Category: INDIA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team for winning the Asia Cup title and said this success shows the increasing passion towards hockey, especially among the youth.

In a post on X, Modi said, “Congratulations to the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team for winning the Asia Cup title. The team showed immense grit and determination.”

“This success also shows the increasing passion towards Hockey, especially among the youth. My best wishes to the team for their future endeavours,” Modi said.

Nidhi’s heroics capped off a stellar performance, having already stood tall during regulation time by thwarting multiple attempts from the Chinese forwards as the four quarters ended in a nerve-wracking 1-1 stalemate.

India Defeated China in Penalty Shootouts

India’s goalkeeper Nidhi stole the limelight in the penalty shootout, making three sensational saves to help India overcome three-time champions China 3-2 (1-1) and clinch their second consecutive Women’s Junior Asia Cup hockey title here on Sunday.

While skipper Jinzhuang Tan scored for China in the 30th minute, Siwach Kanika’s strike early in the second half (41st minute) brought India back into the game in an intense battle for supremacy. Sakshi Rana gave India a perfect start in the shootout by converting the first attempt, while Nidhi denied China’s opener.

China fought back as Hao Guoting equalised, and after misses from Mumtaz Khan and Kanika Siwach, it was Ishika’s top-corner strike that kept India level at 2-2. Nidhi’s heroics in the final two attempts, blocking shots from Li Jingyi and Zuo Dandan, set the stage for Sunelita Toppo, who sealed the win with a composed finish to seal a memorable victory for India.

The game began with China taking early control, pressing hard against the Indian defense in the opening minutes. Nidhi made back-to-back saves in the second quarter to keep the scores level after 25 minutes.

Despite India’s dominance in possession, their inability to capitalise on penalty corners — missing two golden chances in the first quarter — proved costly.China struck first in dramatic fashion right before half-time.

A penalty stroke was awarded to the Chinese side, and they converted clinically to give them a significant edge going into the break. India began the second-half with renewed vigour and a sense of urgency as they dominated proceedings in the third quarter and were finally rewarded in the 41st minute.

A penalty corner opportunity saw the ball rebound to an Indian attacker, who slotted it home to level the score at 1-1. The goal reignited India’s hopes and set the stage for a dramatic final quarter.

It was a tense affair, with both India and China pushing for the winner but failing to score the decisive goal. India had an early opportunity in the 48th minute through a penalty corner but failed to execute effectively, continuing their struggles with set pieces.

Similarly, China squandered their chances, with poor penalty corner conversions leaving them visibly frustrated. The Indian goalkeeper once again emerged as the standout performer.

In the 56th minute, she thwarted a powerful Chinese attempt raising her left hand, denying them a late winner as the match went into the shootout.

Kolkata: The police on Monday denied permission to the West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors (WBJDF) to hold a demonstration from December 17 at a key crossing in central Kolkata demanding that the CBI immediately submit a supplementary charge sheet in the RG Kar case.

Following this, the WBJDF, a joint platform of five organizations of doctors, decided to move the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday morning praying for permission to hold the sit-in at Doreena Crossing in the heart of the city.

Refusing to give permission to hold protest at Doreena Crossing, the Kolkata Police cited possible traffic jams because of the expected crowd gathering there during the upcoming Christmas Day and New Year celebration.

“With reference to your email on December 15, this is to inform you that you are not allowed to hold your proposed programme at that place from the traffic point of view as there is every possibility of traffic congestion and inconvenience to the general public at large because of the said programme,” the Kolkata Police said in its mail to the WBJDF.

Traffic movement was affected for long durations earlier also because of an identical programme of the medics earlier also causing problems to commuters, the police said.

“Your scheduled programme at the referred venue on the eve of the festive season will cause great inconvenience to the people. It is apprehended that allowing such a programme at the proposed place will cause breach of peace,” it said.

The WBJDF had planned the demonstration from Tuesday to December 26 at the Doreena Crossing.

Dr Rajiv Pandey, a WBJDF official, told PTI: “We are moving the Calcutta High Court tomorrow morning to seek permission for holding a peaceful protest.”

The WBJPD on Saturday organised a march to the CBI office at CGO Complex in Salt Lake over the issue.

Meanwhile, The mother of the deceased doctor of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital also said that she was shocked that the CBI, even after investigating the case for months, could not file charge sheet within the stipulated time, because of which ex-principal of the hospital Sandip Ghosh and a police officer secured bail.

The mother claimed that she and her husband had shared with the central probe agency all the information they had gathered about August 9 night when their daughter was killed after being brutally raped.

“So many days have gone and I am still clueless about what happened to my daughter on August 9. This is the reason I am still going from one door to another seeking justice for her. I am surprised that the CBI could not file charge sheet even after taking over the investigation of the killing of my daughter,” the mother told a vernacular news channel here.

On August 9, the semi-nude body of an on-duty woman medic was recovered from the seminar hall of the RG Kar Hospital. The police conducted the initial probe into the case which was later handed over to the CBI.

Ex-principal Sandip Ghosh and former Tala police station OC Abhijit Mondal, who were arrested in the rape and murder case of the young medic, were granted bail by a Kolkata court on December 13 as CBI could not file any supplementary chargesheet even after 90 days of the incident.

“Why could not the CBI submit the charge sheet even after so many months? What the police did in five days, the CBI has been doing the same thing for the last four months. I think they have had a lot of information about the crime. We, as parents, shared much information with them,” she said.

Mumbai: On the opening day of its first cabinet session on Monday, the Maharashtra government tabled supplementary demands totaling Rs 33,788.40 crore, including a provision of Rs 1,400 crore for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. Minister Uday Samant presented these supplementary demands, which outline the additional budgetary allocations requested by the government.

Under the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, the Maharashtra government had announced an annual allocation of Rs 46,000 crore to provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women aged 21 to 60. Over 2.5 crore women have already received the monthly installments.

Recently, the government had announced plans to increase the allowance from Rs1,500 to Rs 2,100, with a corresponding budget prepared for its implementation. Additionally, a provision of Rs 36 crore has been made for the installation of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Malvan Taluka, Sindhudurg district.

The highest allocation in these supplementary demands, amounting to Rs 7,490 crore, has been made for the Public Works Department. The government has allocated Rs 4,112 crore for the Industries, Energy, and Labor Department, Rs 2,774 crore for urban development, Rs 2,007 crore for rural development and Rs 1,830 crore for the Tribal Development Department.

The government has also earmarked Rs 2,147.41 crore for agriculture and animal husbandry and Rs 2,049.69 crore for medical education. The Mahayuti has promised a loan waiver to farmers and the government is expected to soon come out with a detailed policy in this regard.

Ahead of the assembly elections, the Mahayuti government had presented record supplementary demands worth Rs 94,000 crore during the July session. This time, through supplementary demands, the government has prioritised allocating funds to schemes launched just before the elections.

Accordingly, Rs 514 crore has been allocated for the Chief Minister Annapurna Scheme. Supplementary demands presented to be discussed over two days, December 19 and 20, before approval.

The cold wave has prompted the administration to implement a few substantial measures.

New Delhi: The winters have set in fully in major parts of the country. The IMD has issued warnings about cold to severe cold wave conditions for many states and other areas.

Talking about the Delhi-NCR region, it is combating two problems at one time, severe pollution levels and extremely cold weather. This uncomfortable combination has prompted the administration to implement a few substantial measures to address the situation.

Since the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is imposed in Delhi-NCR, more firm steps have been taken to tackle air pollution in the schools and colleges in Delhi-NCR regions including Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida, Jewar, Dadri, Greater Noida, YEIDA, and Dankaur) according to which they will switch to hybrid classes for students up to Class V during Stage III and allowing parents and students to opt for online learning where available.

In view of the cold weather, the district administration has extended the school timing on Monday, according to officials. The new school timing will be 9 a.m. until further notice, as per the official order.

The new timings will be effective from December 17. Following the order, several schools have sent notices about this change to students’ registered phone numbers.

Bus timings for private schools have also been adjusted as dense fog has begun to affect the National Capital region early in the morning.

Following the order, Delhi Public School (DPS) also issued an official circular for students.

“Dear parents, as per the directives received from district administration, GB Nagar, the school timings have been revised in view of extreme cold weather conditions,” said the circular.

According to the DPS, school timings for students from Pre-Nursery to Class 2 will be from 10 a.m. to 1:25 p.m. For students in Classes 3 to 12, the timings have been set from 9 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Bus services will also be delayed by one hour, said DPS.

Following Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) order over GRAP 3, schools will conduct classes on hybrid mode.

“All Heads of Schools of Government Aided, Unaided Recognized Private Schools of DoE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class V in a ‘Hybrid Mode’, both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) with immediate effect until further orders.” said Veditha Reddy, director (Education).

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by his entrepreneur wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, landed in Paro, Bhutan, on Monday, marking the beginning of a crucial four-day official visit.

In a significant diplomatic move, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, landed in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Monday, marking the beginning of a crucial four-day official visit.

The Chief Minister shared on his official X handle, expressing gratitude to Bhutan’s Foreign Minister, Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, for the warm welcome at the airport.

Dr. Sarma’s post read: “Just landed in Thimphu. Thankful to H.E. Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, Foreign Minister of Bhutan, for welcoming Riniki and me at the airport. I look forward to boosting Bharat’s ties with this beautiful nation during my three-day visit.”

CM Sarma’s visit, which will span from December 16 to 19, 2024, comes at the invitation of the Royal Government of Bhutan. This historic visit marks the first-ever visit by any Chief Minister of Assam to Bhutan, a testament to the strong and growing diplomatic ties between the two regions.

During his stay, CM Sarma is scheduled to receive an audience with His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, along with meetings with Bhutan’s Prime Minister. The visit also coincides with Bhutan’s National Day celebrations, where the Chief Minister will attend as a special guest.

The visit is seen as a crucial step in further strengthening the historical bond between Bhutan and Assam. Both regions share a deep-rooted relationship, built on mutual respect and cooperation. CM Sarma’s trip aims to boost bilateral relations, especially in power generation and irrigation, fostering closer ties in areas of trade, culture, and regional security.

As CM Sarma looks forward to enhancing Assam’s role on the international stage, his visit to Bhutan underscores the growing importance of diplomatic engagement in the region. This landmark visit is poised to pave the way for greater collaboration between the two neighboring entities, highlighting Assam’s strategic position in India’s northeast.

Uttar Pradesh pacer Ankit Rajpoot on Monday announced his retirement from Indian cricket at 31 years of age, opening the prospect of a career in overseas T20 leagues. Rajpoot, who represented Uttar Pradesh in the latest Ranji trophy season, made the announcement on social media.

“Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from Indian cricket. My journey from 2009-2024 has been the most wonderful period of my life,” he wrote on social media. “I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for India, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur Cricket Association…”

Rajpoot also thanked the five IPL teams — Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants — he was part of.

Former India pacer Siddharth Kaul had also said goodbye to domestic cricket last month. Like him, Rajpoot would be exploring opportunities in T20 leagues around the world.

An active BCCI cricketer is not allowed to take part in overseas leagues. “I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in a new and different environment,” Rajpoot posted.

“I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer and I look forward to this new chapter in my life. I wish the best of luck to all the teammates from the various teams I’ve been a part of,” he added. Rajpoot featured in 80 First Class games, 50 in List A and 87 in T20s, taking 248, 71 and 105 wickets respectively.

Tbilisi: Eleven Indian nationals were found dead at a restaurant in Georgia’s mountain resort of Gudauri, the Indian mission here said on Monday.

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said the initial inspection found no signs of injury or violence. All victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning, local media reported, citing police.

The Indian mission in Tbilisi said that it was saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gaudauri and extended its deepest condolences to their families.

“The embassy is working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in contact with the bereaved families and are committed to providing all possible support,” the mission said in a statement on Monday.

Earlier, the mission had said that all 12 victims were Indian nationals.

It is learnt that the victims were employees of an Indian restaurant ‘Haveli’, in Gudauri.

Georgia’s internal affairs ministry statement said 11 victims were foreigners while one victim was a citizen.

It added that the bodies of all victims, employees in the same Indian restaurant, were found in bedrooms on the second floor of the facility.

The police started an investigation under Article 116 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which implies negligent manslaughter.

According to the preliminary investigation, a power generator was placed in an indoor area, a closed space near the bedrooms, which was turned on, probably after the power supply was turned off on Friday night.

A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the “exact cause of death”.

Investigative actions are “actively” being carried out, with forensic-criminalistics working on the spot, and interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted.

Mumbai: Accidents involving BEST buses continue to rise in the city, with the latest incident reported in Ghatkopar West. On Monday, a speeding BEST bus rammed into a biker, Rashid Abdul Rahim Shah (36), causing severe injuries.

Shah was thrown off his bike due to the impact and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. Following the victim’s complaint, the Parksite Police have registered a case against the unidentified BEST bus driver and initiated an investigation.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 4:30 PM on Monday at LBS Road in Ghatkopar West. The victim, Shah, was returning home on his bike from Vikhroli toward Ghatkopar. As he neared the Mahindra showroom, a speeding BEST bus approached from behind and hit his bike.

The police revealed that the bus driver was overtaking at high speed and hit the bike while cutting lanes, causing Shah to fall off. The driver fled the scene with the bus, leaving the victim unable to note the vehicle’s registration number due to his injuries, which include severe damage to his eyes, legs, and other body parts. The Parksite Police have filed a case against the unidentified driver and are actively investigating the incident.

Mahakumbhnagar, December 16: Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, the head of Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his exemplary leadership, calling him the ‘Sun of Sanatan’. He emphasized that under Yogi’s guidance, remarkable standards are being set, advancing the cause of Sanatan Dharma as never before.

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar expressed his admiration for the ongoing preparations for Mahakumbh-2025, guided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He also lauded the efforts of the Double Engine government and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making Mahakumbh a “Mahayagya of Unity.”

Swami Avdheshanand called for collective efforts to make the event clean, healthy, green, digital, and plastic-free. He emphasized the need for participation from every village across the country, alongside local administration, voluntary organizations, and pilgrims, to ensure the success of Mahakumbh through cleanliness drives and charitable activities.

Highlighting the identity Mahakumbh gained in 2019, he expressed confidence that the 2025 edition would set new benchmarks.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri commended the successful organization of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in 2019, following the formation of CM Yogi Adityanath’s government in 2017, and expressed hope that Maha Kumbh 2025 will be even grander and more spiritually enriching.

He highlighted that the Kumbh has historically served as a centre for the exchange of ideas, a confluence of scholars, and a unifying force for Sanatani powers, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s condition and direction alongside its religious authority.

He noted that while traditional discussions took place through the Shastrartha method, modern approaches have now evolved to meet contemporary needs. He also emphasized that Kumbh has been organized even during challenging eras, including the Mughal and British rule and under governments indifferent to Sanatan values. However, the 2019 Kumbh was a turning point, as it showcased the true and eternal essence of Sanatan to the world for the first time. Maha Kumbh 2025 would surpass past achievements and set new benchmarks of success.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri condemned the targeting of Hindus during the political unrest in Bangladesh, calling the nation ungrateful, and urged unity against conspiracies targeting Sanatan and Hindu interests. Highlighting India’s rise as a Vishwaguru, he noted that India has moved from being sidelined to becoming a global leader, with its spiritual, cultural, and strategic strengths making it a powerful force.

Praising India’s balanced “India First” foreign policy in crises like the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Palestine conflict, he said this approach has solidified India’s position as a global power and a beacon of Sanatan and humanity.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri appealed to the voluntary organizations and devotees to help the local administration to ensure Maha Kumbh 2025 is clean, healthy, green, and digital.

* Avoid using plastic entirely and ensure it does not reach the ghats or rivers under any circumstances.

* Maintain cleanliness at all times—do not leave clothes, bags, or garbage on the ghats. A holy bath is a virtuous act; avoid turning it into sin by polluting the sacred space.

* During the Maha Kumbh, pilgrims gather at the ghats in Prayagraj, where positive energies engage in worship and rituals in an invisible form. In this sacred environment, enhance your life by observing the rules of Kalpavas.

* As an Indian and a Hindu, ensure your attire reflects your Sanatani values. Wear Shikha, Tilak, Kalava, and Yajnopaveet, and follow these practices daily.

* To bring PM Modi’s vision of the Maha Yagya of unity to life, devotees from every village should participate in the Maha Kumbh. Let go of differences in caste, colour, language, and region, and embrace the spirit of Hinduism and nation-first.

* Local administration, voluntary organizations, and devotees should come together to promote and engage in charitable activities during the Maha Kumbh.

* Engage in secret donations, cow service, saint service, and support bhajan-kirtan activities. Serve the disabled and organize charitable events such as bhandaras, while actively participating in them.

* Consider the entire fair area as sacred, and remember that it’s not necessary to bathe only at the Sangam. Avoid crowded areas and ensure safety and cleanliness while bathing in the River Ganga.

* Adopt an addiction-free, satvik, spiritual, and virtuous lifestyle. Offer water daily to the morning sun.

* Stay connected with nature, and make it a habit to worship the land, the threshold, family deities, Ishta deities, and your ancestral clan. Incorporate Trikal Sandhya Vandan into your daily routine.

He further mentioned that his ‘Katha’ will be organized at the camp on January 6, marking the beginning of various religious, spiritual, and cultural programs by Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara. The Akhara is making extensive preparations for grand hospitality, ensuring proper arrangements for the darshan and worship of devotees, as well as for dignitaries coming from around the world during the Maha Kumbh.

It has been receiving weapons from Turkey and Pakistan for years.

Baku: Azerbaijan, which has been embroiled in a long-standing conflict with Armenia, has expressed its desire to buy weapons from India. Azerbaijan has sent this message to New Delhi through a friendly country. This request of Azerbaijan is interesting because it has been receiving weapons from Turkey and Pakistan for years.

At the same time, its enemy Armenia has bought many weapons and defense systems from India. In such a situation, the shift in Azerbaijan has caught attention.

According to a report in ThePrint, the request from Azerbaijan was made through a friend. The report claims that India has ignored this message from Azerbaijan. New Delhi has made it clear to the friendly country that India will decide its bilateral relations on its own and does not want any other country to become a middleman. India has not shown interest in giving weapons to Azerbaijan.

ThePrint has quoted people familiar with the matter as saying that the Azerbaijani government did not discuss the matter directly with India. No communication has been received from Azerbaijan either officially or informally. Instead, a third country approached India and said Azerbaijan was willing to become a buyer if it wanted to sell weapons.

Armenia has turned to India in recent years to strengthen its armed forces amid its conflict with Azerbaijan. From India, it has bought rocket-launchers, artillery guns, ammunition, sniper rifles, and anti-tank missiles. For India, Armenia is not only a defence partner, but also a political partner in the region. It has been a strong supporter of India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir.

India, France and Greece are all looking to support Armenia’s security capabilities. On the contrary, Azerbaijan is considered to be part of a growing group of countries, including Turkey and Pakistan. Since 2017, Azerbaijan has focused on deepening trilateral cooperation with Turkey and Pakistan. In such a situation, India’s relations with Azerbaijan are not exactly affable.