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.
Udhampur, Jul 9 (PTI) Defying odds and driven by unshakable devotion, 21-year-old devotee Harnam Prasad from Uttar Pradesh has embarked on an extraordinary 7,000-km Kanwar Yatra from Madhya Pradesh to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir for the first time, saying faith has driven out fear among every pilgrim undertaking the pilgrimage. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre shrine commenced on July 3 from the valley via the twin tracks -- the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 9. The number of pilgrims who have paid obeisance at the cave shrine has crossed one lakh. On the 105th day of his spiritual odyssey, Prasad, supported by his three friends, reached Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, carrying holy water in a Kanwar from Gawri Ghat in Jabalpur to offer at the revered Nundeshwar Mahadev at the Amarnath cave shrine. Carrying water in four pitchers on his shoulders along with Bajrangbali flags, Prasad claims this is his first Kanwar Yatra to the Himalayan cave shrine, traditionally known for the ice 'lingam' of Lord Shiva. "I have walked over 6,700 kilometres in 105 days and have reached Udhampur today. The journey has been nothing short of divine. I feel no fear, only faith. Baba Barfani's energy has protected me and made the journey comfortable and fulfilling," Prasad said. His yatra also includes a visit to Rameshwar Jyotirling. Asserting that fear and terror are forgotten words during the journey to Bholenath, he said faith has driven out fear from every pilgrim on the yatra to the cave shrine. "The rush of pilgrims is a befitting reply to those terrorists who engineered the cowardly attack in Pahalgam," he said. Expressing deep gratitude for the arrangements made by the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) administration, Prasad praised the hospitality of locals and the security provided along the route. "From Lakhanpur, the entry point to Jammu and Kashmir, the arrangements are excellent. The atmosphere is peaceful. "The Army, police and the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) have ensured safety. I urge devotees not to be afraid and come for Baba's darshan," he said. Prasad added that he is walking in devotion to 'Gaumata' (mother cow) and Lord Shiva, and that it is the spiritual call of Mahadev that has brought him this far. "Kashmir is the land of Shiva and Shakti," he said, describing the yatra as a divine and historic journey. He also referred to the recent Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam. "That attack was a cowardly act. But now, the yatra is fully protected and the environment is conducive for pilgrimage," he said. With community kitchens and lodging centres offering generous support, Prasad said he is overwhelmed by the love and encouragement he has received along the way. "People come forward to offer food and shelter. It's a divine feeling to be part of this sacred journey to Bholenath," he added. The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage by Shiva devotees, known as Kanwarias or Bhole, who collect holy Ganga water from places like Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri in Uttarakhand and Ajgaibinath temple in Sultanganj (Bihar). They carry it on foot for hundreds of miles to offer it at local Shiva shrines or key temples like Pura Mahadeva (Baghpat), Augharnath (Meerut), Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi) and Baidyanath (Deoghar). Like him, Shubham Kumar of Jammu city is also on a solo pilgrimage on foot to the Amarnath cave shrine. He reached Chenani from Jammu on his onward journey to offer prayers at the naturally formed ice lingam. He is also carrying a social message for the country's youth -- a call for a drug-free society. "I am on a pilgrimage, walking from Jammu to visit Baba Amarnath Ji. I have set out with just one message -- that the youth of today, who have gone astray and fallen into addiction, need to turn away from it," he said. Kumar further added that he is undertaking this journey for the young people who have fallen to addiction, to urge them to stay away from drugs, leave addiction behind, move toward Baba or take up some good cause. "There is nothing to be found in addiction. I have set out with two aims -- to stay away from addiction and to plant my flag at Baba's holy shrine," he said. A woman pilgrim from the Philippines also shared her positive experience of the ongoing yatra, appreciating the security and facilities extended by the authorities. "I wished to undertake the yatra to Amarnath. It was my dream. "But there was fear following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Now, there is no fear or terror here. Everything is peaceful and secure. My wish will be fulfilled," she said. PTI AB AB KSS KSS
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 >
Hyderabad, Dec 5 (Maxim News): Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the Indiramma House Survey mobile application on Thursday morning. The selection of the beneficiaries of the housing scheme will be done from tomorrow (Friday) through this app. Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp Speaking on this occasion, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that the Indiramma house scheme was started with Rs. 10 thousand. Today it has reached Rs. 5 lakh. He said that they are providing financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 5 lakh to each poor person for the construction of a house. It is everyone's dream t ...Read More >
BJP member Manas Dutta blamed the previous BJD government and held it responsible for not extending their service agreement which ended in April, 2024. As hundreds of women working as support staff under the Mission Shakti department staged a demonstration outside the Assembly over different issues, the opposition BJD on Monday demanded immediate release of their salaries. While the agitating women were shouting slogans at the Mahatma Gandhi Road leading to the Assembly, the issue was raised in ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Dilip Kumar, the 'Tragedy King' of Indian cinema, continues to be remembered for his unmatched contributions to Bollywood. Born on December 11, 1922, as Muhammad Yusuf Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan, he ruled the silver screen with his impeccable acting skills, emotional depth, and charisma. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, let's take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most iconic roles that made Dilip Kumar a cinematic legend, a man who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. 1. 'Andaz' (1949) In 'Andaz', Dilip Kumar shared the screen with Nargis and Raj Kapoo ...Read More >
Telangana has launched a weekend tour package connecting Hyderabad, Warangal, and the UNESCO-recognized Ramappa Temple. Departing from Hyderabad every Saturday and Sunday, the tour offers a full-day exploration of spiritual and historical landmarks, including Bhadrakali Temple, Padmakshi Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, and the stunning Ramappa Temple. Priced at ₹2,800 for adults and ₹2,240 for children, this affordable package showcases Telangana's rich heritage. The 13th-century Ramappa Temple, known for its architectural innovation and intricate carvings, is a masterpiece of Kakatiya craftsm ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) Odisha MLAs across party lines on Tuesday demanded an increase in their salaries and enhanced pensions for former lawmakers. The issue was raised during Zero Hour by Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik, supported by members from both Congress and BJP. Mallik emphasised the need to increase the pension of former MLAs, saying they were struggling to manage due to rising market prices and medical expenses. She pointed out that a committee formed by the previous government had already submitted a report recommending an increase in the salary of MLAs to Rs 2.5 lakh per ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Axis Securities on Wednesday settled a case involving front-running trades by Vikrant Bhimrao Kadam, who worked as its dealer, and his friend, after paying Rs 14.62 lakh towards settlement amount to Sebi. It was alleged that as a stock broker, Axis Securities failed to exercise appropriate due diligence in the matter in its dealer and branch manager compliance policy. Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: Apply for 98 Court Officer, Assistant and Other Posts of NCLT Recruitment 2024; Know Salary and Other Details Here. The order came after Axis Securities ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a noisy scene as Opposition BJD and Congress members held protests inside the House over alleged non-payment of salaries to around 60,000 women supporting staffers under the 'Mission Shakti' scheme. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of "conspiring to stop" salaries of the 'Mission Shakti' staff. As soon as the Question Hour began, the BJD and Congress members trooped to the well of the House and demanded immediate release of salaries of around 60,000 women supporting staff working under the 'Mission Shakti' sch ...Read More >
Mumbai: The death toll in Monday's BEST bus crash rose to seven and the number of injured to 42 even as the driver, Sanjay More, booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, claimed he had noticed a spark and mistakenly accelerated the bus instead of applying brakes. Seeking More's custody, police said they want to investigate if he intentionally used the vehicle as a weapon. The bus on Route 332 had accelerated on a congested 200m stretch near Kurla station hitting vehicles and pedestr ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 11 (PTI) Two men drowned in a temple pond in Uloor while taking a bath on Wednesday, police said. The deceased persons, identified as auto drivers hailing from nearby places, were found drowning in the pond by local people. Though they sprung into a rescue mission, the two men were brought out dead. Due to the depth of the pond, there was a compound wall and gate to prevent people from entering the temple pond, but the auto drivers ignored the warning, local people added. PTI LGK KH ...Read More >
Khargone (MP), Dec 11 (PTI) Spiritual leader Sant Siyaram Baba passed away on Wednesday at 94 following a brief illness at his ashram on the banks of the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh, an official said. Siyaram Baba breathed his last around 6.10 am in his ashram in Bhattyan village, said Khargone district Superintendent of Police Dharmaraj Meena. Condolences poured in from various quarters. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, former CM Digvijaya Singh, and ex-Union minister Arun Yadav among others expressed grief over the death of the Hindu seer, a revered figure in the Nimar region ...Read More >
Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna - Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign against gender-based violence, at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, New Delhi yesterday. Delivering his address, Shri Chouhan stated that the Government has taken a slew of initiatives for women's economic and social development. He stressed that gender-based violence is not an issue that persists in rural areas, but in urban areas as well. He said with the presence of Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurn ...Read More >
BUDAUN: A court hearing a plea of a Hindu outfit, which had sought permission to worship at Jama Masjid Shamsi here claiming it was a temple, on Tuesday asked the Muslim side to complete their arguments by December 10. Arguing his case, the lawyer for Shamsi Shahi Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee and Waqf Board Asrar Ahmed questioned the locus standi of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha to file the petition in the matter. Urging the court to dismiss the plea, the counsel submitted that the mosque is about 850 years old. He stated that there is "no existence of a temple" there and worship by Hin ...Read More >
The Supreme Court halted new temple-mosque legal battles. The court will review the 1991 law impacting religious site status. This law froze the status of religious sites as of August 15, 1947. Several cases, including Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah, challenge this law. The law's validity is being questioned. The court's decision impacts ongoing and future disputes.In its ruling on the keenly-watched Place of Worship Act case, the Supreme Court said on December 12 that no new Mandir-Masjid suits are to ...Read More >
Karthigai Deepam 2024 is set for December 13, with rituals honoring Lord Shiva and spreading spiritual light. The lighting of lamps symbolizes victory over darkness and ignorance. Karthigai Deepam, one of the most cherished festivals in Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant celebration of light, spirituality, and devotion. In 2024, the festival will be observed on Friday, December 13, a day marked by the lighting of countless earthen lamps (deepam) to signify the triumph of light over darkness and good over ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has directed that no new lawsuits related to places of worship (temples, mosques, or shrines) can be filed until further notice. This decision was made during the ongoing hearing of petitions challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The ruling prohibits the lower courts from issuing any survey orders or interim orders that might alter the status or nature of any religious site. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan, issued this order while hearing sev ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) has completed the deployment of two fresh battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, in the Jammu region to better plug infiltration from across the Pakistan front and check the recent spurt of terrorist activities in the area. Officials in the security establishment told PTI that the new troops of these units have been deployed "in depth areas" as the "second line of defence" just behind the BSF border deployment along the international border (IB) with Pakistan. These two BSF battalions were recently withdrawn from the anti-Naxal operations ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 3 (ANI): National award-winning actor, Rishab Shetty, is all set to star in one of the most ambitious historical dramas in recent years, titled 'The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.' The film, a grand retelling of the life of one of India's greatest warrior kings, will showcase the legendary rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure who reshaped Indian history and fought to protect his kingdom from Mughal invaders. The movie promises to be a visual spectacle, featuring groundbreaking action sequences, stunning VFX, and a powerfu ...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 >
India's housing market is booming, with 2024 projected to be the best year yet. Over 300,000 homes worth ₹510,000 crore are expected to be sold across the top seven cities, driven by economic growth and infrastructure improvements. Sales in the first nine months already reached nearly 230,000 homes, indicating continued robust demand and rising capital values.India's housing property market continues to remain on a strong footing, with the year 2024 expected to end as the best year ever in term ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, Dec 11 (PTI) The 6th Edition of 'Abhivyakti - The City Arts Project', Gujarat's longest art and culture showcase and an endeavour of UNM Foundation of Mehta Family's Torrent Group, concluded with an assemble of art admirers from different walks of life enjoying the art performances across genres. The 16-day Project, which had begun on November 21, received an unprecedented footfall of over 3.24 lakh art lovers of different age groups and from varied walks of life, a press statement issued by the organisers said. Apart from the lakhs of art lovers of the city, the project was also ...Read More >
During a discussion on road accidents in Lok Sabha, Mr Gadkari said, "I have no hesitation to admit that it (road accidents) has increased." Road accidents claim 1.78 lakh lives in the country, annually, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. "When I go to attend international conferences where there is a discussion on road accidents, I try to hide my face," Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday, underlining he had set a target to reduce accidents by 50 per cent when he first took charge as the Road Trans ...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 >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) A delegation of the Opposition BJD on Tuesday met Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil and apprised him of the potential submergence of large areas in Odisha's Malkangiri district, due to construction of a multi-purpose project in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The delegation, led by senior leader Debi Prasad Mishra, also submitted a memorandum with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The regional party in its memorandum mentioned that the Polavaram project is likely to impact the lives and livelihoods of thousands of tribal people, especially those from vulnerable and prim ...Read More >
Following violence in Sambhal on November 24 related to a mosque survey, authorities plan to publicly display posters of over 400 identified individuals involved. 32 have been arrested so far. The posters will exclude those arrested. The government aims to hold those responsible for property damage accountable. Four people were killed, and many injured during the clash.The Sambhal administration on Thursday said it will put up posters of those involved in the November 24 violence. "We will put up ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 10 (PTI) 'I'm Still Here' (Portugal), a 2024 political biographical drama film directed by Walter Salles will be the opening film of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) beginning here on December 13. The movie, a Brazil-France co-production, deals with the story of a mother and activist searching for her missing husband, a dissident politician during the military dictatorship in Brazil. The festival will be officially inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a function to be held at the Nisagandhi auditorium on December 13 evening, St ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved bills to implement 'One Nation, One Election', and the draft legislations are likely to be introduced in Parliament in the ongoing Winter session, sources said. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government is keen on holding wider consultations on bills which are likely to be referred to a parliamentary committee. Sources said the government was also keen to consult the Speakers of various state legislative assemblies through the committee. Moving ahead with it ...Read More >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Maharashtra police along with Military Intelligence and Army have arrested nine persons hailing from the border district of Rajouri for taking up jobs as security guards in different cities in Maharashtra and carrying weapons with fake licenses. Nine 12-bore rifles and 58 bullets have been recovered from their possession. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made during a joint operation of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) police in Maharashtra, Southern Command and Military Intelligence on the basis of tip off that some persons from Rajouri distric ...Read More >