On Thursday, the Election Commission of India had a meeting to discuss the preparations for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections and the Special Summary Revision 2025. Officials, including the chief electoral officer of Delhi and police supervisors, were present.
During the meeting, strict rules were set that no voters’ names should be removed without checking first and letting them explain their case. Officials must also include representatives from political parties in the process of updating the voters list. This should be done openly and fairly, and any complaints from political parties should be addressed quickly and accurately.
This meeting came after Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, complained to the chief election commissioner about alleged removals of voters’ names. He claimed this was being done by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to influence the upcoming elections in 2025. The BJP called these claims a “desperate” move by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to gain votes, insisting they are just working to remove fake voters.
Officials from the Delhi poll panel rejected these claims, saying there are no plans for mass removal of voter names and no requests for it have been received. The current term of the Delhi assembly ends on February 23 next year.
Author: Biswajit Biswal
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Delhi Elections: Voter Name Removal Concerns Raised Ahead of 2025
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India’s Defense: New Fighter Jets and Artillery Contracts Signed!
On Thursday, the Indian Defence Ministry signed a huge deal worth ₹13,500 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. This deal is to buy 12 new Sukhoi-30 fighter planes for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and some extra equipment. The new planes will help replace some older ones that were lost in accidents.
The Indian Air Force currently has 260 Sukhoi-30 aircraft, and these 12 new ones will make them even stronger. HAL will build these planes at their factory in Nashik, and 62.6% of the parts will be made in India, which helps promote self-reliance in defense.
Additionally, the Defence Ministry has also secured a ₹7,000 crore deal for 100 more K9 Vajra-T guns from Larsen & Toubro, which will come with technology from a South Korean company.
The K9 guns are advanced artillery pieces. So far, the army has received 100 of them, which were initially meant for desert areas but have been upgraded for use in mountainous regions like Ladakh.
Back in September, the Defence Ministry also signed a ₹26,000 crore contract for 240 engines for the Sukhoi-30s. These engines will be made at HAL’s facility in Koraput, Odisha, and they will be developed mostly in India, reducing the need to import parts.
HAL is also working to upgrade the current Sukhoi-30 aircraft, which will cost around ₹65,000 crore. These upgrades will include modern radar systems, electronic warfare tools, advanced avionics, and new weapon systems.
The Indian Army is also modernizing its artillery. They are focusing on better guns, rockets, and missiles that can shoot further and more accurately. They want to be quicker and more efficient in battle, which is part of a larger strategy to improve their overall firepower. -
Supreme Court Warns Judges Against Social Media Use
The Supreme Court of India In a recent case, shared important advice for judges. They said there should be no showiness among judges and recommended that new judges avoid using social media. The court was looking into the firing of two women judges from Madhya Pradesh. One of the judges, Aditi Kumar Sharma, posted her court experiences on Facebook, which caught the judges’ attention.
Sitting on the bench, Justice BV Nagarathna explained, “A judge should live simply and work hard. Being flashy has no place in judging.” The court was discussing two women judges, Aditi and Sarita Chaudhary, who were let go earlier this year along with four other female judges. They suggested that the Madhya Pradesh High Court reconsider their decisions, but the court still didn’t take back the firing of Aditi and Sarita.
Senior lawyer R Basant agreed that judges should avoid social media, saying that if they don’t want to limit themselves, they shouldn’t join the judicial service at all. The Supreme Court added that judges should not share their opinions on cases online, as it could lead to questions about their decisions later.
Agarwal, a lawyer helping the court, pointed out that both judges used to be valued for their performance but were rated as average later on. Aditi shared that she faced difficult times in 2021, including a miscarriage and her brother’s cancer, which may have affected her work. Senior lawyer Indira Jaising argued for Aditi, claiming her firing was unfair and based on personal grudges.
The court agreed that all judges should be treated the same, emphasizing that the expectations for case handling should be fair for both male and female judges. The hearing will continue next week for more discussions on this sensitive matter. -
Young Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Chess Champion at Just 18
In an exciting match held in Singapore, Indian chess player Gukesh Dommaraju made history by becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old. On Thursday, he defeated Chinese player Ding Liren, who was the defending champion.
The decisive game was dramatic, especially towards the end when Ding made a big mistake, allowing Gukesh to take the win. Gukesh scored 7.5 points, while Ding ended with 6.5. Before this, Gukesh pulled off an amazing victory in a 14-game match, where he started to shine after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.
Gukesh is now the 18th world champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov, who held the title at 22 years old back in 1985. Gukesh shared that he got very emotional after winning and didn’t expect to win his final position against Ding.
Ding Liren, who had been struggling in his games since winning the title last year from Ian Nepomniachtchi, had managed to tie the score in round 12 before losing to Gukesh.
Gukesh explained, “We all know who Ding is; he has been one of the best players in the world for many years.”
This championship featured a prize fund of $2.5 million. Gukesh’s teammates, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi, also excelled recently at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where they won gold medals. Their success is partly due to the inspiration they get from former world champion Viswanathan Anand, who helps promote chess in India.
World number one Magnus Carlsen, who was the champion until 2022, stepped down, saying he needed more motivation. Gukesh humbly noted, “Becoming the world champion doesn’t mean that I’m the best player in the world.” -
Overall Astrology Today For 11th Dec 2024: Lucky Signs & Best Times to Act!
Today is the eighth day (Ashtami) of the waxing moon phase (Shukla Paksha), lasting until 7:12 PM. The Moon is in the Purva Bhadrapada star, which means it’s a good time for certain activities.
Moon Movements:
– Karana Vishti runs until 7:04 AM, after which Bava will take over until 7:12 PM.
– The Moon will move into the sign of Aquarius after that time.Sunrise and Sunset:
– Sunrise: 7:04 AM
– Sunset: 5:25 PMMoon Signs:
– The Moon is in Aquarius until 4:17 PM and then moves into Pisces.
– The Sun is in Scorpio today.Lucky and Unlucky Signs:
– Lucky Moon Signs until 4:17 PM: Aries, Taurus, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius, Aquarius.
– Lucky Moon Signs after 4:17 PM: Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, Pisces.
– Unlucky Moon Sign until 4:17 PM is Cancer; after that, it is Leo.Good Times to Do Things (Auspicious Muhurta):
– Abhijit Muhurta: from 11:54 AM to 12:35 PM.
– Vijaya Muhurta: from 1:58 PM to 2:39 PM.Bad Times to Avoid (Inauspicious Muhurta):
– Rahu Kalam: from 9:39 AM to 10:57 AM.Remember, this astrological information helps you plan your day better based on the stars!
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Daily Zodiac Horoscope For 11th Dec 2024: What’s Your Day Going to Look Like?
Each zodiac sign has its own special traits and characteristics that shape your personality. Wouldn’t it be great to know what the day holds for you? Read below to find out what to expect today based on your zodiac sign!
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)
Today is a fantastic day to show your family how much you care. At work, important people are noticing your hard work. You can expect your money situation to improve, and staying active will keep you healthy. You might also help someone who needs it today. Traveling with friends will bring you joy!
Love Focus: Your partner might surprise you with something special!
Lucky Number: 3
Lucky Color: WhiteTAURUS (Apr 21-May 20)
Your honesty at work will not go unnoticed and might be rewarded! You could get a chance to learn new skills. If you work in retail, expect good sales today. Catch up with an old friend and enjoy a social event that will make you happy!
Love Focus: Your partner will come up with cute romantic ideas.
Lucky Number: 1
Lucky Color: MagentaGEMINI (May 21-Jun 21)
Your creative work ideas might earn you money today! Some changes could happen at home, and you might get invited on a fun trip. Helping others financially won’t hurt you. Just keep your schoolwork on track! If you’re feeling unwell, you’ll recover quickly.
Love Focus: Someone you like may make the first move to talk to you!
Lucky Number: 6
Lucky Color: GreenCANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22)
You might feel proud of a family member’s achievements. A new coworker could challenge you, but don’t worry. Some delays in getting money could happen today. Don’t forget to focus on your fitness goals! Plan to start something you’ve wanted to do for a while.
Love Focus: Your partner may share some thrilling news with you!
Lucky Number: 7
Lucky Color: Dark BrownLEO (Jul 23-Aug 23)
Travel could open up new job opportunities for you! Don’t stress about travel papers; everything will be fine. If you invest in property, expect some good returns. Spend quality time with family and friends today!
Love Focus: A new romance will keep you excited!
Lucky Number: 2
Lucky Color: MaroonVIRGO (Aug 24-Sep 23)
Good things are happening at work, helping you meet your goals. Listen to advice from an older family member today! Your health is solid thanks to your hard work. If you’re negotiating property, it should go smoothly!
Love Focus: Enjoy a fun outing planned with your partner.
Lucky Number: 5
Lucky Color: SaffronLIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)
Your business profits could boost your reputation. Get involved in social activities and offer to carpool today! Your family will appreciate what you do at home. If you’re thinking of renovating, hold off for now.
Love Focus: Romance will bring excitement today!
Lucky Number: 4
Lucky Color: Dark GreySCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22)
If you’re trying to lose weight, today is good if you have the right support. Pay attention to your spending at home. Business folks, a lucky deal might come your way! Watch out for road rage while driving, and enjoy time with friends.
Love Focus: Romance might need to take a back seat today.
Lucky Number: 1
Lucky Color: CreamSAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Stay organized and proactive to achieve your goals! It’s a great day for family talks and settling arguments. Work may feel a bit challenging today. Consider going for a jog or trying new healthy recipes.
Love Focus: Romance might not be the priority today.
Lucky Number: 22
Lucky Color: RedCAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 21)
Try using secret chants for financial success! Be polite to guests. Keep working hard if you want to move up at work. Watch your diet; it affects everything! Students, you’ll need to study harder for good results.
Love Focus: Your love life should bring you joy today.
Lucky Number: 8
Lucky Color: PinkAQUARIUS (Jan 22-Feb 19)
Get involved in discussions for future collaborations at work. Support from your seniors may help you reach your goals. Meeting new people could be exciting, and it would be better to get a ride from someone else today!
Love Focus: Singles may get a chance to meet a soulmate soon!
Lucky Number: 9
Lucky Color: BeigePISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20)
Today is a great time to fix problems, which can lead to better money situations. Listen to your parents for advice on an important issue. Stay focused at work to reach your goals! Don’t overdo it to avoid health problems. You may want to update your property for a better price.
Love Focus: Doubts could affect your happiness in your relationship.
Lucky Number: 7
Lucky Color: Purple -
INDIA Bloc to Challenge Election Results Over EVM Manipulation Claims
The opposition group in Maharashtra, called the INDIA bloc, plans to ask the Supreme Court for help after believing that there was unfair handling of voting machines (EVMs) during the recent assembly elections.
Prashant Jagtap, a leader in the NCP party, announced this decision after meeting with important leaders like Sharad Pawar, who is the chief of NCP, Arvind Kejriwal from AAP, and Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi in New Delhi. Pawar had spoken with other leaders from his party who were disappointed with their election losses.
The INDIA bloc thinks they lost because the voting machines were manipulated to help the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition. In last month’s elections, the BJP coalition won 235 out of 288 seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance only got 46 seats.
During the meeting, Kejriwal also expressed worry about the voter lists in Delhi, where elections are coming up early next year.
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Today’s Astrological Guide For 9th December: Key Timings and Lucky Signs!
Today is the sixth day of the bright half of the lunar month (Shukla Paksha), first part lasting until 07:53 PM. The star Dhanishtha will be in effect until 09:51 PM. A good time period, called Vyaghata Yoga, lasts until 10:28 AM, after which another good time, Harshana, begins. Additionally, there’s a special time called Kaulava Karana that ends at 08:34 AM and is followed by Taitila until 07:53 PM, when the Moon will move into Scorpio.
Important Times:
- Sunrise: 07:02 AM
- Sunset: 05:25 PM
- Tithi (Lunar Day): Shukla Paksha Shashthi (until 07:53 PM), changing to Saptami.
- Nakshatra (Lunar Star): Dhanishtha (until 09:51 PM).
- Yoga (Good & Bad Times): Vyaghata (until 10:28 AM), then Harshana.
- Karana (Small Time Units): Kaulava (until 08:34 AM), then Taitila (until 07:53 PM).
Auspicious Times for Activities:
- Abhijit Muhurtha: 11:53 AM to 12:34 PM
- Vijaya Muhurtha: 01:57 PM to 02:39 PM
Inauspicious Time:
- Rahu Kalam: 01:31 PM to 02:49 PM
Moon and Sun Signs:
- Moon is in Aquarius (from 10:10 AM).
- Sun is in Scorpio.
Lucky Moon Signs: Aries, Taurus, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius, Aquarius
Unlucky Moon Sign: CancerPanchanga is a calendar used in Vedic astrology to help people pick good and bad times for daily tasks based on the positions of the planets. It has five parts: Vaara (day), Tithi (lunar day), Nakshatra (star), Yoga (good/bad time), and Karana (small time units).
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AI’s Future: What Will Change by 2025?
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, recently talked about the future of generative artificial intelligence (AI). He said that by 2025, AI might not change our lives as much as it has already. When OpenAI introduced ChatGPT two years ago, it got a lot of attention, and now big tech companies like Google have similar AI models. But getting significant advancements in AI will be harder moving forward, according to Pichai.
He explained that the easy improvements have mostly been made, and now we need tougher challenges to see more exciting developments. “The hill is steeper,” he said, meaning it will demand more effort and innovation to make major breakthroughs.
Current AI models, like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, are going to continue improving, especially in understanding and reasoning. These enhancements could lead to more businesses finding ways to earn money through AI, although big investments—over a trillion dollars in the coming years—haven’t yet resulted in profits.
Other tech leaders, like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, share similar thoughts. They view technology growth as unpredictable, with periods of slow progress followed by rapid advancements. However, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, believes there are no limits to how much AI can improve over time.
Pichai adds that even small improvements in AI can help more people use it effectively. He mentioned that jobs related to AI, like AI trainers, pay pretty well—averaging over $64,000 a year. He believes that in ten years, computer programming will be easier for many more people to learn and work in.
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Assad Resigns: Russia Confirms
In a major turn of events, Bashar Al-Assad, the President of Syria, has stepped down and left his country. This follows a rapid attack by rebel forces that successfully toppled his long-standing rule. Russia confirmed this news on Sunday, stating that Assad decided to resign after discussions with various groups involved in the conflict. He agreed to hand over power to the rebels peacefully.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern about the situation in Syria and mentioned that they did not take part in the negotiations. They have called for the rebel fighters to stop using violence and to solve the country’s problems through talks.
After the announcement, Syrian rebels declared the country as “free,” stating that Assad had abandoned the capital city of Damascus, heading to an unknown location. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Assad left Damascus on a private plane late Saturday night, but where he went is unclear.
Following this, the Syrian army and security forces withdrew from the airport, and commercial flights were stopped. There were even rumors about Assad’s death after his plane changed course and went off radar near Homs.
In response to these events, Russian troops in Syria have been placed on high alert, but Russia claims there is no major threat to its military operations there.
Once the news spread, people in Syria celebrated in the streets, tearing down statues of the Assad family. This rebellion was led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was previously known as the Al-Nusra Front and is linked to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. The recent attacks marked the end of Assad’s over 50 years of control over Syria.
Bashar Al-Assad took over from his father, Hafez Al-Assad, in 2000 and ruled for more than two decades. His time in power has been heavily criticized, especially for the government’s actions during the protests in 2011 that led to a brutal civil war. This conflict has resulted in more than half a million deaths and millions of refugees.