India

Patna, Dec 28 (IANS) One person was killed and three others injured during a clash between a group of people and a traffic police team in Bihar’s Rohtas district.

The deceased has been identified as Badal Kumar (34) while his friends Atul Kumar and Vinod Kumar were injured in this incident.

The family members of the deceased claimed Badal and his friends were having a birthday party when the Traffic DSP and his team reached Karraha Mor in Sasaram. They abused the people attending the party before the incident.

“Traffic DSP Adil Bilal and his bodyguard demanded money from the youths at the party, and when they objected to it, the situation escalated. They were involved in an altercation followed by firing by the police team. DSP Adil Bilal allegedly fired on them. Badal sustained a gunshot injury on his chest while the others also sustained gunshot injuries,” said the brother of the deceased.

The victim's brother specifically alleged that the traffic DSP and his bodyguard were responsible for the firing.

Meanwhile, Rohtas SP Roshan Kumar told IANS that around 20 individuals were having a liquor party, which is prohibited in the state.

The altercation began when the traffic DSP and other accompanying police personnel intervened, leading to a confrontation with the group.

“We have seized liquor bottles and more than 10 bikes from the location. The district police are employing investigative tools such as CCTV footage, statements from involved parties including a Constable who was injured, and forensic methods to ascertain the sequence of events.

“We are trying to locate individuals who were present at the party. They would put the actual sequence of events,” Kumar said.

“We have registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) following complaints filed by the deceased’s brother and from the police side. A death has taken place in this incident and we are waiting for the postmortem report. It would clarify the nature of bullets through the injuries of the deceased,” Kumar said.

This case underscores the importance of adhering to local laws and the challenges law enforcement agencies face when dealing with such violations.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) BJP National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday slammed the Congress party for engaging in what he termed "dirty politics" following the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Speaking to IANS, he also reaffirmed the Modi government's commitment to allocating space for a memorial in honour of the late leader.

Dr Manmohan Singh, India's 14th Prime Minister and a globally acclaimed economist, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

Known as the "architect of India's economic reforms," Dr Singh served as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

Addressing the controversy around demands for a memorial in his name, Trivedi said, "The entire nation is mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The BJP-led NDA government is committed to building a memorial in his honour and this decision has been conveyed to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge by Union Home Minister Amit Shah."

Accusing Congress of "playing dirty politics" over the issue, Trivedi said, "Everyone is aware that when Dr Manmohan Singh was alive, he did not get proper respect from the Congress and now condemnable politics is being done after his demise."

"Dr. Manmohan Singh was the first Prime Minister of Congress, outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, who led the country for 10 years. Everyone knows what the Congress did with former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, who was the first PM outside the Nehru-Gandhi family," he said, adding that it has been the "nature of Congress that no leader outside their family is given due respect."

He further pointed to 'historically neglect' of several leaders, citing examples of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Pranab Mukherjee.

"It is unfortunate that Congress is using this solemn occasion for political mileage. Their actions are not new, as seen in the case of late President Pranab Mukherjee, whose daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, criticised the party for not organising a condolence meeting after his demise," he added.

Trivedi further emphasised that the BJP respects Dr Singh's legacy and accused Congress of hypocrisy.

"Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the government has risen above party lines, conferring Bharat Ratna awards on Congress leaders like Madan Mohan Malaviya, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Pranab Mukherjee. Padma awards have also been given to Congress stalwarts such as S.C. Jamir and Tarun Gogoi," he said.

"The sad truth is that everyone knows how Dr Manmohan Singh was treated during his lifetime, and now the Congress is playing politics after his passing. The NDA government, on the other hand, has always honoured leaders who have contributed to India's progress," he added.

Earlier in the day, Dr Singh's last rites were conducted with full state honours at Delhi's Nigam Bodh Ghat.

The ‘politics’ over Dr Manmohan Singh’s memorial began as Congress leaders criticised the decision to perform the last rites at Nigam Bodh Ghat, arguing that a designated memorial site should have been identified.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to government yesterday, seeking a dedicated space for the memorial.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) BJP National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday slammed the Congress party over Dr Manmohan Singh memorial row and said that their leaders ‘from outside the family’ never got respect and their due in the party.

In an interview with IANS, Trivedi blamed Congress for politicising the memorial issue of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92.

Additionally, the BJP spokesperson also talked about the Sambhal dispute, Spiritual leader Swami Ram Bhadracharya, and the rift in the INDIA bloc.

Excerpts of the interview:

IANS: Former President late Pranab Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee has criticised Congress for seeking a separate memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and has claimed that the party did not even call a condolence meeting when her father passed away. How do you see this?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: It is very unfortunate. What happened with P.V. Narshimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee is evident to all.

On the other hand, the BJP-led NDA government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rose above party spirit and honoured all the great people who brought glory to the country. We conferred Bharat Ratna upon three big leaders of Congress -- Madan Mohan Malviya, P.V. Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee.

Not only this, many Congress leaders are also honoured with Padma awards -- S.C. Jamir and Tarun Gogoi. However, Congress never gave them the respect they deserved. The sad thing is that everyone knows how Dr Manmohan Singh was treated during his lifetime, and now politics is being played after his passing away.

IANS: The memorial demand for the former Prime Minister has spurred a controversy, even though the Union cabinet has approved it. How do you see this?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: Today, the entire nation is mourning the passing away of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The entire country wants a space to be allocated for the respectable memorial of the late leader. The PM Modi-led NDA government and the BJP are committed to doing so, and hence, it was decided that a memorial will be built in honour of Dr Manmohan Singh.

The process to construct the memorial will be followed, and it has been conveyed to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

IANS: Do you think that Congress is playing dirty politics following the demise of Dr Singh?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: It is unfortunate that during this painful time, Congress is playing its dirty politics. Everyone is aware that when Dr Manmohan Singh was alive, he did not get proper respect from the Congress, and now condemnable politics is being done after his demise.

Dr Manmohan Singh was the first Prime Minister from Congress outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, who led the country for 10 years. Everyone knows what the Congress did with former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, who was the first PM outside the Nehru-Gandhi family.

It has been the nature of Congress that no leader outside their family is given due respect. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Pranab Mukherjee are a few examples of this.

Congress should avoid doing politics during this painful time.

IANS: Spiritual leader Swami Ram Bhadracharya has said, "It is a good thing that traces of a temple are found in Sambhal, and we will secure it, through the courts, votes, or public support." What is your stance on this?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: The Supreme Court has given instructions that everyone should follow the decision of the court.

IANS: The INDIA bloc is facing rifts in many states. There are reports claiming an internal rift in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Additionally, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has said that Congress should be removed from the alliance. What do you have to say about this?

Sudhanshu Trivedi: Immediately after the elections in Maharashtra, the mismatch in the Maha Vikas Aghadi was evident. Differences between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are now out in the open.

In Delhi, both Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are using abusive language against each other. It is clear from this that the INDIA bloc, which was formed at the beginning of 2024, is disappearing by the end of 2024.

In Maharashtra, the leaders of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, both used to hug each other like family, but deep inside, every one of them was just eyeing power by eliminating others from the race.

--IANS

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Kochi, Dec 28 (IANS) In recognition to the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute’s (CMFRI) pivotal role in advancing fisheries science, two of its scientists have been honoured by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) for their exceptional contributions.

Established in 1990, NAAS is dedicated to promoting excellence in agricultural sciences, encompassing other areas such as crop and animal husbandry, fisheries, agroforestry, and the agriculture-industry interface.

Dr Eldho Varghese, senior Scientist at CMFRI, has been elected as a NAAS Fellow, while Dr T.G. Sumithra has been selected as a NAAS Associate. These prestigious recognitions underline their contributions to agricultural research in their respective domains.

NAAS Fellowships are awarded to distinguished scientists from India and abroad for outstanding contributions to agriculture and allied sciences. The Associateship program, introduced to recognise young scientists under 40 years of age working in agriculture-related disciplines in India, highlights emerging talent in the field.

Dr Eldho Varghese was honoured for his innovative contributions to statistics, particularly in designing experiments for agricultural and fisheries research. His work includes statistical and ecosystem modelling, fish stock assessment, applying deep learning models in marine fisheries research, and developing computational tools for advanced data analysis.

Dr T.G. Sumithra was recognized for her groundbreaking research in fish health and marine microbiology. Her studies focus on the marine fish microbiome, fish diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. Her work has led to the creation of guidelines for responsible antibiotic use in aquaculture and eco-friendly technologies for bioethanol production and sustainable fish waste management.

NAAS, a national body devoted to agricultural sciences, serves as a premier platform for agricultural scientists to deliberate on pressing issues in research, education, and extension. It provides policy recommendations to planners and decision-makers while fostering cutting-edge research across diverse fields of agricultural sciences.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 28 (IANS) West Bengal Police on Saturday said that its sleuths have cracked a major inter-state fake railways’ job racket.

According to the cops, the racket has its roots in the industrial-cum-coal belt of Asansol in West Burdwan district.

The cops have arrested two persons, both original residents of Asansol, from Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow and they were brought back to Asansol on transit remand on Saturday.

The arrested persons have been identified as Dinesh Kumar and Priti Arora a.k.a. Seema.

While Kumar is a resident of Durand Colony in Asansol, Seema’s residence is at Sukanta Pally also in Asansol.

Sources in the state police said that they were staying in Lucknow posing as husband and wife.

The investigation was initiated by the state police in November this year based on a complaint received from a youth from the neighbouring state who was duped of a few lakh rupees against promises of railway jobs.

Accordingly, on November 30, the cops arrested another associate in the racket Harinder Singh also from Asansol.

Singh was an original resident of neighbouring Bihar.

From his residence the cops seized several incriminating documents including fake appointment letters for different railway jobs.

On the basis of interrogation of Singh, the cops arrested another person from Asansol whose name is Avodesh Kumar.

In the face of grilling, Kumar confessed that Dinesh Kumar and Seema were the main brains behind the racket.

Accordingly, the investigating officials started hunting and finally got information about the duo hiding in Lucknow.

A team of West Bengal Police reached Lucknow, took them into custody and brought them back to Asansol.

They are in police custody now and the cops are trying to extract information from them about their other associates.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) There will be zero tolerance for consumer exploitation, said Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi over price differentiation between iPhone and Android users on ride-hailing apps.

Joshi said this while responding to a media report that claimed that ride-hailing apps’ algorithms were programmed to charge Apple users higher than those using Andriod phones.

“This prima facie looks like unfair trade practice where the cab aggregators are alleged to be using Differential Pricing based on the factors mentioned in the article. If so, this is blatant disregard to consumer’s right to know,” Joshi said in a post on social media platform X.

Noting “zero tolerance for consumer exploitation,” he directed the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to examine instances of pricing discrepancies. Besides ride-hailing apps, the Union Minister also ordered inquiry into such practices among food delivery apps and online ticket booking apps.

“I have directed @jagograhakjago through CCPA to conduct a detailed inquiry into this and submit a report at the earliest. Have asked the department to look into other sectors as well like, food delivery apps, online ticket booking apps, etc,” Joshi said.

The probe follows media reports highlighting price disparities between mobile platforms for the same journey.

Earlier, Niraali Parekh, Founder and Creative Director of Bokap Designs, also highlighted the price difference between Android and one iPhone while booking an Uber ride.

In a LinkedIn post, he recounted how his colleague who booked an Uber ride using Android and iPhone phones simultaneously, for the same pick-up and drop-off points saw significant differences in fares.

“On Android, the fare was Rs 290.79 and on iPhone, the fare jumped to Rs 342.47,” he said.

While some users called the pricing strategy an inevitable consequence of a data-driven business model, others stated that this model also works on MakeMyTrip while booking hotels.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Dec 28 (IANS) Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayanand stated on Saturday that all flyovers of the capital city would be closed on New Year’s eve.

He also underlined that there is heightened vigilance on distribution of drugs and on rave parties in the city and on the outskirts.

Addressing reporters, Dayanand stated, instructions have been issued for the closure of pubs, hotels, restaurants by 1 am on December 31.

He said that during new year celebrations there is a chance of untoward incidents taking place and rampage on the flyover by groups.

Considering the risk, all flyovers including those connecting the Bengaluru International Airport would be closed.

Safety islands have been created, CCTV and drone cameras have also been installed at MG Road, Brigade Road, Koramangala and Indiranagar and other locations where large crowds gather to celebrate new year, he stated.

Additionally, dog squads will be pressed into service, more lighting arrangements are being done, barricades will be erected and there will be vehicles attached to the Fire and Emergency services, he said.

There will be one-way traffic on MG Road and Brigade Road during the celebrations of new year. The Metro Railway Station would be closed from 11 pm onwards.

More than a lakh people gather on the MG Road every year to welcome the new year.

Dayanand further made an appeal to the public to call toll free number 1930 in case of cyber fraud.

“I request people not to make calls to mobile numbers of police officers. They won’t be able to respond immediately as they will be busy with other work. In this backdrop, I request people to call the 1930 helpline,” he underlined.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has directed the city’s police commissioner to investigate surveillance allegations made by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit and submit a comprehensive report within three days.

Dikshit, a former Member of Parliament and a proposed candidate for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, has accused Intelligence personnel from the Punjab government of repeatedly visiting his residence and parking their vehicles outside his home.

“This pertains to a representation received from Sandeep Dikshit, former MP and candidate of the Indian National Congress for the upcoming Delhi Vidhan Sabha Elections, 2025. He has raised serious concerns regarding Intelligence personnel from the Punjab government allegedly visiting his residence and parking their vehicles outside his house,” the LG’s office stated in an official release.

Dikshit further claimed that these actions were being orchestrated at the behest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He suggested that this could be an attempt to intimidate and discourage him from participating in the electoral process.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the LG emphasised the importance of ensuring a fair democratic environment, particularly in light of the upcoming elections.

"The Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor has noted the gravity of the allegations. Given the impending Vidhan Sabha elections, it is essential that potential candidates are not subjected to any form of intimidation or coercion that could hinder their participation in the democratic process," the statement further read.

The LG has directed the police commissioner to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and submit a detailed report within three days to his office.

Sandeep Dikshit has been fielded against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency for the upcoming Assembly elections likely to be held early next year. He had met Delhi LG Saxena on Thursday.

The Congress leader had also appealed to the Delhi LG to order the registration of a cheating case against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Atishi over the ‘fraudulent scheme’ of ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’.

--IANS

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Beed (Maharashtra), Dec 28 (IANS) Various Opposition parties, social groups and non-government organisations in Maharashtra on Saturday took out a massive ‘silent procession’ to protest the murder of Massajog village Sarpanch, Santosh Pandit Deshmukh.

Deshmukh, 45, was kidnapped, brutally tortured and then killed near a windmill company because he was attempting to stop an extortion racket. His killing has sparked a massive political furore in Maharashtra.

Sporting black masks or arm bands, carrying banners, placards and photos of Deshmukh, top leaders of various parties joined several thousands, including many women and youth for the silent march.

The silent march began from a statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and ended at the Beed Collectorate offices.

Among the participants were members of the bereaved Sarpanch’s family, comprising his widow, teen daughter Vaibhavi, brother, sister and hundreds of villagers supporting them.

Besides, there were Maharashtra Swarajya Party President Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Bhosale, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) General Secretary and Mumbra-Kalwa (Thane) MLA Dr. Jitendra Awhad, NCP (SP) Beed MP Bajrang M. Sonawane, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Ashthi MLA Suresh, Maratha leader and Shivba Sanghatana head Manoj Jarange-Patil, anti-graft crusader Anjali Damania, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, and local activists.

The posters-placards carried slogans demanding “justice for Deshmukh”, and arrest of the prime absconder-suspect Walmik Karad and two more, booking the mastermind/s behind the gruesome killing including a prominent ruling MahaYuti ally Nationalist Congress Party minister, plus others.

Deshmukh’s killing shot into national headlines with top leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) calling on the Deshmukh family, offering solace and assuring that they would take up the issue with the Maharashtra and central governments, even as it was raised in the Assembly last week, and the government promised strict action.

Simultaneously, parts of Beed town and the Massajog village observed a spontaneous shutdown as the locals kept all business establishments, schools, colleges and other private offices shut to join the silent march.

The Marathi Kranti Thok Morcha has demanded that the Deshmukh murder case should be investigated on priority and the trial assigned to a fast-track court in Mumbai (instead of Beed) for transparency, ensuring the maximum punishment for all the accused, invoking the anti-corruption Act, etc.

--IANS

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Shimla, Dec 28 (IANS) An intense cold wave continued on Saturday with most parts of Himachal Pradesh shivering with snow-marooned Manali at 0.2 degree Celsius, while the Met office forecast “chances of more rainfall and snowfall in the state till December 29.”

The western disturbances -- storm systems originating from the Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- will be active in the region for the next 24 hours, a Met Office official told IANS.

In the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain/snowfall is likely at many places and heavy rain/snowfall at some places over Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Kinnaur, Shimla and in Sirmaur.

He said light to moderate rain or snowfall is likely at many places with heavy precipitation at some places over Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kinnaur, Shimla and Sirmaur districts.

Most of the prominent tourist towns like Narkanda, Kufri and Manali, located in mid-hills, may witness more snowfall, the weatherman added.

Shimla, which saw a low of 1.2 degrees Celsius, had received 20.2 mm rain, while its neigbouring hill destinations Kufri and Narkanda had plentiful snow.

Manali in Kullu district, about 250-km from here, is also wrapped under a blanket of snow.

Picturesque Kalpa in Kinnaur district was the coldest place in the state at minus 2.5 degrees Celsius with 23 cms of snow. It was 5.9 degrees in Dharamsala town.

Those in the hospitality industry are happy as they are expecting a record footfall on New Year’s Eve owing to chances of more snow.

“Snowfall is always an added attraction for our guests,” remarked a hotelier in Shimla, adding, “We are getting enquiries about the chances of snowfall on December 31”.

A day earlier, heavy snowfall in the Lahaul valley and upper Manali region caused a major traffic disruption on the Manali-Leh highway.

Reports said more than 1,000 vehicles, largely of the tourists, got stuck in the Solang Nala of Kullu district.

According to Kullu Police, there were about 5,000 tourists struck in their vehicles.

“All the vehicles and tourists have been rescued and taken to safe places,” it said.

An update by the Lahaul and Spiti police on Saturday said it “has been snowing in Sissu and the road to Sissu (from Manali) is closed owing to accumulation of over three-feet of snow.”

--IANS

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