News Postcard

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Bastar Police arrested four suspected Naxalites who were allegedly involved in the IED blast that killed a BSF jawan in Kanker district earlier this week. Police said the four cadreswere Maoist jan militia members and have admitted to planting the explosive.BSF head constable Akhilesh Kumar Rai, a native of UP. http://dlvr.it/T0DyBc

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticizes the connection made between the suspension of opposition members and the security breach. Birla clarifies that there is no association between the two incidents. He emphasizes that previous security breaches did not lead to disruptions like the current situation. Birla assures the members that their security will be taken care of and a high-level committee has been set up to investigate the breach and recommend safeguards. He urges MPs to cooperate in running the Parliament smoothly. http://dlvr.it/T0Dy2D

​Aligarh police on Saturday arrested sub-inspector Manoj Sharma, who had been on the run since he "accidentally" shot a woman "while cleaning his gun" at Kotwali police station in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh on December 8, reports Mohammad Dilshad. Ishrat Nigar (55) was at the police station seeking passport verification for a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. She succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday night. Aligarh SSP Kalanidi Naithani said, "Sharma was captured in Aligarh city and will be produced before court. Further investigation into the case is on." http://dlvr.it/T0DxvK

An Indian warship and maritime patrol aircraft are closely tracking a hijacked Malta-flagged vessel named MV Ruen, which is now headed towards the coast of Somalia with armed pirates and 28 crew members on board. The Indian Navy swiftly responded to the distress call and is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with other agencies and the multi-national force in the area. A Spanish warship has also joined the Indian one in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region. http://dlvr.it/T0DZWC

The next coordination meeting of the INDIA bloc parties will be held at Ashok Hotel on December 19, Congress's communications chief Jairam Ramesh said on Friday. The meeting of 26 parties was originally scheduled to be held on the Parliament premises but was moved on account of the clampdown on media access inside the House. Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin are expected to participate. The meeting will focus on evolving a "core positive agenda" and addressing the issue of unemployment among youth. http://dlvr.it/T0C9q6

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticized the Karnataka government for the incident in Belagavi, where a Dalit woman was publicly humiliated. Party president J P Nadda denounced the incident as "shameful" and asserted that such "heinous crimes" have witnessed an uptick in Karnataka since the Congress assumed power in the state. Expressing concern over the incident, Nadda took decisive action by forming a five-member fact-finding committee comprising the party's women MPs. This committee is tasked with visiting the village in Karnataka to investigate the matter. http://dlvr.it/T0C9c4

The Maharashtra government on Friday said it was setting up a special investigation team to look into charges made by BJP MLA Nitesh Rane that UBT Shiv Sena's Nashik unit chief Sudhakar Badgujar had partied with fugitive terrorist Dawood Ibrahim's aide and 1993 bomb blast convict Salim Kutta recently at his farmhouse in Nashik. "The SIT will probe Badgujar's links with Dawood's close aide and others who were at the party. It will also find out who is protecting people like Badgujar," said deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. http://dlvr.it/T0C9T1

Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first-time MLA, was sworn in as the 14th chief minister of Rajasthan in the presence of PM Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, and others at Albert Hall in Jaipur. Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa were sworn in as deputy CMs in a 13-minute ceremony presided over by governor Kalraj Mishra. Before the ceremony, Sharma washed his parents' feet and received their blessings. The celebration marked Sharma's 57th birthday. Union ministers, CMs of six states, and former Rajasthan CMs were in attendance. http://dlvr.it/T0C9Kq

The NIA arrested two accused and seized an Indian Army uniform, arms and ammunition, and other incriminating materials during raids at 23 places across four states in a PLFI extortion and levy collection case. The arrested individuals are linked to the cadres of PLFI, a banned terror organization in Jharkhand. The raids were conducted in Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and New Delhi. The investigations revealed that the PLFI cadres were involved in generating funds through extortion and were conspiring to commit various terrorist activities. http://dlvr.it/T0BfyQ

Opposition continues protests in Parliament demanding home minister Amit Shah's statement on security breach in LS; strict action against BJP MP Pratap Simha who provided passes to intruders; prospect of prolonged blockade in short winter session; government accused of deliberately stoking situation to pass legislation without discussion; opposition debates whether to allow bills on criminal laws to be passed in din; anger expressed at government's refusal to acknowledge breach and make light of BJP MP's actions; suspension of opposition MPs criticized as endangering national security. http://dlvr.it/T08mfm

Joining celebrations on the second anniversary of the launch of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said the significance of Kashi’s development went beyond brick-and-mortar structures, and represented the “resurrection of India’s civilisational glory”. The PM’s “civilisational resurrection” remark was seen in the light of historic anecdotes about the destruction of Adi Visheshwar Mandir, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Kashi Vishwanath Dham has become one of the top pilgrimage spots in India as a record 12.9 crore devotees visited the shrine in two years. http://dlvr.it/T08mTq

A male elephant and a calf were hit by a speeding train when the pachyderms were trying to cross a railway track and move towards the Gaula range of the Terai eastern forest division. While the male jumbo, around 20 years old, died, the calf, roughly eight years old, sustained critical injuries. The incident occurred around 3am on Thursday near the Lalkuan-Bareilly railway section. Forest range officer of Gaula range initiated a rescue operation and a team reached the spot and transported the injured calf to Lalkuan for medical care. http://dlvr.it/T08mJz

Farmers and leaders of three khaps held a panchayat in support of Neelam Verma who was arrested for breaching Parliament security. The panchayat called for Neelam's release, dropping of charges under the anti-terror law, and objective media coverage. Neelam has no criminal record and was advocating for the marginalized. The panchayat and khap members offered legal assistance and vowed to take major decisions if Neelam is not released. The Majra Khap spokesperson mentioned that Neelam was not associated with any party. http://dlvr.it/T08m9v

CM appeals to government employee unions not to strike on the issue of old pension scheme. The issue will be resolved during the budget session in Mumbai. Subodh Kumar committee appointed for OPS implementation. Government firm on financial and social security of retiring employees. Important decisions taken as per demands of organizations. Proposal to include notified posts advertised before May 31, 2005. Meeting held regarding payment of additional pension to pensioners above 80 years, increase in retirement/death gratuity limit, and reduction of pension period. http://dlvr.it/T08Cjz

An 11-year-old boy died in a blast while attempting to dismantle explosive material acquired from an army firing range in Saharanpur’s Mirzapur area on Wednesday morning. This marks the second such fatality in two weeks.The incident took place on a farm in Shahpur Gadha village, and the boy, Hanif Ahmad, lost his life on the spot. http://dlvr.it/T06HNd

Neelam Verma, a qualified teacher with HTET eligibility and MA, MPhil, and BEd degrees, remains jobless despite her qualifications. She has been involved in various protests and activism, including the farmers' agitation and the fight for the rights of female wrestlers. Recently, she was arrested for protesting outside Parliament. Neelam, known as 'Krantikari Ladki,' comes from a backward class and has been working for the underprivileged. Unemployment is a cause close to her heart, and she has even exposed an MGNREGA scam. http://dlvr.it/T06H7W

Amol Shinde, who wanted to join the Army or the police, was arrested in connection with the Lok Sabha security breach. He is from Zari Budruk village in Latur district. His parents, who are farm workers, had last heard from him when he said he was in Delhi for a police recruitment drive. Amol's family lives in a small house allotted to them as Scheduled Caste beneficiaries of a government housing scheme. He has an elder brother who works as a mason in the big cities. State home minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered that Amol's family be questioned. http://dlvr.it/T06Gxl

India rejected a statement issued by the general secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Supreme Court judgment on J&K saying it is both ill informed and ill intended. “That OIC does so at the behest of a serial violater of human rights and an unrepentant promoter of cross-border terrorism makes its action even more questionable. Such statements only undermine OIC’s credibility,” said the external affairs ministry spokesperson without naming Pakistan. http://dlvr.it/T06Gr8

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday said through India's G20 Presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated his resolve to make climate action a collaborative process that 'leaves no one behind'. Addressing the COP28 closing plenary session ,the Union minister said the world came together at the event for climate action. "Through its G20 Presidency steered by PM Modi , India displayed the resolve to make climate action a collaborative process that leaves no one behind," Yadav said. http://dlvr.it/T05kRd

Ravi Uppal's arrest in Dubai is a significant development in the Mahadev Book online case. The allegation of Rs 500 crore in bribes given to Congress politicians by the promoters of the online betting platform became a major issue in the Chhattisgarh elections. BJP used it to criticize the ruling party, and the PM's statement resonated throughout the campaign. The ED had arrested Asim Das with Rs 5 crore cash, and he confessed that it was to be delivered to politician 'Baghel' and sent by Mahadev App promoters Chandrakar and Uppal. http://dlvr.it/T03Xfb

Jammu & Kashmir has implemented new service rules, allowing the dismissal of government employees if their family members are involved in terrorism. The rules also include denial of passports and debarment from government jobs and contracts to curb terrorism. Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the government's hardline approach, including 'area domination' by armed forces, has led to a significant decrease in cases of stone-pelting. Shah also revealed that terrorists are buried quietly to prevent their graves from becoming rallying points. These measures were implemented after the removal of Article 370 and are considered policy decisions. http://dlvr.it/T03XJX

The Umarkhed police Monday night registered an FIR under IPC sections 124A (sedition), 153A (promoting enmity), and 505(2) (creating hatred or ill will) against Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Sanjay Raut for an objectionable article against PM Modi printed in a column in Saamna newspaper on December 10. The complaint was lodged by former Yavatmal zilla parishad president and coordinator of BJP Nitin Bhutada, who said Raut had no reason to attack PM Modi, and that BJP activists across the country will not tolerate such uncalled for remarks. http://dlvr.it/T03X0Y

A suspected serial killer, masquerading as a real estate agent and self-proclaimed treasure hunter, was arrested recently for allegedly murdering 11 people in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka since 2020 while duping them of their money and property. The macabre spree of deception and treachery was revealed after the wife of a missing realtor filed a police complaint, raising suspicions about the killer. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to a trail of 11 murders over the past four years, targeting victims who entrusted their wealth to him in search of hidden treasures. http://dlvr.it/T03Wmq

The BJP surprised everyone by choosing new chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Instead of selecting top contenders Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vasundhara Raje, and Raman Singh, the party opted for Mohan Yadav, Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Vishnu Deo Sai. This decision seems to be a part of the BJP's larger strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, aiming to balance caste equations and prevent the opposition's use of caste as a weapon. This also marks the end of an era of chief ministers chosen during the time of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani. http://dlvr.it/T03ClW

A 30-year-old woman was raped in a moving train in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district. She managed to escape, half-clad and bare feet, after the horrific ordeal. The suspect, 22-year-old Kamlesh Kushwaha, locked himself up in an empty AC coach and was arrested by cops after a three-hour pursuit. The survivor had boarded a passenger train at Katni railway station and was to travel till Unchehra in Satna district. The woman was raped three times during the 40km journey to Maihar. http://dlvr.it/T00zzm

Mohan Yadav, the CM-designate of Madhya Pradesh, is skilled in stick and sword fighting. He has a law degree, an MBA, and a PhD in political science. Yadav is a three-time MLA and a strong Hindutva voice with a background in the RSS. He included Ramcharitmanas as an optional chapter for undergraduate students in philosophy. Yadav's interest in local development issues earned him the post of Ujjain Development Authority chairperson. http://dlvr.it/T00zlH

Reeling from BJP's wins in the Hindi heartland, the INDIA bloc is now faced with the issue of SC verdict on Article 370. Congress, concerned about engaging with the issue, suggests moving on, while J&K parties express disappointment. Shiv Sena welcomes the ruling, indicating a potential convergence within the INDIA bloc. The opposition's safety-first stance is driven by BJP's wins and the upcoming Ram Temple inauguration. The issue of J&K is likely to be discussed and a joint statement may be issued, focusing on the restoration of statehood. http://dlvr.it/T00zZF

Former MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, an OBC, is replaced by Mohan Yadav, who can help BJP gain support among fellow Yadavs in UP, Bihar, and Haryana. Yadav, head of state Olympic and wrestling associations, is skilled in wielding swords, holds sway in Ujjain, made 'Ramcharitmanas' optional in colleges, and linked degrees to planting saplings. The decision may impact the Raje camp in Rajasthan BJP and push Congress to make changes in MP unit. BJP has been promoting non-upper caste leaders since 2003. http://dlvr.it/T00zQ4

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari criticized consultants and officials for accepting faulty detailed project reports (DPRs) that lead to road crashes and fatalities. He called for holding both parties accountable and filing cases against them for their deficiencies. Gadkari launched a study on road safety practices in India, which highlighted successful interventions that have reduced road fatalities. The report also mentioned examples such as the National Highway-48, Belgaum-Yaragatti highway, and the Sabarimala Safe Zone. http://dlvr.it/T00gxF

Vishnu Deo Sai, who was named the next CM of Chhattisgarh, had received hints of his promotion from the BJP central leadership during the poll campaign. Union home minister Amit Shah had urged voters to support Sai and promised to help him reach greater heights. The BJP's victory in the tribal-dominated Sarguja district was attributed to Shah's pitch. Sai, who will be the first tribal Hindu CM of Chhattisgarh, has prioritized fulfilling PM Modi's guarantees, including providing houses to poor families and paying pending bonuses to farmers. http://dlvr.it/SzycwN

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Telangana's Congress government successfully inaugurated the 'Praja Darbar', a people's court, which received 5,402 petitions in just two days. The Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, personally accepted complaints on the inaugural day. The grievances included housing, revenue, pensions, Aasara pension, health, and job-related pleas. The 'Praja Darbar' may become a regular event, with the CM attending twice a week and ministers also receiving grievances. A grievance cell and a portal will be created, and acknowledgements are already being sent to the mobiles of those who submitted grievances. http://dlvr.it/Szycfz

Caste-based groups like Rajputs, Jats, Brahmins, and Gujjars are rallying behind their leaders to secure cabinet berths in the new government in Rajasthan. Rajput bodies are demanding a Rajput chief minister and more ministerial seats for the community. The Brahmin community also seeks representation, with 10 Brahmins winning the polls. The Jat community, being the largest in the state, expects at least five Jats in the ministry and is pushing for a Jat CM. Kirori Lal Meena's name is trending as a potential CM candidate. http://dlvr.it/SzycYY

Quota activist Manoj Jarange accuses Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal of trying to trigger unrest by creating a rift between Marathas and OBCs. Jarange demands blanket Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates for Marathas. Jarange addresses rally in Ausa town, Latur district. Jarange sets December 24 deadline for state government to act on his demand for reservation. Bhujbal opposes plan to include Marathas in OBC community. Jarange has been demanding that blanket Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates be given to members of the Maratha community. http://dlvr.it/SzyPMc

New currency counting machines have been pressed into service after the units that were being used broke down, hampering the counting of cash seized at various locations, allegedly linked to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu, in the income tax department's search operations in Odisha and Jharkhand. The total cash seizure, income tax department sources said, could reach the Rs 300 crore mark once counting is completed in the next two to three days. Gold and silver jewellery weighing nearly 17 kgs have also been seized. http://dlvr.it/SzwvvP

A 45-year-old man, Raju Chavan, was sentenced by a Magistrate's Court for repeatedly touching a woman's bottom on a Churchgate-bound local train in Mumbai. The court held that the offence was heinous and refused to let the accused off on a bond of good behaviour. The accused initially apologized but repeated the act, leading to a confrontation and the involvement of the woman's brother. The defence's claim of another passenger's involvement was dismissed by the magistrate. http://dlvr.it/Szwvnz

Amit Chaudhary, wrongly accused of murder in Meerut, studied law to prove his innocence. He faced charges as part of the notorious Kail gang. Chaudhary endured two years in jail and resisted involvement in criminal activities. Recently, the court exonerated Chaudhary and 13 others due to lack of evidence. Meanwhile, the real orchestrators faced different fates: Sumit Kail was killed in an encounter, Neetu received a life sentence, and Dharmendra died of cancer. Despite shattered dreams, Chaudhary now wants to pursue a PhD in criminal justice and fight for the unfortunate ones. http://dlvr.it/SzwvfS

There was bloodshed many times in the establishment of religion, which is a lesson for us from history so that in future “dharma ka sthapana” can happen without violence, said general secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Dattatreya Hosabale, on Saturday at the Ambedkar International Center in Delhi. Building around the grand opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January 2024, a large number of events and contents are being created to celebrate this landmark occasion in the history of India. http://dlvr.it/Szwj7m

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has said that most states have not fully utilized funds received under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the 15th Finance Commission. This comes after NGT going through the reports filed by Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and others, stated that the reports reflect that the implementation of comprehensive mitigation measures for the prevention, control, and reduction of air pollution in Indian cities have not been followed by the states. http://dlvr.it/SzwhxK

BJP appoints Rajnath Singh, Manohar Lal Khattar, and Arjun Munda as central observers for the election of legislature party leaders in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh respectively. Singh, along with Saroj Pandey and Vinod Tawde, will observe the meeting in Rajasthan, indicating a potential leadership change. Khattar will be joined by K Laxman and Asha Lakra for the Madhya Pradesh meeting, while Sarbananda Sonowal and Dushwant Kumar Gautam will observe the Chhattisgarh meeting with Munda. The party aims to pick an OBC or tribal leader in Chhattisgarh and considers women-led development as a priority. http://dlvr.it/Szv3px

Former IPS officer Lalduhoma, a maverick who led his fledgling party to a famous electoral victory against Zoramthanga's MNF, was sworn in on Friday as the CM of a 12-member Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government in Mizoram that includes the state's first woman minister of cabinet rank in 61-year-old Lalrinpuii. The new government has seven cabinet ministers and four ministers of state. Lalfamkima was appointed pro-tem speaker of the 40-member assembly. http://dlvr.it/Szv3g2

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The BJP on Friday said Mahua Moitra's expulsion from the Lok Sabha was an "apt decision" and that there was no ground left for the TMC leader to remain an MP as there was proof of the "bribe-for-query" allegations levelled against her. The Lok Sabha on Friday expelled Moitra after the House adopted the report of its Ethics Committee that held her guilty of sharing her Parliament login credentials with others and accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a Dubai-based businessman to ask questions in the Lower House in his favour. http://dlvr.it/Sztmhr

The Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed central observers for the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh to select the Chief Ministers. The observers include Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Tribal Minister Arjun Munda, and others. They will meet the newly elected MLAs before making the announcement. The BJP secured decisive victories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, but has faced criticism for the delay in naming the Chief Ministers. http://dlvr.it/SztmTy

Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expresses pain and displeasure over opposition targeting him for his extended namaste to PM Narendra Modi. Defending his gesture, Dhankhar explains that he bows his head and greets people with folded hands out of his nature and desire to maintain humility. Dhankhar emphasizes that bowing while greeting is part of our cultural heritage and contributes to maintaining the dignity of the office. http://dlvr.it/Szrdh3

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave points out irregularity in listing of sensitive matters in an open letter to the Chief Justice of India. Supreme Court Bar Association president Adish C Aggarwala expresses full faith and confidence in Justice D Y Chandrachud's neutrality and administrative skill. Aggarwala defends the assignment of cases, stating it is not open to question. He calls Dave's letter malicious and calculated to embarrass the administration, urging the CJI to ignore such pressure tactics. http://dlvr.it/SzrdTr

Revanth Reddy became the first Congress chief minister of Telangana. The official residence of the CM, Pragathi Bhavan, had its iron gates and barricades removed. Revanth, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and 10 other ministers took the oath of office at L B Stadium. Prominent Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi attended the swearing-in ceremony. The first cabinet meeting approved the six guarantees promised by Congress during the election campaign. http://dlvr.it/SzrdKR

Senior Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao on Thursday said that the Revanth Reddy-led government in Telangana should fulfil six guarantees made before the elections to the people of the southern state as they have been waiting for the last 10 years. "Our priority should be to fulfil six declarations after that other issues can be taken up because people are expecting those declarations promised by Sonia Gandhi...People have been waiting for the last 10 years. They are suffering like anything... even farmers, workers, labourers, unemployed youth," the Congress leader said. http://dlvr.it/SzrKLx

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