India

New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) Delhi woke up to dense fog on Wednesday morning, significantly reducing visibility. The overall Air Quality Index at 7 a.m. was recorded at 333, categorised as 'very poor', an improvement from the previous day's 'severe' level.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature stood at nine degrees Celsius.

Due to the foggy condition 20 trains to Delhi from various parts of the country were running.

The Delhi Airport also issued an advisory for the passengers. It said that the flights that are not CAT III compliant may be affected and the passengers are requested to contact the airline for updated flight information.

Meanwhile, the air quality improvement in the national capital and surrounding areas was noted after the AQI dropped to 369 by 4 p.m. on December 24.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the AQI in Delhi's key areas remained in the 'very poor' category as of 5 a.m. on Wednesday (December 25). Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 366, Alipur recorded an AQI of 324, Ashok Vihar recorded an AQI of 373, and other key areas similarly reported AQI levels in the 'very poor' category.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow guidelines to minimize pollution.

In response to worsening air quality earlier this month, Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were implemented on December 16 after AQI levels breached the 400 mark.

However, following gradual improvement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked these Stage IV restrictions on December 24. Despite this, measures under Stages I, II, and III will remain in effect to prevent further air quality degradation.

The CPCB's AQI classification ranges from 'good' (0-50) to 'severe plus' (above 450), with Delhi's current 'very poor' levels still posing health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. As winter intensifies, air quality monitoring and preventive measures remain critical in the region.

Authorities continue to emphasise the need for public cooperation to mitigate pollution and sustain recent improvements. The National Capital is expected to experience mixed weather conditions in the coming week.

--IANS

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Mysuru, Dec 25 (IANS) Objections are raised over the proposal for naming a road after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Mysuru city by the local city corporation in the backdrop of allegations against him in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

The Mysuru City Corporation has recently given an advertisement in newspapers inviting objections to its proposal of naming the stretch of the road between Sri Laxminarayana Swamy temple to Metagalli Royal Inn Junction in Mysuru as "Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga".

The advertisement was published on December 13 and the corporation has invited the public to submit objections within 30 days in writing.

Amid the controversy, the Mysuru City Corporation had decided in this regard in the council meeting held on November 22.

Reacting to the development, Bhanu Mohan, President of the Parisara Samrakshana Samithi, in her letter to the Mysuru City Corporation said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is currently facing an investigation by the Mysuru Lokayukta.

"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had been booked under Sections 120B, 166, 403, 406, 420, 426, 465, 468, 340, 351 of the IPC. Under Sections 9 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Sections 3, 53 and 54 of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act and Sections 3 and 4 of the Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Act," Bhanu Mohan added.

"In this case, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is named as the accused number one. It would give a bad message to the society to name the public road under the name of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under these circumstances," she said.

"Against this backdrop, I am making this submission of objections and request not to name the road after CM Siddaramaiah until the court trial is over and the verdict is given. If Chief Minister Siddaramaiah comes out clean, then the proposal of naming the road after him could be considered," she demanded.

Bhanu Mohan has also attached the case details and FIR along with her submission.

The petitioner in the MUDA case, Snehamayi Krishna said that he is surprised with the decision of the Mysuru City Corporation to take a decision to name the public road after the accused number one who is charged under various columns and acts.

CM Siddaramaiah is facing an investigation by Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate in the MUDA scam for allegedly getting 14 sites allotted to his family by violating all rules.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Dec 25 (IANS) At least six people were injured in a violent clash that broke out between two groups living adjacent residential colonies in Madhya Pradesh's capital city Bhopal on Tuesday.

The incident occurred following an altercation over rash driving near the Galla Mandi area under Jahangirabad police station where people belonging to Sikh and Muslim communities pelted stones and attacked each other with sticks.

Videos of the violence, apparently recorded by locals from their balconies and windows, surfaced on social media. The footage showed individuals armed with swords and sticks, chasing opponents, while others, including women, appeared to incite the violence.

The situation was brought under control after several police teams arrived on the scene and conducted a flag march to reassure residents. However, at least six people were injured in the incident.

Police said the Sikh and Muslim communities residing in adjacent colonies share a common route, which has been a long-standing dispute between them. However, the fresh dispute began on Sunday when local resident Faiz drove recklessly through the neighbourhood.

This led to an altercation with people from the Sikh community dominating the locality. During the fight, Faiz reportedly grabbed a knife from a vegetable cart and attacked a person.

Following that incident, an FIR was registered at Jahangirabad police station and Faiz along with three others was arrested on Monday. Two others involved in Sunday's clash were still absconding and they are being searched.

On Tuesday morning, people from the Sikh community spotted one of the absconding accused and they chased him, which led to a fresh round of altercation as more people from both sides came to the scene.

“On Tuesday morning, the two groups confronted each other again, leading to a physical altercation involving sticks and swords,” said a top police official briefing the press during the evening.

Besides, deploying heavy forces, people from both sides were called by police and efforts were made to mediate. Heavy deployment of force has been made; however, tensions remain high in the locality.

In the late evening, people from the Sikh community started gathering at Gurudwara, however, the police took prompt action and sent them to their homes.

"Several teams of police have been deployed at the scenes and the situation is being monitored at entry and exit points. Stone-pelters and others involved in the clash will be identified using CCTV footage and action will be taken," DCP Priyanka Shukla said.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Dec 25 (IANS) Senior Jammu and Kashmir Congress leader and MLA, G. A. Mir said on Tuesday that the National Conference (NC) Lok Sabha member, Syed Ruhullah Mehdi could have behaved more seriously than opting for what Mir called a 'Camera show'.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Mir said that the NC Lok Sabha member, who held an anti-reservation protest march outside Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah's residence on Monday could have behaved more seriously.

"He could have met the Chief Minister, who was just five minutes walk away from him. It has become a fashion for politicians to opt for 'camera shows' instead of showing more serious behaviour. He could have met the Chief Minister and raised his demands directly," the Congress leader said while answering a question about the protest led by NC Lok Sabha member Mehdi on Monday outside the Gupkar Road residence of Omar Abdullah.

Syed Ruhullah Mehdi created a flutter in the ruling NC by leading a protest sit-in against the reservation policy of J&K under which just 40 per cent of vacancies are available to open merit candidates to compete while applying for government jobs.

The protests were also joined by Opposition PDP leaders, Waheed Para and Iltija Mufti, the daughter of PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti.

Chief spokesperson of Engineer Rashid-led Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) also joined Monday's protest led by the NC MP.

Senior socio-religious separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq supported the protest and said he would have joined it had the authorities allowed him to do so.

In a related development, NC MLA, Salman Sagar on Tuesday criticised Ruhullah Mehdi for carrying out a protest outside his own party leader and Chief Minister.

Salman Sagar said only those protests are allowed for the party leaders, which are permitted by Farooq Abdullah, NC President, or Omar Abdullah, the party's Vice-President.

Salman regretted Ruhullah Mehdi's behaviour and said it had only given a chance to the political opponents of the NC to create news against the Omar Abdullah-led NC government.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Dec 25 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Congress, saying that the grand old party insulted Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, the CM criticised the opposition for failing to fulfil its responsibilities in both Delhi and Rajasthan.

Sharma stated that the issues the opposition is now raising should have been addressed immediately after Independence.

He emphasised that the policies of his party and government are rooted in the principles of Antyodaya, as advocated by Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Sharma pointed out that after 2014, Prime Minister Modi redefined the concept of welfare for the poor, with the government working according to the vision of Baba Saheb.

Sharma accused the Congress of hypocrisy, claiming the party was now pretending to honour Baba Saheb despite having mocked him in the past. He said that Congress had forced Baba Saheb to resign, and called on Congress leaders to produce the resignation letter to reveal its contents. Additionally, he noted that during Baba Saheb's election campaign, Congress had actively opposed him.

He pointed out that after Ambedkar resigned from Nehru's cabinet, he wasn't even allowed to address the House.

"I ask Congress to bring forth the resignation copy submitted by Baba Sahab .. What was his pain; Why did Congress not give him a ticket in the year 1952 and in 1954? People of the nation want answers to these questions, said Sharma adding "You forced him to tender his resignation and you did not allow him to speak in sadan," he added speaking on Ambedkar.

His resignation should be brought to the public, he said.

Sharma also highlighted the numerous memorials dedicated to leaders like Nehru and Sanjay Gandhi, questioning why Congress failed to create any memorials for the man who gave the country its Constitution. He further asserted that Congress not only forced Baba Saheb to resign but also denied him a platform to speak in Parliament.

Sharma further questioned, "Despite Congress' long tenure in power, why Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar was never awarded the Bharat Ratna."

He further said that it was the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee that honoured him with the prestigious award, followed by the Modi government, which has worked to preserve Baba Saheb's legacy. He emphasised that Congress failed to build a single memorial for Baba Saheb, while naming numerous roads and memorials after the Gandhi family.

Sharma criticised Congress' politics of caste, religion, and corruption, accusing Rahul Gandhi of inappropriate behaviour in Parliament, including pushing MPs and insulting women. He stated that Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed and added that Congress should not have invoked Baba Saheb’s name for political gain.

According to Sharma, Congress lacks any real issues and has never focused on the country's development. He accused the party of being power-hungry and willing to do anything to regain control.

Sharma expressed confidence that the Indian public had already begun to reject Congress' tactics. He assured that the people would continue to hold Congress accountable in the future. He reiterated that his government is guided by the principles of Baba Saheb, with a clear focus on progress over the past year.

Bharatiya Janata Party State President Madan Rathore and Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Dr Prem Bairwa were also present.

--IANS

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Gurugram, Dec 25 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday chaired a review meeting regarding the construction process of the 700-bed civil hospital to be built in Gurugram.

The hospital will be constructed as part of efforts to improve healthcare services in the region.

During the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Sudhir Rajpal, while providing an update on the construction progress of the civil hospital in Civil Lines, shared that the hospital will be built on 7.73 acres of land at a cost of around Rs 990 crore.

The hospital will consist of a 13-storey building, including a basement, ground floor, and 11 floors.

The hospital will include 60 ICU beds, 12 operation theatres, and an emergency helipad, among other important facilities.

He further shared that at present there is a nearby government school built on nearly 1.5 acres of land to provide more space for the hospital's future needs and improve public access to the facility.

The state government can think of shifting the school building on the opposite side of the road to a 2.5-acre plot of land owned by the Education Department.

Meanwhile, after receiving a detailed report on the progress of the hospital's construction, the Chief Minister directed that arrangements should be made according to the project's timeline.

He further directed the officers to ensure that the hospital meets the future medical needs of the city.

He also directed that the new building for the school, proposed by the Education Department, be constructed in a multi-story design.

He said that the school should continue to operate in its current building until the new one is ready.

Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh, Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao, Industries and Commerce, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, Pataudi MLA, Bimla Chaudhary, Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, CMO Virender Yadav and other officers also remained present during this occasion.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Dec 25 (IANS) Reacting to a series of allegations against the Congress, especially on Nehru-Gandhi family, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday that Rahul Gandhi must learn from former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the Leader of Opposition.

During a press briefing in Bhopal, CM Yadav also criticised the current leadership of Congress under Rahul Gandhi.

"Why should Amit Shah apologise when he did nothing wrong? His (Amit Shah) statement during Parliament address was misinterpreted and presented by Congress in an attempt to mislead people for vote bank," the CM said.

Besides highlighting the historical facts (as claimed by BJP) about the bitter relationship between former PM Jawahar Lal Nehru and Ambedkar on various issues, including Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, CM Yadav criticised Congress MP and LoP in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Citing the example of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said, "After Prime Minister, the LoP is the second highest post in Indian democracy. Rahul Gandhi should show some respect for his position. He should take a lesson from Atal ji, who led the Opposition (as LoP) under five Prime Ministers, and he earned respect for himself from the ruling side also."

CM Yadav also asked: "What the Congress has done in respect of Ambedkar?"

He said the person, who defeated Ambedkar in the election, was felicitated with the highest civilian award 'Bharat Ratna'.

"Nehru-Gandhi family insulted Ambedkar even after his death. I want to ask Ambedkar deserves Bharat Ratna or not?" he asked.

Chief Minister Yadav also said, "Congress was in power in Madhya Pradesh for several decades, but didn't establish a monument of Ambedkar at his birthplace in Mhow."

"Rahul Gandhi visited Mhow during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, but when any Congress top leader visited Ambedkar's birthplace," he asked.

On the other side, Congress leaders, including former CM and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh participated in a march carried out in respect of Ambedkar in Bhopal.

Addressing the party workers, Digvijaya Singh said, "Amit Shah's remarks on Ambedkar were condemnable and the Opposition is demanding an apology from him. He should apologise and resign from the post on moral grounds, but he is being shielded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 25 (IANS) Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal strongly criticised RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, for his announcement of providing Rs 2,500 per month to women in the state.

Jaiswal questioned the feasibility of the promise and cast doubt on its implementation.

He sarcastically asked whether Tejashwi would finance the scheme from his "Babu Ji’s (Daddy’s) house."

Jaiswal reminded the public of the state of women’s welfare during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure, arguing that the RJD failed to improve conditions for women during its long rule.

Drawing a parallel to Chhattisgarh, Jaiswal likened Tejashwi's promise to that of Bhupesh Baghel, the Congress Chief Minister, who made several promises during elections.

“Despite Baghel’s promises, the BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh because voters understood that announcements alone do not lead to action,” Jaiswal said.

The BJP leader emphasised that only the Bharatiya Janata Party has the credibility and capability to deliver on promises, asserting that announcements by RJD and its allies lack substance.

Earlier, Tejashwi Yadav announced Rs 2,500 per month for women under the proposed ‘Mai-Behan Maan Yojana’, and 200 units of free electricity if the Grand Alliance wins the 2025 Assembly elections.

Jaiswal questioned the credibility of such promises and reaffirmed the public's trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said that in India, "nothing is guaranteed," except for the trust in Narendra Modi’s leadership. The BJP leader argued that the public overwhelmingly believes in PM Modi’s ability to deliver on promises, unlike the opposition, which he claimed, only makes empty announcements.

The statement of Dilip Jaiswal came during a Milan Samaroh organised at the BJP state office in Patna, where he welcomed social worker Kunal Kishore of Barbigha and hundreds of his supporters into the party. The event was attended by prominent leaders, including BJP MP Vivek Thakur.

Jaiswal emphasised the strengthening of the BJP's organisational base in regions like Barbigha due to the addition of influential figures like Kunal Kishore.

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 25 (IANS) Patna Police arrested two candidates for their alleged involvement in creating a ruckus at the Bapu Examination Centre during the BPSC examination on December 13, an official said on Tuesday. This was the third arrest in this connection.

According to Patna City SDPO Atulesh Jha, Ashwini Kumar from Rohtas and Mohammad Faiyaz from Samastipur were identified as the alleged candidates after reviewing CCTV footage from the examination centre.

“The footage revealed the duo exiting the examination hall and inciting others by falsely claiming the exam was cancelled, causing a disturbance. Both individuals now face criminal charges for their actions,” Jha said.

Jha further elaborated on the incident, confirming that Ashwini Kumar and Mohammad Faiyaz, though without any prior criminal record, have been charged under cognizable offences due to the disturbance they caused at the Bapu Examination Centre during the BPSC examination on December 13.

In addition to these arrests, two more candidates who were present at the centre on the same day are being questioned.

“The investigation has also brought up the potential involvement of certain coaching institutes. We are looking into this aspect and have stated that any coaching institute found to be complicit in orchestrating the chaos will face strict penalties. The police are continuing their probe to determine the full extent of the incident and any external influences,” he said.

Earlier on December 19, Patna Police arrested an individual on charges of causing a disturbance during the 70th BPSC Combined Examination held at the Bapu Examination Centre in Kumhrar locality, Patna, on December 13.

That arrested person, identified as Manish Kumar from Jagatpur in Supaul district, was allegedly involved in creating chaos during the examination.

After the chaos at the Bapu examination centre, an FIR was lodged at Agam Kuan police station following a complaint lodged by the duty magistrate of the examination centre. Following that FIR, Patna Police investigated the matter and arrested the accused on the basis of technical evidence.

On December 13, some candidates caused a commotion at the Bapu Examination Centre, citing allegations of a paper leak and delays in distributing question papers. Following this, the police registered a case against 50 to 60 unidentified youths.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Dec 25 (IANS) The Karnataka BJP delegation has demanded Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to intervene in the investigation of a derogatory remark case involving BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar to ensure the conducting of a judicial inquiry.

The delegation headed by the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, former CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai, Leader of the Opposition in the Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and other senior BJP leaders met the Governor at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor, R. Ashoka said, "We met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and explained in detail about the police high handedness on BJP MLC C.T. Ravi. We briefed the Governor on how BJP MLC Ravi was arrested, tortured, denied food, and taken to undisclosed areas."

C.T. Ravi comes from the sensitive Maoist-prone area of Chikkamagaluru and he also faces threats from Islamic fundamentalists.

"All previous governments had provided him with a gunman facility. Despite all this, the move of the police department to take Ravi to a quarry, sugarcane field overnight creates suspicion," R. Ashoka said.

“Already, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has commented on it. The police officer claims that BJP MLC Ravi was taken to a sugarcane field to ensure security. This means that the police stations in the state are not safe and the same has been conveyed to the people by this government," R. Ashoka alleged, referring to the Belagavi Police Commissioner's statement that BJP MLC Ravi was taken to various locations to ensure his safety.

“We have told the Governor that this is a buffoon government. C.T. Ravi should be given proper security. An unbiased investigation has to be carried out. While C.T. Ravi was taken to the police station, I personally saw the Police Commissioner getting calls every minute. I was there for five hours. Who called him? Whether it was the CM or the Deputy CM? If it comes out, there will be transparency in the investigation of the case," the Opposition leader said.

"We have demanded a judicial inquiry in this backdrop. We have requested the Governor that you are the protector of the Constitution. We have also pointed out that If C.T. Ravi, an MLC could be treated like this, what about the plight of the common man? Against this backdrop, a request has been made with the Governor to send a message," he added.

"This should be a model case and assure people that the Governor will not keep quiet and initiate action in a situation like this. This is a black mark on the government of Karnataka," Ashoka said while slamming the Congress government.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara himself questioned the whereabouts of BJP leader C.T. Ravi, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cited security concerns as the reason.

Criticising the Congress government, R. Ashoka said, "This is a buffoon government. No one has governed so poorly before."

He alleged that police stations have effectively turned into Congress offices in Karnataka and said that he is sceptical about the impartiality of police investigations.

"If all investigations are conducted by the police themselves, whether it is handed over to the CID or anyone else, it makes no difference. The police have not acted responsibly. For this reason, a judicial inquiry is being demanded," he said.

He assured that the BJP would accept any verdict or decision that comes out of a judicial inquiry.

The row erupted on December 19 during a heated debate in the Karnataka Legislative Council.

C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a "drug addict".

This provoked strong reactions, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar calling Ravi a "murderer".

Ravi reportedly responded with an obscene remark directed at Hebbalkar.

The alleged comment led to Ravi's arrest on charges of using derogatory language against Hebbalkar.

However, following a High Court directive, Ravi was released, creating further political drama.

The Congress government has handed over the case to the special wing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) even as the Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti had said that the case is a closed chapter and the police interference is unacceptable.

The BJP delegation is meeting the Governor in this regard.

Meanwhile, Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, challenged BJP MLC C.T. Ravi to swear before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the famous Hindu pilgrimage centre in Dharmasthala in Karnataka, regarding his alleged use of derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council.

--IANS

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