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Sunday, 30 August 2026

Eviction threat: Slum dwellers near PM’s home meet Rahul

Rahul Gandhi interacts with students who faced police brutality during CJP protests

New Delhi: People from three slum clusters near the Prime Minister’s residence on Saturday, August 29, met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi seeking his intervention against their proposed relocation to Savda Ghevra on the outskirts of Delhi, claiming the move would disrupt their livelihood, children’s education and access to healthcare.

Residents of Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp, and DID Colony, who gathered at the AICC office on 24 Akbar Road, claimed that around 717 families, comprising nearly 3,000 to 5,000 people, living in the three clusters will be affected.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted these residents six weeks to vacate their homes and relocate to alternative accommodation at Savda Ghevra, rejecting the appellants’ claim that the process of their eviction violated the Delhi Slum and JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015.

A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia also constituted a monitoring committee to supervise rehabilitation of the dwellers and said authorities would “strictly” honour their undertakings and the court’s June 4 directions to ensure amenities, such as schools, electricity, LPG connection, bus passes, dispensaries, etc., to them at Savda Ghevra.

The Centre had sought their eviction on the grounds that the jhuggi-jhopdi clusters were in a protected zone, immediately next to an operational Air Force Station, and the decision to remove unauthorised construction in the area was taken to strengthen and secure defence infrastructure and for other important public and security purposes.

“We have come here to Rahul Gandhi ji’s office because our homes are being demolished. We want to present our grievances and problems to him. A High Court Division Bench has dismissed our case and directed us to move to Savda Ghevra,” a resident, Shah Nawaz, told PTI Videos.

Residents asked to move to Savda Ghevra, 45 kms away

The proposed relocation comes amid the demolition of structures at the Delhi Race Club in the area whose premises were taken over by the Centre on Thursday following a court order.

Residents said shifting them to Savda Ghevra, around 45 km away, would make it difficult for them to retain their jobs and ensure their children’s education.

“We are being sent to Savda Ghevra, which is 45 km away. Our children will not have access to education, and we will not have employment opportunities. How can we move so far away?” another resident said.

The residents claimed they were not opposed to relocation but wanted alternative accommodation closer to their existing homes.

“We are not refusing to move. If the government needs this land, we are not objecting. We are willing to relocate, but we should be treated fairly. We have been living there for around 100 years,” the resident said.

They also claimed that they had been told about a policy under which rehabilitation housing would be provided either at the existing location or within a radius of around three to five km.

What about essential services, they ask

Residents raised concerns over access to essential services, including Safdarjung Hospital and a nearby girls’ school, saying relocation to the city’s outskirts would sever their access to these facilities.

“If someone has to reach work by 5 am, how will they commute from a place 45 km away? There is no employment there and no means of earning a livelihood,” a third resident said.

The residents also voiced concerns over the safety of women and girls at the proposed relocation site, alleging that the area faces problems related to drugs, alcohol and crime.

They said they had approached government officials seeking to present their concerns but had not received a response.

The residents urged Gandhi to take up the issue with authorities and ensure that any rehabilitation plan takes into account their livelihood, education, healthcare and safety concerns.

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Saturday, 29 August 2026

FIR against Mufti who ‘warned’ against closure of madrasas

Large crowd gathered at a public event with speakers and stage, many wearing traditional attire and turb.

Rudrapur: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Friday, August 28, that strict action would be taken against the Mufti who threatened over the ongoing crackdown on illegal madrasas.

He said that the era of governments caving in to threats due to appeasement politics is over.

The police have registered a first information report (FIR) against Ulema Mufti Mujeeb after taking cognisance of a purported video showing him giving an inflammatory speech at Trishul Chowk in Rudrapur (Udham Singh Nagar district) during a Milad-un-Nabi procession on Wednesday, August 26.

Ideology that promotes encroachment: Uttarakhand CM

Speaking to reporters in Khatima, the Chief Minister described the Mufti’s statement as the one reflecting an ideology that promotes encroachment, disregards the Constitution, and resorts to threats.

“Gone are the days when people would succumb to their threats and engage in appeasement for the sake of their votes… The government has changed now. Since (Narendra) Modi ji became the Prime Minister, the rule of law has been established in the country. We have constitutional norms, and things operate according to them,” he said.

The CM asserted that Uttarakhand would not be intimidated. He said that the administration would track down the Mufti and take the strictest possible action against him.

Dhami asserted that the state had previously cleared over 13,000 acre of land from encroachment and illegal occupation, and this campaign would continue.

‘If Madrasas are shut down, see what Muslims will do’

A purported video of the speech allegedly delivered from the stage by Mufti Mujeeb — identified as the principal of Kheda Madrasa — has gone viral on social media, in which he can be seen issuing threats regarding the Uttarakhand government’s actions against madrassas. In the purported video, he is heard saying that if madrassas are shut down, one should wait and see what the Muslims would do.

Additionally, the Mufti raised the issue of eight acre of Eidgah land acquired by the Municipal Corporation last year and demanded its return.

However, Rudrapur Mayor Vikas Sharma said that no form of pressure regarding government land would be tolerated. “Let alone eight acre, not even an inch of government land will be relinquished under anyone’s pressure,” he said.

He clarified that the land taken over by the municipal corporation had been under illegal encroachment.

Mufti allegedly flees from home

Amid the controversy sparked by the viral video, the Mufti has allegedly fled from his home. However, the police have taken cognisance of the video and registered an FIR against him.

Circle Officer Vibhav Saini said that an attempt was made to disrupt social harmony through the alleged inflammatory statements made by the Mufti. He said that the FIR was registered against the Mufti based on the video, following instructions from the district’s Senior Superintendent of Police.

On the other hand, Dr Shahid Raza, manager of the procession committee, claimed that the video circulating on social media is fake and was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

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Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Telangana forms panel to modernise polytechnic education

Students protesting peacefully and police clashing during a demonstration in Telangana.

Hyderabad: The government of Telangana on Monday, August 24, constituted a high-level committee “to modernise polytechnic education and protect the legitimate academic and career interests of students, faculty and other stakeholders”.

This comes in the wake of students’ protests over the state government’s order that brought Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs), and Polytechnic colleges under the Young India Skills University (YISU) and the newly formed SHAKTI department.

Monday’s notification sought to explain the government’s rationale behind the above decision, calling it a part of “an effort to bring greater convergence between the polytechnic system and the state’s emerging skill development and industry ecosystem”.

Committee to submit report in 30 days

However, taking note of the concerns raised by various stakeholders, such as students and faculty, the government said it was constituting a high-level committee which will ‘hold extensive consultations with all concerned stakeholders, study all the issues related to them and make specific recommendations to the government’.

As far as the composition of the committee is concerned, K Keshav Rao, advisor to the government (Public Affairs), is the chairman. The four members on the committee are Prof. M. Kondandaram, member of the Telangana Legislative Council; Prof. (retd) Shantha Sinha; Navin Mittal, Special Chief Secretary to the state government, Energy, and Secretary, SHAKTI Department. The Commissioner of Technical Education would serve as the member-convenor of the committee.

The committee would submit its recommendations within 30 days, it said.

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Sunday, 2 August 2026

Water Board lauds Hyderabad resident for conserving rainwater

Drain cover with a black grate installed on a construction site.

Hyderabad: A Hyderabad resident received applause from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) for his rainwater harvesting system.

Vinod Sri Bhashyam from Prakash Nagar, Motilal Nehru Nagar, constructed four recharge pits, which help collect rainwater from the rooftop and return it to the ground. The house also has a borewell, which preserves water during summer due to its systematic groundwater recharge, demonstrating the effectiveness of the rainwater harvesting system.

“These measures help improve groundwater levels, enhance the sustainability of borewells, conserve valuable water resources and reduce dependence on government drinking water supply and water tankers,” said Water Board Managing Director Ashok Reddy.

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Sunday, 26 July 2026

Govt sanctions additional Rs 99 crore for Dakshina Kashi temple

Ancient Dakshina Kashi temple under renovation with scaffolding and construction site.

Hyderabad: The state government has sanctioned an additional Rs 99.40 crore for the development and expansion of the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple at Vemulawada, also known as Dakshina Kashi.

Earlier, the temple received Rs 50 crore in the 2023–24 Budget and Rs 100 crore in this year’s budget.

With the latest allocation, the total disbursed funds stand at Rs 249.40 crore.

According to officials, nearly 45 per cent of the development works have been completed. The new funds will accelerate the infrastructure works.

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Saturday, 25 July 2026

Telangana to source food for mid-day meals from local farmers

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy conducting a review meeting

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday, July 24, said the state government is considering ways to support local farmers in areas where centralised kitchens of the mid-day meals scheme have been established.

The government is ready to encourage farmers to cultivate organic crops so that vegetables, rice, and other necessary supplies can be procured directly from them for preparing mid-day meals, he said.

During an interaction with representatives of Hare Krishna Movement and other organisations who called on him, the CM said measures are being taken to provide farmers with quality seeds which not only promote crop diversification but also ensure profitability for the farmers.

The Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation is involved in the preparation and delivery of mid-day meals to government schools.

Aurobindo Pharma Limited contributed Rs 10 crore CSR fund, while Divi’s Laboratories Limited contributed Rs 12.18 crore to the breakfast scheme in government schools, an official release said.

CM Revanth calls for special bureau for traffic regulation

Later, while conducting a review meeting with senior officials at the Bodhi Pavilion, Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute, CM Revanth directed that a special bureau to manage traffic and supervise road safety be created.

He said measures to regulate traffic should be reviewed every two to three months and accidents on the Outer Ring Road should be prevented.

He indicated the need to construct underpasses and elevated corridors where necessary to introduce a signal-free system and to ensure, as far as possible, that vehicle movement continues uninterrupted without traffic halting at signals.

(With inputs from PTI.)

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Sunday, 5 July 2026

Venezuela thanks India for Caracas quake relief mission

Venezuelan officials thank Indian representatives for earthquake relief efforts in Caracas.

Caracas: Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil visited the Indian field hospital in Caracas and thanked New Delhi for its earthquake relief work.

The field hospital, set up by the Indian Army at the International La Rinconada Racetrack, provides comprehensive care to those affected by the devastating earthquakes that took place in Venezuela last month, which killed more than 1,700 people.

“On behalf of the Bolivarian (Venezuelan) Government and the people of Venezuela, we express our most sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of India, especially to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for extending a helping hand to those who have suffered as a result of this calamity,” Gil said on Saturday, July 4, in a post on X.

La Operación Amistad, llevada a cabo por la hermana nación de India, ha establecido un centro hospitalario en el Hipódromo de Caracas que ofrece atención integral y de alta calidad a todos los afectados por la tragedia del doblete sísmico. Tuvimos la oportunidad de recorrer el… pic.twitter.com/bapPn159S5
— Yvan Gil (@yvangil) July 4, 2026

Indian Ambassador PK Ashok Babu accompanied the Foreign Minister during the visit.

“The Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil, visited the field hospital and met with our doctors and the public. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for its relief efforts following the earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela,” the Indian Embassy in Caracas said on X.

#OperaciónAmistad – El Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Yvan Gil, visitó el hospital de campaña y se reunió con nuestros médicos y con el público. Expresó su agradecimiento al Gobierno de la India por sus esfuerzos de ayuda tras los terremotos ocurridos en Venezuela.… pic.twitter.com/rbET6GIzP3
— India in Venezuela (@IndiaVenezuela) July 4, 2026

Under the mission, referred to as “Operacion Amistad” in Spanish, two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft transported 66 tonnes of aid, including the Indian Army field hospital, over 35 tonnes of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment, and two BHISHM Cubes.

Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) cubes are mobile hospitals aimed at providing emergency medical care.

Working alongside Venezuelan authorities, Indian rescue and medical teams are providing emergency medical care and conducting search and rescue missions, the Indian embassy said earlier.

The 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes were among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century and were felt throughout the region.

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Sunday, 31 May 2026

AI-based system to deliver weather alerts to Telangana farmers via WhatsApp

The Siasat Daily: Signing ceremony with officials holding documents at a formal event.

Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Saturday, May 30, rolled out an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based system to deliver weather alerts to farmers across the state.

The Agriculture Department is implementing the Telangana Weather Advisory Program in collaboration with the Development Innovation Lab India (DIL India) and Evidence Action organisations.

It was officially launched at the Secretariat on Saturday, with Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao himself issuing a weather advisory on upcoming seasonal winds and rainfall. He suggested developing a platform that enables farmers to ask questions about weather conditions and agricultural guidance through voice messages.

The minister said that in the current situation, where climate change is a challenge, providing accurate and timely weather information to farmers is extremely necessary.

He expressed confidence that using artificial intelligence-based weather forecasts, farmers will have the opportunity to make appropriate crop decisions at the right time, thereby reducing crop losses and increasing productivity.

The program is currently accessible to 15 lakh farmers from 304 mandals across 17 districts registered with the Rythu Bharosa phone number. The minister has urged the organisations to expand the program’s reach to the village level.

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Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Fake badges, PhonePe transfers: How gang conned rice trader posing as SOT cops

A soldier in uniform holding a ceremonial trumpet during a public event or parade.

Hyderabad: Meerpet Police have arrested six persons for allegedly impersonating Special Operations Team (SOT) officers and extorting money from a rice trader after intercepting his lorry on the Outer Ring Road in the early hours of Monday, May 18.

The complainant, Mohammed Afroz, 24, a rice businessman from Balapur, told police that his lorry, which was carrying rice towards Udgir in Maharashtra, was stopped near Patancheru ORR Exit no 3 at around 3:30 am.

Four men travelling in a Volkswagen Polo allegedly flagged down the vehicle, identified themselves as SOT officers and threatened the driver, claiming the rice consignment was illegal. They then demanded Rs 6 lakh from Afroz to let the vehicle go, police said.

After negotiations, the amount was reportedly settled at Rs 1.60 lakh. Afroz initially transferred Rs 80,000 via PhonePe to a number linked to one of the accused, identified as Beeram Shiva Reddy. The gang subsequently pressed for the remaining amount.

Growing suspicious, Afroz verified their credentials and found the men had no connection to the SOT. He traced them to TKR College in Meerpet, where one of the accused identified himself as “Anil” before fleeing the spot, the complainant told police.

Acting on the complaint, Meerpet police arrested six of the seven accused and produced them before a magistrate, who remanded them to judicial custody. A seventh accused, identified only as Anand, remains at large.

Those arrested are Aekka Sandeep Kumar, 26, a resident of Uppuguda, Devara Shetti Girish, 35, of Saroornagar, Beeram Shiva Reddy, 24, of Wanaparthy district; Rakesh Singh, 30, of Uppuguda, Gantala Sai Ram Reddy, 24, of Nagole, and Kakarla Pavan Sai, 24, of Meerpet.

Police seized Rs 80,000 in cash, seven mobile phones and the Polo car used in the crime.

Sandeep Kumar, listed as the first accused, is allegedly linked to multiple prior cases involving cheating and violations of the Essential Commodities Act at various police stations, officials said.

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Monday, 18 May 2026

Rohingya, Bangladeshi names should be removed during SIR: Kishan Reddy

A man with glasses and a beard smiling, wearing a white traditional outfit, in front of a green and orang.

Hyderabad: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Sunday said that the names of any Rohingyas or Bangladeshis should be removed from the voters’ list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Addressing a press conference, Reddy said that, except for Indian citizens, the names of other nationals should be removed from the electoral rolls.

He assured that BJP booth-level agents would extend full support to Election Commission officials involved in the SIR process to ensure that any non-Indian whose name appears in the voters’ list is removed.

Attacking the Congress party, he asked why Rahul Gandhi and his party were “feeling the pinch” when illegal Bangladeshi voters were removed during the SIR exercise in West Bengal.

“Bangladeshis or Rohingyas, whoever is staying illegally in our country, if their names are found in the voters’ list, they should be removed. Though Rahul Gandhi opposes SIR, I have faith in booth-level Congress workers. I request them to cooperate with the EC during SIR to help remove fake votes,” Reddy said.

Alleging that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy did not have trust in Booth Level Officers (BLOs), the union minister said the CM was politicising the SIR process and speaking in a “provocative manner”.

Reacting to criticism by the CM over the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, Reddy said the issue was not under the control of the Central government as it was due to the crisis in West Asia.

He further said that when crude oil prices were lower earlier, the Central government had reduced excise duty and requested state governments to cut VAT, which was followed by several states, but not Telangana.

Telangana Chief Electoral Officer C Sudharshan Reddy on Saturday said that the SIR of electoral rolls would be conducted in the state from June 15.

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Sunday, 17 May 2026

Jilted lover kills woman alleging exploitation in the name of love in Telangana

Jilted lover kills woman in Jadcherla, alleging financial exploitation in the name of love on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Hyderabad: In a shocking incident, a jilted lover slit a woman’s throat and killed her in Jadcherla town on Saturday afternoon, May 16.

The incident happened in Nimmalabayigadda in Jadcherla town of Mahabubnagar district at around 4-5 pm on Saturday evening, when a person named Ramchander, a resident of Hyderabad, indiscriminately attacked a woman named Vaishnavi, hardly 100 metre distance away from her house.

Vaishnavi, who was working at SVKR School in Polepally Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a receptionist on the outskirts of Jadcherla town, had just finished her work and was heading home, when the incident happened.

The locals beat up the attacker indiscriminately after he stabbed her multiple times. Ramchander was shifted to Mahabubnagar Government Medical College’s Hospital, where his condition was known to be critical.

Vaishnavi’s body was shifted to Jadcherla Government Area Hospital for post-mortem.

After being thrashed by the locals, Ramchander could be seen in a video telling those present there, that he has been in a relationship with Vaishnavi for the past couple of years, and that she exploited him by taking money from him and cheating him in the name of love.

He told the onlookers while in a critical condition, that she not only refused to return his money, but has also started avoiding him.

(More details were awaited)

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Saturday, 16 May 2026

Drunk man calls cops while lying on railway track in Hyderabad, rescued

Hyderabad: A drunk man cancelled his suicide attempt at the last minute and called the cops for rescue as he lay on the tracks at Kacheguda railway station on Thursday, May 14.

The man, identified as Madhav (33), a native of Bidar, Karnataka, had argued with his sister after which he consumed alcohol and went to the railway track to end his life, police stated in a release.

However, as he lay on the track, a sudden fear of death gripped him, prompting him to personally dial 100 and seek rescue.

Being in an inebriated state, he was unable to move properly, but to his luck, the Kacheguda police reached just in time and saved him from the incoming Vande Bharat Express.

He was later handed over to the Kachiguda Government Railway Police for counselling and further assistance.

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Friday, 15 May 2026

Telangana plans to scale down Greyhounds amid declining Maoist activity

Hyderabad: Telangana is considering scaling down its anti-insurgency force Greyhounds, in view of the declining Maoist activities, Director General of Police CV Anand said on Thursday, May 14.

The DGP stated that the proposal concerning 708 surrendered posts of Greyhounds is currently pending with the government and any notified repatriations would be carried out after receiving the necessary orders.

Anand visited the Greyhounds headquarters on Thursday and conducted a comprehensive review on various operational and administrative aspects of the elite force.

He reviewed the existing training standards, curriculum, and training modules being imparted to personnel and emphasised the need for continuous upgradation in line with evolving operational requirements.

The DGP instructed the Greyhounds leadership to enhance operational efficiency and stressed the importance of conducting regular firing practice and ensuring rigorous training standards to keep the force mission-ready at all times.

The DGP appreciated the efforts and commitment of Greyhounds personnel and emphasised the need to maintain the force’s reputation as one of the country’s premier anti-insurgency units.

DGP visits OCTOPUS headquarters

The DGP also visited the commando training centre of the counter-terror force OCTOPUS at Ibrahimpatnam to review the functioning, training activities, and operational preparedness.

He inspected the administration block, training block, operational facilities, and newly developed infrastructure at the campus and interacted with officers and commandos.

He reviewed the preparedness of the force to respond to any untoward terror-related incidents and assessed the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams and training wing.

DGP Operations (OCTOPUS & Greyhounds) Dr Anil Kumar briefed the DGP on the force’s regular activities like periodic mock exercises conducted at sensitive locations, counter-terror preparedness drills, and specialised training in handling advanced weapons.

Addressing the officers, CV Anand stressed the importance of conducting mock operations in diverse building structures and real-time scenarios to enhance operational effectiveness.

He also asked the officers to maintain the highest standards of physical fitness, alertness, sharpness, and round-the-clock readiness to effectively respond to counter-terror situations whenever required.

Stating that Greyhounds and OCTOPUS are among Telangana’s most prestigious forces, the DGP assured that both forces would continue to receive maximum support from the government and police department to further strengthen their capabilities.

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Sunday, 26 April 2026

Entire Union cabinet, 19 CMs won’t help BJP win Bengal elections: Mamata

Crowd of supporters at a political rally with BJP flags and orange, white, green balloons in India.

Kolkata: TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Saturday claimed that the BJP has deployed its entire machinery to defeat her party in the West Bengal assembly elections, as almost the entire Union cabinet and CMs of NDA-ruled states are camping here.

Addressing an election rally at Uttarpara in Hooghly district, Banerjee accused the BJP of giving false promises to migrant workers from West Bengal employed outside the state.

“The BJP is desperate, with 50 helicopters flying into West Bengal as almost the entire Union cabinet, from the PM to home, railway and defence ministers, as well as CMs of 19 NDA-ruled states camping in a single state: West Bengal,” the chief minister said.

Banerjee urged the people to compare this with only three helicopters being used by the TMC to campaign across the state.

All the hype and sound and fury of the BJP will end in a whimper on May 4 when poll results will be out, she said.

“On top of this, we are seeing central forces wherever we are going. They are bringing in armoured vehicles which were not used where those were actually needed,” Banerjee said.

She attacked Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that TMC-aided goons would be hanged upside down after the results.

“As a Union minister and a responsible leader, you cannot utter such words. You are speaking in the language of terror. I know no action will be taken against you. But, I have asked our men to videograph his speech and submit the same to the court,” the TMC supremo said.

She said Shah should be in Manipur, where over 260 people lost their lives, and thousands were homeless due to ethnic violence since May 2023, rather than being here.

“But, I am sure that he won’t go there out of fear,” Banerjee said, apparently referring to the BJP leader’s prolonged stay in West Bengal during this election season.

Banerjee claimed Shah held a meeting on Saturday morning with “a certain person from the central forces who had been sent to Nandigram to loot votes”.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP is seeking re-election from Nandigram. Adhikari, who defeated Banerjee from there in 2021, is also contesting from her constituency, Bhabanipur in Kolkata, this time.

“He (the same central force person) has been instructed to slow down the voting process at Bhabanipur. I don’t care. They can’t do anything to me,” she said.

Alleging that 400 people were brought from outside to Bhabanipur, she said, “I will ask everyone to keep a tab on every hotel and guest house to identify such people who are helping the BJP.”

Claiming that the BJP has no support base, the TMC supremo asserted that the opposition party hired agencies that are bringing people in trains to attend meetings.

“If 100 local people are present at a rally, there are 900 outsiders,” she said.

Banerjee claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has branded Bengalis as Bangladeshis.

“For you, Punjabis are Khalistanis and Muslims are Pakistanis. Who has given you the right to disrespect the people of the country? What is your own identity?” She asked.

“I know who had committed murders there and have been given shelter here. I kept quiet since you requested me. Don’t forget that,” she said without elaborating.

In a jibe at the PM, she said he went on a “scripted” boat ride on the Hooghly river in Kolkata on Friday, which was arranged by the Army.

“You said we have been peeved at your eating ‘jhalmuri’; but we know you had got it prepared at home and everything was scripted as the camera was put up already at the Jhargram shop,” she claimed.

About the return of migrant workers from outside Bengal to cast votes in the first phase polls on Thursday, Banerjee alleged that those were made to place their hands on their holy books according to faiths and asked to promise that they would vote only for the BJP, and then they would get free travel tickets.

“However, they were slapped with a Rs 2000 fine when they reached their destination,” she claimed.

Accusing the BJP of only plotting to divide people, she said these self-proclaimed Hindutva proponents filed a case in the court when the Jagannath Dham was being built in Digha.

“Several temples have been demolished in Varanasi. A Kali temple in Delhi has been demolished. They are destroying the Hindu religion and showing fake love. Don’t trust them,” she said.

The Bengal CM said that contrary to “false propaganda,” industries are coming up at a rapid pace at Singur and Dankuni.

“Six industrial corridors are coming up. In the Deucha-Pachami coal project, 1 lakh youths will get employed,” she said.

The TMC supremo said that the BJP is talking about implementing the 7th Pay Commission if voted to power, but “We have already implemented it.”

She said in the first phase of polls in 152 seats held on April 23, TMC will win 100 seats. The second leg will be held on April 29.

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Saturday, 25 April 2026

AP liquor scam: ED raids 12 locations in Hyderabad and Tirupati

Emblem of the Indian Justice Department with national symbols and motto.

Hyderabad/New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday, April 24, conducted fresh searches in connection with its ongoing probe into the Andhra Pradesh liquor “scam”, which allegedly occurred under the previous YSRCP government in the state, officials said.

They said a dozen premises — 11 in Hyderabad and one in Tirupati — were raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED officials said those searched include former YSRCP MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, his son Chevireddy Mohit Reddy (in Tirupati), former advisor to the YSRCP government and alleged scam kingpin Kasireddy Raja Sekhar Reddy and former head of AP State Beverages Corporation Ltd. (APSBCL) Vasudeva Reddy.

Former YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Vijaysai Reddy, former bureaucrat Dhananjay Reddy, former government official Krishna Mohan Reddy and a private company executive, Balaji Govindappa, were also among those searched, they said.

Searches were also conducted at the offices of PLR Projects Pvt. Ltd., which is allegedly linked to YSRCP MP P V Midhun Reddy, and at the residence of a man named Booneti Chanakya, among others, they added.

The central probe agency registered a PMLA case in September 2025 to investigate the alleged scam, taking cognisance of an Andhra Pradesh Police SIT complaint.

The agency had conducted searches in this case earlier too.

It had said in a statement that after the 2019 assembly elections, the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government “monopolised” retail liquor outlets through government retail outlets (GROs) operated by the APSBCL.

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Friday, 24 April 2026

India urges citizens not to travel to Iran, asks those there to leave

People with luggage waiting at airport, reflecting travel restrictions amid advisory.

Amid continuing tensions in the region, India has issued a fresh advisory urging its citizens not to travel to Iran and asking those already there to leave through designated land border routes amid continuing tensions in the region.

The Embassy of India in Tehran released the advisory on Thursday, April 23, following reports that some flight services between India and Iran may resume.

“In view of reports of commencement of some flights between India and Iran, and in continuation of earlier advisories, Indian citizens are strongly advised not to travel to Iran, whether by air or land,” the embassy said.

It added that airspace restrictions and operational uncertainties linked to regional tensions continue to disrupt international flight operations to and from Iran.

Advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran urging citizens not to travel to Iran. — Photo: @India_in_Iran/X

The embassy also reiterated that all Indian nationals currently in Iran should leave the country through designated land border routes while remaining in close coordination with embassy officials.

Indian citizens requiring assistance have been asked to contact emergency helplines: +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102 and +989932179359. Support is also available via email at cons.tehran@mea.gov.in.

Latest updates here

Israel says two armed individuals killed in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military said on Thursday that it killed two armed individuals in the Aainata area of southern Lebanon after identifying them approaching soldiers and posing what it described as an “immediate threat”.

The military said the two individuals moved towards Israeli troops operating in the area before forces opened fire.

It was not immediately clear whether the incident was linked to strikes reported earlier in nearby areas by Lebanon’s health ministry.

Israel says Hezbollah command centre found under shop in Lebanon

The Israeli military said it had uncovered an underground Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon beneath a civilian site.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the command centre was located about 25 metres below a clothing store in the town of Khiam.

Troops operating in the tunnel reportedly found weapons and several rooms that were allegedly used by Hezbollah to manage combat operations.

Israel says ready to resume war against Iran

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the country is prepared to resume its war against Iran but is awaiting approval from the United States before launching major strikes.

Speaking after a security assessment, Katz said Israeli forces were fully prepared for both offensive and defensive operations.

“Israel is prepared to renew the war against Iran. The IDF is ready in defence and offence, and the targets are marked,” he said.

Katz added that Israel was seeking a “green light” from Washington to expand attacks, including strikes on Iran’s leadership and key infrastructure.

US seizes tanker linked to Iranian smuggling in Indian Ocean

The United States (US) has taken control of another oil tanker linked to Iranian smuggling in the Indian Ocean, according to officials.

Iran claims military strength in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi said on X that the country’s armed forces were demonstrating strength in the Strait of Hormuz.

He referred to what he described as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ “mosquito fleet” of speedboats and underwater drones, and also mentioned action involving three ships in the strategic waterway.

Ejehi said the force was positioned near Faror Island and ready to confront what he called American aggressor warships. He described the military display as “a source of pride” and warned against the continued US naval presence.

ناوگان زنبوری سپاه با قایق‌های تندرو و شهپادها، از غارهای دریایی جزیره فارور، انتظار ناوهای متجاوز آمریکایی را می‌کشند تا با اشباع پدافندی، دمار از روزگار متجاوزین درآورند.
— غلامحسین محسنی اژه‌ای (@ejei_org) April 23, 2026

Trump orders US Navy to ‘shoot, kill’ small boats laying mines in Hormuz

Trump said he had ordered the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boat laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could threaten the fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

Trump also said on Thursday that the US military would intensify efforts to remove explosives from the strategic waterway.

“I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat… that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation,” Trump wrote in a social media post.

He added that US mine-clearing vessels were operating in the area and ordered the activity to continue “at a tripled-up level”.

Screenshot of Donald Trump post claiming US control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump claims US controls Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald J Trump added to tensions after claiming the United States had “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz.

In a social media post, Trump said no ship could enter or leave the strategic waterway without approval from the US Navy and claimed it was “sealed up tight” until Iran agrees to a deal.

Screenshot of Donald Trump post threatening action against boats in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies. Any disruption in the area can affect international markets and maritime trade.

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Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Motor accident victims entitled to high-quality prosthetic limb: SC

View of the Supreme Court of India with lush green lawn and trees in front.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 21, ruled that motor accident victims are entitled to high-quality prosthetic limb that is integral to their lives, saying that for amputees, such artificial limbs get them “closest to the life experienced” before the onset of disability.

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan said a prosthetic limb is not merely a medical device but an indispensable part of an amputee’s self-belief and empowerment.

Referring to a legal maxim ‘restitutio in integrum’ (restoration to original condition), the top court said, “For amputees, a prosthetic limb would get them closest to the life experienced, before the onset of their disability. The device, apart from empowering them, is integral to their life, giving them confidence and self-belief. The appliance is so personal to the individual that its indispensability can only be better appreciated by the person disabled.”

Justice Viswanathan, writing the judgement, quoted British judge Lord Brooke who had said, “Those of us who have not had the misfortune of losing an arm may have more difficulty in appreciating the view of the joint experts when they said how personal this kind of appliance is to a disabled…”.

The verdict came on an appeal filed by Prahlad Sahai, a driver who lost his right leg below the knee after his motorcycle was hit by a Haryana Roadways bus in 2007.

While the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) originally awarded him Rs 8.73 lakh and the Rajasthan High Court later enhanced it to Rs 13.02 lakh, the top court found these amounts insufficient.

The apex court has now ordered the insurance company to pay an additional Rs 36.20 lakh, effectively taking his total compensation to nearly Rs 50 lakh.

The verdict rejected the submission of the insurance firm that victims should only be compensated based on government notifications.

“We have no hesitation in rejecting the rates prescribed in the government notification relied upon by the insurance company which, in any event, are abysmally low,” the bench said.

“If the treatment claimed is reasonable, there is no answer for the defendant to point to cheaper options,” the bench noted, adding that victims are entitled to choose private centres that provide devices suited to their personal needs.

It said a prosthetic limb is assumed to have a life span of only five years and for compensation purposes, a victim’s life expectancy should be assumed to be 70 years.

The bench awarded Rs 3 lakh per limb for seven replacement cycles (covering 38 years), totalling Rs 21 lakh, plus an additional Rs 5 lakh for maintenance.

The bench took a compassionate view of Sahai’s occupation as a driver.

Even though Sahai could not produce documentary evidence of his Rs 6,000 monthly salary, the bench accepted his claim, noting that such evidence cannot be expected from those employed in that “strata of income”.

The bench further computed his functional disability at 100 per cent, saying that an amputee cannot drive heavy vehicles.

The bench directed the insurance company to pay Rs 26 lakh for prosthetic limbs and maintenance.

It awarded Rs 8,02,368 enhancement for loss of future income besides Rs 2 lakh as litigation costs. It also awarded a sum of Rs 18,000 for loss of income during treatment.

The total additional sum of Rs 36,20,350 has to be paid within four weeks and failure to do so will attract an interest rate of 9 per cent per annum.

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Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Fake notes worth Rs 94K seized from Hyderabad man after bank flags deposit

Person with face covered behind a desk with seized counterfeit currency notes, related to counterfeit cur.

Hyderabad: A 33-year-old butcher from Chandrayangutta was arrested for allegedly circulating counterfeit currency, police said on Tuesday, April 14. The man was caught after a bank alerted the authorities of the fake notes found in their Cash Recycler Machine (CRM).

According to the police, the accused, Ahmed Pasha, had obtained the fake Rs 500 notes worth Rs 94,000 from an unknown person on social media. He had collected counterfeit currency at Shadnagar and intended to circulate it as genuine currency.

On March 27, Pasha went to Kotak Mahindra Bank in Malakpet and deposited 10 notes into his account. The bank detected these notes on April 7 in their Cash Recycler Machine (CRM).

After confirming the notes as fake through a UV lamp, a note sorting machine, and other security features, the bank lodged a complaint with the police.

Accordingly, a case was registered under section 179 (usage, sale, or trafficking of forged or counterfeit currency notes) and section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Chaderghat police station.

Investigation revealed that the man who supplied the currency to Pasha is operating from Gujarat. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him.

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Bandi Sanjay rejects Telangana CM’s ‘hybrid model’ proposal for delimitation

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay rubbishes Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy's 'Hybrid Model' suggestion on increasing number of Lok Sabha seats.

Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay has termed Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s “hybrid model” for increasing the Lok Sabha seats as part of the delimitation process as “unconstitutional.”

Bandi rubbished Revanth Reddy’s suggestion that the Centre could increase 50 per cent of the increased seats in Lok Sabha for each state as pro-rata, and the rest of the 50 per cent increased seats based on the states’ Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

“Hyderabad is the maximum contributor to the state’s GSDP. Does that mean the number of Lok Sabha segments in Hyderabad should be increased? What about economically backward areas like the undivided Mahabubnagar and Adilabad districts?” he asked.

“By sending funds to the Congress high command, has he become so ingrained in it that he is trying to weave stories on that line?” he quipped.

Observing that the Congress was trying to weaken the constitution drafted by Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, Bandi Sanjay felt that Ambedkar would have banned the Congress in India had he still been alive.

On Revanth Reddy’s claims about Congress’s support for 33 per cent women’s reservations in the legislative bodies, he questioned why the Congress failed to implement the same for half a century.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats on a pro-rata basis by 50 per cent of the existing number of seats, to involve all the states in the development.

He condemned Congress’s “divisive politics” and hoped the chief minister would speak with respect for the constitution.

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