National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

The Mughal dynasty, which ruled India for over 300 years, is remembered not only for its political dominance but also for its remarkable creativity, particularly in art, design, and jewelry. The empire’s legacy is filled with opulent and innovative creations, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles into works of unmatched beauty. Many of these precious items are still preserved today and displayed in museums worldwide.&nbsp;A stunning exhibition titled The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of the Mughal Court recently presented some of these masterpieces, in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum. Focused on the three legendary Mughal emperors, Akbar (1556-1605), Jehangir (1605-1627), and Shah Jahan (1628-1658, the display showed their cultural influence and passion for exquisite design.&nbsp;Among the star attractions were mesmerising pieces of jewelry, such as the intricately enamelled meenakari necklaces, which gained prominence during the Safavid dynasty of the 16th century. The Mughal period also saw the creation of stunning rings, particularly known as Vora in India. These pieces were not only steeped in tradition but also had a contemporary flair that reflects the forward-thinking vision of Mughal artisans.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/why-don-t-women-trust-public-toilets-in-india-experts-reveal-shocking-reasons-1767694819326">Why don’t women trust public toilets in India? Experts reveal shocking reasons</a>&nbsp;The exhibition further highlighted the rise of iconic designs, such as kundan and polki jewelry, which became deeply associated with Mughal artistry and remain popular at weddings today. During the reign of Babur, the Mughal Empire set up workshops that brought together artisans skilled in diverse techniques, blending cultures and stones to create jewelry that continues to inspire modern designers.&nbsp;While much of the Mughal empire's precious gold and gems were lost or melted down in the empire’s decline, a few jewels have withstood the test of time. The most famous among them is the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which was recut in 1852 to suit European tastes and now forms part of the British Crown Jewels.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases Mughal jewelry masterpieces, offering a glimpse into the empire's art, design, and cultural fusion during emperors Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jahan

The Mughal dynasty, which ruled India for over 300 years, is remembered not only for its political dominance but also for its remarkable creativity, particularly in art, design, and jewelry. The empire’s legacy is filled with opulent and innovative creations, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles into works of unmatched beauty. Many of these precious items are still preserved today and displayed in museums worldwide. A stunning exhibition titled The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of the Mughal Court recently presented some of these masterpieces, in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum. Focused on the three legendary Mughal emperors, Akbar (1556-1605), Jehangir (1605-1627), and Shah Jahan (1628-1658, the display showed their cultural influence and passion for exquisite design. Among the star attractions were mesmerising pieces of jewelry, such as the intricately enamelled meenakari necklaces, which gained prominence during the Safavid dynasty of the 16th century. The Mughal period also saw the creation of stunning rings, particularly known as Vora in India. These pieces were not only steeped in tradition but also had a contemporary flair that reflects the forward-thinking vision of Mughal artisans. Also Read: Why don’t women trust public toilets in India? Experts reveal shocking reasons The exhibition further highlighted the rise of iconic designs, such as kundan and polki jewelry, which became deeply associated with Mughal artistry and remain popular at weddings today. During the reign of Babur, the Mughal Empire set up workshops that brought together artisans skilled in diverse techniques, blending cultures and stones to create jewelry that continues to inspire modern designers. While much of the Mughal empire's precious gold and gems were lost or melted down in the empire’s decline, a few jewels have withstood the test of time. The most famous among them is the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which was recut in 1852 to suit European tastes and now forms part of the British Crown Jewels.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases Mughal jewelry masterpieces, offering a glimpse into the empire's art, design, and cultural fusion during emperors Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jahan

A glimpse into Mughal royalty: Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases rare jewelry exhibition. Details inside

For the first time, the Jammu and Kashmir government has enlisted local clerics in Srinagar district to raise awareness about the growing problem of drug addiction in the Valley. The Kashmir administration has reached out to around 100 mosque imams in the district to launch the initiative. These imams will use their Friday prayer sermons as a platform to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage community action.&nbsp;Although the administration has been working continuously to combat the menace, officials believe that bringing local imams on board will significantly enhance efforts to rein in drug addiction, particularly among the youth. According to the Jammu and Kashmir administration, faith-based outreach has consistently proven effective in engaging larger sections of society and ensuring tangible impact at the grassroots level.&nbsp;“At the divisional level, we decided to involve religious leaders as part of our strategy. As a first step, we organised a workshop on Saturday, coordinated by the district administration, where we engaged with mosque imams and religious leaders associated with various shrines. The idea is that during religious occasions and sermons, these leaders can reach a much wider audience and help raise awareness about drug addiction, '' said Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;He further added, '' This initiative aims to address the issue head-on by reaching the largest possible section of society and making people aware of the dangers of substance abuse. This is just the beginning, we have started with around 80 to 85 imams, and we plan to expand the programme to other districts across the Kashmir Valley, with district administrations engaging religious leaders locally. At the same time, we are reaching out to coaching centres across the Valley to further amplify the message. We are also covering all 72 colleges in the Kashmir division, along with higher secondary schools, with the goal of reaching nearly one million students and ensuring they are well-informed about this serious issue.”&nbsp;According to official data, around 1.3 million people in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are affected by drug abuse. This figure has nearly doubled over the past three years, rising from about 0.6 million in 2022. Authorities say their primary concern is the growing number of heroin users across the Valley, as heroin has emerged as the most commonly used substance, with a dependency rate of nearly 95 percent among users.&nbsp;The data further reveals that most heroin users in Jammu and Kashmir fall within the 15–30 age group. The report also indicates that nearly 85 percent of drug abusers in the region prefer heroin. Reflecting this alarming trend, Srinagar’s rehabilitation centre has witnessed a sharp surge in patient numbers, with around 350 to 400 people visiting its outpatient department daily, most of them heroin users.&nbsp;Reports also estimate that nearly 33,000 syringes are used every day by drug abusers across Jammu and Kashmir, underlining the scale and severity of the crisis.&nbsp;''Islam categorically rejects such practices, and we fully support the administration in its efforts. We use the Friday prayer platform to address this issue and commend the administration for taking steps to eradicate it. The Quran clearly states that all forms of intoxication, including drugs and alcohol, are prohibited. We will ensure that this message is conveyed not only during Friday prayers but through every prayer, so that people truly understand the seriousness of the issue.” said Peer Muhammad Hussain, Imam.&nbsp;&nbsp;Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have intensified operations against narco-terrorism, stepping up enforcement and surveillance. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have made hundreds of arrests, attached properties linked to drug dealers, and strengthened monitoring along border areas to disrupt trafficking networks.&nbsp;In 2025, the police invoked the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against several notorious drug traffickers. As part of a major crackdown, around 1,000 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of nearly 1,400 individuals.&nbsp;Authorities have also taken firm action against assets linked to the drug trade. Properties worth over 70 crores have been attached in NDPS cases. More than 120 such properties were identified during the operations, of which around 40 have already been permanently seized.&nbsp;“Our religion clearly distinguishes between what is good and what is harmful. The Quran categorically prohibits involvement in drug addiction, and our Prophet has entrusted us with the responsibility to guide people away from wrongdoing. Whether through sermons or public outreach, we must uphold and follow the teachings of Islam. If such harmful practices are taking place in our society, our faith requires us to speak about them openly. Along with sermons, we must also use platforms like social media to reach more people and make them aware of the serious harm caused by drugs.” said Altaf Hussain, Imam.&nbsp;&nbsp;While security forces continue efforts to address the problem, Pakistan remains the primary source of drug trafficking into the Kashmir region. This shift became evident following a decline in active terrorism and a complete halt in local recruitment. Frustrated by these setbacks, terror handlers across the border increasingly turned to pushing narcotics among the youth of the Valley. The proceeds generated from this drug trade are used to finance narco-terrorism, and substance abuse makes young people more vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation for terror-related activities. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Although the administration has been working continuously to combat the menace, officials believe that bringing local imams on board will significantly enhance efforts to rein in drug addiction, particularly among the youth. 

For the first time, the Jammu and Kashmir government has enlisted local clerics in Srinagar district to raise awareness about the growing problem of drug addiction in the Valley. The Kashmir administration has reached out to around 100 mosque imams in the district to launch the initiative. These imams will use their Friday prayer sermons as a platform to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage community action. Although the administration has been working continuously to combat the menace, officials believe that bringing local imams on board will significantly enhance efforts to rein in drug addiction, particularly among the youth. According to the Jammu and Kashmir administration, faith-based outreach has consistently proven effective in engaging larger sections of society and ensuring tangible impact at the grassroots level. “At the divisional level, we decided to involve religious leaders as part of our strategy. As a first step, we organised a workshop on Saturday, coordinated by the district administration, where we engaged with mosque imams and religious leaders associated with various shrines. The idea is that during religious occasions and sermons, these leaders can reach a much wider audience and help raise awareness about drug addiction, '' said Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir. He further added, '' This initiative aims to address the issue head-on by reaching the largest possible section of society and making people aware of the dangers of substance abuse. This is just the beginning, we have started with around 80 to 85 imams, and we plan to expand the programme to other districts across the Kashmir Valley, with district administrations engaging religious leaders locally. At the same time, we are reaching out to coaching centres across the Valley to further amplify the message. We are also covering all 72 colleges in the Kashmir division, along with higher secondary schools, with the goal of reaching nearly one million students and ensuring they are well-informed about this serious issue.” According to official data, around 1.3 million people in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are affected by drug abuse. This figure has nearly doubled over the past three years, rising from about 0.6 million in 2022. Authorities say their primary concern is the growing number of heroin users across the Valley, as heroin has emerged as the most commonly used substance, with a dependency rate of nearly 95 percent among users. The data further reveals that most heroin users in Jammu and Kashmir fall within the 15–30 age group. The report also indicates that nearly 85 percent of drug abusers in the region prefer heroin. Reflecting this alarming trend, Srinagar’s rehabilitation centre has witnessed a sharp surge in patient numbers, with around 350 to 400 people visiting its outpatient department daily, most of them heroin users. Reports also estimate that nearly 33,000 syringes are used every day by drug abusers across Jammu and Kashmir, underlining the scale and severity of the crisis. ''Islam categorically rejects such practices, and we fully support the administration in its efforts. We use the Friday prayer platform to address this issue and commend the administration for taking steps to eradicate it. The Quran clearly states that all forms of intoxication, including drugs and alcohol, are prohibited. We will ensure that this message is conveyed not only during Friday prayers but through every prayer, so that people truly understand the seriousness of the issue.” said Peer Muhammad Hussain, Imam. Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have intensified operations against narco-terrorism, stepping up enforcement and surveillance. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have made hundreds of arrests, attached properties linked to drug dealers, and strengthened monitoring along border areas to disrupt trafficking networks. In 2025, the police invoked the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against several notorious drug traffickers. As part of a major crackdown, around 1,000 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of nearly 1,400 individuals. Authorities have also taken firm action against assets linked to the drug trade. Properties worth over 70 crores have been attached in NDPS cases. More than 120 such properties were identified during the operations, of which around 40 have already been permanently seized. “Our religion clearly distinguishes between what is good and what is harmful. The Quran categorically prohibits involvement in drug addiction, and our Prophet has entrusted us with the responsibility to guide people away from wrongdoing. Whether through sermons or public outreach, we must uphold and follow the teachings of Islam. If such harmful practices are taking place in our society, our faith requires us to speak about them openly. Along with sermons, we must also use platforms like social media to reach more people and make them aware of the serious harm caused by drugs.” said Altaf Hussain, Imam. While security forces continue efforts to address the problem, Pakistan remains the primary source of drug trafficking into the Kashmir region. This shift became evident following a decline in active terrorism and a complete halt in local recruitment. Frustrated by these setbacks, terror handlers across the border increasingly turned to pushing narcotics among the youth of the Valley. The proceeds generated from this drug trade are used to finance narco-terrorism, and substance abuse makes young people more vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation for terror-related activities.

Although the administration has been working continuously to combat the menace, officials believe that bringing local imams on board will significantly enhance efforts to rein in drug addiction, particularly among the youth.&nbsp;

Kashmir administration taps religious leaders to fight drug abuse among youth

Women across India continue to avoid public toilets due to persistent concerns over hygiene, safety, design and inadequate facilities. These factors lead many women to avoid using public toilets, sometimes holding their bladder for long periods or even abstaining from food and drink when away from home.&nbsp;The main reason women avoid public toilets is due to the presence of unhygienic conditions, such as soiled toilet seats, urine on the floor, bad smells, and overall lack of cleanliness. Many facilities have inadequate cleaning schedules and a lack of proper maintenance staff.&nbsp;Other factors include feelings of insecurity due to inadequate lighting, broken locks, male caretakers or individuals loitering near women's facilities, and the risk of harassment or violence. Some women feel safer visiting public restrooms in pairs or groups.<h3>Experts underline urgent need for better infrastructure, maintenance</h3>Explaining the issue, Ashima Sharma, Research &amp; Development Lead at Pee Safe, pointed to cleanliness as the biggest deterrent. "Women often are afraid to use public toilets due to the frequently raised issues related to cleanliness and safety. Unclean toilets remain the biggest deterrent, with soiled seats, wet floors, unpleasant odours, and improper disposal of sanitary waste creating both health worries and psychological discomfort," Ashima Sharma said.&nbsp;Sharma added that safety concerns further compound the problem and stressed that rebuilding trust would require both systemic and personal solutions. "Safety is also a concern for women. This is due to factors such as a lack of lighting, remote locations, and the attendance of male staff members. Public restrooms also do not take into consideration the hygiene and comfort of women. There is also a scarcity of facilities for women and a lack of facilities such as soap, toilet paper, functioning locks, and sanitary bins. Improving trust requires practical solutions such as regular cleaning schedules, better lighting, and female attendants. Personal hygiene tools like toilet seat sanitisers, disposable seat covers, portable jet sprays, and female urination devices can also help women use public commodes with greater confidence and comfort," She added.&nbsp;Echoing similar concerns, Prachi Kaushik, Founder and Director of Vyomini Social Enterprise, highlighted how multiple factors collectively discourage women from using public toilets. She stated that many women hesitate to use public commodes due to a mix of hygiene, safety, and comfort concerns.<h3>Some key reasons include:</h3><ul><li>Poor Sanitation and Maintenance – Public toilets are often unclean, with wet floors, broken flushes, or a lack of running water. This creates a perception that they are unsafe for health.</li><li>Fear of Infections – Women are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other hygiene-related issues, so they avoid using toilets that appear unhygienic or poorly maintained.</li><li>Lack of Privacy – Many public toilets lack proper locks, doors, or partitions, making women feel unsafe or exposed.</li><li>Safety Concerns – In some areas, public toilets are located in isolated spots or lack security, raising fears of harassment or assault.</li><li>Inadequate Facilities – Absence of sanitary bins, soap, toilet paper, or menstrual hygiene disposal options discourages use.</li><li>Social Stigma and Discomfort – Cultural taboos around menstruation and sanitation make some women hesitant to use public facilities, especially if they are not women-only spaces.</li><li>Design Neglect – Many public toilets are designed without considering women’s specific needs, such as space for changing pads, managing children, or ensuring cleanliness.</li></ul>"Addressing these issues through better design, maintenance, and awareness can significantly improve women’s trust in public sanitation infrastructure," Prachi Kaushik further said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The main reason women avoid public toilets is due to the presence of unhygienic conditions, such as soiled toilet seats, urine on the floor, bad smells, and overall lack of cleanliness. In addition, many facilities have inadequate cleaning schedules and a lack of proper maintenance staff.

Women across India continue to avoid public toilets due to persistent concerns over hygiene, safety, design and inadequate facilities. These factors lead many women to avoid using public toilets, sometimes holding their bladder for long periods or even abstaining from food and drink when away from home. The main reason women avoid public toilets is due to the presence of unhygienic conditions, such as soiled toilet seats, urine on the floor, bad smells, and overall lack of cleanliness. Many facilities have inadequate cleaning schedules and a lack of proper maintenance staff. Other factors include feelings of insecurity due to inadequate lighting, broken locks, male caretakers or individuals loitering near women's facilities, and the risk of harassment or violence. Some women feel safer visiting public restrooms in pairs or groups. Experts underline urgent need for better infrastructure, maintenance Explaining the issue, Ashima Sharma, Research & Development Lead at Pee Safe, pointed to cleanliness as the biggest deterrent. "Women often are afraid to use public toilets due to the frequently raised issues related to cleanliness and safety. Unclean toilets remain the biggest deterrent, with soiled seats, wet floors, unpleasant odours, and improper disposal of sanitary waste creating both health worries and psychological discomfort," Ashima Sharma said. Sharma added that safety concerns further compound the problem and stressed that rebuilding trust would require both systemic and personal solutions. "Safety is also a concern for women. This is due to factors such as a lack of lighting, remote locations, and the attendance of male staff members. Public restrooms also do not take into consideration the hygiene and comfort of women. There is also a scarcity of facilities for women and a lack of facilities such as soap, toilet paper, functioning locks, and sanitary bins. Improving trust requires practical solutions such as regular cleaning schedules, better lighting, and female attendants. Personal hygiene tools like toilet seat sanitisers, disposable seat covers, portable jet sprays, and female urination devices can also help women use public commodes with greater confidence and comfort," She added. Echoing similar concerns, Prachi Kaushik, Founder and Director of Vyomini Social Enterprise, highlighted how multiple factors collectively discourage women from using public toilets. She stated that many women hesitate to use public commodes due to a mix of hygiene, safety, and comfort concerns. Some key reasons include: Poor Sanitation and Maintenance – Public toilets are often unclean, with wet floors, broken flushes, or a lack of running water. This creates a perception that they are unsafe for health. Fear of Infections – Women are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other hygiene-related issues, so they avoid using toilets that appear unhygienic or poorly maintained. Lack of Privacy – Many public toilets lack proper locks, doors, or partitions, making women feel unsafe or exposed. Safety Concerns – In some areas, public toilets are located in isolated spots or lack security, raising fears of harassment or assault. Inadequate Facilities – Absence of sanitary bins, soap, toilet paper, or menstrual hygiene disposal options discourages use. Social Stigma and Discomfort – Cultural taboos around menstruation and sanitation make some women hesitant to use public facilities, especially if they are not women-only spaces. Design Neglect – Many public toilets are designed without considering women’s specific needs, such as space for changing pads, managing children, or ensuring cleanliness. "Addressing these issues through better design, maintenance, and awareness can significantly improve women’s trust in public sanitation infrastructure," Prachi Kaushik further said.

The main reason women avoid public toilets is due to the presence of unhygienic conditions, such as soiled toilet seats, urine on the floor, bad smells, and overall lack of cleanliness. In addition, many facilities have inadequate cleaning schedules and a lack of proper maintenance staff.

Why don’t women trust public toilets in India? Experts reveal shocking reasons

Indian flyers have been using DigiYatra, an airport identification process which helps avoid long queues. It has been touted to be a huge step in facilitating air travel and easing the boarding process. Now, a novel issue has come to the fore: twin brothers trying to enter the Mumbai airport to board their flight were denied access, the reason being “more than one passenger identified”.&nbsp;One of the brothers was seen shooting a video to highlight his bizarre issue, which he posted on the social media platform Instagram. The video is going places and has gotten the internet rolling.&nbsp;<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSUwwf3DSjM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSUwwf3DSjM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSUwwf3DSjM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Prashant Menon (@prashant.menon28)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

&nbsp;Prashant Menon, one of the twins, requested the DigiYatra team to do something for twin pairs like them. And what is a boon to many turned into a bane for them, as they couldn’t skip the long queue and were forced to line up despite checking in through the mobile application.&nbsp;Flyers have to check in through the system using their boarding pass and then scan their face, which is step two and at the airport gate. This gives the flyer access through a different line and also fast-tracks the security check line. But the Menon brothers could not avail this service, and as they flagged their problem, here’s what happened.&nbsp;“Dear Prashant, we appreciate you for highlighting this. We’ve reached out to you via DM with more details to assist further. Team DYF,” the team responded, and it looks like they are keen on fixing the bug.&nbsp;<h2>The internet reacts:</h2>An Instagram user named Plucky Lion used a Bollywood reference, he wrote, “Sita and Gita were not included in the training model for this AI.”&nbsp;“IIT software developer realising this was out of syllabus,” says Rahul Kapoor. Internet had a field trip, and by the side, the team also considered this issue, assuring some relief to the brothers and many others concerned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prashant Menon, one of the twins, requested the DigiYatra team to do something for twin pairs like them. And what is a boon to many turned into a bane for them, as they couldn’t skip the long queue and were forced to line up despite checking in through the mobile application.

Indian flyers have been using DigiYatra, an airport identification process which helps avoid long queues. It has been touted to be a huge step in facilitating air travel and easing the boarding process. Now, a novel issue has come to the fore: twin brothers trying to enter the Mumbai airport to board their flight were denied access, the reason being “more than one passenger identified”. One of the brothers was seen shooting a video to highlight his bizarre issue, which he posted on the social media platform Instagram. The video is going places and has gotten the internet rolling. Watch the video here:

Prashant Menon, one of the twins, requested the DigiYatra team to do something for twin pairs like them. And what is a boon to many turned into a bane for them, as they couldn’t skip the long queue and were forced to line up despite checking in through the mobile application.

'Access denied': DigiYatra refuses to recognise twins as two people at airport

With barely four months to go for the state assembly elections, Tamil Nadu's principal opposition party AIADMK has alleged corruption amounting to Rs 4 lakh crore ($44.35bn) by the MK Stalin-led DMK Government. In this regard, the AIADMK said that it submitted a comprehensive dossier to the Governor, detailing "large-scale corruption, financial mismanagement and systemic loot committed by the DMK government".&nbsp;&nbsp;The AIADMK demanded a thorough investigation into all the allegations, adding that detailed evidence on "department-wise corruption figures and supporting documents" have been handed over to the Governor. AIADMK, Tamil Nadu's Principal Opposition party, which is an ally of India's ruling BJP, urged the Governor to constitute a Special Investigation Commission headed by a retired Supreme Court Chief Justice to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations and ensure strict legal action.&nbsp;&nbsp;"For the past 56months, the DMK family has occupied the corridors of power and indulged in brazen loot running into crores, pushing Tamil Nadu into an unprecedented debt trap," said the AIADMK. The opposition party mentioned that under the DMK regime, Tamil Nadu has been pushed into severe financial distress, with the government borrowing nearly Rs.1 lakh crore every year and increasing the state's debt burden by over Rs 4 lakh crore.&nbsp;&nbsp;Referring to an earlier leaked audio clip of Tamil Nadu's former Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan, the AIADMK said that "the DMK Minister had openly admitted that within just one year of coming to power, the DMK Govt had looted Rs 30,000 crore, with the money allegedly benefitting the Chief Minister's son and son-in-law."&nbsp;&nbsp;Alleging corruption in over 20 government departments and providing the related figures, the AIADMK demanded that action be initiated against the DMK ministers and the officials who facilitated and enabled it.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Alleging corruption in over 20 government departments and providing the related figures, the AIADMK demanded that action be initiated against the DMK ministers and the officials who facilitated and enabled it. 

With barely four months to go for the state assembly elections, Tamil Nadu's principal opposition party AIADMK has alleged corruption amounting to Rs 4 lakh crore ($44.35bn) by the MK Stalin-led DMK Government. In this regard, the AIADMK said that it submitted a comprehensive dossier to the Governor, detailing "large-scale corruption, financial mismanagement and systemic loot committed by the DMK government". The AIADMK demanded a thorough investigation into all the allegations, adding that detailed evidence on "department-wise corruption figures and supporting documents" have been handed over to the Governor. AIADMK, Tamil Nadu's Principal Opposition party, which is an ally of India's ruling BJP, urged the Governor to constitute a Special Investigation Commission headed by a retired Supreme Court Chief Justice to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations and ensure strict legal action. "For the past 56months, the DMK family has occupied the corridors of power and indulged in brazen loot running into crores, pushing Tamil Nadu into an unprecedented debt trap," said the AIADMK. The opposition party mentioned that under the DMK regime, Tamil Nadu has been pushed into severe financial distress, with the government borrowing nearly Rs.1 lakh crore every year and increasing the state's debt burden by over Rs 4 lakh crore. Referring to an earlier leaked audio clip of Tamil Nadu's former Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan, the AIADMK said that "the DMK Minister had openly admitted that within just one year of coming to power, the DMK Govt had looted Rs 30,000 crore, with the money allegedly benefitting the Chief Minister's son and son-in-law." Alleging corruption in over 20 government departments and providing the related figures, the AIADMK demanded that action be initiated against the DMK ministers and the officials who facilitated and enabled it.

Alleging corruption in over 20 government departments and providing the related figures, the AIADMK demanded that action be initiated against the DMK ministers and the officials who facilitated and enabled it.&nbsp;

'DMK govt looted Rs 4 lakh crore' AIADMK alleges, meets Governor seeking probe

For decades, thorium was supposed to be India's energy ‘Trump card’. Clean, abundant available, and perfectly matched to the country's geology, it was seen as the fuel that could one day free India from imported uranium and fossil fuels. Homi Bhabha built India’s nuclear roadmap around it. And yet, in 2025, India still does not run a single commercial reactor on thorium fuel.<h2>Homi Bhabha's Thorium dream</h2>In the 1950's Homi Bhabha, the "father of India's nuclear program," envisioned a three-stage nuclear energy plan that included plans to leverage India's vast thorium reserves and achieve long-term energy security. Former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam also spoke about it often.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-years-since-january-6-from-riot-to-redemption-how-donald-trump-rewrote-capitol-hill-siege-1767679914403">Five years since January 6: From riot to redemption, how Donald Trump rewrote Capitol Hill siege</a>As Dr Srijan Pal Singh, author and former advisor to President Kalam puts it: "The total energy contained in all the world’s uranium, petroleum and coal put together is equal to the energy contained in India’s thorium alone".Talking to WION's parent company ZEE News, Dr Singh said, "India’s thorium is our biggest treasure lying right under our feet," and "We should have utilised it".<h2>What happened to India's Thorium plans? Science succeeded, deployment did not</h2>It wasn't a failure of research. Indian scientists proved the thorium pathway step by step. Thorium oxide fuel pins were tested in pressurised heavy water reactors. Uranium 233 bred from thorium powered the KAMINI reactor at Kalpakkam. Fuel fabrication, reprocessing, and irradiation studies were all completed.What never happened was the final jump. The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor, designed specifically for thorium, has remained on paper for more than two decades.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-india-cannot-be-a-bystander-shiv-sena-mp-priyanka-chaturvedi-accuses-musk-s-grok-ai-of-enabling-sexualised-abuse-of-women-on-x-1767342794242">'India cannot be a bystander': Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accuses Musk's Grok AI of enabling sexualised abuse of women</a><h2>Beaten at its own game? A breakthrough from elsewhere</h2>Now, Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) has done what India planned for decades. The US based private startup recently &nbsp;unveiled ANEEL, a commercially deployable thorium-based fuel designed to work in pressurised heavy water reactors, including in Indian reactors.The irony is hard to miss. India laid the foundation, built the reactors, and validated the fuel cycle. The final, commercial step happened abroad.<h2>Not a defeat</h2>Experts point to a mix of causes behind the delay in commercial deployment of Thorium. They explain that Thorium is not fissile on its own and requires complex breeding and reprocessing. After the 2008 nuclear deal made uranium easier to access, urgency faded. Funding slowed. Institutional caution set in. Thorium became a future goal rather than a present mission.Dr Singh believes that pause has cost India dearly. He argues that "We should immediately set up a task force, create a venture fund that does not go only to IITs and the BARC, but also supports our private enterprises".

Thorium was meant to power India’s energy future. The science worked, the fuel cycle was proven, yet no reactor ever followed. Now a US startup has gone commercial first. WION explains how India built the roadmap, then stalled at the final step.

For decades, thorium was supposed to be India's energy ‘Trump card’. Clean, abundant available, and perfectly matched to the country's geology, it was seen as the fuel that could one day free India from imported uranium and fossil fuels. Homi Bhabha built India’s nuclear roadmap around it. And yet, in 2025, India still does not run a single commercial reactor on thorium fuel. Homi Bhabha's Thorium dream In the 1950's Homi Bhabha, the "father of India's nuclear program," envisioned a three-stage nuclear energy plan that included plans to leverage India's vast thorium reserves and achieve long-term energy security. Former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam also spoke about it often. Also read | Five years since January 6: From riot to redemption, how Donald Trump rewrote Capitol Hill siege As Dr Srijan Pal Singh, author and former advisor to President Kalam puts it: "The total energy contained in all the world’s uranium, petroleum and coal put together is equal to the energy contained in India’s thorium alone". Talking to WION's parent company ZEE News, Dr Singh said, "India’s thorium is our biggest treasure lying right under our feet," and "We should have utilised it". What happened to India's Thorium plans? Science succeeded, deployment did not It wasn't a failure of research. Indian scientists proved the thorium pathway step by step. Thorium oxide fuel pins were tested in pressurised heavy water reactors. Uranium 233 bred from thorium powered the KAMINI reactor at Kalpakkam. Fuel fabrication, reprocessing, and irradiation studies were all completed. What never happened was the final jump. The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor, designed specifically for thorium, has remained on paper for more than two decades. Also read | 'India cannot be a bystander': Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accuses Musk's Grok AI of enabling sexualised abuse of women Beaten at its own game? A breakthrough from elsewhere Now, Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) has done what India planned for decades. The US based private startup recently unveiled ANEEL, a commercially deployable thorium-based fuel designed to work in pressurised heavy water reactors, including in Indian reactors. The irony is hard to miss. India laid the foundation, built the reactors, and validated the fuel cycle. The final, commercial step happened abroad. Not a defeat Experts point to a mix of causes behind the delay in commercial deployment of Thorium. They explain that Thorium is not fissile on its own and requires complex breeding and reprocessing. After the 2008 nuclear deal made uranium easier to access, urgency faded. Funding slowed. Institutional caution set in. Thorium became a future goal rather than a present mission. Dr Singh believes that pause has cost India dearly. He argues that "We should immediately set up a task force, create a venture fund that does not go only to IITs and the BARC, but also supports our private enterprises".

Thorium was meant to power India’s energy future. The science worked, the fuel cycle was proven, yet no reactor ever followed. Now a US startup has gone commercial first. WION explains how India built the roadmap, then stalled at the final step.

A promise buried in plain sight: How Thorium, 'India's energy future,' turned into a flop

Ujjain’s Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has been suspended for issuing an official order that cited Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya’s controversial “ghanta” remark as a “symbol of authoritarian behaviour” following deaths linked to water contamination in Indore.&nbsp;The SDM, Anand Malviya, had issued the order while laying out law-and-order arrangements ahead of Congress protests over the Indore contamination case. However, the document went beyond administrative directions and included contentious observations,&nbsp;The order claimed that the deaths occurred after residents of Indore consumed “contaminated and dirty water supplied by the BJP-run municipal corporation”. “In Indore, due to consumption of contaminated and dirty water supplied by the BJP-run municipal corporation, 14 people have died and 2,800 persons are undergoing treatment,” it read.&nbsp;Highlighting the statement of Vijayvargiya on the issue, it described the minister's remark as “inhuman and a symbol of authoritarian behaviour”, adding that the use of the word “ghanta” on such a sensitive issue was “highly objectionable”.&nbsp;“On this sensitive issue, the objectionable remark made by a state government minister, the use of the word ‘ghanta’ is a sign of inhuman and authoritarian behaviour. The [Congress] State President… Jitu Patwari ji, has taken a decision that in protest against this incident, BJP MPs and MLAs will be gheraoed,” the notice further read.<h3>The directive was issued without proper verification</h3>Subsequently, the Divisional Commissioner of the Ujjain Division suspended Malviya, citing serious negligence and procedural lapses in handling a sensitive issue. According to the suspension order dated January 5, the action was taken after it became apparent that the directive was issued without proper verification, based on information received on January 3 regarding a proposed protest.&nbsp;When asked about the order, Malviya told The Indian Express that some part of it seems taken from a Congress WhatsApp order. “The order contains portions lifted from a WhatsApp group of the Congress party calling for a protest; the reader had lifted the portions. The health data mentioned was also from official sources, but after the errors were noticed, I rescinded the order and issued a fresh one. But someone made the old order viral,” he said.&nbsp;The suspension came after a proposal submitted by the Dewas Collector’s office on January 4, which flagged the earlier order as procedurally improper and containing factual inaccuracies. “The said order was issued without examination and on an extremely sensitive and serious issue, using incorrect figures. This reflects grave negligence, indifference, and irregularity in the discharge of official duties,” the order noted.&nbsp;The Commissioner stated that the action has been taken in response to misconduct under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965. Referring to Rule 9 of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966, the order said that Anand Malviya has been suspended with immediate effect.

The SDM, Anand Malviya, had issued the order while laying out law-and-order arrangements ahead of Congress protests over the Indore contamination case. However, the document went beyond administrative directions and included contentious observations,

Ujjain’s Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has been suspended for issuing an official order that cited Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya’s controversial “ghanta” remark as a “symbol of authoritarian behaviour” following deaths linked to water contamination in Indore. The SDM, Anand Malviya, had issued the order while laying out law-and-order arrangements ahead of Congress protests over the Indore contamination case. However, the document went beyond administrative directions and included contentious observations, The order claimed that the deaths occurred after residents of Indore consumed “contaminated and dirty water supplied by the BJP-run municipal corporation”. “In Indore, due to consumption of contaminated and dirty water supplied by the BJP-run municipal corporation, 14 people have died and 2,800 persons are undergoing treatment,” it read. Highlighting the statement of Vijayvargiya on the issue, it described the minister's remark as “inhuman and a symbol of authoritarian behaviour”, adding that the use of the word “ghanta” on such a sensitive issue was “highly objectionable”. “On this sensitive issue, the objectionable remark made by a state government minister, the use of the word ‘ghanta’ is a sign of inhuman and authoritarian behaviour. The [Congress] State President… Jitu Patwari ji, has taken a decision that in protest against this incident, BJP MPs and MLAs will be gheraoed,” the notice further read. The directive was issued without proper verification Subsequently, the Divisional Commissioner of the Ujjain Division suspended Malviya, citing serious negligence and procedural lapses in handling a sensitive issue. According to the suspension order dated January 5, the action was taken after it became apparent that the directive was issued without proper verification, based on information received on January 3 regarding a proposed protest. When asked about the order, Malviya told The Indian Express that some part of it seems taken from a Congress WhatsApp order. “The order contains portions lifted from a WhatsApp group of the Congress party calling for a protest; the reader had lifted the portions. The health data mentioned was also from official sources, but after the errors were noticed, I rescinded the order and issued a fresh one. But someone made the old order viral,” he said. The suspension came after a proposal submitted by the Dewas Collector’s office on January 4, which flagged the earlier order as procedurally improper and containing factual inaccuracies. “The said order was issued without examination and on an extremely sensitive and serious issue, using incorrect figures. This reflects grave negligence, indifference, and irregularity in the discharge of official duties,” the order noted. The Commissioner stated that the action has been taken in response to misconduct under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965. Referring to Rule 9 of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966, the order said that Anand Malviya has been suspended with immediate effect.

The SDM, Anand Malviya, had issued the order while laying out law-and-order arrangements ahead of Congress protests over the Indore contamination case. However, the document went beyond administrative directions and included contentious observations,

Ujjain SDM suspended after he issued an order citing Vijayvargiya’s ‘Ghanta’ remark as 'authoritarian behaviour'

Two Hindu men were killed amid violence in Bangladesh within 24 hours, marking six Hindu deaths in 18 days in the country as unrest spreads. Moni Chakraborty was reportedly attacked in the Narsingdi district around 10 pm on Monday (Jan 5). Hours earlier, a 45-year-old Hindu factory owner and acting editor of a newspaper, Rana Pratap Bairagi, was shot dead in the Jashore district.Moni Chakraborty was reportedly hit with sharp weapons and later died of his injuries. While Rana Pratap was attacked by a group of men, who shot him in the head and slit his throat. Reports claimed he multiple cases filed against him.Son of a school teacher from the neighbouring Keshabpur sub-district, Rana Pratap had been running an ice factory in Kopalia Bazar for two years. Reportedly, some men called him out of the factory on Monday evening, leading him to an alley, where they shot him. Rana Pratap was also the acting editor of Narail-based daily BD Khobor.NDTV reported, citing a local resident, that assailants arrived on a motorcycle and had an argument with him. They fired several rounds at his head and fled the scene. Police said that Rana Pratap was shot three times in the head. Seven bullet casings were found beside his body. The murder is under investigation, said police.Monday’s killing marked the recent violent incidents against minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. On Saturday (Jan 3), a Hindu woman was brutally raped by two men in Jhenaidah district. The perpetrators also demanded money, tied her to a tree, cut off her hair and recorded the act, videos of which circulated on social media. She was later taken to the hospital by local residents.Earlier, Khokon Chandra Das, 50, was attacked and set on fire. He later died in the hospital on Saturday. While another Hindu man, Bajendra Biswas, was shot dead in Mymensingh on December 29. Two more Hindu men were lynched by a mob last month.

Hours earlier, a 45-year-old Hindu factory owner and acting editor of a newspaper, Rana Pratap Bairagi, was shot dead in the Jashore district.

Two Hindu men were killed amid violence in Bangladesh within 24 hours, marking six Hindu deaths in 18 days in the country as unrest spreads. Moni Chakraborty was reportedly attacked in the Narsingdi district around 10 pm on Monday (Jan 5). Hours earlier, a 45-year-old Hindu factory owner and acting editor of a newspaper, Rana Pratap Bairagi, was shot dead in the Jashore district. Moni Chakraborty was reportedly hit with sharp weapons and later died of his injuries. While Rana Pratap was attacked by a group of men, who shot him in the head and slit his throat. Reports claimed he multiple cases filed against him. Son of a school teacher from the neighbouring Keshabpur sub-district, Rana Pratap had been running an ice factory in Kopalia Bazar for two years. Reportedly, some men called him out of the factory on Monday evening, leading him to an alley, where they shot him. Rana Pratap was also the acting editor of Narail-based daily BD Khobor. NDTV reported, citing a local resident, that assailants arrived on a motorcycle and had an argument with him. They fired several rounds at his head and fled the scene. Police said that Rana Pratap was shot three times in the head. Seven bullet casings were found beside his body. The murder is under investigation, said police. Monday’s killing marked the recent violent incidents against minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. On Saturday (Jan 3), a Hindu woman was brutally raped by two men in Jhenaidah district. The perpetrators also demanded money, tied her to a tree, cut off her hair and recorded the act, videos of which circulated on social media. She was later taken to the hospital by local residents. Earlier, Khokon Chandra Das, 50, was attacked and set on fire. He later died in the hospital on Saturday. While another Hindu man, Bajendra Biswas, was shot dead in Mymensingh on December 29. Two more Hindu men were lynched by a mob last month.

Hours earlier, a 45-year-old Hindu factory owner and acting editor of a newspaper, Rana Pratap Bairagi, was shot dead in the Jashore district.

Bangladesh violence: Two Hindu men killed in 24 hours amid growing unrest

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi passed away at the age of 81 in the early hours of Tuesday, an official release from the office of Kalmadi said. The former chairman of the Indian Olympic Association was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. He breathed his last at around 3:30 am following a prolonged illness. Kalmadi, a former Member of Parliament from Pune and former Minister of State for Railways, is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-university-s-biodiversity-mapping-drive-a-landmark-effort-with-national-resonance-1767667335303">Mumbai University’s biodiversity mapping drive — a landmark effort with national resonance</a> His mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, Pune, until 2 pm. The last rites will be performed at Vaikunth smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3:30 pm. "Former Member of Parliament from Pune, former Union Minister of State for railways, and former President of the Indian Olympic Association, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi (aged 81), passed away in Pune today on Tuesday, 6th January at 3.30 am after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren. His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House, Erandwane, Pune till 2 pm and cremation will take place at Vaikunth smashanbhumi, Navi Peth, Pune at 3.30 pm," an official press release said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-starts-distributing-2-million-laptops-to-government-college-students-1767627109888">Tamil Nadu starts distributing 2 million laptops to government college students</a>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi has died at 81 after a prolonged illness. The ex-Pune MP and former Indian Olympic Association chief passed away in Pune.

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi passed away at the age of 81 in the early hours of Tuesday, an official release from the office of Kalmadi said. The former chairman of the Indian Olympic Association was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. He breathed his last at around 3:30 am following a prolonged illness. Kalmadi, a former Member of Parliament from Pune and former Minister of State for Railways, is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Also read | Mumbai University’s biodiversity mapping drive — a landmark effort with national resonance His mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, Pune, until 2 pm. The last rites will be performed at Vaikunth smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3:30 pm. "Former Member of Parliament from Pune, former Union Minister of State for railways, and former President of the Indian Olympic Association, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi (aged 81), passed away in Pune today on Tuesday, 6th January at 3.30 am after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren. His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House, Erandwane, Pune till 2 pm and cremation will take place at Vaikunth smashanbhumi, Navi Peth, Pune at 3.30 pm," an official press release said. Also read | Tamil Nadu starts distributing 2 million laptops to government college students Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi has died at 81 after a prolonged illness. The ex-Pune MP and former Indian Olympic Association chief passed away in Pune.

Former Union Minister, ex IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi passes away at 81

Mumbai University has recently launched a large-scale biodiversity mapping drive, involving nearly 150 of its affiliated colleges spread across seven districts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The programme marks one of the most ambitious efforts in higher education in India to systematically document local ecological wealth at the grassroots level.<h2>What the Initiative Entails</h2>Under this programme, students and faculty will conduct detailed surveys of plant life not just on their own campuses but also in surrounding neighbourhoods and habitats. Participants — more than 800 students and over 200 teachers— have been trained to collect species data, such as: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scientific and local names &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Classification (e.g. herb, shrub, tree, climber) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Habitat type &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rarity and conservation status &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Health condition &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cultural and ecological significance &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether species are native or introducedThis rich dataset will be compiled into a community-driven biodiversity register, providing real-time ecological information that can assist local civic bodies in decision-making, conservation planning, and identifying rare or endangered species.The project is part of the British Council’s Climate Skills initiative.<h2>Leadership and Collaborative Approach</h2>The drive is led by Professor Aparna Phadke, with oversight from Mumbai University’s Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni. A team of 21 master facilitators is guiding execution across regions.To widen its reach, the initiative includes collaboration with 16 NGOs and local self-governments — ensuring that students work not just as observers but as partners with communities and civic stakeholders. &nbsp;Officials involved say that a key goal is to bridge academic research with on-ground action and encourage young people to contribute to broader climate and conservation agendas.<h2>Similar Initiatives across India — Universities and Biodiversity Mapping</h2>Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune: SIU maintains a University Biodiversity Committee and biodiversity cell that documents plant and animal species on its expansive campus, tracking hundreds of taxa — including birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants — and uses this information to promote conservation awareness and sustainability among students.Jindal Global University or JGU, recently unveiled a detailed biodiversity report highlighting the variety of flora and fauna found on campus, integrating it into university sustainability benchmarking.In academic research dating back over a decade, students and researchers at Jadavpur University in Kolkata mapped tree populations and created biodiversity registers for green spaces on campus, offering a baseline for ecological studies and urban greening efforts.

Under this programme, students and faculty will conduct detailed surveys of plant life not just on their own campuses but also in surrounding neighbourhoods and habitats.

Mumbai University has recently launched a large-scale biodiversity mapping drive, involving nearly 150 of its affiliated colleges spread across seven districts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The programme marks one of the most ambitious efforts in higher education in India to systematically document local ecological wealth at the grassroots level. What the Initiative Entails Under this programme, students and faculty will conduct detailed surveys of plant life not just on their own campuses but also in surrounding neighbourhoods and habitats. Participants — more than 800 students and over 200 teachers— have been trained to collect species data, such as: • Scientific and local names • Classification (e.g. herb, shrub, tree, climber) • Habitat type • Rarity and conservation status • Health condition • Cultural and ecological significance • Whether species are native or introduced This rich dataset will be compiled into a community-driven biodiversity register, providing real-time ecological information that can assist local civic bodies in decision-making, conservation planning, and identifying rare or endangered species. The project is part of the British Council’s Climate Skills initiative. Leadership and Collaborative Approach The drive is led by Professor Aparna Phadke, with oversight from Mumbai University’s Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni. A team of 21 master facilitators is guiding execution across regions. To widen its reach, the initiative includes collaboration with 16 NGOs and local self-governments — ensuring that students work not just as observers but as partners with communities and civic stakeholders. Officials involved say that a key goal is to bridge academic research with on-ground action and encourage young people to contribute to broader climate and conservation agendas. Similar Initiatives across India — Universities and Biodiversity Mapping Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune: SIU maintains a University Biodiversity Committee and biodiversity cell that documents plant and animal species on its expansive campus, tracking hundreds of taxa — including birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants — and uses this information to promote conservation awareness and sustainability among students. Jindal Global University or JGU, recently unveiled a detailed biodiversity report highlighting the variety of flora and fauna found on campus, integrating it into university sustainability benchmarking. In academic research dating back over a decade, students and researchers at Jadavpur University in Kolkata mapped tree populations and created biodiversity registers for green spaces on campus, offering a baseline for ecological studies and urban greening efforts.

Under this programme, students and faculty will conduct detailed surveys of plant life not just on their own campuses but also in surrounding neighbourhoods and habitats.

Mumbai University’s biodiversity mapping drive — a landmark effort with national resonance

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar issued a stern warning on Monday (January 5) against the use of Chinese Manja, which is already banned in the state of Telangana. The Commissioner referred to it as a “silent killer” that has caused serious injuries and even fatalities among pedestrians, motorcyclists, birds, and animals. The police have set up dedicated teams to tackle the illegal production, distribution, and sale of this hazardous material. Sajjanar emphasised that those involved in manufacturing or trading Chinese Manja will face severe legal consequences.&nbsp;“Anyone caught selling or using Chinese Manja will be dealt with strictly under the law. We urge citizens to be proactive: if you spot anyone using it, stop them and spread awareness about its risks. Report illegal sales to the police; your timely action can prevent tragedy,” Sajjanar urged on the social media platform ‘X’.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Apan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a> mein aisa bolte… China ka samaan ‘chale toh chand tak, warna shaam tak.’ Par Chinese manja? Bhai, poori guarantee se jaan ko danger. Bike pe jaate hue gardan pe manja laga… socho kya hota?” Isliye bol rahe hum: Chinese manja = danger.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SayNoToChineseManja?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SayNoToChineseManja</a> <a href="https://t.co/ImxD37RXfa">https://t.co/ImxD37RXfa</a>&mdash; V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajjanarVC/status/2008182110948061239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, VC Sajjanar, in a post on X, said, "Zero tolerance for Chinese Manja in HyderabadChinese manja is a silent killer that has caused serious injuries and even deaths of pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, birds, and animals. #Hyderabad Police has formed special teams to curb its illegal manufacture, storage, transport, and sale. Any person found manufacturing or selling Chinese manja will face strict legal action, which will be taken very seriously. If you see anyone using Chinese manja, please stop them and create awareness about its dangers. Be a responsible citizen and inform the police about its sale. A timely intervention can prevent a tragedy. Let us celebrate the kite festival safely and humanely."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-advises-citizens-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-to-iran-amid-escalating-protest-against-khamenei-regime-1767625078936">India advises citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran amid escalating protest against Khamenei regime</a>&nbsp;Chinese Manja has been responsible for several injuries in recent weeks, including four motorcyclists who sustained serious neck injuries. These victims include a police constable and a student. A 29-year-old man, T Ashok, was severely injured on December 30 when the sharp nylon thread cut into his neck near Saidabad. Similarly, on December 29, Mohammed Jameel, a food delivery executive, was seriously injured when the abrasive string wrapped around his neck while he was riding. Jameel had to undergo a painful procedure with 22 stitches to close the wound.&nbsp;On December 26, a B.Tech student, Jashwanth Reddy, also suffered neck injuries from Chinese Manja while riding near Keesara. Meanwhile, a constable named Shivraj was also injured on December 25 when the dangerous string became entangled around his neck while riding on the Tilaknagar-Narayanguda flyover.&nbsp;In 2024, an Army jawan tragically lost his life after his throat was slit by the same type of string while riding his scooty on Indira Reddy Flyover. Cyberabad police had previously issued an advisory against the use and sale of Chinese Manja, highlighting its severe threat to both human life and wildlife. The state government had implemented a complete ban on the material in 2016, with measures in place to stop the sale and use of this dangerous kite thread, especially during the Sankranti festival.

'Chinese Manja = Danger'. Hyderabad police issues strong warning against dangerous 'silent killer'

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar issued a stern warning on Monday (January 5) against the use of Chinese Manja, which is already banned in the state of Telangana. The Commissioner referred to it as a “silent killer” that has caused serious injuries and even fatalities among pedestrians, motorcyclists, birds, and animals. The police have set up dedicated teams to tackle the illegal production, distribution, and sale of this hazardous material. Sajjanar emphasised that those involved in manufacturing or trading Chinese Manja will face severe legal consequences. “Anyone caught selling or using Chinese Manja will be dealt with strictly under the law. We urge citizens to be proactive: if you spot anyone using it, stop them and spread awareness about its risks. Report illegal sales to the police; your timely action can prevent tragedy,” Sajjanar urged on the social media platform ‘X’.

Hyderabad Police warn of the deadly risks of Chinese Manja, responsible for injuries and deaths. Strict action against its illegal sale, production, and use

The government in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has started distributing two million laptops to students of government colleges. This is being done as part of a scheme known as "Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil" (World is in your hands), which is aimed at promoting digital advancement and skill development among students. Chief Minister MK Stalin officially started the first phase of distribution on Monday, (January 5), in Chennai. This major youth-centric welfare scheme comes barely four months ahead of the Assembly polls in the state.&nbsp;According to the Tamil Nadu government, this two-phase initiative would cover government college students from various academic disciplines, including engineering, arts and science, medicine, agriculture, law, and technical education, among others. The laptops meant for the students have been procured from renowned brands such as Acer, Dell, HP, at a total expenditure of Rs 2,000 crore ($221mn), said the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;These laptops are a gateway to success; they come with specifications such as Intel i3/AMD Ryzen 3 processors, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, Windows OS, BOSS Linux OS, MS Office 365, Perplexity Pro subscription, explained Professor V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras. He added that these laptops would help students attend online courses, access digital libraries, learn and practice programming languages, among a host of other applications.&nbsp;Chief Minister Stalin said that similar laptop distribution will take place across the districts of Tamil Nadu. He emphasised that digital empowerment and the progress of students will help the state and country. “The laptop is not a gift, it is an opportunity to rule the world... As far as we are concerned, this is not an expenditure, but an investment for the future generation's education.” In 2011, during the tenure of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to provide free laptops to millions of students in government-funded secondary schools and colleges.

Tamil Nadu starts distributing 2 million laptops to government college students

The government in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has started distributing two million laptops to students of government colleges. This is being done as part of a scheme known as "Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil" (World is in your hands), which is aimed at promoting digital advancement and skill development among students. Chief Minister MK Stalin officially started the first phase of distribution on Monday, (January 5), in Chennai. This major youth-centric welfare scheme comes barely four months ahead of the Assembly polls in the state. According to the Tamil Nadu government, this two-phase initiative would cover government college students from various academic disciplines, including engineering, arts and science, medicine, agriculture, law, and technical education, among others. The laptops meant for the students have been procured from renowned brands such as Acer, Dell, HP, at a total expenditure of Rs 2,000 crore ($221mn), said the government. These laptops are a gateway to success; they come with specifications such as Intel i3/AMD Ryzen 3 processors, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, Windows OS, BOSS Linux OS, MS Office 365, Perplexity Pro subscription, explained Professor V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras. He added that these laptops would help students attend online courses, access digital libraries, learn and practice programming languages, among a host of other applications. Chief Minister Stalin said that similar laptop distribution will take place across the districts of Tamil Nadu. He emphasised that digital empowerment and the progress of students will help the state and country. “The laptop is not a gift, it is an opportunity to rule the world... As far as we are concerned, this is not an expenditure, but an investment for the future generation's education.” In 2011, during the tenure of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to provide free laptops to millions of students in government-funded secondary schools and colleges.

As per the Tamil Nadu government, this two-phase initiative would cover government college students from various academic disciplines, including engineering, arts and science, medicine, agriculture, law, and technical education, among others

The Indian government has issued a warning to its citizens against traveling to Iran for non-essential purposes, citing recent events in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs advised: Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran should remain vigilant, steer clear of protests, and stay updated through the Embassy of India in Tehran’s official channels. Those residing in Iran on long-term visas are urged to register with the embassy if they haven’t done so. The unrest in Iran began over rising prices and economic grievances but has expanded to broader human rights concerns. Meanwhile, tensions with the United States are adding to the situation’s complexity, especially after Washington’s military actions in Venezuela involving now-ousted president Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-enough-is-enough-give-up-your-fantasies-about-annexation-nordic-neighbours-rally-behind-greenland-after-trump-s-comments-1767621202708">'Enough is enough. Give up your fantasies about annexation': Nordic neighbours rally behind Greenland after Trump's comments</a><h2>See the post from MEA regarding advisory here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Travel Advisory for Iran ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/O92nERv37c">https://t.co/O92nERv37c</a> <a href="https://t.co/kSmSpDqbOj">pic.twitter.com/kSmSpDqbOj</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2008179279377711573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Amid escalating protests in Iran, sparked by economic concerns, Indian student groups have urged the government to take swift action and prepare contingency plans for the thousands of students currently studying in the West Asian nation. The demonstrations, which began in late December 2025, have grown more intense in recent weeks.&nbsp;Approximately 3,000 Indian medical students, many enrolled in MBBS programs, are studying at universities across Iran, with about 2,000 hailing from the Kashmir Valley. On Friday, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting “immediate intervention” to safeguard the safety, security, well-being, and dignity of Indian students, with particular attention to those from the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;The unrest in Tehran started on December 28, 2025, with shopkeepers striking in response to soaring prices and a slowing economy in the country. The protests have since escalated, expanding beyond financial concerns to encompass wider political demands.

India advises citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran amid escalating protest against Khamenei regime

The Indian government has issued a warning to its citizens against traveling to Iran for non-essential purposes, citing recent events in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs advised: Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran should remain vigilant, steer clear of protests, and stay updated through the Embassy of India in Tehran’s official channels. Those residing in Iran on long-term visas are urged to register with the embassy if they haven’t done so. The unrest in Iran began over rising prices and economic grievances but has expanded to broader human rights concerns. Meanwhile, tensions with the United States are adding to the situation’s complexity, especially after Washington’s military actions in Venezuela involving now-ousted president Nicolas Maduro. Also Read: 'Enough is enough. Give up your fantasies about annexation': Nordic neighbours rally behind Greenland after Trump's comments See the post from MEA regarding advisory here

India warns citizens against non-essential travel to Iran due to protests, human rights issues, and regional tensions; embassy urges caution

In shocking news, a 25-year-old man surrendered at a police station in East Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar on Monday (January 5) evening, confessing to the killing of three family members, police said. The accused, Yashveer Singh, told police he had murdered his mother, his sister, and his younger brother, who was 14 years old. He reportedly reached the police station around 5 pm and voluntarily confessed to the crime. After the confession, police teams rushed to his home in the Mangal Bazar locality, where the bodies of Kavita (46), her daughter Meghna (24), and son Mukul were found inside the house. Initial questioning revealed that the accused cited financial difficulties as the reason behind the killings. Police said the investigation is ongoing and further details are awaited.<h2>Delhi court awards life term in 2020 Govindpuri murder case</h2>In another case, a Delhi court has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the murder of a youth in the Govindpuri area in February 2020. Additional Sessions Judge Lovleen delivered the sentence to Yash Jhamb, who had earlier been found guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The order, dated December 24, confirmed life imprisonment for the offence of murder. According to the prosecution, the crime followed an argument between the accused and the victim, Vishal Sharma, near Govindpuri Chowk on the night of February 18–19, 2020. The court had pronounced the conviction on December 22.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-will-blow-up-zee-news-bjp-leader-sangeet-som-says-threat-calls-received-over-bangladesh-ipl-controversy-1767614947146">'Will blow up ZEE News': BJP leader Sangeet Som says threat calls received over Bangladesh IPL controversy</a><h2>Elderly couple found dead at East Delhi home</h2>An elderly couple was found dead at their residence in East Delhi’s Shahdara area during the early hours of Sunday, police said. The victims were identified as Parvesh Bansal (65) and her husband, Virender Kumar Bansal (75), a retired teacher. Police received a PCR call around 12:30 am from the couple’s son, who reported that his parents were unresponsive at their home in Ram Nagar Extension. When officers reached the third-floor residence, they found the bodies of the couple in separate rooms. Police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Delhi triple murder case: Man surrenders at police station after killing mother, sister and brother

In shocking news, a 25-year-old man surrendered at a police station in East Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar on Monday (January 5) evening, confessing to the killing of three family members, police said. The accused, Yashveer Singh, told police he had murdered his mother, his sister, and his younger brother, who was 14 years old. He reportedly reached the police station around 5 pm and voluntarily confessed to the crime. After the confession, police teams rushed to his home in the Mangal Bazar locality, where the bodies of Kavita (46), her daughter Meghna (24), and son Mukul were found inside the house. Initial questioning revealed that the accused cited financial difficulties as the reason behind the killings. Police said the investigation is ongoing and further details are awaited. Delhi court awards life term in 2020 Govindpuri murder case In another case, a Delhi court has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the murder of a youth in the Govindpuri area in February 2020. Additional Sessions Judge Lovleen delivered the sentence to Yash Jhamb, who had earlier been found guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The order, dated December 24, confirmed life imprisonment for the offence of murder. According to the prosecution, the crime followed an argument between the accused and the victim, Vishal Sharma, near Govindpuri Chowk on the night of February 18–19, 2020. The court had pronounced the conviction on December 22. Also Read: 'Will blow up ZEE News': BJP leader Sangeet Som says threat calls received over Bangladesh IPL controversy Elderly couple found dead at East Delhi home An elderly couple was found dead at their residence in East Delhi’s Shahdara area during the early hours of Sunday, police said. The victims were identified as Parvesh Bansal (65) and her husband, Virender Kumar Bansal (75), a retired teacher. Police received a PCR call around 12:30 am from the couple’s son, who reported that his parents were unresponsive at their home in Ram Nagar Extension. When officers reached the third-floor residence, they found the bodies of the couple in separate rooms. Police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

A 25-year-old man confessed at a Laxmi Nagar police station to killing his mother, sister, and younger brother, allegedly due to financial stress

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Uttar Pradesh MLA Sangeet Som on Monday said he received death threats, allegedly from a Bangladeshi phone number. Zee News, part of Zee Media Limited, the parent company of WION, reported that the threats included warnings of harm to Som as well as an explosion at the ZEE News office.&nbsp;Som claims that the threats came after he raised objections regarding the inclusion of a Bangladeshi cricketer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He publicly expressed his views on the issue, which led to the threatening phone calls and messages. According to Som, the caller warned of serious consequences for both him and ZEE News. He received further threatening messages on his mobile phone following the initial call.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nikitha-godishala-murder-ex-boyfriend-arjun-sharma-arrested-in-tamil-nadu-after-fleeing-from-us-1767613234133">Nikitha Godishala murder: Ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma arrested in Tamil Nadu after fleeing from US</a><h2>Watch the video clip here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigBreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BigBreakingNews</a> : BJP नेता संगीत सोम को जान से मारने की धमकी, संगीत सोम का दावा, &#39;Zee News को उड़ा देने की धमकी दी..&#39; संगीत सोम ने Zee News को इंटरव्यू दिया<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SangeetSom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SangeetSom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Threat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Threat</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/_poojaLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_poojaLive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/A_suryavanshi_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@A_suryavanshi_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sangeetsom_bjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sangeetsom_bjp</a> <a href="https://t.co/mASWfDUQ0g">pic.twitter.com/mASWfDUQ0g</a>&mdash; Zee News (@ZeeNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZeeNews/status/2008023716266160556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking to Zee News, Sangeet Som said that he would not be intimidated by such threats. He expressed confidence in the Indian legal system, emphasising his commitment to continue voicing his opinions on issues of national interest. Som has officially complained to the police, and an investigation has been launched to trace the origin of the threats. The police have taken the matter seriously and are examining the technical evidence to identify those responsible. The case is being treated as a high priority, and security agencies are investigating the threats thoroughly.&nbsp;Zee News has consistently covered incidents of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, and this coverage has sparked anger among extremist elements in the country. These groups have now targeted ZEE News, issuing threats to the channel as well.&nbsp;Rahul Sinha, the Managing Editor of ZEE News, said that the channel would not back down from its reporting on sensitive issues, including the situation in Bangladesh. Despite the threats, ZEE News has made it clear that it will continue to cover matters of public interest and will cooperate fully with authorities. Security agencies are continuing their investigation into the threats, and further actions are expected as the investigation progresses.

'Will blow up ZEE News': BJP leader Sangeet Som says threat calls received over Bangladesh IPL controversy

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Uttar Pradesh MLA Sangeet Som on Monday said he received death threats, allegedly from a Bangladeshi phone number. Zee News, part of Zee Media Limited, the parent company of WION, reported that the threats included warnings of harm to Som as well as an explosion at the ZEE News office. Som claims that the threats came after he raised objections regarding the inclusion of a Bangladeshi cricketer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He publicly expressed his views on the issue, which led to the threatening phone calls and messages. According to Som, the caller warned of serious consequences for both him and ZEE News. He received further threatening messages on his mobile phone following the initial call. Also Read: Nikitha Godishala murder: Ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma arrested in Tamil Nadu after fleeing from US Watch the video clip here

BJP leader Sangeet Som receives death threats after opposing Bangladeshi IPL player Mustafizur Rahman. ZEE News offices also get threats

Arjun Sharma, a 26-year-old from India, was arrested in Tamil Nadu in connection with the alleged murder of his former girlfriend, Nikitha Godishala, in Maryland, USA. The arrest followed a global manhunt orchestrated by Interpol. Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian-American data analyst, was found dead in Sharma's Columbia apartment on January 3, with multiple stab wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;The previous day, January 2, Sharma had filed a report claiming Godishala was missing, saying that they last saw each other on New Year’s Eve. However, it was revealed that he had left for India that same day. Following the discovery of her body, the Howard County Police charged Sharma with both first-degree and second-degree murder. While the investigation is ongoing, the motive behind the killing remains unclear. "We have no prior record of any incidents involving the two," said Seth Hoffman, a spokesperson for the Howard County Police. "It appears they may have continued to communicate after their relationship ended, but we don’t yet understand why he would kill her."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cold-wave-grips-north-india-kashmir-ladakh-shiver-at-sub-zero-temperatures-1767596742963">Severe cold wave grips North India; Kashmir, Ladakh shiver at sub-zero temperatures</a>&nbsp;Godishala had been working at Vheda Health as a Data and Strategy Analyst since February 2025 and had recently received the company’s “All-In Award.” In the wake of the tragedy, Godishala’s family said that Sharma had previously asked both her and her family for financial assistance. They also claimed that Sharma withdrew around $3,500 from her bank account without permission before fleeing to India under the pretext of needing medical treatment for an injured hand.&nbsp;Her cousin, Saraswati Godishala, has called on the embassy to take immediate action, urging collaboration between US and Indian authorities to ensure justice for her cousin. She also requested support for repatriating Godishala’s body to India. The Indian Embassy in the United States confirmed that it is in touch with Godishala’s family, offering consular support and following up with local authorities to help in the investigation.

Nikitha Godishala murder: Ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma arrested in Tamil Nadu after fleeing from US

Arjun Sharma, a 26-year-old from India, was arrested in Tamil Nadu in connection with the alleged murder of his former girlfriend, Nikitha Godishala, in Maryland, USA. The arrest followed a global manhunt orchestrated by Interpol. Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian-American data analyst, was found dead in Sharma's Columbia apartment on January 3, with multiple stab wounds. The previous day, January 2, Sharma had filed a report claiming Godishala was missing, saying that they last saw each other on New Year’s Eve. However, it was revealed that he had left for India that same day. Following the discovery of her body, the Howard County Police charged Sharma with both first-degree and second-degree murder. While the investigation is ongoing, the motive behind the killing remains unclear. "We have no prior record of any incidents involving the two," said Seth Hoffman, a spokesperson for the Howard County Police. "It appears they may have continued to communicate after their relationship ended, but we don’t yet understand why he would kill her." Also Read: Severe cold wave grips North India; Kashmir, Ladakh shiver at sub-zero temperatures Godishala had been working at Vheda Health as a Data and Strategy Analyst since February 2025 and had recently received the company’s “All-In Award.” In the wake of the tragedy, Godishala’s family said that Sharma had previously asked both her and her family for financial assistance. They also claimed that Sharma withdrew around $3,500 from her bank account without permission before fleeing to India under the pretext of needing medical treatment for an injured hand. Her cousin, Saraswati Godishala, has called on the embassy to take immediate action, urging collaboration between US and Indian authorities to ensure justice for her cousin. She also requested support for repatriating Godishala’s body to India. The Indian Embassy in the United States confirmed that it is in touch with Godishala’s family, offering consular support and following up with local authorities to help in the investigation.

Arjun Sharma, 26, has been arrested in Tamil Nadu for the alleged murder of his ex-girlfriend, Nikita Godishala, in Maryland. The motive remains unclear

North India is grappling with a severe cold wave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold day conditions in isolated parts of Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir along with Ladakh are experiencing a sharp and sudden drop in temperatures. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Kashmir Valley is in the grip of a severe cold wave due to prolonged dry weather. Sub-zero temperatures have been recorded across the region. The world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg registered a low of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest temperature recorded in the valley this season. Meanwhile, South Kashmir’s Pahalgam resort recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius. &nbsp;&nbsp;In South Kashmir, Shopian recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama registered minus 4.2 degrees. Srinagar also remained in the grip of intense cold, with the mercury dropping to minus 3.6 degrees.Ladakh continued to be the coldest region in the country, with temperatures plunging further. Leh town recorded a minimum of minus 9.6 degrees Celsius, while Kargil registered minus 8.4 degrees.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing Chillai Kalan, the harshest and coldest phase of winter. The 40-day period began on December 21.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast partly to generally cloudy conditions, with a possibility of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir on January 5 and 6. The department has also issued an advisory warning of a significant drop in minimum temperatures by 2–3°C below normal until January 10, after which temperatures are likely to rise by 1–2°C.&nbsp;Moderate fog is likely to prevail over the plains of the Jammu division for the next two days. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dense to very dense fog during night and morning hours across North and adjoining Central India over the next seven days. &nbsp;

The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing Chillai Kalan, the harshest and coldest phase of winter. The 40-day period began on December 21. 

North India is grappling with a severe cold wave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold day conditions in isolated parts of Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir along with Ladakh are experiencing a sharp and sudden drop in temperatures. The Kashmir Valley is in the grip of a severe cold wave due to prolonged dry weather. Sub-zero temperatures have been recorded across the region. The world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg registered a low of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest temperature recorded in the valley this season. Meanwhile, South Kashmir’s Pahalgam resort recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius. In South Kashmir, Shopian recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama registered minus 4.2 degrees. Srinagar also remained in the grip of intense cold, with the mercury dropping to minus 3.6 degrees. Ladakh continued to be the coldest region in the country, with temperatures plunging further. Leh town recorded a minimum of minus 9.6 degrees Celsius, while Kargil registered minus 8.4 degrees. Meanwhile, the Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing Chillai Kalan, the harshest and coldest phase of winter. The 40-day period began on December 21. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast partly to generally cloudy conditions, with a possibility of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir on January 5 and 6. The department has also issued an advisory warning of a significant drop in minimum temperatures by 2–3°C below normal until January 10, after which temperatures are likely to rise by 1–2°C. Moderate fog is likely to prevail over the plains of the Jammu division for the next two days. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dense to very dense fog during night and morning hours across North and adjoining Central India over the next seven days.

The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing Chillai Kalan, the harshest and coldest phase of winter. The 40-day period began on December 21.&nbsp;

Severe cold wave grips North India; Kashmir, Ladakh shiver at sub-zero temperatures

The Indian Navy's activities in 2025 showcased a blend of high-profile power projection and quieter, essential duties that underpin regional stability and India's growing maritime role. While Operation Sindoor and carrier-led deployments captured global attention, the Navy's broader contributions included combating maritime crime, delivering humanitarian aid, strengthening international partnerships through exercises, and advancing self-reliance in shipbuilding.One notable operation came on 31 March 2025, when the frigate INS Tarkash, assisted by a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, intercepted a suspicious dhow in the Western Indian Ocean. The boarding team seized approximately 2,500 kg of narcotics, including hashish and heroin, highlighting the Navy's ongoing commitment to disrupting illicit trafficking and securing vital sea lanes.Constabulary tasks formed a steady rhythm throughout the year. Under Operation Sankalp, the Navy escorted merchant vessels, conducted anti-piracy patrols, and performed boardings and rescues. These efforts, though less glamorous than carrier strikes, are crucial for protecting India's trade routes, which carry the majority of the country's energy imports and exports.Humanitarian missions also stood out. Following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025 near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life, the Navy swiftly launched Operation Brahma. Ships including INS Satpura, INS Savitri, INS Karmuk, LCU-52, and INS Gharial delivered hundreds of tonnes of relief material, medical supplies, and emergency stores to affected areas. Coordinated with Indian Air Force airlifts and Army medical teams, the operation reinforced India's reputation as a rapid regional first responder.The Navy's search-and-rescue capabilities were repeatedly tested, with helicopters and vessels conducting medical evacuations and firefighting aboard distressed merchant ships in locations ranging from the Gulf of Aden to waters off Kerala.Beyond operations, the year emphasised international collaboration. TROPEX-25, a major theatre-level exercise, honed warfighting skills across the Indian Ocean. Multilateral and bilateral drills followed, including KONKAN-25, where INS Vikrant operated alongside the UK's HMS Prince of Wales carrier group, with Norway and Japan, and Samudra Shakti with Indonesia, focusing on anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance. Other highlights included the Quad's Malabar exercise off Guam, the French-led La Pérouse involving nine navies, Varuna with France, and the inaugural India-Africa multilateral AIKEYME. These engagements built interoperability and positioned India as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific.A key achievement was the push towards indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. While INS Tamal marked the final foreign-built warship commissioned from Russia, 2025 saw a surge in domestically produced vessels. Notable inductions included the destroyer INS Surat (Visakhapatnam-class), the first three Nilgiri-class stealth frigates (INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri), the last Kalvari-class submarine INS Vagsheer, shallow-water anti-submarine craft such as INS Arnala, INS Androth, and INS Mahe, the diving support vessel INS Nistar, and survey ships INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak.These additions not only enhance combat capabilities but also bolster India's defence industry, creating jobs and fostering technological innovation with civilian applications. The Navy's multifaceted role, from deterring threats and saving lives to forging alliances and building capacity, directly supports India's economic security and regional influence. Looking ahead, events like the International Fleet Review and MILAN-26 in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 will showcase these strengths on a global stage, aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision of India as a collaborative maritime leader.2025 was defined by both visible assertion and persistent endeavour, and the Indian Navy proved that modern naval power is as much about sustained presence and partnership as it is about headline operations.

Looking ahead, events like the International Fleet Review and MILAN-26 in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 will showcase these strengths on a global stage, aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision of India as a collaborative maritime leader.

The Indian Navy's activities in 2025 showcased a blend of high-profile power projection and quieter, essential duties that underpin regional stability and India's growing maritime role. While Operation Sindoor and carrier-led deployments captured global attention, the Navy's broader contributions included combating maritime crime, delivering humanitarian aid, strengthening international partnerships through exercises, and advancing self-reliance in shipbuilding. One notable operation came on 31 March 2025, when the frigate INS Tarkash, assisted by a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, intercepted a suspicious dhow in the Western Indian Ocean. The boarding team seized approximately 2,500 kg of narcotics, including hashish and heroin, highlighting the Navy's ongoing commitment to disrupting illicit trafficking and securing vital sea lanes. Constabulary tasks formed a steady rhythm throughout the year. Under Operation Sankalp, the Navy escorted merchant vessels, conducted anti-piracy patrols, and performed boardings and rescues. These efforts, though less glamorous than carrier strikes, are crucial for protecting India's trade routes, which carry the majority of the country's energy imports and exports. Humanitarian missions also stood out. Following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025 near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life, the Navy swiftly launched Operation Brahma. Ships including INS Satpura, INS Savitri, INS Karmuk, LCU-52, and INS Gharial delivered hundreds of tonnes of relief material, medical supplies, and emergency stores to affected areas. Coordinated with Indian Air Force airlifts and Army medical teams, the operation reinforced India's reputation as a rapid regional first responder. The Navy's search-and-rescue capabilities were repeatedly tested, with helicopters and vessels conducting medical evacuations and firefighting aboard distressed merchant ships in locations ranging from the Gulf of Aden to waters off Kerala. Beyond operations, the year emphasised international collaboration. TROPEX-25, a major theatre-level exercise, honed warfighting skills across the Indian Ocean. Multilateral and bilateral drills followed, including KONKAN-25, where INS Vikrant operated alongside the UK's HMS Prince of Wales carrier group, with Norway and Japan, and Samudra Shakti with Indonesia, focusing on anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance. Other highlights included the Quad's Malabar exercise off Guam, the French-led La Pérouse involving nine navies, Varuna with France, and the inaugural India-Africa multilateral AIKEYME. These engagements built interoperability and positioned India as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific. A key achievement was the push towards indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. While INS Tamal marked the final foreign-built warship commissioned from Russia, 2025 saw a surge in domestically produced vessels. Notable inductions included the destroyer INS Surat (Visakhapatnam-class), the first three Nilgiri-class stealth frigates (INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri), the last Kalvari-class submarine INS Vagsheer, shallow-water anti-submarine craft such as INS Arnala, INS Androth, and INS Mahe, the diving support vessel INS Nistar, and survey ships INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak. These additions not only enhance combat capabilities but also bolster India's defence industry, creating jobs and fostering technological innovation with civilian applications. The Navy's multifaceted role, from deterring threats and saving lives to forging alliances and building capacity, directly supports India's economic security and regional influence. Looking ahead, events like the International Fleet Review and MILAN-26 in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 will showcase these strengths on a global stage, aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision of India as a collaborative maritime leader. 2025 was defined by both visible assertion and persistent endeavour, and the Indian Navy proved that modern naval power is as much about sustained presence and partnership as it is about headline operations.

Looking ahead, events like the International Fleet Review and MILAN-26 in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 will showcase these strengths on a global stage, aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision of India as a collaborative maritime leader.

Indian Navy has been busy: The year gone by and what’s next

A 47-year-old man from South Korea was reportedly stabbed to death by his Indian live-in partner in Greater Noida on Sunday (January 4, 2025), after which the accused woman was arrested. Police said the matter surfaced after the Knowledge Park police station was alerted by GIMS Hospital that a foreign national had been brought in dead.&nbsp;The deceased was identified as Duck Hee Yuh, a South Korean citizen residing at ATS Pious Hideaways in Sector 150 of Gautam Buddh Nagar District. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was taken to the hospital by Lunjeana Pamai, a woman from Manipur who had been in a long-term live-in relationship with him, the police added.&nbsp;"Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman allegedly stabbed the man with a knife," police said, news agency PTI reported. They further added that following the incident, a case was filed, and the accused woman was arrested. In addition, the body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem, and a further probe is underway.<h3>Hee’s family in South Korea has been notified</h3>According to a report in the TOI, Duck Hee Yuh was from Cheongju-si in South Korea and Lunjeana Pamai (22) from Bishnupur in Manipur were in a live-in relationship and stayed in a flat in ATS Pious Hideways. Duck Hee Yuh was employed in India with a logistics company in Greater Noida for the past 10 years.&nbsp;According to the primary report, both had met at a party in Gurgaon before entering into the relationship. While Hee was working in Greater Noida, Pamai was unemployed. In response to the reason behind the fight, Sudheer Kumar, ADCP (Greater Noida) stated that Pamai had revealed to cops that Hee had been drinking since Saturday morning, which angered her.&nbsp;After she stabbed him, the police were notified on Sunday morning about the death of Hee from the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), where he was admitted. "A team reached the hospital and learnt that the South Korean national was in a live-in relationship with his girlfriend for the past two years," said Sudheer Kumar, ADCP (Greater Noida).&nbsp;"According to her, Pamai tried to stop him from drinking between 3 am and 4 am. She asked him to have dinner and go off to sleep. But Hee became aggressive, which led to a heated argument between the two. It soon escalated into a physical fight, and Hee thrashed Pamai badly. In retaliation, she picked up a knife from the dining table and stabbed Hee a number of times in the chest," the officer said.&nbsp;After Hee fell to the ground after the attack, Pamai called his driver, Mandeep Singh. "She asked him to come to the flat. When Singh arrived early in the morning, Pamai told him everything. Singh called an ambulance and took Hee to the hospital along with Pamai. By the time they reached GIMS, Hee had died. When his girlfriend came to know about Hee's death, she quietly left the hospital without informing anyone," the ADCP said.&nbsp;Police said Hee’s family in South Korea has been notified and is travelling to Noida. Following a complaint filed by Singh, a case was registered against Pamai under Section 103 (murder) of the BNS at the Knowledge Park police station.

The deceased was identified as Duck Hee Yuh, a South Korean citizen residing at ATS Pious Hideaways in Sector 150 of Gautam Buddh Nagar District. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was taken to the hospital by his live-in partner, Lunjeana Pamai, a woman from Manipur.

A 47-year-old man from South Korea was reportedly stabbed to death by his Indian live-in partner in Greater Noida on Sunday (January 4, 2025), after which the accused woman was arrested. Police said the matter surfaced after the Knowledge Park police station was alerted by GIMS Hospital that a foreign national had been brought in dead. The deceased was identified as Duck Hee Yuh, a South Korean citizen residing at ATS Pious Hideaways in Sector 150 of Gautam Buddh Nagar District. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was taken to the hospital by Lunjeana Pamai, a woman from Manipur who had been in a long-term live-in relationship with him, the police added. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman allegedly stabbed the man with a knife," police said, news agency PTI reported. They further added that following the incident, a case was filed, and the accused woman was arrested. In addition, the body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem, and a further probe is underway. Hee’s family in South Korea has been notified According to a report in the TOI, Duck Hee Yuh was from Cheongju-si in South Korea and Lunjeana Pamai (22) from Bishnupur in Manipur were in a live-in relationship and stayed in a flat in ATS Pious Hideways. Duck Hee Yuh was employed in India with a logistics company in Greater Noida for the past 10 years. According to the primary report, both had met at a party in Gurgaon before entering into the relationship. While Hee was working in Greater Noida, Pamai was unemployed. In response to the reason behind the fight, Sudheer Kumar, ADCP (Greater Noida) stated that Pamai had revealed to cops that Hee had been drinking since Saturday morning, which angered her. After she stabbed him, the police were notified on Sunday morning about the death of Hee from the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), where he was admitted. "A team reached the hospital and learnt that the South Korean national was in a live-in relationship with his girlfriend for the past two years," said Sudheer Kumar, ADCP (Greater Noida). "According to her, Pamai tried to stop him from drinking between 3 am and 4 am. She asked him to have dinner and go off to sleep. But Hee became aggressive, which led to a heated argument between the two. It soon escalated into a physical fight, and Hee thrashed Pamai badly. In retaliation, she picked up a knife from the dining table and stabbed Hee a number of times in the chest," the officer said. After Hee fell to the ground after the attack, Pamai called his driver, Mandeep Singh. "She asked him to come to the flat. When Singh arrived early in the morning, Pamai told him everything. Singh called an ambulance and took Hee to the hospital along with Pamai. By the time they reached GIMS, Hee had died. When his girlfriend came to know about Hee's death, she quietly left the hospital without informing anyone," the ADCP said. Police said Hee’s family in South Korea has been notified and is travelling to Noida. Following a complaint filed by Singh, a case was registered against Pamai under Section 103 (murder) of the BNS at the Knowledge Park police station.

The deceased was identified as Duck Hee Yuh, a South Korean citizen residing at ATS Pious Hideaways in Sector 150 of Gautam Buddh Nagar District. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was taken to the hospital by his live-in partner, Lunjeana Pamai, a woman from Manipur.

SHOCKING: Manipur woman stabs South Korean boyfriend to death in Greater Noida, arrested — More details inside

The Supreme Court on Monday (Jan 5) denied bail to Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case but allowed bail to several others including, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad. The court observed that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam stand on a “different footing when compared to the other accused.” It further added that it is satisfied that the “prosecution material disclosed a prima facie allegation against Khalid and Imam.” It has set 12 bail conditions for others, adding a caveat that “the grant of bail to these accused does not show a dilution of the allegations against them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The top court was declaring its verdict on the challenge to the Delhi High Court order denying them bail in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) linked to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria delivered its judgment. The apex court had reserved its verdict on December 10 after hearing detailed arguments from all parties.<h2>What the court said?</h2>The top court said that “delay serves as a trigger for heightened judicial scrutiny.” The court also stated, “Pre trial incarceration cannot be assumed to have the character of punishment. The deprivation of liberty will not be arbitrary. The UAPA as a special statute represents a legislative judgement as to the conditions on which bail may be granted in pre trial stage.” The top court in its judgement also said that 43D(5) of UAPA “departs from general provisions for grant of bail. It does not exclude judicial scrutiny or mandate denial of bail in default.”&nbsp;<h2>Case against Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam</h2>Umar Khalid has been in custody since September 13, 2020, while Imam has been prisoned since January 28, 2020. The 2020 riots took place in February in parts of Northeast Delhi, following massive protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Soon after, Delhi Police investigating the case arrested several students and activists under stringent laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The police alleged that their speeches contributed to escalation of violence and they were a part of the "larger conspiracy" that led to the riots. Sharjeel Imam's 'chicken's neck' speech and Khalid's 2016 JNU protest, became a premise for the cops to frame a case against them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Though the counsel appearing for the accused argued that hours-long speeches and WhatsApp chats have been edited and cherrypicked to create “prejudice” against them, the Delhi HC bench of justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur (since retired) held that the material collected by investigators prima facie pointed to a coordinated conspiracy, describing Khalid and Imam as the “intellectual architects” of the violence. &nbsp;

The Supreme Court delivered its verdict today on bail pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and others in the UAPA case linked to the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. The pleas challenge the Delhi High Court’s refusal of bail.

The Supreme Court on Monday (Jan 5) denied bail to Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case but allowed bail to several others including, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad. The court observed that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam stand on a “different footing when compared to the other accused.” It further added that it is satisfied that the “prosecution material disclosed a prima facie allegation against Khalid and Imam.” It has set 12 bail conditions for others, adding a caveat that “the grant of bail to these accused does not show a dilution of the allegations against them.” The top court was declaring its verdict on the challenge to the Delhi High Court order denying them bail in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) linked to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria delivered its judgment. The apex court had reserved its verdict on December 10 after hearing detailed arguments from all parties. What the court said? The top court said that “delay serves as a trigger for heightened judicial scrutiny.” The court also stated, “Pre trial incarceration cannot be assumed to have the character of punishment. The deprivation of liberty will not be arbitrary. The UAPA as a special statute represents a legislative judgement as to the conditions on which bail may be granted in pre trial stage.” The top court in its judgement also said that 43D(5) of UAPA “departs from general provisions for grant of bail. It does not exclude judicial scrutiny or mandate denial of bail in default.” Case against Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam Umar Khalid has been in custody since September 13, 2020, while Imam has been prisoned since January 28, 2020. The 2020 riots took place in February in parts of Northeast Delhi, following massive protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Soon after, Delhi Police investigating the case arrested several students and activists under stringent laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The police alleged that their speeches contributed to escalation of violence and they were a part of the "larger conspiracy" that led to the riots. Sharjeel Imam's 'chicken's neck' speech and Khalid's 2016 JNU protest, became a premise for the cops to frame a case against them. Though the counsel appearing for the accused argued that hours-long speeches and WhatsApp chats have been edited and cherrypicked to create “prejudice” against them, the Delhi HC bench of justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur (since retired) held that the material collected by investigators prima facie pointed to a coordinated conspiracy, describing Khalid and Imam as the “intellectual architects” of the violence.

The Supreme Court delivered its verdict today on bail pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and others in the UAPA case linked to the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. The pleas challenge the Delhi High Court’s refusal of bail.

No bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam in 2020 Delhi riots case, but 5 others to walk out of jail: Supreme Court

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 4) claimed that India has substantially reduced its oil purchases from Russia after he imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. Trump also warned that the US can raise tariffs on India “very quickly.” This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro.“We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue.” Trump said, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump further claimed, “They wanted to make me happy. Basically, Modi is a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. We do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly.”Relations between India and the US soured after Trump doubled tariffs on the Asian country, citing its oil imports from Russia, which the US President has claimed is helping to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Since then, several rounds of negotiations have happened as part of an effort to secure a trade deal between the two countries.US Senator Lindsey Graham said that the tariffs imposed by Trump on India are the “chief reason” that New Delhi has reduced its purchase of Russian oil substantially.Graham also claimed that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra spoke to him last month over India buying less Russian oil. He added that Kwatra asked him to tell Trump to relive the 25 per cent tariffs which was imposed as a punishment for purchasing Russian oil.“I was at the Indian Ambassador's house a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how India is buying less Russian oil. And he asked me to tell the President to relieve the 25 per cent tariff,” Graham told reporters alongside Trump.

This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 4) claimed that India has substantially reduced its oil purchases from Russia after he imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. Trump also warned that the US can raise tariffs on India “very quickly.” This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro. “We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue.” Trump said, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump further claimed, “They wanted to make me happy. Basically, Modi is a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. We do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly.” Relations between India and the US soured after Trump doubled tariffs on the Asian country, citing its oil imports from Russia, which the US President has claimed is helping to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Since then, several rounds of negotiations have happened as part of an effort to secure a trade deal between the two countries. US Senator Lindsey Graham said that the tariffs imposed by Trump on India are the “chief reason” that New Delhi has reduced its purchase of Russian oil substantially. Graham also claimed that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra spoke to him last month over India buying less Russian oil. He added that Kwatra asked him to tell Trump to relive the 25 per cent tariffs which was imposed as a punishment for purchasing Russian oil. “I was at the Indian Ambassador's house a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how India is buying less Russian oil. And he asked me to tell the President to relieve the 25 per cent tariff,” Graham told reporters alongside Trump.

This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro.

‘Modi is a good man…’: Trump says THIS on India’s Russian oil purchase, tariffs after strike on Venezuela

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday expressed confidence that a shift in the state’s political regime is underway in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections in April, asserting that the NDA would win against DMK and Congress. Addressing a massive gathering at the closing ceremony of state BJP President Nainar Nagenthran’s marathon yatra on Sunday, Shah declared, “In April 2026, an NDA government will be formed in Tamil Nadu.” Highlighting previous electoral wins in recent years, he said, “2024 and 2025 were years of victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party; now, 2026 will be the year we bring that mandate to Tamil Nadu and Bengal.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Home Minister urged the citizens of Tamil Nadu to align themselves and join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vision of a developed India.” Shah’s speech served as a formal confirmation of the BJP’s alliance strategy to go against the currently ruling DMK. He announced that the BJP is prepared to lead a “strong alliance” with the AIADMK and other regional partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The alliance of BJP with AIADMK and others will have its final fight against Congress and DMK,” Shah said.&nbsp;The Union Home Minister criticised the current administration, labelling the DMK government as “the most corrupt government” in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;He accused the ruling party of failing, saying, “The DMK government has failed on every front. If the most corrupt government is anywhere in the whole of India, then unfortunately, it is in Tamil Nadu.”&nbsp;Highlighting concerns over public safety, he claimed, “There is no guarantee of safety for women and daughters in Tamil Nadu.”&nbsp;&nbsp;He further alleged that the DMK’s governance focuses on nepotism rather than public service. “The Tamil Nadu government has only one objective, and that is to make CM Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Chief Minister of the state.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Shah urged the people, “The time has come to end dynastic politics in Tamil Nadu.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the DMK’s governance focuses on nepotism rather than public service. He said the Tamil Nadu government has only one objective, and that is to make CM Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Chief Minister of the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday expressed confidence that a shift in the state’s political regime is underway in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections in April, asserting that the NDA would win against DMK and Congress. Addressing a massive gathering at the closing ceremony of state BJP President Nainar Nagenthran’s marathon yatra on Sunday, Shah declared, “In April 2026, an NDA government will be formed in Tamil Nadu.” Highlighting previous electoral wins in recent years, he said, “2024 and 2025 were years of victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party; now, 2026 will be the year we bring that mandate to Tamil Nadu and Bengal.” The Home Minister urged the citizens of Tamil Nadu to align themselves and join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vision of a developed India.” Shah’s speech served as a formal confirmation of the BJP’s alliance strategy to go against the currently ruling DMK. He announced that the BJP is prepared to lead a “strong alliance” with the AIADMK and other regional partners. “The alliance of BJP with AIADMK and others will have its final fight against Congress and DMK,” Shah said. The Union Home Minister criticised the current administration, labelling the DMK government as “the most corrupt government” in the country. He accused the ruling party of failing, saying, “The DMK government has failed on every front. If the most corrupt government is anywhere in the whole of India, then unfortunately, it is in Tamil Nadu.” Highlighting concerns over public safety, he claimed, “There is no guarantee of safety for women and daughters in Tamil Nadu.” He further alleged that the DMK’s governance focuses on nepotism rather than public service. “The Tamil Nadu government has only one objective, and that is to make CM Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Chief Minister of the state.” Shah urged the people, “The time has come to end dynastic politics in Tamil Nadu.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the DMK’s governance focuses on nepotism rather than public service. He said the Tamil Nadu government has only one objective, and that is to make CM Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Chief Minister of the state.

NDA government will be formed in Tamil Nadu in 2026: Home Minister Amit Shah

With the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas completing 25 years of flight operations, focus has now shifted to the development of LCA Mk II and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said on Sunday (Jan 04). Speaking at a two-day national seminar, 'Aeronautics 2047', organised by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in Bengaluru, Kamat said the Tejas programme has reached a major milestone and future efforts are now centred on next-generation fighter platforms.&nbsp;"LCA has been a marvellous journey. Now this aircraft is inducted. Now our focus is on Mark II and AMCA... Both these programmes are now on schedule, and we hope to deliver our commitments to the Air Force... AMCA will have several new technologies because it's a fifth-generation aircraft; it is a stealth aircraft, so several new technologies will come in with the AMCA," Kamat said. The 'Aeronautics 2047' seminar is being held at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru, to mark 25 years of the Tejas programme and chart the future of Indian aviation. It was inaugurated by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. Addressing the audience, the Air Chief Marshal praised ADA for completing 25 years of Tejas flight operations and pointed out the importance of meeting delivery deadlines to keep the Indian Air Force operationally prepared in the face of changing security challenges.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dgca-prohibits-use-of-power-banks-for-in-flight-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1767541456299">DGCA prohibits use of power banks for in-flight. Here's all you need to know</a>&nbsp;He also stated that the Tejas programme had revolutionised India's defence aviation and aircraft design capabilities. "It is an exceptional milestone that we achieved in 2001, and that has changed the history of our defence aviation and defence designing. We are looking forward very eagerly to the further programmes, Mark II and AMCA, and I'm sure they're going to be more successful than what Tejas was and with better timelines," he said. Kamat underlined the importance of developing indigenous, cutting-edge technology to minimise dependence on imports, thereby realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The seminar has brought together experts from industry, academia, government laboratories and the aerospace sector. Discussions are focused on next-generation aircraft design, advanced manufacturing, propulsion systems, flight testing, avionics, digital twin technology, artificial intelligence in aircraft design and certification challenges. ADA has designed and developed the LCA Tejas, which has completed more than 5,600 successful flight trials. Over 100 design work centres, including government laboratories, academic institutions and private industries, contributed to the programme. Several critical technologies, such as carbon composites, lightweight materials, fly-by-wire flight control systems, digital utility management systems and glass cockpit architecture, were developed as part of the Tejas programme, making it a fourth-generation fighter aircraft. The LCA Mk1A is an advanced variant designed to meet the Indian Air Force's operational requirements, while the LCA Mk II and the naval variant are currently under development. So far, 38 Tejas aircraft, including 32 fighters and six trainers, have been inducted into two Indian Air Force squadrons. Officials said the programme has enabled India to acquire the capability and capacity to design and build fighter aircraft indigenously. Several public sector units, defence PSUs, industries and MSMEs are showcasing indigenously developed airborne systems and components as part of the seminar.&nbsp;

The LCA Mk1A is an advanced variant designed to meet the Indian Air Force's operational requirements, while the LCA Mk II and the naval variant are currently under development.

With the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas completing 25 years of flight operations, focus has now shifted to the development of LCA Mk II and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said on Sunday (Jan 04). Speaking at a two-day national seminar, 'Aeronautics 2047', organised by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in Bengaluru, Kamat said the Tejas programme has reached a major milestone and future efforts are now centred on next-generation fighter platforms. "LCA has been a marvellous journey. Now this aircraft is inducted. Now our focus is on Mark II and AMCA... Both these programmes are now on schedule, and we hope to deliver our commitments to the Air Force... AMCA will have several new technologies because it's a fifth-generation aircraft; it is a stealth aircraft, so several new technologies will come in with the AMCA," Kamat said. The 'Aeronautics 2047' seminar is being held at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru, to mark 25 years of the Tejas programme and chart the future of Indian aviation. It was inaugurated by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. Addressing the audience, the Air Chief Marshal praised ADA for completing 25 years of Tejas flight operations and pointed out the importance of meeting delivery deadlines to keep the Indian Air Force operationally prepared in the face of changing security challenges. Also Read: DGCA prohibits use of power banks for in-flight. Here's all you need to know He also stated that the Tejas programme had revolutionised India's defence aviation and aircraft design capabilities. "It is an exceptional milestone that we achieved in 2001, and that has changed the history of our defence aviation and defence designing. We are looking forward very eagerly to the further programmes, Mark II and AMCA, and I'm sure they're going to be more successful than what Tejas was and with better timelines," he said. Kamat underlined the importance of developing indigenous, cutting-edge technology to minimise dependence on imports, thereby realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The seminar has brought together experts from industry, academia, government laboratories and the aerospace sector. Discussions are focused on next-generation aircraft design, advanced manufacturing, propulsion systems, flight testing, avionics, digital twin technology, artificial intelligence in aircraft design and certification challenges. ADA has designed and developed the LCA Tejas, which has completed more than 5,600 successful flight trials. Over 100 design work centres, including government laboratories, academic institutions and private industries, contributed to the programme. Several critical technologies, such as carbon composites, lightweight materials, fly-by-wire flight control systems, digital utility management systems and glass cockpit architecture, were developed as part of the Tejas programme, making it a fourth-generation fighter aircraft. The LCA Mk1A is an advanced variant designed to meet the Indian Air Force's operational requirements, while the LCA Mk II and the naval variant are currently under development. So far, 38 Tejas aircraft, including 32 fighters and six trainers, have been inducted into two Indian Air Force squadrons. Officials said the programme has enabled India to acquire the capability and capacity to design and build fighter aircraft indigenously. Several public sector units, defence PSUs, industries and MSMEs are showcasing indigenously developed airborne systems and components as part of the seminar.

The LCA Mk1A is an advanced variant designed to meet the Indian Air Force's operational requirements, while the LCA Mk II and the naval variant are currently under development.

Tejas at 25: DRDO chief says focus now on LCA Mk II and AMCA

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has banned the inflight charging of power banks and their use with aircraft in-seat power systems following multiple incidents involving lithium batteries catching fire mid-air. In a recently issued Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular, the aviation regulator stated that power banks may no longer be used to charge portable electronic devices during flights.&nbsp;As per the new rules, power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand baggage and must not be stored in overhead bins. Passengers are also prohibited from charging power banks using the in-seat power supply systems provided by airlines, according to a report by news agency The Times of India. The move follows an incident in October in which a passenger’s power bank caught fire while an IndiGo flight bound for Dimapur was taxiing for departure at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. No injuries were reported, and the cabin crew swiftly extinguished the fire. Under the revised guidelines, airlines are required to report all lithium battery-related incidents to the DGCA and make inflight announcements informing passengers of the new restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers have been instructed to immediately alert cabin crew if any electronic device emits heat, smoke, or an unusual odour. Airlines must also promptly report all safety issues and occurrences related to lithium battery incidents to the regulator.

As per the new rules, power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand baggage and must not be stored in overhead bins. 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has banned the inflight charging of power banks and their use with aircraft in-seat power systems following multiple incidents involving lithium batteries catching fire mid-air. In a recently issued Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular, the aviation regulator stated that power banks may no longer be used to charge portable electronic devices during flights. As per the new rules, power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand baggage and must not be stored in overhead bins. Passengers are also prohibited from charging power banks using the in-seat power supply systems provided by airlines, according to a report by news agency The Times of India. The move follows an incident in October in which a passenger’s power bank caught fire while an IndiGo flight bound for Dimapur was taxiing for departure at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. No injuries were reported, and the cabin crew swiftly extinguished the fire. Under the revised guidelines, airlines are required to report all lithium battery-related incidents to the DGCA and make inflight announcements informing passengers of the new restrictions. Passengers have been instructed to immediately alert cabin crew if any electronic device emits heat, smoke, or an unusual odour. Airlines must also promptly report all safety issues and occurrences related to lithium battery incidents to the regulator.

As per the new rules, power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand baggage and must not be stored in overhead bins.&nbsp;

DGCA prohibits use of power banks for in-flight. Here's all you need to know

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar flagging various issues related to the Special Intensive Revision in the state. In her letter dated January 3, CM Banerjee alleged that officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI) misused IT systems, claiming that voter names were deleted from the backend without proper authorisation. She questioned who sanctioned such actions and under what legal authority, emphasising that the ECI must be held fully accountable for any illegal, arbitrary, or biased activities conducted under its supervision. "There are also grave allegations regarding the backend deletion of electors through the misuse of IT systems, without following due process/ and without the knowledge or approval of the Electoral Registration Officers (EROS), who are the competent statutory authorities under the Representation of the People Act. This raises serious questions as to who has authorised such actions and under what legal authority. The ECI-must be held fully accountable for any illegal, arbitrary or biased actions carried out under its supervision or direction," the letter said. She also highlighted concerns about the Family Register, which was widely accepted as a valid identity document during the SIR exercise in Bihar. According to her, it is now reportedly being rejected through informal WhatsApp communications from the Chief Electoral Officer's office, without any formal notification or statutory order. She described this selective and unexplained exclusion as raising "serious concerns of discrimination and arbitrariness." "It has further been brought to our notice that the Family Register, which was extensively accepted as a valid proof of identity during the SIR exercise in Bihar, is now reportedly being denied as a valid document through an informal communication issued by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer via WhatsApp message, without any formal notification or statutory order to that effect. Such selective and unexplained exclusion of a previously accepted document raises serious concerns of discrimination and arbitrariness," CM Mamata said in her letter. CM Banerjee further criticised the ECI for a lack of clarity regarding the objectives, procedures, and timelines of the SIR. She noted that while the exercise is described as time-bound, there are no uniform or transparent guidelines. She said that states appear to be applying different criteria and arbitrarily changing timelines, reflecting poor preparedness and a lack of procedural understanding. She also expressed concern about the frequent issuance of critical instructions via informal channels, such as WhatsApp or text messages, rather than through official written notifications, circulars, or statutory orders, which are required for matters of such constitutional importance. "It is deeply disturbing to observe that even at the national level, the ECI appears uncertain about the precise objectives, modalities, and end goals of the SIR. Although the exercise is described as time-bound, there are no clearly defined, transparent, or uniformly applicable timelines. Different States are following different criteria, and timelines are being altered arbitrarily, reflecting a glaring lack of clarity, preparedness, and procedural understanding. Shockingly, critical instructions are being issued almost on a daily basis, frequently through informal channels such as WhatsApp messages and text messages. No proper written notifications, circulars, or statutory orders-mandatory for an exercise of such magnitude and constitutional significance are being issued," read the letter.&nbsp;

She questioned who sanctioned such actions and under what legal authority, emphasising that the ECI must be held fully accountable for any illegal, arbitrary, or biased activities conducted under its supervision.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar flagging various issues related to the Special Intensive Revision in the state. In her letter dated January 3, CM Banerjee alleged that officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI) misused IT systems, claiming that voter names were deleted from the backend without proper authorisation. She questioned who sanctioned such actions and under what legal authority, emphasising that the ECI must be held fully accountable for any illegal, arbitrary, or biased activities conducted under its supervision. "There are also grave allegations regarding the backend deletion of electors through the misuse of IT systems, without following due process/ and without the knowledge or approval of the Electoral Registration Officers (EROS), who are the competent statutory authorities under the Representation of the People Act. This raises serious questions as to who has authorised such actions and under what legal authority. The ECI-must be held fully accountable for any illegal, arbitrary or biased actions carried out under its supervision or direction," the letter said. She also highlighted concerns about the Family Register, which was widely accepted as a valid identity document during the SIR exercise in Bihar. According to her, it is now reportedly being rejected through informal WhatsApp communications from the Chief Electoral Officer's office, without any formal notification or statutory order. She described this selective and unexplained exclusion as raising "serious concerns of discrimination and arbitrariness." "It has further been brought to our notice that the Family Register, which was extensively accepted as a valid proof of identity during the SIR exercise in Bihar, is now reportedly being denied as a valid document through an informal communication issued by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer via WhatsApp message, without any formal notification or statutory order to that effect. Such selective and unexplained exclusion of a previously accepted document raises serious concerns of discrimination and arbitrariness," CM Mamata said in her letter. CM Banerjee further criticised the ECI for a lack of clarity regarding the objectives, procedures, and timelines of the SIR. She noted that while the exercise is described as time-bound, there are no uniform or transparent guidelines. She said that states appear to be applying different criteria and arbitrarily changing timelines, reflecting poor preparedness and a lack of procedural understanding. She also expressed concern about the frequent issuance of critical instructions via informal channels, such as WhatsApp or text messages, rather than through official written notifications, circulars, or statutory orders, which are required for matters of such constitutional importance. "It is deeply disturbing to observe that even at the national level, the ECI appears uncertain about the precise objectives, modalities, and end goals of the SIR. Although the exercise is described as time-bound, there are no clearly defined, transparent, or uniformly applicable timelines. Different States are following different criteria, and timelines are being altered arbitrarily, reflecting a glaring lack of clarity, preparedness, and procedural understanding. Shockingly, critical instructions are being issued almost on a daily basis, frequently through informal channels such as WhatsApp messages and text messages. No proper written notifications, circulars, or statutory orders-mandatory for an exercise of such magnitude and constitutional significance are being issued," read the letter.

She questioned who sanctioned such actions and under what legal authority, emphasising that the ECI must be held fully accountable for any illegal, arbitrary, or biased activities conducted under its supervision.

"Citizens being harassed, IT system misused for deletion of electors": Mamata Banerjee flags SIR in Bengal, writes to CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal on Sunday asserted that the government will carry out an investigation in case any credible evidence is found in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, followed by strict legal action. "The government's stance is clear: if any credible evidence is found, the government will not hesitate to conduct an investigation. The audio clip has been sent to the forensic lab for examination. The situation will become clear after the investigation. The government is committed. It seems that some people want to mislead the public in the name of a new investigation. Action will be taken after the new report is received," Uniyal said. People in large numbers held a protest in Dehradun demanding justice in the case. Earlier on Friday, speaking to ANI, Uniyal said the government had acted promptly after the incident came to light. He further added that the investigation had also stood the test of judicial scrutiny. "The government has already presented its full side in this matter. The government immediately constituted an SIT, after which a thorough investigation was conducted, and life imprisonment was also awarded in the trial court. The SIT's investigation is correct. When some people opposed this and went to the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's order and rejected their appeal," Uniyal stated. The remarks come days after a fresh controversy erupted following a clip shared by Urmila Sanawar, actress and wife of former BJP MLA from Jwalapur (Haridwar), Suresh Rathore, in connection with the Ankita Bhandari murder case. Minister Subodh Uniyal stated that earlier petitions seeking a CBI probe into the Ankita Bhandari murder case had already been dismissed by the Nainital High Court and the Supreme Court. Making serious allegations, he said that by demanding a CBI investigation, the Congress is attempting to help the three accused who are currently serving sentences in this murder case.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Earlier on Friday, Uniyal said the government had acted promptly after the incident came to light. He further added that the investigation had also stood the test of judicial scrutiny.

Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal on Sunday asserted that the government will carry out an investigation in case any credible evidence is found in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, followed by strict legal action. "The government's stance is clear: if any credible evidence is found, the government will not hesitate to conduct an investigation. The audio clip has been sent to the forensic lab for examination. The situation will become clear after the investigation. The government is committed. It seems that some people want to mislead the public in the name of a new investigation. Action will be taken after the new report is received," Uniyal said. People in large numbers held a protest in Dehradun demanding justice in the case. Earlier on Friday, speaking to ANI, Uniyal said the government had acted promptly after the incident came to light. He further added that the investigation had also stood the test of judicial scrutiny. "The government has already presented its full side in this matter. The government immediately constituted an SIT, after which a thorough investigation was conducted, and life imprisonment was also awarded in the trial court. The SIT's investigation is correct. When some people opposed this and went to the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's order and rejected their appeal," Uniyal stated. The remarks come days after a fresh controversy erupted following a clip shared by Urmila Sanawar, actress and wife of former BJP MLA from Jwalapur (Haridwar), Suresh Rathore, in connection with the Ankita Bhandari murder case. Minister Subodh Uniyal stated that earlier petitions seeking a CBI probe into the Ankita Bhandari murder case had already been dismissed by the Nainital High Court and the Supreme Court. Making serious allegations, he said that by demanding a CBI investigation, the Congress is attempting to help the three accused who are currently serving sentences in this murder case. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Earlier on Friday, Uniyal said the government had acted promptly after the incident came to light. He further added that the investigation had also stood the test of judicial scrutiny.

'Govt will conduct probe if credible evidence is found': Uttarakhand minister Uniyal on Ankita Bhandari murder case

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news

A glimpse into Mughal royalty: Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases rare jewelry exhibition. Details inside

Kashmir administration taps religious leaders to fight drug abuse among youth

Why don’t women trust public toilets in India? Experts reveal shocking reasons

'Access denied': DigiYatra refuses to recognise twins as two people at airport

'DMK govt looted Rs 4 lakh crore' AIADMK alleges, meets Governor seeking probe

Promise buried in plain sight: How Thorium, 'India's energy future,' turned flop

Ujjain SDM suspended over order calling Vijayvargiya’s ‘ghanta’ authoritarian

Bangladesh violence: Two Hindu men killed in 24 hours amid growing unrest

Former Union Minister, ex IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi passes away at 81

Mumbai University’s biodiversity mapping drive — a landmark effort

Hyderabad police crack down on dangerous 'Chinese Manja'

Tamil Nadu starts distributing 2 million laptops to government college students

India advises citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran amid unrest

Delhi triple murder case: Man surrenders at police station after killing mother, sister and brother

'Will blow up ZEE News': BJP leader Sangeet Som says threat calls received...

Nikitha Godishala murder: Ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma held in TN after fleeing US

Severe cold wave grips North India; Kashmir, Ladakh shiver

Indian Navy has been busy: The year gone by and what’s next

Manipur woman stabs South Korean boyfriend to death in Greater Noida, arrested

SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam in 2020 Delhi riots case

‘Modi is a good man…’: Trump says THIS on India’s Russian oil purchase, tariffs

NDA government will be formed in Tamil Nadu in 2026: Home Minister Amit Shah

Tejas at 25: DRDO chief says focus now on LCA Mk II and AMCA

DGCA prohibits use of power banks for in-flight. Here's all you need to know

Citizens being harassed, IT system misused: Mamata Banerjee flags SIR in Bengal

Will conduct probe if evidence found: Uttarakhand minister on Ankita murder case