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.
Bhubaneswar : Less than a week after a 20-year-old B.Ed student in a Balasore college attempted self-immolation to protest inaction and harassment following her complaints of sexual harassment by a professor, and three days after her death, it has emerged that 71 of her 100 classmates wrote a letter on July 1, supporting the professor against whom she complained. Her family, friends, and even some classmates say the letter shows how everyone "ganged up" against her at prompting of college administration. The two page letter written in Odia accused the girl of levelling false allegation against head of the department of teachers' education, Samir Kumar Sahoo at Fakir Mohan(Autonomous) College . It came a day after the woman first lodged a complaint with then college principal Dilip Ghose accusing Sahoo of sexual harassment and mental torture, and hailed Sahoo as a "great teacher who is known for his amiable ways". Also Read | UGC team arrives in Odisha to probe Balasore student's self-immolation case " As an internal complaints committee has been formed on the basis of the complaint by a woman student without any shred of evidence, the complainant should be asked to submit video evidence. If the woman is unable to submit any evidence to support her claims, then she and the individuals supporting her should be expelled from the college indefinitely," said the letter signed by 71 students of the college of which 41 were women and classmate of the victim. HT has reviewed a copy of the letter. The students in their letter further accused the woman of levelling the sexual harassment allegation after she was debarred from writing the internal exam due to low attendance. Also Read | 'Everyone forced her to die': Father of Odisha student who died after self-immolation The deceased woman's brother alleged that the letter shows how the head of the department sought to derail a fair probe. "All attempts were made to assassinate the character of my sister after she lodged the complaint, both inside the college and through social media platforms. When all attempts were made to sway sentiment, how can the ICC probe be fair? That's why my sister lost all hopes of getting justice," he said. A friend of the victim said the woman would have been alive had everyone not ganged up against her. "Imagine what would be the mental condition of a girl where most of her classmates are talking bad about her character. The head of department would mark her absent if she turned up for the classes two or three minutes late. He was deliberately failing her in several papers . If this is not harassment then what it is?" On July 12, the friend says she stepped away for lunch and came back to see the woman burning. "I am sure the principal said something that hurt her, pushing her to take such a drastic step. She was broken and exhausted." Her roommate said the night before the woman died, she seemed very anxious. "When I woke up at 3 am, I found her awake. She was very upset of not being allowed to writer the internal exam on June 30 over low attendance though she attended classes. She told me that the head of department was picking on her. She was very upset over the comments made on her character on social media by student wings of the Biju Janata Dal and the Congress (National Students' Union of India). Ironically, the same students now speak of justice for her." Meanwhile, investigation into her death gathered pace with the crime against women section of state CID questioning the family members of the victim in Bhograi area as well as members of the Internal Complaints Committee that probed allegations of sexual harassment against Sahoo. On Thursday, the team led by inspector general of police S Shyni analysed the call detail records of the victim as well as the CCTV footage of the college corridor and the petrol pump near the college from where petrol was bought in a 1 litre mineral water bottle. The CAW team is probing whether Sahoo has a history of harassment and will also investigate how he managed to mobilise a large number of students to meet the principal to lodge a complaint against the victim. The team is also investigating why the college principal did not flag the issue with the higher education department and take preventive measure. The role of the local police is also being probed by the team. Police on July 12 charged Sahoo and Ghose under six sections of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita including section 108 (abetment of suicide) that carries imprisonment for 10 years and fine apart from section 75(1)(ii)(demand or request for sexual favors as a form of sexual harassment), section 78 (stalking), section 79(eve -teasing), section 351 (2) (criminal intimidation) and section 3(5) (common intention). After the preliminary investigation by CAW, more stringent sections will be added to the FIR, said a member of the team. In the FIR lodged at the Sahadevkhunta police station on July 12, the cousin of the victim alleged that Samir Kumar Sahoo, head of the department of teachers' education of the college had asked her for sexual favours. When she did not agree, he started harassing her, the cousin claimed. The woman complained to the principal Dillip Kumar Ghosh who took Sahoo's side, he (the cousin) added. "Today, July 12 between 12 noon and 1230, the principal called her to his office and forced her to apologise to Samir Kumar Sahoo and also coerced her to withdraw the complaint filed against him. The principal of FM College and Samir Sahoo are totally responsible for her suicide," he wrote in the FIR. Apart from the probe by police, a four-member fact-finding team from UGC headed by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University professor and UGC member Raj Kumar Mittal on Friday started examining circumstances surrounding the incident, assess compliance with the stipulated regulatory provisions, and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future. The UGC team will submit its report in a week. A three-member team of the state higher education department led by director of higher education Kali Prasanna Mohapatra on Friday questioned all nine members of the internal complaints committee including three student representatives and college employees who were witness to the incident on July 12. The Odisha government on Friday asked all universities and colleges in Odisha to organise sensitisation workshop on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and UGC Regulations, 2015 for both staff members and students.
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 >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 18 (PTI) Ahead of BJD's 28th foundation day on December 26, its chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday urged members to remain dedicated to serving the people of Odisha, while the party announced a mass demonstration in Bhubaneswar on January 6 to highlight the price rise of essential commodities and other issues. Patnaik asked party supporters to "raise voice against the BJP government's 'anti-people' policies" and also highlight the impact of high inflation, which hits the poor and middle class. "The party leaders and workers need to create awareness among people on the state B ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Opposition BJD and Congress MLAs Tuesday staged a walkout from the Odisha assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of failing to control prices of essential commodities and resolve the potato crisis in the state. The issues were debated in the House over the admissibility of an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition on price rise of vegetables, pulses, edible oil and fuel. The opposition members took exception to comments made by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra that adverse climate conditions, rates in international and domestic markets, and less production by ...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 >
Bhubaneswar, Jan 31 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday demanded an immediate apology from the Opposition Congress over the remarks of party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on President Droupadi Murmu and said those were insults for the people of Odisha and the Santal community also. Majhi expressed his opinion on the ongoing debate over the alleged disrespect to the country's first tribal woman President through a long post on X. "Sonia Gandhi's comment, 'Poor lady President Murmu got tired at the end,' and Rahul Gandhi's 'boring' remarks are not just insults to I ...Read More >
In a heart-wrenching incident, a 30-year-old Dalit youth, who was brutally thrashed, succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a hospital in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, and four people have been arrested in this connection. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Subhashpura police station on Tuesday, however, the matter came to light after a video surfaced on social media showing four persons beating the youth with sticks and pipes mercilessly. In the video, the victim, identified as Vishnu Jatav, was seen being thrashed by a group of men in a field in Indergarh vil ...Read More >
UP: Karnataka Police have arrested the mother-in-law and brother-in-law of late Atul Subhash, who committed suicide on December 9 over alleged demand by his wife's family for Rs 3 crore as settlement. The sensational case has triggered debate over harassment of married men and misuse of dowry provisions in the country. Atul Subhash ended his life on Monday leaving behind a 40-page death note and 90-minute video explaining how he was allegedly tortured by his wife. Atul's In-Laws Arrested On Thursday Night The Karnataka Police arrested Nisha Singhania, Atul's mother-in-law and brother-in-law ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders into violence-hit Sambhal until December 10, with officials urging leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi to reconsider his planned visit on Wednesday. Moradabad divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said there is a need for calm in the region, and that "any provocation could escalate the situation" in the district. "The situation in Sambhal is normal right now, but tensions persist," Singh said. "The District Magistrate has banned the entry of people from outside until 10 December ...Read More >
New Delhi: From 2025, the CUET-UG will be conducted exclusively as a computer-based test (CBT), and students will have the flexibility to appear for any subject, regardless of what they studied in class 12. This decision follows a review conducted by an expert panel set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC), as explained by UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar. What are the major changes? In an interview with PTI, Kumar elaborated on the changes saying, "The exam will be conducted only in CBT mode from 2025, unlike the hybrid mode used last year. We have also reduced the number of subjects fr ...Read More >
Hours after Atul Subash's wife Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha and brother Anurag were arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide, the Bengaluru techie's father, Pawan Kumar Modi has questioned where Atul's four-year-old son is and said the family was worried about him. Modi thanked the police for arresting the woman and her family members. However, he said, "We don't know where she has kept our grandson. Has he been killed or is he alive? We don't know anything about him. I want my grandson ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): On the birth anniversary of former President Pranab Mukherjee, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid glowing tributes to the statesman, recalling his immense contributions to India's democracy and development. Kharge took to social media to share a heartfelt message, quoting one of Mukherjee's profound observations: Also Read | Atul Subhash Suicide Case: 4 People Including Bengaluru Techie's Wife Nikita Singhania Booked for Abetment of Suicide. "India's true story is the partnership of the people. Our wealth has been created by farmers and workers, ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 11 (ANI): The case of Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhash who died by suicide citing alleged harassment by his estranged wife has opened up a debate on misuse of ant--dowry lawy. Mumbai-based lawyer Abha Singh described the case as a 'gross misuse of law,' stating that false charges and harassment led to the death of the victim, suffering from harassment from his wife and in-laws. Lawyer Abha Singh also emphasized that the misuse of dowry laws could ultimately deny justice to those who genuinely need protection. Also Read | Atul Subhash Suicide Case: 4 People ...Read More >
It seems like the lady has found love again. Reports suggest that Malaika Arora has started seeing fashion stylist Rahul Vijay, and here's everything you need to know about him and their growing romance. Malaika Arora seems to have found love again months after breaking up with Arjun Kapoor. The diva recently attended AP Dhillon's Mumbai concert with a mystery boy and the internet quickly recalled that he was the same guy Malaika was spotted with last week on a dinner date. This time, Arora even ...Read More >
New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday announced a significant update in its approach to conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students for the year 2025. The UGC has invited public feedback on the revised methodology aiming to refine the examination process for a better and more efficient testing environment for candidates. Since its inception in 1956 under the UGC Act, UGC has been pivotal in setting and maintaining the standards for higher education, coordinating with universities, and providing fina ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 14 (UNI) The tragic suicide of 34-year-old tech professional Atul Subhash has led to the arrest of his estranged wife and her family members in connection with allegations of harassment, extortion, and financial abuse. Subhash, a resident of Manjunath Layout in Bengaluru, was found dead in his apartment on December 9, leaving behind a 25-page suicide note. In the note, he accused his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of subjecting him to relentless emotional and financial distress during their ongoing divorce proceedings. Following a complaint filed by Atul's brother, Bik ...Read More >
Chennai, Dec 18 (VOICE) The Tamil Nadu police have ramped up security measures at border check posts with Kerala after reports of medical waste being dumped in a public area at Palavoor, Kadangallur, in Tirunelveli district surfaced.Patrolling has been intensified across various check posts in districts including Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Gudalur, and Theni. Tirunelveli district police have warned of strict action against those involved in the illegal disposal. Environmental activists allege that large quantities of medical waste are being transported illegally from Kerala and dumped in Tamil ...Read More >
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday postponed the hearing for businessman Boby Chemmanur's bail application in the sexual harassment case brought by actress Honey Rose to January 14, highlighting the necessity for the state government to submit its response. The court also expressed concerns regarding the urgency of this case and underscored the importance of resolving other outstanding cases. Chemmanur was taken into custody by the Ernakulam Central Police in Wayanad on Wednesday. The Ernakulam First Class Judicial Magistrate Court subsequently remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody ...Read More >
Shimla, Jan 14 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Police has filed an FIR against two men from Haryana for allegedly raping a married woman in a hotel in Kasauli, officials said on Tuesday. The accused, Mohanlal Badoli and Jai Bhagwan alias Rocky, also made videos of the act and threatened to kill the victim if she disclosed the incident to anyone, they said. The FIR was registered in Kasauli in Solan district on December 13, 2024. A copy of the FIR was doing the rounds on social media on Tuesday. According to the FIR, the woman was staying in a hotel in Kasauli with her boss and friend when she and he ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Jan 31 (PTI) The Odisha Police on Friday arrested eight NSUI activists for holding a demonstration and showing black flags to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat during his travel in Bhubaneswar the previous day. The arrested youths, who were detained by the police on Thursday evening from the spot, were in the age group of 19 years to 24 years. They were booked under several sections of the BNS. Also Read | 'Touched Private Parts Pricked With Pen': Tuiton Teacher in Nagaur, Rajasthan Sexually Abused Class 2 Girl for 6 Months, Arrested. The workers of the Congress' student wing were protes ...Read More >
New Delhi: Samay Raina's India's Got Latent is facing legal trouble after contestant Jessy Nabam's controversial remarks about dog meat went viral on social media. An FIR alleged that her comments "disrespected" Arunachal Pradesh's indigenous community. During a conversation with Samay Raina, when asked if she had ever eaten dog meat, Jessy stated that it is common in Arunachal Pradesh, though she personally hadn't tried it. She added, "I know this because my friends do, and sometimes they even eat their pets." Her comments triggered widespread outrage, particularly within the Arunachal Prad ...Read More >
Aishwarya was last seen in Mani Ratnam's period drama, Ponniyin Selvan Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently shared a compelling video message on social media, highlighting the significance of self-worth and resilience in challenging times. In the clip, Aishwarya delivers a powerful statement about the need to stand up for oneself and reject others' attempts to define one's value. In the video, the actor says, "It's crucial to stand up for your worth. You must recognise your value and never let anyone else dictate it for you." In what seems to be a snippet from a larger interview or discuss ...Read More >
MUMBAI: The case of Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhash who died by suicide citing alleged harassment by his estranged wife has opened up a debate on misuse of anti dowry law. Mumbai-based lawyer Abha Singh described the case as a 'gross misuse of law,' stating that false charges and harassment led to the death of the victim, suffering from harassment from his wife and in-laws. Lawyer Abha Singh also emphasized that the misuse of dowry laws could ultimately deny justice to those who genuinely need protection. "Dowry laws, being made to protect women should not be misused because if some women are ...Read More >
Complainant, Gadhagoni Chakradhar Goud, alleges surveillance used to damage reputation A case has been filed against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former minister Harish Rao at the Panjagutta Police Station in Telangana's Hyderabad in connection with allegations of illegal phone tapping . The complaint, filed by Gadhagoni Chakradhar Goud, a real estate dealer and former political candidate, also names senior police official Radha Kishan Rao in the case. In his written complaint, Goud claims that Harish Rao conspired to tap his phone and monitor his activities without authorisation ...Read More >
The agitators demanded strict punishment for those who insulted the statue. Violent protests took place for the second day in central Maharashtra's Parbhani city on Wednesday over alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution, police said. Amid the bandh called by some organisations, a mob indulged in arson and police fired teargas shells in response, a senior official told PTI. How did the protest begin? An unidentified person on Tuesday damaged a replica of the Constitution he ...Read More >
The West Bengal Health Department on Monday (January 13, 2024) admitted to a lapse and said that they will take strict action against anyone found guilty in the administration of expired saline at Medinipur Medical College and Hospital. The government has roped in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe the "lapse" which led to one woman's death and three others remained critical. Five women were administered Ringer's Lactate (RL) on the Intravenous (IV) fluid which had allegedly expired. All of them fell critically ill and one of them died after delivering a baby. Three of the ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The dark dingy room of the jail in the city haunts Bhubanananda Tripathi even after 49 years and some months. The rattling noise of locks and bars, the unhygienic environs, the food that was bereft of taste and the scary nights came alive as Tripathi gets the news that the government of Odisha declares provision of pension to all those who had spent countless sleepless nights in prison during the Emergency in 1975. Tripathy is one of the 1200 brave souls from Odisha who were among 1.1 lakh arrested during Emergency and endured torture, humiliation and their crime was - demanding ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a 42-year-old Ashoka University associate professor and head of political science department, was recently arrested for social media commentary on 'Operation Sindoor,' thrusting the academic, writer, and former spokesperson of Samajwadi Party into the national spotlight. The Supreme Court on Monday has agreed to hear a plea challenging his arrest, with senior advocate Kapil Sibal calling his statements "entirely patriotic." Academics, opposition leaders and rights activists have widely condemned the arrest. Mahmudabad's social media remarks on the defence oper ...Read More >
The Palakkad bypoll has turned into a fierce triangular contest with key defections adding to the excitement. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan campaigned for former Congress leader P Sarin, now contesting as an Independent for the LDF, while BJP’s C Krishnakumar faces a tough challenge. Sarin, a former Congress digital strategist, switched parties after being snubbed for the Congress ticket. Meanwhile, BJP leader Sandeep Varier defected to Congress, further intensifying the race. With the election crucial for UDF, NDA, and LDF's momentum heading into the 2026 Kerala assembly elections, all eyes are ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha BJP government has renamed 21 schemes launched by the previous BJD regime, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told the assembly Thursday. The BJP government took oath June 12 after defeating the 24-year-old Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government in the assembly elections. In a written reply to a query by BJD legislator Tusharkanti Behera, the Chief Minister said the state government has renamed 21 existing schemes and launched seven new ones. According to a statement, the BJP government has rebranded eight schemes that were named after the late Biju Patnaik, father of form ...Read More >