Category: NATIONAL

New Delhi, December 16: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday paid tribute to India’s 1971 victory, calling it a “timeless inspiration” that continues to guide the nation’s strategic thinking and national resolve. He said the historic win showcased India’s courage, leadership and commitment to justice, while reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Jaishankar highlighted the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the vision of the political leadership during the 1971 war. He noted that the legacy of the victory remains relevant today, reminding the country of the importance of preparedness, unity and principled diplomacy in safeguarding national interests.

Mumbai, December 16: Mumbai continues to attract significant attention from domestic and international investors, emerging as a key investment hub in Maharashtra. Recent data and reports indicate a surge in investments across sectors such as real estate, technology, finance, and infrastructure, reinforcing the city’s status as an economic powerhouse.

Officials said favorable government policies, improved ease of doing business, and robust infrastructure have contributed to investor confidence. Analysts noted that Mumbai’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and strong commercial ecosystem make it a preferred destination for companies seeking growth and expansion in India.

Delhi, December 16: A massive road accident involving seven buses and three cars occurred on the Delhi-Agra Expressway early Monday morning amid dense fog, resulting in the death of four people and several injuries, officials said. Emergency services rushed to the site to assist the victims and clear the wreckage.

Police and highway authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision, with preliminary reports citing low visibility due to fog as a major factor. Injured passengers were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, and traffic was temporarily diverted to ensure smooth movement on the expressway.

Indore, December 16: A lavish wedding video of BJP MLA Golu Shukla’s son has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention for its grand decorations and fireworks display reportedly worth Rs 70 lakh. The visuals show an extravagant celebration with high-end lighting, elaborate stage setups and a large fireworks show, sparking discussions online.

The viral video has triggered mixed reactions, with some netizens praising the grandeur while others questioned the scale of spending amid ongoing economic concerns. Neither the MLA nor his family has issued an official statement on the matter so far, even as the clip continues to circulate widely across social media platforms.

Panaji, December 16: In the wake of the recent deadly nightclub fire in Goa, state authorities on Monday sealed another restaurant for allegedly violating fire safety and building norms. Officials said the action was taken during an intensified inspection drive launched across the coastal state to prevent a repeat of such tragic incidents.

Authorities stated that the restaurant was found operating without mandatory safety clearances, including adequate fire-fighting equipment and proper evacuation measures. The Goa government has warned that strict action will be taken against all establishments flouting safety regulations, while inspections and audits of nightlife venues, restaurants and commercial establishments continue across the state.

New Delhi, December 15: In a pioneering move during its humanitarian relief operations in flood-hit areas of Sri Lanka, the Indian Army has deployed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet connectivity in collaboration with Bharti Airtel and Eutelsat’s OneWeb service to maintain seamless communication where terrestrial networks have failed. The high-speed, low-latency satellite link has helped the Army re-establish reliable communications in regions where ground infrastructure was severely damaged by flooding and landslides.

The satellite connectivity has proven crucial for coordinating rescue efforts and ensuring uninterrupted support to affected communities. It has enabled 24/7 telemedicine consultations with specialist doctors, allowing medical teams on the ground to deliver essential healthcare assistance without delay. Officials say this innovative use of satellite technology underscores the importance of resilient communications in disaster response and marks a significant step in the Indian Army’s capability to operate in network-degraded environments.

New Delhi, December 16: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Monday raised concerns over the cost-sharing mechanism proposed in the VB-G Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Bill, stating that it could place an unfair financial burden on states like Andhra Pradesh.

TDP leaders urged the Centre to reconsider the funding structure to ensure equitable sharing between the Union and states. They said the party would continue to voice state concerns during parliamentary discussions on the bill.

Amaravati, December 16: The Andhra Pradesh government has reorganised the state’s 26 districts into six zones and two multi-zones under revised administrative and recruitment guidelines. The move aims to simplify local candidature norms and ensure fair opportunities in government employment.

Officials said the new zoning structure would bring greater clarity in recruitment processes and administrative functioning. District-wise zone details have been made public, and the government has assured that the changes will benefit local youth seeking government jobs.

Amaravati, December 16: The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday launched the Unified Family Survey (UFS) across the state to collect detailed household-level data aimed at improving the delivery of welfare schemes. Officials said survey teams have begun door-to-door visits, requesting residents to share accurate information related to family members, income, education and employment.

The government stated that the survey would help eliminate duplication, ensure transparency and enable targeted implementation of welfare programmes. Citizens have been advised to cooperate with enumerators, as incomplete or incorrect data may affect eligibility for future government benefits.