Navratri 2024: Meaning Behind the Tradition of Performing Garba

Navratri is a significant Hindu festival, celebrated over nine nights, honouring the goddess Durga and her different forms. One of the prominent traditions during Navratri, especially in Gujarat and parts of Western India, is the performance of Garba, a vibrant folk dance.

Garba is derived from the Sanskrit word "Garbha," meaning womb. Traditionally, Garba is performed around a centrally placed earthen pot or garbo with a lit lamp inside. This pot represents the womb of the universe, symbolising life and fertility.

Garba is a devotional dance in which dancers move in circular patterns around a lit pot, symbolising the cyclical nature of life, birth, and death. The continuous movement in a circle reflects the unbroken cycle of time.

The festival of Navratri is dedicated to the nine forms of the goddess Durga, that represent power, protection, and the triumph of good over evil. Performing Garba is a way of expressing devotion and seeking the goddess’s blessings.

Apart from its religious significance, Garba is also a time for community bonding. People from all walks of life come together, dressed in colourful traditional attire, to dance and celebrate.

While Garba was initially performed as a spiritual and cultural activity, it has evolved into a large-scale, energetic celebration, often accompanied by modern music and elaborate choreography. 

A 45-year-old school bus driver from Pune sexually assaulted two minors in a moving bus on September 30, a police official said on Thursday. A case has been registered against the bus driver under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and POCSO act, reported ANI.

The Pune City police senior official said, “A case under BNS section 64,65 (2) and relevant sections of the POCSO act has been registered against the 45-year-old school bus driver at Wanwadi police station on 2nd October. Further investigation is underway.”&nbsp;

The bus driver from a reputed school in Pune city sexually assaulted two six-year-old female students on the bus when they were returning home after attending school in the Wanwadi area of the city.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-drug-bust-how-police-cracked-biggest-ever-cocaine-haul-targeted-at-college-students-businessmen-764106">Delhi drug bust: How police cracked biggest-ever cocaine haul targeted at college students, businessmen</a>

One of the girls shared her ordeal about the misconduct by the driver, identified as Sanjay Reddy, with her mother.

“The accused allegedly touched the private parts of both the victims when they were returning home from the school. One of the girl students later narrated the incident to her mother, who informed the school authorities,” PTI quoted Wanwadi police official as saying.&nbsp;

The charges levied under BNS and sections of the POCSO Act include 64 (punishment for rape) and 65 (2) (punishment for rape of a woman under twelve years of age).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-withdraws-prohibitory-orders-against-gatherings-centre-tells-supreme-court-764197">Delhi police withdraw prohibitory orders against gatherings, Centre tells Supreme Court</a>

This incident comes two months after a sweeper allegedly assaulted two four-year-old girls in a school in Thane’s Badlapur. The accused, identified as Akshay Shinde, was later killed in an encounter when he tried&nbsp;to attack the police on September 23.&nbsp;

On Sunday evening, the body of the accused was buried at the Shantinagar crematorium in Thane district's Ulhasnagar amid massive protests from local residents and organisations. His burial took place around 6:00 pm under heavy police presence.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A 45-year-old school bus driver from Pune sexually assaulted two minors in a moving bus on September 30, a police official said on Thursday. A case has been registered against the bus driver under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and POCSO act, reported ANI.

A 45-year-old school bus driver from Pune sexually assaulted two minors in a moving bus on September 30, a police official said on Thursday. A case has been registered against the bus driver under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and POCSO act, reported ANI. The Pune City police senior official said, “A case under BNS section 64,65 (2) and relevant sections of the POCSO act has been registered against the 45-year-old school bus driver at Wanwadi police station on 2nd October. Further investigation is underway.” The bus driver from a reputed school in Pune city sexually assaulted two six-year-old female students on the bus when they were returning home after attending school in the Wanwadi area of the city. Also Read | Delhi drug bust: How police cracked biggest-ever cocaine haul targeted at college students, businessmen One of the girls shared her ordeal about the misconduct by the driver, identified as Sanjay Reddy, with her mother. “The accused allegedly touched the private parts of both the victims when they were returning home from the school. One of the girl students later narrated the incident to her mother, who informed the school authorities,” PTI quoted Wanwadi police official as saying. The charges levied under BNS and sections of the POCSO Act include 64 (punishment for rape) and 65 (2) (punishment for rape of a woman under twelve years of age). Also Read | Delhi police withdraw prohibitory orders against gatherings, Centre tells Supreme Court This incident comes two months after a sweeper allegedly assaulted two four-year-old girls in a school in Thane’s Badlapur. The accused, identified as Akshay Shinde, was later killed in an encounter when he tried to attack the police on September 23. On Sunday evening, the body of the accused was buried at the Shantinagar crematorium in Thane district's Ulhasnagar amid massive protests from local residents and organisations. His burial took place around 6:00 pm under heavy police presence. (With inputs from agencies)

Pune school driver sexually assaults two minors in moving bus; girl shares ordeal with mother

Police busted the biggest-ever drug haul in Delhi worth Rs 5,820 crore (approx. $687 million) on Wednesday in the city’s Mahipalpur Extension. The drugs, Grade-A Colombian cocaine, with an overall weight of 602 kg were seized by Delhi police’s special cell on October 2. Four of the key members of the cartel, including one person in India, have been arrested.

The drugs — 562 kg of cocaine (estimated to be worth ₹5,620 crores (approx. $667 million) in the international market) and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana (valued at ₹200 crores) — were seized in an operation.&nbsp;

The four arrested persons have been&nbsp;identified as&nbsp;Tushar Goyal, 40, Himanshu Kumar, 27, Aurangzeb Siddiqui, 23, and Bharat Kumar Jain, 48&nbsp;in the case so far.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-alleges-congress-link-to-the-record-667-million-drug-seizure-in-delhi-764088">BJP alleges Congress link to record $667 million drug bust in Delhi</a>

A senior officer of the Special Cell, which worked on the case for the past two months, said they are exploring all possible angles in their investigation, including that of “narco-terror”.

The cocaine was found stockpiled at a godown in Mahipalpur and was meant to be supplied at four big upcoming concerts and music festivals in Delhi, Mumbai and Goa between October 2024 and March 2025, police sources said.&nbsp;

Watch |Unconventional drug use on the rise

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unconventional-drug-use-on-the-rise-678345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The cocaine was smuggled into Delhi by road from various States and the marijuana was brought in through the aerial route from Phuket, Thailand, confirmed police. The police also said that the accused traded in cryptocurrency to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.

<h3>College students and rich businessmen were targets</h3>

The kingpin of the module has been located in Dubai and an operation is underway to nab him and bring him back to India, the sources said.&nbsp;

The cartel has been smuggling cocaine from Latin and Central American nations such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Mexico. College students, working professionals and rich businessmen in Delhi and Mumbai were targets for the supply of drugs.

<h2>How Special Cell nabbed, raided the biggest-ever drug haul</h2>

A senior officer of the Special Cell received a tip-off from a central agency in August about a man named Tushar Goyal, stashing drugs at his godown in Mahipalpur Extension. After the intel, a team of 40 officers led by additional CP (special cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha worked for over three months, identifying and zeroing members of the gang and keeping their activities under discreet surveillance.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-activist-sonam-wangchuk-released-from-detention-to-meet-pm-modi-or-president-soon-764032">India: Activist Sonam Wangchuk released from detention; to meet PM Modi or president soon</a>

“We tracked his movements to identify everyone he met and dealt with. After nearly two months of constant surveillance, we felt we had gathered enough information. So, on October 1, we decided to carry out the raid,” said the officer.

The Special Cell subsequently nabbed Goyal and Jain. The latter had come from Mumbai to buy 15 kg of cocaine from Goyal at his three-storey godown. The police found the contraband concealed in plastic packets on the top floor. The building was used by Goyal’s father, who runs a publishing business, to store books, said the officer.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police busted the biggest-ever drug haul in Delhi worth Rs 5,820 crore (approx. $687 million) on Wednesday in the city’s Mahipalpur Extension. The drugs, Grade-A Colombian cocaine, with an overall weight of 602 kg were seized by Delhi police’s special cell on October 2.

Police busted the biggest-ever drug haul in Delhi worth Rs 5,820 crore (approx. $687 million) on Wednesday in the city’s Mahipalpur Extension. The drugs, Grade-A Colombian cocaine, with an overall weight of 602 kg were seized by Delhi police’s special cell on October 2. Four of the key members of the cartel, including one person in India, have been arrested. The drugs — 562 kg of cocaine (estimated to be worth ₹5,620 crores (approx. $667 million) in the international market) and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana (valued at ₹200 crores) — were seized in an operation. The four arrested persons have been identified as Tushar Goyal, 40, Himanshu Kumar, 27, Aurangzeb Siddiqui, 23, and Bharat Kumar Jain, 48 in the case so far. Also Read | BJP alleges Congress link to record $667 million drug bust in Delhi A senior officer of the Special Cell, which worked on the case for the past two months, said they are exploring all possible angles in their investigation, including that of “narco-terror”. The cocaine was found stockpiled at a godown in Mahipalpur and was meant to be supplied at four big upcoming concerts and music festivals in Delhi, Mumbai and Goa between October 2024 and March 2025, police sources said. Watch |Unconventional drug use on the rise × The cocaine was smuggled into Delhi by road from various States and the marijuana was brought in through the aerial route from Phuket, Thailand, confirmed police. The police also said that the accused traded in cryptocurrency to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies. College students and rich businessmen were targets The kingpin of the module has been located in Dubai and an operation is underway to nab him and bring him back to India, the sources said. The cartel has been smuggling cocaine from Latin and Central American nations such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Mexico. College students, working professionals and rich businessmen in Delhi and Mumbai were targets for the supply of drugs. How Special Cell nabbed, raided the biggest-ever drug haul A senior officer of the Special Cell received a tip-off from a central agency in August about a man named Tushar Goyal, stashing drugs at his godown in Mahipalpur Extension. After the intel, a team of 40 officers led by additional CP (special cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha worked for over three months, identifying and zeroing members of the gang and keeping their activities under discreet surveillance. Also Read | India: Activist Sonam Wangchuk released from detention; to meet PM Modi or president soon “We tracked his movements to identify everyone he met and dealt with. After nearly two months of constant surveillance, we felt we had gathered enough information. So, on October 1, we decided to carry out the raid,” said the officer. The Special Cell subsequently nabbed Goyal and Jain. The latter had come from Mumbai to buy 15 kg of cocaine from Goyal at his three-storey godown. The police found the contraband concealed in plastic packets on the top floor. The building was used by Goyal’s father, who runs a publishing business, to store books, said the officer. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi drug bust: How police cracked biggest-ever cocaine haul targeted at college students, businessmen

5 Amazing Health Benefits of Soaked Pulses You Didn't Know

Soaked pulses (like lentils, chickpeas, and beans) are packed with nutrients, and soaking them enhances their nutritional value and digestibility. 

Soaking pulses breaks down anti-nutrients that can hinder the absorption of essential minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. This makes the nutrients more bioavailable, improving their absorption by the body.

Soaking pulses helps reduce complex sugars like oligosaccharides, which are known to cause bloating and gas. This makes them easier to digest and reduces the risk of digestive discomfort.


Pulses are already rich in plant-based protein, but soaking them can enhance their protein bioavailability. This is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans looking to meet their protein needs more effectively.


Soaked pulses are low in calories and high in fibre, which helps keep you full for longer. The fibre also aids in regulating blood sugar levels, preventing cravings and promoting a healthy weight.


Pulses are a great source of soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol levels. Soaking reduces some of the compounds that can interfere with heart health, making pulses more heart-friendly.

Beetroot vs Amla Juice: The Ultimate Showdown for Better Health


Both beetroot and amla juice have incredible health benefits, but they target different aspects of wellness. 

Beetroot juice is rich in nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. This leads to better heart health and stamina.

The high nitrate content also enhances endurance by improving oxygen use, making it popular among athletes.

Beetroot contains betalains, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help in reducing inflammation and preventing chronic diseases.

The high fibre content promotes digestive regularity and gut health.

Amla is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, aids in the absorption of iron, and promotes overall vitality.

Regular consumption of amla juice improves skin texture, promotes collagen production, and strengthens hair follicles, reducing hair fall.

The antioxidants in amla fight free radicals, slowing down ageing and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.

Amla has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and help in managing blood sugar levels.

Beetroot vs Amla Juice: The Ultimate Showdown for Better Health

6 Foods You Need to Stop Boiling in Water

Some foods lose their texture, flavour or nutritional value when boiled. Here are a few that should generally not be boiled:

Green vegetables (like spinach, kale, broccoli)

Boiling these can cause nutrient loss, particularly vitamins B and C.

Boiling eggs for too long can result in a rubbery texture and an unappetising grey ring around the yolk.

Delicate fish varieties can easily overcook and break apart when boiled, losing flavour and texture.


Boiling mushrooms can make them soggy and cause them to lose flavour.

Soft fruits (like strawberries, raspberries, or watermelon)

Boiling them makes them mushy and alters their flavour and texture.

In some dishes, potatoes should be baked or roasted to maintain their texture and enhance flavour.

Boiling tends to extract flavours and nutrients, so other cooking methods like steaming, grilling or roasting are often better for preserving food quality.

9 Colours of Navratri and Their Significance

During Navratri, each of the nine days is associated with a specific colour, representing a unique quality and a form of Goddess Durga. These colours carry deep significance, and people often dress accordingly to honour the goddess.

Represents tranquillity and elegance. Royal Blue signifies wisdom and the divine energy of Goddess Shailputri.

Represents joy and brightness. Yellow symbolizes happiness and warmth, reflecting the energy of Goddess Brahmacharini.

Represents growth, fertility, and prosperity. Green is associated with the lush nature of Goddess Chandraghanta.

Represents balance and strength. Grey signifies the calm yet powerful aura of Goddess Kushmanda.

Represents enthusiasm and warmth. Orange reflects the fiery energy of Goddess Skandamata.

Represents peace, purity, and serenity. White signifies the calm and nurturing qualities of Goddess Katyayani.

Represents power, passion, and vigour. Red is the colour of the fierce and dynamic form of Goddess Kalaratri.

Represents inspiration and positive energy. Sky Blue symbolizes the divine grace and infinite nature of Goddess Mahagauri.

Represents love, harmony, and beauty. Pink reflects the compassionate and loving form of Goddess Siddhidatri.

The two accused arrested for attempting to derail a train in Gujarat were indebted farm labourers.&nbsp;The police arrested Jayesh Nagarbhai Bawaliya, 24, and Ramesh&nbsp;Kanji Saliya, 55, when they were trying to attempt a train derailment in the Botad district of the state. The train was travelling from Okha to Bhavnagar on September 25.

The two accused took the help of some YouTube videos to devise the plot.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-helicopter-crash-two-people-feared-dead-as-helicopter-catches-fire-in-indias-maharashtra-763748">Pune helicopter crash: Two people feared dead as helicopter catches fire in India's Maharashtra</a>

Bawaliya and Saliya have been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’s sections 61, 62 and 125 related to voluntarily causing hurt and sedition. Police were probing to determine if more people were involved in the plot.

<h2>Train derailments in the past</h2>

The arrest comes at a time when a series of attempts to derail trains took place at separate places in the country. Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnav said last week that they are working with state governments, police chiefs and the federal anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) to track those trying to derail train operations.&nbsp;

In March, four Sabarmati-Agra superfast coaches travelled from Sabarmati, Gujarat to Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and derailed near Rajasthan’s Ajmer. Kiran also said railway officers and employees took “immediate action” after the incident and have begun working on repairing the track. The reason for the derailment was not immediately known.&nbsp;

In July, several coaches of a train going from Howrah to Mumbai got derailed in Jharkhand. At least two people have been killed and 20 others were injured after 18 coaches of the 22-coach train got derailed

The opposition parties took a hit at the ruling BJP party and Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnav that railway disasters like train derailments are becoming the new norm in the country due to a lack of security from concerned authorities. This is the first time that police have mentioned that the accused in this case were indebted and might have done this for some extra money.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Jharkhand Train Derailment: Is Indian Railways Unsafe?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jharkhand-train-derailment-is-indian-railways-unsafe-745713/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier, three trackmen were arrested in the same incident by the railways’ maintenance department. Subhash Poddar, Manish Mistry and Shubham Jaiswal were held in Gujarat’s Surat for sabotaging a track near the Kim station on September 21.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-airport-customs-seize-26-iphone-16-pro-max-devices-hidden-in-a-womans-bag-763548">Delhi Airport Customs seize 26 iPhone 16 Pro Max devices hidden in woman’s bag</a>

Police said the three wanted recognition and to continue their night patrol duties, which provided them more free time during the day.

Poddar, Mistry, and Jaiswal allegedly removed fishplates and loosened bolts on the track and then alerted authorities, falsely claiming that they had averted a possible train accident. Police said the three confessed to tampering with the tracks for rewards and to extend their favourable duty hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

The two accused arrested for attempting to derail a train in Gujarat were indebted farm labourers. The police arrested Jayesh Nagarbhai Bawaliya, 24, and Ramesh Kanji Saliya, 55, when they were trying to attempt a train derailment in the Botad district of the state.

The two accused arrested for attempting to derail a train in Gujarat were indebted farm labourers. The police arrested Jayesh Nagarbhai Bawaliya, 24, and Ramesh Kanji Saliya, 55, when they were trying to attempt a train derailment in the Botad district of the state. The train was travelling from Okha to Bhavnagar on September 25. The two accused took the help of some YouTube videos to devise the plot. Also Read | Pune helicopter crash: Two people feared dead as helicopter catches fire in India's Maharashtra Bawaliya and Saliya have been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’s sections 61, 62 and 125 related to voluntarily causing hurt and sedition. Police were probing to determine if more people were involved in the plot. Train derailments in the past The arrest comes at a time when a series of attempts to derail trains took place at separate places in the country. Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnav said last week that they are working with state governments, police chiefs and the federal anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) to track those trying to derail train operations. In March, four Sabarmati-Agra superfast coaches travelled from Sabarmati, Gujarat to Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and derailed near Rajasthan’s Ajmer. Kiran also said railway officers and employees took “immediate action” after the incident and have begun working on repairing the track. The reason for the derailment was not immediately known. In July, several coaches of a train going from Howrah to Mumbai got derailed in Jharkhand. At least two people have been killed and 20 others were injured after 18 coaches of the 22-coach train got derailed The opposition parties took a hit at the ruling BJP party and Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnav that railway disasters like train derailments are becoming the new norm in the country due to a lack of security from concerned authorities. This is the first time that police have mentioned that the accused in this case were indebted and might have done this for some extra money. Watch | Jharkhand Train Derailment: Is Indian Railways Unsafe? × Earlier, three trackmen were arrested in the same incident by the railways’ maintenance department. Subhash Poddar, Manish Mistry and Shubham Jaiswal were held in Gujarat’s Surat for sabotaging a track near the Kim station on September 21. Also Read | Delhi Airport Customs seize 26 iPhone 16 Pro Max devices hidden in woman’s bag Police said the three wanted recognition and to continue their night patrol duties, which provided them more free time during the day. Poddar, Mistry, and Jaiswal allegedly removed fishplates and loosened bolts on the track and then alerted authorities, falsely claiming that they had averted a possible train accident. Police said the three confessed to tampering with the tracks for rewards and to extend their favourable duty hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Accused arrested in Gujarat for attempting to derail train are indebted labourers

West Bengal’s Kolkata, which is known for its vibrant and magnificent Durga Puja celebrations, turns sombre this year after the brutal rape and murder of a&nbsp;doctor shook the city and the country.&nbsp;

Unlike previous years, this year’s Durga Puja celebrations are different for Kolkata with people coming up with unique ways to show their support for the victim. Some visuals surfaced online from a Durga Puja pandal in which&nbsp;the goddess is covering her face with her palms, to depict that Durga is ashamed of the society where women are not safe.&nbsp;

Instead of the regular Durga idols holding a weapon in each of her ten hands, here all her hands are out-stretched and empty.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-stunt-controversy-erupts-as-idols-of-sai-baba-removed-from-up-temples-763646">‘Political stunt’: Controversy erupts as idols of Sai Baba removed from UP temples</a>

A figure of a woman (which likely depicts the victim) lies just in front of the goddess, with Durga's lion keeping a watch on her. Just beside the goddess hangs the doctor’s apron.&nbsp;

However, this idol will not be the one worshipped, and a separate traditional idol has been kept at the pandal for doing the puja.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Durga Puja Pandal based on the theme of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, 'Lajja', built-in West Bengal's Kolkata <a href="https://t.co/OIDU0OU3bE">pic.twitter.com/OIDU0OU3bE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1841140613053550905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Netizens reacted both in favour and against the concept of depicting Goddess Durga in such a way.&nbsp;

One said, "This poignant installation aims to raise awareness about women's safety and the pressing issues of violence against women. The pandal highlights the need for justice and societal change, reflecting deep social concerns through its artistic expression during the festive season."&nbsp;

Another wondered, "In such pandals, how is it emotionally possible to celebrate the Durga Pooja, particularly on Ashtami day; they dance with an earthen pot, greet ppl, all at backdrop of “ Abhaya” lying on the ground."&nbsp;

Someone not happy with the concept said, "Why always target our Hindu Dharma for anything?"

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-doctors-in-indias-west-bengal-resume-their-total-cease-work-763384">Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Junior doctors in India's West Bengal resume their 'total cease work'</a>

The secretary of the puja committee told the media that this particular pandal is “Lajja” (shame) which is “inspired by all the murder incidents here in the state...The pandal shows that rape and murder incidents are taking place in the state and goddess Durga is ashamed of this therefore she has closed her eyes.”

"We want to show the loopholes of the state government, the atrocities they do on the women in the state, the corruptions they have done in the state...We have shown it," he further added.

(With inputs from agencies)

West Bengal’s Kolkata, which is known for its vibrant and magnificent Durga Puja celebrations, turns sombre this year after the brutal rape and murder of a doctor shook the city and the country.

West Bengal’s Kolkata, which is known for its vibrant and magnificent Durga Puja celebrations, turns sombre this year after the brutal rape and murder of a doctor shook the city and the country. Unlike previous years, this year’s Durga Puja celebrations are different for Kolkata with people coming up with unique ways to show their support for the victim. Some visuals surfaced online from a Durga Puja pandal in which the goddess is covering her face with her palms, to depict that Durga is ashamed of the society where women are not safe. Instead of the regular Durga idols holding a weapon in each of her ten hands, here all her hands are out-stretched and empty. Also Read | ‘Political stunt’: Controversy erupts as idols of Sai Baba removed from UP temples A figure of a woman (which likely depicts the victim) lies just in front of the goddess, with Durga's lion keeping a watch on her. Just beside the goddess hangs the doctor’s apron. However, this idol will not be the one worshipped, and a separate traditional idol has been kept at the pandal for doing the puja. #WATCH | Durga Puja Pandal based on the theme of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, 'Lajja', built-in West Bengal's Kolkata pic.twitter.com/OIDU0OU3bE — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024 × Netizens reacted both in favour and against the concept of depicting Goddess Durga in such a way. One said, "This poignant installation aims to raise awareness about women's safety and the pressing issues of violence against women. The pandal highlights the need for justice and societal change, reflecting deep social concerns through its artistic expression during the festive season." Another wondered, "In such pandals, how is it emotionally possible to celebrate the Durga Pooja, particularly on Ashtami day; they dance with an earthen pot, greet ppl, all at backdrop of “ Abhaya” lying on the ground." Someone not happy with the concept said, "Why always target our Hindu Dharma for anything?" Also Read | Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Junior doctors in India's West Bengal resume their 'total cease work' The secretary of the puja committee told the media that this particular pandal is “Lajja” (shame) which is “inspired by all the murder incidents here in the state...The pandal shows that rape and murder incidents are taking place in the state and goddess Durga is ashamed of this therefore she has closed her eyes.” "We want to show the loopholes of the state government, the atrocities they do on the women in the state, the corruptions they have done in the state...We have shown it," he further added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Lajja'-themed pandal for Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata after RG Kar rape-murder case

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Labour Party received tens of thousands of pounds worth of money&nbsp;as donations and corporate hospitality from betting companies and other senior figures in the sector, British parliamentary records show.&nbsp;

The Labour Party received more than £1 million in donations from casino bosses who made their fortunes in the sector in the past two years. This comes after Starmer and other senior Labour Party members faced backlash for accepting freebies, including wardrobe upgrades, luxury spectacles and tickets to music concerts and football matches.&nbsp;

Analysis of the House of Commons register of interests shows Rachael Reeves, the chancellor, accepted three tickets to a musical last year from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), alongside other donations from wealthy gambling bosses to fund her private office, before the general election.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vance-vs-walz-debate-key-takeaways-trump-overshadows-high-stakes-us-vice-presidential-clash-763766">Vance vs Walz debate key takeaways: Trump overshadows high stakes US Vice presidential clash</a>

Other Labour Party members like Jonathan Reynolds and Louise Haigh also accepted freebies, including tickets and hospitality for the Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday League One play-off final at Wembley in May 2022.&nbsp;

The gifts have raised concerns that ministerial decision-making could be compromised.&nbsp;

Previously Starmer received a £25,000 ($ 33,000) donation from Peter Coates, the head of the dynasty behind the Stoke-based online gambling company Bet365, in support of his leadership campaign in 2020.

In total, the Labour Party accepted £1.08 million ($ 1.3 bn) from those who made their money in the gambling sector.

Labour has also received tens of thousands of pounds from Richard Flint, the former chief executive of Sky Bet, and from Lord Mendelsohn, whose investment vehicle, Red Capital Limited, is linked to the gambling sector. The Labour peer also chairs Evoke, the company behind William Hill, Mr Green, and 888.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-time-for-women-claudia-sheinbaum-sworn-in-as-mexicos-first-female-president-763794">'It's time for women': Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico's first female president</a>

Starmer’s party came under pressure at its conference to make stricter regulations for the gambling sector, with the think tank Social Market Foundation calling for gambling duty to be doubled. But the Labour Party maintained a close relationship with bookmaking giants ever since Tony Blair’s government liberalised Britain’s gambling laws, allowing it to become the £14 billion ($ 18.6 bn) industry it is today.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Labour Party received tens of thousands of pounds worth of money as donations and corporate hospitality from betting companies and other senior figures in the sector, British parliamentary records show.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Labour Party received tens of thousands of pounds worth of money as donations and corporate hospitality from betting companies and other senior figures in the sector, British parliamentary records show. The Labour Party received more than £1 million in donations from casino bosses who made their fortunes in the sector in the past two years. This comes after Starmer and other senior Labour Party members faced backlash for accepting freebies, including wardrobe upgrades, luxury spectacles and tickets to music concerts and football matches. Analysis of the House of Commons register of interests shows Rachael Reeves, the chancellor, accepted three tickets to a musical last year from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), alongside other donations from wealthy gambling bosses to fund her private office, before the general election. Also Read | Vance vs Walz debate key takeaways: Trump overshadows high stakes US Vice presidential clash Other Labour Party members like Jonathan Reynolds and Louise Haigh also accepted freebies, including tickets and hospitality for the Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday League One play-off final at Wembley in May 2022. The gifts have raised concerns that ministerial decision-making could be compromised. Previously Starmer received a £25,000 ($ 33,000) donation from Peter Coates, the head of the dynasty behind the Stoke-based online gambling company Bet365, in support of his leadership campaign in 2020. In total, the Labour Party accepted £1.08 million ($ 1.3 bn) from those who made their money in the gambling sector. Labour has also received tens of thousands of pounds from Richard Flint, the former chief executive of Sky Bet, and from Lord Mendelsohn, whose investment vehicle, Red Capital Limited, is linked to the gambling sector. The Labour peer also chairs Evoke, the company behind William Hill, Mr Green, and 888. Also Read | 'It's time for women': Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico's first female president Starmer’s party came under pressure at its conference to make stricter regulations for the gambling sector, with the think tank Social Market Foundation calling for gambling duty to be doubled. But the Labour Party maintained a close relationship with bookmaking giants ever since Tony Blair’s government liberalised Britain’s gambling laws, allowing it to become the £14 billion ($ 18.6 bn) industry it is today. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Labour Party received gifts worth $1bn from betting and gambling firms

A Texas man arrested for stabbing twin 16-year-old girls to death in 1989 was executed on Oct 1, Tuesday evening- after over three decades of&nbsp;the heinous crime taking place.

The 61-year-old Garcia Glenn White died at 6:56 pm (local time) after being given a chemical injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville.&nbsp;

White fatally stabbed Annette and Bernette Edwards in December 1989. The bodies of the twins were found in their Houston apartment alongside their mother’s.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afraid-of-getting-divorced-man-tries-to-dash-from-courtroom-with-wife-on-his-back-763579">Afraid of getting divorced, man tries to dash from courtroom with wife on his back</a>

White was put to death after the US Supreme Court declined requests to intervene. He is&nbsp;the sixth inmate to be executed in the US in the last 11 days.

White was the prime suspect in two additional murders besides those of the twins and their mom, for which he had not been charged. White was&nbsp;born in Houston and was known for his love for football.&nbsp;

He went to the twin’s house to smoke crack with her mother Bonita, as per the testimony. At one point, he fatally stabbed Bonita and when the twins came out of their rooms startled, he attacked them too. White was later connected to the deaths of a grocery store owner and another woman, according to authorities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/father-walks-nearly-30-miles-amid-hurricane-helene-to-attend-daughters-wedding-763654">Father walks nearly 30 miles amid Hurricane Helene to attend daughter’s wedding</a>

"Garcia Glenn White committed five murders in three different transactions and two of his victims were teenage girls. This is the type of case that the death penalty was intended for,"&nbsp;Josh Reiss, chief of the Post-Conviction Writs Division with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, said ahead of the execution, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.

White, while waiting to be executed, offered an apology to witnesses. "I would like to apologize for all the wrong I have done, and for the pain I've caused,"&nbsp;he said from the death chamber.

The mystery of the twins and their mother’s deaths remained unsolved for more than six years. Later, White confessed to the murders after being arrested in connection with the July 1995 death of grocery store owner Hai Vam Pham. He also confessed to killing another woman named Greta Williams, according to police.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-80-year-old-model-competed-in-miss-universe-korea-missed-it-by-a-sliver-763789">This 80-year-old model competed in Miss Universe Korea, missed it by a sliver</a>

After White’s lawyer’s unsuccessful attempts at appealing to the US Supreme Court to intervene and stop the execution, they claimed that Texas’ top criminal appeals court refused "to accept medical evidence and strong factual backing” that showed White is intellectually disabled."

One of White's attorneys, Patrick McCann, said that the suspect spent his time behind bars "working to be a better human being."

(With inputs from agencies)

A Texas man arrested for stabbing twin 16-year-old girls to death in 1989 was executed on Oct 1, Tuesday evening- after over three decades of the heinous crime taking place.

A Texas man arrested for stabbing twin 16-year-old girls to death in 1989 was executed on Oct 1, Tuesday evening- after over three decades of the heinous crime taking place. The 61-year-old Garcia Glenn White died at 6:56 pm (local time) after being given a chemical injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. White fatally stabbed Annette and Bernette Edwards in December 1989. The bodies of the twins were found in their Houston apartment alongside their mother’s. Also Read | Afraid of getting divorced, man tries to dash from courtroom with wife on his back White was put to death after the US Supreme Court declined requests to intervene. He is the sixth inmate to be executed in the US in the last 11 days. White was the prime suspect in two additional murders besides those of the twins and their mom, for which he had not been charged. White was born in Houston and was known for his love for football. He went to the twin’s house to smoke crack with her mother Bonita, as per the testimony. At one point, he fatally stabbed Bonita and when the twins came out of their rooms startled, he attacked them too. White was later connected to the deaths of a grocery store owner and another woman, according to authorities. Also Read | Father walks nearly 30 miles amid Hurricane Helene to attend daughter’s wedding "Garcia Glenn White committed five murders in three different transactions and two of his victims were teenage girls. This is the type of case that the death penalty was intended for," Josh Reiss, chief of the Post-Conviction Writs Division with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, said ahead of the execution, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. White, while waiting to be executed, offered an apology to witnesses. "I would like to apologize for all the wrong I have done, and for the pain I've caused," he said from the death chamber. The mystery of the twins and their mother’s deaths remained unsolved for more than six years. Later, White confessed to the murders after being arrested in connection with the July 1995 death of grocery store owner Hai Vam Pham. He also confessed to killing another woman named Greta Williams, according to police. Also Read | This 80-year-old model competed in Miss Universe Korea, missed it by a sliver After White’s lawyer’s unsuccessful attempts at appealing to the US Supreme Court to intervene and stop the execution, they claimed that Texas’ top criminal appeals court refused "to accept medical evidence and strong factual backing” that showed White is intellectually disabled." One of White's attorneys, Patrick McCann, said that the suspect spent his time behind bars "working to be a better human being." (With inputs from agencies)

Texas executes 61-year-old man, for brutal murders of twin teen sisters back in 1989

How to Make Fresh Curd at Home Without Curd


Making fresh curd (yoghurt) at home without using existing curd as a starter can still be done using alternatives like lemon juice, vinegar, or chilli stems. Here’s a step-by-step process using milk and a natural acidic agent to ferment the milk.


Pour the milk into a pan and bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Boiling the milk ensures that any bacteria present are killed and helps in thickening the curd later.


Once the milk boils, let it cool down to a lukewarm temperature. It should be warm but not hot. Check the temperature by dipping your finger in the milk—it should feel comfortably warm, not scalding.


Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the lukewarm milk. Stir gently to mix the acidic agent into the milk.


Cover the container with a lid and wrap it with a cloth to maintain warmth. Let the milk rest undisturbed in a warm place for 6–8 hours or overnight. The acidic agent will slowly ferment the milk and help it set into curd.


After the resting time, check if the milk has turned into curd. It should have a thick, creamy texture. If it hasn’t set fully, leave it for a few more hours in a warm spot.


Once the curd has been set, refrigerate it for a couple of hours to improve its texture and flavour. Chilling also helps in thickening the curd further.


How to Make Fresh Curd at Home Without Curd

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Riya Teotia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.