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Khalid is an accused in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.

2020 Delhi riots: Court Grants Umar Khalid 7-Day Bail

Khalid is an accused in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.

A Delhi court on Wednesday granted seven days interim bail to former JNU student Umar Khalid, accused in the conspiracy case connected to February 2020 riots, to attend a family event.
Additional sessions judge Sameer Bajpai granted him the reprieve for seven days to attend a family wedding. Khalid is an accused in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.
A detailed order is awaited.&nbsp;

China expressed optimism about talks saying that it is ready to work with India to implement commitments based on common understandings reached between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping during their meeting at Kazan in Russia on October 24.

NSA Ajit Doval holds talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on peace at borders, restoration of ties

China expressed optimism about talks saying that it is ready to work with India to implement commitments based on common understandings reached between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping during their meeting at Kazan in Russia on October 24.

India, China Special Representatives for the border mechanism, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here on Wednesday to discuss a range of issues, including management of peace and tranquillity along LAC and restoration of bilateral ties frozen for over four years due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
Mr Doval, who is heading the Indian delegation, arrived here on Tuesday to take part in the 23rd round of the Special Representatives' talks being held after a gap of five years. The last meeting was held in 2019 in Delhi.
The talks began at 10 am China time.
The two officials were expected to discuss a range of issues to rebuild the bilateral ties following the October 21 agreement of disengagement and patrolling in eastern Ladakh between the two countries.
On Tuesday, China expressed optimism about the talks saying that it is ready to work with India to implement the commitments based on the common understandings reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their meeting at Kazan in Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on October 24.
China is prepared to settle differences with sincerity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a media briefing here when asked about the Special Representatives (SR) talks.
China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith, and bring bilateral relations back to the track of stable and healthy development as soon as possible, he said.
The two SRs will discuss the management of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and explore a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question, as agreed upon during the meeting of the two leaders in Kazan, the External Affairs Ministry said on Monday.
After the PM Modi-Xi meeting, which was their first after five years, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil followed by a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation &amp; Coordination on China-India Border Affairs (WMCC).
The military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and was followed by a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June of that year resulting in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours.
Barring trade, relations between the two countries virtually came to a standstill.
The face-off effectively ended following the completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21.
The SRs' meeting is regarded as significant as it is the first structured engagement between the two countries to restore relations.
Constituted in 2003 to comprehensively address the vexed dispute of the India-China border spanning 3,488 km, the SRs mechanism over the years met 22 times.
While success eluded it in resolving the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard it as a very promising, useful and handy tool in addressing the recurring tensions between the two countries.&nbsp; (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Based on the complaints of both parties, the police registered a cross-case and arrested three accused

Gurugram Restaurant Clash: Police File Cross Cases, Owner Among Three Arrested

Based on the complaints of both parties, the police registered a cross-case and arrested three accused.

A day after two groups clashed with each other at a restaurant here, the Gurugram police on Tuesday arrested three people, including the owner of the eatery, officials said.
Both sides have filed FIRs against each other at the Shivaji Nagar police station, they said.
Around two dozen men had created a ruckus at the &lsquo;Roti Boti&rsquo; restaurant located in the old jail complex near Sohna Chowk on Monday night. According to police sources, the spot is thronged by people who openly drink and sell liquor.
Based on the complaints of both parties, the police registered a cross-case and arrested three accused &mdash; Aniket, a resident of Khandsa village, Hemant Sharma and Mohit, a resident of Islampur village, said police.
&ldquo;Two cases have been registered against accused Aniket under Excise Act in Gurugram. We are conducting raids to nab other accused,&rdquo; said the spokesperson of Gurugram police.&nbsp;
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, pose severe health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Delhi Suffers Worst Air Quality for Second Consecutive Day; CPCB Issues Health Warning

PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, pose severe health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

For the second straight day, Delhi recorded the worst air quality in the country, with pollution levels skyrocketing. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued a warning, highlighting severe health risks for both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing conditions.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676253451e3c5_1734497093.png" width="500" height="216">
Air Quality Deteriorates After Brief Relief
The alarming spike in pollution comes after a two-week respite from hazardous air quality. On December 5, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) rolled back Stage IV restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following significant improvement in Delhi-NCR&rsquo;s air quality. However, conditions have worsened again, prompting the reimposition of the strictest measures.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67625367968b4_1734497127.png" width="500" height="204">
AQI Reaches 'Severe' Category
Delhi&rsquo;s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 401 (severe) on Monday night, December 16, 2024, triggering the reinstatement of Stage IV GRAP restrictions. By Tuesday afternoon, the AQI surged further to 433, with the concentration of hazardous particulate matter (PM2.5) soaring to 251.5 micrograms per cubic meter&mdash;16.7 times higher than the World Health Organization&rsquo;s (WHO) safe limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762538e0bc8e_1734497166.jpeg" width="300" height="374">
PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, pose severe health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Causes of Pollution Surge
The CPCB attributed the spike in pollution to factors such as:
<ul>
<li>Slower wind speeds hinder pollutant dispersion.</li>
<li>Persistent vehicular emissions.</li>
<li>Stubble burning in neighbouring states.</li>
</ul>
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi also forecasted continued severe pollution for Wednesday due to stagnant wind conditions.
Health Risks and Restrictions
CPCB&rsquo;s warning emphasized the severe impact on public health, with vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues at higher risk. In response, the government has reimposed:
<ul>
<li>A ban on construction activities.</li>
<li>Restrictions on the movement of older vehicles.</li>
</ul>
Improvement Expected by December 19
The Central Agency predicts a gradual improvement in air quality from December 19, with AQI levels likely to shift to the &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; category due to a forecasted increase in wind speeds.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, including limiting outdoor activities, using air purifiers indoors, and wearing masks when stepping out.

In recognition of her work, she was conferred with Padma Shri in 2021.

PM Modi condoles death of Tulsi Gowda, says she will remain guiding light for environment conservation

In recognition of her work, she was conferred with Padma Shri in 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday condoled the death of environmentalist Tulsi Gowda and said she will remain a guiding light for environmental conservation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Deeply saddened by the passing of Smt. Tulsi Gowda Ji, a revered environmentalist from Karnataka and Padma Awardee. She dedicated her life to nurturing nature, planting thousands of saplings, and conserving our environment. She will remain a guiding light for environmental&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/FWjsvroMty">pic.twitter.com/FWjsvroMty</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1868875490523501052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
In a post on X, he said, &ldquo;Deeply saddened by the passing of Tulsi Gowda Ji, a revered environmentalist from Karnataka and Padma Awardee. She dedicated her life to nurturing nature, planting thousands of saplings, and conserving our environment.&rdquo; &ldquo;She will remain a guiding light for environmental conservation. Her work will continue to inspire generations to protect our planet. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti,&rdquo; he added.
Gowda passed away at her residence in Honnalli village in Karnataka&rsquo;s Uttara district on Monday due to age-related ailments. She was 86.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67616991f423e_1734437265.jpg" width="500" height="284">
She belonged to the Halakki tribe and is survived by a son and a daughter. In recognition of her work, she was conferred with Padma Shri in 2021. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Basha, 84, and 16 others from Al-Umma had been serving life imprisonment in connection with the 1998 blasts. He was granted parole by the Madras High Court recently.

Coimbatore serial blasts mastermind SA Basha dead, police to deploy forces for funeral procession

Basha, 84, and 16 others from Al-Umma had been serving life imprisonment in connection with the 1998 blasts. He was granted parole by the Madras High Court recently.

S A Basha, the mastermind of the 1998 serial bomb blasts that rocked Coimbatore, died due to age-related ailments at a private hospital here, police said on Tuesday.
He died on December 16 evening.
Police force has been deployed in the city in view of the proposed funeral procession of Basha on Tuesday evening, an official said.
&ldquo;He was on parole and not keeping well of late. He was admitted to a private hospital as his health deteriorated and died on Monday evening after being in prison for 35 years,&rdquo; said Indian National League party leader J Rahim.
Basha, 84, and 16 others from Al-Umma had been serving life imprisonment in connection with the 1998 blasts. He was granted parole by the Madras High Court recently.
Basha&rsquo;s family members are planning to take out the funeral procession from South Ukkadam to Hyder Ali Tippu Sultan Sunnath Jamaath Masjid at Flower Market, police said, and added sufficient police force has been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
Basha is the founder-president of the banned outfit Al-Umma and planned the serial bomb blasts that claimed 58 lives on February 14. As many as 231 people were injured in the blasts, police said.
In May 1999, the special investigation team of the Crime Branch CID filed a chargesheet against Basha accusing him of conspiring to kill BJP leader L K Advani using a suicide squad.
Meanwhile, BJP Tamil Nadu vice president Narayanan Thirupathy has urged the police not to allow the funeral procession, as this will set a bad precedent in society if a criminal, terrorist, or murderer is hailed as a martyr.
&ldquo;No doubt anyone thought a cold-blooded murderer should be allowed to have his/her last rights but it should be done peacefully and not with huge honours for which they don&rsquo;t deserve,&rdquo; Thirupathy said in a post on social media platform &lsquo;X&rsquo;.
The fundamentalist thoughts violence, and communal problems started from the 1998 Coimbatore bomb blasts and Basha was the top person responsible for that, he claimed.
Even today, there were hundreds of persons in various political parties and movements who had been members of the banned Al-Umma.
&ldquo;This procession may trigger the forgotten memories of 1998 and it may lead to greater communal issues in future. It is the responsibility of Chief Minister MK Stalin to see to it that this procession does not take place and the last rites of the dead terrorist Basha should be allowed to be performed only with their family members and not with any big crowd,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;

"I’m left wondering—what just happened? Is there somewhere I can report this? I’m genuinely scared and unsure how to proceed to reach my station," the passenger wrote.

Gurugram Resident's Harrowing Ride: Uber Driver Sends Chilling Message 

Gurugram Resident's Harrowing Ride: Uber Driver Sends Chilling Message "I Want to Kidnap You"

"I&rsquo;m left wondering&mdash;what just happened? Is there somewhere I can report this? I&rsquo;m genuinely scared and unsure how to proceed to reach my station," the passenger wrote.

In a terrifying turn of events, a Gurugram resident had to abandon their travel plans and rush back to safety after receiving a bone-chilling message from an Uber driver. The incident, shared on Reddit by user kushpyro1 under the subreddit r/Gurgaon, unfolded on a Saturday morning when the resident booked a ride to Anand Vihar Terminal.
The user narrated the incident, revealing they had booked a Priority Sedan Cab to catch a train. As the driver neared their location, the passenger checked their phone to verify the OTP and stumbled upon a shocking message in the Uber chat: "I want to kidnap you."
"I am shivering while writing this. I have a train in an hour, and God knows if I&rsquo;ll reach there on time," the user wrote, recounting the ordeal.
A Narrow Escape
Panicked yet quick-thinking, the passenger immediately took a screenshot of the chat and attempted to cancel the ride. "When I began to cancel, the driver canceled the ride himself. I ran back into my house with my luggage," the post read. The driver, identified as Chandan, was reportedly driving a Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
Autocorrect or Threat?
The post included a screenshot of the chat where the driver&rsquo;s last message read, "I want to go to kidnap you happily." Reddit users were divided in their reactions. While some speculated it might have been an autocorrect error, others suggested reporting the incident to authorities or Uber&rsquo;s customer support.
Seeking Justice and Safety
"I&rsquo;m left wondering&mdash;what just happened? Is there somewhere I can report this? I&rsquo;m genuinely scared and unsure how to proceed to reach my station," the passenger wrote.
Some users advised the victim to escalate the matter by posting about it on X (formerly Twitter), as Uber actively responds to complaints there.
Uber's Accountability
Incidents like this raise concerns about passenger safety during app-based cab rides. Whether it was a horrifying typo or a sinister intention, such messages can traumatize passengers and highlight the need for stricter driver vetting and communication monitoring systems.
While the resident&rsquo;s quick actions ensured their safety, the incident is a grim reminder of the unexpected dangers that can arise during routine travel. Uber has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said.

Only 28 per cent Of Urban Wastewater In India Is Treated: Report

India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said.

A meagre 28 per cent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment.
India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said.
Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful." Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Director General Sunita Narain said India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and, most importantly, climate change.
"Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability." "In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report's title -- Waste to Worth -- is referring to," Sunita Narain added.
The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said, "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday announced that 'Sanjivni Yojna' would be launched for free treatment of people aged above 60 years after his party returns to power in Delhi.

AAP's Sanjeevani Yojana: Free Elderly Care

Kejriwal said registration for the Sanjeevani scheme will begin within two-three days.

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal Wednesday announced that 'Sanjivni Yojna' would be launched for free treatment of people aged above 60 years after his party returns to power in Delhi.
Assembly polls in Delhi are due in February next year.
Kejriwal said registration for the scheme will begin within two-three days.
AAP volunteers would go door to door for registration of the eligible elderly for the scheme, he said at an event at the party headquarters here.
After the elections, the AAP government will implement the scheme, Kejriwal added.

India

BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, in his letter to the chief minister on December 10, said that since the apex court's verdict, "no substantial endeavour has been undertaken by the Muslim community to construct the mosque".

BJP Leader Urges CM Yogi to Reclaim Ayodhya Mosque Land Citing Non-Compliance

BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, in his letter to the chief minister on December 10, said that since the apex court's verdict, "no substantial endeavour has been undertaken by the Muslim community to construct the mosque".

A BJP leader from Ayodhya has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asking him to reclaim the land allotted for the construction of a mosque here and claiming that no substantial endeavour has been undertaken to build it.
On November 9, 2019, settling a fractious issue that went back more than a century, a five-judge bench headed by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, at the site where the 16th century Babri Masjid once stood. It also ruled that an alternative five-acre plot would be found for a mosque in the holy town.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676288b2ac9c6_1734510770.jpg" width="500" height="327">
The Sunni Central Waqf Board later formed the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation to build a new mosque on the land allotted by the state government in the Dhannipur area of the district.
BJP leader Rajneesh Singh, in his letter to the chief minister on December 10, said that since the apex court's verdict, "no substantial endeavour has been undertaken by the Muslim community to construct the mosque".
Their "intention was never to establish a mosque there but to perpetuate the discord under the pretext of a mosque", he alleged.
"In compliance with the Supreme Court's order, the land allocated to Sunni Central Waqf Board in Ayodhya is being used by the mosque's responsible persons for other purposes. The Muslim community's intention was never to construct the mosque but rather to keep the disturbance and disorder alive under the guise of a mosque. However, this has not been possible due to your leadership," Singh said in the letter to Adityanath.
Asserting that "a mosque is not necessary for offering prayers anyway," he appealed to the chief minister to "issue strict instructions to the officials of the Ayodhya mosque trust to use the land in compliance with the Supreme Court orders".
In case of being unable to do so, issue directives to return the land to the government to prevent its misuse, Singh said.
In a conversation with PTI, he said, "The Muslim community merely wishes to preserve Babar's legacy through this mosque and aims to manipulate Hindu sentiments in the name of Babri Masjid."
When PTI contacted Athar Husain, the secretary of the Ayodhya Masjid Trust, for his reaction to the issue, he refused to comment.
In 2022, Singh petitioned the Allahabad High Court, claiming that the Taj Mahal mausoleum is an ancient temple dedicated to the deity Lord Shiva and is known as the "Tejo Mahalaya". (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The bills, introduced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, were approved for further scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), with 269 members voting in favour and 198 opposing. 

Government Pushes Simultaneous Polls; Opposition Calls It ‘Attack on Federalism’

The bills, introduced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, were approved for further scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), with 269 members voting in favour and 198 opposing.

The Lok Sabha witnessed intense debate on Tuesday as the government introduced two pivotal bills aimed at implementing simultaneous elections across India. The bills &ndash; &lsquo;The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024&rsquo; and &lsquo;The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024&rsquo; &ndash; propose a framework for conducting elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies simultaneously under the "One Nation, One Election" initiative.
The bills, introduced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, were approved for further scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), with 269 members voting in favour and 198 opposing. This marked the first instance of electronic voting in the new Parliament House.
Contentious Debate in Lok Sabha
The opposition fiercely criticized the bills, labelling them an attack on India&rsquo;s federal structure and the democratic spirit enshrined in the Constitution. Congress MP Manish Tewari argued that the bills violated the "basic structure doctrine" of the Constitution, emphasizing that federalism and democratic processes are fundamental features that cannot be altered.
Echoing Tewari&rsquo;s sentiments, DMK MP TR Baalu described the move as "anti-federal" and asserted that simultaneous elections undermine the autonomy of voters to elect governments for their full five-year term. Similarly, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav contended that the bills contradict the principles established by the framers of the Constitution, accusing the government of disregarding their wisdom.
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee claimed the legislation infringes on the autonomy of state legislatures, asserting, &ldquo;The proposed bill undermines the basic structure of the Constitution and is therefore ultra vires. State governments and assemblies are not subordinate to Parliament or the central government.&rdquo;
Government's Defense
Responding to the criticism, Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recommended sending the bills to a JPC for detailed examination. Shah dismissed allegations of undermining the Constitution, asserting that the bills aim to enhance governance and streamline election processes.
The government also introduced amendments to align assembly elections in Delhi, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, and Puducherry with the proposed simultaneous elections, modifying laws such as the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
Next Steps
The bills will now be scrutinized by the JPC, which will deliberate on their implications before presenting its recommendations to Parliament. While the government projects the initiative as a means to improve administrative efficiency and reduce election costs, the opposition remains united in its resistance, vowing to safeguard the federal character of India.
As discussions continue, the "One Nation, One Election" proposal has reignited debates over the balance of power between the Centre and the states, with both sides preparing for an intense legislative battle.

Accusing the Congress of being “anti-reservation”, Shah said that in 1955, the Kaka Kalelkar Commission was formed to provide reservations to OBCs but the report was “nowhere to be found”.

Congress considered Constitution ‘private fiefdom’ of one family, amended it to stay in power: Amit Shah

Accusing the Congress of being &ldquo;anti-reservation&rdquo;, Shah said that in 1955, the Kaka Kalelkar Commission was formed to provide reservations to OBCs but the report was &ldquo;nowhere to be found&rdquo;.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacked Congress on Tuesday in the Rajya Sabha, saying the party treated the Constitution as the &ldquo;private fiefdom&rdquo; of one family and &ldquo;played fraud&rdquo; with Parliament.
Concluding a two-day debate on the &ldquo;Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India&rdquo;, Shah ripped into the Congress for its &ldquo;appeasement politics&rdquo; and claimed that the opposition party wanted to breach the 50 per cent quota limit to provide reservation to Muslims, which the BJP will never allow.
He also asked Congress if it supported the Muslim personal law and alleged that the party never worked for the welfare of the backward classes.
Shah asserted that the BJP has already brought in a common civil code (Uniform Civil Code) in Uttarakhand and will implement it in all states.
Seeking to draw a distinction between the amendments to the Constitution brought by the BJP and the Congress, Shah claimed that the opposition party, when it was in power, sought to curtail rights, including the freedom of expression, and serve its interests and that of the &ldquo;family&rdquo;, while the BJP acted keeping in mind public welfare and national interest.
He cited the introduction of GST, granting of statutory status to the OBC Commission and bringing women&rsquo;s reservation as examples.
Shah accused the Congress of being a &ldquo;sore loser&rdquo; for blaming EVMs for its defeat in the assembly polls in Maharashtra and Haryana. He advised the opposition party to give up its canard against EVMs and shed its appeasement policy, dynastic politics and corruption if it wanted to return to power.
&ldquo;In the last 75 years, the Congress played fraud in the name of the Constitution&hellip; They (Nehru-Gandhi family) considered not just the party as their personal property, but also treated the Constitution as their &lsquo;private fiefdom&rsquo;,&rdquo; the minister alleged, referring to the insertion of Article 35A without parliamentary assent.
Criticising the Congress for bringing in reservation on the basis of religion in two states ruled by it, Shah termed it &ldquo;unconstitutional&rdquo;.
&ldquo;It is clearly stated in the Constitution that no reservation will be based on religion&hellip; They (Congress) do not want any welfare of OBCs, they want to give reservations to Muslims by increasing the limit of 50 per cent.
&ldquo;But today, once again I say with responsibility in this House that as long as the BJP has even one MP, we will not allow reservation on the basis of religion,&rdquo; the home minister asserted.
He also accused the Congress of depriving Muslim women of justice and referred to the Shah Bano case and the &lsquo;triple talaq&rsquo; issue.
Shah claimed that the Congress could not bring a uniform civil code as it could not rise above appeasement politics.
He also noted that one needs an iron will to abrogate Article 370 which Prime Minister Narendra Modi did in his second term.
&ldquo;Forget bloodshed, no one has the courage to pelt even a single stone,&rdquo; Shah said, claiming that Jammu and Kashmir has attracted investments to the tune of Rs 1.19 lakh crore in the last five years.
He also accused the Congress of nurturing Article 370 of the Constitution for 70 years in its lap like &ldquo;an illegitimate child&rdquo;.
Accusing the Congress of being &ldquo;anti-reservation&rdquo;, Shah said that in 1955, the Kaka Kalelkar Commission was formed to provide reservations to OBCs but the report was &ldquo;nowhere to be found&rdquo;.
&ldquo;Had the recommendations of the Kaka Kalelkar Commission been accepted, the Mandal Commission would not have been formed. In 1980, the recommendations of the Mandal Commission came out, but it was not implemented. It was implemented when the Congress was voted out in 1990,&rdquo; he said.
Shah also alleged that the Congress amended the Constitution to remain in power.
He said the BJP governed for 16 years and made 22 amendments to the Constitution. In contrast, the Congress party ruled for 55 years and made 77 amendments, Shah noted.
He said that even before the first elections in the country, Jawaharlal Nehru effected the first Constitutional amendment to &ldquo;curtail&rdquo; the freedom of expression.
Shah said that for 75 years, the Congress gave the slogan of &lsquo;gareebi hatao&rsquo; but kept the people of the country poor.
&ldquo;Your shop of appeasement has shut down now,&rdquo; he added.
Shah also claimed that Nehru opposed the name &lsquo;Bharat&rsquo; for the country.
He also took a dig at the Congress for repeatedly taking the name of BR Ambedkar, saying had they taken God&rsquo;s name so many times they could have earned a place in heaven.
Shah said the BJP is happy that the Congress is taking Ambedkar&rsquo;s name but the party should also speak about its real sentiments towards him.
Shah pointed out how Ambedkar had to resign from the first Cabinet citing his disagreement with the then Congress-led government&rsquo;s policies including Article 370.
The home minister also said most of the memorials of Ambedkar were built when the BJP came to power.
&ldquo;How appropriate is it for you to use the name of a person for vote bank politics whom you used to oppose?&rdquo; Shah asked Kharge.
Referring to the Emergency, Shah said, &ldquo;Every child should be told about Emergency so that no one dares to bring it again.&rdquo; &ldquo;They (Cong) did nothing except eulogising one family,&rdquo; he said.
Shah said one has to shed appeasement, dynastic politics and corruption to respect the Constitution.
Attacking Rahul Gandhi, he said Congress leaders made a despicable attempt to &ldquo;tell lies&rdquo; to people about the Constitution.
The Constitution is not meant to be &ldquo;waved in the air&rdquo;, &ldquo;The Constitution is faith, the Constitution is devotion&rdquo;, he said.
In a swipe at the Congress leader, the home minister said that he had heard some talk of opening &lsquo;Mohabbat ki dukaan&rsquo; but love is not something to be sold in a shop or advertised.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

GRAP-4 is the most stringent set of anti-pollution measures aimed at reducing emissions and protecting public health. 

Delhi-NCR Enforces GRAP-4 Restrictions as Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Severe+' Category

GRAP-4 is the most stringent set of anti-pollution measures aimed at reducing emissions and protecting public health.

The Centre&rsquo;s air quality panel, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on Monday night as air quality dipped to the "Severe+" category. The decision came after Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the 400 mark at 10 PM, with unfavourable meteorological conditions trapping pollutants near the surface.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67611b057a910_1734417157.png" width="520" height="622">
AQI Breach and Emergency Measures
Delhi&rsquo;s AQI, which stood at 379 at 4 PM, saw a sharp rise due to calm winds and the buildup of an inversion layer that lowered the vertical mixing height&mdash;the zone above the ground where pollutants can disperse. The lack of wind and a temperature drop compounded the pollution crisis.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Sub-Committee decided to impose Stage-IV (&lsquo;Severe+&rsquo; Air Quality) of the GRAP schedule (issued on 13.12.2024) in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.
&mdash; Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAQM_Official/status/1868705845611315570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
In a late-night emergency meeting, CAQM decided to implement the strictest GRAP-4 measures. The panel cited "highly unfavourable meteorological conditions" and "absolute calm wind conditions" as the primary reasons for the deteriorating air quality.
Restrictions Under GRAP-4
GRAP-4 is the most stringent set of anti-pollution measures aimed at reducing emissions and protecting public health. The restrictions include:
<ul>
<li>Construction Ban: All construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects such as highways and flyovers, have been halted.</li>
<li>Truck Restrictions: Entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi has been banned, except for LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks.</li>
<li>School Adjustments: Schools in Delhi-NCR will shift to a hybrid mode of education for students up to Class IX and XI, combining online and physical classes where feasible.</li>
<li>Vehicle Restrictions: Ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida. Exceptions are made for vehicles modified for use by persons with disabilities.</li>
<li>Emergency Measures: State governments have been advised to consider closing non-emergency commercial activities, implementing odd-even vehicle rules, and allowing only 50% of office staff while the rest work from home.</li>
</ul>
Impact on Public Life
The stringent measures aim to curb immediate emissions and protect vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory ailments. Officials have also recommended limiting outdoor activities and wearing masks for those stepping out.
In addition to the GRAP-4 restrictions, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced the installation of "mist sprayers" on electric poles along Lodhi Road to combat air pollution. These sprayers use treated water to disperse the fine mist, aiming to settle the particulate matter.
Weather and Cold Wave Conditions
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5&deg;C on Monday, 4.1&deg;C below normal, marking the fourth time in December that temperatures dropped below 5&deg;C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a maximum temperature of 24&deg;C and a minimum of 5&deg;C on Tuesday, with cold wave conditions expected to persist.
Supreme Court Directions and Revised GRAP Norms
The Supreme Court had earlier revised the GRAP thresholds, mandating the imposition of Stage IV when AQI crosses 400, down from the earlier threshold of 450. This revision aims to ensure a faster response to deteriorating air quality.
Public Advisory
Authorities have issued a series of health and safety advisories:
<ul>
<li>Avoid outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups.</li>
<li>Use public transport or carpool to reduce emissions.</li>
<li>Refrain from burning wood or coal for heating.</li>
<li>Employers are encouraged to allow remote work where possible.</li>
</ul>
Looking Ahead
This is the second time this winter that GRAP-4 restrictions have been implemented. Authorities are monitoring the air quality and meteorological conditions closely to decide on lifting or extending the restrictions.
Delhi-NCR&rsquo;s recurring pollution crisis highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions, including reducing industrial emissions, promoting green energy, and improving public transport infrastructure. For now, these immediate measures aim to provide relief during a critical period of severe air pollution.

India and China have resumed their Special Representatives dialogue after five years, addressing border issues. Talks led by Ajit Doval and Wang Yi in Beijing aim to resolve disputes and establish peace.

India-China Border Talks Resume in Beijing

India and China have reactivated the Special Representatives dialogue to address border tensions. After a long hiatus, talks led by Ajit Doval and Wang Yi aim to ensure peace along the disputed border.

NSA Ajit Doval will visit China for the Special Representatives dialogue on the India-China boundary issue. The talks, set for December 18, will focus on managing peace in border areas and finding a mutually acceptable solution.

India and China will resume the Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary issue after a gap of five years, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval leading the Indian delegation. The talks will take place in Beijing on Wednesday, December 18.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the dialogue would focus on maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas while exploring a &ldquo;fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable&rdquo; resolution to the boundary dispute. Doval will meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, who is the Chinese Foreign Minister and a member of the Communist Party's Political Bureau. This will be the 23rd meeting of the SRs.
The last round of SR talks was held in December 2019, and the mechanism was suspended due to the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The tensions peaked with a deadly clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020, severely affecting bilateral relations. However, after India and China reached a disengagement agreement for the Demchok and Depsang regions in October, the leaders agreed to revive the SR dialogue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the renewal of dialogue mechanisms during their meeting in Kazan in October. Modi emphasized the importance of handling differences constructively to ensure peace along the border.
India has made it clear that normalizing relations with China depends on peace in the border areas, and the country will not tolerate any attempts to alter the status quo unilaterally.

Delhi's slum votes become a central focus in BJP and AAP's political strategies, highlighting challenges faced by slumdwellers. As they contend for influence, each party navigates allegations of demolition and voter disenfranchisement.

BJP vs AAP: Slum Votes Crucial in Delhi Elections

Delhi's slums are the focal point in the BJP-AAP battle, marked by demolition claims and voter roll controversies. With assembly elections nearing, slumdwellers play a pivotal role in determining the capital's political landscape.

&nbsp;AAP and BJP are at odds over a slum outreach program ahead of Delhi elections. AAP accuses BJP of demolishing slums and removing names from voter rolls, while BJP dismisses the claims as frivolous.

Ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, a political dispute has erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding slum development and voter registrations. A day after BJP leaders spent the night in Delhi&rsquo;s slums as part of an outreach campaign, the AAP accused the saffron party of demolishing slums and removing slum dwellers&rsquo; names from electoral rolls.
AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP's efforts, claiming that the party would visit slums, promise support, and then later demolish them. "They will sleep in your jhuggi now and then demolish it after three months," Kejriwal alleged, adding that it was ironic for BJP leaders to visit slums after having destroyed them over the past five years.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi further warned slumdwellers, advising them to be cautious of BJP leaders. She alleged that the slums they visit are later demolished, citing the example of Sundar Nagri and Shahdara&rsquo;s Ambedkar Basti where names of slumdwellers were allegedly deleted from the voters' list.
In response, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor dismissed the accusations, claiming that AAP was making "frivolous" allegations because they had already conceded defeat. He also defended the BJP's outreach program, claiming it was designed to understand slum dwellers' struggles and improve their living conditions through the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).
As the Delhi assembly elections approach in February, the BJP's outreach to slum residents has become a significant political strategy, aiming to expand its influence in areas traditionally dominated by AAP.

The Indian Parliament deliberated on the One Nation, One Election bill aiming to synchronize national and assembly polls, potentially reducing voter fatigue and costs. Proposed by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the initiative faced both suppor

One Nation, One Election Bill Unveiled

The Indian Parliament engaged in spirited discussions over the One Nation, One Election bill, introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The proposal sought to synchronize Lok Sabha and state elections, aiming for reduced costs and improved governance.

The "one nation, one election" bill will be introduced in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. It proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls and may be sent to a joint parliamentary committee for consultations. The bill aims to streamline elections nationwide.

A constitutional amendment bill aiming to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Titled the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly known as the "one nation, one election" bill, it will be presented by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
Following its introduction, Meghwal is expected to request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider deliberations. The proposed joint committee will include members from both Houses, appointed on a pro-rata basis according to party strength, with the BJP likely to secure the chairmanship given its majority.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was part of the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind that examined the feasibility of simultaneous elections, is expected to be present during the bill's introduction. The Kovind committee had recommended holding Lok Sabha, state assembly, and local body elections in a phased manner, though the current focus remains on parliamentary and assembly polls.
Additionally, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will also be introduced on the same day. This bill seeks to streamline elections in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Formation of the Joint Committee Once the bill is introduced, the Speaker will invite parties to submit names of members for the joint committee. If any party fails to provide names promptly, they risk losing representation on the panel. The committee's composition is expected to be announced by the same evening. Initially, its tenure will be set at 90 days, with an option to extend it as needed.
Historical Context Simultaneous elections were held in India between 1951 and 1967. However, the practice was disrupted due to early dissolutions of assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Over the years, various reports and studies&mdash;starting as early as 1983&mdash;have revisited the idea, advocating for its revival.
During recent consultations led by Kovind, 32 political parties supported the concept, while 15 opposed it. The Union Cabinet's approval of this bill signals a significant step toward reviving simultaneous elections, which are believed to streamline electoral processes and reduce costs.
Impact and Implications The proposal, if passed, would align parliamentary and assembly elections across the country. While this initiative has sparked debates, its proponents argue it would bring greater efficiency and reduce the frequency of election-related disruptions. The idea continues to evoke mixed responses from political parties and stakeholders. &nbsp;

Politics

Union Home Minister Amit Shah aims to eradicate Left Wing Extremism by 2026, emphasizing collaboration between state police and central forces. His visit to Bijapur stressed support for front-line troops and strategic mission planning.

Amit Shah's 2026 Vision: Ending Extremism

In Chhattisgarh, Amit Shah reiterated his commitment to eradicating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026. Noting the success of regional and national forces against Naxals, his mission underlines strategic resolve and frontline support.

Amit Shah's Vision to End Extremism by 2026

Amit Shah calls for coordinated efforts from security forces to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026, with NIA playing a key role. He commended Chhattisgarh's success in the fight against Naxalism in the past year.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for a concerted effort from all security forces and agencies to completely eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026. Speaking at a review meeting on the LWE situation in Chhattisgarh, Shah emphasized that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would play a crucial role in this mission.
The meeting, held on Monday, was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy CM Vijay Sharma, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and other key officials, including the director generals of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Shah praised the coordinated efforts of Chhattisgarh police and other security forces, noting that they had inflicted significant damage on Naxal groups in the past year, a major success in the fight against extremism.
Shah further stressed that while progress has been made, more work remains to completely eliminate Naxalism by the 2026 deadline. He expressed confidence that the combined efforts of agencies such as CRPF, ITBP, BSF, Chhattisgarh police, and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) would lead to the achievement of this goal.
Earlier, Shah visited the Gundam forward operating base in Bijapur district to assess the operational readiness of security forces.

The BJP’s constitution stipulates that organisational polls should be completed in at least half of its state units before the process to elect the national president is started.

BJP likely to get new president in Feb

The BJP&rsquo;s constitution stipulates that organisational polls should be completed in at least half of its state units before the process to elect the national president is started.

The new BJP president, who will succeed incumbent J P Nadda, is likely to be elected by the end of February, according to a senior party functionary.
Party sources said the ongoing organisational election is on track to complete the polling process in more than half of its state units by mid-January, an exercise that will unveil the process of electing its new national president.
A senior leader said the tenure of nearly 60 per cent of the BJP&rsquo;s state unit presidents is over, and their replacements are likely to be in place by the middle of the next month.
The BJP&rsquo;s constitution stipulates that organisational polls should be completed in at least half of its state units before the process to elect the national president is started.
&ldquo;We expect that a new BJP president will assume the charge by the end of February,&rdquo; the functionary said.
Asked whether the new BJP president may be someone who is currently serving as a Union minister, he said it could be either from the government or from the organisation, adding that nothing has been finalised yet.
Incidentally, Nadda, also the Union health minister, had taken over as the party&rsquo;s national president in February 2020.
Though the tenure of a president is three years, he was given an extension in view of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in which the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance returned to power for their straight term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s leadership.&nbsp;

The Nehru Museum was expanded to include memorials to all prime ministers and renamed the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library after the BJP came to power at the Centre.

BJP asks Sonia Gandhi to return Nehru letters to Prime Ministers' Museum and Library

The Nehru Museum was expanded to include memorials to all prime ministers and renamed the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library after the BJP came to power at the Centre.

The BJP on Monday asked former Congress president Sonia Gandhi to return the correspondences of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru with a host of personalities to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library, saying the historical documents belonged to the country and were not anyone's personal property.
BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra cited reports of the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library's (PMML) deliberations on the issue to note that Nehru's correspondences with Edwina Mountbatten, wife of the last British viceroy to India, and eminent leaders Jayaprakash Narayan and Jagjivan Ram lay with the erstwhile Nehru Museum and Library Society, which returned them to Sonia Gandhi in 2008.
The Nehru Museum was expanded to include memorials to all prime ministers and renamed the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library after the BJP came to power at the Centre.
Patra told reporters that 51 cartons of Nehru's correspondences were given to Sonia Gandhi after approval of the museum's then director.
However, following a legal opinion, Rizwan Kadri -- one of the 29 members of the society tasked with running the PMML -- recently wrote to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, seeking his help in restoring the papers to the museum's custody, he added.
The BJP leader said Kadri did not receive any reply.
Taking a swipe at the Gandhi family, Patra said these were not personal property but historical documents part of the "treasure" of India.
As Nehru was a member of the family, it suffers from a sense of entitlement over his letters, he alleged.
He asked, "What were the contents of the letter that the first family felt should not be made public?"
He noted that the digitisation process began in the museum in 2010 but the Gandhi family decided to take back the letters' possession before that.
Patra had earlier raised the issue in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour but Union Culture Minister Gejendra Singh Shekhawat declined to answer, saying his query was unrelated to the written question submitted in advance. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

He said the prime minister lives in past, not in present and it would have been better to list present achievements that strengthened democracy.

Congress demands PM Modi's apology for 'twisting' facts on Nehru: Kharge

He said the prime minister lives in past, not in present and it would have been better to list present achievements that strengthened democracy.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the country by "twisting facts" about Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's letter on the reservation to states and demanded an apology.
Participating in a discussion on the 'Glorious Journey of 75 years of the Constitution of India' in the Upper House, Kharge also accused the BJP leaders of indulging in the 'bhakti' of Prime Minister Modi, asserting that it was leading the country towards dictatorship.
The Congress President cited Modi's speech in which he had said there was no elected government between 1947 and 1952 and the Congress had illegally amended the Constitution.
Kharge said the first amendment was carried out by the Constituent Assembly members which included Syama Prasad Mookerjee and was undertaken to provide reservation to Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribes, fix problems related to education, employment and abolish the Zamindari system.
"I want to inform the House that the Supreme Court had rejected Madras state's decision on the reservation."
He said that the other aspect of this amendment was to stop communal propaganda and Sardar Patel in a letter on July 3, 1950, had suggested to Nehru that constitutional amendment was the only remedy for this problem.
"Therefore, Nehru wrote a letter to chief ministers. This has been mentioned in PM's speech after twisting facts to defame Nehru for which he should apologise to the nation. This is my demand. If you twist the facts before the nation and attempt to defame, then you should apologise in this House and other Houses and before the people of this country," Kharge said.
He said the prime minister lives in past, not in present and it would have been better to list present achievements that strengthened democracy.
He said erstwhile leaders of RSS were against the Constitution.
"In 1949, the entire country knew that RSS leaders opposed the Constitution because it was not based on Manusmriti. RSS mouthpiece Organiser in the edition of November 30, 1949, had written about it," he said.
Kharge said that it is clear from debates of the Constituent Assembly that erstwhile leaders of RSS were against the Constitution.
"Those who hated the flag, Ashok Chakra and the Constitution are today giving lessons to us on the Constitution."
Kharge said that even when many powerful countries were not practising universal adult franchises, women and all sections of societies in India were given the right to vote during the Congress regime through the Constitution.
He said that government leaders cut-paste information and present it at their convenience to twist facts.
"Those who did not fight for the country, how will they know the importance of freedom, Constitution?" Kharge asked.
BJP has been giving 'jumlas' and befooling people of the country and questioned promises made by Modi to pay Rs 15 lakh, he said adding people are still waiting for the money as well as two crore jobs and doubling of farmers' income.
Kharge said that BJP is against reservation and that is why the party is against caste census.
He further said the Congress government will implement women's reservations faster than the BJP.
Kharge also raised the issue of Manipur, which has been suffering from ethnic violence for the last one-and-half years. He said that the prime minister travels everywhere but has no time to visit the strife-torn state.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed protests from the Congress and some other opposition parties over Shah's alleged insult of Ambedkar, resulting in both the Houses being adjourned.

Derek O'Brien files privilege notice against Home Minister Amit Shah over Ambedkar remarks

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed protests from the Congress and some other opposition parties over Shah's alleged insult of Ambedkar, resulting in both the Houses being adjourned.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien on Wednesday submitted a privilege notice against Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on B R Ambedkar, a source said.
According to the source, the notice has been filed under Rule 187 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Rajya Sabha.
The notice also quoted the statement the home minister made in the Upper House on Tuesday during his reply to a debate on the 75 years of the Constitution.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed protests from the Congress and some other opposition parties over Shah's alleged insult of Ambedkar, resulting in both the Houses being adjourned.
Criticising the Congress for repeatedly taking the name of B R Ambedkar, Shah had said in his remarks that if they had taken God's name so many times they could have earned a place in heaven.
"Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar'. If they had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven)," Shah had said.
Shah also said the BJP is happy that the Congress is taking Ambedkar's name but the party should also speak about its real sentiments towards him.
Shah pointed out how Ambedkar had to resign from the first Cabinet citing his disagreement with the then Congress-led government's policies including Article 370.
The home minister also said most of the memorials of Ambedkar were built when the BJP came to power.
"How appropriate is it for you to use the name of a person for vote bank politics whom you used to oppose?" Shah asked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"Each time the Congress brazenly (amended Constitution)... Only to help the family, the dynasty... Kept amending the Constitution," she said.

Congress "anti-women", amended Constitution to help "family": Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha

"Each time the Congress brazenly (amended Constitution)... Only to help the family, the dynasty... Kept amending the Constitution," she said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the Congress party carried out major amendments to the Constitution to brazenly help the "family" and the "dynasty".
She also termed the Congress party as "anti-women" for not passing the Women's Reservation Bill under pressure from its coalition partners.
Initiating the discussion on the 'Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India' in the Rajya Sabha, the senior BJP leader said the economic policies of the previous Congress governments for about 50 years did not strengthen the Indian economy.
"Each time the Congress brazenly (amended Constitution)... Only to help the family, the dynasty... Kept amending the Constitution," she said.
Citing various amendments, including the 42nd Constitutional Amendment and one related to the Shah Bano case, the Finance Minister said none of the amendments passed the test of four criteria -- economic good, social intent, due process, and constitutional spirit.
She said the amendments were not to strengthen democracy but to protect those in power and strengthen the family.
In her speech, she said renowned lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri and actor Balraj Sahni were both jailed in 1949.
Congress' record of curtailing freedom of speech was not just confined to Sultanpuri and Sahni, she said and highlighted many more instances, including the banning of a film called 'Kissa Kursi Ka' just because it questioned the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son.
Sitharaman further said the spree of curtailing the freedom of expression and freedom of the press had happened before 1949 and thereafter also during the Congress rule.
The Minister said India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru adopted the Soviet Model and was carried forward by Indira Gandhi, but the socialist model did not benefit India.
She said the economic policies followed by the Congress governments for 50 years did not strengthen the economy.
Referring to the women reservation in Parliament and state assemblies, Sitharaman said a bill regarding it was passed in the Rajya Sabha in 2008, but the ruling Congress did not take it to the Lok Sabha, as its alliance partners were not in favour of the legislation.
She said Congress is "anti-women" as it did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill to save "Kursi" (power).
Rajiv Gandhi had 426 members in Lok Sabha and 159 members in the Rajya Sabha, they did not have the conviction to pass the Women's Reservation Bill at that time. Very clearly, they have always been anti-women. Shah Bano's case is a very clear example, she said.
The Congress Party, she said passed the Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Divorce Act, 1986 which denied Muslim women their right to alimony.
On the other hand, the Modi government brought the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' in the first session, which was held in the new building of the Parliament.
On the contrary, she said her party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has always been committed to women's reservation and increasing women's participation in politics. "I myself am a beneficiary of this," the Finance Minister said.
At the start of her speech, she paid homage to the 389 members of the Constituent Assembly, including 15 women, who took up the arduous challenge and prepared the Constitution for India in a very challenging environment.
The Constitution of India "has stood the test of time," she said. "Today we are extremely proud of the way India's democracy is growing."
As the country marks the 75th year of its Constitution, "it is time to reaffirm our commitment to build India, that is Bharat, that shall uphold the spirit enshrined in this sacred document," she said.
Stating that India and its Constitution stand out in a separate league of its own, Sitharaman said that post the Second World War, over 50 countries had become independent and had their constitution written.
"But many have changed their constitutions, not just amended them, but changed the entire feature of their constitution. But our Constitution has stood the test of time, of course, it yielded itself to very many amendments," she said, adding the amendments were the need of the hour.
Rajya Sabha will debate on the issue on Monday and Tuesday.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said time would not be a constraint and as many speakers willing to speak would be accommodated by extending the duration of the discussion.

Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat Gaurav Gogoi appealed to people to vote in large numbers.

'Save democracy': Congress candidate Gaurav Gogoi appeals to voters  

Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat Gaurav Gogoi appealed to people to vote in large numbers.

Congress MP and candidate from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, Gaurav Gogoi said, "It is an important day today and I appeal to everyone to come out of their houses and cast their votes to save the democracy and the culture of the country..."
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State News

 The cause of the fire is reported to be a short circuit in an electric transformer installed on the ground floor of the five-storey hostel building. 

Eight students injured in hostel building fire in Kota

The cause of the fire is reported to be a short circuit in an electric transformer installed on the ground floor of the five-storey hostel building.

A massive fire broke out on Sunday morning in a boys' hostel building injuring eight students here with preliminary reports suggesting that the short circuit led to the blaze, police said.
The incident happened at around 6.15 am in Landmark City under Kunhari police station, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kota City Amrita Duhan said.
According to an initial investigation, a short circuit in an electric transformer installed on the ground floor of the five-storey hostel building led to the fire, the police said. The forensic team, however, is trying to ascertain the exact reason for the incident.
Rakesh Vyas, a fire officer at Kota Municipal Corporation, said the hostel building was not equipped with fire safety measures and did not have a fire NOC. He added that it was alarming that the transformer was installed inside the hostel building.
The police said the six injured students, including one who sustained severe burns, are receiving primary medical treatment at Maharao Bheem Singh (MBS) Hospital here.
One student, who suffered a fracture in his leg after he along with 14 others jumped from the building's first floor to escape the fire, is being treated at a private hospital, they added.
Bhavishya, a NEET aspirant from Bihar's Chindwara who lived in the building, was also injured in the incident. He said he was woken up by a loud noise at around 6.15 am and when he came out of his room, he found thick smoke everywhere.
He said the students decided to jump from the first floor as the staircase was filled with smoke and there was no other way out of the building.
The building had 75 rooms of which 61 were occupied, SP Duhan said.
She added that fire tenders rushed to the spot in time and doused the fire before it could spread to the upper floors.
All the students have been rescued from the building, circle inspector at Kunhari police station Arvind Bhardwaj said.
The parents of the students are being contacted to assure them that their wards are safe, he added.
Bhardwaj said that as most students couldn't carry their mobile phones while they were being rescued, a helpdesk is also being set up for the students and their parents.
The matter is being investigated, the CI said.&nbsp;
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Sandeshkhali victims can lodge their complaints at sandeshkhali@cbi.gov.in. 

CBI creates e-mail ID for land-grab victims in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali

Sandeshkhali victims can lodge their complaints at sandeshkhali@cbi.gov.in.&nbsp;

The CBI has created a dedicated e-mail ID -- sandeshkhali@cbi.gov.in -- on which victims of land grab in Sandeshkhali, a village in West Bengal, can get their complaints lodged, officials said on Thursday.
The agency has created the e-mail ID in compliance with the orders of the Calcutta High Court passed on Wednesday.
"The District Magistrate, North 24 Parganas has also been requested to give adequate publicity of the said e-mail ID in the locality and also issue a public notice in the vernacular dailies having a wide circulation in the areas as per the Hon'ble High Court's order," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will start registering cases on the basis of the complaints received by it, sources said.
The high court on Wednesday ordered a court-monitored CBI probe into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, saying an "impartial inquiry" is required in the interest of justice and fair play.
The court also directed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture, after conducting a thorough inspection of the revenue records and a physical inspection of the land alleged to have been converted.
The court asked the central agency to submit a comprehensive report to it on the next date of hearing on May 2.
The state government was directed to provide the required support to the CBI.
The agency is already probing three cases related to attacks on Enforcement Directorate officials at Sandeshkhali allegedly by a mob instigated by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh.

The Bhupatinagar police station investigating officer has asked the NIA to bring the damaged vehicle for forensic examination.&nbsp;

West Bengal Police summons NIA officer in Bhupatinagar attack case

The Bhupatinagar police station investigating officer has asked the NIA to bring the damaged vehicle for forensic examination. 

The Bhupatinagar police station investigating officer has asked the NIA to bring the damaged vehicle for forensic examination.&nbsp;

West Bengal Police on Tuesday issued summons to the NIA officer who was injured in the alleged attack during the central probe agency's raid in Purba Medinipur district last week, to appear before the investigating officer of the Bhupatinagar police station on April 11, an official said.
The Bhupatinagar police station investigating officer has also asked the NIA to bring the vehicle which was damaged allegedly during the attack on Saturday, stating that they want to conduct a forensic test of it, he said.
The police officer has also summoned three villagers from Bhupatinagar for questioning in connection to the attack on NIA officers when they went to arrest the two main conspirators in connection with a blast that took place in 2022 at Bhupatinagar in Purba Medinipur district in which three persons were killed.
"The NIA officer has been asked to appear before our officer on April 11. We have also asked them to send the vehicle which was damaged during the attack. We plan to conduct a forensic test on it," he told PTI.
The villagers have been asked to appear in two to three days, the officer said.
A team of the NIA was allegedly attacked by a mob on Saturday when it went to arrest two main suspects in the 2022 blast case in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district, sparking a political slugfest with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the investigators of assaulting villagers.
One NIA officer was injured and a vehicle was damaged in the attack on Saturday.
The attack on the NIA team happened around three months after villagers and locals assaulted a team of Enforcement Department (ED) officers when they went to raid the residence of, now arrested TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh on January 5 in connection with the alleged ration scam.

The clip shows the girl pushing the officer, who then pushed her back. The two were seen kicking each other and using foul language.

In video, ugly fight between CISF jawan and girl over making reel at Taj Mahal

The clip shows the girl pushing the officer, who then pushed her back. The two were seen kicking each other and using foul language.

In a viral video, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and a girl were seen indulging in a heated argument over shooting a video in the prohibited sight of the Taj Mahal. &nbsp; In the surfaced clip, the girl was seen pushing the officer, who, in return, pushed her back.&nbsp; The two were seen kicking each other and using foul language. &nbsp;
The reports said the girl was recording a reel despite a warning from the officer. &nbsp;

 The boy, who is a student of Class 4, took the victim to an isolated place when she was going to her tuition classes and raped her. 

11-year-old boy ‘rapes’ six-year-old girl in Agra, victim critical

The boy, who is a student of Class 4, took the victim to an isolated place when she was going to her tuition classes and raped her.

An 11-year-old boy in Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s Agra was apprehended for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl. The girl was admitted to a hospital and her condition is said to be critical. &nbsp; The boy is a student of Class 4. The FIR lodged by the girl&rsquo;s father said that she had gone for tuition classes at 5:30 pm on April 6, when the boy took her to an isolated place and raped her, The Indian Express reported. &nbsp; &ldquo;When she reached home around 7.30 pm, she was bleeding and somehow told us what happened. She knows the accused. We took her to the hospital and rushed towards the boy&rsquo;s house and handed him over to the police,&rdquo; the father said in the FIR.&nbsp;
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sukanya Sharma told The Indian Express that a case has been registered. &nbsp; &nbsp; &ldquo;The girl&rsquo;s condition is not stable. The accused is at the police station, and he will be produced before the juvenile court. The medical examination of the victim has confirmed rape. The boy has been booked under various sections including under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He will be sent to a juvenile home after being produced in court,&rdquo; Sharma said.&nbsp; Police have also deployed adequate force in the area, as the accused and victim belonged to different communities. &nbsp;

Nikita's mother Shipra Ojha lauded her daughter's presence of mind. She said that Nikita's swift action saved both the girls from the monkey attack.

13-yr-old UP girl uses Alexa to save toddler from monkey attack

Nikita's mother Shipra Ojha lauded her daughter's presence of mind. She said that Nikita's swift action saved both the girls from the monkey attack.

A 13-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Basti showed incredible presence of mind to protect her 15-month-old niece from a monkey attack.
The incident occurred when some monkeys entered their home and went on a rampage. The toddler who was present in the house could have been the target of the monkeys.
Fearing this, the young girl Nikita asked Alexa to play the sound of a dog's bark. Alexa did as instructed and that scared the monkeys away.
"A few guests visited our home and they left the gate open. Monkeys entered the kitchen and started throwing things here and there. The kid was scared and so did I but then I saw Alexa and asked it to play the sound of a dog. Because of that barking sound, the monkeys were scared and ran away," said Nikita, describing the incident.
Nikita's mother Shipra Ojha lauded her daughter's presence of mind. She said that Nikita's swift action saved both the girls from the monkey attack.
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