Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, conducted a surprise inspection of Anganwadi Centers in Bhokhra and Bajak villages in Bathinda. 

Dr. Baljit Kaur inspects Anganwadi centers in Bathinda villages

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, conducted a surprise inspection of Anganwadi Centers in Bhokhra and Bajak villages in Bathinda.&nbsp;

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, conducted a surprise inspection of Anganwadi Centers located in the villages of Bhokhra and Bajak in Bathinda Urban.
Divulging in this regards, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that thorough inspection of records, including the graffiti and Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) at the Anganwadi Center in village Bhokhra, was carried out. She also interacted with SNP beneficiaries and elderly individuals to discuss pension-related issues.&nbsp;
In village Bajak, the Minister inspected the building of the Anganwadi Center constructed with the assistance of the MGNREGA scheme. To assess the quality of the Supplementary Nutrition Program, discussions were held with children, pregnant women and lactating mothers, who expressed satisfaction with the nutritious food and services provided by the Anganwadi Centers.
During the visit, records related to the Supplementary Nutrition Program were reviewed. The minister also conducted an on-site quality check of items like sweet and savory porridge and pre-mix khichdi prepared at the centers. Additionally, interactions were held with elderly individuals regarding pensions and with women beneficiaries to review government schemes.&nbsp;
To evaluate children&rsquo;s intellectual and creative development, Dr. Baljit Kaur interacted with them, listening to their poems and observing their activities. She appreciated the dedication and performance of Anganwadi workers and helpers for their commendable efforts in child care and nutrition.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed the Punjab Government&rsquo;s commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to strengthen early childhood care and ensure the welfare of women and children across the state.
During the inspections CDPO Shri Pankaj Kumar, Smt. Usha and District Welfare Officer Shri Varinder Singh were present.

Omar Abdullah, former J&K Chief Minister, critiques the INDIA bloc. He pushes for strategic planning post-Delhi Assembly elections and emphasizes local dynamics and legislators' training.

Omar Abdullah calls for clarity on INDIA Bloc's future, urges post-Delhi polls meeting

Omar Abdullah urges the INDIA bloc to reassess its focus, proposing a strategic plan post-Delhi Assembly elections. He highlights local dynamics and effective representation as key to future success.

J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah calls for clarity on INDIA bloc's leadership and agenda, suggesting it should dissolve if limited to parliamentary polls. He urges a meeting post-Delhi elections to determine its future and highlights J&amp;K Assembly's orientation program.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity in the INDIA bloc's leadership and agenda. He suggested the alliance should be dissolved if it was intended solely for parliamentary elections.
Abdullah emphasized the need for AAP, Congress, and other parties to strategize on how to effectively compete with the BJP. He called for a post-Delhi Assembly elections meeting to determine the alliance's future direction.
Responding to an RJD leader's claim that the INDIA bloc was only for the Lok Sabha elections, Abdullah noted there was no set time frame for the alliance and highlighted the absence of recent meetings to clarify its purpose.
He suggested that a meeting might be convened after the Delhi polls to provide more clarity on the alliance's objectives and continuity.
When asked about growing support for AAP in the upcoming Delhi elections, Abdullah stated that local parties like AAP and Congress would decide their strategies. He acknowledged AAP's past electoral success in Delhi and stressed the need to see the voters' decision this time.
Separately, Abdullah spoke about the orientation program for newly elected Jammu and Kashmir legislators, highlighting the need to adapt to the new system post-statehood. He mentioned the involvement of senior members and the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha in guiding the legislators for better representation in future sessions.

A Cabinet Sub-Committee in Punjab met with representatives from multiple unions, including the Meritorious Teachers Union and the 3704 Adhiyapak Union, to address various employee demands.

Punjab Cabinet sub-committee holds productive meetings with employee unions

Punjab Government paying special attention to demands and issues of employees delivering exceptional services: Harpal Singh Cheema

A Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, formed to address the legitimate demands and issues of Punjab government employees, held a series of meetings on Wednesday with representatives from the Meritorious Teachers Union, 3704 Adhiyapak Union, Democratic Teachers Front, Purani Pension Prapti Morcha, Khetibari Vidhyarthi Association, and Anganwari Mulazam Union.
During the meeting, representatives of the Meritorious Teachers Union highlighted the achievements of Meritorious Schools in creating a bright future for students and presented their demands and issues.&nbsp;
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, on behalf of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, directed the Education Department to consider regularizing the services of these teachers through the officers committee constituted for this purpose. He also instructed that a report on the financial demands of the union be prepared and sent to the Finance Department.&nbsp;
Finance Minister Cheema assured the union that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is paying special attention to the demands and issues of employees who are delivering exceptional services.
In the meeting with the Democratic Teachers Front, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the Education Department to seek legal opinion from the Advocate General&rsquo;s Office on the issues raised by the front that are currently in court or may face legal hurdles.&nbsp;
Regarding the financial issues raised by the front, Finance Minister Cheema assured that these matters are being taken seriously by the Finance Department. For the issues raised by the &lsquo;3704 Adhiyapak Union&rsquo;, the Cabinet Sub-Committee asked the Education Department to hold a meeting with the union and submit a report.
The Khetibari Vidhyarthi Association demanded that agriculture be made a compulsory subject in schools. The Cabinet Sub-Committee, during discussions with the Education Department, asked the department to refer this matter to the Subject Expert Committee. Additionally, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the Education Department to consider including agriculture in vocational courses.
The Purani Pension Prapti Morcha raised the issue of resuming the old pension scheme for state government employees. The committee informed the Morcha that the officers committee constituted by the Punjab Government is holding regular meetings to make appropriate decision in this regard.&nbsp;
Finance Department officials apprised the Cabinet Sub-Committee that any further decisions will be taken after receiving detailed guidelines on the new pension scheme, the &lsquo;Unified Pension Scheme&rsquo;, presented by the Union Government.
Regarding the issue of gratuity raised by the Anganwari Mulazam Union, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department to seek legal advice and then send the matter to the Finance Department. For the demands related to the Union government, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the department to write to the Union government to resolve these issues.&nbsp;
Concerning the difficulties arising from the inclusion of some Anganwadi centers in primary schools, the Cabinet Sub-Committee asked the departments to hold a meeting with Education department to resolve these issues.
The meetings were attended by Dr. Tina, Dr. Ajay, Boota Singh and Ashpreet Kaur from the Meritorious Teachers Union, Vikram Dev Singh, Mohinder Kaurianwali, Gurpiar Kotli, Rajiv Barnala and Sukhdev Singh Dansiwal from the Democratic Teachers Front; Harjinder Singh, Yadwinder Singh and Charanjit Singh from &lsquo;3704 Adhiyapak Union&rsquo;, Angrej Singh and Akashdeep from the Khetibari Vidhyarthi Association, Gurjant Singh Kokri, Tehal Singh Sarabha and Randeep Singh from Purani Pension Prapti Morcha, and Usha Rani and Gurmeet Kaur from Anganwari Mulazam Union.

The CRPF has introduced a groundbreaking online service allowing the public to adopt retired sniffer and assault dogs, providing these four-legged soldiers with a comfortable second life. Over 30 dogs from various breeds are available for adoption.

 CRPF introduces public adoption for retired service dogs

The CRPF has introduced a groundbreaking online service allowing the public to adopt retired sniffer and assault dogs, providing these four-legged soldiers with a comfortable second life. Over 30 dogs from various breeds are available for adoption.

The CRPF has introduced a first-of-its-kind online service, enabling the public to adopt retired sniffer and assault dogs from India's largest paramilitary force, ensuring that these four-legged soldiers get a comfortable second life.
This initiative marks the first time any security force has made its trained dogs available for public adoption. In the past, there were concerns over the potential misuse of these highly trained and motivated dogs by anti-national groups. Until now, retired dogs from the central forces and state police were handed over to registered NGOs or reputable organizations for their care.
Now, over 30 dogs from four breeds&mdash;Belgian Shepherd Malinois, German Shepherd, Labrador, and the indigenous Mudhol Hound&mdash;are available for adoption through a comprehensive process monitored by the CRPF's specialized Dog Breeding and Training School (DBTS) near Bengaluru.
These dogs, aged between 8 and 12 years, have been part of numerous operations in anti-Naxal, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism efforts across the country. Their actions have saved the lives of many soldiers, especially by detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and preventing deadly ambushes laid by Maoists and terrorists. Dogs like Baloo, Sweety, Veeru, Moby, Coco, and Stroll have undergone intense training in various roles, including explosive detection, tracking, infantry patrol, and assault.
The adoption process is free, and potential adopters can view basic details and pictures of the dogs available for adoption on the CRPF website. Interested parties must complete a form that outlines their reasons for adopting the dog, how they plan to care for the canine (e.g., as a companion, guard, or therapy dog), and provide accommodation details.
A compatibility meeting will be arranged between the adopter and the dog at a designated camp. The dogs will be groomed by behavior experts to help them adjust to a domestic environment. A brief profile, picture, and citation for each dog, referred to as "soldier buddies," will be available on the CRPF portal. It is emphasized that the adopter should treat the dog with dignity, compassion, and due care.
The CRPF will sign a legally binding agreement with the adopter, providing the KCI (Kennel Club of India) registration certificate, vaccination records, and other important documents for the dog.
"Initiating public adoption of our retired dogs is an effort to ensure a happy second life for our canine soldiers," said CRPF Deputy Inspector General Moses Dhinakaran.
Clear terms and conditions are in place to ensure no abuse or ill-treatment of the dogs. They cannot be sold or used for any commercial purposes or deployed against any individual. The CRPF will conduct periodic checks and maintain regular communication with the adopters through short videos and live videoconferencing. The adopter is also responsible for providing emotional and therapeutic care, especially if the dog is found to be distressed.
Through this initiative, the CRPF hopes to ensure that these brave and loyal dogs find a loving home and family. The force highlights the temperament of Zina, a Belgian Shepherd Malinois, as an example of an ideal companion&mdash;loyal and protective, yet gentle, making her perfect for families.
With over 3.25 lakh personnel, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is India&rsquo;s leading internal security force, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Arvind Kejriwal demands inclusion of Delhi's Jat community in the Central OBC list. Criticizing the BJP's inaction, he urges PM Modi's intervention, highlighting the impact on education and employment opportunities. This is central to AAP's campaign.

Kejriwal targets Centre demands inclusion of Delhi's Jat community in Central OBC list

Arvind Kejriwal demands Central OBC inclusion for Delhi's Jat community, urging PM Modi's intervention. He criticizes unfulfilled promises and highlights disparities in education and employment as a pivotal issue in the upcoming elections.

Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Centre of betraying Delhi's Jat community by failing to include them in the Central OBC list, impacting reservations in education and jobs. He vowed to continue fighting for their inclusion ahead of the Delhi elections.

As Assembly elections draw closer in Delhi, AAP convenor and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday accused the BJP-led Central government of reneging on its promise to provide reservation to the capital's Jat community. &nbsp; &nbsp; Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal said he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the inclusion of Delhi's Jat community in the Central OBC list. &nbsp; &nbsp; He also accused the Centre of misleading the community for the past decade, and failing to deliver on its promises. &nbsp; &nbsp; "In 2015, the BJP invited Jat leaders to the prime minister's residence and assured them that Delhi's Jat community would be included in the Central OBC list. Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised the same in 2019. However, nothing has been done to fulfil these promises," Kejriwal said. &nbsp; &nbsp; Drawing comparisons, he questioned why Jat students from Rajasthan benefit from reservations in Delhi University (DU), while Jat students from Delhi are denied the same. &nbsp; &nbsp; "Thousands of children from the Jat community in Delhi are unable to secure admission in DU because they are not part of the Central OBC list," he said. &nbsp; &nbsp; Kejriwal also alleged that despite Delhi's Jats being recognised under the OBC category in the state, the Central government has refused to extend the benefits to them. &nbsp; &nbsp; "This is nothing but betrayal. The Centre must include Delhi's Jat community in the OBC list to ensure they receive reservations in Central government institutions, including for jobs and college admissions," the AAP supremo said. &nbsp; &nbsp; Central agencies like the MCD, DDA, and PWD operate extensively in Delhi, and including Jats in the OBC list would open up significant opportunities for them, Kejriwal said, as he vowed to continue the fight until the community's demands are met. &nbsp; &nbsp; The 70-member Delhi Assembly will go to polls on February 5. The results will be out on February 8.

The Punjab Government has announced a local holiday on January 14, 2025, for the Mela Maghi occasion. 

Punjab government declares local holiday for Mela Maghi on January 14, 2025

The Punjab Government has announced a local holiday on January 14, 2025, for the Mela Maghi occasion. This holiday will be observed in all government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions in the district of Sri Muktsar Sahib.

The Punjab Government has declared a local holiday on the occasion of Mela Maghi on January 14, 2025 (Tuesday) in government offices, boards/corporations and &nbsp;educational institutions of district Sri Muktsar Sahib.
The official spokesperson of the government said, a notification in this regard has been issued.

The Army Service Corp, Ambala has launched the AgniVeerVayu recruitment registration for unmarried youth from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The registration will continue until January 27, 2025.

Army Service Corp, Ambala begins AgniVeerVayu recruitment registration drive

The Army Service Corp, Ambala has launched the AgniVeerVayu recruitment registration for unmarried youth from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The registration will continue until January 27, 2025.

Army Service Corp, Ambala have start AgniVeerVayu recruitment registration drive for eligible unmarried youth from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh (UT), Jammu and Kashmir (UT) and Ladakh (UT) from 7 January, 2025.&nbsp;
This registration will continue till January 27, 2025 and the online exam will be held on March 22, 2025.
Giving more information, the government spokesperson said that children born between January 01, 2005 and July 01, 2008 (both dates inclusive) are eligible for this registration campaign.&nbsp;
For this recruitment drive, 12th passed youth in Science subject with Mathematics, English and Physics subjects or diploma or vocational course holder with 50% marks can register themselves for this recruitment campaign.
More information about this recruitment drive can be obtained from agnipathvayu.cdac.in.

Uttar Pradesh Police quash rumors of a 1978 Sambhal riots reinvestigation. The misinformation arose from a procedural inquiry following an MLC query, clarifying the intent amid regional tensions and upholding community peace.

UP Police deny reinvestigation of 1978 Sambhal Riots, call reports misleading

Amid rumors, Uttar Pradesh Police confirm no reinvestigation into the 1978 Sambhal riots. Speculation stemmed from a procedural inquiry tied to an MLC request for historical information, stressing precision amid sensitivities.

<div class="flex-shrink-0 flex flex-col relative items-end">
<div>
<div class="pt-0">
<div class="gizmo-bot-avatar flex h-8 w-8 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full">
<div class="relative p-1 rounded-sm flex items-center justify-center bg-token-main-surface-primary text-token-text-primary h-8 w-8">UP Police dismissed reports of a reinvestigation into the 1978 Sambhal riots, calling them misleading. The clarification followed rumors after MLC Shreesh Chandra Sharma requested details on the riots. Information is being compiled for the government.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday dismissed reports about a potential reinvestigation into the 1978 communal riots in Sambhal, which resulted in multiple fatalities.
Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi clarified, "There is misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms claiming that a reinvestigation into the 1978 riots is underway. No such initiative is being taken."
SP Bishnoi explained that MLC Shreesh Chandra Sharma had submitted a letter under Rule 115 on December 17, requesting details about the 1978 riots. In response, the government sought relevant information, which is currently being compiled and will be forwarded once ready.
The police issued this clarification to address widespread rumors of a possible new inquiry into the decades-old riots.
This clarification comes amid ongoing tension in Sambhal following the November 24 violence during a court-ordered survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid in the Kot Garvi area, which resulted in four deaths and several injuries.

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of six devotees killed in a stampede at Tirupati’s Bairagi Patteda on Wednesday. Nearly 40 others were injured during the tragic incident.

Andhra govt announces Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for Tirupati stampede victims

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of six devotees killed in a stampede at Tirupati&rsquo;s Bairagi Patteda on Wednesday. Nearly 40 others were injured during the tragic incident.

The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh each to the kin of the deceased devotees who died in a stampede here.
Six devotees died and nearly 40 more were injured in the stampede at Bairagi Patteda near MGM School in Tirupati on Wednesday night as hundreds of them jostled for tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills.
Hundreds of devotees turned up from across the country for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam commencing from January 10.
"The state government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased persons," said an official release.
State Revenue Minister A Satya Prasad said Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia has been announced to support the families of the deceased devotees.
"We cannot replace life with anything else. To support the families, we have announced Rs 25 lakh," said Prasad, talking to reporters after calling on the victims' families as part of a group of ministers visit.
He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will come and talk to all the injured persons shortly and then decide on the quantum of compensation to be extended to the injured persons. ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/tirupati-stampede-6-devotees-dead-dozens-injured-at-vaikunta-dwara-darshanam-1736393860796" target="_blank">Tirupati stampede: 6 devotees dead, dozens injured at Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam</a>

Arvind Kejriwal refutes claims by BJP leaders regarding his possible contest from a second seat in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The AAP leader asserts that the polls are a direct contest between AAP and BJP.

Delhi Elections: 'Will fight only from New Delhi', says Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal refutes claims by BJP leaders regarding his possible contest from a second seat in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The AAP leader asserts that the polls are a direct contest between AAP and BJP.

Quashing BJP leaders' claims that he would contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections from a second seat out of fear of losing from New Delhi, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said he will contest the polls from one seat only.
Kejriwal also asserted that the Assembly polls are not an INDA bloc affair as there is a direct contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi.
A three-time sitting MLA from New Delhi since 2013, Kejriwal this time is locked in an intense triangular contest against the sons of two former chief ministers of Delhi.
While the BJP has fielded former chief minister Sahib Singh Verma's son Parvesh Verma, Congress has given ticket to Sandeep Dikshit whose mother Sheila Dikshit was a three-term chief minister of Delhi.
"I am contesting one seat only," Kejriwal said at a press conference when asked about BJP's claims that he was going to fight from a second seat out of fear of losing from New Delhi.
The AAP leader's clarification came after BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya claimed in a post on X that fearing his imminent defeat from New Delhi, Kejriwal is making "baseless allegations" about voter list in his constituency and "talking" about contesting from two seats.
The AAP leaders have accused the BJP of filing applications in bulk from different constituencies, including New Delhi, for the deletion of thousands of AAP supporters' names from the electoral roll.
At the presser, Kejriwal said a meeting of AAP leaders with officials of the Election Commission is due Thursday evening, in which all the issues, including deletion of voters' names, will be discussed.
The AAP supremo also thanked INDIA bloc members, including the Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), for extending support to AAP for the Assembly elections.
The Congress, which leads the anti-BJP INDIA bloc, is going solo in the Delhi polls and has so far announced names of 48 candidates.
The 70-member Delhi Assembly will go to polls on February 5. The results will be out on February 8.

Editorji is a popular short video news and information platform based in India. It was founded in 2018 by Vikram Chandra, one of India’s leading journalists, and has risen to prominence in the digital news space in a relatively short span of time. The platform is primarily designed for mobile devices, with applications available for Android and iOS.

ABOUT US:

about us editorji

Latest Video News: Editorji provides the latest news video headlines, latest videos clip from India and the World. Get all breaking news videos on Entertainment, Business, Coronavirus, Elections, Politics and more.

Latest Video News, Breaking News, Bollywood, Political, Sports, Business News | Editorji

+91 11 4035 6666 / info@editorji.com
3rd floor, Plot B, Khasara no 360, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
<a title="mail to us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Send Feedback</a>
<a title="Contact Us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Contact Us</a>

REACH US

Contact for any questions, suggestions, comments, feedback or advertisement on Editorji.com, we are always looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us for Feedback, Suggestions and Advertising 

Editorji content is better experienced in our app.

Indian plane crashes in Afghanistan: Afghan&nbsp;media Passenger plane went off radar Saturday night:&nbsp;reports Plane reportedly crashed in Badakhshan province: local media

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visited the injured devotees in a hospital after a tragic stampede at Tirupati's Lord Venkateswara temple. Six devotees died and many were injured during the stampede.

Tirupati stampede: Andhra Pradesh CM visits injured in hospital

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visited the injured devotees in a hospital after a tragic stampede at Tirupati's Lord Venkateswara temple. Six devotees died and many were injured during the stampede.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday visited the injured undergoing treatment in a hospital here following a stampede that left six people dead.
Six devotees died and nearly 40 more were injured in the stampede at Bairagi Patteda near MGM School in Tirupati on Wednesday night as hundreds of them jostled for tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills.
Hundreds of devotees turned up from across the country for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam commencing from January 10.
"Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu comforted devotees who were injured in yesterday&rsquo;s (Wednesday) stampede at SVIMS (Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS)," said an official statement.
The CM spent 90 minutes in the hospital with the injured devotees. He visited one patient after the others and heard their grievances.
Earlier, Naidu visited the accident site where the stampede claimed six lives and injured many.
Accompanied by several ministers, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials and others, the CM inspected the makeshift arrangements made to handle the multitudes of crowds arriving for the pilgrimage.
At the stampede site, Naidu demanded answers from TTD joint executive officer (health &amp; education) M Gowthami over the incident.

The Indian government has invited nearly 10,000 special guests to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

Republic Day 2025 Parade: Nearly 10,000 Special Guests Invited

The Indian government has invited nearly 10,000 special guests to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. Among the invitees are top-performing sarpanches, Paralympic athletes, handloom artisans, and forest conservation workers.

Members of Paralympic contingent, sarpanches from top-performing villages, handloom artisans, and forest and wildlife conservation workers are among the nearly 10,000 special guests invited to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi, the government said on Thursday.
"These architects of 'Swarnim Bharat', with diverse backgrounds, include best performers in various fields and those who have made best use of the schemes of the government," the defence ministry said in a statement.
In line with the objective to increase 'Jan Bhagidari' (public participation) in events of national importance, approximately 10,000 special guests have been invited to witness the Republic Day Parade, it said.
The ministry also shared that these special guests have been drawn fro diverse areas and fields, falling into 31 categories.
'Sarpanches from top performing village', 'Disaster Relief Workers', 'Best performing Water Warriors', 'Guests from Vibrant Villages', 'Guests from North Eastern States', 'Best Patent Holders', 'Best Start-Ups', 'Road Construction Workers' are some of these categories.
The invitees also include handloom artisans, members of Paralympic contingent and forest and wildlife conservation workers, according to the statement.

Rahul Gandhi engages with Keventers' founders to discuss revitalizing the 100-year-old legacy brand. The conversation highlights balancing tradition with innovation, supporting fair competition, and fostering India's entrepreneurial spirit.

Rahul Gandhi at Keventers: A Blend of Conversations and Coffee-Making

Rahul Gandhi engages with Keventers' founders to discuss revitalizing the 100-year-old legacy brand. The conversation highlights balancing tradition with innovation, supporting fair competition, and fostering India's entrepreneurial spirit.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently visited a Keventers store in Delhi&rsquo;s Patel Nagar area, where he engaged in a candid discussion with the young founders of the iconic 100-year-old brand. During his visit, he even prepared cold coffee for a few customers, blending a hands-on experience with a meaningful conversation.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
How do you shake up a legacy brand for a new generation and a new market? The young founders of Keventers shared some valuable insights with me recently. Play-fair businesses like Keventers have driven our economic growth for generations. We must do more to support them. <a href="https://t.co/LSdiP8A9bQ">pic.twitter.com/LSdiP8A9bQ</a>
&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1877243224294830273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On Thursday, Gandhi shared a video of this interaction on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the importance of reinventing legacy businesses. "How do you shake up a legacy brand for a new generation and a new market? The young founders of Keventers shared some valuable insights with me recently," he wrote. Emphasizing the role of ethical entrepreneurship, he added, "Play-fair businesses like Keventers have driven our economic growth for generations. We must do more to support them."
The discussion delved into the brand's evolution, from its pre-independence origins to becoming a contemporary consumer favorite with over 200 stores in 65 cities. The co-founders shared their strategy of maintaining the authenticity of traditional recipes while embracing innovation. They also spoke about their expansion into Tier-2 to Tier-4 cities and the diversification of their product line into FMCG offerings like flavored milk and ghee.
Challenges like narrow profit margins and rising competition were also addressed, alongside their focus on fostering opportunities and delivering high-quality products to a wider audience.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Talking to <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> ji, the young founders of Keventers shared that the journey hasn't been a 'piece of cake', competing against bigger brands in the market. Many such businesses have contributed immensely to our economy. We must do more to support such play-fair startups&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/hZ46A7Zvan">pic.twitter.com/hZ46A7Zvan</a>
&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1877273732957294773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Gandhi has been meeting people with skills and has been speaking in favour of local entrepreneurs, while stressing on even competition for all and promoting local talent and enterprise.

In Chhattisgarh, a joint operation by security forces led to neutralizing three Naxalites. Ministers are determined to eradicate the Naxalite presence by 2026.

Three Naxalites killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma

A successful operation by security forces against Naxalites in Sukma boosts the commitment to eradicate insurgency by 2026. Focus remains on peace and safety.

<div class="flex-shrink-0 flex flex-col relative items-end">
<div>
<div class="pt-0">
<div class="gizmo-bot-avatar flex h-8 w-8 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full">
<div class="relative p-1 rounded-sm flex items-center justify-center bg-token-main-surface-primary text-token-text-primary h-8 w-8">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="group/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn">
<div class="flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3">
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
<div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="797f6a1a-0c56-4b9a-a352-d639180015f2" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o-mini">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
Three Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. The operation is ongoing, following an IED blast that killed eight personnel earlier this month. Nine Naxalites have been killed this year.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Three Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Thursday, state Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The security forces have achieved success in the anti-Naxal operation in Sukma, he said. &nbsp; &nbsp; So far, bodies of three Naxalites have been recovered and the search operation is still underway, Sharma, who holds the Home portfolio, told reporters in Raipur. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Referring to the IED blast triggered by Naxalites on January 6 wherein eight security personnel and a civilian driver of their vehicle were killed in Bijapur district, the deputy CM said, "There is huge anger among security forces after what Naxalites have done."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "I have met them (security forces). I reiterate that with the strength and courage of our jawans, the (Naxal) menace will be eliminated within the stipulated time," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday vowed to eliminate Naxals from the country by March 2026 and asserted that the sacrifice of those killed by the extremists in Chhattisgarh will not go in vain. &nbsp; &nbsp; On Thursday morning, the encounter broke out in a forest along the border of Sukma and Bijapur districts when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation, police said. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Personnel belonging to the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action- an elite unit of CRPF) were involved in the operation, they said. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; With this, nine Naxalites have been killed in separate encounters in the state so far this year. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; During a three-day anti-Naxal operation by security forces in Abujhmad on the border of Narayanpur-Dantewada-Bijapur districts which concluded on January 6, five Naxalites, including two women, were killed. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; On January 3, a Naxalite was killed in an encounter with security forces in Gariaband district, which falls in Raipur division. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Last year, 219 Naxalites were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah raises concerns over the unclear leadership and agenda of the INDIA alliance, suggesting its dissolution if it was formed just for the Parliament elections earlier this year.

Omar Abdullah says INDIA alliance should end amid the AAP-Congress rift

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah raises concerns over the unclear leadership and agenda of the INDIA alliance, suggesting its dissolution if it was formed just for the Parliament elections earlier this year.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday questioned the direction of the INDIA bloc, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity regarding its leadership and agenda. He pointed out that if the alliance was solely meant for the parliamentary elections, it should be dissolved, but if it was intended to continue for Assembly elections, the parties must work together.
Abdullah emphasized that after the Delhi Assembly elections, the alliance members should meet to determine the future course of action. He stressed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and other political parties on the ground would decide how to approach the elections and compete effectively with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Jammu: J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah says, "... I cannot say anything about what's going on in Delhi because we have nothing to do with Delhi Elections... As far as I remember, there was no time limit to the INDIA alliance. Unfortunately, no INDIA alliance meeting is being&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/u9w9FazeJG">pic.twitter.com/u9w9FazeJG</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1877244633547432165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Addressing a query about a statement from an RJD leader suggesting that the INDIA bloc was only for the Lok Sabha elections, Abdullah remarked that no time limit had been set for the alliance. He expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the alliance's leadership, its party structure, and its agenda, leaving the continuation of the alliance uncertain.
Abdullah also suggested that a meeting of the INDIA bloc members could be called after the Delhi elections to provide more clarity on the alliance's future. Regarding AAP's growing support in Delhi ahead of the upcoming elections, Abdullah refrained from commenting, noting that the political dynamics of Delhi would be determined by the local parties and voters.
In another development, Abdullah commented on the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly's orientation program for newly-elected legislators. With many members previously having served when Jammu and Kashmir was a state, Abdullah acknowledged the differences in the current system. He noted that the program, organized by the speaker and attended by the deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, would help familiarize legislators with the new system. He expressed confidence that the experience of senior members would enable better representation of the people in future sessions.

Latest news

Indian plane crashes in Afghanistan: Afghan media

Up Next

More videos

Categories