Pithoragarh, the iconic district nestled in the pristine hills of Uttarakhand, witnessed a breathtaking transformation as it welcomed the season’s inaugural snowfall. The picturesque landscape now glistens under a fresh layer of white.
This momentous snowfall has gracefully blanketed renowned peaks, such as Kala Pani and Om mountains. The cumulative effect of continuous rain and snowfall has amplified the frosty charm of the region while delivering a notable drop in temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had foreseen this meteorological event, and on Monday, it had indicated the possibility of light rain in select hill areas of Uttarakhand, with a forecast for snowfall in districts including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and, of course, Pithoragarh.
Additionally, as winter’s embrace draws near, an official statement from the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee disclosed that the doors of Shri Gangotri Dham will be ceremoniously sealed on November 14. This significant occasion coincides with Annakoot, also known as Govardhan Puja.
On the following day, November 15, Shri Yamunotri Dham will also conclude its annual cycle, prepping itself for the hibernation of the colder months. The closing date for Shri Badrinath Dham will be determined on Vijay Dashami, falling on Tuesday, October 24, at Badrinath Dham. A religious ceremony will mark this announcement, setting the stage for another winter season in this sacred region.
As the hills of Uttarakhand prepare for the chillier months, Pithoragarh’s pristine snowfall is a reminder of nature’s exquisite beauty and the serene magic of this Himalayan landscape.
Hyderabad : In a shocking incident that has left the community in Nagole, Hyderabad, reeling, a man allegedly murdered his wife before taking his own life on Monday night.
The police report indicates that the man, identified as Ramulu, fatally attacked his wife Santoshi following a heated argument at their residence in Sainagar, under the jurisdiction of Nagole police station.
Disturbingly, after the alleged murder, Ramulu fled to the house of his relatives in Saroornagar. It was there that he tragically ended his own life, jumping from the building in an apparent suicide.
The motives behind this gruesome act remain unknown, and investigations are ongoing. The local authorities are working diligently to gather more information surrounding this tragic incident.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking event, further details are awaited, shedding light on the circumstances that led to this devastating loss of lives. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy.
In a historic and long-awaited verdict, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud emphasized the role of Parliament in amending the Special Marriage Act while delivering judgment on 21 petitions seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriages. The verdict, presented as four separate judgments, marks a significant milestone in India’s legal landscape.
Chief Justice Chandrachud began by stressing that the court’s function is to interpret existing law rather than create new legislation. He underlined that the responsibility for changing the Special Marriage Act lies with the legislative body, Parliament.
CJI Chandrachud’s Clarification: “This court can’t make law; its role is to interpret and implement existing laws. The question of reforming the Special Marriage Act should be addressed by Parliament.”
The Chief Justice challenged the notion that marriage is a static institution, emphasizing its dynamic nature and the evolving societal understanding of relationships.
The five-judge constitution bench, including Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and P S Narasimha, delivered separate verdicts on the matter.
He further debunked the misconception that homosexuality or queerness is confined to urban spaces or limited to specific social classes, asserting that such identities transcend caste or class distinctions.
CJI Chandrachud’s Inclusive Perspective: “To confine queerness to urban settings would be a disservice, as queerness knows no caste or class boundaries.”
The comprehensive judgment, issued after extensive hearings spanning ten days and involving 21 pleas, ushers in a new chapter in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in India. It reframes the debate around same-sex unions, highlighting the need for legislative action while emphasizing the dynamic and diverse nature of human relationships.
As the legal landscape evolves, India moves closer to recognizing and protecting the rights and relationships of its LGBTQ+ citizens. The judgment lays the groundwork for further discussions and potential legislative changes on this important issue. Stay tuned for more updates as this groundbreaking verdict unfolds.
In a strategic move that could reshape India’s political landscape, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has hinted at the possibility of either former AICC president Rahul Gandhi or party chief Mallikarjun Kharge being nominated for the position of Prime Minister if the INDIA alliance secures victory in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Tharoor, speaking at the inauguration of a US-based Silicon Valley-incubated D2C marketplace Way.com’s office at Technopark, shared his insights on the opposition coalition’s potential triumph over the BJP-led NDA government next year. He expressed optimism about the INDIA bloc’s chances and emphasized the significance of the coalition dynamics.
Tharoor’s Insightful Revelation: “Once the results are out, the coalition leaders will have to unite and select a candidate. My prediction is that from the Congress Party, it could be either Mr. Kharge, who would become India’s first Dalit Prime Minister, or Rahul Gandhi, given the family legacy within the party.”
Tharoor highlighted the essence of the Prime Minister’s role as the first among equals, underlining the confidence he had in the selected leader’s ability to shoulder the nation’s responsibilities effectively.
This development comes amidst heightened political maneuvers, with the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar making a significant move by releasing the Bihar Caste Census on Gandhi Jayanti. This strategic decision, months ahead of crucial assembly polls in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh, appears to be a strategic move by the Opposition INDIA bloc against the NDA, setting the stage for the fiercely contested 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
As the political climate heats up, stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story. The battle for the nation’s leadership is poised to intensify, promising a riveting chapter in India’s democratic journey.
Just In: Landslide Blocks Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
In a sudden turn of events, a landslide has struck the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway-44, causing a complete blockage at Cafeteria Morh, near Ramban. The situation has been exacerbated by incessant rains in the region. Deputy Commissioner Mussarat Zia urgently advises all travelers to remain updated by checking Traffic Control Units (TCUs) for real-time information and, most importantly, to abstain from any form of travel on the affected highway today.
This development adds an extra layer of complexity to an already precarious weather situation. The India Meteorological Department has issued predictions of isolated heavy rain, coupled with the potential for lightning and thunderstorms in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir on October 17.
The implications of this weather event extend beyond transportation disruptions. In response to the unrelenting rain, both Government and private schools in Ramban have decided to remain closed today for all students up to the Higher Secondary level.
Deputy Commissioner Zia Addresses School Closure: “In view of continuous rains since yesterday, all Government and Private schools up to Hr. Sec level in District Ramban shall remain closed today. However, exams, if any, shall be held as per the notified date.”
As the region grapples with these challenging conditions, please stay vigilant and stay tuned for the latest updates on this evolving situation. Your safety and well-being are of paramount importance.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that the caste census is not aimed at dividing people but ensuring that those deserving receive their rightful share. During his address, Kharge also indicated his party’s ambition to secure both the Rajasthan state government and the central government in the 2024 elections.
Kharge strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he has been engaged in falsehoods and divisive tactics, while also accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of replicating the efforts of his party.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of attempting to imitate their policies and announcements. He highlighted that the Congress initiated guarantee schemes in Karnataka, and the BJP has followed suit.
Kharge confidently stated that if the Congress wins the Rajasthan state government once more, it will ascend to power at the center in 2024.
He criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on promises to Rajasthan, emphasizing that they had elected 25 BJP MPs from the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but these MPs were unable to secure funds and resources for the state.
Regarding the demand for a nationwide caste census, Kharge countered Modi’s accusation that the Congress aimed to divide people, alleging that it is the BJP that has a history of dividing people along religious and caste lines.
Kharge also took a dig at Modi for his infrequent attendance in Parliament and extensive campaigning in poll-bound states, suggesting that the Prime Minister had done little for the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).
The ERCP, initially proposed by the previous BJP government, is intended to address the drinking water and irrigation requirements of 13 districts in Rajasthan. The Congress president urged the people to voice their concerns through their votes in the upcoming November 25 elections.
Kharge highlighted the schemes and programs introduced by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s government and underscored the Congress’s commitment to supporting the underprivileged, including farm loan waivers and health insurance schemes.
Kharge questioned the lack of support from the central government for essential schemes in Rajasthan and criticized the MPs’ ineffectiveness in securing resources for the state.
He also accused the BJP of toppling elected governments in states where the people’s mandate did not favor them. In Rajasthan, Kharge credited Gehlot with saving the Congress government with popular support.
Kharge made a satirical remark about Modi’s recent visit to Uttarakhand, suggesting that the Prime Minister’s actions were an attempt to display his “greatness.”
Kharge lauded the Congress’s development work for the poor, such as the Indira Gandhi Canal, healthcare facilities like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and large dams. He asserted that the wealth gap between the rich and the poor was expanding, and those profiting from the country’s assets were close associates of the Prime Minister.
On the issue of women’s reservation, Kharge accused Modi of misleading the public and claimed that it was the Congress that had initiated the bill for women’s reservation. He stated that the Congress had willingly supported the recent women’s reservation bill passed by Parliament.
Kharge concluded by advocating for a caste census across the country, emphasizing that it was not meant to harm anyone but to ensure that everyone receives their fair share.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot echoed Kharge’s sentiments about the ERCP and criticized the central government’s lack of support despite promises made by the BJP’s Vasundhara Raje during her tenure as Chief Minister. He urged the central government not to deceive the public and emphasized the importance of the ERCP for eastern Rajasthan.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against six individuals and a juvenile in connection with the shocking incident in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, where two tribal women were paraded naked in May. This incident had sparked nationwide outrage when a video of the ordeal went viral two months later.
The CBI submitted the charge sheet against six accused individuals and filed a report concerning one minor in conflict with the law before a special CBI court in Guwahati. Notably, this comes almost three months after Manipur Police had made initial arrests in the case.
The horrifying incident occurred on May 4, 2023, when a mob of approximately 900 to 1,000 individuals, armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded B Phainom village in Kangpokpi district, Manipur. They unleashed a wave of destruction by vandalizing homes, setting properties ablaze, looting, assaulting villagers, committing murders, and sexually assaulting women. A video of the two women being paraded naked came to light in July, resulting in widespread condemnation both within India and on the global stage. Subsequently, the Supreme Court intervened and handed over the case to the CBI.
Tragically, it was also reported that two family members of one of the women who were paraded naked lost their lives during the incident.
The ongoing CBI investigation has revealed that the individuals previously arrested by Manipur Police were indeed involved in the heinous incident. Consequently, on Monday, the charge sheet was formally filed against the primary accused, including Huirum Herodas and others.
The investigation is ongoing, with efforts continuing to identify any other individuals involved in the offenses and exploring various aspects of the case.
The accused have been charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, encompassing charges related to gangrape, murder, outraging the modesty of a woman, and criminal conspiracy, according to the CBI.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for justice and accountability in the face of such horrific acts, and the nation watches closely as the legal proceedings unfold.
HYDERABAD : In a noteworthy political development, the former Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, has joined the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) at a public meeting led by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) in Jangaon.
Chief Minister KCR, on the second day of his election campaign leading up to the Telangana polls, delivered a fervent speech at the BRS Ashirvada Sabha held at the Jangaon Medical College Grounds. He passionately addressed the opposition and cautioned the public against falling victim to the misinformation propagated by the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
KCR stressed the importance of making informed choices in the upcoming elections. He reminisced about the state’s pre-Telangana days, where many districts and mandals faced challenges. He particularly mentioned Bachannapet mandal in Warangal, where youth were compelled to migrate due to the harsh conditions. However, he proudly declared that the Bachannapet reservoir now remains filled with water year-round.
The Chief Minister voiced concerns about the Congress’s alleged plans to cancel the Dharani portal if they come to power. He defended the Dharani system, established to grant land rights to farmers and empower them, vowing to protect it at any cost. KCR also praised the law and order situation in Telangana, highlighting the harmonious coexistence of Hindus and Muslims in the state. He indirectly cautioned against divisive tactics, without mentioning the BJP by name, asserting that Telangana would remain a secular state as long as he is alive.
KCR outlined his vision for the development of Jangaon, which included making Cherial a revenue division, establishing medical colleges, nursing and paramedical colleges, promoting industries and an IT corridor due to its proximity to Hyderabad, and initiating additional lift irrigation projects to ensure complete water supply for all villages. He emphasized that all these plans hinged on the victory of Palla Rajeshwar Reddy.
Before the public meeting, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, the former Minister and Pradesh Congress Chief, officially joined the BRS party in Jangaon in the presence of Chief Minister KCR. During his address, Ponnala expressed his disappointment with how the Congress treated him, despite dedicating 45 years to the party. He pledged to redirect his efforts towards the development of marginalized sections while commending Jangaon’s progress.
Bengaluru : In an unexpected twist, Karnataka Janata Dal (Secular) president CM Ibrahim has openly expressed his discontent with the party’s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), causing a significant political upheaval.
In a bold and unprecedented move that challenges JD-S chief HD Deve Gowda’s authority, Ibrahim firmly stated that the party would not align itself with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the BJP. This rift within the JD(S) has intensified, with Ibrahim characterizing his faction as the “original” one due to its staunch commitment to secular principles.
Facing the media, Ibrahim asserted his leadership, declaring, “I am the state president of JD(S), and we will decide our alliances, except with the BJP. I will call on Kumaraswamy to return.” He expressed his intention to persuade former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to rejoin the party.
“We are the true JD(S),” he emphasized, underlining his faction’s claim to be the authentic embodiment of the party’s core values and principles. This statement suggests that other entities claiming to be JD(S) may not adhere as faithfully to the party’s fundamental beliefs and objectives.
VIDEO | "The final decision is that there is no alliance with the NDA. We are the original JD(S) and we don't accept it," says Karnataka JD(S) president CM Ibrahim on JD(S) joining NDA. pic.twitter.com/82E5Pit27R
This development follows JD(S)’s decision, on September 22, to form an alliance with the BJP-led NDA for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. The announcement had been made by HD Kumaraswamy, JDS leader and former Karnataka chief minister, following meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda in the national capital.
Ibrahim’s dissent became apparent shortly after the alliance announcement when he remarked, “If you are making an alliance with the BJP, then who has accepted whom? If you have power, you don’t need to ask for anything.” He stressed that his reservations were not personal but rooted in principles, expressing his respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The JD(S), led by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, has traditionally been a significant third player in Karnataka’s political landscape, dominated by the Congress and the BJP. Despite the recent success of the Congress in state assembly polls, the BJP-led NDA sees the JD(S) as a valuable ally, particularly in south Karnataka, where the regional party holds substantial influence, bolstering the BJP’s historically weak presence in the region.
The future of Karnataka’s political alliances remains uncertain, as internal divisions within the JD(S) pose a challenge to the stability of the BJP-led NDA’s plans for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving political situation.
A video capturing a couple from Hyderabad engaging in a public display of affection on the sunroof of a speeding car has gone viral, causing widespread outrage on the internet. The short clip, which has garnered significant attention, depicts a man wearing a white t-shirt passionately kissing a woman multiple times while protruding from the sunroof of a KIA Seltos car. The incident occurred on the PVNR expressway, where the car was seen moving at a dangerously high speed.
In the video, the man can be observed raising his hand and pointing towards the sky, seemingly oblivious to the inconvenience caused to fellow commuters on the expressway. The couple’s brazen disregard for safety and road rules has triggered strong reactions online, with users expressing their outrage and labeling the act as both “obscene” and a “nuisance.”
Internet users have been quick to demand action from the police, expressing concerns not only about the inappropriate behavior but also about the potential hazards such reckless acts pose on the roads. As the video continues to circulate, authorities are under pressure to address the situation and ensure the safety of all commuters on the city’s expressways.
