An army officer lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in the Akar forest area of Doda on Wednesday.
According to official sources, Captain Deepak led the operation from the front, guiding his team in their efforts to eliminate the terrorists. During the intense exchange of fire, Captain Deepak sustained gunshot wounds. He was evacuated to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The search operation in the area remains ongoing at the time of this report.
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu will address the nation on the eve of the 78th Independence Day at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
The President’s address will first be aired in Hindi followed by an English version. After this regional language broadcasts will be telecast.
In her address to the nation on the eve of the 77th Independence Day, President Murmu hailed the country’s resilience during turbulent times and added that it has also served as a beacon of hope for others.
In her 2023 speech, the President spoke of how the country has moved forward. She said India has converted challenges into opportunities and recorded high GDP growth. She also cited the country’s role as a G-20 leader.
President Murmu spoke of advancements in education and science pointing to the National Education Policy 2020, and the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3. “I am happy to note that along with economic growth, human development concerns have also been accorded high priority. Having been a teacher also, I have realised that education is the greatest tool of social empowerment. The National Education Policy of 2020 has started making a difference, ” the President said in her speech.
She urged citizens to give priority to women’s empowerment. “I am happy to note that the economic empowerment of women is being given special focus in our country. Economic empowerment strengthens the position of women in the family and society. I urge all fellow citizens to give priority to women empowerment. I would like our sisters and daughters to overcome challenges with courage and move ahead in life. Development of women was among the ideals of our freedom struggle.”
The President will also inaugurate Amrit Udyan later in the day and the garden will remain open for public viewing from Friday till September 15. A stone abacus, sound pipe and music wall are among the key attractions in the famed Amrit Udyan inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which will open for public viewing. Visitors to Amrit Udyan will also be given seed papers — eco-friendly mementoes — infused with seeds of the Tulsi plant.
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday launched a scathing attack against the West Bengal government on the heinous rape and murder of a junior doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital last week.
The Congress MP accused the state administration and the hospital authorities of trying to save the accused.
“The attempt to save the accused instead of providing justice to the victim raises serious questions on the hospital and the local administration.
“This incident has forced us to think that if doctors are not safe in a place like a medical college, then how can parents send their daughters outside for studies?
“Why are even the strict laws made after the Nirbhaya case unsuccessful in preventing such crimes?” LoP Rahul Gandhi said in a strong statement posted on his official X handle.
According to him, the RG Kar incident is bound to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the medical fraternity and women.
“The entire country is shocked by the gruesome incident of rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. The way the layers of the cruel and inhuman act against her are being revealed, there is an atmosphere of insecurity among the doctors’ community and women, ” Rahul Gandhi commented.
“Every party, every section of society will have to hold serious discussions and take concrete steps on the continuously increasing incidents against women from Hathras to Unnao, and from Kathua to Kolkata, ” he added while emphasising that the culprits in the case should be given such a punishment that it is presented as an example in society.
Political observers said that this post by the Congress MP is quite significant especially in the backdrop of his sister and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi’s recent post in the matter, just appealing to the West Bengal government to take immediate and strict action in the case.
“I appeal to the state government to take immediate and strict action in this case and ensure justice to the victim’s family and fellow doctors, ” her post on X read.
New Delhi : Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, Delhi Police has significantly bolstered security across the national capital, deploying over 10,000 police personnel and 3,000 traffic officers. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure safety during the high-profile event. To strengthen surveillance, 700 AI-based facial recognition cameras with high-resolution pan-tilt-zoom capabilities have been installed around the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation. These advanced cameras will help police identify individuals from a distance, enhancing security at the event.
In addition to the AI-powered cameras, the police have positioned multiple layers of security at the Red Fort. The presence of snipers, elite SWAT commandos, and sharpshooters at key locations underscores the importance placed on VVIP security, particularly in light of recent global incidents, such as the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. This incident was discussed during a recent security meeting, where Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora stressed the need for stringent measures.
The police have also implemented a smartphone-based application to verify the identity of attendees at the Red Fort, adding another layer of security. The deployment of security personnel extends beyond the Red Fort, with additional forces stationed at critical locations such as Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls, and markets across Delhi. DCP North, Manoj Kumar Meena, highlighted the extensive security arrangements for the expected 20,000 to 22,000 guests, urging attendees to use the metro for transportation.
Recent events, including the arrest of Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, a member of the ISIS-affiliated Pune module, have heightened security concerns. Ali, who was apprehended near the Delhi-Faridabad border, was allegedly conducting reconnaissance for a potential attack on VIPs in the Delhi-NCR region. In response, police have intensified patrolling, anti-sabotage checks, and the verification of tenants and servants. Hotels, guest houses, parking lots, and restaurants are being thoroughly inspected as part of these efforts.
The areas surrounding the Red Fort have been designated as a “no kite flying zone” until the Independence Day program concludes, with personnel equipped to intercept any kites that breach this restriction. Furthermore, the Delhi Police have banned sub-conventional aerial platforms, such as paragliders, hang-gliders, and hot air balloons, from August 2 to 16 as a precautionary measure.
DCP IGI Airport, Usha Rangnani, affirmed the commitment of the IGI Airport police, in collaboration with paramilitary forces, to ensuring robust security at the airport. Similarly, Shahdara DCP Surendra Choudhary detailed the district’s efforts to enhance safety, including tenant verifications, continuous foot patrols, community vigilance, and mock drills.
As Delhi prepares for Independence Day, the Delhi Police are leaving no stone unturned, with comprehensive measures in place to ensure the safety of all participants and the smooth conduct of the event.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested nine over-ground workers in Kathua on Monday They have been accused of aiding foreign terrorists in entering and conducting operations within India, according to officials.
These individuals were allegedly involved in supporting terrorist activities in the upper regions of Doda, Udhampur, and Kathua along the India-Pakistan border, as stated by the police. The security forces have noted a recent increase in terrorist activities, particularly in the Jammu region, with the influx of militants believed to have crossed over from Pakistan.
The operation to bust the module was initiated based on intelligence provided by central agencies, following the elimination of three foreign militants in July in the Gandoh area of Doda district, according to a PTI report.
Police have identified Mohammad Lateef as the ringleader of the module, describing him as a guide who organized logistical support for the militants traveling through the region.
The terror module not only provided initial shelter and logistical aid but also directed the militants to the mountainous and forested areas of the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda districts, particularly around the strategically important Kailash mountain tri-junction.
During interrogations, the arrested individuals admitted to helping the terrorists, who were later killed in the Gandoh encounter, to evade detection by security forces.
The police spokesperson further noted that more than 50 local residents, who live in temporary summer huts for grazing, were questioned regarding their interactions with the foreign terrorists. Some of these residents failed to report their contact with the militants, while others even accepted money in exchange for assistance.
Patna: Prashant Kishor, the chief of the Jan Suraaj campaign on Tuesday said that the Janata Dal (United), led by Nitish Kumar, will struggle to secure even 20 seats in the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections.
“In 2015, the Grand Alliance government in Bihar was only formed because I supported Nitish Kumar. In the 2020 Assembly elections, Nitish’s party significantly declined, securing just 43 seats. The 2025 elections will result in an even more drastic outcome. The JD-U will be uprooted from Bihar politics along with the RJD, ” Prashant Kishor told media persons in Jamui district.
Kishor’s remarks came in response to the statement of JD-U state president Umesh Kushwaha, who dismissed Kishor’s political relevance, saying that “he is merely running an agency and is not a leader.”
Kushwaha even denied acknowledging Kishor and his Jan Suraaj campaign as significant players in Bihar’s political landscape.
Kishor, in turn, intensified his criticism by asserting that the people of Bihar would eventually reject the leadership of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and the BJP.
He also attacked the RJD, noting that the party has been issuing letters urging members not to leave. The top leaders of RJD are appealing to workers that if they believe in the ideology of Lalu Prasad Yadav, they will not leave the party.
“This is a sign that RJD leaders no longer find inspiration in Tejashwi Yadav and are only staying due to Lalu’s legacy, ” Kishor said.
Kishor added that RJD would not be a significant factor in the 2025 elections, which he believes will primarily be contested between his Jan Suraaj and the NDA.
New Delhi : Nearly 18 months after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will hold a ‘padyatra’ on August 14, during which he will also interact with the people of the national capital, said party General Secretary (Organisation) Sandeep Pathak on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference here, Pathak told reporters that after meeting senior AAP leaders on Sunday, Sisodia is now going to hold a meeting with the party MLAs in Delhi on Monday. He will later meet party Councillors on Tuesday.
The AAP has currently left the decision to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to decide whether Sisodia will again be a part of the Delhi government or what position he will be given.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has been lodged in Tihar jail for the last several months in connection with the excise policy case.
Sisodia was also in jail in connection with the same case.
Before going to jail, Sisodia was Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister and had held important portfolios including Finance and Education.
Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Sisodia held an important meeting with senior party leaders at his residence on Sunday.
Regarding the Assembly elections to be held in Haryana, Pathak said, “There too we will contest the elections with full strength. About 40-50 public meetings have been held in Haryana so far. There is a very good atmosphere there. Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Arvind Kejriwal, is continuously campaigning there.”
The AAP National General Secretary said: “It has become clear to the people of the country that the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have only one agenda that is to stop the AAP and split it. Despite this, the party is strong and doing good work.”
“The AAP has come out even stronger, now we will meet the people of Delhi, ” he added.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led a ‘Tiranga Rally’ in Srinagar on Monday, emphasizing the importance of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. Sinha noted that the campaign has evolved into a people’s movement, with widespread support from citizens across the Union Territory.
The rally, which drew approximately 10,000 participants, began at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) by Dal Lake and concluded at the Botanical Garden. It was part of the broader ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative encouraging citizens to display the national flag at their homes in celebration of India’s Independence.
During his address, LG Sinha urged all communities—Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, and Hindus—to work together for the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. He also paid tribute to Pingali Venkayya, the designer of the Indian national flag, and encouraged citizens to participate in various related activities, including Tiranga Rallies, Tiranga Concerts, and Tiranga Melas.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, hoisting the national flag on August 15 has become mandatory at all government buildings, schools, colleges, and universities, symbolizing the unity and integrity of India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has petitioned the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the CBI in the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam.
The special leave petition filed before the apex court challenges the August 5 decision of the Delhi High Court dismissing CM Kejriwal’s plea against CBI arrest and subsequent remand.
On Monday, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned the matter before CJI D.Y. Chandrachud for urgent listing.
At this, CJI Chandrachud asked the senior counsel to send an email to the registry. “Send an email, I will examine it, ” the CJI said.
In its impugned decision, a bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi HC said that it cannot be said that the arrest was without any justifiable reasons or was illegal.
The Delhi High Court is yet to pronounce its decision on a bail plea filed by the AAP supremo in connection with the CBI case and recently, reserved its verdict on July 29. Earlier that day, the CBI filed its charge sheet before a special court here against the AAP supremo and other accused.
The ED had already filed its prosecution complaint in the money laundering case, naming the AAP and its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal as accused.
On July 12, the Supreme Court ordered CM Kejriwal to be released on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, he was not able to walk out of jail since he was arrested by the CBI. Meanwhile, a court here extended the judicial custody of CM Kejriwal, till August 20 in the excise policy case
Wayanad: Search operations for the over 150 missing people continued on Monday, the 14th day of the Wayanad landslide tragedy, said officials here.
The biggest-ever natural disaster in a single place in the state took place on July 30 which has left 416 dead.
On Monday, according to authorities, the first set of DNA test results are expected. These are of the victims who have been buried in the 64 cents of land in the Meppadi village council, where a mass burial took place last week over three days of unidentified bodies and numerous body parts.
Each of the graves has been numbered. The survivors will be able to identify their near and dear ones after the DNA results are out. And, if they need any further religious events or rituals to be done after identification, they can do so accordingly, said the officials.
Another important activity of the day is that all the survivors will apply for lost certificates at special counters set up in and around the relief camps.
More than 11,000 people are now housed in over 100 relief camps.
The authorities have promised they will do everything to move people from relief camps to homes and other places in the area.
Around 250 locked homes have been identified and the authorities will be making allotments to those in the relief camps.
The Pinarayi Vijayan government has started deputing government officials from various departments to Wayanad to help the current staff in various offices to speed up the rehabilitation process.
More and more health officials, especially counsellors, are being deployed in the affected areas.
The day-long visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he spent three hours more than planned on Saturday, brought cheer to the survivors when he met them and those in the hospitals, and assured them that the government would help them in every possible way.
Even though the Vijayan government has submitted a preliminary report seeking a Rs 2, 000 crore assistance, PM Modi after seeing a detailed presentation, while chairing a special review meeting at Wayanad on Saturday, has promised all help and has asked the state to submit a detailed report.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan has asked the state government to submit its report at the earliest.
