracker shops over the past few days.

The intelligence agencies have, meanwhile, issued alerts in the neighbouring districts of the Nilgiris, Erode and Salem.

with-disengagement-process-along-lac-almost-complete-india-china-troops-exchange-sweet-in-pics

Thu Oct 31 14:53:18 IST 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the disengagement process along certain areas in the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was almost complete based on "broad consensus" between the nations on restoring ground conditions, including rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas.

Singh, who had to call off his journey to Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang, was speaking after virtually inaugurating the statue of Patel and museum from Assam's Tezpur.

"Based on this consensus, the process of disengagement is almost complete. Our efforts will be to take the matter beyond disengagement; but for that, we will have to wait a little longer," he added.

The positive twist to the border tiff was reflected in the army camps along the LAC where troops exchanged sweets at several border points, including Bum La and Wacha/Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chushul-Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh and Nathu La in Sikkim.

Both countries had completed troop disengagement at the two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh, bringing a fresh thaw in the Sino-Indian ties. "Sweets exchange between members of the troops of India and China took place at several border points along the LAC on the occasion of Diwali," an Army source told PTI.

On Wednesday, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, hailed the new breakthrough in relations, stating that it was natural that India and China would have differences given their proximity. The key lies in managing and resolving these disagreements effectively, he added.

Xu added that he was also "looking forward" to the resumption of direct flights between India and China. "Resuming direct flights would save time and money for everyone. I hope to fly back to Beijing directly soon, just like before 2020," he said.

who-will-be-the-next-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-bjp-reacts-to-mns-leader-raj-thackerays-big-prediction

Thu Oct 31 17:28:21 IST 2024

With 20 days left for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the prediction game has begun. And, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray has shared his two cents on who will be the next chief minister of the state.

Thackeray, who decided to fight the elections independently, predicted that the next chief minister would be from the Mahayuti and that the chief minister would be none other than BJP's Devendra Fadnavis. He made the statement during an interview with a local channel.

However, Thackeray's remarks ruffled some feathers within the grand coalition so much that Fadnavis himself had to clear the air. During an event organised to welcome Congress leader Ravi Raja's entry into the BJP, Fadnavis thanked Thackeray but refused to acknowledge the statement. "I am thankful to Raj Thackeray. I humbly accept his praises and predictions but it is not the BJP government that will come to power in Maharashtra, but a grand alliance government. The chief minister will also be from Mahayuti," Fadnavis added.

Fadnavis, however, didn't hide the party's ties with MNS, stating that since Thackeray was openly supporting the BJP. "Raj Thackeray has now adopted a broader Hindutva stance. We have always welcomed the regional roles of other parties. It is necessary to accept national identity along with regional identity. National identity means Hindutva and this has been accepted by Raj Thackeray," he said.

Meanwhile, Thackeray's remarks have not gone well with Shiv Sena (UBT) who said he was praising the BJP as he is worried about his son Amit Thackeray's future.

"His (Raj’s) son is contesting the polls, so you can understand his mental state. Earlier, Raj's stance was that he wouldn't allow PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to come to Maharashtra, stating they had no place in the state. Now, he is all praise for them. He fears about his son's political future," said Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut, adding that the next Chief Minister will be from Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Raj Thackeray had also predicted that his party would come to power in 2029. His son, Amit Thackeray, is contesting from Mahim.

Though the Mahayuti has announced a candidate in Mahim, Fadnavis told reporters that they were still negotiating on whether or not to support MNS in Mahim. "Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Raj Thackeray, and our President Ashish Shelar of Mumbai are discussing. We are discussing a way wherein we all can coexist," Fadnavis said.

delhi-chokes-on-diwali-morning-as-aqi-turns-severe-anand-vihar-worst-hit

Thu Oct 31 10:09:24 IST 2024

Delhi Air Quality Index plunged into the "severe" category on Diwali morning. Compared to this,. last year the national capital reported the best air quality on Diwali day in eight years, with the average AQI at 218.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the AQI, which was recorded at 274 on Wednesday 8 am slipped to 329 at 7am on Thursday.

Winds have shifted from south-southeast to northwesterly, with the likelihood of bringing the smoke from stubble burning into Delhi, PTI quoted Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather Services as saying.

He warned that bursting firecrackers could also worsen the air quality as the altered wind direction could further trap pollutants.

Anand Vihar witnessed the highest AQI at 419, followed by Wazirpur (396) Jahangirpuri (395) RK Puram (384), Punjabi Bagh (369), Ashok Vihar (368), Mundka (367), Dwarka-Sector 8 (359) Rohini (357) and Burari Crossing (353).

Other areas that saw above-300 levels included Patparganj (350), DU North Campus (334), ITO (306), IGI Airport T3 (303), Narela (303) and Chandni Chowk (301).

The pollution levels are expected to go up on Thursday evening. Noida and Gurugram also recorded 'poor' AQI in the morning.

An AQI of 401-500 is severe, 301-400 very poor, 201-300 poor, 101-200 moderate, 51-100 satisfactory and 0-50 good.

jandk-govt-announces-first-employment-package-575-lecturer-positions-to-be-filled

Wed Oct 30 16:27:31 IST 2024

The newly-elected Jammu and Kashmir government announced its first employment package to tackle the pressing issue of unemployment in the Union territory.

The regional administration has approved the filling of 575 lecturer positions in the School Education Department.

The initiative was announced by Sakina Itoo, who oversees several portfolios, including education. She made the announcement on X, calling it part of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s plan to create jobs for local youth. The vacancies will be advertised by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC).

The National Conference (NC) had promised 12 guarantees in its election manifesto, including one lakh jobs for the youth. The party’s manifesto outlined a vision for restoring autonomy, promoting local welfare, and addressing economic and social challenges. A key priority was the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A to reinstate the special status and statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.

The party seeks to fully implement the 2000 Autonomy Resolution, advocate for Indo-Pak dialogue to address regional tensions and modify laws affecting Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

The NC also pledged to pursue amnesty for political prisoners and streamline verification processes for passports and other documentation to ensure fairness. To combat youth unemployment, the party promised to introduce a Youth Employment Act that would create 1,00,000 jobs within three months of assuming office, in addition to filling all government vacancies within 180 days.

Protecting land and employment rights for residents was another promise in the manifesto. It also included an overhaul of reservation policies to promote balanced representation for all.

On the economic front, the NC promised 200 free electricity units per household, a one-time settlement for unpaid electricity dues, and local control over hydroelectric projects. Furthermore, the party pledged financial assistance for women, offering Rs5,000 per month to female heads of households from economically weaker sections (EWS). Welfare measures promised included 12 free LPG cylinders for EWS households and free access to clean drinking water for all residents.

In healthcare, the NC aims to establish a state health policy. The party proposed to increase the free power share from hydroelectric projects for local use, raising it from the current 10 per cent to 40 per cent.

urban-naxals-secular-civil-code-key-takeways-of-pm-modis-rashtriya-ekta-diwas-speech

Thu Oct 31 12:13:49 IST 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a gathering at the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat's Kevadia on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day, said some powers within and outside India are trying to destabilise the country.

In a speech addressed to the nation, on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel which is now celebrated as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Modi took a jibe at the opposition, too, claiming that for 70 years, the Constitution was not fully implemented and that those who claim to protect it, have insulted it.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid floral tributes at the Statue of Unity, and administered the Ekta Diwas pledge. He then observed the Ekta Diwas Parade, which had 16 marching contingents from nine states, one Union Territory police, four central armed police forces, National Cadet Corps, and a marching band.

Here's a look at the highlights from Modi's Rashtriya Ekta Diwas speech.

For 70 years, the Constitution was not implemented in the entire country, PM Modi said. "Those who chant the name of the Constitution had insulted it so much. The reason was the wall of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 has been buried forever."
He added that people of Jammu and Kashmir have rejected the age-old agenda of separatism and terrorism.

PM Modi said some forces within and outside India are against a developed India, and want to deter global investors.
He said that Naxalism is counting its last breath in the country, because of the efforts of the NDA-led government in the past decade. He added that as Naxalism is ending in jungles, “urban Naxals are raising their heads”.
He urged people to identify the “alliance of Urban Naxals” who are trying to divide the country along caste lines and are attempting to weaken India's unity and society, and fight against them.
PM Modi said that the Centre brought 'one nation, one tax' system through GST, and 'one nation, one health insurance' scheme through Ayushman Bharat.
He said the country was moving towards the implementation of 'one nation, one secular civil code' which will strengthen our country, and 'one nation, one election', which will strengthen the democracy.

The northeast faced numerous challenges, PM Modi said, but the government tackled separatism through dialogue, trust, and development.

karnataka-bypolls-star-campaigners-bjp-jds-congress-keep-troublemakers-at-bay

Thu Oct 31 10:18:59 IST 2024

The star campaigners list for the November 13 bypolls to Shiggaon, Sandur and Channapatna have exposed the faultlines within the political parties.

The byelections to the three assembly seats vacated following the incumbents’ (Basavaraj Bommai, E. Tukaram and H.D. Kumaraswamy) election to the Lok Sabha last May, has turned into a prestige battle to the ruling Congress and the BJP-JD(S) alliance. The high decibel campaigns have turned into a show of strength of the heavy weights, and also as a spectacle of the internal bickering in each party.

ALSO READ: Want a ticket? A good horoscope can get you one!

The saffron party released a list of 40 star campaigners but carefully excluded Hindutva leaders and vocal critics of state party chief B.Y Vijayendra. The list had no mention of Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi and former Mysuru MP and Hindutva leader Pratap Simha. Besides the star campaigners, former chief minister and Haveri MP Bommai and his wife Chennamma are campaigning for their entrepreneur son Bharat, who will be making his debut in electoral politics in Shiggaon.

In Sandur, where the BJP has chosen the state SC Morcha president Bangaru Hanumanthu as its candidate, controversial mining baron and Gangavathi MLA G. Janaradhan Reddy and Valmiki leader and former MP B. Sriramulu buried the hatchet and started campaigning together. In the late 1990s, the duo transformed Ballari district from a Congress bastion to a BJP forte. But the friends turned into foes after Reddy was jailed in the illegal mining case (now on bail). In May 2023, Reddy floated a new party, Kalyana Rajya Pragati Paksha, and won the Gangavathi seat, only to merge his party with the BJP.

ALSO READ: Congress rebel candidate Sayed Khadri held 'hostage' by party, allege supporters

The Janata Dal Secular, which is now part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is battling it out to retain Channapatna. Union minister Kumaraswamy is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the victory of his actor son Nikhil Kumaraswamy (who has lost two elections previously). The star campiagners’ list has excluded the name of JD(S) core committee president and MLA G.T. Devegowda who had publicly endorsed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, when the NDA partners had held a ‘padayatra’ from Bengaluru to Mysuru to call out the chief minister embroiled in the MUDA land allotment scam.

Kumaraswamy has roped in prominent BJP leaders including veteran B.S. Yediyurappa, royal scion and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, who enjoys the goodwill of the people in the region. In a bid to woo the voters in a constituency dominated by Vokkaliga, Muslim and other backward classes, the former CM has held closed-door meetings with the minority community and is planning to bring his father and Vokkaliga icon H.D. Deve Gowda for the campaign.

Interestingly, Kumaraswamy is facing the challenge from fellow Vokkaliga and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his younger brother D.K. Suresh, who want to capture Channapatna, the only constituency in the district that’s not in the Congress’s kitty. The brothers managed to bring BJP leader and former MLA C.P. Yogeshwar on board, but are now fighting the fury of local Congress leaders who are miffed over the party giving a ticket to a partyhopper.

The ruling Congress appears to have put all its might behind their candidates in these bypolls and has assigned a dozen ministers and 20 MLAs to each of the three seats. The party has worked out the caste combination and picked the ministers from the communities that dominate these seats.

While Channapatna continues to hog the limelight, the party has assigned the responsibility of winning Shiggaon to ministers Zameer Ahmed Khan and Laxmi Hebbalkar (Panchamasali Lingayat) owing to the dominance of Muslims and Panchamasalis in the constituency.

In Sandur, Annapurna, the Congress nominee, is campaigning along with her husband and Ballari MP Tukaram as senior leaders were conspicuous by their absence in the constituency. Both CM and the DCM are likely to campaign in Sandur post Diwali.

nc-mp-syed-agha-ruhullah-urges-cm-omar-abdullah-to-prioritise-justice-welfare-in-jandk

Wed Oct 30 15:44:48 IST 2024

National Conference leader and MP Syed Agha Ruhullah Mehdi has reached out to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with a letter that lists steps to enhance the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Having won the Lok Sabha elections from Srinagar, Ruhullah played an instrumental role in shifting public sentiment in favour of the NC during the first elections in a decade.

His direct approach to pivotal issues like Article 370, statehood, and safeguarding the rights of the people regarding jobs, land and identity has earned him significant respect among the people.

In his letter to Abdullah, Ruhullah congratulated him on taking office and proposed several initiatives for the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed hope that Abdullah’s leadership would resonate with the aspirations of the people and honour their mandate.

Ruhullah underscored the urgent need to release prisoners held without trial, urging the government to prioritise this as a crucial step towards achieving justice and reinforcing the rule of law.

He also called for a revision of reservation policies to ensure they genuinely benefit deserving groups while preserving open merit, fostering a truly inclusive and equitable society.

The young MP has drawn Abdullah’s attention to the importance of swiftly filling government vacancies, which would not only create job opportunities but also help the local economy.

As winter looms, he highlighted the necessity of reducing exorbitant electricity tariffs. The rising power bills—exacerbated by the introduction of smart meters by the power development department—have become a pressing concern for many residents.

Ruhullah urged the government to ensure a reliable power supply during the harsh winter months.

Moreover, he addressed the excessively stringent verification process implemented by the police for applicants, calling it unfair to innocent individuals.

He recommended transforming this process to ensure fairness and equity for all. “The current verification process often punishes individuals for actions they did not commit. It is essential to reconsider this approach to make it just and fair for everyone,” he emphasised.

Ruhullah concluded with optimism, urging Abdullah to consider these suggestions as he strives to meet the expectations of the people. His message reflects a strong belief that under Abdullah’s leadership, there lies an opportunity to establish a progressive and just administration. He concluded by extending his best wishes for a successful tenure, hoping that the government’s priorities would align with the needs and aspirations of the community.

why-national-conference-boycotted-jandk-ut-foundation-day-celebrations

Thu Oct 31 09:45:23 IST 2024

The National Conference (NC) has decided to boycott the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Union Territory (UT) Foundation Day celebrations today at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

The UT administration is observing the event, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as the chief guest.

NC chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanveer Sadiq said that the decision to skip the event was taken as a mark of protest against the 2019 reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, which stripped the former state of its statehood and divided it into two UTs: J&K and Ladakh.

ALSO READ: J&K: Will recent militant attacks delay restoration of statehood?

“No one from our party will attend this event because we do not recognise its legitimacy,” he said. “We believe that what was taken from us in 2019 was wrong, baseless, unconstitutional, and immoral.”

He said the demand is for the immediate restoration of J&K’s statehood to regain the same status as other states.

ALSO READ: What to expect in the 5-day assembly session starting from Nov 4

At a gathering of civil society members at SKICC, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed the importance of land, employment, and resources for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, while calling for dignity and rights above all else. “In our home, on our own land, don’t we have the right to live with dignity?” he asked.

He said that development projects lack value if they do not ensure respect for the region’s unique identity and rights. “We will fight for all that matters, but my priority is to restore our dignity. We should have the first right to our lands, employment, and resources,” he said, urging unity and respect for Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage.

Since coming to power, the NC has intensified efforts to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. In the first cabinet meeting, the NC-led government passed a resolution calling for the restoration of statehood.

Abdullah later travelled to Delhi to present copies of the resolution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and met Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders.

jandk-prepares-for-panchayat-polls-with-updated-electoral-rolls

Wed Oct 30 13:22:45 IST 2024

After wrapping up the assembly polls, Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for the 2024 panchayat elections, focusing on updating the panchayat electoral roll.

The state election commission has announced a revised schedule to ensure the roll update process is thorough and ready ahead of the elections.

The draft Panchayat Electoral roll (Form PER-1) will be published on November 11, 2024 (Monday), following which the period for claims and objections by the voters will start.

ALSO READ: Decoding Haryana and Jammu-Kashmir assembly election results

Voters can request additions, deletions, corrections, or transpositions from November 11 to December 9, 2024.

Special camps will be held at polling locations on the weekends of November 16-17, November 23-24, and November 30-December 1, 2024.

At these camps, Panchayat Election Booth Officials (PEBOs) and assembly Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will help voters with forms, and guide them on the draft rolls.

The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will address all claims and objections by December 23, 2024, and the final panchayat electoral roll will be published on January 6, 2025.

The state election commission says this annual update follows the rules set under Section 38 of the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, with January 1, 2025, as the qualifying date.

In the last elections, 27,281 panchayat members and sarpanchs were elected in 2018, while 12,776 seats remained vacant until bypolls were held in 2020.

Almost 30,000 panchs and sarpanchs finished their five-year terms on January 9, 2024. The Rs 25 lakh panchayat fund was no longer disbursed.

The 2024 panchayat elections will take place after a new delimitation of ‘Halqas’ (revenue villages), a step to restore local governance since the municipal corporations in Jammu and Srinagar completed their terms last November.

man-who-issued-threats-to-salman-khan-zeeshan-siddique-demanding-rs-2-crore-arrested

Wed Oct 30 23:00:39 IST 2024

Mumbai Police on Wednesday arrested a 56-year-old man for allegedly issuing a death threat to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Maharashtra NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique.

The accused, identified Azam Mohammed Mustafa, sent the threat message on the traffic police's WhatsApp helpline number, saying the duo will be killed if they fail to pay him Rs 2 crore.

He allegedly warned that both Salman and Zeeshan will face the same fate of former state minister Baba Siddique and that his message should not be treated as a joke. Baba Siddique, father of Zeeshan, was shot dead by three gunmen on October 12.

According to police, Mustafa is a resident of Blue Fame Apartment in Bandra (West), an upscale area where Khan also resides. He was arrested after Worli police registered a case and launched an investigation.

During their probe, police recovered the mobile phone and SIM card allegedly used in the crime and also collected the Call Detail Record (CDR). The accused was taken into custody from Bandra.

According to police, Mustafa in his message said: “Ye ek mazak nahi hai Baba Siddique ko kaise khatam kiya agla nishana Zeeshan Siddiqui hai aur Salman Khan ko bhi same tarah goli mar di jaegi. Salman Khan aur Zeeshan Siddiqui ko 2 cr rupee dene bolo agar jaan bachana hai toh usko mazak mein mat lena ya koi joke 31 October ke din pata chaljayega. Warning to Zeeshan Siddiqui and Salman Khan” (Salman Khan and Zeeshan Siddiqui will meet the same fate as Baba Siddiqui if they fail to pay up Rs 2 crore. This threat should not be treated as a joke or taken lightly).

On Monday, Mumbai Police had arrested a 20-year-old man from Noida for allegedly issuing death threats to Salman and Zeeshan. The accused, Mohammad Tayyab, issued the threats via a phone call to the public relations office of Zeeshan, who is a member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, representing Bandra East.

Tayyab is a resident of Delhi. Police, however, couldn’t find any gang affiliations with him so far.

Earlier this month, a 24-year-old vegetable seller from Jamshedpur in Jharkhand was arrested for sending a threat message demanding Rs 5 crore from the actor. The accused was identified as Shaikh Hussain Shaikh Mausin who allegedly threatened that Salman’s “condition will be worse than Baba Siddique” if he did not fulfil the demand.

Mumbai Police has already beefed up the security of the actor since the firing incident outside his Bandra residence on April 14. The accused, Vicky Gupta, claimed he had no intention to harm the actor and that he was influenced by Lawrence Bishnoi’s character on social media.

The actor is already facing life threats from the Bishnoi gang who has claimed responsibility for Baba Siddique’s murder.

punjab-bypolls-prestige-battle-for-aap-congress-bjp-remains-hopeful

Wed Oct 30 18:16:39 IST 2024

After its best run in the Lok Sabha polls where it got over 18.5 percentage vote share, the Bharatiya Janata Party is gearing for elections to four assembly seats in Punjab. Though the key contest is expected to be between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, the BJP hopes to gain seats as its former partner, Akali Dal, is not in the fray.

The bypolls are crucial for the three parties in the state as they want to claim that the momentum gained by them during the Lok Sabha polls was intact. While the BJP had not won any seat, the AAP and the Congress contesting separately had won three and seven seats, respectively. Two seats were won by the independents.

As the BJP and Akali Dal had fought separately, during the Lok Sabhs polls, they could not pose a challenge. But what came as a surprise for the political observers was that the BJP gained nine percent vote share to come at their number, in terms of vote share, even ahead of Akali Dal, once a formidable force in the state. The Akali Dal lost over 14 percent vote share to settle at nearly 13 percent.

For this round of bypolls for four seats, the BJP has fielded four former Akali Dal and Congress veterans, who command a following. For politically crucial Gidderbaha seat, the BJP has nominated former minister Manpreet Singh Badal, who served in both Akali and Congress governments. Manpreet is Akali Dal supremo, Sukhbir Badal’s cousin. They had fallen apart over a decade back. Gidderbaha has been Badal family stronghold and earlier represented five times by former CM Prakash Singh Badal. Manpreet’s contest from this seat come loaded with political significance. Manpreet had won the seat in 1995 in his debut polls.

The AAP has fielded former Akali Dal leader, Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, from the same seat. The Congress has nominated Amrita Warring, wife of Lok Sabha MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who was an MLA from the seat and vacated after getting elected to the lower house.

In Chabbewal, the AAP has fielded MP Raj Kumar Chabbewal’s son Ishaan. Raj Kumar was earlier with the Congress. The BJP gave ticket to Akali leader and former minister Sohan Singh Thandal from the seat.

From the Dera Baba Nanak seat, the Congress again decided it was better to go with the family of its local leader. It fielded its Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa’s wife Jatinder Kaur. Randhawa was former PPC chief and in-charge of Rajasthan election for the party. the BJP has fielded Ravi Karan Singh Kahlon, son of former Speaker and Akali Dal leader Nirmal Singh Kahlon.

From Barnala seat, BJP has given ticket to industrialist and former Congressman Kewal Singh Dhillon. Barnala is the only urban seat among the four seats going to polls. The seat had fallen vacant after AAP minister Gurmeet Singh Hayer was elected to Lok Sabha from Sangrur seat. AAP has fielded Harinder Singh Dhaliwal, considered a loyalist of Hayer.

The BJP has always been considered an urban party in the state. It is going to polls at a time when its state party chief Sunil Jhakhar had expressed desire to step down from the post owing to internal differences. By going alone during the Lok Sabha polls, the party had expanded its votes to the rural areas.

The current bypolls are a prestige battle for the ruling AAP and the Congress, the BJP’s performance is keenly watched.

The Akali Dal is not contesting the polls as its chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has been excommunicated from the Sikh faith and the matter was still pending resolution. so, the party had decided to stay away. If BJP wins from any of these seats, it will be a bigger crisis for the party as it had been looking at its former NDA partner for revival.

As three of the seats were held by the Congress, it will be a challenge for it to retain those seats. For the Bhagwant Singh Mann government, the byepolls are a midterm test since he was elected to power in a historic mandate in 2022.

kerala-cpim-leader-pp-divya-arrested-in-sensational-adm-death-case

Tue Oct 29 17:24:39 IST 2024

Kerala police on Tuesday arrested former Kannur district panchayat president P.P. Divya in connection with the death of Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu. Divya, a CPI(M) district committee member, was taken into custody hours after a local court rejected her advance bail application.

Babu was found dead at his quarters in Kannur on October 15, a day after Divya levelled corruption allegations against him after attending his send-off function allegedly uninvited. Divya is charged with abetment to suicide under Section 108 of the BNSS.

The ADM’s death has stirred up a political storm in the state after opposition parties and media punched holes in Divya’s allegations, leaving the ruling CPI(M) on the defensive ahead of the upcoming byelections.

Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency goes to the polls on November 13 while assembly byelections in Palakkad and Chelakkara—where the LDF and the UDF are in a close contest—will also be held on the same day.

Talking to the media, Kannur City Police Commissioner Ajit Kumar confirmed Divya’s arrest, but refused to disclose where she was taken into custody from. The opposition had been alleging that the CPI(M) and the police were giving protection to the accused even as the government had promised justice to Babu’s family.

A section of local media reported that Divya surrendered before the investigating officer at Kannapuram near her residence in Kannur and the police later registered her arrest.

Earlier in the day, Thalassery Principal District and Sessions Judge K.T. Nissar Ahammed dismissed Divya’s anticipatory bail plea, observing that "the circumstances themselves disentitle her to the relief of pre-arrest bail."

The court observed that the act of the petitioner is a pre-planned and premeditated one with the sole intention of insulting and humiliating a highly reputed, high-ranking government official.

"As submitted by the learned public prosecutor, if such a person is granted the relief of pre-arrest bail, definitely it may give a wrong message to the society,” it said.

up-bypolls-its-a-fight-between-ideology-and-prestige-in-nine-seats

Tue Oct 29 18:21:17 IST 2024

By election to nine seats in Uttar Pradesh is a contest between ideology and prestige.

While the Samajwadi Party (SP) is in the fray to prove that its PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Adivasi) formula is working after it was introduced in the Lok Sabha polls; the BJP will try to prove that it remains the first choice of voters in the state despite the Lok Sabha poll results.

ALSO READ | UP bypolls: Can SP’s caste formula deliver Kundarki again after three consecutive wins?

That each party sees this as a symbolically important election is borne out by the fact that all candidates—even if named in consultation with allies, are fighting elections on either the lotus or the cycle symbol.

Going by the last Vidhan Sabha elections, the SP is better placed for it had won five of these seats.

The challenge for the party is to retain that hold.

ALSO READ | BJP bypolls candidates list likely to be dominated by MBCs and Dalits

Party president, Akhilesh Yadav has been taking on the BJP- targeting it for the violence in Bahraich and for its bulldozer politics. Yadav has said that the bulldozer is a symbol of injustice- and that the most deprived are at its receiving end. This is in keeping with the party’s casting of itself as the champion of the backwards, Dalits and Adivasis.

The BJP’s mantra is Hindu unity- taking off from UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan ‘batenge toh katenge’ (if we are disunited we shall be decimated). The party is looking to cash in on Adityanath’s growing popularity, with the slogan also being the party’s rallying cry in Maharashtra.

The BJP is also using the election to establish its preeminent position amongst its allies. Sanjay Nishad who was insistent that his party fight the election on its symbol has fallen in line.

The normally outspoken Nishad has now been saying that the BJP is a ‘big brother’ and is looking at a ‘big plan’.

watch-judge-lawyers-clash-over-case-in-ghaziabad-court-police-wield-batons-inside-courtroom

Tue Oct 29 16:57:01 IST 2024

In an unprecedented incident, Uttar Pradesh police used force inside a courtroom in Ghaziabad to disperse lawyers who allegedly got into a heated argument with the judge. According to reports, several lawyers suffered injuries in the police action.

Reportedly, the clash erupted after lawyers at the Ghaziabad District and Sessions Court got into an argument with the district sessions judge Anil Kumar. Allegedly, the lawyers wanted the judge to suspend court proceedings and hear a case involving a Bar Association member. However, the judge refused to budge and lawyers reportedly protested inside the courtroom.

As tension escalated, the judge called in the police to control the situation. Police personnel reportedly lathi-charged lawyers inside the courtroom. Purported video clips of the incident doing the rounds on social media showed a large number of police personnel and lawyers in a confrontation in the courtroom, PTI reported.

Some police personnel brandished batons, while one even wielded a wooden chair, gesturing as if to strike the opposing side. A lawyer was also purportedly seen with a wound on his head in a related photo shared on social media, the publication reported. Allegedly, the lawyers also attacked the police outpost in the court complex.

west-bengal-bypolls-no-alliance-but-no-misunderstanding-either-with-congress-clarifies-left-front

Wed Oct 30 15:02:36 IST 2024

The Left Front clarified that though it won't form any alliance with the Congress for the upcoming bypolls in six assembly constituencies in West Bengal, there is “no misunderstanding either” with the grand old party.

On Tuesday, the Left leadership visited Bidhan Bhawan, the headquarters of West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC), to pay tribute to Hafiz Alam Sairani, a former state minister, who passed away on Monday, where they proclaimed that there was “no misunderstanding” with the Congress.

ALSO READ: A quick look at six assembly bypoll seats

The Left Front has formed alliances with the Indian Secular Front (ISF) in Haroa and with the CPI(M-L) Liberation in Naihati. Though the Left hoped for an alliance with the Congress, it said the discussions did not go as per plan after Subhankar Sarkar replaced Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as the WBPCC chief.

“Congress was supposed to get one [of the six] seats. But, they failed to make their move in time,” CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim told the media. “But, there is no misunderstanding. The new Congress president has discussed with the Left Front chairman the possibility of a future alliance.”

ALSO READ: Taking a look at who is up against whom as TMC, BJP and CPI(M) announce candidates

Following the announcement of bypolls in Naihati, Haroa, Sitai (SC), Madarihat (ST), Medinipur, and Taldangra, there were speculations that the Left Front and Congress might reunite in West Bengal, continuing their partnership since 2016. They are also jointly contesting the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls.

However, Sarkar, reportedly, consulted district-level leaders who advised contesting the bypolls independently. The state leadership favoured an alliance with the Left Front, but the party failed to reach a consensus in time.

Two Left Front members—the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP)—also opposed any seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress for the upcoming bypolls. Their discontent stemmed from the speculation that the Congress, in an alliance, might seek seats in north Bengal, an area where the AIFB and RSP believe they hold a stronger presence.

After the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, both parties had declared they would not support any future alliance with the Congress.

autumn-festival-2024-prelude-to-25th-edition-of-iconic-hornbill-festival-at-nagaland-house-wraps-up-in-style

Wed Oct 30 16:55:52 IST 2024

The third edition of the Autumn Festival, a precursor to the landmark 25th Edition of the iconic Hornbill Festival, concluded with grand success at Nagaland House on Sunday, October 20. Organised by Nagaland Tourism in collaboration with the Chief Resident Commissioner of Nagaland House, and with the invaluable support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the festival brought Nagaland's rich cultural diversity to life over three vibrant days.

From October 18 to 20, visitors were treated to an immersive experience of Nagaland's finest offerings in food, textiles, handicrafts, art, and music. The festival also showcased an impressive line-up of esteemed artists, local enterprises, and cultural treasures. Notable among them was Kintem, the renowned textile brand, which wowed audiences with a stunning fashion show, reflecting Nagaland’s artistic prowess and deep-rooted traditions.

Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. BL Verma, graced the inaugural function along with Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru in India, as the honoured guest for Day 1.

Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, who served as the Chief Guest, in her address, applauded the significant contributions of the northeastern states, saying, “The Hornbill Festival has earned its place as a cherished cultural event, a brand that has come to symbolise the vibrancy of Nagaland. I hope the Autumn Festival gives Delhi’s residents a glimpse of Nagaland's extraordinary handloom, handicraft, and culinary traditions, inspiring many to join us in celebrating the grand 25th Edition of the Hornbill Festival in Kisama, Nagaland.”

Day 2 was graced by Shri Abu Metha, Adviser to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman IDAN as the Chief Guest who highlighted the history of the Hornbill festival and stressed how the event is not just the state’s flagship event but has become one of India’s biggest and well-known festival across the world. He further stated, “The Autumn Festival is a curtain raiser of the Hornbill Festival and it aspires to reach out to different sections of people in the national capital and other parts of the country to visit the Hornbill Festival.”

Shri Temjen Imna Along, Honourable Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, who was also present, reflected on the cultural unity the festival fosters: “Standing amidst the lively aura of the Autumn Festival, I am reminded of the deep cultural roots that bind our communities. This vibrant prelude to the Hornbill Festival is a testament to our shared heritage and the spirit of unity that defines Nagaland. As we revel in these festivities, let it serve as a joyful prelude to the grand celebration awaiting us at the Hornbill Festival.”

Day 3 was graced by Shri Kumar Banwal, Addl.Secretary, Higher Education, Government of India and Ms. Alison Barrett, Director British Council as the Guest of Honour and Honoured guest respectively.

The three-day event was marked by an array of cultural performances, including traditional dances, wrestling matches, and folk music. Highlights included stirring performances by the DGP Band, the soulful melodies of the Ao Naga Choir, and other artistic expressions that captivated the audience.

With its successful conclusion, the Autumn Festival has once again underscored Nagaland's potential as a thriving destination for art, craft, and culinary enthusiasts. The festival not only celebrated the state's cultural richness but also offered a compelling invitation to the much-anticipated Hornbill Festival, set to take place starting December 1st -10th at the heritage village of Kisama, Nagaland.

why-are-the-police-arresting-police-in-telangana

Tue Oct 29 22:15:16 IST 2024

A section of Telangana’s special police has been staging protests for the last few days, demanding reformation in the existing policies, citing emotional, personal, and financial distress. There are close to a dozen battalions of special police in Telangana with a strength of more than 10,000 people. The protests have been held across the state, including Nalgonda, Warangal and Karimnagar regions.

The striking aspect of these protests is that they are being led by wives and family members of the men in khaki. Telangana hasn’t witnessed protests of this scale by the uniformed men since its bifurcation.

The special police are recruited to perform functions similar to that of paramilitary forces for the purpose of tackling riots, and public disturbances and for bandobust or providing security. However, the protestors claim they aren’t treated fairly when compared to the law and order police.

To curb the protests, the government has dismissed 10 officers of constable and head constable rank, suspended 39 others for inciting dissent, and arrested 21 cops for attempting to protest at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad.

“In addition to criminal cases, show cause notices are being issued to these personnel, for their gross violation of conduct rules and insubordination, specifically under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India, as their actions pose a significant threat to public interest and security, and why disciplinary action of dismissal, should not be imposed,” read a part of the press note issued by the Telangana police regarding the arrests.

Senior officials of the police and the state government have been urging the officers to resume duties, assuring them that they will look into their demands.

One of the triggers for the protests appears to be a recent change in the leave policy. Previously, the officers could take leave once in two weeks which has now been changed to once in 26 days, according to a new leave manual. The protestors and their family members demand better work conditions and a flexible leave system, including weekly offs.

They are advocating for a “one police” policy which exists in other states like Karnataka. They feel that there should not be battalion systems and they should be integrated with civil police and assigned work on par with the law enforcement wings of the police. The biggest grouse of the special police and their family members is that they are assigned domestic tasks like gardening, washing clothes, driving, plumbing or working as attendants to senior officers, government officials, and politicians and their family members. They argue that they want to work for the public but their effort and energy are being wasted on non-operational duties. The disgruntled protestors also feel that they have lost respect in the society and this has led to marital strife and divorces in some cases.

They allege that long duration of work, frequent transfers, and prolonged time away from family have resulted in the suicides of policemen.

Opposition leaders from the BJP and the BRS have voiced support for the protestors, adding pressure on the state government.

actor-darshan-thoogudeepa-granted-interim-bail-in-renukaswamy-murder-case

Wed Oct 30 12:20:41 IST 2024

The Karnataka High Court, on Wednesday, granted interim bail to actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the Renukaswamy murder case, on medical grounds.

The court had asked for the actor's medical reports, following which the State presented them in a sealed cover from doctors at Ballari Central Prison, where Darshan is lodged, and the head of the department of neurology at a government hospital in Ballari.

ALSO READ: FIRs against Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa for 'VIP treatment' in jail

The bench of Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty granted interim bail for six weeks to the actor to undergo spine surgery.

Darshan, who was arrested on June 11, submitted the bail plea on September 21, but it was rejected by a sessions court. Following this, he moved the High Court and requested interim bail for treatment.

ALSO READ: Darshan confessed having kicked 'already assaulted' Renukaswamy in chest, head

Renukaswamy, 33, was a fan of Darshan. He allegedly sent obscene messages to the actor's friend Pavithra Gowda, who is now a co-accused in the case. The messages enraged Darshan. Another accused in the case, Raghavendra, who is part of Darshan's fan club in Chitradurga, told Renukaswamy that Darshan wanted to meet him, and allegedly brought him to a shed in R.R. Nagar, where he was allegedly tortured and murdered.

Renukaswamy's body was found near a storm water drain in Sumanahalli on June 9. The post-mortem report revealed he died due to shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple blunt injuries.

According to the police, Pavithra, the accused number one, instigated the other accused, conspired with them, and also took part in the crime.

nawab-malik-or-bullet-patil-row-over-mahayutis-official-candidate-in-mankhurd-shivaji-nagar

Wed Oct 30 09:55:22 IST 2024

Mahayuti allies NCP Ajit Pawar faction and BJP seem to have a difference of opinion on the candidate for Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency, with NCP fielding its candidate there. Dismissing BJP's opposition, NCP announced Nawab Malik as its candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar while the BJP has declared Suresh Krishna Patil aka 'Bullet Patil' as Mahayuti's official candidate.

Malik filed the nominations at the last minute, shocking the BJP camp which immediately put out a post announcing Bullet Patil as the official candidate. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya took to X to announce that the official candidate was Shiv Sena leader Bullet Patil.

Malik too went public with his candidate stating that he filed a nomination from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Vidhan Sabha constituency as NCP candidate. "I also filed the form as an independent candidate. But the party has sent the AB form and we submitted it at 2.55 pm and now I am the official candidate of NCP. I am very thankful to Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. They have confidence in me," he told ANI, adding that he was confident of winning the constituency this time.

The seat is currently held by Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi.

Why BJP opposes Nawab Malik?

BJP leader Ashish Shelar has already made it clear that his party was against the candidature of NCP leader Nawab Malik for the upcoming Assembly election. The reason for their opposition was Malik's alleged links with the Dawood Ibrahim crime syndicate.

“We will not accept giving a ticket to someone linked to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim,” the Mumbai BJP president said, adding that, “We won’t support Malik and will have a different stand.”

Malik, who was a minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government before the NCP split, was arrested in 2022 for his alleged links with Dawood and his associates including Chhota Shakeel and Tiger Memon. The allegation against him was that he usurped property in Kurla with the help of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim's sister. He was granted bail on medical grounds in July this year.

Malik was a two-time MLA from Anushakti Nagar who joined Ajit Pawar earlier in the month to leave the NCP. Earlier, he stated that he would contest as an independent from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar. His daughter Sana Malik is contesting from Anushakti Nagar.

Issues within MVA

Besides Malik and Patil, the other candidate in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar is Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena's Rajendra Waghmare. He has filed nominations both as an Independent and as a Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate. This has not gone well with Abu Azmi, who has raised the issue with the MVA against Waghmare's candidature as SP is an ally of the coalition.

let-them-kill-me-pappu-yadav-says-he-is-unfazed-by-lawrence-bishnois-death-threats

Wed Oct 30 10:47:52 IST 2024

Independent MP Pappu Yadav has said that he is not worried about the death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Yadav reportedly received a threat call from UAE from someone who claimed to be a member of the Bishnoi gang.

Yadav had reportedly called Bishnoi a "petty thug" and threatened to wipe them out in 24 hours in a post on X after Baba Siddique's murder.

Reacting to the threats, Yadav said: "I am not afraid of anyone. I just do my work and do not interfere in anyone's personal life. I am not even bothered about who is doing what. I am only afraid of god who is out public."

The threat message said Yadav "should focus quietly on his job politics" and not "try to earn TRPs by talking too much". "Otherwise, I will make you rest in peace," the threat read.

Though the MP wrote to the Home Ministry, Bihar Director General of Police and IG seeking to upgrade his security from 'X' to 'Y' category, Yadav later changed his stance, stating he didn't want security and that the public would take care of him. "Even now, I don't have a security cover. They said they received a threat from Malaysia. We have informed the top police officials as a law-abiding citizen. If anyone wants to kill me, they can," Yadav told reporters.

Also read: 'I will chew you raw...' audio clips: Lawrence Bishnoi tried to video call Bihar MP Pappu Yadav from jail amidst war on Salman Khan?

The MP also urged the government to do something about the threat to child orator Abhinav Arora. The child's family had approached authorities claiming that the 10-year-old received death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. She alleged that the message read that Abhinav would be killed.

"Why doesn't Union Minister Giriraj Singh or others react to reports about Abhinav Arora? A child getting such threats in our country, why isn't the law protecting him? I request the government to do something about this," Yadav added.

kerala-fireworks-accident-no-precautions-taken-2-temple-committee-members-arrested

Tue Oct 29 13:41:19 IST 2024

More than 150 people were injured in a massive fireworks accident that took place at Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple in Nileshwaram. The annual festival marks the beginning of Theyyam festival in North Malabar.

Witnesses said they saw a ball of fire and heard a deafening burst when the accident occurred.

The crackers were burst near the storehouse where the remaining fireworks were kept. It has been revealed that no precautions were taken during the festival and the temple officials procured Rs 24,000 worth of fireworks without getting permission.

The minimum 200-metre distance was not maintained between the magazine storage and the fireline as required by law.

Rules also stipulate that a 100-metre distance should be kept between the fireline and the people. A mock drill is also required two days before the festival. However, these were reportedly not followed during the festival.

Police have registered a case and the temple committee president and secretary have been arrested.

At least 10 people are seriously injured in the accident. All the injured have been taken to various hospitals in Kannur, Kasaragod and Mangaluru.

baseless-misplaced-ec-dismisses-congress-allegations-of-irregularities-in-haryana-polls

Tue Oct 29 22:32:07 IST 2024

The Election Commission on Tuesday rejected the Congress party’s allegations of irregularities in Haryana assembly polls and urged the grand old party to refrain from making “unfounded” claims after every election.

In a strongly-worded letter to the opposition party, the poll body accused it of making “baseless allegations” when faced with inconvenient electoral outcomes.

The commission further cautioned that irresponsible allegations, especially around sensitive times like polling and counting days, could lead to public unrest, turbulence, and chaos.

"Each step in the electoral process in Haryana was flawless and executed under the watch of Congress candidates or agents," it said.

READ - EC rules out EVM manipulation in Haryana, says no link between battery life and results

The poll panel’s 1,642 page letter contained point-by-point rebuttals to each of the Congress's complaints. It also detailed the continuous presence of authorized representatives of Congress candidates at all stages, including battery placement at the time of commissioning and throughout the polling and counting processes.

The Congress had alleged they had received complaints from Hisar, Mahendragarh and Panipat that there were EVMs with 99 per cent battery on which the BJP won while units with 60-70 per cent battery saw the Congress win.

The commission, however, dismissed any suggestion that battery levels could influence voting outcomes as preposterous. It said: "The battery status displayed on the Control Unit serves only to assist technical teams in monitoring power levels to ensure smooth operation during polling”.

READ - ‘A victory for manipulation’: Congress rejects Haryana election results

Soon after the Haryana election results were out, the Congress had alleged "glaring discrepancies" related to some EVMs and urged the EC to conduct a probe.

"There are doubts about vote counting as Haryana results are surprising. Everyone believed that the Congress would be forming the next government in Haryana. When the counting of postal ballots took place, the Congress was winning, but when the counting of EVMs started, the opposite happened," former chief ministers Bhupinder Singh Hooda had said.

READ - After shock defeat in Haryana Congress seeks inquiry into complaints of 'discrepancies' in EVMs

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, while addressing a press conference earlier this month, had ruled out any possibility of manipulation of the EVMs in Haryana.

The CEC had also asked the returning officers to prepare detailed reports in response to the complaints filed by the Congress.

maharashtra-polls-bjp-drops-8-sitting-mlas-congress-5-shiv-sena-maintains-status-quo-in-line-up

Tue Oct 29 23:03:13 IST 2024

With the nomination deadline for the Maharashtra assembly elections now closed, it emerges that the BJP and Congress have dropped the maximum number of sitting MLAs among the major political parties.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has opted not to grant tickets to eight MLAs, followed by Congress which replaced five MLAs.

The NCP led by Ajit Pawar and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) have opted to not grant tickets to two incumbent MLAs each.

Notably, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has repeated almost all MLAs who had sided with Shinde during the rebellion barring one.

Voting for 288 seats will be held on November 20. Votes will be counted on November 23.

The exact number of candidates fielded by each constituent of the ruling Mahayuti and opposition MVA alliance cannot be reconciled as some parties have given nomination forms to two candidates in certain seats.

Among the most surprising decisions by the BJP is the replacement of Sunil Rane, the sitting MLA from Borivali in Mumbai, with Sanjay Upadhyay.

Other incumbents denied tickets include Sandeep Dhurve from Arni and Namdev Sasane from Umarkhed, who will be succeeded by Raju Todsam and Kisan Wankhede, respectively.

The BJP has also replaced Dada Kenche from Arvi and Vikas Kumbhare from Nagpur Central with Sumit Wankhede and Praveen Datke, respectively.

Wankhede had earlier served as an assistant to BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while Datke is a sitting MLC of the party.

Interestingly, Ashwini Jagtap from Chinchwad has been replaced by her brother-in-law, Shankar Jagtap. The party has also chosen to field Sulabha Gaikwad, the wife of jailed MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, from Kalyan East who had allegedly fired at a Shiv Sena rival inside a police station. Meanwhile, Lakhan Malik, a four-time winner from Washim, has been replaced by Shyam Khode.

The Congress party has replaced five incumbent MLAs.

Hemant Ogale will contest from Shrirampur, taking over from Lahu Kanade, while former Zilla Parishad officer Rajkumar Puram replaces Sahasram Korote in Amgaon.

Notably, Shirish Chaudhary will not be seeking re-election; instead, his son Dhananjay will run from Raver.

The party has also dropped Sulabha Khodke and Hiraman Khoskar from Amravati and Igatpuri seats, respectively, due to anti-party activities, with both candidates now securing nominations from the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Sunil Deshmukh will represent Congress from the Amravati constituency and Lackybhau Jadhav from Igatpuri.

The NCP (SP) has replaced Katol MLA and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh with his son Salil Deshmukh. In the Madha constituency, the Sharad Pawar-led party nominated Abhijeet Patil instead of repeating Babanrao Shinde.

Ajit Pawar-led NCP denied tickets to MLAs Manohar Chandrikapure from Arjuni Morgaon and Balasaheb Ajabe from Ashti. They have been replaced by former BJP minister Rajkumar Badole and ex-MLC Suresh Dhas, respectively.

The Shiv Sena denied a ticket to only one sitting MLA, Shrinivas Vanga from Palghar, and fielded former Lok Sabha member Rajendra Gavit in his place.

1100-indians-staying-illegally-deported-from-us-in-one-year

Tue Oct 29 22:12:07 IST 2024

As many as 1,100 Indians, staying in the United States illegally, were deported through charter and commercial flights during the 2023-2024 financial year.

Recently, a chartered flight carrying deported Indians landed in India. US homeland authorities have announced the deportation of a batch of Indians staying in the country illegally.

According to a senior official in the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the charter flight was "de-planed in Punjab". However, she did not mention where exactly the flight had originated from or the place of the origin of these deportees.

In a virtual briefing, Royce Murray, Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy, US DHS, said about 1,100 Indian nationals were repatriated in the US financial year ending September 20 this year.

In response to another query, Murray said the repatriation in this fiscal period took place through a mix of charter and commercial flights.

"On October 22, the US Department of Homeland Security, through the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a large-frame charter removal flight to the Republic of India of Indian nationals who did not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States," the DHS had said in a statement on October 25.

In the fiscal year 2024, the DHS removed or returned over 1,60,000 individuals and operated more than 495 international repatriation flights to more than 145 countries, including India, the DHS statement said.

There has been a "steady increase" in deportations of illegal Indian migrants from the US in recent years, said Murray.

“We are continuing to strengthen our working relationship with the government of India across a range of issues and welcome the partnership that we have had and know we will continue to have so that we can better address the challenges [such as] the use of human smugglers or unscrupulous travel agencies that are preying on vulnerable migrants and providing them with false information,” she said.

jandk-assembly-what-to-expect-in-the-5-day-session-starting-nov-4

Tue Oct 29 20:25:02 IST 2024

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is scheduled to hold its first five-day session starting November 4. The Assembly Secretariat has released a provisional schedule outlining the agenda for the session.

On the opening day, the Assembly will elect the Speaker, followed by an address from the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, which will mark the beginning of the session.

This inaugural session, the first for the newly elected Assembly in a decade, represents a significant moment for the Union Territory’s legislative process and is expected to include a series of important discussions.

According to the Assembly Secretariat, the session's calendar encompasses a variety of key ceremonial and legislative activities.

On November 4, the session will begin with the election of the Speaker, a vital procedural step for establishing the Assembly’s leadership structure. After this, the Lieutenant Governor's address will set the tone for discussions in the upcoming days, likely covering policy priorities and governance issues relevant to the region.

The following day will focus on obituary references for former Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who have passed away since the last session of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. This will provide members with an opportunity to pay their respects and honour the contributions of these leaders.

The next two days are reserved for an in-depth discussion on the Motion of Thanks regarding the LG's address. This Motion allows members to debate the points raised in the address, share their perspectives on the outlined policies and priorities, and bring forward issues that they believe should be addressed by the administration.

On the final day, the discussion on the Motion of Thanks will continue, with members expected to conclude their remarks. The LG's administration is anticipated to provide a formal reply, addressing the concerns raised during discussions and elaborating on its plans moving forward.

The session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is expected to set the groundwork for future legislative discussions and establish the tone for engagement between the members and the administration.

census-and-delimitation-a-tightrope-walk-for-modi-govt

Tue Oct 29 21:40:53 IST 2024

It will be a tight rope walk for the government as it prepares for the long-delayed census exercise next year followed by the delimitation of Lok Sabha seats. Government sources said preparations for the census exercise needs to begin at least six months in advance as state governments need to put procedures in place, which means the process may kick start by mid next year.

The training of the first few batches of enumerators was already done in 2020 before the Covid lockdown, but as the exercise could not take place in 2021, renewed efforts are needed to impart training in states before the process begins for the 2025 census. This will include the Registrar General of India equipping the enumerators with smart phones which are user-friendly during field visits.

The idea is to make the process as digital-friendly as possible. The RGI has been toying with the idea of making the upcoming census the first digital exercise where self enumeration can be done by individuals who will be able to register details like mobile number and email addresses. Sources said enumerators will be able to collect their data on digital devices.

The census houselisting and enumeration exercise will also have to factor in aspects like population enumeration. And when the union home ministry sits down to decide on controversial issues like the need to update the National Population Register, a move facing resistance from some opposition ruled states like West Bengal, the census exercise will determine the way forward.

The next step of conducting a delimitation exercise is likely to be a bigger challenge as there are many states where the population has come down because of various factors. In Assam, the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in 2023 took into consideration several factors that resulted in distinct electoral outcomes as well. For a nationwide delimitation, the government may go to parliament to take into consideration aspirations of people and factors other than population like geography, terrain and so on.

Government sources said consultations will be held before a delimitation law is drafted, which will give an opportunity to all stakeholders to share their worries and expectations. Only a hard fought consensus will pave the road ahead for a nationwide delimitation exercise, admit officials, once the head count begins.

tmc-moves-election-commission-against-amit-shah-for-mcc-violation

Tue Oct 29 18:08:35 IST 2024

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday registered a complaint with the Election Commission against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for violating the model code of conduct (MCC) ahead of the bypolls in six assembly constituencies in West Bengal.

Home Minister Shah had visited the Petrapole land port along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas on Sunday to inaugurate an integrated check post, a passenger terminal and the Maitri Dwar (friendship gate) – a cargo gate at the Zero Line.

In its letter to the chief electoral officer, the TMC claimed that Shah’s “politically charged” call for “Parivartan in 2026” was not connected to the event” and breached the MCC as Haroa and Naihati assemblies, set for by-elections on November 13, falls within North 24 Parganas district.

READ - Amit Shah targets Mamata govt over women’s safety, reveals ‘BJP’s next biggest target’

During the event in Petrapole, Shah stated that after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, a BJP-led government would address all the grievances of the people in the state. “You bring parivartan in 2026 and we will stop illegal immigration. Development is our only goal,” he said.

TMC also claimed that the union minister made “slanderous remarks” against its supremo Mamata Banerjee “with an intent to defame” her. The TMC further claimed that Shah had violated the MCC by using official machinery during the event.

Bypolls: A Quick look at six assembly seats in West Bengal

On Sunday, the former president of the BJP visited West Bengal for the first time since the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year. In those elections, the saffron party secured only 12 seats, falling short of the 30-seat goal that Shah himself had set during his previous visits.

After attending the government events, Shah participated in a party programme where he set a new goal for the BJP’s West Bengal unit. He urged the leaders in the state to grow the party’s membership in the state to one crore for securing victory in the 2026 elections.

karnataka-why-siddaramaiah-cabinet-is-divided-over-caste-census-report

Tue Oct 29 19:51:11 IST 2024

Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi pushing for a nationwide caste census and endorsing the slogan 'Jitni abadi utna haq' while calling for greater representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) based on their population, has failed to enthuse his own partymen in Karnataka.

Despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promising to table the caste census report in the state cabinet, it did not make it to the agenda once again on Monday.

The CM stalling the report comes as no big surprise as the ruling Congress is divided over the issue of making the report public fearing political ramifications.

READ - Karnataka cabinet gives nod for internal reservation within SC community, forms one-man commission to decide quota

Siddarmaiah, who has championed the cause of the “Ahinda” (minorities, backward classes and dalits)—the traditional votebank of the Congress—is keen on implementing the caste census.

In 2015, Siddaramaiah (during his first tenure as the CM) had ordered the caste census to assess the socio-economic and educational backwardness of all communities.

A committee headed by then Backward Classes commission H. Kantharaju carried out the survey at a cost of around Rs 169 crore. While the report was ready by 2016, it was put in cold storage by subsequent governments.

Again in 2020, the BJP government appointed Jayaprakash Hegde as the Commission chief but the report was not made public.

Hegde submitted the final report to the Siddaramaiah government on February 29, 2024, where he recommended reservation in education and public employment and targeted intervention to empower the backward communities.

The Vokkaligara Sangha and the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, which represent the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, the two dominant caste groups in the state, are opposed to the caste census as they suspect the survey has undercounted their population. The two communities believed to be numerically strong (Lingayat - 17 percent of total population and Vokkaliga - 12 per cent) have been wielding immense political power. At least 16 of the 23 chief ministers of Karnataka belonged to these two caste groups. The community leaders cutting across party-lines feel that the census by undercounting their numbers might curtail their political representation both within and outside the party.

The Vokkaliga ministers have dismissed the caste census calling it flawed, while the Lingayat ministers feel it is not scientific as it is not based on the latest census data. The Mahasabha has urged the government to conduct a fresh survey or wait for the central census data.

On the other hand, the Ahinda leaders are enthused with the prospect of having outnumbered the dominant caste groups in the yet to be tabled report.

Even as Siddaramaiah reiterates that affirmative action would be taken based on the new data to empower the marginalised communities, the rift within the cabinet and party are widening.

The opposition BJP which welcomes a caste census asserts that it should be carried out scientifically and with the latest population data. The opposition has also alleged that the CM had raked up the caste census issue and promised to table the report before the cabinet on October 18 only to divert attention from the MUDA scam.

The model code of conduct that is in place till November 23 owing to the three bypolls has given a breather to the Siddaramaiah government to decide on whether to accept the revised survey or not.

karnataka-bypolls-congress-rebel-candidate-sayed-khadri-held-hostage-by-party-allege-supporters

Tue Oct 29 13:11:26 IST 2024

With one of the two rebels out of the fray in Shiggaon, the ruling Congress is hopeful of giving a tough fight to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the by-election on November 13.

On Monday, the nomination of Congress rebel Manjunath Kunnur was rejected on technical grounds. However, the other rebel, Sayed Azeempeer (Ajjampeer) Khadri, allegedly camping in Bengaluru under pressure from Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, is in no mood to withdraw his nomination.

The two leaders – former MLA Khadri (Muslim) and Manjunath Kunnur (Panchamasali Lingayat) had filed their nomination as independents after the party picked Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan as its official candidate. While Kunnur was miffed at his son Raju Kunnur being denied the ticket, Khadri, a former MLA, was upset that the party retained the defeated candidate (Pathan) as its nominee.

Congress leaders who tried to pacify Khadri, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, claimed the rebel had agreed to withdraw his nomination. But the supporters of Khadri claimed that their leader was being kept under "house arrest" by the Waqf minister and demanded that Khadri be released to fight the bypolls.

The Congress party was hoping to face a straight fight with the BJP candidate Bharat Bommai, son of former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, in a constituency dominated by Panchamasali Lingayat and Muslim voters. However, the revolt within the party is threatening to divide the votes.

Meanwhile, Pathan has alleged that Basavaraj Bommai is buying out the local "leaders" and dared the Haveri MP to stop the campaign and accompany him to Dharmasthala (a Hindu pilgrim centre) till polling. "Bommai is moneyed. Even if we both stop campaigning now, I am confident of winning the seat," said Pathan.

The Election Commission has accepted 19 nominations while rejecting seven in Shiggaon. However, the final count of eligible contestants could change considering the last date for withdrawing the nomination is October 30.

what-led-to-kerala-fireworks-accident-heres-what-happened-at-kasaragod-veererkavu-temple

Tue Oct 29 14:25:32 IST 2024

Kerala police have registered case against eight people after fireworks accident at Anjootambalam Veererkavu Temple near Neeleshwaram in Kasaragod district.

At least 154 people were injured in the accident and 10 of them are in critical condition.

ALSO READ: Kerala fireworks accident: No precautions taken, 2 temple committee officials arrested

All the accused are temple committee members. The committee president and secretary were already arrested. They are being interrogated.

What led to the fireworks accident?

A preliminary investigation revealed that the fireline was within two metres of the storehouse where the fireworks were kept.

As per law, at least 200 metres is required between the two. People who attended the festival was also close to the fireline and the storhouse though a minimum of 100 metres is required.

Police said one of the chinese firecrackers that was burst fell into the storehouse, causing the massive explosion. The building roof sheet and walls were damaged and partially collapsed.

As per the FIR, the accused carried out the fireworks without following the safety guidelines and precautions. They did not seek permission or license for the magazines or fireworks.

The case was registered under BNS Sections 288, 125(a), 125(b), 3(5) and Explosive Substance Act Sections 3(a) and 6.

jammu-kashmir-will-recent-militant-attacks-delay-restoration-of-statehood

Tue Oct 29 14:26:55 IST 2024

On October 28, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah revealed that he had received assurances from the highest level on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

He was speaking to cabinet colleagues and administrative secretaries in Srinagar to mark Vigilance Awareness Week, during which he administered an integrity pledge to promote transparency and integrity in public services.

Referring to the Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha controls key powers, Abdullah said that some may feel they can exploit the current system to their advantage by finding loopholes. “Please be rest assured, this is very much a temporary phase,” he said. “I have just come back from very successful meetings in Delhi. I have received assurances at the highest level that the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly regarding our governance model, will change,” he said.

ALSO READ: Security tightened at key infra projects in J&K after Ganderbal attack

“Therefore, if anyone believes that the Union Territory status will shield them from accountability, please remember, the shield is only temporary. Once full statehood is restored, there will be no loopholes to exploit or any advantage in playing one against the other.”

Last week, Abdullah chaired the first cabinet meeting, where a resolution seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir was passed. After Lieutenant Governor Sinha also cleared the resolution, Abdullah travelled to Delhi and presented it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

When the BJP moved to revoke Article 370, it linked the restoration of statehood to delimitation and elections in J&K. Delimitation was completed in 2022, and elections were held in September and October this year.

ALSO READ: Kashmir, Kashmiris need Delhi’s trust

Following the National Conference (NC) and Congress’s strong mandate, winning 48 of the 90 seats in the J&K assembly, Abdullah told THE WEEK that the conditions set for statehood restoration had been met, expressing optimism about its return.

Observers note that while the NC had campaigned on restoring Article 370 and statehood, the party is currently prioritising statehood, seeing it as essential for delivering on election promises.

ALSO READ: Militants attack UP labourer in Kashmir’s Tral; third targeted attack in a month

Sources within the NC indicate that while Article 370 remains a demand, regaining statehood would empower the government to work without hindrance. “We have a solid mandate. All we need now is the authority to do our job with no strings attached,” said an NC leader, who preferred anonymity. “Statehood will allow us to take pro-people decisions and keep our opponents in check.”

However, some experts believe that recent militant attacks on security forces and non-local workers in Kashmir could jeopardise the prospects of an early statehood restoration. They suggest that the Centre may delay statehood, citing security concerns. BJP’s general secretary Ashok Koul and state president Ravinder Raina have already said that a decrease in militant attacks is necessary for restoring statehood. “The restoration of statehood is not a political issue but a policy matter,” Raina said on Accession Day on October 27. “Since Jammu and Kashmir has suffered immensely due to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism over the past 35 years, any haste should be avoided.”

Observers also note that the BJP’s struggle to gain power in Jammu and Kashmir, despite the revocation of Article 370, delimitation, and the granting of Scheduled Tribe status to Paharis, could play a role in delaying the restoration of statehood.

While New Delhi has reaffirmed its commitment to statehood for J&K in both public and private statements, the timeline remains uncertain. Past statements by Shah and other leaders suggest that statehood may be restored once security and development milestones are met, indicating a medium- to long-term timeline dependent on the region’s stability.

is-diwali-on-oct-31-or-nov-1-experts-differ-over-two-amawasya-days

Tue Oct 29 14:42:00 IST 2024

There is much confusion about whether Diwali is to be celebrated on October 31 or November 1, with different Vedic experts putting forth a case for both dates.

This confusion arises as the Vedic calendar has two nights with no moon –October 31 and November 1. Diwali is celebrated on a night without the moon. The belief behind the celebration is that when Ram returned to Ayodhya from his 14-year exile, the moon was not up so the people of Ayodhya put out earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome him, Sita and Laxman.

The belief behind the worship of Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) is that it is this day the Goddess had appeared when the gods and the demons churned the seas in search of nectar.

According to Acharya Chandrashekhar Shastri, October 31 is the correct date as it is amawasya (no moon) and also the night when the constellation is Swati. This is in contrast with the Ganga Sabha which has announced that if there are two no moon nights, the festival should be celebrated on the second day.

Pandit Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid who consults the Vedic calendar for auspicious dates at the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi said the festival should be celebrated on November 1. The logic offered is that the no moon phase will kick in only at mid-day on October 31 while on November 1, the day will start off in a no moon phase.

Different experts on the panchang (alamanc) have calculated the day of the festival based on not just the placement of the moon but also on the place of other prominent constellations on the day.

In Uttarakhand, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31 while it will be celebrated the next day at the Chardham. In Uttar Pradesh, the festival will be celebrated on October 31.

karnataka-cabinet-gives-nod-for-internal-reservation-within-sc-community-forms-one-man-commission-to-decide-quota

Tue Oct 29 12:28:31 IST 2024

The Karnataka cabinet gave approval for internal reservation within the Scheduled Caste (SC) community on Monday and decided to set up a one-man commission to make recommendations to help evolve a reservation matrix.

The decision comes following constant pressure from the marginalised SC (Left) community to provide the sub-classification to prevent dominant SC castes from cornering all the benefits.

While the state government's decision aligns with the Supreme Court's landmark judgement (dated August 1, 2024) that allows states to create sub-classifications within the SC reservation based on empirical data, the proposed Commission headed by a retired High Court judge will have little fresh (population) data to rely on, given that the latest census data is expected to be out only by 2026.

After the Justice A.J. Sadashiva Commission, in 2012, suggested a sub-quota by redistributing the 15 per cent SC reservation, the BJP government in 2023 not only enhanced the SC and ST reservation by two per cent each, but also came up with a reservation matrix within the SC community.

A subcommittee headed by then law minister J.C. Madhuswamy divided the SC community into four groups.

Among the 'untouchables', the SC (Left) - Madiga, Adi Dravida and Bambi would get 6 pc reservation and SC (Right) which includes Adi Karnataka Holeya and Chalavadi 5.5 pc. Among the 'touchables', the Banjara, Bhovi, Koracha and Korama would get 4.5 pc and Are Alemari and Alemari (nomads) 1 pc.

The BJP government's push for sub-quota had backfired and it lost the support of the dominant SC castes in the assembly polls.

Traditionally, the Congress enjoys the support of SC (Right) communities, whereas the saffron party is favoured by SC (Left) communities. This time, the Siddaramaiah government hurriedly announced its support to the sub-quota ahead of the three bypolls as Sandur and Shiggaon have sizeable populations of SC (Left) communities.

The government referring the contentious matter to a new Commission has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP, which accused the ruling party of delay tactics. "The Commission will be given three months to table the report. Till then, no fresh public recruitment will be carried out," said Law Minister H.K. Patil.

"This is a victory to 35 years of struggle. I urge the community to wait for three more months (to reap the benefits of sub-quota)," said Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who belongs to the SC (Left) community.

"None of us are opposed to internal reservation. The Supreme Court order mandates reservation should be based on empirical data (population data and assessment of backwardness of each caste within the SC community). As per the terms of reference, the Commission will explore if the caste census carried out by the state government would stand the scrutiny by law as we don't have a better and latest caste census to rely on," explained IT Minister Priyank Kharge, who belongs to the SC (Right) community.

Meanwhile, the BJP slammed the Congress's move saying that the Congress has promised internal reservation in its 2023 manifesto. But even after one-and-half years, it had not bothered to implement it.

"The Bommai government has made the sub-classification scientifically (based on Census 2011) and without compromising on social justice and the interest of any of the 101 SC castes. But the Congress spread false information that some castes would be dropped from the SC list to capture power in the state. The Congress is betraying the SC community by dilly-dallying on granting the sub-quota," said BJP veteran and Dalit leader Govind Karjol.

kerala-court-rejects-anticipatory-bail-for-kannur-cpim-leader-pp-divya-in-adm-naveen-babu-death-case

Tue Oct 29 12:17:03 IST 2024

A Kerala Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Kannur CPI(M) leader P.P. Divya in connection with the probe into the death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu. Divya is charged with abetting the suicide of the revenue officer earlier this month.

Pronouncing the judgment on Divya’s anticipatory bail plea, Thalassery Principal Sessions Court Judge K.T. Nisar Ahmed dismissed her petition. The Court heard the petition on October 24 and reserved judgment for Tuesday.

ALSO READ | Kannur ADM death: With bypolls around the corner, delay in P.P. Divya's arrest puts CPI(M) on back foot

The Kerala police has formed a Special Investigation Team to probe Naveen Babu’s death case under Kannur city police chief Ajit Kumar. Kannur Range DIG will supervise the probe. Police have registered a case under non-bailable sections against Divya, including for abetment of suicide. The CPI(M) removed Divya from the Kannur district panchayat president post following the case.

Babu was found dead in his official quarters a day after his send-off meeting at the district collectorate following his transfer to his hometown Pathanamthitta. Allegedly, the former Kannur ADM killed self a day after Divya, who attended his send-off meeting at the district collectorate levelled corruption allegations against him. Divya, allegedly attended the meeting uninvited and criticised Babu in connection with granting NOC for a petrol pump in Chengalai, Kannur.

During the meeting, Divya had said she did not want to present a memento to Babu and added the reason for it would be revealed in two days. She left the meeting immediately after making the allegations.

A departmental probe reportedly gave a clean chit for Naveen Babu and rejected the corruption allegations.

Meanwhile, Babu's wife Manjusha welcomed the verdict and demanded the police should immediately arrest Divya.

karnataka-news-fi-rs-against-kannada-actor-darshan-thoogudeepa-for-vip-treatment-in-jail-chandragupta-ips-at-ballari-jail

Mon Oct 28 21:49:11 IST 2024

Renukaswamy murder-accused Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is being questioned in the cases registered regarding him receiving "VIP treatment" at the Parappana Agrahara Central jail. Dr. Chandragupta, chief of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru City Police reached the Ballari prison on Monday to take the probe forward, reports said.

ALSO READ | Renukaswamy murder: Darshan Thoogudeepa gave media the finger at prison? Viral video claims so

Darshan was transferred to the Ballari facility after evidence of the actor getting special treatment at the Parappana Agrahara Central jail leaked online in August. He was found smoking on the prison lawn while enjoying beverages, photographs that went viral on the internet showed. The media also received evidence of Darshan Thoogudeepa using a gadget to video call one of his aides while jailed. As pressure built from different quarters, Karnataka's Congress government decided to transfer the 47-year-old actor to Ballari.

FIRs against Darshan and aides after public outcry

Three separate cases are being probed by the police in connection with the photos and videos leaked from the prison. Bengaluru City Deputy Commissioner of Police Manjunath Babu is in charge of the first case probing the jail officials who made life scot-free for the actor. While the jail superintendent was transferred, seven officials were suspended.

The second case probes how Darshan managed to make video calls while being in prison. Along with Darshan, two of hos accomplices identified as Sathya and Dharma are investigated for illegally smuggling mobile phone into the jail premises, Times Now said in a report.

ALSO READ | Renukaswamy murder case: Police shifts Kannada superstar Darshan to Ballari prison

The third case investigates how Darshan received cigarettes and beverages inside the prison. The FIR names one Nagaraj, Wilson and Kullu Seena alongside Darshan, the report adds.

Renukaswamy murder case: The story so far

Earlier this week, the Karnataka High Court directed the state government to submit Darshan’s medical records while hearing his bail plea in the Renukaswamy murder case.

Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old autorickshaw driver was allegedly kidnapped, tortured and murdered by the henchmen of Darshan. A fan of the actor, Renukaswamy, sent obscene messages to his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda for her role in allegedly derailing the actor's family. A furious Gowda wanted Darshan to react, and upon his order, the actor's henchmen identified and abducted Renukaswamy. According to the post-mortem report, Renukaswamy died due to shock and haemorrhage as a result of multiple blunt injuries.

Darshan Thoogudeepa reportedly confessed to the police that he assaulted Renukaswamy before asking Pavithra Gowda to beat him with her footwear. According to the Kannada actor, Renukaswamy seemed beaten and tired when he arrived at the scene with Gowda. However, he further thrashed him. A total of 17 people were arrested in connection with the case including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda.

mayawati-accuses-bjp-congress-of-working-together-to-make-reservation-ineffective

Tue Oct 29 12:51:59 IST 2024

BSP chief Mayawati has hit out against the Karnataka and Telangana governments for internal reservation of Scheduled Castes saying it is a conspiracy to make reservation “ineffective.”

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, the BSP chief alleged that the threat to the Constitution has increased as various parties are working together against unity among Dalits. “It is being proved that the BJP and the Congress are two sides of the same coin.”

On Monday, the Karnataka government announced the setting up of a one-man commission to compile data and take necessary steps to implement internal reservation.

“After Haryana, the decision of Congress governments of Telangana and Karnataka to hurriedly implement reservation within the reservation to break up the Dalit unity is aimed at making reservation ineffective and defunct,” she wrote.

She also cautioned Dalits against the various measures being undertaken by “casteist parties” like the BJP, Congress, and the Samajwadi Party so to weaken the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar.

She said these parties, under the garb of being Dalit-friendly, are against the community and labeled them as enemies of society and of the Constitution.

Mayawati had earlier criticised the Supreme Court’s decision on the sub-classification within the larger SC and ST quota, aimed at giving fixed sub-quotas within the larger reservation to such communities that are the most backward. Mayawati said this is “vague” and that it does not give any clear guidelines. She also described the stance of the Congress and the BJP as misleading, wavering, and anti-reservation, and claimed that the Congress has been conspiring for years to end reservation.

tata-airbus-project-shifted-to-gujarat-due-to-modi-and-shahs-anti-maharashtra-stance-congress

Mon Oct 28 19:50:42 IST 2024

The BJP has consistently done injustice to Mumbai and Maharashtra, and the Modi-Shah duo is a major obstacle to state’s progress, Congress state president Nana Patole alleged on Monday.

He said the leadership of Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar in the state is ineffective, which is why major projects in the state are being shifted to Gujarat.

Patole said that by moving the Tata-Airbus project from Maharashtra to Gujarat, BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have rubbed salt into Maharashtra’s wounds.

“Maharashtra’s people will teach the BJP-led alliance, which is stealing the state’s projects and jobs, a lesson in the assembly elections,” he claimed.

Patole was speaking on Modi's inauguration of the Tata-Airbus project in Gujarat. He said the Tata-Airbus project would have brought an investment of Rs 22,000 crore rupees to Maharashtra and created 10,000 jobs.

“However, this project was not allowed to materialize in Maharashtra. Due to the anti-Maharashtra stance of the BJP’s central government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah, this major project was shifted to Gujarat,” he alleged.

Patol further claimed that the Rs 1.5 lakh crore Vedanta Foxconn project was also blocked by the same anti-Maharashtra people. “The BJP alliance government is not recruiting for jobs, and the projects that could have provided employment to the youth in the state are also being shifted to Gujarat.”

“Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis often claims that Maharashtra’s industries have not been shifted to Gujarat. But he should open his eyes and see that the Tata-Airbus project has indeed been inaugurated in Gujarat and stop misleading Maharashtra. Due to the Mahabrashtrayuti government in the state, Maharashtra's progress has stalled, and the state is falling behind. Shinde and Fadnavis should stop making false promises that Modiji will give Maharashtra a bigger project than this," he added.

i-will-chew-you-raw-audio-clips-how-bihar-mp-pappu-yadav-got-entangled-in-the-lawrence-bishnoi-baba-siddiqui-episode-what-we-know-so-far

Mon Oct 28 20:42:12 IST 2024

The notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang has threatened to kill Pappu Yadav, Lok Sabha MP from Bihar's Purnia, if he didn’t stay away from matters involving actor Salman Khan. The death threat was made by an alleged henchman of the Bishnoi gang over the phone.

The leaked audio messages sent to Pappu Yadav by the alleged gangster said that they were in a non-stop process of identifying Pappu Yadav's hideouts and soon, he will be killed. During the murderous rant, the man claimed that he would chew the Bihar politician in raw.

Following the killing of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai, Pappu Yadav had criticised Lawrence Bishnoi for the murder of a son of Bihar. Yadav had said that if the law allows, he will crush the entire network of Lawrence Bishnoi, who is a cheap criminal, in 24 hours.

THE WEEK couldn't independently verify the authenticity of the said audio clips that 56-year-old Pappu Yadav received. While abusing the MP, the man sending the audio note also claimed that Lawrence Bishnoi tried to contact him over the phone after spending a huge sum on getting the jammers inside the prison jammed. However, Yadav committed a mistake by not picking up the call and will now have to face the consequences.

ALSO READ | Where is Anmol Bishnoi? Lawrence Bishnoi's brother allegedly left India on a fake passport

Lawrence Bishnoi, whose real name is Balkaran Brar, is currently held in Sabarmati jail in Ahmedabad.

"Bhai got the jail jammer turned off and made you call him but you did not pick up the phone.

ALSO READ | Has Lawrence Bishnoi bitten off more than he can chew?

... firstly, it was your mistake and then again you are acting as if it was not your fault. We made you our elder brother and you did not pick up the phone. You know that it costs one lakh rupees per minute to turn off the jail's jammer for 10 minutes. Do you think it's a joke? You embarrassed me. Did we ask anything from you? On the contrary, we spared your life...," news reports claimed the man behind the audio clip as telling Yadav.

Later, threatening to kill Yadav, whose real name is Rajesh Ranjan, the henchman names several places as safehouses of the MP that they have tracked down. "One of your houses is in Dupalli, the second is in the housing society of Anantapur, the third is Gurdas Muthaiya's apartment building, and the fourth is the house in Patna where you were under house arrest. Another is the party office of Jan Adhikar Lokseva. The seventh is near Writing Road Aranya Bhawan and the ninth is the house near Ara Gupta General Store. The house in Bartandda Paramanpur and your house in the assembly constituency in Purnia has also been checked..."

Although the context of the conversation couldn't be fully figured out, the man goes on to condemn Pappu Yadav's "arrogance". A good settlement deal was going on but arrogance don't seem to diminish. Now listen, listen to the message from Bhai... Or else I will chew you raw..."

ALSO READ | Lawrence Bishnoi's family spends Rs 35 to 40 lakh on him every year in jail, claims relative

In light of the death threat, Pappu Yadav has requested enhanced security from the central government. He shot a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that he was being targeted by the gang due to his strong stance against their criminal activities.

After Baba Siddiqui was murdered, Yadav had claimed a "Jungle Raj" was going on in Maharashtra under the Mahayuti regime. If someone with Y Category security can be killed, what security can the government offer the public, India Today quoted him as asking earlier this month.

privacy-rights-petitioner-former-karnataka-hc-judge-puttaswamy-passes-away

Mon Oct 28 15:55:34 IST 2024

Former Karnataka High Court judge K.S. Puttaswamy, the lead petitioner in the right to privacy case challenging Aadhar, died on Monday. He was 98 years old.

Puttaswamy was appointed as Karnataka High Court judge in 1977 and he served in the role till 1986. Justice Puttaswamy enrolled as an advocate in 1952, Live Law reported. Post retirement, he served as vice chairperson of the Central Administrative Tribunal in Bengaluru.

In 2012, Puttaswamy petitioned with the Supreme Court questioning the constitutional validity of Aadhaar. In his petition, the former Karnataka HC judge questioned the government policy to make Aadhaar card mandatory for every individual and its plans to link the identity card with various government schemes. In his plea, Puttaswamy argued that Aadhaar violated the fundamental rights of equality and privacy granted to every individual under the Constitution.

In a landmark judgment in 2017, a nine-member bench of the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the right to privacy was a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. However, the bench refused to strike down the Aadhaar scheme. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud was part of the bench then.

pollution-temperature-still-high-in-delhi-govt-to-rope-in-1000-volunteers-to-strengthen-drive

Mon Oct 28 22:33:56 IST 2024

Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor' category on Monday, owing to a drop in wind speed, which has hindered the dispersion of pollutants across the city, experts said.

The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 304 at 4 pm, down from 355 on Sunday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Data from 36 of the city's 40 monitoring stations showed 23 stations, including Bawana, Burari, Jahangirpuri, Dwarka, Rohini, Anand Vihar, Mundka, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, Aya Nagar, Mandir Marg, Okhla, Najafgarh, and Nehru Nagar, were in the very poor' category.

Delhi's neighbouring Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Greater Noida, and Noida, fared slightly better with their air quality in the poor' category.

In contrast, Gurugram's air quality was moderate' with a reading of 187, according to data from the CPCB.

Air quality is categorised into four stages Stage I -- "Poor" (AQI 201-300), Stage II -- "Very Poor" (AQI 301-400), Stage III -- "Severe" (AQI 401-450), and Stage IV -- "Severe Plus" (AQI above 450).

"Delhi's AQI rose from 270 on October 25 to 356 on October 27. The increase was due to a change in wind direction and speed," Abhishek Kar, Senior Programme Lead at the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), said.

On October 25, the average wind speed of the city was 2.4 m/s, coming from the east and southeast.

By Sunday, the wind direction shifted to the northwest, and the average wind speed dropped to 0.8 m/s. Winds from the northwest bring pollutants from stubble burning towards Delhi, Kar said.

The city's AQI is forecasted to be between 350 and 400 on Diwali.

"CAQM should consider implementing Stage 3 or 4 of the GRAP preemptively based on these forecasts. Moreover, authorities should strictly enforce the firecracker ban to prevent further deterioration of air quality during Diwali," he said.

Prominent pollutants clogging the city air on Monday were PM10 and PM2.5, according to the CPCB.

The PM2.5 level was recorded at 121 micrograms per cubic metre at 5 pm, whereas PM 10 was 239.5 according to the data.

PM2.5 is fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system and triggering health problems.

PM10 is particulate matter that is 10 micrometres or less in diameter. These tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air can be inhaled deep into the lungs, potentially leading to issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.

Vehicular emission was the biggest contributor to Delhi's pollution on Sunday, accounting for approximately 10.7 per cent, according to the Centre's Decision Support System for Air Quality Management.

It is predicted that vehicular emissions will remain the top contributor to Delhi's pollution over the next two days, with an estimated share of approximately 14 per cent.

Apart from transport, other prominent contributors to Delhi's pollution include farm fires.

Data shows that on Sunday, a total of 138 farm fires were recorded in Punjab, 13 in Haryana, and 27 in Uttar Pradesh.

Between September 15, 2024, and October 27, 2024, a total of 1,995, 713, 892, and four farm fires were recorded in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

The Delhi government on Monday announced plans to deploy 10,000 civil defence volunteers, who were terminated from service last year as bus marshals, to help the government implement pollution mitigation measures.

The volunteers will be deployed alongside teams from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi , the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and the Transport Department, Chief Minister Atishi said.

Delhi registered a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius on Monday, 3.4 degrees above normal, according to the weather department.

The temperature was between 30 and 31 degrees Celsius around the same period last year.

The weather department has forecast a clear sky in the city on Tuesday.

The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle around 20 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius respectively.

sharad-pawar-created-split-in-family-ajits-emotional-outburst-in-baramati

Mon Oct 28 22:19:36 IST 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday accused his uncle and NCP(SP) supremo Sharad Pawar of making the assembly polls in Baramati a family affair.

Addressing a rally in the constituency after filing his nomination papers, Ajit lamented that it takes generations for family bonds to be intact and just a moment for them to split.

Ajit is a seven-time MLA from Baramati, but Sharad Pawar has fielded Yugendra Pawar, the son of Ajit Pawar's brother Srinivas Pawar, from the seat, making it an uncle vs nephew contest.

"Who asked him (Yugendra) to fill the form, it was saheb (Sharad Pawar). Does that mean he (Sharad Pawar) has created a split in the Tatyasaheb's family (Tatyasaheb is Ajit Pawar's father Anantrao Pawar)? Politics is being brought to this level. It takes generations for family bonds to be intact, but a split can happen in no time," an emotional Ajit said.

Earlier, in the Lok Sabha elections, Ajit had fielded his wife Sunetra Pawar against Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule in Baramati, a stronghold seat of the Pawar family. Sule won the polls with a margin of over one lakh votes.

Ajit said he had accepted his mistake of fielding his wife against his sister. He further claimed that his mother (and Yugendra Pawar's grandmother) had voiced her opposition to a contest between him and Yugendra in Baramati.

"Now tell me who has committed a mistake? I was supposed to fill the (nomination) form first. My mother said don't fill the form against Dada. Whatever is happening is not appropriate. The elders in the family should have advised (Sharad Pawar) on this," he said.

Ajit, however, exuded confidence in winning the elections and said such family quarrels should be within the four walls of a house.

Yugendra’s father Srinivas Pawar, meanwhile, claimed his mother had not made any statement opposing the contest between his son and his brother.

"I don't know why Ajitdada made this statement. There was no discussion about Pawar saheb. For our mother, both Ajitdada and her grandson Yugendra are the same. I do not think our mother will make such a statement," Srinivas was quoted as saying by PTI.

jharkhand-polls-bjp-sparks-debate-on-demographic-change-to-focus-on-women-voters

Mon Oct 28 21:12:07 IST 2024

With the first phase of polling in Jharkhand just 15 days away, the state is set for a polarising debate as the BJP leaders have been raising the issue of demographic change.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the co-in-charge of the BJP’s campaign in the state, said if the saffron party is voted to power, it will bring a national register for citizenship (NRC) in tribal dominated Singhal Pragana.

What Sarma said on Monday had been echoed in the earlier occasions by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan, who is the BJP’s state election in-charge. Home Minister Amit Shah, too, had raised the issue of illegal immigrants from across the border settling in the state leading to the tribal population percentage going down.

The campaign is set to pick up in the coming days when high profile rallies by senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah, and UP CM Yogi Adityanath commence. The BJP is pulling out all the stops to wrest control of the state from the JMM government. It has rewarded the turncoats who joined the party with tickets. Former state CM Champai Soren has been given a ticket along with his son, a rarity for the party to give tickets for two in the same family for the same elections.

The party has also given tickets to the family members of other former CMs. It has fielded Arjun Munda’s wife Meera Munda and former CM Madhu Koda’s wife Geeta Koda. Poornima, daughter-in-law of Raghubar Das, too, was also given ticket, as did Sita Soren, the daughter-in-law of Shibhu Soren.

The aim of giving tickets to the relatives of the senior leaders is to keep their captive vote banks engaged. The state polls are keenly fought with small victory margins expected in over a dozen seats. The BJP is banking on the women voters whom they have promised to give Rs 2,100 per month as they had done in Haryana.

The focus on women is understandable as there are 32 constituencies out of 81 where women voters are more than men. Of these 32 seats, 26 are reserved for scheduled tribes.

The BJP has also promised to give subsidised LPG cylinders. To woo tribal voters, Modi also announced to celebrate 150 years of tribal hero Birsa Munda.

The polling will take place in two phases, November 13 and 20. The results will be declared on November 23.

copied-policies-and-cocktail-ideology-how-dmk-aiadmk-reacted-to-vijays-political-debut

Mon Oct 28 19:14:42 IST 2024

A day after actor Vijay addressed a massive rally of his newly launched party—Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam—at Vikravandi in Villivakkam district, both the Dravidian majors on Monday sought to downplay his potential influence in the state politics.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to this small town on Sunday as Vijay unveiled his political agenda. TVK claimed that around six lakh people attended the event, sparking debates on whether the actor-politician can unsettle the political equations in Tamil Nadu, largely dominated by the DMK and the AIADMK.

‘DMK has seen many rivals’

The DMK, which Vijay termed in his speech as his electoral enemy, maintained that the TVK had only copied its ideology. DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan said the party has seen many rivals in its long innings and it will continue to be strong.

Outlining his political agenda, Vijay had said his party would oppose the NEET exam in Tamil Nadu and also dropped hints at its opposition to the office of governor.

"These are all our policies; he is copying... Whatever he says is what we had already said and which we are following,” Elangovan told PTI.

He further noted that several DMK leaders had gone to jail fighting for people’s cause in its 75-year-old history. “The DMK was built thus, fighting for people's issues, whereas Vijay's party aspires to be in power in 2026, immediately after entering politics,” he mocked.

‘Old wine in a new bottle’

The AIADMK congratulated Vijay on his political debut but said the ideology outlined by the TVK is a cocktail ideology.

“TVK's ideology is a mix of ideology of all parties and old wine in a new bottle—a cocktail ideology taken from all political parties in Tamil Nadu,” said AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan.

The opposition party has been facing an existential crisis following the split between Edappadi Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam after the death of party supremo and former chief minister Jayalalithaa.

Rumours have it that many of the disgruntled AIADMK leaders are likely to join Vijay’s party.

BJP hopeful

In his address, Vijay had launched a frontal attack on both the DMK and the BJP, terming the Dravidian party as his electoral enemy and the saffron party as his ideological opponent.

The BJP, however, sees an opportunity in Vijay’s electoral entry, as the party feels that the actor-politician may help in dividing the votes of the Dravidian parties and weakening the DMK.

"I hope Mr Vijay will help me by speaking on Dravidian stock (ideology) and divide those votes," BJP leader H. Raja said.

wayanad-bypolls-its-right-time-to-stand-for-democracy-says-priyanka-gandhi

Mon Oct 28 17:18:35 IST 2024

Congress leader and party’s candidate for Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra kicked off her second phase of campaign in the constituency on Monday, launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government.

Priyanka alleged that the Constitutional values are constantly being subverted under the current regime at the Centre and said it was the right time to stand for democracy and truth.

"If there is a time to stand up for democracy for the right and the truth, it is now. My expectations are not any lakh number of votes, but it is to look within your heart," she said, addressing a corner meeting in Meenangadi.

The Congress leader raked up the Manipur violence and said "planned" attacks are taking place against minority communities in the country.

"You know the BJP government at the Centre is spreading fear, anger, and distress among the community. You have seen the attack on minorities. You have seen the attacks in Manipur. You have seen again and again anger, the spread of hatred, and fear concerted in a planned fashion," she alleged.

Priyanka had filed her nomination papers on October 22 and had addressed a rally in Kalpetta, the district headquarters. Her mother and former party president Sonia Gandhi, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and her brother Rahul Gandhi had accompanied her as she filed her nominations.

Addressing a gathering on Monday, Priyanka recalled an incident that occurred when she had come to the constituency for the first time.

"A few days ago, when I had come to file my nomination for the UDF candidate, I had stopped my car and talked to one of the people who told me that his mother wanted to meet me but wasn't well. I had gone to the house of the person and met his mother. She hugged me as if I were her child and hugged me like my mother. That is how Wayanad makes me feel like I already have a mother," she was quoted as saying by ANI.

Wayanad goes to the polls on November 13, and the votes will be counted on November 23. The bypoll was necessitated in this Kerala constituency after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat and to retain Raebareli, a traditional seat of the Gandhi family.