Name: 'Khalistani terrorist' shot dead in Canada: Hardeep Singh Nijjar killed, say reports
Uploaded: 2023-06-19T10:42:18.000+05:30
Duration: T00M35S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: NIA had declared a ₹10 lakh reward for Nijjar's arrest in 2022.

India raises concerns with China over the establishment of new counties in Ladakh and a hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River, asserting its sovereignty and urging transparency and consultation with downstream countries.

India protests China’s new counties including parts of India

India raises concerns with China over the establishment of new counties in Ladakh and a hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River, asserting its sovereignty and urging transparency and consultation with downstream countries.

India has raised concerns with China through diplomatic channels regarding the establishment of two new counties by China in regions that fall within India's Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed today.
On December 27, Chinese state media Xinhua reported that the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China had announced the creation of He'an County and Hekang County, which will be managed by Hotan Prefecture. These new administrative divisions were approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On China's two new counties in Hotan prefecture, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, " We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/Fgjseevk2O">pic.twitter.com/Fgjseevk2O</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1875142832610271264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Responding to the development, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted that parts of these newly created counties are situated within Indian territory in Ladakh, which India has consistently maintained sovereignty over. "India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area," Jaiswal stated.
He further emphasized that the formation of these counties would not alter India's stance on its sovereignty or legitimize China's illegal occupation of the region. India has formally protested to China through diplomatic channels in this regard.
The two counties, He'an and Hekang, have their county seats in Hongliu Township and Xeyidula Township, respectively, as reported by Chinese state media.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On China's dam project, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have seen the information released by Xinhua on 25 December 2024 regarding a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. As a lower riparian state with&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/LuQKPQVDNM">pic.twitter.com/LuQKPQVDNM</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1875140582152270031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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In another matter, the MEA also expressed concerns over China's ongoing construction of a hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. In response to a December 25 Xinhua report on the project, Jaiswal reaffirmed India's position as a lower riparian state with established rights to the river's waters. India has consistently raised concerns about the potential impact of large-scale projects on shared rivers through diplomatic and expert channels.
India has called for greater transparency from China and for consultation with downstream countries, highlighting the need to ensure that the interests of nations like India, which rely on the river, are not negatively affected by upstream activities. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to protect our interests," Jaiswal concluded.

Arvind Kejriwal criticizes Modi's speech, stating that the BJP-led Centre has failed to deliver development in Delhi, while the AAP has made significant progress in the capital.

Arvind Kejriwal hits back at PM Modi for 'AAPda' remark

At an event at Ashok Vihar earlier in the day, Modi called the AAP an "aapda" (disaster) for Delhi, saying this "aapda" has taken the national capital in its grip in the last 10 years.

The BJP-led Centre has not done any development work in Delhi or else, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not have had to spend 39 minutes of his 43-minute speech cursing the people of the capital and the government they elected with the largest mandate, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal, in response to Modi's remarks on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime in Delhi, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) only engages in "abusive politics" and "personal attacks".
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal says, "In 2020, PM made a few promises to the people of Delhi... He said that till 2022, everyone in Delhi will get a house... Today in 2025, PM Modi has handed over the keys to 1700 homes and he gave keys to 3000 houses in Kalka Ji&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/fOVjWhdSda">pic.twitter.com/fOVjWhdSda</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1875136413320245547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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"In his speech today, Modiji spent 39 minutes doing nothing but abusing the elected government and people of Delhi.
"Even two-three hours would be insufficient to list the work done by our government in the last 10 years. On the other hand, the BJP government has not done any work that Modiji could have talked about in his speech. If it had done any work, he would not have had to just abuse the people of Delhi. The party would not have had to try to win the election by abusing the residents of Delhi," the former chief minister said.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/delhi-elections-pm-modi-labels-aap-as-aapda-calls-for-its-defeat-1735899981477" target="_blank">Delhi Elections: PM Modi labels AAP as 'AAPda', calls for its defeat</a> 
At an event at Ashok Vihar earlier in the day, Modi called the AAP an "aapda" (disaster) for Delhi, saying this "aapda" has taken the national capital in its grip in the last 10 years.
The prime minister also exuded confidence that the BJP will emerge victorious in the Delhi Assembly polls due next month, defeating the AAP.

Indian Railways revises eligibility for Level-1 jobs, allowing Class 10, ITI, or NAC holders to apply. 32,000 roles open from Jan 23-Feb 22, enhancing inclusivity.

32,000 Jobs in Indian Railways: New Eligibility

Indian Railways revises eligibility for Level-1 positions, permitting Class 10, ITI, and NAC holders. Opens recruitment for 32,000 roles, boosting inclusivity.

The Railway Board has relaxed educational requirements for Level-1 posts, allowing 10th pass candidates, ITI diploma holders, and NAC certificate holders to apply. This change supersedes previous norms and affects upcoming recruitment for 32,000 vacancies.

The Railway Board has updated the eligibility criteria for Level-1 (formerly Group D) positions. Now, candidates who have completed Class 10, hold an ITI diploma, or possess an equivalent qualification or the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) from NCVT can apply.
Previously, applicants for technical posts were required to have both a Class 10 pass and an ITI diploma or NAC.
In a recent directive sent to all railway zones on January 2, the board announced that this new rule will apply to future open market recruitments, including the upcoming CEN. The updated qualification for Level-1 posts is now a 10th-grade pass, ITI, or equivalent qualifications like the NAC from NCVT.
Level-1 posts in Indian Railways include positions such as assistants, pointsmen, and track maintainers. The Railway Recruitment Board has also announced plans to recruit 32,000 candidates for these roles, with applications opening from January 23 to February 22.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized AAP, calling it a "disaster" for Delhi, while inaugurating housing and redevelopment projects aimed at improving living conditions. 

Delhi Elections: PM Modi calls AAP a 'disaster' for national capital

Giving a call for AAP's defeat, Modi raised the slogan, "'Aapda' ko nahi sahenge, badal kar rahenge (we will not tolerate 'aapda', we will remove it)."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed AAP as an "aapda" for Delhi, saying this "aapda" had taken the national capital in its grip in the past 10 years.
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Addressing a public meeting in Ashok Vihar's Ramlila Ground, PM Narendra Modi says, "In the last 10 years, Delhi has been surrounded by an 'Aapda'. By keeping Anna Hazare at the front, a few 'kattar beimaan' people have pushed Delhi towards 'Aapda'. 'AAP aapda&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/mKGNjGpXMg">pic.twitter.com/mKGNjGpXMg</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1875098470010507376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Addressing people after launching a slew of infrastructure projects in the national capital, including in housing and education sectors, he hit out at the AAP-led city government and said the situation in the national capital would worsen if its reign continued.
On the one hand, the Centre is making a lot of efforts; on the other, the Union Territory government stands for brazen lies, Modi said, accusing the AAP government of committing corruption in a host of sectors ranging from school education to fighting pollution and the liquor trade.
With assembly elections set to be held in the city next month, the prime minister said Delhi had launched a war on this "aapda (disaster)" and decided to get rid of it.
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Addressing a public meeting in Ashok Vihar's Ramlila Ground, PM Narendra Modi says, "...Ye AAP, ye 'aapda', Delhi par aayi hai', and hence the people of Delhi has waged a war against 'aapda'. Voters of Delhi have made up their minds to free Delhi from this&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/n9aYKkmYc6">pic.twitter.com/n9aYKkmYc6</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1875099124925874355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Giving a call for AAP's defeat, Modi raised the slogan, "'Aapda' ko nahi sahenge, badal kar rahenge (we will not tolerate 'aapda', we will remove it)."
"This year will usher in a new politics of nation-building and people's welfare. Therefore, 'aapda' has to be removed and the BJP brought in," he said.
Due to the city government not allowing the Centre's signature health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, and other programmes in the national capital, Modi said he was unable to fully help the people living here despite his efforts.
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Addressing a public meeting in Ashok Vihar's Ramlila Ground, PM Narendra Modi says, "The year 2025 will give a new direction to the good governance in the national capital... New politics of public welfare and nation welfare will begin this year and hence, 'Aapda&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/1iTMXKccHK">pic.twitter.com/1iTMXKccHK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1875102854673043539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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If highways are being built in the capital and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been able to make houses for the poor, it is because "aapda" does not have much role in these sectors, he added.
Taking a swipe at former Delhi chief minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Modi said he could also have built a "sheesh mahal" for himself but his dream was to ensure homes for everyone in the country.
"These people commit corruption and then glorify it," he said, accusing AAP of shamelessness and making false promises.
The BJP has been targeting Kejriwal for allegedly spending a huge amount of money on his official residence when he was chief minister, and described his erstwhile home as "sheesh mahal".
The country knows very well that he never built a home for himself, Modi said.
"But in the past 10 years, (my government) has built four crore houses for the poor and fulfilled their dreams. I could have also built a 'sheesh mahal'. But my dream was to give a pucca house to my countrymen," he said, stressing his vision to provide a concrete house to those living in slums.
He said 2025 would bring many new possibilities for India, asserting that the country had become a symbol of political and economic stability in the world.
India will rise to become a big manufacturing hub in the new year in which new records in the agriculture sector and women-led development will be registered as well, he said.
The prime minister asserted India's global standing and image would also be strengthened in 2025.
Providing affordable housing to the poor and the middle class is a priority for the BJP-led central government, he said and added one crore new houses would be built for the urban poor in the next phase.
It is the BJP-led government at the Centre which will help do it, Modi said.
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | PM Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates two urban redevelopment projects - the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, CBSE's Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka PM Modi also lays the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/gyydATTrOw">pic.twitter.com/gyydATTrOw</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1875089551640961390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The government is also providing a big rebate in home loan interest rate so that the middle class can own a home, the prime minister said while also highlighting the Centre's efforts to boost infrastructure in the education sector.
Modi inaugurated a slew of development projects, including 1,675 flats for residents of 'jhuggi-jhopri' (JJ) or slum clusters and two urban redevelopment projects in the city. ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pm-modi-lays-foundation-stone-for-two-new-du-campuses-veer-savarkar-college-1735897153917" target="_blank">PM Modi lays foundation stone for two new DU campuses, Veer Savarkar college</a>

Discover the rare melanistic leopards spotted in Odisha’s Nayagarh, emphasizing conservation efforts. These black panthers symbolize biodiversity's complexity, urging protection of their habitats for ecological balance.

Rare Melanistic Leopards Spotted in Odisha

In Nayagarh, Odisha, elusive melanistic leopards have been seen, highlighting urgent conservation needs. These rare black panthers serve as vital ecological icons, symbolizing biodiversity and prompting preservation efforts.

A rare melanistic leopard with a cub has been spotted in Nayagarh district, Odisha. Captured by a camera trap, the sighting highlights the region's biodiversity.&nbsp;

A rare melanistic leopard and its cub have been spotted in the forests of Odisha&rsquo;s Nayagarh district, a discovery that has brought great excitement among wildlife enthusiasts. The incredible sighting was captured through a camera trap set up in the forest, marking a significant moment for conservation efforts in the region.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Kumar Jha, shared the news on X, along with a video and photo of the rare &ldquo;black panther.&rdquo; He highlighted how these elusive creatures play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems. By protecting the habitats of melanistic leopards, the region can preserve its diverse wildlife heritage.&nbsp;
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;A rare melanistic leopard with cub has been sighted in central Odisha, reflecting the region&amp;#39;s incredible biodiversity. These elusive &amp;quot;black panthers&amp;quot; are vital to the ecosystem-protecting their habitat ensures a thriving wildlife heritage. &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ForestDeptt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;@ForestDeptt&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/CMO_Odisha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;@CMO_Odisha&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/IlwaI0qipq"&gt;pic.twitter.com/IlwaI0qipq&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Prem Kumar Jha (@Prem_CWLWOdisha) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/Prem_CWLWOdisha/status/1875055272739364986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;January 3, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
This sighting is further significant as the All Odisha Leopard Estimation-2024 report has revealed that such leopards have been recorded in three of the state&rsquo;s forest divisions. The melanistic leopard, known for its stunning black coat, is an important species in the area and is integral to Odisha's biodiversity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stones for two new Delhi University campuses at Surajmal Vihar and Dwarka, alongside Veer Savarkar College in Najafgarh.

PM Modi lays foundation stone for two new DU campuses

PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh, just a five-minute walk from the West Campus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually laid the foundation stones for two new Delhi University campuses and a college named after BJP ideologue Veer Savarkar.
The project, with an investment of over Rs 600 crore, aims to boost educational opportunities and modernise facilities.
The foundation-laying ceremony was held at Ashok Vihar where the prime minister also launched a slew of other infra projects for the national capital.
The East campus at Surajmal Vihar and the West campus at Dwarka Sector 22 are being added to the existing North and South campuses as part of DU's efforts to expand its presence across the city.
The East Campus, spanning 15.25 acres, is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 373 crore. It will offer LLB, LLM and an integrated five-year LLB programme, alongside other multidisciplinary courses.
The campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including 60 classrooms, 10 tutorial rooms, six moot courts, four computer labs, two cafeterias and two common rooms, spread across a built-up area of 59,618 square metres.
The West Campus, being built at Rs 107 crore, will be a new academic block in the first phase. Covering 19,434.28 square metres, it will have 42 classrooms, two moot courts, a digital library, conference rooms, seminar halls and separate common rooms for boys and girls.
In addition to the campuses, Modi laid the foundation stone for Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh, just a five-minute walk from the West Campus.
The college, with a built-up area of 18,816.56 square metres and an estimated cost of Rs 140 crore, will offer modern facilities, including 24 classrooms, eight tutorial rooms, 40 faculty rooms, department libraries, conference rooms and a canteen.

In a major development, 28 individuals were convicted in the 2018 Kasganj case for Chandan Gupta's murder. The verdict addresses issues of communal tension and unfulfilled promises to the Gupta family, highlighting a need for unity.

Kasganj: 28 Convicted for Chandan Gupta's Death

The Kasganj verdict sees 28 convicted for Chandan Gupta's murder, shedding light on communal unrest from January 2018. Although justice is served, the family's quest for fulfilled promises continues.

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The NIA court in Lucknow convicted 28 out of 30 accused in the Chandan Gupta murder case. Gupta was shot during the Tiranga Yatra on January 26, 2018, in Kasganj, triggering communal riots.
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Lucknow has convicted 28 out of the 30 accused in the high-profile Chandan Gupta murder case. Chandan Gupta, also known as Abhishek Gupta, was shot during the Tiranga Yatra organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) as part of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2018, in Kasganj district. 
The case gained significant attention after Chandan's death fueled widespread riots in the region, escalating communal tensions. The NIA court acquitted two individuals, Nasiruddin and Asim Qureshi, due to insufficient evidence.
On the day of the incident, Chandan and his brother Vivek participated in the Tiranga Yatra. When the procession reached the Government Girls Inter College gate, a group of individuals, including Salim, Wasim, and Naseem, allegedly blocked the road, halting the procession. Tensions rose when Chandan objected, leading to stone-pelting. Salim, one of the main accused, shot Chandan, gravely injuring him. Despite being rushed to the Kasganj police station and later to the district hospital, Chandan was declared dead.
Chandan's murder sparked riots in Kasganj for three days, leading to severe communal unrest. His father, Sushil Gupta, filed a murder complaint, prompting legal action. In 2019, the Kasganj Sessions Court framed charges against 23 individuals, and later, an additional seven were also charged. The accused faced various charges, including rioting, attempted murder, and insulting the national flag, as well as violations under the Arms Act for carrying firearms.
The trial was moved to a Lucknow court after the initial proceedings in Kasganj. On Thursday, after the verdict, Chandan&rsquo;s parents expressed faith in the judicial process but voiced frustration with unmet promises made by political leaders. Sushil Gupta pointed out that BJP leaders had failed to deliver on promises such as the construction of a memorial square for Chandan and providing a government job to a family member.
Out of the 28 convicted individuals, 26 appeared in court, while Munajir Rafi joined via video conferencing from jail. An arrest warrant was issued for Salim, who was absent from the proceedings. The convicted individuals were taken into judicial custody and sent to jail. Several of them, including Salim, Wasim, Naseem, Mohsin, Rahat, Bablu, and Salman, were also convicted under the Arms Act for carrying weapons during the incident.
The prosecution presented 18 witnesses, while the defense called 23 witnesses during the trial.

ISKCON Kolkata prays for peace as Bangladesh faces rising anti-Hindu hostility. They focus on minority safety, uniting in prayer and advocacy.

ISKCON Kolkata Prays Amid Bangladesh Tensions

ISKCON Kolkata prays for Bangladesh's religious minorities amid growing hostility. Focused on peace and unity, they highlight the need for collective action and dialogue.

ISKCON Kolkata continues daily prayers for the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, following escalating attacks since Sheikh Hasina's government fell.&nbsp;

ISKCON Kolkata has pledged to continue daily prayers for the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh until the situation stabilizes. These prayers, held at the Albert Road center for over a month, also focus on the release of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and other detained monks.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader, was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and has been denied bail by a Chittagong court in a sedition case. ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das expressed hope for justice in the high court, despite growing concerns among devotees about the future of minorities in Bangladesh.
Since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed power after Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 during student-led protests, attacks on the Hindu community and their places of worship have escalated. Devotees at ISKCON Kolkata remain committed to their prayers, seeking peace and justice for those affected.




 










TMC leader Derek O’Brien on January 2, 2025, criticized the Modi govt, questioning the use of FCRA against Christian institutions, the handling of the Manipur crisis, and the promotion of anti-conversion laws. 







Derek O'Brien Criticizes Indian Government

TMC's Derek O'Brien critiques Indian government on economic mismanagement and democratic decline, emphasizing transparency and public welfare.

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TMC leader Derek O&rsquo;Brien on January 2, 2025, criticized the Modi govt, questioning the use of FCRA against Christian institutions, the handling of the Manipur crisis, and the promotion of anti-conversion laws.&nbsp;
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TMC leader Derek O&rsquo;Brien criticized the Narendra Modi government on January 2, 2025, demanding answers on various issues affecting the Christian community. In a blog post, O'Brien posed several "hard questions" to Prime Minister Modi, calling for accountability over matters such as the weaponization of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), the ongoing situation in Manipur, and the government's stance on anti-conversion laws.
O'Brien's remarks came days after PM Modi attended a Christmas celebration organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi. The TMC leader asked why Christmas Day had been turned into "Good Governance Day" and questioned why the FCRA was being used to target Christian-run institutions. He also raised concerns about the government's approach to the people of Manipur, the promotion of anti-conversion laws, and the impact on fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The leader further accused the government of exacerbating religious tensions, particularly in Kerala, by promoting the Waqf bill and fueling divisions among minorities. He also questioned the government's silence on hate speeches and communal slurs, highlighting the increasing attacks on institutions run by minorities.
O&rsquo;Brien also referred to the case of Father Stan Swamy, the 84-year-old tribal rights activist who died in custody in 2021 after being arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He asked why the National Human Rights Commission had lost its UN accreditation twice since 2014, citing these concerns as part of the government's broader disregard for minority rights.
The TMC leader, who has been active in public life for over two decades, expressed that he had never before written about the church in India but felt compelled to do so now. He emphasized that silence on such critical issues would make him complicit in the situation.
Earlier in December 2024, a group of Christian MPs raised concerns with the CBCI about the treatment of minorities, urging the church leadership to stop engaging in symbolic gestures and instead take a firm stand against those not upholding the Constitution.

Delhi University's decision to name a new college after Hindutva icon Veer Savarkar has sparked a fierce debate between the BJP and Congress. The Congress demands the college be named after former PM Manmohan Singh.

Delhi University college naming sparks BJP-Congress war over Savarkar

Hussain, a Rajya Sabha MP, accused the BJP of undermining the contributions of true freedom fighters by glorifying figures who had sought forgiveness from the British.

Delhi University's decision to name one of its upcoming colleges after Veer Savarkar, a prominent Hindutva icon, has ignited a heated debate between the BJP and Congress. The foundation stone for the Veer Savarkar College, set to be built in Najafgarh at an estimated cost of Rs 140 crore, will be laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The decision, approved by Delhi University's executive council in 2021, has led to a clash of ideologies.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji, As you inaugurate a college in the name of VD Savarkar, NSUI demands the new DU college be named after Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. He established numerous universities and brought the Central Universities Act. A Central University must also be&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/jtghlIjrE6">pic.twitter.com/jtghlIjrE6</a>
&mdash; Varun Choudhary (@varunchoudhary2) <a href="https://twitter.com/varunchoudhary2/status/1874765225821438002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The Congress party's student wing, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), has opposed the move, urging that the college be named after the late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last week. In a letter to PM Modi, the NSUI highlighted Singh&rsquo;s immense contributions to education, citing his role in establishing institutions such as IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and introducing the Central Universities Act. The student wing emphasized that naming the college after Singh would inspire future generations and honor his transformative vision, particularly his reforms that liberalized the economy in 1991. They also proposed the creation of a central university named after Singh.
On the other hand, Congress MPs Naseer Hussain and Sukhjinder Randhawa criticized the BJP for honoring someone like Savarkar, who, according to them, had written mercy petitions to the British during colonial rule. Randhawa remarked that the PM should reconsider the decision, given Savarkar&rsquo;s past actions. Hussain, a Rajya Sabha MP, accused the BJP of undermining the contributions of true freedom fighters by glorifying figures who had sought forgiveness from the British.
In response, the BJP has firmly backed the decision. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva defended the naming, asserting that Veer Savarkar was a freedom fighter, and the party welcomed the university&rsquo;s honor to him. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla also questioned whether past leaders like Indira Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray, who had praised Savarkar, were wrong in their assessment of him.
The controversy surrounding the naming of the college reflects a broader ideological divide between the two parties, with each seeking to shape the legacy of India&rsquo;s historical figures according to their own narrative.

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NIA had declared a ₹10 lakh reward for Nijjar's arrest in 2022.

'Khalistani terrorist' shot dead in Canada: Hardeep Singh Nijjar killed, say reports

Alleged pro-Khalistan terrorist killed in Canada: reports Hardeep Singh Nijjar shot dead in Surrey: reports NIA had declared&nbsp;₹10 lakh reward for Nijjar's arrest in 2022

NIA had announced a reward of ₹10 lakhs for Hardeep Singh Nijjar's arrest.

An alleged pro-Khalistani terrorist was reportedly shot dead in Canada on June 18, 2023.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force outfit, was killed in the parking lot of a gurudwara in Surrey city.
Two unidentified youths shot Nijjar on the premises of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib at around 8:27 pm, police said.
He was wanted in at least 4 cases by India's National Investigation Agency. NIA had announced a reward of ₹10 lakhs for his arrest.

Delhi witnessed light rain and cold weather with a minimum temperature of 9.6°C. Fog conditions improved slightly, while air quality remained in the "very poor" category at AQI 320.

Light rain in parts of Delhi, minimum temperature 9.6 deg C

Delhi witnessed light rain and cold weather with a minimum temperature of 9.6&deg;C. Fog conditions improved slightly, while air quality remained in the "very poor" category at AQI 320.

Cold weather conditions persisted in Delhi on Monday with parts of the city receiving light rainfall and the mercury settling at a low of 9.6 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The fog cover thinned out, improving morning visibility on roads.
Dense fog in the capital reduced morning visibility to zero on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, leading to flight cancellations and diversions, and trains being delayed.
The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi's primary weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius, 2.7 notches above the normal for this time of the year, at 8.30 am, the IMD said.
At 5.30 am, the visibility at Safdarjung and Palam was 300 metres, it said.
Some parts of the city received light rain in the morning.
The weather department has predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain throughout the day. It has issued a 'yellow' warning for dense fog.
The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to settle at 18 degrees Celsius, according to the IMD.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 320 (very poor) at 9 am, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday revoked stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the region witnessed a dip in air pollution levels owing to favourable meteorological conditions, especially improved wind speed.
However, restrictions under Stage 1 and Stage 2 of GRAP remain in place across Delhi-NCR.

Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor was arrested during his fast unto death at Gandhi Maidan, demanding cancellation of the Bihar PSC exam over alleged paper leaks.

BPSC exam row: Prashant Kishor, on hunger strike, arrested

Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor was arrested during his fast unto death at Gandhi Maidan, demanding cancellation of the Bihar PSC exam over alleged paper leaks.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, who was on a fast unto death at Gandhi Maidan here to press the demand for cancellation of a Bihar PSC exam, was arrested early on Monday, police said.
Police personnel removed him and his supporters from the protest site as they were holding the demonstration near a restricted area, and thus it was "illegal", a senior officer said.
Kishor was arrested on the fifth day of his fast-unto-death protest over an alleged question paper leak in the December 13 examination conducted by Bihar PSC.
According to Jan Suraaj party's supporters, the police took Kishor to Patna AIIMS for a medical examination.
Talking to PTI, Patna District Magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Singh said, "Yes, Kishor and his supporters, who were sitting on a dharna at Gandhi Maidan, were arrested by the police on Monday morning. They will now be produced before a court."
Their demonstration was "illegal", he said, adding that they were holding the sit-in near the restricted site.
&ldquo;Despite repeated requests by the officials concerned, they did not leave the place. They had also been served notice by the district administration to shift their dharna to Gardani Bagh, the dedicated place for holding protests, in the state capital," the DM said.
The Patna Police had registered a case against Kishor for holding the fast unto death at Gandhi Maidan&rsquo;s restricted site, another official said.
The district administration also issued a statement, claiming that the "Kishor is absolutely fine".
Immediately after his arrest, the poll strategist-turned-politician was taken to Patna AIIMS for a medical check-up.
When Kishor was being taken out from the AIIMS in an ambulance, his supporters tried to block the road outside the hospital.
A "mild force was used to disperse Kishor&rsquo;s supporters who gathered outside AIIMS and tried to disrupt traffic movement", said a senior police officer.
Kishor began his fast unto death on January 2 in support of the civil service aspirants who have been demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination held on December 13 last year.
However, the BPSC had ordered the retest for a select group of candidates who had appeared in the December 13 exam, which was embroiled over allegations of question paper leak.
The retest was held on January 4 at 22 centres here.
Of 12,012 candidates, around 8,111 aspirants had downloaded their admit cards for the re-exam.
However, 5,943 candidates appeared for the retest last week.
The retest was held peacefully at all centres without report of any misconduct and malpractice, the BPSC said in a statement issued on Saturday.

The Vande Bharat sleeper train has reached a peak speed of 180 km/h in multiple trials in Rajasthan. The successful tests will continue until the end of January, aiming to provide world-class long-distance travel across India. 

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Achieves 180 km/h Speed in Successful Trials

The Vande Bharat sleeper train has reached a peak speed of 180 km/h in multiple trials in Rajasthan. The successful tests will continue until the end of January, aiming to provide world-class long-distance travel across India.&nbsp;

The Vande Bharat sleeper train has achieved a peak speed of 180 km per hour in multiple trials over the last three days on a 40-km stretch in Rajasthan, the Railway Ministry said on Friday.
"The trails will continue until this month's end before this world-class long-distance travel is made available to the rail commuters across the nation," it said in a press statement.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandeBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VandeBharat</a> Sleeper Trains to soon bring world class travel experience to long-distance Rail commuters New Year heralds High-Speed Revolution: Peak speed of 180 km/h achieved during successful trials of Vande Bharat (Sleeper) trains in Kota Division Read here:&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/zvpS4hCCa4">pic.twitter.com/zvpS4hCCa4</a>
&mdash; PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1875124605377298908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The ministry also highlighted a recent video shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on X.
"The video shows a nearly full-to-brim glass of water adjacent to a mobile on a plain surface inside a Vande Bharat sleeper train. The water level remaining static can be seen in the video as the moving train achieves near constant peak speed of 180 km per hour exhibiting the element of comfort in the high-speed rail travel," the ministry said.
"The post came after 3 days of successful trials, which concluded on 2nd January, in which a Vande Bharat sleeper train in its loaded condition touched the peak speed," it added.
According to the ministry, on January 2, during a 30-km run between Kota and Laban in Bundi district of Rajasthan, the train reached a peak speed of 180 km per hour.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Vande Bharat (Sleeper) testing at 180 kmph <a href="https://t.co/ruVaR3NNOt">pic.twitter.com/ruVaR3NNOt</a>
&mdash; Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1874891986773426548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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"A day earlier, i.e. on the first day of 2025, in a 40 km long trial run between Rohal Khurd to Kota, Vande Bharat sleeper train touched the peak of 180 km per hour, the press note said.
"On the same day, peaks of 170 km/hr &amp; 160km/hr were achieved on Kota-Nagda &amp; Rohal Khurd-Chau Mahla sections. These trials will continue for the month of January under the supervision of RDSO, Lucknow," it added.
Once these trials are over, the train will be evaluated by the Railway Safety Commissioner at the maximum speed and only after passing the final stage, it will be officially certified and handed over to Indian Railways for induction and regular services.
The ministry stated that Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed with features like automatic doors, ultra-comfortable berths, onboard WiFi and an aircraft-like design.
"With these successful trials, rail commuters can hope for a world-class travel experience in long-distance travel like Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Delhi to Mumbai, Howrah to Chennai and many other routes also," the ministry said.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun was granted regular bail by a Hyderabad court in connection with a stampede during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2, which resulted in the death of a woman and injury to her son. 

Allu Arjun granted regular bail in theatre stampede case

Telugu actor Allu Arjun was granted regular bail by a Hyderabad court in connection with a stampede during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2, which resulted in the death of a woman and injury to her son.

A local court in Hyderabad on Friday granted regular bail to top Telugu actor Allu Arjun, an accused in the case booked over the death of a woman in a stampede during the premiere of his latest film 'Pushpa-2'.
The II Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge had earlier reserved the order for today after hearing arguments from the lawyers of the actor and the police.
The court directed the actor to furnish two sureties, who shall execute bond for Rs 50,000 each, besides his own with the same amount.
As part of the bail conditions, the 'Pushpa' star has to appear before the investigating officer every Sunday between 10 am and 1pm for a period of two months or till filing of the charge sheet, whichever is earlier.
"Petitioner shall not hamper the investigation in any manner nor shall directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any witness so as to dissuade them from disclosing such facts to the court or to any police officer," the court said.
The petitioner shall cooperate with the investigation and he shall not make any attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation or with the witnesses, in any manner, the court order further said.
The actor shall not change his residential address without prior intimation to the court, till disposal of the case. He was directed not to leave the country without prior permission from the court.
The actor was arrested on December 13 in connection with the incident and released from the jail on December 14 after the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail for four weeks, which would end on January 10.
Allu Arjun, who was named as accused no 11 in the case, had earlier filed the regular bail petition in court. He appeared through video conference before the court on December 27.
A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was injured on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of 'Pushpa 2' movie.
Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on a complaint lodged by the deceased woman's family.

Congress has nominated Alka Lamba as its candidate for the Kalkaji seat in the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. Lamba will challenge AAP leader Atishi in the contest. 

Delhi Elections: Congress fields Alka Lamba to contest against Atishi from Kalkaji

Congress has nominated Alka Lamba as its candidate for the Kalkaji seat in the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. Lamba will challenge AAP leader Atishi in the contest.&nbsp;

Congress has nominated Alka Lamba to contest the Kalkaji seat in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025.
She will face off against Atishi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Chief Minister&rsquo;s ally, in this high-stakes contest.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Central Election Committee has approved the candidature of Ms. <a href="https://twitter.com/LambaAlka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LambaAlka</a> as Congress candidate to contest the forthcoming general election to the Legislative Assembly of Delhi from 51 - Kalkaji constituency. <a href="https://t.co/GcNwTjtwvG">pic.twitter.com/GcNwTjtwvG</a>
&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1875144918894629122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The Congress Central Election Committee officially approved her candidacy for the 51-Kalkaji constituency.
Alka Lamba, who is the current president of the All India Mahila Congress, has a history with AAP. After leaving Congress in 2014, she joined AAP but returned to Congress in 2019.
Lamba was elected to the Delhi Assembly from the Chandni Chowk constituency in 2015 under the AAP banner.
Her split with AAP occurred when she opposed the party's resolution to revoke the Bharat Ratna awarded to Rajiv Gandhi.
In 2018, Lamba publicly rejected the resolution and made it clear she was prepared to face any consequences for standing by her opposition.

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