Wednesday, December 24

State

Ghatshila By-Election Concludes Peacefully with 73.88% Voter Turnout
Jharkhand, State

Ghatshila By-Election Concludes Peacefully with 73.88% Voter Turnout

Jamshedpur: Voting for the Ghatshila Assembly by-election in Jharkhand concluded peacefully on Tuesday, with a robust 73.88% voter turnout recorded by 5 PM. Polling began at 7 AM, and long queues of voters were seen at several polling stations well before the scheduled start, reflecting the high public enthusiasm — particularly among women voters. According to the Chief Electoral Officer, K. Ravi Kumar, all 300 polling stations in Ghatshila were operational on time, and strict security measures were in place. CCTV cameras were installed both inside and outside polling booths, and the entire process was monitored live through webcasting, ensuring transparency and smooth conduct of the election. Key Highlights: By 11 AM, voter turnout stood at 34.32%. By 3 PM, it reached 69.07%,...
Why Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Struggles to Establish JDU Base in Jharkhand: The Kurmi vs. Kurmi/Kudmi Politics
Jharkhand, Politics, State

Why Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Struggles to Establish JDU Base in Jharkhand: The Kurmi vs. Kurmi/Kudmi Politics

Ranchi, Jharkhand: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a stalwart in state politics for nearly two decades and a nationally respected leader, has struggled to establish a strong Janata Dal United (JDU) base in neighboring Jharkhand. Despite efforts, the party has failed to make significant inroads in the state. Attempts to Navigate Ethnic EquationsAhead of the Jharkhand Assembly elections in November 2024, a crucial meeting was held at Nitish Kumar’s official residence in July 2024, attended by Jharkhand JDU leaders and Bihar ministers. The focus was on understanding the state’s complex ethnic dynamics, particularly the aspirations of the Kurmi/Kudmi community, which has long sought recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in Jharkhand. In an effort to appeal to Kurmi voters, Nitish Kuma...
RPF Opens Free Gurukul in Hardcore Naxal Village, Transforming Children’s Lives in Sukma
Chhattisgarh, State

RPF Opens Free Gurukul in Hardcore Naxal Village, Transforming Children’s Lives in Sukma

C Sukma, Chhattisgarh: In a heartening initiative, the 150th Battalion of the CRPF has established a Gurukul in the Naxal-affected village of Purvti, the hometown of notorious Naxal leader Hidma. The school, currently educating around 60 children, is entirely free, providing uniforms, textbooks, modern playground facilities, and teachers’ salaries fully supported by the CRPF. Education Meets SecurityThe Gurukul is not just a center for learning but also a beacon of hope and transformation. CRPF personnel are going beyond their traditional security role, guiding children in both education and values. The initiative is steadily building interest in learning among local children, while parents are encouraged to send their children regularly to school. Teacher Salaries and Facilities ...
Mahatari Vandan Scheme May Face Cuts After 21st Installment; Women Must Complete e-KYC to Continue Receiving Benefits
Chhattisgarh, State

Mahatari Vandan Scheme May Face Cuts After 21st Installment; Women Must Complete e-KYC to Continue Receiving Benefits

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The Mahatari Vandan Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Chhattisgarh government for women’s welfare, is now under a major verification process. The Women and Child Development Department has announced that all beneficiaries must complete e-KYC to remain eligible for the scheme. Names of ineligible or deceased women will be removed from the list. In the first phase, the department plans to verify 4.25 lakh women. Beneficiaries must submit their Aadhaar cards and provide biometric authentication. Officials have urged women to contact Anganwadi workers for assistance to ensure no eligible woman misses out. Why the Verification? After the release of the 21st installment, concerns were raised over ineligible beneficiaries receiving funds. During a recent Assembly...
Kawardha Man Wanders Door to Door With His Ailing Wife on a Bike; Deputy CM Steps In With Help After Hearing His Story
Chhattisgarh, State

Kawardha Man Wanders Door to Door With His Ailing Wife on a Bike; Deputy CM Steps In With Help After Hearing His Story

Kawardha, Chhattisgarh: In a heartbreaking story of love, struggle, and determination, a 65-year-old man from Nagwahi village in Kawardha district has been carrying his cancer-stricken wife on his motorcycle for years in search of treatment. Despite losing everything—his land, jewelry, and savings—he refuses to give up hope. Samlu Singh Markam’s wife, Kapura Markam, has been suffering from thyroid cancer for nearly three years. With no money left for an ambulance or private transport, Samlu built a wooden plank on his motorcycle, on which his wife lies as he takes her from one hospital to another, often traveling hundreds of kilometers under scorching heat and heavy rain. He Sold His Land, Ornaments, and Borrowed ₹6 Lakh In his desperate attempt to save his wife, Samlu sold his fa...
ijapur Encounter: Six Naxalites Killed in Fierce Gun Battle; Gunfire Heard for Several Kilometers
Chhattisgarh, State

ijapur Encounter: Six Naxalites Killed in Fierce Gun Battle; Gunfire Heard for Several Kilometers

B Bijapur, Chhattisgarh: In a major anti-Maoist operation, security forces gunned down six Naxalites during a fierce encounter in the dense forests of Annaram, Taralaguda area of Bijapur district on Tuesday evening. The operation was part of an ongoing campaign to eliminate Maoist activities along the interstate border and forest zones of the region. According to eyewitnesses, the sound of gunfire echoed for several kilometers, causing panic among villagers who locked themselves indoors. Security forces, including teams from the District Police, DRG (District Reserve Guard), and CRPF, were involved in the joint action. Following the intense exchange of fire, personnel recovered the bodies of six slain Naxalites from the encounter site. In addition, one injured Maoist was captured ...
Chhattisgarh Bans Three Substandard Medicines for Three Years
Chhattisgarh, State

Chhattisgarh Bans Three Substandard Medicines for Three Years

Raipur: Taking lessons from the recent tragedy in Madhya Pradesh linked to contaminated cough syrup, the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSC) has taken strict action against three medicines found to be “Not of Standard Quality (NSQ)” during laboratory testing. Under its “Zero Tolerance Policy” toward substandard drugs, CGMSC has blacklisted the manufacturers of these medicines for the next three years. During this period, the companies will be barred from participating in any state government tenders. Medicines Declared Substandard The banned medicines include: Calcium (Elemental) with Vitamin D3 Tablets, Ornidazole Tablets, both supplied by M/s AG Parenterals, Baddi (Himachal Pradesh), and Heparin Sodium 1000 IU/ml Injection IP, supplied by M/s Divi...
talian Couple Marries in Varanasi Following Hindu Rituals, Calls It a Spiritual Bond for Lifetimes
State, Uttar Pradesh

talian Couple Marries in Varanasi Following Hindu Rituals, Calls It a Spiritual Bond for Lifetimes

H I Reported by: Abhishek Kumar Jha | NBT Digital | Varanasi | November 12, 2025 In a heartwarming cross-cultural celebration of faith and love, an Italian couple, Antonelia and Gloris, tied the knot in Varanasi following traditional Hindu rituals. The ceremony took place at the Nau Durga Temple in Shivala, where the duo took seven sacred vows (pheras) around the holy fire — embracing India’s ancient Sanatan tradition as a symbol of eternal union. Faith Beyond Borders The couple, both professionals based in Italy, had arrived in Varanasi three days prior to the ceremony. Though they had already been married in a Christian church in Italy, their deep spiritual inclination toward Indian customs and Hindu philosophy brought them to the holy city to sanctify their bond o...
Bihar: Pregnant Officer Completes Election Duty Amid Labor Pain, Gives Birth to Baby Girl After Fulfilling Her Responsibility
Bihar

Bihar: Pregnant Officer Completes Election Duty Amid Labor Pain, Gives Birth to Baby Girl After Fulfilling Her Responsibility

Edited by: Rishikesh Narayan Singh | Reported by: Pranay Raj | NBT Digital | November 12, 2025 Nalanda (Bihar): In a remarkable display of dedication and courage, Rashmi Kumari, the Deputy Collector (Land Reforms) of Hilsa Subdivision, continued to perform her election duties even while experiencing labor pain. Only after ensuring that all EVMs were safely deposited in the strong room, did she allow herself to go to the hospital — where she soon gave birth to a healthy baby girl, affectionately called ‘Lakshmi.’ Duty Above Pain: The Spirit of True Service Despite being in the final stage of her pregnancy, Rashmi Kumari showed extraordinary commitment during the Bihar Assembly Elections. She was responsible for supervising 390 polling stations in the Islampur Assembly constitue...
Environmental Violation in Uttarakhand: Construction Debris from Helang Bypass Dumped into Alaknanda River
State, Uttarakhand

Environmental Violation in Uttarakhand: Construction Debris from Helang Bypass Dumped into Alaknanda River

By Aishwarya Kumar Rai | NBT Digital | November 11, 2025 Joshimath (Uttarakhand): Alarming visuals and local reports have revealed blatant environmental negligence during the construction of the Helang–Marwari bypass, located about 13 kilometers before Jyotirmath. The construction agency responsible for the project has allegedly been dumping debris directly into the Alaknanda River, instead of creating a designated dumping yard. Locals claim that since the inception of the 13-kilometer bypass project, the company has continuously been disposing of construction waste into the river, causing severe water pollution, erosion, and a shift in the river’s natural flow. Despite repeated complaints from villagers, no corrective action has yet been taken. Local Administration Acknowledg...