Category: NATIONAL

Vijayawada, December 30:
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Monday approved the formation of two new districts — Markapuram and Polavaram, increasing the total number of districts in the state from 26 to 28. The decision was taken after detailed administrative reviews and public consultations aimed at improving governance and service delivery. Officials said the creation of new districts would help bring administration closer to people, especially in geographically large and remote regions, ensuring faster access to welfare schemes and government services.

The government clarified that along with the formation of new districts, revenue divisions and mandals will be realigned across several existing districts to ensure balanced administration. While changes will be implemented in 17 districts, nine districts will remain unchanged. The new districts are expected to become operational from December 31, marking another step in the state’s administrative restructuring to strengthen grassroots governance.

Ranchi, December 27:
A Jharkhand BJP spokesperson on Saturday praised the CBI’s Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Unnao rape case, asserting that the central investigation agency’s intervention ensures a fair and impartial probe. The spokesperson also criticised the Uttar Pradesh state authorities for what he described as ineffective handling of the case at the local level.

Speaking to the media, the BJP leader said that the SLP filed by the CBI demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to justice for victims and highlights the need for accountability in sensitive cases. He urged state officials to cooperate fully with central agencies to expedite proceedings and safeguard victims’ rights.

The remarks come amid renewed attention to the case after recent judicial developments, with national and regional political figures weighing in on law enforcement and governance. Observers noted that such statements are likely to influence public discourse and reinforce calls for robust legal action.

The spokesperson concluded by emphasising that ensuring justice must remain apolitical, urging all parties to support transparent investigations and respect judicial processes in addressing crimes against women.

Kolkata, December 27:
The Special Inquiry Roll (SIR) hearings for over 32 lakh unmapped voters in West Bengal began on Saturday, marking a crucial step in the preparation of the final electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections. Election officials said the hearings aim to verify voter identities and correct discrepancies in the draft rolls.

Authorities explained that the SIR process is designed to resolve objections and claims raised by individuals whose names were either missing or incorrectly entered in the electoral lists. Dedicated committees have been set up across districts to ensure a transparent and speedy verification process.

Officials urged citizens to participate actively, bring valid identification documents, and ensure their details are accurately recorded. The exercise is expected to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process and enable eligible voters to exercise their franchise without hurdles.

Election observers noted that the scale of the verification, covering millions of entries, reflects the Election Commission’s commitment to maintaining up-to-date and accurate voter lists. The hearings are scheduled to continue over the next several days, with final adjustments to be incorporated before the conclusion of the electoral roll revision.

New Delhi, December 27:
A Delhi Commercial Court on Saturday granted an ex‑parte injunction against Digital IM, restraining the company from undertaking certain commercial activities amid an ongoing legal dispute. The order was passed following a petition filed by the complainant seeking urgent relief.

The court noted that the injunction was necessary to prevent potential losses and protect the petitioner’s rights until the matter is fully adjudicated. Legal experts said ex‑parte orders are typically granted when there is a prima facie case and the risk of irreparable harm exists.

Representatives of Digital IM were not present during the hearing, and the company is expected to respond in the next scheduled proceedings. The injunction prohibits specific business operations and transactions that could adversely impact the petitioner’s interests.

The court has scheduled further hearings to examine the matter in detail and consider Digital IM’s submissions. Observers said the case underscores the role of commercial courts in fast-tracking business-related disputes and safeguarding stakeholder rights.

Dehradun, December 27:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday transferred more than Rs 12 crore directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries under various government welfare schemes through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. The initiative aims to ensure transparency, eliminate middlemen and guarantee timely financial assistance to eligible citizens across the state.

Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister said the DBT system reflects the state government’s commitment to good governance and inclusive development. He emphasized that direct transfers not only strengthen trust between the government and the people but also ensure that welfare benefits reach the intended beneficiaries without delays or leakages. The funds were credited to beneficiaries belonging to different sections, including farmers, women and economically weaker groups, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods and social security.

New Delhi, December 27:
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguard the Aravalli Range, highlighting its importance for ecological balance, groundwater conservation, and climate mitigation.

Speaking at an environmental event, Meghwal emphasised that the Aravalli hills are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and preventing desertification in the region. He stated that strict measures will be taken against illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachments to ensure the preservation of this vital natural resource.

The minister called for collaboration between local authorities, communities, and environmental organisations to strengthen protection efforts. He also underscored the role of sustainable development and afforestation projects in securing the ecological health of the Aravalli Range for future generations.

Officials noted that the government plans to implement monitoring systems and legal frameworks to curb environmental violations while promoting awareness programs among citizens. Meghwal’s remarks reflect a broader push towards integrated environmental governance at the national level.

Puri (Odisha), December 27: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday visited the revered Shri Jagannath Dham in Puri, where he offered prayers at the temple and sought blessings. The visit comes as part of his official tour, reflecting the Election Commission of India’s commitment to upholding constitutional values and strengthening public trust in democratic institutions.

During his visit, the Chief Election Commissioner interacted with temple authorities and devotees, and highlighted the importance of ethics, transparency and integrity in public life. Officials said the visit was conducted smoothly amid adequate security arrangements, with local administration ensuring minimal inconvenience to pilgrims.

Mumbai, December 27:
Analysts on Saturday projected that the Indian rupee is likely to weaken and underperform against major global currencies in 2026, citing persistent trade deficits, subdued export growth and global monetary tightening pressures.

Foreign exchange strategists said external factors, including higher U.S. interest rates and capital outflows from emerging markets, could weigh on the rupee. They added that domestic inflation trends and crude oil prices will also play a role in currency performance.

Market experts advised investors to monitor macroeconomic indicators closely and adopt hedging strategies to manage forex risk. They noted that policy measures by the Reserve Bank of India and fiscal adjustments may help stabilise the currency over the medium term.

New Delhi, December 27:
A teenager in the national capital rented a Mahindra Thar and went on a reckless drive, crashing into multiple vehicles after panicking upon sighting his family, police said on Saturday. The incident unfolded when the vehicle, reportedly taken without proper consent, suddenly swerved into parked cars and two-wheelers, causing damage.

Officials said the teen appeared distressed and lost control of the SUV, colliding with at least three vehicles on a busy city road before bystanders intervened and alerted authorities. No serious injuries were reported, though several drivers and riders suffered minor bruises.

Police detained the teen and are investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident, including whether he was under emotional stress or influenced by external factors. Authorities emphasised that families should engage with children and teens to address behavioural concerns early and ensure road safety.

Legal experts noted that the case could attract provisions under juvenile justice and motor vehicle laws, including penalties for unauthorised use of a rented vehicle and negligent driving, depending on the ongoing investigation.

New Delhi, December 27:
In a landmark judgement on Saturday, the Supreme Court of India overturned a rape conviction, citing that the conviction was based on speculative assumptions rather than conclusive evidence. The court’s detailed verdict emphasised that justice must be grounded in credible proof and statutory requirements, not conjecture.

The three-judge bench noted that lower courts had relied heavily on circumstantial aspects without adequately establishing beyond reasonable doubt the key elements of the offence. Reversing the conviction, the Supreme Court reiterated that intuitive or speculative reasoning (“6th sense”) cannot substitute for hard evidence in criminal jurisprudence.

Legal experts hailed the verdict as reinforcing the principle of fair trial and safeguarding constitutional rights, particularly the requirement that guilt must be proven through legally admissible and corroborated evidence. The Supreme Court’s order is expected to influence future criminal appeals where evidence interpretation is contested.

Human rights advocates said the judgment strikes a balance between protecting victims’ rights and ensuring defendants receive impartial adjudication. The bench directed that the accused be released unless required in other cases, underscoring the sanctity of due process.