Category: India

  • ASI to Begin Repairs of Jagannath Temple’s ‘Ratna Bhandar’ on December 16

    ASI to Begin Repairs of Jagannath Temple’s ‘Ratna Bhandar’ on December 16

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to start fixing the treasure room, called ‘Ratna Bhandar’, at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, on December 16. An official named D. B. Garnaik announced this on Sunday.

    Before the repairs can begin, the ASI has asked for approval from the temple’s management committee. “Once we get the green light, we will start on December 16,” Garnaik said.

    Earlier, the ASI worked with a science team from Hyderabad to survey the 12th-century temple using advanced tools. They finished their report just last month. Any repairs will follow recommendations from this report.

    The ‘Ratna Bhandar’ repair plans will also be discussed at a meeting of temple workers called ‘Chhatisa Nijoga’ on December 10, according to Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain.

    Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan added that the state government aims to finish counting the jewelry kept in two temporary treasure rooms by the end of January. He said, “We have asked the ASI to finish the repairs quickly. After that, we will move the jewelry back into the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ from the temporary rooms and do the inventory.”

    Notably, the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ was opened this past July after being closed for 46 years to check the valuables and fix its structure.

  • Cold Wave to Hit Delhi Soon: What You Need to Know About the Weather

    Cold Wave to Hit Delhi Soon: What You Need to Know About the Weather

    The weather is turning colder! Starting today, the national capital, Delhi, is expected to have foggy weather on Monday, with the temperature dropping to 8 degrees Celsius at night and going up to 24 degrees during the day. After light rain in parts of Delhi on Sunday evening, the air quality has improved. Places like Kota House, Akbar Road, and Pandara Park experienced some rain.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a cold wave across Northern India, starting December 9. Here’s what the weather will look like this week:

    – December 9: Min 8°C, Max 23°C – Dense Fog
    – December 10: Min 6°C, Max 24°C – Moderate Fog
    – December 11: Min 6°C, Max 24°C – Moderate Fog
    – December 12: Min 6°C, Max 25°C – Shallow Fog
    – December 13: Min 7°C, Max 25°C – Fog
    – December 14: Min 8°C, Max 25°C – Fog

    A cold wave is expected to chill many areas in Northern India, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh. The IMD mentioned that by December 10, temperatures in Delhi could drop to about 3°C, down from 7°C now.

    The cold wave will last from December 9 to 14 in West Rajasthan and will reach places like Punjab and Haryana by December 11. Cold wave conditions mean temperatures will drop sharply, making it much colder than what these areas usually experience. Already, towns like Hisar in Haryana have recorded low temperatures of around 4.7°C.

    As the weather worsens, the Delhi government has set up night shelters for those in need. These shelters are located in areas like AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin Flyover, helping people stay warm during these cold nights.

  • Mixed Oil Prices: China Demand Drops, Middle East Tensions Rise

    Mixed Oil Prices: China Demand Drops, Middle East Tensions Rise

    Oil prices were mixed in early trading on Monday. Concerns about weak demand in China were balanced by fears of rising tensions in the Middle East after Syrian rebels claimed victory over President Bashar al-Assad. Brent crude oil slightly dropped by 1 cent to $71.11 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 1 cent to $67.21 per barrel.

    Last week, Brent oil prices fell over 2.5%, and WTI dropped by 1.2% as analysts worried there might be too much oil available next year due to weak demand. This worry continued even after OPEC+, a group of oil-producing countries, decided to delay increasing oil production and keep production cuts in place until the end of 2026.

    Saudi Aramco, the largest oil company in the world, said it lowered its prices for January 2025 for buyers in Asia, reaching the lowest point since early 2021 because of weak demand from China.

    Meanwhile, Syrian rebels claimed on state TV that they have overthrown President al-Assad, ending his family’s rule of 50 years. This has raised fears of more instability in an already troubled Middle East.

    In the U.S., the number of oil and gas rigs increased last week, indicating that oil production might be going up, which caused prices to dip further. OPEC+ also decided to push back plans to increase oil output by three months, now aiming for April, and extended production cuts until 2026.

  • Farmers Suspend Delhi March After Clashes with Police: What Happens Next?

    Farmers Suspend Delhi March After Clashes with Police: What Happens Next?

    On Sunday, farmers trying to march to Delhi had to stop after some got hurt from teargas used by the Haryana police. The farmers wanted to cross the Punjab-Haryana border, but the police made a strong barricade to stop them.

    When a group of 101 farmers started their march, police surprised them by offering tea and biscuits and even threw flower petals at them. But the protesters thought it was a trick because soon after, the police used teargas and water jets to force them back.

    The farmers, known as ‘marjeevras’ because they are very passionate about their cause, found themselves just a few meters from their goal when the police stopped them. This went on for over three hours before the farmers decided to go back for the day.

    Sarwan Singh Pandher, a leader among the farmers, said six protesters were hurt, and one needed to go to a hospital in Chandigarh. He criticized the police for their actions, saying it was wrong to use teargas against peaceful farmers who were just protesting for better prices for their crops.

    Farmer leaders will meet on Monday to decide what to do next. They want the government to talk to them about their demands, which include a legal guarantee for a fair price for crops, and other issues related to farming.

    On Friday, during an earlier attempt to march, some farmers also got hurt from the teargas. Farmer leader Baldev Singh Zira said that the police’s actions were just a show. He pointed out that the farmers were not carrying any weapons and were moving peacefully.

    The farmers have been protesting at the border for over 300 days. They feel they should be allowed to march peacefully to Delhi, but they keep getting stopped, causing them to wonder why the government doesn’t listen to their demands. Another farmer leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, is on a hunger strike, showing how serious the situation is. The farmers are asking for things like debt relief, a pension plan, and justice for fellow farmers who lost their lives during protests in the past.

  • Protests Erupt in Kolkata: Hindus Demand Justice for Bangladesh Community

    Protests Erupt in Kolkata: Hindus Demand Justice for Bangladesh Community

    In Kolkata, India, people protested against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh by burning Dhakai Jamdani sarees, which are traditional sarees from Bangladesh. The protest was organized by the Bengali Hindu Suraksha Samiti at the Salt Lake International Bus Terminus. Protesters called for a boycott of Bangladeshi products, including these sarees, stating that Indians would not stay quiet if the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh continues.

    One protester said, “We are against the constant attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the false stories against India. By burning these sarees, we want everyone to stop buying products from Bangladesh.” Another protester spoke about how difficult things are for Hindus in Bangladesh and commented on how people are forgetting their history.

    The protesters also asked the Indian government to protect Hindus in Bangladesh. On December 5, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) burned an Indian saree to show anger over attacks on the Bangladeshi assistant high commission in Agartala, Tripura. Recently, tensions rose between India and Bangladesh after a former ISKCON priest was arrested, which led to clashes and more discussions about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

    Reports state that the Hindu community in Bangladesh has been attacked more than 200 times in about 50 districts after the government there changed. India’s foreign secretary is expected to visit Bangladesh on December 9 for talks.

  • Lucknow Commuter Stations Hit by False Bomb Threat: No Danger Found

    Lucknow Commuter Stations Hit by False Bomb Threat: No Danger Found

    On Sunday morning, an unknown person called the emergency service, Dial 112, to say there were bombs at three different places in Lucknow: Hussainganj Metro Station, Charbagh Railway Station, and Alambagh Bus Station. The call came in around 8 am.

    As soon as they heard the threat, police and security teams rushed to the stations with bomb disposal and dog squads. They searched each place carefully, looking for any suspicious items or explosives. After searching, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Manisha Singh, reported that there were no dangerous objects found at any of the locations. It turned out the threat was just a hoax.

    There were no explosives or threats to the public’s safety, Singh reassured everyone. The police are now working to trace the phone number used to make the call and are trying to find the person responsible for this false alarm.

  • Farmers Clash with Police While Marching to Delhi for Fair Crop Prices

    Farmers Clash with Police While Marching to Delhi for Fair Crop Prices

    Farmers from Punjab tried to march to Delhi to demand better prices for their crops (Minimum Support Price, or MSP), but Haryana police stopped them. They put up strong barriers and used tear gas to keep the farmers from crossing the border at Shambhu.

    The police also used pepper spray on farmers who got too close. They told the farmers to move back, claiming that the group moving forward didn’t match the list of 101 farmers who had permission to march. A police officer said they needed to check the farmers’ IDs before letting anyone through, as some were moving ahead as a large crowd.

    One farmer explained, “We brought our 101 members today. If the police want to check our IDs, we will cooperate. But they’re using a lot of tear gas, which is affecting us.” He added, “We’re ready to fight for our rights. The Prime Minister must solve our issues or let us go to Delhi.”

    The farmers came prepared, wearing masks to protect themselves from the tear gas. They also tried to cover tear gas shells with wet bags to lessen the impact. This foot march comes after their first attempt to reach Delhi was interrupted back in February.

  • Kerala Open to Adani Projects with Emphasis on Sustainability

    Kerala Open to Adani Projects with Emphasis on Sustainability

    Kerala is open to talking about new projects with the Adani Group if they benefit the people and the state, according to P Rajeev, the Minister of Law, Industries, and Coir. However, Kerala is careful about allowing big industries that might harm the environment.

    Rajeev mentioned that there is already a significant Adani investment in the Vizhinjam Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram. The current government decided to continue with the port project started by the previous administration because it helps the state’s economy and creates jobs for its people.

    The minister explained that Kerala is not willing to offer special incentives to the Adani Group and wants to follow strict conditions. About recent allegations against the Adani Group, he said they will still work together, but they want a mutual benefit from any new projects.

    Rajeev also pointed out that the government doesn’t support privatizing electricity and water supply. While they collaborate with the Adani Group on the Vizhinjam port, Kerala opposes giving the Adani Group control of the nearby international airport.

    The minister stressed that the state is not against big industries, but they must not pollute the environment. Kerala is looking for investments in clean sectors, like medical devices, robot manufacturing, and spice processing. Rajeev noted that Kerala aims to be a hub for knowledge-based industries, thanks to its talented workforce. The government plans to declare Kerala the first digitally literate state in India and is proud to be ranked number one for ease of doing business.

    Though some may worry about high wages in Kerala, Rajeev said companies will benefit thanks to worker productivity. He also reassured that the state doesn’t have major issues with strikes or violence in industries, unlike other states. He mentioned a law that protects workers’ rights but clarified it does not apply in industrial and logistics parks, and demanding money is a crime.

  • Uttar Pradesh’s Bright Idea: Keeping Stray Cattle Safe at Night”

    Uttar Pradesh’s Bright Idea: Keeping Stray Cattle Safe at Night”

    To keep stray cattle safe, Uttar Pradesh has introduced a bright and easy idea: putting glowing, reflective strips around the necks and horns of cows and bulls. These strips shine brightly when car headlights hit them, making it easier for drivers to see the animals at night and preventing accidents. Local officials say this plan is working, but they are still gathering proof to show its success.

    In Pilibhit, where this project started, the task has been exciting but also tough, similar to the challenging nature of the animals themselves. Workers have placed reflective tapes on 450 stray bulls along three busy roads: Bareilly-Haridwar NH-74, Pilibhit-Basti NH-730, and Bhind-Lipulekh NH-731. Each animal costs Rs 400 for this bright upgrade, especially helping animals with black fur that are hard to see at night.

    The local villagers have been very helpful and even helped pay for much of the project costs. “It’s an ambitious project,” said Virendra Singh, who is in charge of the effort. However, while villagers supported the workers, the process was not always safe. The workers didn’t have protective gear and tranquilizers, making them vulnerable to the very animals they were helping. Singh explained that they were only able to succeed thanks to the villagers’ support. However, without better safety gear, they can’t continue this effort widely.

    Currently, there are about 15 lakh stray cattle in the state, with 12 lakh living in shelters. A private company has created reflective tapes in different sizes to fit animals of all shapes. This project is also helping both the Animal Husbandry Department and the Transport Department work together to mark dangerous roads where more help is needed. Additional transport commissioner Pushpsen Satyarthi stated, “This is about keeping the roads safe for both people and animals, stopping accidents, and saving lives.” Right now, the reflective tapes shine brightly in the headlights of passing cars—a small sign of hope in the dark roads of Uttar Pradesh. Whether this bright idea can lead to lasting change is still a question that remains open.

  • Jaipur Court Awards ₹99 Lakh to Girl Injured by Power Line

    Jaipur Court Awards ₹99 Lakh to Girl Injured by Power Line

    A court in Jaipur has ordered Jaipur Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited to pay 99 lakh rupees (about 9.9 million) to the family of a five-year-old girl. This happened because a high-voltage power line fell on her in March 2015, which resulted in her arms being amputated. The decision was made on November 28 and the money is meant to help with her ongoing medical treatment and future care.

    Details of the Compensation
    The court said the compensation money will be kept in a fixed deposit account. The family will get 6% interest on this money every year, starting from 2016 (the year the claim was made). This interest will be paid to the family each month to help pay for her medical needs.

    When the girl turns 21, she will be able to take out 25 lakh rupees (about 2.5 million) for her own use. The rest of the money will continue to help with her care as she grows up.

    Court’s Message
    The judge pointed out how important daughters are to families. He shared that this compensation is meant to help lessen the pain caused by this terrible accident. This ruling brings closure to a case that showed how serious it can be when public utilities neglect safety.