Category: NATIONAL

New Delhi, December 13: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday paid homage to security personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, acknowledging their bravery and dedication to the nation. The President emphasised the importance of remembering their sacrifice in safeguarding India’s sovereignty and public safety.

Speaking at the event, President Murmu said that the nation owes a debt of gratitude to these heroes and their families. Officials noted that such tributes aim to honour the commitment of armed forces and paramilitary personnel while inspiring citizens to uphold values of courage, discipline, and service to the country.

Hyderabad (Telangana), December 13: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Telangana Minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Friday in Hyderabad, emphasising the need for “positive politics” in the country. The leaders discussed various governance and development issues, stressing dialogue and cooperation across political lines.

Akhilesh Yadav said that fostering constructive political engagement is essential for democratic growth and effective administration. Analysts noted that the meeting reflects growing cross-party interactions and highlights a focus on collaborative approaches to address state and national challenges.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), December 13: BJP national president JP Nadda is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the new Himachal Pradesh BJP headquarters in Shimla on Friday. The event is expected to bring together senior party leaders, workers, and local dignitaries to mark the beginning of the construction of the state-of-the-art party office.

Party officials said the new headquarters aims to strengthen organisational infrastructure and facilitate better coordination among party units across the state. Analysts noted that the initiative also reflects the BJP’s focus on expanding its presence in Himachal Pradesh ahead of future elections and enhancing engagement with party workers and supporters.

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), December 13: Assam Minister Bimal Borah on Friday visited the site of a truck accident in Arunachal Pradesh that resulted in multiple casualties. The minister met with local authorities and rescue teams to assess the situation and review relief operations for the affected families.

Borah expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured support from the Assam government in coordination with Arunachal Pradesh authorities. Officials said that emergency services are continuing to provide medical assistance, while investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.

New Delhi, December 13: The air quality in Delhi deteriorated sharply on Friday, with the city enveloped in a dense layer of toxic smog. Authorities reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached “severe” levels in several parts of the capital, prompting health advisories for residents, particularly children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.

Environmental experts attributed the worsening air quality to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and stubble burning in neighbouring states. The Delhi government and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and use air purifiers, while measures to curb pollution sources continue to be enforced.

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), December 13: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a supplementary chargesheet in a Tamil Nadu case linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), further detailing the involvement of suspects in terrorist activities. The chargesheet includes additional evidence gathered during ongoing investigations, aimed at strengthening the prosecution’s case.

Officials said the NIA is continuing its probe into the network of individuals allegedly involved in terrorist financing, recruitment, and radicalisation. The agency has assured that strict legal action will be taken against all accused, while emphasizing vigilance and coordination with state and central security agencies to prevent future threats.

Kolkata (West Bengal), December 13: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s assembly constituency recorded nearly four times more voter deletions compared to Suvendu Adhikari’s Nandigram seat, according to official electoral data. The figures have triggered a political row in the state, with opposition parties raising concerns over the deletion process ahead of upcoming elections.

The Trinamool Congress alleged that the large-scale deletions were politically motivated and demanded transparency from the Election Commission. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the allegations, stating that voter list revisions were carried out as per established rules and procedures. The Election Commission has said the process followed due norms and appeals can be filed by affected voters.

New Delhi, December 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described the Cabinet-approved CoalSETU window as a significant step towards strengthening India’s energy security. The initiative aims to streamline coal transportation, improve coordination between ministries, and ensure timely fuel supply to thermal power plants across the country.

The Prime Minister said the move would help address logistical challenges, reduce transportation delays, and support India’s growing power requirements. Officials added that CoalSETU is expected to enhance efficiency in the coal supply chain, ensuring uninterrupted power generation and supporting industrial growth.

New Delhi, December 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with United States President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders reviewed the progress of India-US bilateral relations. This was the third interaction between the two leaders in recent weeks amid ongoing discussions on trade and economic cooperation.

During the call, Prime Minister Modi emphasised India’s commitment to strengthening strategic, defence, and economic ties with the United States. Both leaders agreed to continue dialogue on global issues of mutual interest, including regional security and economic stability.

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), December 13:

Following the deadly bus accident in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district, the Andhra Pradesh government has imposed a night-time ban on the movement of heavy vehicles on ghat roads across sensitive hilly regions. The restriction will be enforced from 10 pm to 5 am.

Officials said the decision was taken to reduce accidents caused by poor visibility and difficult terrain during night hours. Transport and police departments have been instructed to strictly implement the order and ensure public safety.