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Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Modi and Kejriwal’s Governance, Promises Sheila Dikshit’s “Real Development Model” for Delhi

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Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Modi and Kejriwal’s Governance, Promises Sheila Dikshit’s “Real Development Model” for Delhi

In the run-up to Delhi’s Assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a strong critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of promoting a “false propaganda and PR model” for governance. Gandhi emphasized that Delhi deserved the “real development model” that had been championed by former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Sharing a video montage on his Facebook page, Gandhi highlighted pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, pollution, and corruption. “Bad construction, dirt, inflation, unemployment, pollution, and corruption – the truth of Delhi is in front of the public,” he stated in his post.

The Congress leader went on to say, “Delhi now wants the same real development model of Sheila Dikshit ji, not the false propaganda and PR model of Modi and Kejriwal.” His comments were made ahead of the Assembly elections in Delhi, where his party is seeking to regain a foothold in the capital.

Gandhi’s Absence from Public Meetings

Gandhi, who has been unwell, could not address a public meeting in the Sadar Bazar Assembly constituency on Wednesday. Instead, a message from him was read out to the rally attendees, where he appealed to the people of Delhi to support the Congress in the upcoming elections.

Due to his health issues, Gandhi also missed attending the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ rally in Belagavi, Karnataka, earlier this week. He had also been unable to hold a political program in the New Delhi constituency earlier this month.

Gandhi’s Criticism of Modi and Kejriwal

Earlier in the campaign, Gandhi had launched a blistering attack on both Modi and Kejriwal, claiming there was little difference between the two leaders. He argued that both Modi and Kejriwal were not committed to ensuring that backward communities, Dalits, tribals, and minorities received their due share.

In his first public meeting targeting Kejriwal for the Delhi Assembly polls, Gandhi accused the AAP leader of following the “Modi strategy of propaganda and false promises.” He highlighted the growing challenges of pollution, corruption, and inflation in Delhi under Kejriwal’s leadership.

Congress Promises a Caste Survey

During his campaign, Gandhi also promised to conduct a caste survey in Delhi if the Congress were to form the government. He lauded the work done under the leadership of Sheila Dikshit, emphasizing the positive impact of her administration on the city.

Gandhi claimed that neither Kejriwal nor the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could match Congress’ track record of governance in Delhi.

D Gukesh Becomes Highest-Ranked Indian Chess Player, Surpassing Arjun Erigaisi

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D Gukesh Becomes Highest-Ranked Indian Chess Player, Surpassing Arjun Erigaisi

Continuing his meteoric rise in the world of chess, 18-year-old D Gukesh has dethroned his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi to become the highest-ranked Indian player, achieving a career-high fourth spot in the latest FIDE rankings released on Thursday.

Gukesh’s impressive feat came after he secured his second victory in the prestigious Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, where he triumphed over Germany’s Vincent Keymer. With this victory, Gukesh now holds 2784 rating points, while Erigaisi, who had been the highest-ranked Indian for an extended period, has slipped to fifth place with 2779.5 rating points.

Magnus Carlsen Leads the World

Despite Gukesh’s rise, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen remains the undisputed world No. 1, with a commanding 2832.5 points. The top three is rounded out by the United States’ Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, who is second with 2802 points, and Fabiano Caruana, also from the United States, who sits third with 2798 points.

Gukesh’s Rise to the Top

Gukesh’s ascent to the top ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. The young prodigy clinched the world championship title in December 2024 in Singapore, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling encounter. Following his historic win, Gukesh took a brief break from competitive chess to attend functions and celebrations back home in India, opting to skip the World Rapid and Blitz Championship held in New York.

Since his return to competitive play, Gukesh has continued his sensational form in Wijk Aan Zee. He has yet to lose a game in the ongoing tournament, with two victories and three draws under his belt, and with eight rounds still remaining, his path to further success looks promising.

Rising Star’s Continued Dominance

Gukesh’s performance in the Tata Steel Tournament highlights not only his technical brilliance but also his consistency at the highest level of competitive chess. His rapid rise has made waves globally, with many eyes now on the young Indian prodigy as he continues to challenge the world’s best.

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal Disappoint in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Match Against Jammu & Kashmir

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Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal Disappoint in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Match Against Jammu & Kashmir

It was a highly anticipated return to domestic cricket for India captain Rohit Sharma and his Test opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, but both were dismissed cheaply on the opening day of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The star duo, playing together for the first time for defending champions Mumbai, failed to make an impact as they were both dismissed for low scores—Rohit for 3 and Jaiswal for 4. The early wickets dampened the mood, with Mumbai’s top order faltering at the BKC Ground.

Jaiswal’s Early Exit

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s innings was cut short by J&K’s right-arm pacer Auqib Nabi, who made excellent use of the fresh wicket conditions. Nabi’s delivery trapped Jaiswal in front of the stumps, sending him back to the dressing room with just 4 runs to his name.

Rohit’s Disappointing Dismissal

The fall of India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, was a particularly disappointing moment for Mumbai fans. After a solid start, Rohit tried to force the ball to the onside but ended up with a leading edge. The ball was safely caught by Jammu and Kashmir skipper Paras Dogra at mid-off, leaving Rohit with just 3 runs.

Interestingly, Dogra took to the field wearing the No. 9 jersey, typically worn by Yudhvir Singh, leading to a brief moment of confusion among spectators.

Mumbai’s Struggles Continue

The early wickets of both Rohit and Jaiswal seemed to set the tone for the rest of the innings, as Mumbai continued to lose key wickets. Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane, the next to come in, was unable to resist the pressure for long and was dismissed for 12 by Umar, another of J&K’s pacers.

Low Turnout at the Stadium

Despite the presence of high-profile players like Rohit and Jaiswal, the turnout at the stadium was low, and many spectators in the nearby office buildings who had gathered to watch the cricket returned to work soon after Rohit’s departure.

Jaiswal and Rohit Return to Action

Jaiswal was the first to walk out to the field after Rahane won the toss and elected to bat. Rohit, on the other hand, followed shortly thereafter, only for both batsmen to be dismissed quickly, much to the disappointment of their fans.

What’s Next for Mumbai?

With both opening batsmen back in the pavilion, Mumbai will now look to their middle order to recover and build a competitive total. The match continues to unfold at the BKC Ground, and Mumbai will need a strong comeback to challenge Jammu and Kashmir.

ED RAIDS MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN TORRES INVESTMENT FRAUD CASE

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ED RAIDS MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN TORRES INVESTMENT FRAUD CASE

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday initiated a series of raids in connection with the Torres investment fraud, with searches conducted at multiple locations in Mumbai and Jaipur. Officials say these raids are linked to the money laundering activities tied to the duping of thousands of investors in a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme.

Around 10 to 12 locations have been targeted by the ED, as part of its ongoing investigation following a criminal complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The complaint was based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in relation to the case.

Fraud Amounts to Over Rs 57 Crore

More than 3,700 investors have filed complaints with the Mumbai police, alleging they were cheated out of their hard-earned money in the fraudulent scheme. According to officials, the total fraud amount has crossed over Rs 57 crore.

The Torres jewellery company, which is accused of orchestrating the scam, reportedly lured investors with promises of high-value rewards such as cars, flats, gift cards, and hampers. These promises were part of a deceptive Ponzi scheme designed to entice individuals to invest large sums.

The Scheme Behind the Scam

The fraud came to light earlier this month when hundreds of angry investors gathered at the Torres jewellery store located in the Torres Vastu Centre building in Dadar (West), Mumbai. Investors were in disbelief as the company stopped making the promised payments.

Officials suggest that the company, which was marketed as an investment opportunity, operated through a combination of Ponzi and MLM tactics, leading investors to believe they would receive returns through continued recruitment.

Arrests Made in Connection with the Scam

Three senior executives of the company have been arrested so far. These include Tazagul Xasatov, a national from Uzbekistan, Valentina Ganesh Kumar, a Russian national, and Sarvesh Surve, an Indian. These arrests follow the uncovering of the fraudulent practices linked to the Torres brand.

Investigators are now focused on finding the mastermind behind the Torres scheme—the person who launched the jewellery company, Platinum Hern, which owns the Torres brand. The initial funds for the fraudulent activities are believed to have originated from this source.

Court Criticizes Police for Slow Response

In a related development, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s response to the case. A division bench consisting of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale observed that the police had failed to take timely action, citing “dereliction of duty” in handling the case.

“Nobody has acted with alacrity,” said the bench, highlighting the need for faster intervention in such financial crimes.

Next Steps
The ED and Mumbai Police are intensifying their efforts to track down the key figures behind the scam, as investigations continue. Authorities are particularly focused on tracing the origins of the initial investment funds and identifying the masterminds behind the deceptive marketing schemes.

Heavy Traffic Disrupts Central Delhi Amid Republic Day Parade Rehearsal

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Heavy Traffic Disrupts Central Delhi Amid Republic Day Parade Rehearsal

Central Delhi experienced major traffic snarls on Thursday as the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade led to road diversions and restrictions, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Key areas, including India Gate and ITO, were particularly affected, leading to long delays and frustration among travelers.

Traffic Chaos Near India Gate & ITO:
Commuters found themselves stuck in heavy traffic, especially around Ring Road near the ITO loop and IP Extension. One commuter described the situation, saying, “I was heading to ITO, and the Ring Road was completely packed with vehicles. Even Vikas Marg was jammed. We had no choice but to take a U-turn near the IP Extension metro station.”

Vehicles were seen crawling near Shivaji Stadium metro station, located close to Connaught Place, further adding to the chaos in the heart of the city.

Delays Extend Beyond Central Delhi:
Traffic issues weren’t confined to central Delhi alone. Sneha Rai, a resident of Noida, reported significant congestion at the Delhi-Noida border due to strict security checks. She said, “The traffic was heavy on the Delhi-Noida border, and Ashram Chowk was also a major bottleneck. Additionally, Ring Road and roads near C-Hexagon at India Gate were closed, leading to diversions and long queues.”

Delhi Police Traffic Advisory:
In preparation for the Republic Day parade, the Delhi Police had issued a traffic advisory earlier this week, warning commuters about restrictions and diversions near India Gate and surrounding areas. While these measures are essential for security, they have created substantial disruptions for daily travelers.

Commuter Tips:
Travelers are advised to avoid areas around India Gate, ITO, and the Delhi-Noida border during the rehearsal and parade period. Alternate routes and public transport options like the metro are recommended for smoother travel.

Deputy Chief Minister Lays Foundation Stone for Key Road Project in Ramban District

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Deputy Chief Minister Lays Foundation Stone for Key Road Project in Ramban District

In a significant step towards improving road infrastructure in the Jammu region, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for the much-anticipated Galli to Kateri Road Project. The project, which spans 2.60 kilometers, is aimed at enhancing the connectivity between Nashri and Sanasar, a well-known tourist destination in Ramban district.

The ambitious project, being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), R&B Division Ramban, will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 872.84 lakh. This upgraded road infrastructure is expected to greatly benefit the local population by stimulating tourism and local economic activities.

Foundation Stone Ceremony:
The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by several distinguished figures, including Chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Dr. Shamshad Shan, MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, Chief Engineer PWD Batote Ashok Kumar, ADC Ramban Varunjeet Singh Charak, DDC members, senior officers, and local residents.

Deputy Chief Minister’s Address:
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reiterated the government’s commitment to providing effective governance at the people’s doorstep under the leadership of Chief Minister. He assured that the government was making every effort to resolve public issues and fulfill its promises for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The government is working relentlessly to strengthen infrastructure and resolve public grievances. We understand the significance of road connectivity, particularly for regions like Ramban, which hold immense tourism potential,” said Choudhary.

He also emphasized the importance of frequent officer visits to rural areas to ensure the proper implementation of government schemes and to address concerns in a timely manner.

Tourism Potential and Infrastructure Development:
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary recognized the region’s tourism potential, noting that improvements to the Nashri-Sanasar road would be pivotal for attracting more tourists. He assured that the government would take substantial steps to enhance tourism infrastructure in the region.

Public Darbar Highlights:
During the public darbar, Choudhary took the time to address the concerns raised by local residents, led by DDC Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Shan and MLA Arjun Singh Raju. Several issues were discussed, and the Deputy Chief Minister issued stern instructions to officers to ensure the prompt resolution of these matters.

Taking stock of various public welfare schemes and projects across sectors like Education, Health, Labour, Jal Shakti, Animal Husbandry, PWD, and PMGSY, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that any misappropriation of funds or laxity in service would not be tolerated.

Commitment to Public Welfare:
Choudhary assured the public that the government was committed to improving the quality of life for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, and that necessary steps would be taken to guarantee that welfare schemes and projects benefit the community effectively.

Mysterious Illness Claims 17 Lives in Rajouri’s Badhaal Village District Magistrate Declares Crisis-Hit Area as Containment Zone

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Mysterious Illness Claims 17 Lives in Rajouri’s Badhaal Village District Magistrate Declares Crisis-Hit Area as Containment Zone

Badhaal village, located in Kotranka Sub Division, has been declared a containment zone by the District Magistrate of Rajouri in light of the ongoing health crisis. The village has been battling a deadly, unidentified illness that has claimed the lives of 17 people over the past 47 days. Today, four more individuals, including three sisters, were transferred to hospitals as their health rapidly deteriorated.

The Rising Mystery

As investigations into the cause of the deaths continue, the Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, Dr. A.S. Bhatia, revealed that the common factor among all the fatalities is severe damage to the brain and nervous system.

“The deaths all share the involvement of brain damage and nervous system deterioration,” Dr. Bhatia stated, underscoring the alarming nature of the illness.

New Cases Surface

The latest patients to be hospitalized include three sisters—Tazeem Akhtar (22), Khalida Begum (18), and Nazia Kouser (16)—who were airlifted to GMC Jammu in a helicopter. The fourth patient, Shabnam Akhtar (18), was also transferred from the village after her health rapidly worsened. All four are reported to be close relatives of the families that lost loved ones to the illness.

Another patient, Javid Ahmad (25), was airlifted to PGI Chandigarh for specialized treatment and is said to be stable as of the latest reports.

Ongoing Investigation

A Central investigation team, formed by the Union Home Ministry, is currently conducting a detailed probe into the mysterious deaths. More than 200 samples have been sent for testing to laboratories across the country. Forensic teams from Chandigarh and Lucknow are also assisting with the investigation.

Dr. Bhatia mentioned that while the exact cause of the illness remains elusive, initial tests suggest that it may not be a bacterial or viral infection. Experts are focusing their attention on potential toxins in the food supply.

Investigation Findings So Far

“We have ruled out communicable diseases,” said Senior Epidemiologist Shuja Qadri. “The primary focus is now on foodborne toxins as a potential cause.” Based on preliminary findings, authorities are narrowing down the possibilities, with food-related toxins emerging as the leading suspect.

Dr. Bhatia emphasized that the recovery rate for those affected has been promising, with 5 out of 9 patients who were admitted to GMC Rajouri successfully recovering. However, recovery remains difficult once the brain is impacted by the mysterious illness.

Hope for a Solution

Local MLA Javaid Iqbal Choudhary assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation, and both local and central authorities are committed to finding answers. “We are hopeful that the investigations will soon reveal the cause, and the situation will be controlled effectively,” he said.

As the investigation continues, the residents of Badhaal village remain in a state of uncertainty, anxiously awaiting answers while adhering to preventive measures.

Authorities urge the public to refrain from sharing food items until the cause of the illness is definitively identified.

Jal Shakti Department Assures Restoration of Water Supply in Dabda and Gwari Soon

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Jal Shakti Department Assures Restoration of Water Supply in Dabda and Gwari Soon

Doda: The Jal Shakti (PHE) Department has assured that efforts are underway to address the non-functionality of the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) at Bellaru Chakrabhati, which serves the villages of Dabda and Gwari in Panchayat Bellaru.

 

According to the department, the project had faced several challenges that caused delays. The construction of the gravity main pipeline was earlier halted due to unforeseen circumstances, and portions of the pipeline were damaged, further complicating progress. These issues, along with logistical challenges during testing and commissioning, resulted in significant delays.

However, the department has confirmed that repair work is in progress and testing activities are being actively carried out. Officials have assured that the water supply system is expected to be functional within the next 10 to 15 days, subject to the successful completion of repairs and testing.

The Jal Shakti Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the scheme and resolving the water crisis in Dabda and Gwari at the earliest.

 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 47th Annual Day of Vidyadhiraja Sainik School; Announces 100 New Sainik Schools

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 47th Annual Day of Vidyadhiraja Sainik School; Announces 100 New Sainik Schools

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Kerala, inaugurated the 47th annual day celebrations of the Vidyadhiraja Sainik School in Alappuzha. In a significant announcement, he confirmed the Centre’s decision to establish 100 new sainik schools across the country. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality of basic education and contributing to the nation’s overall development, particularly in rural and remote areas.

The Defence Minister also outlined the government’s plan to open sainik schools to girls, marking a transformative step in gender inclusivity within the military education system. Singh added that the expansion of sainik schools would ensure that students from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds have access to top-tier education, fostering a more inclusive and representative future for India’s armed forces.

Singh’s remarks came as part of his broader vision for India’s development. As the country advances toward self-reliance across sectors like health, communication, industry, transport, and defence, he stressed the need for a “revolution in education,” emphasizing the importance of fostering the holistic development of children to secure India’s place in the global landscape.

Key Points:

  • 100 New Sainik Schools: To be established nationwide to improve access to quality education.
  • Inclusivity: Girls will now be admitted to sainik schools, making the institutions more inclusive.
  • Holistic Education: The need for a revolution in India’s education system to align with national progress.
  • Values of a Sainik: Soldiers symbolize discipline, focus, and selflessness, traits shared by great leaders such as Swami Vivekananda, Adi Shankaracharya, and Raja Ravi Varma.

During his speech, Rajnath Singh also underscored that a ‘sainik’ should not be defined only by their role in war but by the values they represent—values that are critical not only to military service but to leadership in all aspects of society. He drew inspiration from India’s great historical figures, highlighting how their contributions to social, political, cultural, and religious reforms were equally monumental.

As the Centre moves forward with its plans to expand sainik schools and revitalize education, Singh’s address signals a new era of military and educational integration aimed at fostering national growth through discipline, resilience, and commitment.

Aneesha Sharma Wins Silver at Sports for All Shooting Championship 2025

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Aneesha Sharma Wins Silver at Sports for All Shooting Championship 2025

Aneesha Sharma, a rising shooting star from Jammu and Kashmir and a trainee at the Mission Olympics Shooting Academy Jammu, clinched a silver medal at the prestigious Sports for All Shooting Championship 2025. The event, held at the renowned Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, witnessed Aneesha’s stellar performance in the 10M Air Rifle women’s category.

Aneesha scored an impressive 631.5 points, securing the silver medal and earning a spot in the coveted Champion of Champions (COC) category. Her remarkable achievement was further celebrated with a cash prize of Rs 30,000.

This victory is a testament to Aneesha’s hard work, perseverance, and the dedication of her coaches, Vishal Mehra and Aman Singh, who played an instrumental role in her preparation. The Mission Olympics Shooting Academy Jammu continues to serve as a key institution for fostering top-tier shooting talent in the country.

In recognition of her achievement, Dilbag Singh, Patron-in-Chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifle Association (JKRA), along with President S.S. Sodhi, Chairman Kuldeep Jamwal, and CEO DySP Sharat Chander Singh, congratulated Aneesha for her exceptional performance, expressing pride in her success.

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