Sunday, March 22

State

BJP Emerges Strongest in Maharashtra Local Body Polls, But Final Control Hinges on Supreme Court Verdict
Maharashtra, Politics, State

BJP Emerges Strongest in Maharashtra Local Body Polls, But Final Control Hinges on Supreme Court Verdict

Pune:The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the single largest force in Maharashtra’s recently concluded local body elections, securing the highest number of presidents and key posts in municipal councils and nagar panchayats. However, despite the clear electoral advantage, the fate of governance in 57 local bodies remains uncertain and will depend on a Supreme Court verdict scheduled for January 21. Out of these 57 local bodies, the Mahायुति alliance—comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—won 39 seats, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) secured 17 seats. One seat went to another party. These local bodies are part of a larger group of 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats where the combined reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Schedule...
Open Borders for Bangladeshi Hindus, Deport Illegal Pakistanis: Sadhvi Prachi
State, Uttar Pradesh

Open Borders for Bangladeshi Hindus, Deport Illegal Pakistanis: Sadhvi Prachi

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh:Hindu leader Sadhvi Prachi has issued a strong appeal to the Government of India, urging it to open the country’s borders to provide shelter to persecuted Hindus from Bangladesh and to deport illegal Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals currently residing in India. Speaking to the media in Muzaffarnagar, Sadhvi Prachi expressed deep anguish and anger over alleged attacks and killings of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. She said India has a moral responsibility to protect Hindus facing violence in neighboring countries. Allegations of Selective Humanitarianism Sadhvi Prachi accused political leaders of selective outrage, claiming that those who speak passionately about humanitarian crises in regions such as the Gaza Strip remain silent when Hindus are att...
Bihar Records Decline in Crime Rates; Nitish Government Counters Tejashwi Yadav’s Crime Bulletin
Bihar, Politics, State

Bihar Records Decline in Crime Rates; Nitish Government Counters Tejashwi Yadav’s Crime Bulletin

Patna:The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has released its annual crime data, claiming a significant decline in major criminal incidents across the state. The report, presented jointly by the Home Department and Bihar Police, appears to be a direct rebuttal to Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav’s periodic “crime bulletins,” which have frequently questioned the state’s law-and-order situation. According to the official data, murder cases in Bihar have declined by 7.72 percent, incidents of dacoity by 24.87 percent, and riot-related cases by 17.97 percent compared to previous years. The government asserted that the figures reflect improved policing, stronger intelligence mechanisms, and proactive law enforcement. Women’s Crime Rate Nearly Half of National Average One of the key high...
Bulandshahr Gang-Rape Case: Life Sentence Leaves Victim Disillusioned, Convict Seen Smiling
State, Uttar Pradesh

Bulandshahr Gang-Rape Case: Life Sentence Leaves Victim Disillusioned, Convict Seen Smiling

Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh:Nearly nine years after the horrific Bulandshahr gang-rape incident, a special court sentenced five convicts to life imprisonment. However, the verdict failed to bring closure to the survivor, who expressed deep disappointment, stating that such “monsters deserved public execution, not just imprisonment.” The reaction intensified after one of the convicts, Zubair, was seen smiling moments after being awarded life imprisonment. His conduct sparked outrage and added to the survivor’s trauma. “I am studying law. If I ever become a judge, I will ensure justice for victims like me,” the survivor said, her voice trembling. “Even today, recalling that dark night sends shivers down my spine. My entire family was destroyed. We were forced to abandon our life and liv...
Supreme Court Bans Bonfires in Tiger Reserves, Resorts to Follow Strict Rules This New Year
Madhya Pradesh, State

Supreme Court Bans Bonfires in Tiger Reserves, Resorts to Follow Strict Rules This New Year

Bhopal: The Supreme Court has imposed a strict ban on lighting bonfires in core areas of tiger reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, following earlier restrictions on mobile phone usage. The move aims to enhance wildlife protection and significantly affects hotels, resorts, and commercial centers operating within or near these eco-sensitive zones. Ban Extends to Commercial and Recreational ActivitiesAccording to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Shubh Ranjan Sen, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has issued orders prohibiting the use of firewood for bonfires in all tiger reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries across the state. The directive explicitly states that bonfires in hotels, resorts, and business centers located in eco-sensitive ...
Two Bears Invade Chamoli School; Brave Student Saves Classmate from Attack
State, Uttarakhand

Two Bears Invade Chamoli School; Brave Student Saves Classmate from Attack

Chamoli, Uttarakhand: In a shocking and terrifying incident at Junior High School Harishankar in Pokhri, Chamoli district, two bears entered the school premises on Monday morning, putting students in grave danger. During the intrusion, a bear lifted a sixth-grade student, Arav, but quick thinking and bravery by eighth-grade student Divya Chaudhary saved his life. Following the incident, the school declared a precautionary holiday until 25 December. Chaos Erupts Around 9:30 AMAccording to reports, the bears appeared around 9:15 AM as students were arriving. Screams of panic erupted among the children. Eighth-grader Divya immediately assessed the situation, raised an alarm, and instructed students to run into their classrooms. One of the bears attempted to break down a classroom door and ...
Indore Student Priyanshi Rao Commits Suicide; Two Arrested in Connection with Mental Harassment
Madhya Pradesh, State

Indore Student Priyanshi Rao Commits Suicide; Two Arrested in Connection with Mental Harassment

Indore: In a tragic incident in Indore, 19-year-old student Priyanshi Rao has taken her own life. Authorities have arrested the main accused, Navin Gaur, along with co-accused Bhumi (also known as Bhumika), following evidence recovered from Priyanshi’s mobile phone, including a video and chat messages implicating them in the case. Video Evidence Reveals Mental HarassmentBefore her death, Priyanshi recorded a video in which she accused Navin and Bhumi of causing her extreme emotional distress. In the video, she tearfully states that they had “driven her mad” and that she “could not live without Navin.” The video, along with messages exchanged on her phone, became key evidence for the police. Accused Found Hiding in VillageAccording to police, Navin, a resident of Narmadapuram and son ...
Shock in Khunti: Young Tribal Congress Leader Sumit Tigga Shot Dead While Warming by Fire
Jharkhand, State

Shock in Khunti: Young Tribal Congress Leader Sumit Tigga Shot Dead While Warming by Fire

Ranchi, Jharkhand: A shocking incident rocked Guyu village in the Karra police jurisdiction of Khunti district on Sunday evening, as unknown assailants shot dead 25-year-old Sumit Tigga, the Tribal Congress Block General Secretary. The brutal killing has left the local community in deep shock and anger. Well-Known Social ActivistSumit Tigga, son of Temba Tigga and a resident of Guyu village, was unmarried and actively involved in the Tribal Congress organization. Known as a vibrant and socially committed young leader, he had earned a good reputation in his village and surrounding areas for his organizational work and participation in social initiatives. Details of the ShootingAccording to reports, Tigga was at home on Sunday evening when two of his acquaintances called him to a villa...
Telangana Panchayat Head Uses Bear Costume to Scare Monkeys, Innovative Solution Goes Viral
State, Telangana

Telangana Panchayat Head Uses Bear Costume to Scare Monkeys, Innovative Solution Goes Viral

Hyderabad, Telangana: In a creative effort to tackle the growing menace of monkeys in villages, Kummari Ranjit, the newly elected Panchayat head of Nirmal district, has taken an unusual approach—dressing up in a bear costume to frighten monkeys away. A video of Ranjit patrolling the village in the costume has gone viral on social media, showing the effectiveness of his initiative. From Failed Traps to a Bear SuitEarlier attempts to capture the monkeys using cages funded by villagers—who contributed ₹50 from each household—were largely unsuccessful. Only a few monkeys were caught. Searching online for alternative solutions, Ranjit found the idea of using a bear costume and decided to implement it to provide immediate relief to villagers. Serious Monkey Problem in Lingapur VillageLinga...
Two Injured by Chinese Manja on Highway in Khargone; Safety Concerns Raised Despite Ban
Madhya Pradesh, State

Two Injured by Chinese Manja on Highway in Khargone; Safety Concerns Raised Despite Ban

Khargone, MP: Despite being banned, the dangerous Chinese manja continues to cause injuries in Khargone. On Sunday, two people were hurt after coming into contact with the sharp kite strings along the national highway near Nimarani village, raising questions about the authorities’ enforcement of the ban. One victim sustained a serious cut near the eye. Incident on Chichli RoadGhannu Jaiswal from Umarada village, Barwani district was riding a motorcycle towards Khalghat when he accidentally got entangled in a flying Chinese manja near Chichli Phata. The sharp string caused a deep cut near his eye. Despite the sudden accident, he managed to control his bike and stop safely. Mohit Sen, a nearby hair salon owner, promptly assisted him by taking him to a doctor for treatment and informed loc...