Month: February 2025

Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff on Thursday said that US President Donald Trump has officially signed the commission to confirm Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Scavino further said that President Trump signed Patel’s commission in a ceremony at the Oval Office.

Sharing a post on X, Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff, wrote, “Moments ago in the Oval Office. Congratulations to the Ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel.”

He added, “President Trump has officially signed the commission. Follow Kash on his new X account: @FBIDirectorKash.

The White House welcomed the confirmation of Kash Patel as the new FBI Director, describing it as an important step in executing President Donald Trump’s agenda to restore integrity and uphold the rule of law.

The White House further emphasised that the FBI will now refocus on its core mission of enforcing justice fairly and without bias.

Sharing a post on X, the White House wrote, “@FBIDirectorKash Patel’s confirmation as FBI Director is a crucial step in executing President Trump’s agenda to restore integrity and uphold the rule of law.”

“The FBI will serve the American people and refocus on its core mission: enforcing justice fairly and without bias,” the post added.

Following his confirmation by the Senate on Thursday as director of the FBI, Patel, an ally of President Trump, expressed his gratitude and vowed to rebuild the agency into one that is “transparent, accountable, and committed to justice.”

Patel thanked President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their support and emphasised his commitment to restoring public trust in the FBI.

While the nomination faced opposition from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, Patel received backing from the rest of the Republican Party, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had previously opposed other Trump nominees, according to NBC News.

The confirmation passed with a narrow 51-49 vote, as all Senate Democrats voted against him. (ANI)

After the first cabinet meeting, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday allocated portfolios to the Ministers in the state government.

The ministries have been divided among six MLAs, who were elected in the recently held Delhi assembly elections and sworn in as ministers on Thursday morning.

As Chief Minister, Gupta has taken responsibility for departments such as General Administration, Services, Finance, Revenue, Women and Child Development, Land and Building, Information and Public Relations, Vigilance, Administrative Reforms, Planning, and any other departments not allocated to any other ministry.

“These departments will remain with me as the Chief Minister: General Administration, Services, Finance, Revenue, Women and Child Development, Land and Building, Information and Public Relations, Vigilance, Administrative Reforms, Planning and other departments not allocated to any other ministry,” Gupta said during a presser.

“In the first Cabinet meeting, we discussed and passed two agendas – to implement in Delhi the Ayushman Bharat scheme with Rs 5 lakhs top up and tabling of 14 CAG reports in the first seating of the Assembly,” the Delhi CM said.

BJP MLA Pravesh Verma will be in-charge of the Public Works Department (PWD), Legislative Affairs, Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC), Water, and Gurdwara elections.

After the first Cabinet meet Parvesh Verma said, “Ayushman scheme implemented in Delhi and CAG reports will be tabled soon.”

Minister Ashish Sood has been allocated Home, Power, Urban Development, Education, Higher Education, Training and Technical Education department.

Manjinder Singh Sira, BJP MLA from Rajouri Garden, will be responsible for the Food and Supplies, Forest and Environment, and Industries departments. Minister Ravinder Singh (Indraj) has been allocated the Social Welfare, SC and ST Welfare, Cooperative, and Elections departments.

Minister Kapil Mishra has been given Law and Justice, Labour, Employment, Art and Culture, Language, and Tourism departments.

Pankaj Kumar Singh has been given the responsibility of Health and Family welfare, transport and Information Technology department.

Earlier today, CM Rekha Gupta and her cabinet attended the evening Aarti on the banks of the Yamuna and said that the resolution of making the Yamuna clean will be the priority of the Delhi government. (ANI)

Veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary with his wife, Surekha, in the most unique way. The couple marked their special day while flying to Dubai, surrounded by their close friends.

Chiranjeevi took to his Instagram account on Thursday to share pictures from their mid-air celebration. The two were accompanied by actor Nagarjuna and former actress Namrata Shirodkar.

Along with the pictures, the actor also wrote a special message for his “anchor”–his wife Surekha, whom he called the “wind beneath his wings.”

Sharing how her presence has always been a source of strength and motivation for him, Chiranjeevi wrote, “Celebrating our wedding anniversary on a flight with some very dear friends en route to Dubai! I always feel I am very fortunate to have found a dream life partner in Surekha. She is my strength, my anchor, and the wind beneath my wings.”

The actor also took the opportunity to thank his fans, family, and well-wishers for their warm wishes.

“Always helping me navigate through the glorious unknowns of the world. Her presence is a constant comfort and an amazing motivator. Just taking this opportunity to express a bit about what and how much she means to me! Thank you, my soulmate–Surekha!! Here’s to many more of these occasions to express my love and admiration for you!” he added.

The actor also took the opportunity to thank his fans, family, and well-wishers for their warm wishes.

“Most importantly, thank you to all friends, fans, family, and well-wishers for your wonderful wishes!! Stay blessed!” he added.

Check out his post.

On the work front, Chiranjeevi will be seen next in Vishwambhara, a fantasy drama co-starring Trisha and Meenakshi Chaudhary. (ANI)

Tamil actor Srushti Dange “walked out” of Prabhu Deva’s concert, citing alleged false promises and a lack of respect from the event’s creative team

Dange took to her Instagram account on Thursday evening to share her disappointment, clarifying that she holds no issues with Prabhu Deva himself but was deeply hurt by how she was treated. In a strongly worded note, Dange stated that she was left with no choice but to withdraw from the event.

“To all my amazing supporters who were expecting to see me at the Prabhu Deva concert, I am deeply saddened to share that I have decided to walk out of the show. This decision is not directed at Prabhu Deva sir in any way–I have been a huge fan of him and always will be. However, I cannot stand for discrimination and bias,” she wrote.

Dange, who has worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, shared that she was denied her rights and added that despite spending years in the industry, she still “had to fight” for what she deserved.

“It truly hurts that even after being in the industry for so many years, you still have to fight for what you rightfully deserve. False promises and unfulfilled commitments are disappointing, and these were the major reasons behind my decision,” she added.

Dange also made it clear that she doesn’t need an event to celebrate Prabhu Deva, and her admiration for him remains unchanged.

“I don’t need an event to celebrate Prabhu Deva sir–we will always celebrate him, no matter what. But this could have been a cherished memory, and instead, it ended in disappointment,” she further added.

Requesting fans not to misinterpret her statement as an apology but rather as an honest explanation of her decision, the actress shared, “This is not an apology to you all, but rather a heartfelt note to let you all know why I will not be a part of the show. Maybe next time, in a better and healthier, more respectful space, things will be different.”

Prabhu Deva or any member of his team has yet to comment on the incident. (ANI)

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday urged the people of the state “voluntarily” come forward to surrender the illegally held weapons to the nearest police stations within seven days.

“I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youths in the Valley and Hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons & ammunition to the nearest Police Station/Outpost/Security Forces Camp within the next seven days, with effect from today,” the letter signed by Bhalla read.

The Governor has given a seven-day ultimatum to people of all communities in the hills and valley of Manipur to surrender the looted weapons. Bhalla said that returning these weapons can be a gesture towards ensuring peace in the northeastern state.

“People of Manipur, both in Valley and Hills, have suffered immense hardship for the last over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting peace and communal harmony. Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace,” the letter read.

The Governor assured no punitive action if illegally held weapons were returned within the time limit.

“I want to assure you that no punitive action will be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” Bhalla said.

President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 after receiving a state governor’s report.

N Biren Singh’s resignation from the office of Chief Minister of Manipur came on February 9 amid violence and political instability that had plagued the state for nearly two years.

The decision, exercised under Article 356 of the Constitution, means that the President will now directly control the state’s administrative functions through the Governor.

The proclamation, published in the Gazette of India issued by the Union Home Ministry, states that the powers of the Manipur Legislative Assembly will be transferred to Parliament, effectively suspending the state government’s authority. (ANI)

Imphal (Manipur) [India], February 20 (ANI): Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday urged the people of the state “voluntarily” come forward to surrender the illegally held weapons to the nearest police stations within seven days.

“I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youths in the Valley and Hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons & ammunition to the nearest Police Station/Outpost/Security Forces Camp within the next seven days, with effect from today,” the letter signed by Bhalla read.

The Governor has given a seven-day ultimatum to people of all communities in the hills and valley of Manipur to surrender the looted weapons. Bhalla said that returning these weapons can be a gesture towards ensuring peace in the northeastern state.

“People of Manipur, both in Valley and Hills, have suffered immense hardship for the last over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting peace and communal harmony. Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace,” the letter read.

The Governor assured no punitive action if illegally held weapons were returned within the time limit.

“I want to assure you that no punitive action will be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” Bhalla said.

President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 after receiving a state governor’s report.

N Biren Singh’s resignation from the office of Chief Minister of Manipur came on February 9 amid violence and political instability that had plagued the state for nearly two years.

The decision, exercised under Article 356 of the Constitution, means that the President will now directly control the state’s administrative functions through the Governor.

The proclamation, published in the Gazette of India issued by the Union Home Ministry, states that the powers of the Manipur Legislative Assembly will be transferred to Parliament, effectively suspending the state government’s authority. (ANI)

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal urged the newly elected Delhi government on Thursday to table the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report and clean the Yamuna river at the earliest.

Hitting out at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, she accused him of betraying the anti-corruption movement and called it a “shameful” thing.

“How shameful is it that Arvind Kejriwal betrayed the movement he started – he became the CM with his fight against corruption and had started such a massive movement. CAG reports from 2016 have not been tabled in Vidhan Sabha till date,” she told ANI.

“So, I want those reports to be tabled, all the corruption be revealed and strict action be taken. I appeal to the govt to clean river Yamuna at the earliest. It is sad that Yamuna has been reduced to a drainage in last 10 years. It is important to rejuvnate it,” she added.

Maliwal had raised the issue of a dirty and polluted Yamuna in the Delhi elections too, where she collected some of the river water and protested against the former CM Kejriwal, along with various other Purvanchali women.

The BJP legislators, including the ones which were sworn in today are likely to inspect the Yamuna river.

Earlier today, Delhi minister Pankaj Kumar Singh told ANI, “We will definitely go (for inspection of river Yamuna). The council of ministers is going there. You will find a clean and beautiful Yamuna, BJP promises you this. You will find it in a different form in the next Chhath.”

Regarding the CAG report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the people on February 8 that the report will be presented in the first session of the newly elected assembly itself.

Notably, the CAG report revealed a significant revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore due to irregularities in the Delhi government’s excise policy. The report’s findings stated that there were deviations from the objectives of the policy, a lack of transparency in pricing, and violations in issuing licenses that were not penalised.

Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the Delhi Chief Minister today, leading the 48 MLAs of the BJP in the assembly. AAP will be the main opposition party with 22 MLAs. (ANI)

Himachal Pradesh has witnessed widespread snowfall and rain in the past 24 hours, particularly in the higher-altitude regions. The districts of Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Shimla, along with the higher mountain areas of Chamba, received fresh snowfall. Additionally, snowfall was recorded in the Dhauladhar range of Kangra, the upper reaches of Mandi, and the Churdhar region in Sirmaur.

In Shimla district, popular tourist destinations such as Narkanda, Kufri, KharaPatthar, and Chopal have been significantly impacted, disrupting normal life. Transportation has been affected in some areas, but essential services like electricity and water supply remain uninterrupted.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Shimla, the ongoing western disturbance has resulted in the snowfall and this bout of precipitation. Kuldeep Srivastava, head of IMD Himachal Pradesh, reported that the highest snowfall in the state was recorded in Shilaru, Shimla district, at 5.7 cm, while Baijnath in Kangra district received the maximum rainfall of 9.7 mm. Snowfall and rain are expected to continue until the evening.

A significant drop of around 4°C has been observed in temperatures across the region. However, no major weather changes are expected in the Himalayan areas in the coming days. While there has been scattered rainfall across the state, widespread precipitation has not been recorded so far. From tomorrow, temperatures are expected to dip slightly, but overall, the weather is likely to remain stable.

Srivastava also highlighted that another western disturbance is expected to impact Himachal Pradesh from February 26 onwards, with its effects becoming more prominent on February 27.

“The current precipitation deficit in Himachal Pradesh stands at -71 percent, and while this snowfall will provide some relief, a full recovery is unlikely. However, the upcoming western disturbance may help bridge the gap further,” he said.

With another round of snowfall expected in higher altitudes, residents and travellers are advised to remain cautious, especially in snow-prone areas. The administration is keeping a close watch on developments to ensure minimal disruption to daily life. (ANI)

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], February 20 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh has witnessed widespread snowfall and rain in the past 24 hours, particularly in the higher-altitude regions. The districts of Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Shimla, along with the higher mountain areas of Chamba, received fresh snowfall. Additionally, snowfall was recorded in the Dhauladhar range of Kangra, the upper reaches of Mandi, and the Churdhar region in Sirmaur.

In Shimla district, popular tourist destinations such as Narkanda, Kufri, KharaPatthar, and Chopal have been significantly impacted, disrupting normal life. Transportation has been affected in some areas, but essential services like electricity and water supply remain uninterrupted.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Shimla, the ongoing western disturbance has resulted in the snowfall and this bout of precipitation. Kuldeep Srivastava, head of IMD Himachal Pradesh, reported that the highest snowfall in the state was recorded in Shilaru, Shimla district, at 5.7 cm, while Baijnath in Kangra district received the maximum rainfall of 9.7 mm. Snowfall and rain are expected to continue until the evening.

A significant drop of around 4°C has been observed in temperatures across the region. However, no major weather changes are expected in the Himalayan areas in the coming days. While there has been scattered rainfall across the state, widespread precipitation has not been recorded so far. From tomorrow, temperatures are expected to dip slightly, but overall, the weather is likely to remain stable.

Srivastava also highlighted that another western disturbance is expected to impact Himachal Pradesh from February 26 onwards, with its effects becoming more prominent on February 27.

“The current precipitation deficit in Himachal Pradesh stands at -71 percent, and while this snowfall will provide some relief, a full recovery is unlikely. However, the upcoming western disturbance may help bridge the gap further,” he said.

With another round of snowfall expected in higher altitudes, residents and travellers are advised to remain cautious, especially in snow-prone areas. The administration is keeping a close watch on developments to ensure minimal disruption to daily life. (ANI)

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman on Thursday categorically denied any attacks on minorities in Bangladesh in recent past terming the news an “exaggeration” of media, and that “such attacks on minorities did not happen”.

The BGB chief’s statement came while addressing a media briefing on the conclusion of 55th Director General level border coordination conference organised here in the national capital between BGB and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) from February 17 to February 20.

“The attacks on minority in the recent past, I would say that it is an exaggeration in the media. Such attacks on minorities did not happen,” Ashrafuzzaman said while replying to a question linked to the attack on Hindu minorities residing in Bangladesh specifically those near India-Bangladesh International Border coming under the jurisdiction of the BGB.

“The recently held Durga Puja was one of the most peacefully organised Hindu festival. The Law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh were precisely and strictly tasked by the government so that the Hindu community is able to perform this festival. To be more elaborate on this, BGB’s jurisdiction is within 8 kms of the International Boundary and within 8 kms we have several puja mandaps where BGB personnel personally provided security… Over all the law and order situation, it was not on minority, it may be some bit of political problem there. But definitely that was not on minority,” he said.

The statement from the chief of the border guarding force of Bangladesh is shocking as Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh recently informed in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that “several incidents of desecration and damage to Hindu Temples and deities in Bangladesh have been reported in the past few months.”

Singh had also informed the Upper House in November last year that “the government of India has expressed its concerns” about such incidents, including the attack on Puja Mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and the theft at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple at Shatkhira during Durga Puja 2024.

The Minister also reiterated India’s stance, urging Bangladesh to uphold the protection of life liberty of its citizens, especially minorities. The MoS later informed that the Indian government called upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship.

Asked over the infiltration issue after former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, resigned and fled to India, BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary said, “After 5th of August (2024), the forces from both the sides have operationally deployed to stop and curb any kind of infiltration across the border. All over, the infiltration has substantially gone down and this is done with the active help of the BGB. Throughout the crisis and throughout the period, the BGB put shoulder to shoulder with us and helped us maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border.”

However, the officials in the BSF said the main agenda of in the meeting from their side was prevention against attack on its personnel and Indian civilians by Bangladesh based criminals and miscreants, joint efforts to prevent trans-border crimes, action against Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) in Bangladesh, issues related to border infrastructure, construction of Single Row Fencing (SRF), joint efforts for effective implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), Confidence Building Measures (CBM) and other miscellaneous activities

As per the officials, the BGB agenda was prevention of border crimes, border violation into Bangladesh territory by BSF, Indian police, Indian nationals, smugglers and miscreants; killing at border; issues related to border infrastructure within 150 yards of International Border (IB), establishment of Effluent Treatment plant (ETP) for four canals carrying waste water from Agartala to Akhaura, border demarcation, survey and construction of pillars, construction work within 150 yards of IB, river bank protection works and water sharing, location of camps and movement of armed miscreants inside India, effective implementation of CBMP, confidence-building measures and other misc activities.

With a view to maintain the highest level of cordial relation between both the nations, as envisaged by its present top leadership, both the D’sG after detailed discussions on the agenda from both sides decided to settle these issues amicably through continued, constructive and positive engagements at all levels.

They agreed to implement the decisions of the conference at the ground level in true spirit.

On the incidents of attack on BSF personnel by Bangladesh-based trans-border miscreants, both sides agreed to undertake combined efforts to bring down such incidents to an absolute minimum by increasing coordinated patrols especially during late hours of nights to early morning in vulnerable areas and educating border population regarding the sanctity of IB.

Reiterating the need for synergistic efforts to uphold human rights and curb violence on the border, both sides agreed to work together with utmost synergy by enhancing joint patrolling, vigilance, intensifying public awareness program, undertaking appropriate socio-economic development program and sharing of real-time information in order to ensure effective border management without any killing of either side. BSF is already following the non-lethal policy on Indo- Bangladesh border.

Highlighting the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing trans-border crimes, human trafficking and illegal crossing, both sides agreed to pursue and share real-time information and investigation reports of traffickers (if any), both sides also assured to remain extra vigilant to curb such crimes and to put all out efforts to make Indo-Bangladesh border crime free. Both sides also agreed to help victims of human trafficking and to facilitate their rescue and fastest rehabilitation as per law of the land.

Both sides appreciated the efforts taken for strengthening mutual cooperation through various agreed-upon events under CBMP. Both sides agreed to continue with all the bilateral engagements like coordinated joint patrolling, games and sports, joint retreat ceremonies and band display goodwill visits.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction over the outcome of the conference and reiterated their commitments to work jointly to maintain peace and tranquillity at the border. They provisionally agreed to hold the next DG level conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh at a suitable time in the month of July 2025.

After detailed discussions on agenda points, the officials in the BSF said both sides agreed to reach a conclusion and a joint record of discussion was signed.

This highest level talks between Border Security Force India and Border Guard Bangladesh are held twice every year – once each in India and Bangladesh, which facilitates both the border guarding forces to establish robust systems through which co-operation in Border Guarding and Border Management is ensured. India and Bangladesh share a civilizational and cultural heritage and host of factors that span virtually the entire spectrum of interaction that is possible for neighbors to have. Last coordination conference between both the forces was held at Dhaka (Bangladesh) from 5th to 9th March 2024. (ANI)