Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that the bulldozing of Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout, where Muslims have been living for years, in the capital city of Karnataka, is extremely shocking and painful.

Chief Minister Vijayan said this action of the Congress government in Karnataka is another version of the anti-minority aggressive politics being practiced by the Sangh Parivar in North India.

It is surprising that while the North Indian model of bulldozer justice is being implemented in South India, its implementation is being done in Karnataka by the Congress government there, he said.

“How can the Congress justify such mass evictions by the very rulers who should have to take the initiative to provide shelter to the poor and not evict anyone from their homes?” CM Vijayan asked.

Indian Railways operated over 43,000 special train trips in 2025 to ensure smooth travel during festivals and peak seasons.

In 2025, special train operations were significantly scaled up, highlighting enhanced planning and a stronger focus on passenger comfort.

This year, Indian Railways undertook one of its largest special train operations for Maha Kumbh, operating 17,340 special train trips between 13 January and 28 February 2025 to facilitate the movement of a very large number of pilgrims.

Indian Railways has undertaken extensive measures to ensure smooth, safe, and convenient travel for passengers by operating a large number of special train trips during major religious events and peak travel seasons. These initiatives reflect the Railways’ continued commitment to meeting increased passenger demand and providing seamless connectivity across the country.

“For Holi 2025, held from 1 March to 22 March 2025, 1,144 special train trips were operated, nearly double the number run during Holi 2024, ensuring better availability and smoother festive travel,” the Ministry of Railways said on Friday.

The summer travel season of 2025, spanning 1 April to 30 June, saw the operation of 12,417 Summer Special train trips, maintaining a high level of service during peak vacation months.

Special arrangements for Chhath Puja 2025 were further strengthened, with 12,383 special train trips operated between 1 October and 30 November 2025, marking a substantial increase over the previous year.

In a significant push for Odisha in its digital agriculture journey, the Centre has formally assessed and approved the state’s proposals under the Special Central Assistance (SCA).

The centre has declared the state eligible for incentives for both components of AgriStack – a Digital Public Infrastructure initiative for Agriculture, with Rs 55.48 crore for achieving the first milestone of the Farmers’ Registry and Rs 100 crore for successful implementation of the Digital Crop Survey (DCS).

This recognition reaffirms state’s strong compliance with national standards, timely achievement of coverage milestones, and effective execution at scale, reinforcing the State’s leadership in adopting data-driven, farmer-centric digital reforms, said officials from the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment on Friday.

The Farmer Registry (FR) provides an authenticated, verified database of farmers, enabling accurate beneficiary identification for schemes such as PM-KISAN, CM Kisan, crop insurance, etc.

The Digital Crop Survey offers geo-referenced plot-wise crop sown information, helping the state prepare realistic area and production estimates, procurement plans and other scheme delivery to targeted farmers.

Together, the FR and DCS answer who the farmer is, where the land is, and what crop is grown, forming the backbone for scheme delivery.

“This is a proud moment, reflecting Odisha’s vision of making agriculture more transparent, efficient, and prosperous,” said Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

He has urged the department to leverage these tools to script a new chapter of growth and sustainability in Odisha’s agrarian economy. He has congratulated the team in the Agriculture Department, all technical personnel involved in the initiative, and the farmers of Odisha on this historic achievement.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Arabinda Kumar Padhee said the AgriStack approval will revolutionize data-driven farming, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and prosperity.

“Odisha is poised to script a new chapter of growth with these digital tools. Since Agriculture is central to livelihoods, procurement, and input distribution in Odisha, both FR and DCS would play a critical role in shifting from estimate-based planning to verified, plot-level, evidence-based decision-making across production, procurement, and markets,” Padhee further said.

After decades of bearing the brunt of Left-Wing Extremism, Chhattisgarh now stands at the centre of what security agencies describe as a decisive phase in the fight against Maoist insurgency. With the deadline for ending the insurgency drawing closer, official assessments indicate that 2025 has been the most damaging year yet for the outlawed movement, with 10 of its top leaders killed in encounters across four states.

Of the 10 senior Maoist leaders neutralised this year, five were killed in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband and Narayanpur districts. The remaining five were eliminated in coordinated operations conducted by police forces in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with support from central armed police forces. Those killed included the general secretary, central committee members and politburo figures of the CPI (Maoist), dealing a severe blow to the organisation’s command structure.

The most significant setback for the insurgent group came in May with the killing of Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, the Maoists’ general secretary. A BTech graduate and a founding member of the central military committee, Basavaraju was regarded as a key strategist in explosives, IED deployment and armed training. He was killed along with 26 cadres, including 12 women. Linked to high-profile incidents such as the Jehanabad jail break and a major arms loot in Odisha, Basavaraju carried a cumulative reward of ₹1.33 crore.

Earlier, on January 19, Chhattisgarh Police neutralised Jayaram Reddy alias Chalapathi, a central committee member, in the Kulrigat reserve forest along the Chhattisgarh–Odisha border. In September, another central committee member, Modem Balakrishnan, aged 58, was killed along with 10 associates in a separate operation.

Operations outside Chhattisgarh further weakened the Maoist hierarchy. In Jharkhand, police and CRPF CoBRA units killed central committee member Pragya Manjhi alias Vivek and seven others in April in the Gulu Hills area. Another major success followed in September, when central committee member Sahdev Soren and two associates were killed in Hazaribagh, with AK-47 rifles recovered from the site.

Andhra Pradesh Police also recorded significant successes. The elite Greyhounds force killed senior leader Gajarala Ravi alias Uday, secretary of the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee, along with two wanted women cadres. Later, on November 18, police neutralised Madvi Hidma — the youngest among the top Maoist leaders killed this year — in a brief but intense encounter lasting nearly two hours, in which his wife and security detail were also killed.

In Odisha, a major operation on December 25 in Kandhamal district led to the killing of Ganesh Uike, a central committee member, Odisha state committee secretary and Maoist spokesperson. Carrying a reward of ₹1.1 crore, Uike was among six Maoists killed in the operation, including women cadres and operatives from Sukma and Bijapur districts.

Officials said security forces had to battle for over 15 hours in dense forest terrain to neutralise senior leaders such as Uike and Chalapathi in separate encounters.

Senior journalist Rajat Vajpayee told The Statesman that the current phase marks a qualitative shift in counter-insurgency operations. “Security forces are performing better than ever before. The elimination and surrender of senior Maoist leaders have deeply demoralised lower-level cadres,” he said. Vajpayee added that intelligence generated from surrendered cadres has played a crucial role. “Operations planned on the basis of actionable inputs from surrendered militants have yielded exceptionally strong results, accelerating the collapse of the Maoist leadership structure.”

Bastar Range Inspector General P. Sundarraj said Maoist leaders who rise to central committee or politburo levels typically operate across multiple states and carry rewards exceeding ₹1 crore. “Such cadres possess extensive operational experience. Their elimination has a cascading impact on coordination, morale and recruitment within the organisation,” he said.

A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said security forces are intensifying efforts to neutralise nine remaining top Maoist leaders, including Ganapathy, Mallaraj Reddy, Prabhakar, Papa Rao, Sanjeev, Misir Besra, Manjhi Dada, Sannu Reddy and Mohan Reddy.

“These leaders have been masterminding violence across Bastar, Telangana, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. A coordinated, multi-state strategy is being implemented to dismantle their strongholds and curb their influence,” the official said.

With sustained, intelligence-driven operations continuing across the Chhattisgarh–Odisha–Jharkhand–Andhra Pradesh corridor, security officials believe 2025 has fundamentally altered the balance against Maoist insurgency, marking the sharpest erosion of its leadership in recent history and bringing the movement closer to organisational collapse than ever before.

The Bhubaneswar Special Judge Vigilance court on Friday convicted former Odisha cadre IAS officer Vinod Kumar, besides six others, on corruption charges and sentenced them to undergo three-year rigorous imprisonment.

It is pertinent to note here that this is the 12th conviction involving corruption in Orissa Rural Housing Development Corporation (ORHDC) by Vinod Kumar, who has, meanwhile, been dismissed from service after he was found guilty of hatching criminal conspiracy with government functionaries and private persons to embezzle government funds.

“Vinod Kumar, IAS, Former Managing Director, Orissa Rural Housing Development Corporation (ORHDC), Bhubaneswar, Swosti Ranjan Mohapatra, Ex-Company Secretary, Pradeep Kumar Rout, ExAccounts Officer, Satya Prakash Behera, Ex-Junior Loan Officer, Janendra Swain, Ex-System Analyst, Umesh Chandra Swain, Ex-Recovery Assistant, all of ORHDC, Bhubaneswar and Samgram Keshari Sahoo, Proprietor of M/S-Ecstasy Builders & Developers Pvt. Ltd, Bhubaneswar, who were charge sheeted by Odisha Vigilance in a case U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) PC Act,1988/ 468/471/420/120-B IPC for misappropriation of Govt. funds (ORHDC) to the tune of Rs.52,95,000 by diverting funds meant for the rural poor people were convicted by Court”, said prosecution counsels Salila Kumar Pradhan and Biswaranjan Rout.

The six convicted officials had abused their official power and shown undue favour to the private builder Sangram Keshari Sahoo by creating fake and forged documents. Hence, all the erring officials and the private builder were convicted by Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. The Court sentenced each convict to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 3 years each and fine, they added.

It may be recalled here that In February, 2022, the 1989-batch IAS officer was dismissed from service after the Centre approved the state government’s proposal to give him compulsory retirement. Kumar was accused of resorting to unfair means to sanction funds as the managing director of the Odisha Rural Housing Development Corporation after the Super Cyclone hit the coastal state in 1999.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital.

The meeting was confirmed by the President’s Office, which shared photographs of the interaction on social media platform X. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” the post said.

Prime Minister @narendramodi on Friday called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital.
Read More- https://t.co/y2iQp1YuMR@rashtrapatibhvn | #PMModi #PresidentMurmu #TheStatesman pic.x.com/oVMnU7eKMq

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) December 26, 2025

Earlier today, PM Modi had commended the release of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language by President Murmu. In a social media post, PM Modi said that this will help deepen constitutional awareness and democratic participation. The Prime Minister noted that the country is very proud of the Santhali culture and the contribution of the Santhali people to national progress.

The President had also conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on children for their exceptional achievements in the fields of Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture and Science & Technology at a ceremony held in New Delhi on 26 December.

At least eight people were killed, and 18 were injured following an explosion at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Syria, SANA reported on Friday.

Citing officials at the Syrian Health Ministry, SANA said that eight people were killed and 18 others injured in the blast, according to preliminary figures.

It further mentioned that the victims were moved to the Karam al-Louz Hospital in Homs.

As per SANA, the Interior Ministry said that internal security units deployed to the site and established a security cordon around the mosque, located in the Wadi al-Dahab district of Homs in central Syria.

The relevant authorities launched an investigation and have begun collecting evidence to track down those responsible for the criminal act.
A security source told SANA that initial investigations indicate the explosion was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque.
Soon after the explosion, the Syrian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the terrorist explosion which struck the mosque during Friday prayers and resulted in the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians.

The Ministry said in a statement that the cowardly act is a blatant assault on human and moral values, reflecting the desperate attempts to destabilise Syria and undermine the resilience of the Syrian people, as reported by SANA.

It further mentioned that the statement reiterated Syria’s determination to continue combating terrorism in all its forms, stressing that such crimes will not deter its continued efforts in reinforcing security, safeguarding the people, and holding perpetrators accountable.

SANA mentioned that the Ministry extended its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, wished a speedy recovery to the injured, and expressed full solidarity with the Syrian people in this painful tragedy.

With New Year’s Eve approaching, the Hyderabad City Police have announced a stringent ‘Zero Drugs Policy’ to ensure a safe and drug-free environment for citizens, said the official.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner, V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, chaired a high-level coordination meeting on Friday at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Banjara Hills. During the session, he issued a stern directive to top brass and field officers to maintain a “hawk-eyed” vigil across the city.

According to the Hyderabad police, CP V.C. Sajjanar, the Commissioner, outlined a multi-layered security plan involving the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW), Task Force, Special Branch, and local law enforcement.

The CP V.C. Sajjanar stated that the “Special surveillance teams have been deployed effectively immediately at all pubs, hotels, restaurants, and event venues. The Commissioner ordered continuous monitoring of individuals previously involved in drug-related offences over the last two years. Officials have been tasked with preparing a comprehensive list of known drug peddlers and consumers. Additionally, police will track the details of individuals entering the city for the festivities.”

The Hyderabad police further added that the crackdown isn’t limited to public venues; police will also monitor private gatherings at service apartments and hostels to prevent illicit activities.

The City Police have set a mandatory 1:00 AM closing time for all New Year celebrations at pubs, hotels and restaurants.

“Strict action will be taken against violators. Will face immediate cancellation of licenses if found engaging in any illegal activities this year,” the Commissioner warned.

To manage the influx of revellers, check-posts and barricades will be fortified at major hubs, including Maitrivanam, Necklace Road, Tank Bund, and KBR Park. While the security is set to be intense, the Commissioner emphasised that the general public should not be inconvenienced. He instructed officers to ensure celebrations remain peaceful and to act as facilitators to provide a safe New Year.

“Our resolve is that not a single drug case should be reported in Hyderabad during these celebrations. We are deploying special forces to achieve this. Every officer must work in coordination to uphold the prestige of the City Police,” stated CP V.C. Sajjanar.

The meeting included senior officials, including DCPs N. Swetha, IPS; K. Apoorva Rao, IPS; Rakshitha K. Murthy, IPS; and Ch. Rupesh, IPS, Ch. Srinivas, IPS, Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, IPS Task force, Addl DCPs Ande Srinivasa Rao, Iqbal Siddiqui, among others.

The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee will hold statewide press conferences from Saturday until December 30 to “expose” what it described as the BJP-led Central Government’s weakening of MGNREGA and the AAP government’s failure to protect the rights of rural workers in Punjab, according to an official party statement.

Senior Congress leaders are likely to address the media across all districts.

As per the statement, the Congress will oppose the Centre’s decision to impose a 40 per cent financial burden on states. It will also hold the AAP government accountable for failing to implement MGNREGA effectively in Punjab.

The Punjab Congress, in its statement, has also reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights, protecting employment guarantees, and standing with rural Punjab.

Earlier, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accused the ruling BJP government of not holding a discussion in Parliament on the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM-G Bill). He alleged that the bill is not meant to bring development but destruction, the cost of which will be borne by Indians through the loss of their livelihoods.

“No public discourse, no discussion in Parliament, no consent from the states – the Modi government has run a bulldozer over both MGNREGA and democracy. This is not development, but destruction – the cost of which millions of toiling Indians will pay by losing their livelihood. Be sure to read this article by the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi Ji, which exposes every aspect of this serious issue,” wrote Rahul Gandhi.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in an op-ed in a leading English daily, also launched a sharp attack on the Central government, accusing it of dismantling the rights-based legislative framework through its proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and other key laws.

The Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill on December 18, and it received the President’s assent on December 21.

The Bill guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from the existing 100 days, for adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work.

As per Section 22 of the Bill, the fund-sharing pattern between the Centre and the states will be 60:40.

For the Northeastern states, Himalayan states, and Union Territories, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, the ratio will be 90:10.

Section 6 of the Bill allows state governments to notify in advance a period aggregating up to 60 days in a financial year, covering peak agricultural seasons such as sowing and harvesting.

Resident doctors at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, on Friday announced an indefinite strike beginning December 27, 2025, to protest alleged mob intimidation on hospital premises, security lapses, and the termination of a resident doctor.

The decision was taken after a joint delegation of the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) IGMC Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers Association (HMOA), and SAMDCOT Shimla met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Oak Over earlier on Thursday.

Speaking to the media, RDA IGMC President Dr Sohil Sharma said the Chief Minister had assured a thorough investigation into the incident after examining all evidence submitted by the doctors.

“We placed all facts and evidence before the Chief Minister. He assured us that a detailed and fair inquiry would be conducted. However, until concrete action is taken, our demands remain unchanged,” Dr Sharma said.

According to the RDA, the meeting also reviewed serious security lapses at IGMC Shimla, which the association claims led to mob intimidation and what it described as “mob trial” and “media trial” within the hospital campus, adversely affecting the working environment and patient care.

The doctors have demanded immediate revocation of the termination order issued against Dr Raghav, registration of FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with alleged intimidation and vandalism of government property, and legal action over alleged threats to the doctor’s life, including forcing him to leave the country.

The association has also sought a comprehensive review and accountability measures for the failure to implement previously identified CCTV and security measures at IGMC, which it says contributed to the incident.

Dr Sharma said all resident doctors at IGMC Shimla will go on strike from 9:30 am on December 27, during which routine services, outpatient departments, and elective surgeries will be suspended.

“Emergency services will continue to function so that patients in critical need are not affected,” he added.

The strike notice has been circulated to the IGMC administration, department heads, senior medical authorities in Shimla, other medical associations, and relevant authorities.

The Uttar Pradesh government is developing the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area as one of the country’s most ambitious multi-modal transport hubs.

This integrated vision aims to position Uttar Pradesh as a nationally and globally competitive destination for investment, industry, logistics and employment generation. At the core of this comprehensive plan is the Noida International Airport at Jewar, which, upon completion, is expected to emerge as North India’s largest aviation and logistics gateway.

Shailendra Kumar Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, said here on Friday that “the UP government’s priority is to ensure seamless connectivity through five modes, including air, road, rail, RRTS and expressways. As part of this strategy, the eight-lane access-controlled Yamuna Expressway has been directly connected to the airport, enabling faster and more efficient travel to Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh”.

He said that through the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, direct connectivity will be available to Haryana and Uttarakhand, while the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, via the Ballabhgarh interchange, will link the Jewar Airport with the country’s largest industrial and commercial corridor. This extensive road network is expected to significantly benefit logistics, trade and industrial movement across regions.

To strengthen the logistics ecosystem, the UP government has planned the development of North and East Dedicated Access Roads specifically for air cargo operations. These corridors will allow heavy freight vehicles to reach the airport directly without entering urban areas, ensuring smooth, safe, and time-efficient cargo movement.

Bhatia said, in addition, preparations are underway to connect the Ganga Expressway and NH-34 with YEIDA sectors and the Yamuna Expressway. This initiative will further improve connectivity across eastern, central, and western Uttar Pradesh, making the region more accessible for industrial and commercial activities.

The proposed RRTS network will connect Delhi and the National Capital Region with YEIDA sectors and the Noida International Airport, marking a major step towards modern urban transportation. Simultaneously, rail connectivity is being developed for industrial units and the airport, including direct links to the Delhi–Howrah and Delhi–Mumbai rail corridors. This enhanced rail infrastructure is expected to reduce transportation costs and provide a strong boost to exports.

Alongside infrastructure development, the impact of the Yogi government’s industry-friendly policies is evident in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Area and EMC Park, where large-scale investments are underway. In the electronics and semiconductor sector, the HCL–Foxconn group, through Vama Sundari Investments, is establishing a semiconductor testing facility.

Major anchor investments by Havells India, Dixon Technologies, Aditech Semiconductors, and Ascent Circuits are transforming the region into a high-tech manufacturing hub with strong global linkages.

The automobile and electric mobility sector is also gaining momentum, with investments from companies such as Escorts Kubota, Minda Corporation, and Ninjas Electric. These projects are generating significant employment opportunities while strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s industrial base.

Renewable energy and green manufacturing are receiving a major push in the region with the presence of SAEL Solar, Amber Enterprises, and the Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Welfare Trust. These initiatives are positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading state in clean energy and sustainable industrial development. Projects by Pine Valley Venture and Deki Electronics are further strengthening the textile and electronic components sectors.

The government believes that strong connectivity, modern logistics infrastructure and an industry-friendly environment will create employment opportunities for lakhs of youth in the YEIDA region. Overall, this is expected to play a decisive role in advancing Uttar Pradesh towards the goal of becoming a one trillion dollar economy, while firmly establishing YEIDA as north India’s largest industrial, logistics, and investment hub.

Uttar Pradesh is swiftly emerging as a prominent IT and digital hub in the country. The impact of progressive policies and a strong governance framework under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is now clearly visible on the ground. The state is witnessing a steady expansion of IT companies, leading to new avenues for employment, investment, and technological innovation.

At present, around 400 IT companies are registered in Uttar Pradesh under the Software Technology Parks of India.

The state’s IT ecosystem comprises startups, mid-sized firms, and leading global companies working across domains such as software development, IT-enabled services (ITES), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

IT experts say that the Chief Minister’s clear vision for promoting the technology sector has significantly enhanced Uttar Pradesh’s attractiveness for IT companies.

According to officials here on Friday, Noida and Greater Noida have emerged as the state’s largest IT hubs, particularly in data centers and advanced technology-driven services. At the same time, cities like Kanpur and Varanasi are rapidly developing as new digital centers, ensuring balanced regional growth. STPI-registered units are playing a vital role in boosting IT exports, and experts project that their number will cross 500 by 2026.

Global technology leaders such as Microsoft, TCS, HCL, Wipro, Infosys, Paytm, and Adobe have established a strong presence in the state. In addition, nearly 90 Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are operational, offering research-led and high-end services.

This expanding ecosystem is opening global-level career opportunities for the youth of Uttar Pradesh, supported by government-led skill development initiatives that provide focused technical training.

With the Sri Lankan government of Anura Kumara Dissanayake attempting to change the Constitution of the island nation into a unitary state, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president and former Union Minister Anbumani on Friday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restrain Colombo, as this would deprive the ethnic minority Tamils of self-governance and meaningful autonomy.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, he said the developments in Sri Lanka, particularly the continued and systematic efforts to deny any political power and self-governance to the Tamil people, are fundamentally contrary to the values India has consistently championed across the world.

“The root cause of Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict lies in the systematic denial of political power to the Tamil national community, who once played a decisive role in the governance of the island, and were compelled to resist when subjected to domination and marginalisation. The present attempt by the Sinhala majoritarian forces appears to be driven by the mistaken belief that the defeat of the LTTE has eliminated the Tamil aspiration for self-rule. While the LTTE may not exist, the cause that gave rise to the Tamil freedom struggle remains unresolved,” said the letter.

“Any constitutional restructuring that permanently forecloses the possibility of autonomy will rekindle suppressed grievances and awaken dormant sentiments among Eelam Tamils. Such a development would be deeply destabilising and detrimental to Sri Lanka’s future. India cannot remain a passive spectator to this unfolding situation,” he said.

Tamils have faced sustained discrimination on ethnic and linguistic lines since the island nation attained Independence in 1948, and 30 per cent of officials were Tamils, he pointed out, which had drastically changed after the Sinhala only Act in 1956, marking the institutionalised discrimination, reducing Tamils as second class citizens. While the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord provided provincial autonomy, which has been undone by the 13th Amendment.

Anbumani requested the PM to advise Colombo to undertake Constitutional reforms that guarantee a federal system that grants self-rule to the Tamils.

Senior Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray here on Friday at his Bandra East ‘Matoshree’ residence to explore the possibility of an alliance to contest the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election scheduled to be held on January 15, 2026.

After a two-hour-long detailed discussion, senior Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader Jayant Patil told media persons that “Our discussions are going on. I came to discuss an alliance with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. A lot of discussions took place, though we have not reached a conclusion yet. We are a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Therefore, we are trying to form an alliance with Shiv Sena in Mumbai. But we have not concluded our discussions yet”.

“We (Sharad Pawar-led NCP) are of the opinion that the Congress, the Shiv Sena and Maha Vikas Aghadi parties should come together in Mumbai. Our party does not have as much strength as the Congress and the Shiv Sena in Mumbai city. Therefore, our discussions with Shiv Sena are going on,” Jayant Patil said.

“We had positive discussions. Some Sharad Pawar-led NCP corporators had won in the last election. We demanded that those seats be vacated so that our candidates can contest from these seats. We will respond after our discussions are completed,” Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader Jayant Patil said.

“We are trying to fight together as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in as many municipal elections as possible. Our leader Sharad Pawar has ordered local leaders of all areas to decide with whom to ally with, in order to contest the elections, after looking at the situation at the local level,” Patil said.

Dismissing claims being made that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP is likely to join hands with the BJP-led NDA, Jayant Patil said that “Some people are trying to question our credibility. There is no truth in such claims”.

Patil said that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP is trying to contest the municipal elections with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) led by the Congress, and he hoped that his party would be successful in doing so.

“The Congress is a component of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), and hence our party’s discussions are also underway with them as well,” Jayant Patil said.

According to sources, the Thackeray cousins and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP face a dilemma regarding four municipal corporation wards in the Vikhroli-Bhandup suburban area. It is learnt that alliance talks between the two sides have gotten stuck due to differences over these four municipal wards.

The latest meeting between Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and senior Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader Jayant Patil was aimed at resolving these differences, sources said.

According to sources, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP wants Ward Number 111 for its Dhananjay Pisal and is keen on Ward Number 119 for its candidate Manisha Rahate, since both these leaders were elected from these wards earlier.

However, Ward Number 119 has been allotted to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) as per the seat-sharing formula discussed between the Thackeray cousins. This has not gone down well with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, which has requested the Thackeray cousins to reconsider their decision.

Besides, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP has also claimed Ward Number 124 and Ward Number 168, because in the 2017 municipal elections, NCP corporators were elected from these wards. Since these Sharad Pawar-led corporators joined other parties, discussion about these wards has also intensified.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Friday visited Gurdwara Pather Sahib on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas to pay homage to the unparalleled courage and supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, and Mata Gujri Ji.

The Lt Governor bowed in reverence to the extraordinary bravery, unwavering faith, and martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, the revered sons of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Gujri Ji, whose sacrifices remain an eternal testament to courage, devotion to dharma, and righteousness.

Gupta emphasised that Veer Bal Diwas is not merely a date on the calendar but a profound reminder of the unparalleled courage displayed by Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who, despite their tender age, chose martyrdom over relinquishing their faith — a sacrifice without parallel in world history.

The Lt Governor stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation now collectively observes Veer Bal Diwas every year on 26 December, ensuring that the inspiring legacy of the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji occupies a rightful place in the national consciousness.

He also urged the youth to draw inspiration from the lives and supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and to uphold the values of courage, truth, righteousness, integrity, and selfless service. He emphasised that their faith and valour serve as a guiding light for young Indians to contribute positively to society and the nation while remaining firmly rooted in India’s rich cultural and moral heritage.

He further said that the nation will always remain indebted to the indomitable spirit of these revered martyrs, whose supreme sacrifice conveys a timeless message of resilience, moral strength, and the enduring spirit of India.

Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief and Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha appeared visibly upset on Friday as discussions intensified in Bihar’s political circles over the future of the RLM in recent days.

The speculation gained further momentum when three of the four Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) MLAs, Madhav Anand, Rameshwar Mahato, and Alok Singh, skipped a ‘Litti Chokha’ party hosted at Kushwaha’s Patna residence. Instead, the three legislators travelled to New Delhi, where they met BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday.

During a media interaction on Friday, Kushwaha dismissed the issue and avoided entertaining questions related to it. However, when the matter was repeatedly raised, he countered with a question, saying, “Who told you that they didn’t come to the Litti Party?”

Soon after, Kushwaha lost his temper and lashed out at the media, alleging that journalists have no real questions and therefore raise unnecessary issues.

Earlier this month, Bihar’s political corridors were abuzz following a fiery social media post by RLM MLA Rameshwar Mahto. His Facebook post was widely perceived as a direct attack on Kushwaha for overlooking his party’s MLAs while elevating his son, Deepak Prakash, despite him not being a member of either House, to a ministerial berth under the RLM quota.

Although Mahto did not name Kushwaha in his post, it was widely seen as a response to the RLM chief’s remarks defending his family-centric decision. Soon after the formation of the Bihar government, Kushwaha had said that “the decision was essential and unavoidable for preserving the party’s existence and future.”

The speculation intensified further after photographs of the three RLM MLAs meeting BJP National Executive President Nitin Nabin were shared on social media. Leaders from both the opposition and ruling parties seized upon the issue, suggesting that Kushwaha’s own MLAs were dissatisfied with his leadership and exploring alternatives.

Political analysts noted that the smiling appearance of the MLAs in the photographs with Nitin Nabin gave the impression that a significant political development might be brewing behind the scenes, potentially leading to a split in the party.

Analysts also believe that by appointing his son as minister, Upendra Kushwaha may have repeated the mistake he made earlier in the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), when veteran leader Nagmani was sidelined. Nagmani had accused Kushwaha of selling an election ticket for a large sum of money, and the differences eventually led to the RLSP’s merger with the Janata Dal (United) in March 2021.

What began as a disturbing glimpse into the state of rural healthcare in Jharkhand has widened into a political and administrative controversy, with allegations of intimidation of a whistleblower adding a troubling new layer.

The row centres on a video purportedly shot inside a government health centre at Keredari in the Hazaribag district, showing a woman undergoing a family planning surgery in near-total darkness, illuminated only by a torch. The visuals, which surfaced on social media earlier this week, drew sharp reactions from the Opposition, which described the episode as a stark symbol of the collapse of basic public health infrastructure in rural areas.

Leader of the Opposition and BJP state president Babulal Marandi shared the video on X, questioning how such procedures could be carried out in government facilities lacking electricity and essential arrangements. He alleged that the incident exposed the gap between official claims and ground reality, pointing to persistent shortages of power supply, doctors, medicines and ambulances in rural hospitals.

Even as the state government is yet to issue a formal response on the conditions shown in the video, the controversy escalated after an audio clip surfaced, allegedly featuring a man threatening the woman who recorded the footage. In the clip, the woman is purportedly warned of consequences, including loss of employment, for making the video public.

Calling the development “deeply alarming”, Marandi demanded immediate police action against the person issuing the threat and sought clarification from the Hazaribag civil surgeon on the authority under which such intimidation was carried out. He alleged that those who raise their voice against corruption and misgovernance are being targeted and mentally harassed, and warned that the opposition would pursue the matter legally if required.

The BJP said the issue had moved beyond an administrative lapse and now raised serious concerns about whistleblower protection and abuse of power. Marandi also tagged Chief Minister Hemant Soren in his posts, urging a review of the state’s healthcare system and immediate corrective steps to ensure patient safety in government hospitals.

Adding to the pressure, Jharkhand BJP working president and MP Aditya Sahu described the torchlight surgery as “shameful and inhuman” and alleged that officials were attempting to shield their failures by intimidating those who exposed the incident. He called for immediate security for the woman, strict legal action against those issuing threats and a high-level inquiry into the functioning of the Keredari health centre.