Month: January 2025

An Interstate Coordination meeting was held on Wednesday at the Delhi Police Headquarters to enhance cooperation among various Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and address key issues related to ensuring incident-free Republic Day 2025 celebrations and conducting free, fair, and peaceful Legislative Assembly elections in the national capital.

The meeting was chaired by Delhi Commissioner of Police Sanjay Arora and attended by senior police officers from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and other officers of Central Police Organisation (CPOs) etc. Officers from various divisions such as Special Cell, Transport, Law & Order, Crime, Protective Security, Traffic, Intelligence, DCsP/Districts, Security, Crime, IGI, Railways and Metro were also present.

The officers exchanged intelligence and discussed various matters, focusing on strengthening anti-terror measures, border checks, and the verification of suspicious elements. Special attention was given to advance information regarding the movement of suspicious individuals or vehicles. Issues regarding interstate gangs operating in the National Capital Region (NCR), the supply of illegal firearms, illicit liquor, cash, and narcotics were also discussed.

Coordination for Traffic regulation during Republic Day Celebrations was formulated.

According to Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava, strict and effective implementation of the Election Commission of India’s guidelines and zero tolerance for violation during the Delhi Legislative Election was emphasised. Increased policing effort at state borders was also planned.

CP Delhi urged all officials to make extensive use of human and technical intelligence to monitor suspicious elements and anticipate in advance, any subversive activities to thwart any evil designs.

All officers appreciated the coordination efforts of Delhi Police with various state/UT police forces and other LEAs.

They committed to further enhancing cooperation and collaboration for better policing in the NCR, emphasizing real-time information sharing and close interaction at all levels, ensuring a peaceful and incident-free Republic Day 2025 and Assembly elections in Delhi. (ANI)

In a significant step towards promoting indigenous capabilities and strengthening operational efficiency, 62 Indian-manufactured vehicles are set to reach Lebanon for utilisation by the Indian contingent deployed in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), an official statement by Indian Army said.

The fleet comprises High Mobility Troop Carriage Vehicles, Utility Vehicles (1 Ton and 2.5 Ton), Medium and Light Ambulances, Fuel Bowsers, and Recovery Vehicles, as per Indian Army.

Until now, Indian troops serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon were operating vehicles provided by the UN, which were sourced from other countries. With the induction of these Made-in-India vehicles, the Indian battalion will now rely on robust and homegrown platforms, showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliance and its growing defense manufacturing capabilities on the global stage.

This development underscores India’s leadership in peacekeeping missions and highlights the nation’s support for indigenous innovation in defence.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated in a post on X that the Indian Army was taking efforts for cessation of atrocities.

“Over the past few days, UNIFIL supported the re-deployment of Lebanon Army to positions in southwest Lebanon after Israeli forces withdrew. Peacekeepers will continue to support the cessation of hostilities and full implementation of resolution 1701 as the path to peace.”

In a post on X, the Indian Army stated that Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, visited the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in Delhi where he was briefed on the deployment of the Army there.

In a post on X, the Indian Army stated, “Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, visited the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in Delhi today, wherein he was briefed on the deployment of Indian Army in UN Peacekeeping Missions & training of Indian Army’s peacekeepers. The Ambassador appreciated CUNPK’s vision of delivering top-tier training to peacekeepers and the pivotal role of the Indian Army in global peacekeeping.” (ANI)

Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Wednesday threw light upon the values being ingrained in the cadets during their training such as discipline, selfless service, nation-building, code of conduct and also encouraged cadets to hold on to these values forever in their lives.

Addressing NCC cadets at Republic Day Parade Camp-2025, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh motivated the cadets to stand by the NCC motto of ‘Unity and Discipline’ and the pledge in all walks of life whether in uniform or not.

“Every citizen of this country is a soldier who must look after the country’s interests, safety and security. Whether we wear this uniform or not, just remember the motto of unity and discipline all your life. Be one, be united. Don’t divide yourself in different groups. That is being from North and South, are all one. Just remember that we have to be one,” AP Singh said.

He further said that emphasised on the fact that NCC Republic Day Camp gives the cadets an opportunity to interact amongst all from different cultures, religions and regions and thus strengthens the ‘Unity in Diversity’ spirit of India.

“Discipline comes from within in every walk of life. Discipline is what you are in the dark. When nobody is watching you. It is not that policemen is standing so I stop at the traffic light. The rules says when we saw a red light we must stop. Just remember this whatever values that your parents have given and whatever teachings NCC is teaching you. It is our duty to correct somebody who is going on the wrong path even if it is a majority. Thousand lies don’t make a truth. That is the way we should live,” AP Singh said.

AP Singh said that the value that the cadets are learning in the NCC will always hold them in good state.

“Whatever field you go to, whatever you will do in life remember these values,” he said.

According to Ministry of Defence, Air Chief Marshal inspected the ‘Flag Area’, which was prepared by cadets from all 17 NCC Directorates on various social awareness themes.

The CAS also visited the ‘Hall of Fame’ and was briefed about the history, training and achievements of NCC.

Later, the Air Chief Marshal, accompanied by other distinguished guests, witnessed a ‘Cultural Programme’ performed by the cadets from different Directorates who put up an enthralling show presenting the Indian culture through ballet, group dance and songs. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that his government will stand with the victim of the Anna University alleged sexual assault case.

Stalin highlighted that the accused was arrested shortly after the incident to drive his message home, repeating the government’s committment to get justice for the victim.

Speaking in the Tamil Nadu assembly during the first session of the new year, Stalin said, “Members have spoken here by mentioning one University’s name. But I don’t want to mention that name and don’t want to defame that name. Because he only made us all. With that emotion, I am leaving aside that name. No one can accept what happened to a student in Chennai. Sexual assault on a student is cruel. Legislature members have spoken here on the issue. Except one, all have spoken here with real concern. This one member has spoken to show this government in a bad light…,” Stalin remarked.

He also took a dig at the opposition for politicising the incident.

“This government has only one intention that it will stand with the victim to get justice legally. After the crime, if the accused was not arrested immediately or if the accused was saved, the government could have been blamed. Even after arresting the accused within a short period of time and collecting evidence, blaming the government only has political benefits,” he said.

“Opposition asks who is that sir? If you really have evidence, please give that to the SIT that is investigating the case. Don’t indulge in cheap activities for short-term political benefits,” he asked the opposition.

CM Stalin reaffirmed his government’s commitment towards the safety of women and said one incident can’t be passed off to indicate that women are unsafe.

“This government has an iron fist on crimes against women. With this one incident, many are trying to show that women are unsafe. Definitely, this won’t work among people,” he said.

Various political parties have cornered the government on the Anna University alleged sexual assault case, accusing the DMK government of going slow on the case.

A second-year student of Anna University was allegedly sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus in December, Chennai Police had said. One person had been arrested in connection with the case.

In her December 23 complaint to police, the student alleged that an unidentified man had threatened and sexually assaulted her when she was talking to her friend on campus. (ANI)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday, condemned the statement of Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ramesh Bidhuri’s on her ‘cheeks’, calling it “ridiculous” and “unnecessary.”

Speaking to the media, Priyanka emphasized that such comments distract from the real issues and stressed that during elections, the focus should be on addressing the pressing concerns of the people of Delhi.

“It is a ridiculous remark. He never spoke about his cheeks. All this is unnecessary. During the elections, we should talk about the important issues of the people of Delhi,” the Congress MP said.

This comes amid the row over Bidhuri’s remarks, where he stated that BJP would make all the roads in Kalkaji like the “cheeks of Priyanka Gandhi” if it comes to power.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh shared video of Bidhuri’s video of purpoted remarks.

Bidhuri, who is BJP’s candidate from the Kalkaji assembly constituency against CM Atishi, on Sunday, expressed regret over his controversial remarks about Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Speaking to ANI, Bidhuri clarified that his comments were made in the context of remarks by Lalu Yadav and emphasized that the Congress party had remained silent when similar statements were made during his tenure as a minister.

However, this is not the only statement that has created a political stir in the runup to the polls.

In another event on January 5, Bidhuri addressing a public gathering made comments on CM Atishi’s surname and family.

“Atishi, who was Marlena, is now Singh. She has even changed her father,” Bidhuri said.

Reacting to the remarks, Arvind Kejriwal took to social media platform X and said that BJP leaders have crossed “all limits of shamelessness” and are “abusing” Chief Minister Atishi.

He further asserted that the people of Delhi will not tolerate this and give a befitting reply to the BJP in the upcoming assembly polls.

The elections in Delhi are scheduled to be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will be done on February 8.

Incumbent AAP, which won the previous two terms with massive margins — 67 and 62 out of 70 seats — is facing a stiff two-pronged challenge against BJP and the Congress. (ANI)

At the Joint Business Session held on the sidelines of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the significant economic potential of Odisha and its role in India’s global growth.

In his address, Jaishankar referred to the concept of a “double engine” driving development, positioning Odisha as a key player in the nation’s progress, an official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

He expressed the importance of India’s diaspora, calling it a “living bridge” that connects India to the world, saying, “India will be unique in terms of a major power rising which has actually used, is using, and will continue to use its diaspora as a very important pathway of its globalisation and for its rise in the international order.”

Jaishankar focused on the three pillars of economic growth that he termed the “3Ts”: Trade, Technology, and Tourism, urging Odisha to leverage its resources, talent, and strategic location for future development. The first of the 3Ts, Trade, was underscored as a critical sector. He noted that Odisha is rich in resources but that these need investments, infrastructure, and connectivity to unlock their full potential.

“Resources need investments, resources need facility, resources need connectivity,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of adding value to raw materials and utilising Odisha’s prime location along India’s eastern seaboard to strengthen trade ties, especially with Southeast Asia.

On the topic of Technology, Jaishankar pointed out Odisha’s growing young population and its robust educational system as assets in developing a tech-driven economy. In the digital era, he emphasised the importance of trust in technology and its link to skilled talent. “Technology is increasingly associated with trusted talent,” he said, calling for Odisha to tap into its local talent pool to foster collaborations in the tech sector, the press release stated.

Tourism, the third “T”, was described as a transformative sector that can drive job creation and inclusive growth in Odisha. Jaishankar recognised the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage, urging investment in tourism as a means to promote sustainable economic development. “Tourism is the biggest employer generator and multiplier in the world,” he asserted, noting that investments in tourism not only contribute to the economy but also create long-term development opportunities for local communities.

Jaishankar also highlighted the Modi Government’s commitment to the “Purvodaya” initiative, which focuses on the revitalisation of Eastern India, with Odisha serving as a focal point. He stressed that the government is dedicated to making practical decisions that will enable this renaissance, ensuring that Odisha’s growth is supported by both policy and infrastructure development.

In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar reflected on the factors that influence business investment decisions, including ease of doing business, political stability, and infrastructure. He emphasised that leadership plays a crucial role in inspiring investor confidence.

“Today you have Team Odisha’s leadership in front of you. I am confident that it inspires as much confidence in you as it does in me,” he said, concluding with a strong message of optimism for the state’s future. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has extended support to his party in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on February 5.

In a post on X, Kejriwal thanked West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee for extending her support to AAP.

“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,” the AAP Chief said.

Reacting to Kejriwal’s post, senior TMC leader Derek O’ Brien said, “We have your back @AamAadmiParty”

On Tuesday, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said that the people of Delhi will defeat the BJP in the Assembly polls.

“We hope that AAP government comes back there and BJP is defeated. The people of Delhi will defeat BJP,” Ghosh said.

In another tweet, Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the BJP has given ‘target’ to all its seven Lok Sabha MPs from Delhi to get fake votes in the New Delhi Assembly seat.

“According to sources, the Gaali Galooj Party has given targets to its seven MPs to get fake votes made in the New Delhi Legislative Assembly in the next few days. Let’s see how many applications for making new votes come in the next few days. Everyone should keep an eye on this. Atishi ji has sought time to meet the Chief Election Commissioner. We hope we will get time soon,” the AAP chief said.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Tuesday accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate voter data in the New Delhi Assembly by deleting and wrongly adding thousands of voters through fraudulent applications.

“BJP is snatching the right to vote from the citizens. They are doing a huge election scam in the New Delhi Assembly. BJP is attempting to manipulate voter data by deleting and adding thousands of votes incorrectly,” she said.

Atishi further alleged a large-scale electoral scam in the New Delhi Assembly, citing over 10,000 applications for voter additions and 6,167 deletions between October 29, 2024, and January 2, 2025.

“More than 10,000 applications for making votes came in New Delhi Assembly between 15 December 2024 and 02 January 2025.6,167 applications were filed in New Delhi Assembly between 29 October 2024 and 02 January 2025 to get votes cut. It is clear that a very big electoral scam is being carried out in the New Delhi Assembly,” she said.

The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. While last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20.

The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. (ANI)

As part of the preparations to prevent overcrowding of devotees during the Makaravilaku festival at the Sabarimala temple, it has been decided to limit the spot booking facility at Sannidhanam to 5000 persons per day from tomorrow onwards (Jan 8) to January 15.

The decision has been taken on the basis of the Hon. Kerala High Court’s direction for efficient crowd management during festival seasons at the Sabarimala temple. Bookings through the virtual queue have been fixed on the Devaswom board website as 60,000 on January 12, 50,000 on January 13 and 40,000 on January 14. The devotees are also advised against camping on the hillock. January 14th is the Makara Jyoti day.

It is customary for devotees to wait in Parnasalas from the 10th to see the Jyoti. For this reason, preparations are in progress to avoid the crowd that may arise on Makaravilakku day.

Along with limiting the spot booking, police will conduct an inspection of the devotees at Nilakkal before allowing them to enter Pampa. The police will implement the guidelines to control the cooking and other activities of devotees sitting in the paranasal. Various steps are being taken to ensure security at the various places prepared for Jyoti Darshan.

The Thiruvabharnam procession will leave for Sabarimala at 1 pm on the 12th from the Valiya Koyikkal Temple in Pandalam after the darshan of devotees and various ceremonies. After reaching various temples, they will have darshan facilities and then rest at the Ayiroor Puthiyakavu temple at 9:30 pm. The procession, which will leave at 3 am on the 13th, will rest at 9 pm in Laha.

On the 14th, the day of Makaravilaku, it will leave Laha and reach Sabaripeetha at 4 pm via Pandithavalam, Cherianavattom, Neelimala, and Apachimedu. Then it will be received at the Sannidhanam at 5:30 pm via Saramkuthi. The police are making necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of the pilgrims on the procession routes.

The huge increase in the number of pilgrims is evidence of the success of police preparations and in ensuring smooth and safe darshan. A record 39,02,610 Ayyappa devotees visited the shrine from November 15, when the pilgrimage began, to January 5 this year. Last year, 35,12,691 devotees visited during the same period. From December 30, when the Makaravilaku season began, until Monday, 6,22,849 people visited the shrine, as reported by the state police media centre. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai claimed that the former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit had served the people of the National Capital, unlike her successor, Arvind Kejriwal.

The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. While last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the AAP leaders of corruption and misgovernance, while the AAP, which is aiming to come to power for the third consecutive time, is focusing on highlighting its achievements in the education and health sector.

Speaking on the upcoming Delhi assembly polls, Rai told ANI on Wednesday, “You have seen that in Delhi, Congress has always remained strong. Sheila Dikshit did so much work in Delhi, while Kejriwal did not do anything. This time we will see a change in Delhi which will be in favour of Congress…”

He also charged Kejriwal with “looting” and “tricking” the people.

In the race for the New Delhi seat, the BJP has fielded Parvesh Verma, former MP and son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, to challenge Arvind Kejriwal. The Congress has also entered the fray with Sandeep Dikshit, son of Sheila Dixit, from the same seat.

The BJP has fielded former MP Ramesh Bidhuri against Delhi CM Atishi in the Kalkaji seat while the Congress has fielded former MLA Alka Lamba.

The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. (ANI)

Hrithik Roshan debuted in Bollywood with the 2000 film ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’ and now coming January 14, he will mark his 25th year as an actor in the Indian film industry.

Interestingly, in a few days, on January 10, he will also turn a year older. This month is truly special for Hrithik and his fans.

On Tuesday, Hrithik took some time off his schedule and met with members of Indian media in Mumbai. During his informal meeting, he expressed his gratitude to them for supporting him throughout his journey so far.

In a heartfelt speech, Hrithik reflected on his career, thanking media for making him “responsible”.

“25 years! I remember 25 years back when ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’ was releasing I was so shy and so anxious that I didn’t do a single interview. I didn’t step out of my house to do anything. I just skipped the entire promotional event… 25 years have passed and unfortunately, that side of me has not changed. I’m still as shy…This is really an excuse and an opportunity for me to say things to all of you that probably I have never said in 25 years,” he said.

“I truly think that you have helped me, all of you, have helped me become the human and the actor that I am in these 25 years through our interactions. Through all the questions and answers you have made me feel made me feel uncomfortable I grew with that. sometimes you made me feel responsible sometimes you made me feel accountable. Guys, not good for a shy guy! Guys, not good for a shy guy,” Hrithik added.

Hrithik’s kind words for the media evoked a loud cheer from the members of the media who were present at an intimate bash organized by the actor to celebrate his 25 years in the industry.

“You know, it is you speaking to them, telling them how to see me, and how to understand me. It is your perceptions that you shared with the world that taught them how to see me. Thank you for that. Thank you for making me, contributing so much to my journey,” he concluded.

Hrithik’s debut film was directed by his father Rakesh Roshan. Now, after so many years, the film will be re-released in theatres on the occasion of Hrithik’s birthday. (ANI)