8 MLAs Resign From Arvind Kejriwal's AAP

NEW DELHI, Jan 31: Eight Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs have resigned just five days before voting in the Delhi election. None of them got tickets to contest the election again.

The MLAs who resigned are Naresh Yadav (Mehrauli), Rohit Kumar (Trilokpuri), Rajesh Rishi (Janakpuri), Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar), Pawan Sharma (Adarsh Nagar), Bhawna Goud (Palam) and Girish Soni (Madipur). BS Joon (Bijwasan) was the first AAP MLA who gave his papers.

Palam's Bhavna Goud in her resignation letter directed her disappointment at party chief Arvind Kejriwal. "I have lost faith in you," the MLA said.

Naresh Yadav was earlier the Mehrauli candidate. He was convicted by a Punjab court in a Quran desecration case in December and sentenced to two-year jail. When the AAP released its fifth list of candidates for the Delhi election, to be held on February 5, the party announced Mahender Chaudhary as its Mehrauli candidate, replacing Naresh Yadav.

Naresh Yadav in his resignation letter said the AAP abandoned its founding principle of "honest politics." He alleged the party, instead of fulfilling its pledge to reduce corruption, had "become entangled in the swamp of corruption itself", alluding to the Delhi liquor policy case in which former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia were jailed for several months. He represented south Delhi's Mehrauli constituency for 10 years.

Rohit Kumar Mehraulia, the Trilokpuri MLA who resigned today, in a post on X said he joined AAP during the Anna Hazare-led movement against corruption, with the hope of securing social justice for the Dalit and Valmiki communities.

Mehraulia said the AAP promised to uplift these communities, but failed to address crucial issues such as scrapping contract-based labour and ensuring temporary workers are absorbed permanently.

Janakpuri's Rajesh Rishi also cited growing disenchantment with what he called the AAP's departure from its core values.

In his resignation letter, he criticised the AAP for betraying the principles of corruption-free governance and transparency it was founded on. Mr Rishi, another former supporter of Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement, alleged the party has become a "cesspit of nepotism and corruption."

Soni, while sharing his resignation on X, blamed several allegations against the party for his decision. "The activities that have been going on in the Aam Aadmi Party for a long time, the issues which become a subject of criticism, such as 'Sheeshmahal'. Being disappointed by all these issues, today I am resigning from all the responsibilities and the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party," he posted.

Counting of votes is on February 8.

30 Killed, 60 Hurt In Maha Kumbh Stampede, Says UP Top Cop

PRAYAGRAJ, Jan 29: At least 30 people have been killed in the stampede that happened just before dawn at the Maha Kumbh venue in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, the police chief that oversees security at the massive religious gathering told reporters today.

Twenty-five bodies have been identified, police officer Vaibhav Krishna told reporters, adding 60 were injured. Many have been hospitalised.

The announcement of casualties came hours after local reports and Prayagraj residents posted on social media about deaths at the stampede. The reports were, however, not consistent with the number of dead.

The pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh broke out after many pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days.

Many people started breaking barricades before the stampede happened, the police officer said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a three-member judicial commission, comprising Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS officer VK Singh to look into the reasons behind the stampede. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh each for the families of those who died.

"It is important to get to the bottom of the whole episode on how such a tragedy occurred," a visibly emotional Yogi Adityanath said, adding the chief secretary and DGP would visit the Maha Kumbh on Thursday for an in-depth probe into the incident.

Krishna said barricades have been placed in the mela and akhara areas for lane management but they gave way under the pressure of the jostling.

Explosion At Maharashtra Ordnance Factory Kills 8

NAGPUR, Jan 24: A massive blast ripped through an ordnance factory near Nagpur this morning, killing eight workers and injuring seven others. The blast occurred in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the deaths at an event in the afternoon.

"In Bhandara, at the ordnance factory, a major mishap has taken place, resulting in the death of eight people and injuries to seven others. This is preliminary information," the minister said while asking people to observe a minute's silence to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the "unfortunate incident".

The blast occurred in the LTP section of the factory around 10.30 am, District Collector Sanjay Kolte had said earlier. Firefighters and medical staff were at the scene to contain the situation.

11 Dead After Jumping Off Train Over Fire Rumour, Getting Hit By Another

JALGAON, Jan 22: Eleven people were killed after a fire rumour on a train crossing Maharashtra's Jalgaon triggered panic among passengers, with several of them jumping off the train and getting hit by another, said the police.

The accident took place between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, 400 km away from Mumbai, where the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, a Daily Superfast Express train that runs between Lucknow to Mumbai, had halted after someone pulled the chain due to a rumour of fire around 5 pm, Central Railway officials said.

Some passengers of the Pushpak Express stepped down, and were hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express, heading from Bengaluru to Delhi, said Central Railway's chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.

"Our preliminary information is that there were sparks inside one of the coaches of Pushpak Express due to either 'hot axle' or 'brake-binding' (jamming), and some passengers panicked. They pulled the chain, and some of them jumped down on the tracks. At the same time, Karnataka Express was passing on the adjoining track," said a senior railway official.

An accident relief train has been dispatched from Bhusaval, said the Central Railway, adding that all efforts are being made to provide medical aid to the injured passengers.

Harrowing images showed bodies lying on tracks and some people wandering around with blood all over them.

JDU Manipur Chief Pulls Support From BJP Government In State, Party Sacks Him

IMPHAL, Jan 22: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party Janata Dal (United) sacked its Manipur chief Ksh Biren Singh today, after Singh sent a letter to the Governor saying the JD(U) has withdrawn support to the BJP-led state government.

The JD(U) has only one MLA, Md Abdul Nasir, in the Manipur assembly. Of the six JD(U) candidates who won the assembly election in February-March 2022, five joined the ruling BJP later.

The drama unfolded when Singh in a statement today said its MLA would be considered an Opposition member in the state.

In the announcement sacking him, the JD(U) said Singh took the decision to withdraw support from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Manipur without consulting the party's central leaders.

The JD(U) also said its MLA will not sit in the Opposition bench in the assembly.

In the statement, Singh said trial under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution of the five MLAs who defected to the BJP in Manipur is pending before the Speaker's tribunal.

The Manipur BJP has 37 MLAs in the 60-member assembly, along with support of five MLAs of the Naga People's Front, and three independents.

The JD(U), which won 12 seats in the general election this year, is among the key allies whose support helped the BJP reach the majority mark after its seat tally dropped this time.

The BJP and the JD(U) are also allies in Bihar, where the assembly elections are due this year.

Nitish Kumar, known for his flip-flops across the political divide, returned to the NDA fold last year after being one of the key players in the Opposition bloc INDIA.

Kolkata doctor rape-murder verdict: Court awards life term to convict Sanjoy Roy

KOLKATA, Jan 20: A Kolkata court on Monday pronounced life term for Sanjay Roy, convicted of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the accused.

The court said the case does not fall under the "rarest of the rare" category.

"Sanjay Roy has been sentenced to life imprisonment till death. A fine has also been imposed under 3 sections of BNS on the convict. The court directed the state to give compensation of Rs 17 lakhs to the victim's family," advocate Rehman told ANI.

The parents of the victim however have denounced the compensation. "We don't want compensation, we want justice," they told the court judge.

18 tents gutted in major fire at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj

PRAYAGRAJ, Jan 19: A fire broke out after two gas cylinders exploded inside a tent at the Maha Kumbh venue in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, the police said. The fire spread to 18 tents, burning them to the ground.

There were no reports of injuries, the police said.

Fire trucks already parked at the venue as part of the safety arrangement at the massive Maha Kumbh rushed to the affected area and doused the blaze, officials said.

People living in surrounding tents were evacuated for safety.

The official X handle of the Maha Kumbh posted, "Very sad. The fire incident at Maha Kumbh has shocked everyone. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray to Maa Ganga for everyone's safety."

The 45-day Maha Kumbh started on January 13. More than 7.72 crore people have taken the holy dip, according to official figures available till Saturday. Officials said more than 46.95 lakh devotees did the snan (holy dip) on Sunday.

Rahul Gandhi announces ‘white T-shirt movement’

NEW DELHI, Jan 19: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a ‘white T-shirt movement,’ claiming that economic inequality was on the rise in the country as the Narendra Modi government was 'busy enriching a select few capitalists.’

Rahul Gandhi accused the government of ‘turning its back on the poor’ and appealed to his ‘working class colleagues’ and the youth to participate in this movement in large numbers.

Those who wish to participate can click on this link or give a missed call on 9999812024, the Congress MP wrote.

What is ‘white T-shirt movement’?

(1.) According to the campaign's website, a white T-shirt ‘isn’t just a piece of cloth'; it symbolises the campaign' five guiding principles: Compassion, unity, non-violence, equality, and progress for all.

(2.) These values ‘echo the spirit of India’s 8000-year-old civilization, built on harmony and diversity,’ the website said.

(3.) Further, it stated that rising inequalities rooted in income, caste, and religion demand ‘actions beyond ideology.’

(4.) The white T-shirt is a call for ‘just and unified India’ and honours the spirit of Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra and it sequel, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the website noted.

(5.) The t-shirt will ‘echo’ the goals – bridging divides and making India a ‘cohesive’ and ‘equitable’ nation – of the two ‘yatras,’ it added.

Why the white t-shirt?

Just like the iconic ‘Nehru jacket’ of his great-grandfather, first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the white T-shirt has become synonymous with Rahul Gandhi. This probably was the reason behind its selection as the movement's symbol.

Man Who Stabbed Saif Ali Khan Arrested

MUMBAI, Jan 19: A man was arrested from Maharashtra's Thane early this morning for allegedly attacking Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in his Mumbai residence, the police said. The accused, identified as 30-year-old Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was caught near the Hiranandani Estate in Kasarvadavali, about 35 kilometres from Mr Khan's residence.

Saif Ali Khan suffered multiple stab wounds, including on his neck and near the spine, after the intruder entered his upscale Bandra home and attacked him in the early hours of Thursday.

"Investigation has revealed that he went to Saif's house with the intention of theft. It seems the accused is a Bangladeshi," senior police official Dixit Gedam said at a press conference after his arrest.

"He does not have any Indian documents. Some things have been recovered from him which show that he is a Bangladeshi," he added.

Gedam said the accused had been living in Mumbai for the past four months and changed his name to Bijoy Das. He used to work at a housekeeping company, the cop said.

A court in Bandra has sent him to a 5-day police custody.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times and was rushed to the city's Lilavati Hospital in an autorickshaw where he underwent emergency surgery. A 2.5-inch piece of the blade was removed from his spine after a five-hour-long surgery.

The 54-year-old actor is recovering well, doctors treating him said Friday.

Earlier Saturday, a suspect - identified as 31-year-old Aakash Kailash Kannojia from Mumbai - was detained at Chhattisgarh's Durg railway station. Officials said he was "caught from the Mumbai-Howrah Jnaneswari Express on the lead of the Mumbai Police."

"Around 2 pm, when the train reached Durg, the suspect - who was sitting in the general compartment - deboarded and was immediately taken into custody. He is being interrogated," the Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials said.

"The Mumbai Police had sent the suspect's photo, train number and location to the RPF, after which he was caught," they said. The man was travelling without a ticket.

He, however, was released this afternoon after Shehzad was arrested.

Mysterious deaths in J&K: Centre's team reaches Rajouri; death toll rises to 17

JAMMU, Jan 19: A high-level inter-ministerial team Sunday reached Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district where a mysterious illness is wreaking havoc, killing another person on Sunday and taking the death toll to 17.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on Saturday ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial team to ascertain the causes of deaths that took place within weeks in three families linked to each other in the remote Badhaal village.

Yasmeen Kousar, the last of the six children of Mohd Aslam undergoing treatment at SMGS hospital in Jammu, died this evening, officials said.

Kousar's five siblings and grandparents died last week. Nine other members of two families had died in the village between December 7 and 12.

"J&K health department and other departments probed the deaths but the exact cause has not be found yet. The Home Minister has constituted a team of inter-ministerial experts and they have reached here," Lt Governor Manoj Sinha told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He said police have set up a special investigation team to probe the events from other angles. "We will brief you once the reality comes to the fore," Sinha said.

Officials said the 16-member team arrived at Rajouri district headquarters this evening and is likely to visit the mountain village, 55km from the town, on Monday.

Saif Ali Khan stabbed, Out of danger

MUMBAI, Jan 16: Saif Ali Khan was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by the intruder inside his 12th-floor apartment in upscale Bandra early. Khan, 54, was "out of danger" following emergency surgery, said the doctors at the Lilavati Hospital where he was rushed after the attack that took place around 2.30 am.

Saif Ali Khan's domestic help first raised an alarm as the intruder gained entry into the apartment. She also sustained a minor injury to her hand during the scuffle.

A fight between Khan and the intruder ensued as the former came out after hearing the woman's cries for help.

As per the preliminary probe, the intruder did not force his entry or break into the actor's flat but possibly sneaked in at some point during the night.

Khan's staff took him to Lilavati Hospital in an auto rickshaw after the incident. The hospital's chief operating officer, Dr Niraj Uttamani, told the media later that the actor received six injuries, including two deep wounds. A surgery was performed to remove the knife lodged near his spine.

"He sustained six injuries, two are minor, two intermediate and two deep injuries, one of the injuries is on the back which is close to the spine... Saif sustained a major injury to his thoracic spine due to a knife...Surgery was performed to remove the knife and also to repair the leaking spinal fluid," said the doctors.

There were two deep wounds in his left hand and right side of the neck which were repaired by the plastic surgery team. He was stable and completely out of danger. The actor was moved to the ICU but will be shifted to the normal ward after a day.

The actor's representatives described the incident as an "attempted burglary".

An FIR was registered at Bandra police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 311 (robbery with attempts to cause death or grievous hurt), 331 (4) (house break-in or trespass at night) and other relevant provisions.

Indian police arrest 44 men accused of raping teenager over five years in Kerala

KOCHI, Jan 14: Police in India’s southern state of Kerala have arrested 44 men accused of raping an 18-year-old girl over five years, a police official said on Tuesday, in a case that has shocked the coastal tourist resort.

The victim, an athlete who belongs to the so-called lower caste community known as Dalits, told police in a statement that she was sexually abused by 62 people for five years.

Police have identified 58 of those men, some of whom are minors and arrested 44 over the last two days, officials said.

“We have identified the remaining 14 and they will be arrested soon,” said the deputy superintendent of police in the Pathanamthitta district where the crimes took place, PS Nandakumar.

The case came to light after the girl narrated the gang rape to a volunteer during a gender awareness programme. Nandkumar, who heads the investigation, said details of how the crimes were committed were still being investigated.

In her statement to the police, the victim said the abuse began when she was 13 after her neighbour allegedly raped her.

Local media reported that four of the accused were minors.

Under Indian law, the accused in rape cases that involve lower castes do not immediately get bail.

There were more than 31,000 reported rapes in 2022 in India, the latest year for which data is available, and conviction rates are notoriously low.

New Delhi seeks discharge of Indians after one more killed fighting for Russia

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: A day after it emerged that a man from Kerala died while fighting in the Russian army on the frontlines of the country's war against Ukraine, the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said that it has strongly taken up the issue with the Russian government.

India, the ministry said, has also reiterated its demand for the early discharge of others from the country who have been inducted into the Russian army.

The family of Binil Babu, 32, from Thrissur in Kerala, had said that he and a relative had been injured in a drone attack. They were later informed that Babu had died while the relative was undergoing treatment after suffering severe injuries.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow."

Offering his condolences to the family of the man who was killed, Jaiswal said India's embassy in Moscow is in touch with both families and is helping them in every possible way. The ministry, he said, is working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the dead man's body to India and has also sought "early discharge and repatriation to India" of the injured person.

"The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," the spokesperson asserted.

In October last year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said 85 Indians had been discharged from the Russian military and efforts were on the secure the release of 20 more.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of the early discharge of Indians during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July and reiterated it when the two leaders met during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October.

"An important issue that came up was the issue of early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. This figured from both sides in the discussion, and with the support of the Russian side, a number of Indian nationals have, in recent months, been able to return to India," Misri had said after the summit.

Parliamentary Panel May Summon Mark Zuckerberg's Meta

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Social media giant Meta is set to get a summons from a Parliamentary Standing Committee over its boss Mark Zuckerberg's remark on the 2024 Indian general election.

Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP and chairman of the House panel on Communication and Information Technology, said Meta would be summoned on grounds of spreading misinformation.

"Misinformation on a democratic country maligns its image. The organisation would have to apologise to the Parliament and the people here for this mistake," Dubey said in a post on X.

In a podcast on January 10, the 40-year-old Facebook co-founder said the Covid pandemic had led to an erosion of trust in incumbent governments the world over. He cited India's example in this connection.

"2024 was a very big election year around the world and all these countries, India, had elections. The incumbents basically lost every single one. There is some sort of a global phenomenon - whether it was because of inflation or the economic policies to deal with Covid or just how the governments dealt with Covid. It seems to have had this effect that's global," he said.

Soon after, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw fact-checked Zuckerberg's remark and said the people of India had reaffirmed their trust in the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha election held last year.

"As the world's largest democracy, India conducted the 2024 elections with over 640 million voters. People of India reaffirmed their trust in NDA led by PM @narendramodi Ji's leadership. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID is factually incorrect," Vaishnaw, who handles portfolios of Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology in the Modi 3.0 government, said in a post on X.

"From free food for 800 million, 2.2 billion free vaccines, and aid to nations worldwide during COVID, to leading India as the fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's decisive 3rd-term victory is a testament to good governance and public trust. Meta, it's disappointing to see misinformation from Zuckerberg himself. Let's uphold facts and credibility," he added.

Army Chief Justifies Removal Of Iconic Picture Of Pakistan's Surrender In 1971 War

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi today spoke out over the removal of the iconic picture of Pakistan's surrender to India in the 1971 war from his office at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. It was recently replaced by a new painting titled 'Karam Kshetra'. The move had caused much anguish among army veterans, who have criticised the decision.

The iconic picture of Pakistan's surrender used to be on the wall of the army chief's lounge at his office. In December it was taken down for maintenance and upkeep, but later sent away to the Manekshaw convention centre instead of being brought back to the army chief's office. A new artwork was installed in its place.

Defending the move, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said, "If you see the golden history of India - it has three chapters. It has the British era, the Mughal era and the era before that. If we wish to connect that and the Army's vision, symbolism becomes important."

Suggesting a generational change, the army chief said the new painting is created by Lt Col Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment, "who belongs to the younger generation in the force".

The Indian Army has said that the new painting, "Karam Kshetra" means "Field of Deeds". "It portrays the Army as a guardian of Dharma that protects the nation's values and reflects its evolution into a technologically-advanced integrated force," it explained.

The painting shows snow-capped mountains around the Pangong lake in Ladakh, Lord Krishna's chariot and Hindu statesman and philosopher Chanakya - all representing strategic wisdom.

The army chief suggested that the new painting was made considering the current realities as he mentioned about the re-balancing of troops in view of challenges coming from the northern front.

Addressing the criticism over the new painting, Army Chief Gen. Dwivedi said, "It is also being said that there is a semi-clad Brahmin standing at the centre on the banks of Pangong Tso. If Indians do not know Chanakya, they need to refer back to their civilisational approach."

The army chief further said that "If I have to connect the past, present and future, the new painting symbolises that."

Laying the case to rest, the army chief concluded that the move should not be seen as a removal of the iconic 1971 painting from his office. "The army chief has two lounges and the surrender painting is at the lounge at Manekshaw Centre," Gen. Dwivedi said.

J&K's 6.5-km Z-Morh Tunnel Inaugurated For All-Year Access To Sonamarg

SRINAGAR, Jan 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel, also known as the Sonamarg tunnel, in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir stood on PM Modi's left as he cut the red ribbon and inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were also present at the inauguration.

Located in the picturesque Ganderbal district, the Z-Morh tunnel will enhance connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, providing an all-weather route for travellers.

Following the inauguration, Modi travelled through the Sonamarg tunnel. He inspected the tunnel and took detailed information about its route map and construction work.

Modi interacted with the officials and construction workers who worked meticulously in the harshest conditions for the construction of this tunnel.

Part Of Kannauj Railway Station Collapses In UP, Many Feared Trapped

KANNAUJ, Jan 11: An under-construction building at Kannauj railway station in Uttar Pradesh collapsed on Friday, burying dozens of workers under the debris. The incident occurred while work was underway on a two-storey building as part of a beautification project at the station.

Around 35 workers were present on-site at the time of the accident. Rescue operations led by railway, police, and administrative officials have so far saved 23 workers from the rubble.

"According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when the under-construction shuttering of the roof collapsed," District Magistrate (DM) Shubhrant Kumar Shukl said, as quoted by a news agency.

"Our first priority is to rescue the workers who are trapped. We are using all resources at our disposal for the rescue efforts," he added.

The state government has announced compensation of Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured and Rs 5,000 for those who sustained minor injuries. Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing, said Northeastern Railway. The State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) has been called in from Lucknow to assist with the rescue work.

Modi Says Future Is Not In War, It Is In Buddha

BHUBANESWAR, Jan 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Odisha. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being organised by the Centre in collaboration with the Odisha state government, from January 8 to 10.

Modi arrived in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, where he was welcomed by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the airport.

Modi said, “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an institution to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora. In just a few days, the Mahakumbh will start in Prayagraj. The festival of Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu are also coming up. There is a joyful atmosphere everywhere. For us, it was on this day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi came back to India after a long time abroad. Your presence in India at such a wonderful time is adding to the festive spirit. This edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is special for an additional reason. We have gathered after the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His vision was instrumental to this program."

Top Court Rejects Pleas On Review Of Same-Sex Marriage Verdict

NEW DELHI, Jan 9: Noting that there was no "error apparent" and no "interference is warranted", the Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking a review of its October 2023 judgment in which it refused to grant legal sanction to same-sex marriage.

Having refused an open hearing on the petitions earlier, a bench of Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, BV Nagarathna, PS Narasimha and Dipankar Datta considered the petitions in chambers and said that it had gone through the judgments of Justice Ravindra Bhat (speaking for himself and Justice Hima Kohli), and Justice PS Narasimha - which constituted the majority - and found no error in them.

"We have carefully gone through the judgments delivered by Hon'ble Mr. S. Ravindra Bhat (Former Judge) speaking for himself and for Hon'ble Ms Justice Hima Kohli (Former Judge) as well as the concurring opinion expressed by one of us (Hon'ble Mr Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha), constituting majority view. We do not find any error apparent on the face of the record," the bench said.

"We further find that the view expressed in both the judgments is in accordance with the law and, as such, no interference is warranted. Accordingly, the review petitions are dismissed," it added.

The bench hearing the review petitions was constituted after Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who is now the Chief Justice of India, recused from hearing them in July 2024.

PS Narasimha is the only member of the original Constitution bench that had delivered the original verdict - former Chief Justice Of India DY Chandrachud and Justices SK Kaul, Ravindra Bhat and Hima Kohli have retired - who was also on the review bench.

In the October 2023 verdict, the bench had said there was "no unqualified right" to marriage with the exception of those recognised by law.

It had also, however, pushed for the rights of LGBTQIA++ community and disagreed with the Centre's contention, saying that queerness is "neither urban nor elitist".

"Same-sex relationships have been recognised from antiquity, not just for sexual activities but as relationships for emotional fulfilment. I have referred to certain Sufi traditions. I agree with the judgment of the Chief Justice. It is not res integra for a constitutional court to uphold the rights and the court has been guided by the constitutional morality and not social morality. These unions are to be recognised as a union to give partnership and love," Justice Kaul had said.

Delhi To Vote On February 5, Counting On February 8

NEW DELHI, Jan 7: The assembly elections in Delhi will take place in a single phase on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8, the Election Commission announced today.

The schedule for polls to the Delhi Legislative Assembly was released at a press conference by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and other senior poll officials.

The term of the 70-member Assembly ends on February 23, and elections have to be held before that to constitute a new House. The national capital has traditionally seen assembly polls in a single phase.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is pushing hard for a third consecutive term, while the BJP has gone all out to turn the tables. Also in the fight is the Congress, which is going alone and targeting both the BJP and the AAP, which was its ally during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Kumar also said India will soon create a new record of one billion-plus voters.

"Electoral rolls were released yesterday. We are crossing 99 crore voters... We are going to be a nation of one billion voters very soon, which will be another record in voting," Kumar said.

He also said 2024 was the year of elections globally when two-third of the world's population in democracies voted in different polls.

9 Killed After Maoists Blow Up Security Vehicle In Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR, Jan 6: Eight jawans and a driver were killed in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district when Maoists used an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to blow up their vehicle. The nine were returning from an operation when the IED blew up the Scorpio SUV at Kutru in the Bastar region around 2.15 pm.

Earlier today, security forces attacked Maoists in the Abujhmad region of Chhattisgarh and killed five rebels, including two women. Automatic weapons such as AK 47 and Self-Loading Rifles have been recovered. It was this operation that the jawans were returning from when the rebels targeted them.

The eight security personnel belonged to the District Reserve Guard, a specialised police unit set up to tackle Maoism in the state. Visuals showed a massive crater at the spot, suggesting the intensity of the IED blast that killed the jawans.

The Maoist attack comes against the backdrop of security forces making deep inroads into the Maoist-dominated areas of Chhattisgarh and cornering the rebels.

'Extremely Tortured By Wife, In-Laws': Delhi Cafe Owner's Video Note Before Suicide

NEW DELHI, Jan 2: In a video recorded before his death, 40-year-old Delhi-based cafe owner Puneet Khurana alleged that mental torture and unreasonable demands from his wife Manika Pahwa and in-laws drove him to suicide. The incident occurred in the Model Town area of the national capital, with Khurana leaving behind a series of video statements outlining his ordeal.

Khurana described how ongoing divorce proceedings, initiated through mutual consent, had devolved into a bitter dispute with his wife and in-laws. Khurana claimed that financially burdensome demands were imposed upon him, including an additional payment of Rs 10 lakh, which he could not afford.

"I am about to commit suicide because I am extremely tortured by my in-laws and my wife. We have already filed for mutual divorce on certain terms and conditions. Obviously, when it comes to mutual divorce we have signed some conditions in court. We have to fulfil those conditions within the period of 180 days. But my in-laws and my wife are pressurising me with a new set of conditions which are beyond my scope," Khurana said in the video.

"They are asking for another Rs 10 lakh which I don't have the capacity to pay. I cannot ask my parents as they already have paid enough."

Khurana's family has accused Manika Pahwa, along with her sister and parents, of consistent harassment. According to his sister, the abuse was not limited to financial pressures but extended to emotional manipulation. She claimed that Ms Pahwa had hacked into Khurana's social media accounts and harassed him through multiple channels.

"She, her sister, and her parents mentally tortured and harassed him. There is a video recording of around 59 minutes, in which Puneet has mentioned details of harassment he faced. The woman had even hacked Puneet's social media account," the sister said.

Khurana's mother alleged that her son suffered in silence and avoided sharing his troubles to protect his family from further distress. "She (Ms Pahwa) used to keep torturing him...I want justice for him," his mother said.

On December 30, Khurana allegedly had a heated conversation with Ms Pahwa. The call, which was recorded and is now with the police, revealed bitter exchanges over property and their co-owned bakery business, "For God's Cake."

In the 15-minute call, Ms Pahwa is heard using derogatory language and accusing Puneet of ruining her life. "Beggar, tell me what have you asked for. I do not want to see your face. If you come in front of me, I will slap you. If the divorce is going on, will you remove me from the business? Then you will say, 'if you threaten me, I will commit suicide'," she said.

Khurana responded, "All of this doesn't matter anymore. Just tell me what you want."

On December 31, at approximately 4:20 pm, the Delhi Police received information about the incident. Khurana was found unresponsive on his bed with a mark around his neck. The police later confirmed that he died by hanging. A mobile phone containing Khurana's video statement and the call recordings was seized as evidence.

Khurana and Ms Pahwa married in 2016 and initially operated the popular Woodbox Cafe together. However, within two years, their relationship soured, leading to mutual divorce proceedings. Despite court-mandated conditions for their separation, Ms Khurana's family alleges that Ms Pahwa repeatedly threatened to escalate the conflict, including filing false cases against them if her demands were not met.

Days before the suicide, Ms Pahwa shared a cryptic social media post claiming she had endured "toxicity and narcissistic abuse" but was now free. Referring to her alleged abusers as "insecure cowards".

However, Khurana's family contends that allegations of abuse were a deliberate ploy to divert attention from her own actions. They allege that her public statements were timed to deflect scrutiny and preemptively frame her as a victim. Khurana's family claims that Ms Pahwa made five demands to settle their divorce, including Rs 70,000 per month as lawyer's fee.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest Delhi) Bhisham Singh confirmed that an inquiry is underway, with statements being recorded from both families.

"The father of Puneet Khurana, said that his son was going through marital discord and alleged that his daughter-in-law harassed him, which led to his suicide," Bhisham Singh said.

"We have seized the man's mobile phone, and the family's claims are being verified. An inquiry is underway with both families participating in the investigation. Manika's family has made counter-allegations, and a divorce case is also ongoing," he added.

Police have retrieved call recordings, CCTV footage, and Khurana's mobile phone for forensic analysis. The ongoing investigation will also explore the financial transactions and property disputes central to the case.

Khurana's suicide is not an isolated incident. Just last month, a Bengaluru tech executive named Atul Subhash died by suicide, leaving behind a 24-page note accusing his wife and her family of harassment. He alleged a campaign of legal and emotional abuse, concluding that his death was the only way to protect his elderly parents from further exploitation.

Subhash's wife and her family were subsequently arrested.