Category: NATIONAL

Namakkal (Tamil Nadu), October 23, 2025:
Senthamangalam DMK MLA K. Ponnusamy passed away early on Thursday at the age of 74. According to party sources, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his residence in the Kolli Hills region and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. His demise has left the local community and party workers deeply saddened, as he was known for his humble nature and close connection with the people of his constituency.

Ponnusamy, a two-time legislator who represented the Senthamangalam constituency from 2006 to 2011 and again from 2021, had earned respect for his contributions toward tribal welfare and rural development in Namakkal district. His death marks a significant loss for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the people he served. Following his passing, the Senthamangalam assembly seat has fallen vacant, and a by-election is expected to be announced soon.

New Delhi, October 23, 2025 — The Indian Navy’s annual Commanders’ Conference 2025 commenced today, bringing together senior naval officers to discuss strategic priorities, operational challenges, and future initiatives. The conference, held at Naval Headquarters, serves as a platform for the leadership to review operational preparedness, maritime security strategies, and the implementation of modernization programs across the Navy.

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral [Name] emphasized the importance of operational excellence and combat readiness, urging commanders to maintain high standards of training and efficiency. He highlighted the Navy’s role in safeguarding national maritime interests, responding to emerging security threats, and enhancing joint operations with other services and international partners. The conference also includes deliberations on future technological upgrades and force deployment strategies to ensure India’s naval superiority in the region.

Dehradun, October 23, 2025 — Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured timely assistance for a 12-year-old blood cancer patient following an appeal from the child’s mother. The young patient, diagnosed with a severe form of leukemia, had reportedly been struggling to receive adequate medical support, prompting the mother to reach out to the state government for help.

Responding swiftly, CM Dhami directed the concerned health authorities to provide all necessary treatment and financial support for the child. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that children battling serious illnesses receive prompt and comprehensive medical care. Officials confirmed that arrangements are being made to facilitate the child’s treatment at a specialized medical facility.

New Delhi, October 23, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warmest wishes on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, expressing his greetings to citizens across the nation. He said, “Heartfelt wishes to all of you on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. May this festival, symbolising the mutual love and trust between brother and sister, bring happiness, prosperity, and good fortune into everyone’s life. May the bond of this relationship gain renewed strength; that is my wish.” The Prime Minister’s message highlighted the essence of the festival as a celebration of affection and mutual respect shared by siblings.

He further said that Bhai Dooj serves as a reminder of the deep emotional bond that strengthens family ties and social harmony. Modi wished that the festival would bring good health, joy, and renewed togetherness among brothers and sisters throughout the country. He emphasized that such traditions reflect India’s cultural richness and continue to inspire unity, warmth, and affection among families.

Tirupati, October 22, 2025 — Devotees offer numerous gifts and donations to Lord Srinivasa at Tirumala, and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been receiving substantial contributions from devotees. Chairman B.R. Naidu on Monday stated that from November 1, 2024, to October 16, 2025, a total of ₹918.6 crore in donations was received. He added that after the formation of the coalition government, the number of donors has gradually increased, and TTD is ensuring that devotees receive proper attention with seamless services. TTD is also providing special facilities to these devotees in recognition of their generous contributions.

Among the donors, there are individuals contributing not only cash but also support for construction projects, purchase of machinery, and technological development. A notable trend is that most donations are now being made online, with ₹579.38 crore collected digitally and ₹339.20 crore through offline channels. During VIP special darshan, prominent figures such as Justice Sujata of the State High Court and actor Raghu visited Lord Venkateswara. Devotees without tokens experience a waiting time of up to 15 hours for Sarva Darshan, and on Tuesday, 76,343 devotees had darshan while 18,768 offered their hair as ritual offerings. The hundi collection for the day amounted to ₹4.34 crore.

New Delhi, October 22, 2025 — Two-time Olympic medallist and India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was on Wednesday conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army’s Territorial Army. The ceremony took place in the national capital and was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. The honour recognizes Chopra’s exceptional contributions to Indian sports and his role in inspiring a generation of youth with his discipline, dedication, and patriotism. Officials from the Ministry of Defence stated that Chopra’s induction symbolizes the deep respect the armed forces hold for India’s athletes who bring global glory to the nation.

Chopra began his association with the Indian Army in 2016 when he was appointed as a Naib Subedar in the Rajputana Rifles regiment following his impressive performances in national and international events. His meteoric rise continued after winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Over the years, he was promoted to Subedar in 2021 and Subedar Major in 2022 before receiving this prestigious honorary rank. With this, Chopra joins the distinguished league of sportspersons, including cricketers and Olympians, who have been conferred honorary ranks by the Indian Army for their contribution to the nation’s pride and sporting excellence.

Pathanamthitta, Kerala, October 22, 2025 — President Droupadi Murmu visited the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala on Wednesday and offered prayers amid tight security arrangements. This marks the first-ever visit by a sitting President of India to the hill shrine, a significant moment for devotees and the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple. The President was accompanied by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and senior state officials during her visit.

Following the darshan, President Murmu interacted briefly with temple priests and reviewed the arrangements made for pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season. Authorities had ensured elaborate security and logistical measures, including restrictions on public entry during her visit to maintain sanctity and order. The President’s visit is seen as a gesture of respect toward Kerala’s rich spiritual heritage and its centuries-old temple traditions.