Month: February 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will organise a conference of Chief Electoral Officers of States and Union Territories on March 4-5 at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi.

This is the first such conference to be held since Gyanesh Kumar assumed charge as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). A first, the CEOs have been instructed to nominate a DEO and an ERO to take part in the conference.

As statutory authorities, CEOs, DEOs and EROs are important functionaries at the State, District and Assembly Constituency levels. The two-day conference offers a platform for the election officials of the States/UTs to brainstorm and mutually learn from each other’s experiences.

On Day 1 of the Conference, participants will discuss key areas of modern election management, including IT Architecture, Effective Communication, enhancing social media outreach, and the statutory role of different functionaries in the electoral processes.

On the second day, the CEOs of States and UTs will present their respective action plans on thematic discussions of the previous day.

Earlier, newly appointed CEC Gyanesh Kumar had assumed charge on February 19 and, in his message to the voters, said that the first step for nation-building was voting.

He further stated that in accordance with the Constitution, the electoral laws and rules issued therein, the Election Commission always stood with the voters.

“The first step for nation-building is voting. Therefore, every citizen of India who has completed 18 years of age should become an elector and should always vote. In accordance with the Constitution of India, electoral laws, rules and instructions issued therein, the Election Commission of India was, is and will always be with the voters,” Kumar said, speaking to the media.

Gyanesh Kumar is a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre and is senior to the two other commissioners on the three-member panel led by Rajiv Kumar. The other commissioners are Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, an officer from the Uttarakhand cadre, and Vivek Joshi.

The other newly appointed Election Commissioner, Vivek Joshi, also assumed charge as the Election Commissioner in pursuance of the Ministry of Law & Justice Gazette notification dated 17.02.2025. He is a 1989 batch officer of the IAS of Haryana carder. (ANI)

Delhi Police’s crime branch arrested a ‘Baba Safidon’ gang member, identified as Bhola Shankar. 26-year-old Shankar was wanted in relation to various cases in Haryana and Delhi, officials said on Monday.

According to the police, the arrested accused was wanted in five cases; one robbery case from PS Vasant Kunj, Delhi, and four cases from Haryana. He is alleged to be a key member and primary arms supplier for the notorious Baba Safidon Gang.

According to the crime branch, on February 14, around 11.30 AM, two accused individuals entered a currency exchange office and robbed foreign currency notes worth approximately Rs 7.5 lakhs at gunpoint.

“The culprits fled in a car, accompanied by a third accomplice who had been waiting outside the office. In connection with the incident, an FIR under sections 309(4)/3(5) of the BNS & 25 Arms Act was registered at PS Vasant Kunj North, Delhi, and the local police initiated an investigation,” read a statement from the police.

The police had arrested two suspects earlier, Dipanshu and Gaurav Dhania, recovering four illegal firearms from them. The third accomplice was later identified as Bhola Shankar. The accused was on the run, and there were no leads on his whereabouts.

Based on technical surveillance, the team narrowed down the accused’s hideout in Andheri East, Mumbai.

“A raiding team laid a trap and nabbed the accused, Bhola Shankar, from near a hotel in Andheri East, Mumbai. The accused was brought back to Delhi by the team. During the course of interrogation, besides the robbery incident of PS Vasant Kunj North, the accused has disclosed his involvement in multiple cases,” read the statement from officials.

The Safidon gang member is wanted in three cases regarding possession of illegal firearms and one car-jacking case. The police also mentioned that the accused has failed to attend court proceedings atleast in two cases, leading to arrest warrants being issued. In the other two cases, Shankar has been at large’ despite multiple attempts by the police to locate him.

The firearms possession cases took place in Jind, Haryana, whereas the car-jacking case happened in Sonipat.

“The accused has been arrested only once for possessing an illegal firearm, in a Jind, Haryana case dated February 2, 2024, under section 25 Arms Act, PS Safidon, Jind, Haryana, wherein 02 illegal firearms were recovered from his possession. The accused has been granted bail by court but he was not attending court proceedings. Warrants of arrest have been issued against him by the court,” read the statement.

The accused, Bhola Shankar Yadav alias Bhola alias Mitra, revealed that he is a permanent resident of Village Malar, Jind, Haryana, where he was born and raised.

He completed his matriculation at a private school in his village.

In June 2019, he travelled to Cyprus on a student visa through an agent, returning in March 2020, during the lockdown. Upon his return, he came into contact with Monti (alias Bunty alias Baba), a local from his village, Malar, Jind, Haryana.

Monti alias Bunty alias Baba and his associates were involved in an alleged murder in Gohana, Sonipat.

“Over time, a rivalry developed between Bhola and Monti, and following a dispute, Monti instructed his associates to carry out a firing incident at Bhola’s house. In response, Bhola began to possess illegal firearms. In February 2024, he was apprehended by the Jind Police for possessing two illegal firearms, leading to a criminal case against him. He was arrested and sent to jail,” the statement read.

During his time in prison, Bhola reconciled with Monti, and together, they formed the Baba Gang. ” After being granted bail, Bhola and his associates resumed their criminal activities. While his associates were arrested, Bhola remained at large,” the police said.

During the absconding period, the accused went to various countries, including Vietnam and Thailand. On December 23, 2024, he came back to India and hid himself in a hotel in Gurugram, Haryana.

The accused further revealed that he had identified a currency exchange shop in Delhi and had robbed it. Two of his associates were arrested by the police, and Bhola was planning to flee India once again from Mumbai, but he was apprehended before. (ANI)

An explosion took place at the Russian consulate in France’s Marseille, which the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said resembles a terrorist attack. Around 30 firefighters arrived at the site of the blast.

However, no casualties have been reported in the incident, TASS reported citing France’s BFMTV. Unidentified individuals must have thrown two Molotov cocktails into the consulate’s garden, TASS reported, citing a reporter for the Valeurs Actuelles magazine. A stolen car was found near the blast site.

Zakharova said Russia demands an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident and measures to improve the security of Russia’s foreign facilities.

“The blasts at the Russian consulate general in Marseille exhibit all the signs of a terrorist attack. We demand that the host country take immediate, thorough action to investigate the incident, as well as measures to improve the security of Russia’s foreign facilities,” Maria Zakharova said.

On February 19, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) warned that the Ukrainian authorities were considering the possibility of conducting terrorist attacks on Russian diplomatic facilities in Europe, especially in Germany, the Baltic, and Scandinavian countries, as per the report.

According to the SVR, the Ukrainians could also attack Slovakia or Hungary as such a choice offers an “additional advantage,” enabling them to discredit members of the European Union with a special position on the Ukraine conflict. (ANI)

Following a disappointing loss against arch-rivals India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday, former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad lashed out at the Men in Green and said that today “cricket has finished” in the nation.

In a crucial match at the ongoing marquee event, Indian legend Virat Kohli stole the show with a brilliant century, leading Men in Blue to a four-wicket victory over Pakistan.

After Pakistan’s second defeat on the trot, Shehzad launched a scathing attack on the Men in Green.

“People say that the team doesn’t have a system where players are selected through favouritism, but they do. We’ve seen it. We know everything. We’ll tell the truth to the whole world unless we feel that you’re going towards the right direction. There was only one sport left in Pakistan. That was cricket. Today, that has also finished,” Ahmed Shehzad said while speaking at the show on Geo.tv.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led side lost their opening match of the ongoing competition against New Zealand too. Chasing a total of 321 runs, the hosts were bowled out for 260 runs in the 48th over by the Kiwis at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Further, the former left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir shared his insights on Pakistan’s poor form in the competition and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) should not be the criteria for the selection of players in the national team.

“I request PCB that PSL should not be a criteria for national team selection. The top performers from domestic Cricket should be your priority and not the PSL,” Mohammed Amir said.

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi also shared his thoughts on national team’s performance where he said that if the team will play the match from 1980-90 mindset in 2025 then they will eventually go on to lose the match.

“I knew this is going to happen. If you play cricket from 1980-90 mindset in 2025 then you will definetely lose the game. According to me after 2017 whatever ICC events have come, there is nothing for Pakistan but we always talk about our preparations. We don’t know which team to play in our home conditions. We didn’t attack during the time of our bowling. If you have to win against big teams you have to play with an attacking approach,” Shahid Afridi said while speaking on Samaa TV.

Following the loss against India, Pakistan will keep a close eye on Monday’s game, hoping Bangladesh beat New Zealand and leave Group A contestable for another handful of days. Otherwise, it’ll be the Kiwis joining India in qualifying for the semi-finals.

The Champions Trophy hosts now return to home soil from Dubai in preparation for Thursday’s showdown against the Tigers. India, meanwhile, will take on New Zealand in the final Group stage game on Sunday, March 2. (ANI)

Actress Katrina Kaif visited Prayagraj on Monday to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela, a major religious event drawing millions of devotees from across the world.

During her visit, the actress met Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and took his blessings.

Speaking to ANI, Katrina expressed her gratitude and excitement about being part of the sacred event.

“I am very fortunate that I could come here this time. I am really happy and grateful. I met Swami Chidanand Saraswati and took his blessings. I am just starting my experience here. I like the energy, beauty, and significance of everything. I am looking forward to spending the whole day here,” she said.

On February 13, Katrina’s husband and actor Vicky Kaushal visited Maha Kumbh, ahead of release of his film ‘Chhaava’.

Maha Kumbh Mela, taking place at the revered Triveni Sangam, continues to attract devotees and celebrities.

Earlier in the day, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar also participated in the revered ritual, taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam.

He expressed his appreciation for the well-organized arrangements at the venue.

“I thank CM Yogi ji for making such good arrangements here… The facilities are excellent, and everything is so well-managed,” he said.

The actor also expressed his gratitude to the officials and security personnel.

“I want to thank all the officials and security personnel for taking care of everyone here. They have ensured the safety and comfort of all the devotees.”

As the historic Maha Kumbh Mela nears its conclusion, the final major bathing ritual will take place on February 26, coinciding with Mahashivratri.

According to reports from the Uttar Pradesh government’s Information Department, nearly 630 million people had visited the holy site as of Sunday. (ANI)

The first session of the 8th Delhi Assembly commenced on Monday, with BJP MLA  Arvinder Singh Lovely taking the oath as Protem Speaker at Raj Niwas. The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Following this, the election of the Speaker will take place at 2 pm.

Commenting on the start of the session, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa remarked, “A new chapter will be written today. AAP-DA has done the work of spoiling Delhi for the last 12 years. Today, we have the opportunity to take Delhi towards a Viksit Delhi… Today, the CAG report will also be tabled, and it will reveal the corruption done by Arvind Kejriwal for the last 3 years.”

Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra also expressed his views, calling the day historic.

“It is a historic day today. The people who cheated Delhi have understood that the real owner is only the public. Corruption has a limited time, and after that, it is over. Under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta, such a government has come to Delhi that will work for the people of Delhi…”

Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said, “BJP has come to power after 27 years. Our first priority will be to provide the people of Delhi with clean water, better sewage, better roads, clean air…For the last 10 years, the issue of water was like a nightmare for the people of Delhi.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the first session of the eighth legislative assembly of New Delhi, people gathered outside newly elected CM Rekha Gupta’s residence to greet her on Monday morning.

Gupta was sworn in as the Chief Minister on Thursday. Hours later, she chaired her cabinet’s first meeting and announced two major decisions: the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme with a Rs 5 lakh top-up and the tabling of 14 pending CAG reports in the Assembly’s first session.

According to the Delhi Assembly bulletin, Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena will address the assembly on February 25, following which the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports will be tabled.

Later that day, the assembly will open the floor for the motion of thanks on the LG’s address. On February 26, the discussion on the motion of thanks will begin at 11:00 AM, after which the election of the Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly will take place. (ANI)

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of harbouring an anti-Dalit and anti-Sikh mentality.

The former CM of Delhi met the newly elected CM, Rekha Gupta in her chamber on Monday. After the meeting the CM, she held a press conference alleging that the the currenyt office holders had removed the photos of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh from every office.

“The Anti-Dalit mentality of the Bharatiya Janata Party is well known. Today, a proof of its anti-Dalit mentality has been presented. Arvind Kejriwal had put up photos of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh in every office of the Delhi government,” Atishi stated.

“Since, BJP has come to power, BJP has removed both these photos from the Chief Minister’s office. This shows that the BJP is an anti-Dalit, anti-Sikh party,” she added

Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, earlier on Monday also expressed dissatisfaction with the Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, over the unfulfilled promise related to the Mahila Samman Yojana.

Atishi, in a statement, emphasized that the Delhi government had failed to meet the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to ANI, Atishi said, “We had asked for time from the Chief Minister for the last 2 days, we did not get time for 2 days and today we went to meet Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ji during the session.”

She further stated that the promise made in the first cabinet meeting by Modi, regarding the Mahila Samman Yojana, had been broken, calling the guarantee given by the Prime Minister “false.”

Atishi’s remarks were directed at the delay in the implementation of the scheme, which was supposed to provide financial assistance to women in Delhi. She criticized the government’s inaction, urging that it was time for the Delhi government to live up to its promises.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took oath as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Delhi on Monday.

According to the Delhi Assembly bulletin, Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena will address the assembly on February 25, following which the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports will be tabled. Later that day, the assembly will open the floor for the motion of thanks on the LG’s address.

On February 26, the discussion on the motion of thanks will begin at 11:00 AM, after which the election of the Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly will take place. (ANI)

Singer Kailash Kher took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam in the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Sunday morning. He was joined by the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra for the holy dip.

The singer called Mahakumbh, one of the largest sacred gatherings in the world, a ‘proud moment’ for India. While talking to ANI Kailash said,

“A lot of saints have gathered at the Mahakumbh. Everyone is smiling and is continuing their spiritual journeys. I received the opportunity for a holy dip in Triveni Sangam at the great Mahakumbh. It is a proud moment for all of us”

On the same day, film producer Boney Kapoor visited the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Sunday to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.

Speaking to ANI, Kapoor shared his experience and recalled his past visits to Prayagraj. He added that although he had visited the place before, he had never witnessed such a massive crowd and spiritual atmosphere.

“I have come here many times, but once, I had brought my grandfather’s ashes. After that, I came for an event in Prayagraj, but I had never seen such a sight before. The entire atmosphere here… There are so many people in our India. I now believe that our country has a population of 140 crore, 150 crore,” he said.

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, more than 607.4 million devotees took a dip in the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, till 2 pm on Sunday.

The information department of the UP government said that as of Sunday, nearly 8.773 million people have taken holy dip.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that 620 million devotees visited the Mahakumbh mela at Prayagraj. Meanwhile, the authorities managing the Mahakumbh Mela have implemented extensive crowd control measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station to ensure smooth management and safety.

The Mahakumbh Mela, which started on January 13, will continue till February 26 on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. (ANI)

Maha Kumbh Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that 13 FIRs have been filed against 140 social media handles that disseminated misleading content. He also assured that the police have made all necessary arrangements for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival on February 26, 2025.

“13 FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles that shared misleading content…Today, more than one crore people have taken a holy dip,” Vaibhav Krishna told ANI.

“Complete arrangements have been made for the upcoming Shivratri festival… Efforts will be made to ensure that there is no traffic jam anywhere in the Mahakumbh area. All arrangements should run smoothly…No matter how big the crowd is, we are fully prepared,” he added.

A large number of devotees took a holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Sunday.

The information department of the Uttar Pradesh government reported that as of Sunday, nearly 8.773 million people had taken the holy dip.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that 620 million devotees visited the Mahakumbh mela at Prayagraj. Meanwhile, the authorities managing the Mahakumbh Mela have implemented extensive crowd control measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station to ensure smooth management and safety.

A massive influx of devotees is expected during the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival.

Speaking to ANI, Deputy Superintendent of Police Yashwant Singh said that devotees can only go to the platform when the train arrives.

“We have increased alertness ahead of the Mahakumbh ‘snan’ on Maha Shivratri. Additional security has been deployed here, after which the total number of personnel deployed is more than 350. Barricading has been done all around. A holding area has been set up and passengers are being brought here,” DSP Singh emphasised.

“We are making regular announcements for trains so that they stay aware. They are being given entry only after their train arrives at the platform. We are ensuring that the platform’s passengers do not exceed its capacity. All arrangements are in place,” he added.

Devotees continue to arrive in large numbers at Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh to take a holy dip. The final major bath will take place on Maha Shivratri, scheduled for February 26. (ANI)