Name: Cyclone Mocha intensifies into 'very severe' storm; NDRF on alert in Bengal
Uploaded: 2023-05-12T13:00:27.000+05:30
Duration: T00M27S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 8 teams and 200 rescuers in West Bengal's Digha.

An investigation into the 2024 Hathras stampede calls for better event safety protocols. The court seeks accountability and aims at preventing future tragedies at large religious gatherings.

Allahabad HC summons Hathras DM and SSP over 2024 stampede tragedy

The 2024 Hathras stampede highlights urgent safety protocol needs at large gatherings. The Allahabad High Court seeks accountability and improvement to prevent future tragedies, affecting millions.

The Allahabad High Court has summoned the former DM and SSP of Hathras to explain why they shouldn't be held accountable for the 2024 stampede that killed 121 people.&nbsp;

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the former District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police of Hathras to personally appear on January 15 to explain why they should not be held accountable for the stampede that claimed 121 lives in 2024.
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, during a hearing on January 6, stated that the tragedy resulted from poor arrangements made by event organizers. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure adequate police presence, medical facilities, and other necessary provisions for large gatherings.
The court also noted that many stampedes occur when large crowds, often composed of people with strong faith and belief, lose control, resulting in tragic outcomes. The incident in Hathras occurred during a "satsang" event organized by followers of Surajpal, also known as Bhole Baba, in Fulrai Mughalgarhi Village on July 2, 2024. Despite organizers estimating a crowd of 80,000, nearly 2.5 lakh people attended, leading to the fatal stampede.
While an FIR was filed following the complaint of sub-inspector Brijesh Pandey, the petitioner&rsquo;s name came up in the investigation. The court called for lessons to be learned from the Hathras incident, urging the district and police administration to ensure proper arrangements for the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj to prevent similar incidents.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 15.

The BJP has accused AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj of diverting attention from the ongoing "Sheesh Mahal" corruption allegations.

BJP accuses AAP leaders of diversion tactics amid 

The BJP has accused AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj of diverting attention from the ongoing "Sheesh Mahal" corruption allegations.

The BJP on Wednesday accused the AAP leaders of diverting attention from the "corruption and irregularities" surrounding the "Sheesh Mahal", and enacting drama of a visit to the bungalow while the model code of conduct was implemented for the upcoming Assembly polls.
"Why did AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj not visit the Sheesh Mahal earlier?", questioned Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva after they were stopped by the police from visiting the bungalow in Civil Lines, earlier in the day.
Singh on Sunday challenged the BJP for a visit to "Sheesh Mahal" and the Prime Minister's residence dubbing it "Raj Mahal" along with media persons.
Sachdeva charged, "The AAP leaders are doing drama and trying to divert attention from the Sheesh corruption and irregularities committed in the construction of Sheesh Mahal (6, Flagstaff Road, occupied by Arvind Kejriwal as chief minister). Why did they not think of showing the Sheesh Mahal earlier and now insist on a visit when the administration is bound by a model code of conduct?"
The Delhi BJP president visited AB 17 Mathura Road bungalow allotted to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. He asked, "Why is Atishi demanding another bungalow when she was allotted this bungalow?"
Atishi on Tuesday alleged that the BJP-led Centre evicted her from the chief minister's bungalow by cancelling allotment.
According to the department, Atishi failed to take possession of the property within the mandated time frame.
"The allottee had failed to take physical possession/occupation of the bungalow at 6, Flag Staff Road, despite multiple requests/correspondences and even after issuance of 'Habitability Certificate' for the bungalow, certifying that the bungalow was fit for immediate occupation and fully habitable. However, in this case, possession was not taken even after three months," the PWD letter stated.
The PWD has, meanwhile, offered two other bungalows to the chief minister.
Sachdeva said, "Atishi should tell the people why did not she take possession of the Flagstaff Road bungalow within three months, and now claiming that her allotment was cancelled".
He also alleged that Atishi herself did not live at AB 17 Mathura Road bungalow and asked her to clarify who lived there.
"It is the same bungalow where Sheila Dikshit lived as Delhi's chief minister from 1998 to 2004. Why can Atishi not live in it?" he questioned.
Sachdeva alleged that the AAP leaders were indulging in "petty politics" by raising questions over the PM's residence, to divert attention from the notoriety gained by the "Sheesh Mahal".

Mayawati appeals to the government to prioritize public welfare over politics amid economic challenges like rupee downturn and GDP slowdown, highlighting the impact on vulnerable communities.

 Mayawati urges govt to prioritize public welfare amid economic concerns

Mayawati calls for a shift from political ambition to public welfare, addressing economic issues like rupee depreciation and GDP decline, emphasizing the impact on marginalized communities.

BSP chief Mayawati urged the government to focus on public welfare over politics, as India&rsquo;s GDP growth forecast dropped to 6.4% for 2024-25, the lowest in four years, and the rupee hit a record low of 85.83 against the US dollar, worrying citizens.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday called on the central government to focus on national and public welfare over political interests, following the downward revision of India's GDP growth estimate for the current fiscal.
Her appeal came as the Indian rupee hit a record low of 85.83 against the US dollar, and the GDP growth forecast for 2024-25 was revised to 6.4%, the lowest in four years. Addressing the situation on social media, Mayawati noted the hardship faced by the poor, who are deeply concerned about the nation&rsquo;s economic health despite having no direct link to the rupee's depreciation.
"The GDP growth rate falling to 6.4% has been widely reported. The poor and hardworking citizens, who endure tough lives, are distressed by this news," she said in a post on X. She urged the government to respect public sentiment and shift focus from "narrow politics" to fulfilling promises of better days or 'Achhe Din.'
The GDP growth revision is attributed to the underperformance of the manufacturing and services sectors. This marks the slowest growth since the pandemic-struck year of 2020-21, when the GDP contracted by 5.8%, significantly below the 8.2% growth in FY 2023-24.
Mayawati's BSP, which has faced electoral setbacks in Uttar Pradesh, remains independent, not aligning with either the BJP-led NDA or the opposition INDIA bloc.

Nashik Police successfully nabbed drug traffickers after a dramatic chase across the city, seizing 28 kilograms of ganja. The operation involved eight control room mobile vans, as the suspect attempted to evade arrest.

Watch: Maharashtra cops' thrilling chase to arrest ganja smuggler

Nashik Police successfully nabbed drug traffickers after a dramatic chase across the city, seizing 28 kilograms of ganja. The operation involved eight control room mobile vans, as the suspect attempted to evade arrest.

A dramatic chase through Nashik city on Tuesday morning led to the arrest of drug traffickers and the seizure of 28 kilograms of ganja. The operation began around 2 am when a red MH 02 registered car attempted to breach the Adgaon stop-and-search checkpoint.
Nashik Police immediately alerted the control room, triggering a swift response from eight mobile vans. The officers suspected the vehicle could be carrying illegal weapons, narcotics, or explosives. The suspects, trying to avoid capture, took to smaller roads, but the police were relentless.
WATCH VIDEO:
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
⚡ High-Speed Chase in Nashik 🗓️ 7th Jan 2025 ⏰ Between 2 AM &amp; 3 AM | 1 Hour (Approx) 🚓 Our CR Mobiles on Chase: 8 A red MH 02 registered car in transit from Dhule to Navi Mumbai tried to breach our daily Adgaon Stop &amp; Search Checkpoint. बेकायदेशीर शस्त्रे, अंमली पदार्थ,&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/kHJBfvk8Df">pic.twitter.com/kHJBfvk8Df</a>
&mdash; नाशिक शहर पोलीस - Nashik City Police (@nashikpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/nashikpolice/status/1876672133696237744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The pursuit spanned several locations across the city, from Adgaon to Dwarka U-turn, Amardham U-turn, KK Wagh College, and Chakradhar Swami Mandir. After the vehicle was stopped, 28 kilograms of ganja were found in the trunk.
"With strategy, our teams successfully managed to catch hold of the driver, without causing any harm to others," said the Nashik City Police.
The vehicle, registered in Mumbai (MH 02), was traveling from Dhule to Navi Mumbai.
The Nashik City Police Commissioner commended the team involved in the chase, particularly praising Bhaurao Gangurde and Balkrushna Pawar for their quick thinking and action.
Social media users lauded the police for their swift and effective intervention. One X (formerly Twitter) user commented, "Kudos to our own Fast and Furious team! Outstanding mindfulness and swift action by the duty officers to intercept the vehicle carrying narcotics. Timely intervention like this keeps our communities safe - well done! Jai Maharashtra!!" Another user wrote, "I highly appreciate the efforts taken by Nashik police team. Keep up the good work."

Error 525 signifies a failed SSL handshake, affecting secure web connections. Learn how to address this error and ensure a seamless online experience by understanding its causes and solutions.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin vows justice in student sexual assault case

Discover how to address SSL handshake failures indicated by Error 525. This guide provides insights into its causes, effects, and resolutions to maintain secure web connections.

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin assured the Assembly that the government&rsquo;s sole focus is securing justice for the victim in the Chennai student sexual assault case.&nbsp;

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin assured the Assembly on Wednesday that the government's sole focus in the Chennai student sexual assault case is to ensure justice for the victim.
Addressing concerns raised by various parties, including the AIADMK, Stalin condemned the assault as a heinous and unacceptable act. He acknowledged the genuine concern expressed by several MLAs but criticized one member for attempting to create a false narrative against the government.
Stalin firmly stated that the government&rsquo;s objective is solely to secure justice for the victim according to the law, emphasizing there are no ulterior motives.
He dismissed criticism of the government&rsquo;s handling of the case, noting that the accused was swiftly arrested within hours and evidence was promptly gathered. Stalin argued that any continued blame is politically motivated and not rooted in genuine concern for the victim.

Congress has unveiled the "Jeevan Raksha Yojana," a free health insurance plan offering up to Rs 25 lakh coverage for families in Delhi. 

Delhi Elections: Congress promises free health insurance with 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana'

Congress has unveiled the "Jeevan Raksha Yojana," a free health insurance plan offering up to Rs 25 lakh coverage for families in Delhi.&nbsp;

Congress made a significant announcement on Wednesday, introducing the "Jeevan Raksha Yojana," a free health insurance scheme offering coverage up to Rs 25 lakh. This initiative is part of their strategy to win power in Delhi.
The proposal was announces by senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who called the scheme "a game-changer." He expressed optimism about Congress's chances in the upcoming Delhi elections, stating, "The chances of Congress forming the government in Delhi are increasing, and I believe this is also necessary for the country."
Gehlot further emphasized that the scheme highlights Congress's commitment to fulfilling the healthcare needs of citizens, offering comprehensive coverage for critical illnesses, hospitalizations, and treatments. The Congress slogan, "Hogi Har Zarurat Puri, Congress Hai Zaroori," reinforced their promise to meet essential services for all.
With the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5 and vote counting set for February 8, the political landscape in Delhi is intensifying.

Maharashtra's political scene heats up as Sanjay Raut accuses Ajit Pawar's faction of luring Sharad Pawar’s NCP leaders with promises.

Sanjay Raut alleges Ajit Pawar-led NCP poaching Sharad Pawar’s faction

In a heated political battle, Sanjay Raut claims Ajit Pawar's faction is enticing Sharad Pawar’s allies with Union positions. This intensifies the unfolding political drama in Maharashtra, affecting power dynamics and alliances. Accusations focus on key NCP figures amid heightened speculation.

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<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">Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused Ajit Pawar's NCP of trying to poach leaders from Sharad Pawar's faction by offering Union cabinet posts. Raut claimed Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel were tasked with engineering defections.&nbsp;</div>
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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday accused the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of attempting to poach leaders from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction by offering them Union cabinet positions.
Raut&rsquo;s comments followed a statement by NCP leader Amol Mitkati, who claimed some Lok Sabha members from Sharad Pawar&rsquo;s faction were in touch with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Jitendra Awhad, an MLA and former state minister from the Sharad Pawar faction, also alleged that Sunil Tatkare, the state chief of Ajit Pawar's NCP, urged MPs from their faction to "leave the father and daughter" and join them, referring to Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Supriya Sule.
Raut further alleged that senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Tatkare had been tasked with orchestrating defections within the Sharad Pawar-led group. Currently, Ajit Pawar&rsquo;s faction has only one Lok Sabha MP, Sunil Tatkare, while the Sharad Pawar faction holds eight seats.
Raut claimed the Ajit-led NCP would only secure Union government posts if they could attract defectors from Sharad Pawar&rsquo;s group. When questioned about the possibility of the two NCP factions reuniting, Awhad dismissed the idea, citing Tatkare&rsquo;s alleged efforts to woo their MPs as evidence of his unwillingness for reconciliation.
Awhad suggested that rumors of a potential reunion between the factions were intended to pressure BJP ally Nitish Kumar by signaling that the BJP could gain support from other political quarters.

A recent RTI response reveals that neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor the late Dr. Manmohan Singh used public funds for Diwali celebrations during their tenures.

 PM Modi, Manmohan Singh didn't use public funds for personal expenses: RTI

A recent RTI response reveals that neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor the late Dr. Manmohan Singh used public funds for Diwali celebrations during their tenures.

An RTI (Right to Information) response has revealed that neither current Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor the late former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh used government funds for Diwali celebrations during their time in office.
The RTI inquiry was filed in November 2024 by Pune-based activist Prafful Sarda, who requested information regarding the annual Diwali festival expenditures by both Prime Ministers. Dr. Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, was specifically mentioned in the query alongside PM Modi.
In its response, the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO) clarified on January 3 that no public funds were allocated for personal expenses of either leader. "Personal expenses of the prime minister are not borne on government accounts. The PMO does not spend any money on the PM's personal expenses," said Parvesh Kumar, Under Secretary and Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) at the PMO.
This clarification comes amid controversy surrounding Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s gift of a 7.5-carat diamond to US First Lady Jill Biden during his 2023 visit. The gift sparked international debate when US authorities valued the diamond at USD 20,000. However, India&rsquo;s Ministry of External Affairs later clarified that the actual value was far lower, estimating it to be under Rs 2 lakh, as it was lab-grown.

AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardawaj were stopped from visiting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence to counter BJP's "Sheesh Mahal" jibes. The leaders had invited the media to tour the residence.

AAP Leaders Blocked from Visiting Delhi CM's Residence

AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardawaj were stopped from visiting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence to counter BJP's "Sheesh Mahal" jibes. The leaders had invited the media to tour the residence.

AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardawaj were stopped from entering the Delhi chief minister's official residence, which they had invited the media to tour with them in a bid to counter the BJP's "Sheesh Mahal" jibes.
Police set up barricades and deployed personnel in front of the 6, Flagstaff Road, bungalow, preventing the AAP leaders from entering the premises.
The AAP leaders invited the media on a tour of the chief minister's residence, which the BJP claims was turned into a "Sheesh Mahal" during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure.
&nbsp;
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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 Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and AAP MP Sanjay Singh sit on a 'dharna' outside the CM's residence after being denied entry by the Police. Yesterday, Sanjay Singh challenged BJP to visit the CM's residence along with media personnel, amid the BJP's 'sheesh mahal'&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/zZdITLY7eC">https://t.co/zZdITLY7eC</a> <a href="https://t.co/OV9MbsaIz6">pic.twitter.com/OV9MbsaIz6</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1876872490007564643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Asked if they had sought permission to visit the residence, Singh and Bharadwaj told reporters, "Why should we need permission to enter the chief minister's residence?"
They were seen speaking to officials at the bungalow, requesting permission to be allowed inside.
"Who has instructed you to stop us? I am a minister and I am here for an inspection. How can you stop me and on whose orders? Have you received directions from the lieutenant governor? He is the only authority above my position," Bharadwaj was heard telling an official.
Addressing a press briefing earlier, Bharadwaj had said, "As promised, we will visit the chief minister's official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, at 11 am and try to find the golden commode, swimming pool, and mini bar that the BJP claims are present there"
"It should be noted that both these properties are government residences. They were built with taxpayers' money and came up during the Covid pandemic. If there are allegations of misappropriation of funds, both should be investigated," he added.
Singh and Bharadwaj also had said that they would take reporters to the prime minister's residence, which AAP has dubbed "Raj Mahal" and claimed was built at a cost of 2,700 crore.
The "Raj Mahal" jibe is part of AAP's counter allegation that the prime minister leads a luxurious lifestyle.
The 6, Flagstaff Road, bungalow has sparked controversy over alleged irregularities in its renovation and costly fittings and household goods present in it.
The BJP has focussed a big part of its assembly election campaign around these allegations, dubbing the bungalow "Sheesh Mahal".
The saffron party's Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva has claimed that valuable items, including a "golden commode", were missing after the bungalow was vacated by Kejriwal.
On Tuesday, AAP challenged the BJP to open the prime minister's residence for a media visit to reveal the reality while also offering to take reporters on a tour of the chief minister's bungalow.

Two suspected cases of HMPV have been reported in Nagpur, India, prompting reassurance from Union Health Minister JP Nadda. He assures the public that there is no cause for alarm.

HMPV in India: Two more suspected cases in Nagpur, Maharashtra

Two suspected cases of HMPV have been reported in Nagpur, India, prompting reassurance from Union Health Minister JP Nadda. He assures the public that there is no cause for alarm.

Two suspected cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been identified in Nagpur. The patients, aged 7 and 13, were found to have tested positive for the virus in a private hospital. Shashikant Shambharkar, Deputy Director of Health, confirmed that both patients have received treatment and have been discharged. Their records are now being sent to AIIMS Nagpur for further examination.
These cases add to the growing count of HMPV infections in India, with previous cases detected in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed the cases in these regions as part of ongoing surveillance efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses.
Despite these confirmed cases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public, emphasizing that there is no cause for concern. He clarified that HMPV, which was first identified in 2001, does not pose a new threat.
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&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and has been circulating globally for many years. The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no cause&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/IN1o5N38dq">pic.twitter.com/IN1o5N38dq</a>
&mdash; Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1876291214305304732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 Nadda explained that the virus is airborne and can affect individuals of all ages, with its spread being more prominent during the winter and early spring months.
In his video statement, Nadda stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation. The ICMR and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are overseeing developments and ensuring readiness to address any potential health challenges. He also noted that no significant surge in common respiratory viruses has been observed, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is reviewing the situation.
A joint monitoring group meeting was held on January 4 under the Director General of Health Services to evaluate the situation. Nadda reassured citizens that the health systems and surveillance networks in the country are on alert and prepared to respond promptly. He reiterated that there is no reason to worry and that the situation is being carefully monitored.

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The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 8 teams and 200 rescuers in West Bengal's Digha.

Cyclone Mocha intensifies into 'very severe' storm; NDRF on alert in Bengal

The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 8 teams and 200 rescuers in West Bengal's Digha.

Cyclone Mocha intensified into a "very severe" storm over the Bay of Bengal on May 12, 2023.
It is expected to make landfall by May 14 along the border of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 8 teams and 200 rescuers in West Bengal's Digha.
Heavy rain is predicted in northeast states and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Indian Coast Guard is on high alert.

Two educational institutions in Delhi, Lady Shree Ram College and Tagore International School, received bomb threat e-mails on Wednesday. A

Bomb threat calls received at two Delhi educational institutions

Two educational institutions in Delhi, Lady Shree Ram College and Tagore International School, received bomb threat e-mails on Wednesday. A

Two educational institutes in the national capital received bomb threat e-mails on Wednesday, Delhi Fire Services said.
"We received two different bomb threat calls from Lady Shree Ram College (sic) at 11.40 am. Another bomb threat call was received from Tagore International School in East of Kailash area at 11.17 am," an official told PTI.
He said teams were immediately rushed to the site, but nothing suspicious was found.
A dog squad and bomb disposal squad were part of the teams rushed to the spot, a police officer said.

Indian Railways achieves a major milestone in the USBRL project with successful trials in Kashmir, led by Dinesh Chand Deshwal. A step towards connectivity, safety, and regional progress.

Successful speed trial on Katra-Banihal rail link marks key milestone for Kashmir connectivity

The USBRL project achieves a crucial milestone with successful speed trials led by Dinesh Chand Deshwal. Exemplifying engineering excellence, it marks progress towards enhanced connectivity in Kashmir.

A historic high-speed trial run on the Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL project in Jammu and Kashmir was successfully completed. The train reached speeds of 110 km/h on challenging terrain.&nbsp;

A significant milestone in Indian Railways' history was achieved with the successful rising grade speed trial between Katra and Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir, part of the USBRL project, according to a senior official on Wednesday.
Dinesh Chand Deshwal, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for the Northern Circle, said the trial run, conducted at speeds of 110 km/h on the 180-degree rising grade, marks a breakthrough for the rail network in this challenging region. This accomplishment offers hope for the early launch of direct train services connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country.
While the trial was successful, Deshwal emphasized that the data collected during the two-day statutory inspection would be thoroughly analyzed before a decision is made by the Centre regarding the launch of regular services.
The trial train departed from Katra station at 10:30 am and reached Banihal in approximately 90 minutes. It then returned to Katra in the afternoon. This trial marks the final test run before a decision on public service.
Deshwal commended the engineering efforts behind the project, calling the trial run a "smooth" success and praising the work done by the team. He added that the infrastructure for the rail link is in excellent condition.
The decision on starting direct rail services will be based on the analysis of the data collected and recommendations from the statutory inspection. The Centre is expected to make an announcement soon.
Earlier, on January 4, an electric train trial was conducted on the Katra-Banihal section, with a total of six trials conducted in the past month, including key tests on the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.
The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect Kashmir by rail, was initiated in 1997 but faced multiple delays due to challenging geography and weather. About 209 km of the route has been commissioned in phases.

The Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party have announced their support for AAP in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal thanked Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav for their backing.

Delhi Elections: Mamata Banerjee extends support to Aam Aadmi Party

The Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party have announced their support for AAP in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal thanked Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav for their backing.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) has declared its support for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TMC has announced support to AAP in Delhi elections. I am personally grateful to Mamta Didi. Thank you Didi. U have always supported and blessed us in our good and bad times.
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1876925318193185153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal expressed his gratitude towards West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC head Mamata Banerjee, saying in a post on X, "TMC has announced support to AAP in Delhi elections. I am personally grateful to Mamta Didi. Thank you Didi. U have always supported and blessed us in our good and bad times."
Although AAP is contesting the elections independently, the party has received backing from other political allies.
The Samajwadi Party also extended its support on Tuesday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
बहुत बहुत शुक्रिया अखिलेश जी। आपका हमेशा हमें सपोर्ट और साथ रहता है। इसके लिए मैं और दिल्ली की जनता आभारी हैं। <a href="https://t.co/as58s2ksDt">https://t.co/as58s2ksDt</a>
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1876577272099995983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kejriwal thanked Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for the backing, saying, "Thank you very much, Akhilesh ji. You always support and stand with us. I and the people of Delhi are grateful for this."
The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are scheduled for February 5, with votes to be counted on February 8. The AAP, which had a resounding victory in the 2015 and 2020 elections with 67 and 62 seats, respectively, is hopeful of securing a hat-trick in the national capital.

Discover Odisha's ambitious economic plan to rank among India's top five economies by 2047. Focused on key sectors and FDI, the state targets a $1.5 trillion GDP.

Odisha aims for top 5 economy by 2047, focus on FDI and growth

Odisha aims to become a top-five economy in India by 2047, focusing on FDI, key sectors, and tourism. Explore this ambitious plan for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Odisha aims to be among India's top 5 economies by 2047, focusing on sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and tourism. CM Majhi highlights the state's potential for FDI, with natural resources, a skilled workforce, and investor-friendly policies.

On Wednesday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed the state's ambition to become one of the top five economies in India by 2047, coinciding with India&rsquo;s centenary of Independence. Speaking at a joint business session during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, he highlighted Odisha&rsquo;s current standing as the 13th largest economy with a $100 billion GDP, aiming to reach a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
Majhi noted that India's remarkable economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership is a source of inspiration for Odisha's aspirations. He emphasized Odisha's goal to be the preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), mirroring India's position as a top global FDI hub.
Majhi outlined Odisha&rsquo;s development vision, focusing on key sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, petrochemicals, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. He also highlighted the state&rsquo;s natural assets&mdash;its vast forests, mountains, coastline, and historical sites&mdash;calling on the diaspora to invest in tourism.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed Majhi&rsquo;s remarks, stressing that Odisha&rsquo;s rich trade potential, along with its skilled workforce, aligns with the 'Look East' policy and the Mission Purvodaya initiative aimed at rejuvenating eastern India. He also encouraged diaspora investors to explore opportunities in trade, technology, and tourism.
Odisha Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain emphasized the state&rsquo;s business-friendly environment, showcasing the 'Go Swift' single-window system that streamlines approvals and ensures quick, transparent governance. He invited investors to take part in Odisha&rsquo;s transformation and assured full support for new ventures. &nbsp; &nbsp;

An elephant named Pakkathu Sreekuttan caused panic at Kerala's Puthiyangadi festival in Malappuram, leaving 17 injured, including one critically.

Chaos at Kerala festival: Elephant injures 17, triggers stampede

An elephant named Pakkathu Sreekuttan caused panic at Kerala's Puthiyangadi festival in Malappuram, leaving 17 injured, including one critically.

At least 17 people were injured, including one critically, after an elephant went on a rampage during a festival in Kerala's Malappuram district late last night.
The incident occurred at the Puthiyangadi festival in Tirur, which had drawn a large crowd. Visuals from the event show five elephants, decorated with golden plates, as attendees tried to capture the moment on their phones.
Suddenly, one of the elephants, named Pakkathu Sreekuttan, became agitated and charged into the crowd. In a shocking moment, the elephant lifted a man, swung him in the air, and hurled him away.
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The injured man, whose condition is critical, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kotakkal. The panic caused by the elephant&rsquo;s rampage led to a stampede-like situation, resulting in most of the injuries.
Efforts to control the elephant involved several men using chains, and it took nearly two hours to subdue it. The animal was eventually secured near a mast to prevent further chaos. Visuals from the scene captured the fear and chaos as people scrambled to escape to safety.

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