India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the arrangements made for this year's Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra are significantly better than in previous years, both in terms of security and facilities for pilgrims. Reviewing the preparedness at the Baltal Base Camp in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district ahead of the Yatra's commencement on July 3, LG Sinha lauded the coordinated efforts of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), civil administration, J&K Police, security forces, and various departments in ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage. "I have closely observed the last four pilgrimages and I can confidently say that this year, the level of arrangements and preparedness by the administration is far superior," LG Sinha told the media after an on-ground inspection and a high-level review meeting. He added, "Significant upgradation has been done to the overall Yatra arrangements. Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, administration, J&K Police, security forces, service providers, and all stakeholders have diligently implemented pilgrim-centric measures to ensure the pilgrimage is peaceful, safe, and hassle-free for devotees." At Baltal, the LG interacted with camp officials and took stock of arrangements related to healthcare, power supply, communication, water, sanitation, food, lodging, weather forecasting, traffic management, track maintenance, surveillance, and emergency response systems. The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure round-the-clock availability of all basic amenities with sufficient manpower to assist pilgrims. He also inspected the Disaster Management Centre and the Yatri Niwas Complex under development by the Shrine Board. Later, he visited the Baltal hospital, reviewed the healthcare facilities available for yatris, and inaugurated a dedicated training ward for medical staff. Chairing a high-level meeting during the visit, LG Sinha reviewed inter-agency coordination and preparedness plans. He expressed satisfaction over the seamless cooperation between civil and security agencies and hoped that this year's Yatra would be "smoother and more successful than ever before." "I'm confident that pilgrims coming from across the country will return with a memorable experience," he added. The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by senior officials including K.N. Rai, Member SASB; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO SASB and Principal Secretary to LG; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; IGP Kashmir Shri V.K. Birdi; Secretary Science & Technology Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shri Jatin Kishore; and top officials from police, security forces, and stakeholder departments. Trinetra App, Green Yatra Guidelines, Mascots Launched LG Sinha, during his visit to Baltal on Monday, launched a comprehensive IEC (Information, Education & Communication) campaign and various innovative initiatives of Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, for a sustainable and Zero-Waste pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji. The initiatives include Yatra Logo, Yatra Anthem, campaign website and MIS portal, Trinetra App, Pamphlet & Yatra Guidelines, Yatra Mascots and IEC toolkit aimed to promote sustainable practices, address sanitation issues, share verified information, and engage Yatris through feedback along the Baltal and Pahalgam axis, with the goal of achieving a Zero Landfill Yatra. The campaign website www.shriamarnathjiyatra.com and an MIS portal will serve as the central hub for all information, updates, and resources, while the browser-based mobile application www.zerowasteyatra.app will provide real-time information and support to the Pilgrims. Pamphlet & Yatra Guidelines, designed for Langar organizers, shopkeepers, and service providers along the Yatra route are focused on ensuring waste minimization, discourage single-use plastics, and implement SBM-G norms. Trinetra App will significantly enhance the pilgrim experience through sanitation facilities, safety alerts and making them aware of the values of cleanliness during their pilgrimage. Ms. Anoo Malhotra, Director General, Rural Sanitation briefed the Lieutenant Governor on dedicated measures taken by the department to make the yatra more sustainable. It was informed that the Department has installed a total of 5613 toilets / bathing units, on both the axis, of which 2920 are on the Pahalgam axis and 2693 are on the Baltal axis. Further, 7361 sanitation workers are deployed to ensure cleanliness of these sanitation units. The department has also established 15 Processing Facilities for Solid Waste Management on both the axis. SASB's Yatri Niwas At Pantha Chowk Sinha also inaugurated the Yatri Niwas of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar and dedicated the new facility to the pilgrims. The Yatri Niwas has been built through donation and it will accommodate 1300 pilgrims. "This Yatri Niwas is a symbol of our dedication and commitment to provide better facilities for devotees of Baba Barfani and make their pilgrimage more comfortable and safer. The construction of the second phase of Yatri Niwas will begin soon. It symbolises devotion to selfless service. Let us pray to Baba Amarnath to bless our land with peace, happiness and prosperity," the Lieutenant Governor said. LG expressed his gratitude to Shri Mukesh Garg, Member, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, his team members and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board for their invaluable contribution in building the Yatri Niwas for the pilgrims. Interacting with the media persons, Sinha said that the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board is making continuous efforts to improve facilities for the pilgrims. "A wave of enthusiasm is sweeping across Jammu and Kashmir. This Yatra is deeply rooted in the spirit of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing full support and cooperation from its people," he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also unveiled a painting on Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, by Shri KK Gandhi. The Five floors of the Yatri Niwas building dedicated to the Yatris are comprised of total 75 rooms having a bed capacity of 225, and 43 dorm rooms. K.N.Rai and Shri Mukesh Garg - Members of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO SASB; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; senior officials of SASB, Police and Civil Administration were present at the inaugural ceremony.
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
Kochi: The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) made significant gains in the bypolls to 31 local body wards in Kerala, held on November 20, according to results released by the State Election Commission (SEC) on Wednesday. The bypolls were held in one district panchayat ward, four block panchayat wards, three municipality wards, and 23 grama panchayat wards. In the previous elections held in 2020, the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) controlled 15 wards, the UDF controlled 13, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controlled 3. Also Read: Bypolls in 15 seats across Uttar Pradesh, P ...Read More >
Srinagar: Continuing their efforts to combat the drug menace, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday seized two vehicles of peddlers in Srinagar city. A police statement said, "Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police in Srinagar have seized two vehicles acquired through proceeds of illegal narcotics trade. Srinagar Police have seized two vehicles, a Corolla bearing registration number DL4CNE 6086 and a BMW bearing registration number JK01AF-0047 in case FIR No. 36/2024 u/s 8/21 NDPS Act of Police Station Chanapora from the accused person namely Muda ...Read More >
Speaking at IIT Bombay's Techfest 2024, Mr Adani, the 27-year old younger son of infrastructure magnate Gautam Adani, said the future of technology is both scary and exciting. India cannot stay out of global technological race, said Jeet Adani. Mumbai: India cannot stay out of global technological race and should build capabilities that will keep it at the top while remaining vigilant against its misuse, said Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. Speaking at IIT Bombay's Techfest ...Read More >
Kanpur, January 27: Due to the massive influx of devotees for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Varanasi's District Magistrate in Uttar Pradesh has announced that all schools in the district will be closed from Monday, January 27, 2025, to Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and managing traffic congestion caused by the large number of pilgrims arriving in Varanasi for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Despite the school closures, online classes will continue as usual to maintain the academic schedule, News18 reported. This directive applies to all CBSE, ICSE ...Read More >
Amid Exposition work, tourists throng Basilica of Bom Jesus Roque Dias Old Goa: With the 18th decennial Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier set to begin on November 21, Old Goa is bustling with activity as final touches are being given to works taken up by the government authorities. From the attractive pandals of various sizes erected on the premises of the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the tents put up in the area near Se Cathedral, everything is well designed to accommodate the expected huge number of devotees who will visit Old Goa during veneration of the sacred relics. Se ...Read More >
This is a Mint Premium article gifted to you. Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The debate on laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products may soon be settled, with the issue reaching India's apex food regulator, three people aware of the development said. The development comes in the backdrop of concerns about public health, food security and ecological sustainability. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put in place a regulatory framework for plant-based protein products, manufacturers and sellers of fermentation-derived and cultivated protein ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena has given his approval to the reconstitution of Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, paving the way for govt to prepare a scheme to provide compensation to the construction workers who lost work due to the implementation of GRAP IV provisions. The board was not in place for the last couple of years. While giving his nod to its reconstitution, LG directed that immediate steps should be taken to implement Supreme Court directions to provide subsistence allowance to workers affected due to restrictions on construction activities be ...Read More >
Chennai, Dec 10 (PTI) Standalone health insurance company Star Health Insurance has targeted doubling its business in Tamil Nadu over the next four years, a top official said. As part of its growth strategy, the company plans to add 12,000 new agents across Tamil Nadu and expand its footprint with 25 new offices in both rural and urban areas in FY2025. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission Latest News: Narendra Modi Government Likely To Hike DA for Employees by 3% in January 2025, Check Details. Star ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) The Pakistan high commission on Wednesday said it issued 84 visas to Indian pilgrims to visit the Shree Katas Raj temples in Punjab province's Chakwal district. The group has been given visas to visit the Katas Raj temples from December 19 to 25. The temples are also known as Qila Katas. It is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. Under the provision of a bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year.Pakistani pilgrims also visit India every year under the protocol. ...Read More >
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu while addressing the Deputy Commissioners from across the state on Friday at the two-day Sashakt Arunachal Conference of Deputy Commissioners (DC), asserted that shying away from problems was not the way forward but finding a solution to problems and moving ahead was the solution. Giving his concluding remarks at the event held in Itanagar, he said, "There will be problems faced by the deputy commissioners, yes. But we need to find solutions and move forward. It is said that we humans use at t ...Read More >
Rajouri: State Health Department teams are continuing door-to-door surveillance in Badhal village as the mystery illness in Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir continues to claim lives. This after an 'unidentified' disease has claimed 16 reported fatalities and 38 affected individuals According to reports, NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control), ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) teams have been deployed for investigation as 16 deaths have been reported in Budhal village since December 2024 due to a 'mysterious illness.' Dilmir Choudhary, ADC Kotranka said, "Since December, we h ...Read More >
Ludhiana: The municipal corporation, which has prepared a roadmap for establishment of the "waste to energy" plant for proper management of fresh waste generated in the city, invited three major firms with expertise in the field on Friday. MC commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal said that they wanted to get suggestions and inputs from the firms so that proper planning could be done for establishment of the plant. Firms invited on Friday include SFC Environmental Technologies Ltd, Re Sustainability Limited (formerly known as Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd), and JITF Urban Infrastructure Limited (part of ...Read More >
New Delhi: The annual all-India conference of directors general of police and inspectors general of police will begin in Bhubaneswar on Friday where issues related to internal security, Jammu and Kashmir, and pro-Khalistan elements, among others are likely to be discussed, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, among others will attend the three-day conference where cyber crimes, challenges posed by AI tools and threats emanating from drones are also expected to be discussed. About 250 officers of DGP and IGP ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 5: Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally. Speaking on the progress of preparations, he told IANS, "The arrangements for Mahakumbh are progressing in full swing. We are committed to welcoming all devotees, irrespective of their origin -- whether from different states of India or other countries. We aim to host them with unmatched arrangements that combine magnificence, divinity, and cultural vibrancy." "This gran ...Read More >
Police officials said the man, from Visakhapatnam, had already paid the principal amount but was being hounded for a huge amount as interest. The man's family has lodged complaints with the police commissioner and the district collector. Hyderabad: Facing relentless harassment after taking a loan of Rs 2,000 from an instant loan app, a 27-year-old died by suicide in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam just 47 days after he got married. Police officials said Narendra, who catches fish for a living, ...Read More >
PRNewswire Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 13: Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, the first standalone health insurance company in India, today announced the launch of its revolutionary retail health insurance product, 'SUPER STAR'. This innovative policy offers a long-term policy for the retail health segment, combining advanced features and highly customisable covers to address the growing complexities of modern lifestyles, rising medical expenses, and unforeseen emergencies. * Offers a long-term policy and unparalleled, highly customisable solutions for evolving heal ...Read More >
Extensive preparations are on in Mangalagiri for the first-ever convocation of AIIMS, scheduled for December 17, where President Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest. District Collector S. Nagalakshmi, along with AIIMS director Madhabananda Kar, Joint Collector A. Bhargav Teja and Tenali Sub-Collector V. Sanjana Simha, held a review meeting with AIIMS officials and other district officers on Thursday evening at the AIIMS auditorium to oversee the arrangements. During the meeting, Collector Na ...Read More >
Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 26 (VOICE) Karnataka BJP has slammed Congress over the display of posters depicting a distorted map of India at the venue of the centenary celebrations of the INC's 1924 session in Belagavi, saying that it shows utter disrespect for India's sovereignty and is shameful.Taking to social media handle X on Thursday, the BJP said, "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been handed over to Pakistan by the Indian National Congress - Karnataka! It is truly an act of treason that Congress members have distorted India's map in the name of Gandhi Bharat. The banners displayed in B ...Read More >
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu while addressing the Deputy Commissioners from across the state on Friday at the two-day Sashakt Arunachal Conference of Deputy Commissioners (DC), asserted that shying away from problems was not the way forward but finding a solution to problems and moving ahead was the solution. Giving his concluding remarks at the event held in Itanagar, he said, "There will be problems faced by the deputy commissioners, yes. But we need to find solutions and move forward. It is said that we humans use at t ...Read More >
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the army has shifted Jammu and Kashmir's focus from "terrorism to tourism" while working towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' He emphasized the army's contribution to national security, development, and disaster relief, highlighting its role in achieving a "Progressive" and "Peaceful" India.Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi said that while moving towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' the army has been able to transform the idea of Jammu and Kashmir from "terrorism to tourism." While addressing an event at Savitribai Phule Pu ...Read More >
Srinagar: The minimum temperature has plummeted and settled below freezing point across Kashmir with many of the stations including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording the season's coldest night. According to the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the night temperature in Srinagar settled at minus 2.1 degree Celsius. Shopian was the coldest in Kashmir as the mercury plummeted and settled at minus 5.5 degree Celsius. Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded minus 5.0 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort recorded a low of minus 2.5 degree ...Read More >
The gunfight continued between security forces and terrorists in the upper mountain belt of Harwan. In a major breakthrough, the security forces killed a wanted terrorist, who was responsible for terror attack in Ganderbal, during an ongoing encounter in the upper reaches of Dachigam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The Kashmir Zone Police in a social media post announced the killing of the terrorist, identified as Junail Ahmed Bhat. The Police said that Bhat was an A category terrorist of Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit and was involved in the killing of civilians in Ganderbal, Gagangir and o ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a major strategic step, the Noel Tata-led Tata CLiQ has decided to rebrand the brand as Tata CLiQ Fashion. The move is seen as the company's idea to align with its "fashion-forward approach." Tata CLiQ is the e-commerce arm of the Tata Group. The rebranding marks the company's shift from being a horizontal marketplace to a specialized vertical platform focusing on fashion and lifestyle. The Tata CLiQ Fashion has unveiled a complete visual redesign, featuring a fresh logo, revamped packaging, and updated user experiences on both its app and website. According to a Hindu Businessl ...Read More >
The Andhra Pradesh government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google. The tech giant will launch its operations from Visakhapatnam in the State. Making the announcement at the district collectors' conference on Wednesday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said HRD Minister Nara Lokesh's efforts have paved the way for this. The MoU was a significant development and would be a game changer. Visakhapatnam is poised for transformative growth, Mr. Naidu said. The chief minister, in ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The government received 8 million applications for Indiramma houses and the acceptance of these applications should be completed by December 31, said the revenue and housing minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. On Wednesday, December 12 the minister held a video conference at the secretariat with Telangana chief minister's advisor Vem Narender Reddy and chief secretary Shanti Kumari. They discussed the examination of Indiramma house applications, the conduct of Group-II examinations, a social survey, and other related issues. Instructing officials to involve members of the Indiramm ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 18 (PTI) Jobs and talent platform and a Quess company, foundit, on Wednesday announced the appointment of V Suresh as its Chief Executive Officer. With over two decades of experience in the internet domain, digital transformation, and the e-recruitment ecosystem, Suresh brings a wealth of strategic expertise and a forward-looking vision to foundit (formerly Monster APAC and ME), the company said in a statement. "Suresh's deep understanding of the digital talent ecosystem and proven ability to scale businesses will help us strengthen our leadership position in the market. Under hi ...Read More >
Jammu, Jan 14 (VOICE) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP government at the Centre treats Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir equally.Addressing the ninth Armed Forces Veterans' Day programme at Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor, the Defence Minister praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his effort to reduce the distance between the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi and asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally. "Kashmir was treated differently (by previous governments) in the past. As a result, our brothers and s ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The phone tapping case in Telangana took a dramatic turn on Tuesday with the police booking former minister T. Harish Rao and others. A case against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and others was registered at Panjagutta Police Station in Hyderabad on a complaint by G. Chakradhar Goud, a real estate businessman. The complainant, who is also the founder of Farmers First Foundation, alleged harassment, threats, and unlawful phone surveillance. Panjagutta Police registered a case under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 120(B) (Criminal conspiracy), 386 (Extortion), 409 (Crimin ...Read More >
Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti announced encouraging progress in Health New Zealand's (Health NZ) financial recovery, highlighting a significant reduction in its projected deficit for 2024/25. The improvement follows extensive efforts to address what Dr. Reti describes as a financial crisis inherited from the previous Labour-led government. Health NZ's revised budget for 2024/25 now forecasts a deficit of $1.1 billion, a significant reduction from the projected $1.76 billion deficit before the Government's intervention. "This progress reflects our commitment to restoring financial discipline ...Read More >