News Postcard

http://dlvr.it/T1StTn

In a significant victory against Naxal insurgents, security forces engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with Maoists in the dense forests of Mangnar under the Barsoor police station area. The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of 31-yr-old Ratan Kashyap alias Salam, a resident of Gothiya under Malewahi police station area of Bastar, and a notorious Todma Militia Platoon Deputy Commander and Amdai Area Committee Member, who had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head. http://dlvr.it/T1StFk

http://dlvr.it/T1Ssvh

Domestic air travel in India surpassed pre-Covid levels, with 15.2 crore domestic air travelers in 2023, the highest ever recorded. IndiGo had a market share of 60.5%, while the combined market share of Tata group airlines was 26%. December had the highest monthly air traffic at 13.8 million, and Akasa Air had the highest passenger load factor at 93.9%. DGCA data shows over 3.6 lakh domestic passengers faced flight delays last month and airlines spent over Rs 5.4 crore on their "facilitation." http://dlvr.it/T1QwHy

A parking dispute in Bihar's Aurangabad district escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in four deaths, including a bystander, and leaving two others critically injured. The incident unfolded when members of a group fired at a shopkeeper who objected to their parking in Nabinagar area, inadvertently hitting a bystander. The angered villagers then lynched three individuals from the car, causing immediate deaths, and two others are in critical condition. The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. http://dlvr.it/T1QwBc

IndiGo passengers violated aviation safety and security norms by using the apron as a dining area after their flight was delayed and diverted. The passengers refused to go to the terminal building and sat on the apron, eating and chatting. This incident raises concerns about apron safety in the aviation industry. http://dlvr.it/T1QQxR

Irregularities in the multi-crore scam at Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank were allegedly carried out under the direction of leaders from the ruling CPI(M) party, according to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED, currently investigating the fraud, informed the Kerala High Court on Monday that their investigation revealed that "many of the accused are office-bearers and members of the ruling political party CPI(M) and there was a deep-rooted conspiracy to embezzle money from the public and benefit the party and its leaders." http://dlvr.it/T1QQcw

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Congress member and former Punjab forest minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot on Monday under anti-money laundering laws in connection with an alleged forest fraud in the state, according to official sources. The inquiry focuses on charges of "bribery" in the state forest department over the issuing of tree felling permits and transfer/posting in the department, among other allegations. http://dlvr.it/T1QQCh

A person cannot be deprived of the right to live with dignity merely because that person is convicted, said Calcutta high court in a case where a woman’s request for premature release of her husband — serving a life sentence — was dismissed by the West Bengal State Sentence Review Board, reports Aheli Banerjee. Ordering the Board to reconsider the woman’s request, Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya said the petitioner’s husband has already spent a considerable period behind bars and there cannot be a double punishment by refusing to reintegrate him into mainstream society. http://dlvr.it/T1NXgD

The initial deadline for DRDO’s Tapas project was August 2016, but there were multiple problems with the increase in the UAV’s “all-up weight” to an unwieldy 2,850kg as well the imported engine and payload issues, which led to several time overruns and cost revision to Rs 1,786 crore. The Tapas-BH (tactical aerial platform for advanced surveillance-beyond horizon) or Tapas-201 drone did clock around 200 flights, which also saw at least two crashes, but could not meet the preliminary services qualitative requirements (PSQRs) that specified “essential and desirable” parameters. http://dlvr.it/T1NXYT

India and Maldives held extensive talks on Sunday to find out a "mutually workable solution" after President Muizzu requested New Delhi to withdraw all troops from the archipelago by March 15. During the meeting, both sides discussed a mutual solution that will enable continued operation of the Indian military platforms in the island nation."Both sides also held discussions on finding a mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives," the MEA said. http://dlvr.it/T1N8rb

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former minister Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday alleged that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was taking ‘a personal entourage of almost 50 people to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) this week. He alleged that not spouses, children of ministers and officials were travelling and asked if this was ‘actually a holiday.’ On Saturday NCP MLA Rohit Pawar had slammed the Shinde-Fadnavis government for spending Rs 42 crores on foreign trips in 2023. Rohit revealed that in 2023, the MIDC had spent a whopping Rs 32 crore on the WEF event in Davos last year. http://dlvr.it/T1N8cJ

http://dlvr.it/T1N8HP

When Venkat Raman confronted his estranged wife Suchana Seth on Saturday with the accusation that she had murdered their four-year-old son, she defiantly said he was responsible for her plight. "Raman asked Suchana why she had killed their son. She outrightly denied doing that and blamed him for her condition. Suchana told Raman that while she is in police custody, he is free. In turn, Raman asked her if she had not killed their son, then how had he died? Both vented their frustrations," a cop said. http://dlvr.it/T1LhPW

The Life Insurance Corporation of India has informed stock exchanges that it has received a refund order for Rs 25,464 crore, but faces three income tax demand orders which could result in an outgo of Rs 2,765 crore, which it will contest with the IT commissioner. The refund will come as a boost for policyholders and shareholders. The refund order comprises principal amount and interest. While the principal tax amount is currently reckoned as a receivable in the corporation's books and will not impact the balance sheet or the current year's financials. http://dlvr.it/T1LhJY

http://dlvr.it/T1LVJ5

http://dlvr.it/T1LV3d

Stating that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi is more of an ideological journey than an electoral one, the Congress emphasized on Saturday that it is a response to the perceived injustices of the 10-year period under the Narendra Modi government. Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary, highlighted that the nation's primary challenge lies in confronting an ideology that advocates polarization, economic disparities, and political authoritarianism. The Congress justified the yatra, stating it is a response to the government's failure to provide an opportunity to address people's concerns in Parliament. http://dlvr.it/T1LTny

A cancer patient died allegedly due to a disruption in oxygen supply caused by a power cut at the MDM Hospital here early Friday. The patient was on a ventilator in the hospital's trauma centre, allegedly among the facilities affected by the power cut around 4am. http://dlvr.it/T1JtXF

The Army is shifting out the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) battalion involved in the alleged custodial torture and death of three civilians in J&K's Poonch last month, while three parallel inquiries are underway into the entire episode that has rocked the 12-lakh strong force. The 48 RR unit is being replaced by another RR battalion following the incident, which has led to a major uproar in the region, as well as setbacks in counter-terrorism operations & continuing command and control issues, sources told TOI on Friday. http://dlvr.it/T1JtQg

Upbraiding the city's civic administration for its vigorous opposition to a petition by a doctor who challenged a cantilevered stack parking for cars in a suburban society building for constricting the path for fire engine entry, Bombay high court on Friday said, “We know of no principle in law by which the fire safety of those living in buildings of less than 13 floors can be said to be less important than those living in highrises.’’ http://dlvr.it/T1Jc24

A young housewife who was returning back to her native along with her husband on a bike on Friday, was killed in a road mishap on the Tirumala ghat road.​The deceased was identified as Dasari Jyoti, a resident of Yerragada street at Macherla in Guntur district.Jyoti and her husband Shiva completed their darshan at Tirumala and were returning back to their hometown in a bike.When they were moving near the 16th hairpin bend on the down ghat road, they were hit by an APSRTC bus and Jyoti sustained severe head injury in the accident. http://dlvr.it/T1JbhH

State government promises to revise wages of Anganwadi workers and helpers in July. Group of Ministers holds talks with striking workers unions. Government advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy says government has resolved 9 out of 10 demands, promises to increase salaries in July after YS Jagan Mohan Reddy resumes power after elections. ​​Speaking to the media late on Friday night, the state government advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said that the government had been very positive and restraint with regard to the Anganwadi workers strike. http://dlvr.it/T1JbQ8

http://dlvr.it/T1GRw1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Atal Setu, or Mumbai Trans Habour Link (MTHL), by traveling on the sea-bridge. The 21.8km MTHL will primarily help people travelling between south Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The sea-bridge will, as of now, primarily help people travelling between south Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, cutting the journey short. http://dlvr.it/T1GRls

Highlighting the shift towards a paperless Supreme Court, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stressed on Thursday that the objective extends beyond environmental concerns, aiming to enhance the efficiency, seamlessness, and accountability of our judicial processes. Additionally, CJI Chandrachud officially opened the Consultation Room and the Arbitration Room in the Supreme Court today. In the preceding year, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud declared that the Supreme Court had implemented free Wi-Fi access in Courts 1-5 and would soon extend this service to bar rooms. http://dlvr.it/T1G8WM

The Ministry of Urban Development served a second notice to Mahua Moitra, a leader of Trinamool Congress, to vacate the government house. Moitra has to reply by January 16. She had sought the quashing of the notice in Delhi High Court after being expelled from Lok Sabha in the 'cash-for-query' case. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on January 3 asked the Secretary General of Lok Sabha to file a response to a plea of Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra challenging her expulsion from Lok Sabha in a cash-for-query case. http://dlvr.it/T1G883

http://dlvr.it/T1G7wv

http://dlvr.it/T1CycT

http://dlvr.it/T1CyPm

http://dlvr.it/T1CfRH

http://dlvr.it/T1Cf4R

The RJD launched the 'Karyakarta Samwad' programme to make people aware of the anti-people policy of the Narendra Modi government and the achievements of the state government. They covered 13 districts in the first phase and plan to cover the remaining districts in the second phase. RJD leaders informed the masses about the failure to control inflation, provide youth employment, and address atrocities on women. They also discussed the weakening of democracy and the caste survey done by the state government. RJD ministers attended the programme to boost party morale. http://dlvr.it/T1Cds6

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari criticized engineers and officers for bidding out projects without sufficient land, causing delays and disputes. He also blamed consultants for preparing imperfect detailed project reports (DPRs). Gadkari mentioned that government officers have contributed to bankruptcies of some companies by not making decisions, leading to halted work. He emphasized the importance of high-quality DPRs and suggested raising the cost of preparing them to save construction costs and reduce litigation in the sector. http://dlvr.it/T198tR

Pilibhit district, which only has 42% of the assigned number of health and wellness centers (HCWs), will soon get new centres under the 'National Health Mission'.Meanwhile, a refresher course has been launched for the community health officers (CHOs) posted at the 169 centres operating in the district.Pilibhit Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Alok Kumar said that the central government had decided each health and wellness centre would serve a population of 5,000 people. http://dlvr.it/T198VW

The father of the four-year-old boy who was killed by his mother in Goa, returned to India from Jakarta on Tuesday evening on learning about his child's murder, police said. The man, Venkat Raman, arrived at Chitradurga in Karnataka, and gave his consent to the local authorities to conduct a post-mortem on his son's body, they said. ​​The child was allegedly smothered to death by his mother, Suchana Seth, who is the chief executive officer (CEO) of an Artificial Intelligence start-up. http://dlvr.it/T19863

http://dlvr.it/T197kv

http://dlvr.it/T197Vc

Abdulla Mausoom, former tourism minister of Maldives, criticizes the 'unnecessary' social media posts by ministers of the new government that caused outrage and #boycottmaldives to trend. He emphasizes that these posts are no longer personal as they represent the government and country. Mausoom highlights the strong bond between India and Maldives under former President Solih's government, including the travel bubble arrangement that made India the top source market. He stresses the importance of safeguarding the import-dependent and tourism-reliant industries and expresses hope for the return of Indian tourists in larger numbers. http://dlvr.it/T16gc0

The government has completed 100% acquisition of land for the high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, after a lengthy process. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that 1,389.5 hectares of land have been acquired in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) has made progress in pier casting and girder launching, with the first trial run scheduled for August 2026. The government has maintained that the execution of the bullet train project has been impacted due to delay in land acquisition in Maharashtra and consequent delays in finalisation of contracts. http://dlvr.it/T16gFF

http://dlvr.it/T16fqc

http://dlvr.it/T16fTz

The scheme for the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration has been restructured this year to recognize the performance of district collectors through targeted individual beneficiaries and implementation of flagship government programs. There will be two categories of awards: 'holistic development of districts' and 'innovations by officers.' The awards aim to encourage last-mile delivery, saturation approach, and citizen centricity. The evaluation process includes short-listing by a screening committee, evaluation by an expert committee, and approval by the Prime Minister. http://dlvr.it/T16fGC

http://dlvr.it/T14Rcl

http://dlvr.it/T14RJs

http://dlvr.it/T14R52

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the closure of 25,000 shops selling meat and fish in the open over the last 25 days. This decision was made in line with Yadav's directive to ban the sale of meat and fish in open places in the state. Yadav emphasized that the development work in Madhya Pradesh will continue without compromise. He also highlighted the significance of Ujjain, where Lord Krishna acquired knowledge in 64 arts and from where Sanghamitra and Mahendra propagated Buddhism. http://dlvr.it/T14Qyj

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak and Delhi cabinet ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj will participate in the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday to discuss seat sharing, party sources said. According to party sources, the INDIA bloc will meet in Delhi on Monday to discuss seat sharing. "Pathak, Atishi and Bharadwaj will attend the meeting on behalf of AAP," the source said. The AAP and Congress have to work out a seat-sharing formula in Delhi and Punjab where the Arvind Kejriwal-led party is in power. http://dlvr.it/T14Qqh

Condemning the deaths caused in elephant attack in the Surguja district, Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij has demanded from the BJP government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation to the kin of deceased stating that it’s because of tree-felling exercise going on in Hasdeo forest regions that wild animals get aggressive and attack people. ​Raising the issue of human-elephant conflict in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district where a a man Shivcharan, 40, from Pahadi Korwa community was killed in elephant attack, Deepak Baij said that the responsibility of those answerable for the incident should be fixed. http://dlvr.it/T12pFS

The Income Tax (I-T) department froze the bank account of Mahila Utkarsh Pratishthan trust headed by Shiv Sena (CM Eknath Shinde camp) MP Bhavna Gawali for a Rs 8.26 crore tax demand. I-T issued a notice to the branch manager of a nationalised bank at Wasim where the trust has its account. Earlier the I-T investigation wing had summoned the trustees for explanation on tax evasion. http://dlvr.it/T12p06