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Thane (Maharashtra), Dec 17: Just days before the Ambernath Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for December 20, tension escalated in Thane district as unidentified assailants opened fire outside the office of BJP candidate Pawan Walekar. The incident, which occurred in the Ambernath area, triggered panic among local residents and political workers, compounding an already charged atmosphere in the run-up to the civic polls. A security guard at the office was injured in the attack and has been taken to hospital, while authorities are probing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.

Local police have increased security in the area and launched an investigation, with officers questioning witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to ascertain the motive and those responsible for the firing. The attack has raised concerns over poll-related violence and the safety of candidates and election staff, prompting senior officials to urge calm as political parties intensify campaigning in various parts of the Thane district ahead of the local body elections.

London/Dec 17: Scientists in the United Kingdom have developed a groundbreaking blood test that could transform how lung cancer is diagnosed and monitored. The new method, based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy, can identify a single lung cancer cell circulating in a patient’s bloodstream by analysing its unique chemical fingerprint. This represents a major advance over traditional techniques, which can be slow, expensive and often require invasive tissue biopsies.

The research team, including experts from the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Keele University and Loughborough University, says the test’s ability to detect even one cancer cell in a routine blood sample could allow doctors to monitor disease progression in real time, personalise treatments and catch cancer earlier than ever before. By using standard laboratory equipment and advanced computer analysis, the technique might soon be integrated into clinical practice, helping reduce diagnostic delays and improving survival outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide.

New Delhi, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Indian soldiers on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, remembering the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces that led to India’s victory in the 1971 war. He said the nation remains eternally grateful to the brave soldiers who safeguarded India’s sovereignty and honour.

In a separate message, the Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over a tragic road accident on the Yamuna Expressway and announced ex-gratia assistance for the families of those who lost their lives, as well as financial support for the injured. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Amman/New Delhi, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed the need to significantly expand economic engagement between India and Jordan. During high-level talks with Jordanian leadership, Modi proposed doubling bilateral trade within the next five years, highlighting India’s readiness to partner in infrastructure and reconstruction projects.

The discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation in renewable energy, digital innovation, water conservation and skill development. PM Modi said deeper economic collaboration would benefit both countries and contribute to long-term regional stability and prosperity.

New Delhi/Addis Ababa, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing multi-nation foreign tour has resulted in key diplomatic breakthroughs, significantly strengthening India’s global engagement. During his visit to Ethiopia, India and Ethiopia elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, opening new avenues of cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, defence collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.

In recognition of his leadership and contribution to strengthening India-Africa relations, the Ethiopian government conferred its highest national honour on PM Modi. The Prime Minister described the gesture as a tribute to the growing friendship between the two nations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development priorities.

Visakhapatnam, Dec 17: Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a sharp rise in scrub typhus cases in recent weeks, prompting health authorities to issue an alert across districts. Officials confirmed over 1,600 reported cases, with multiple fatalities, especially from rural and tribal regions.

The Health Department has instructed hospitals to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment, while awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate people on preventive measures. Medical teams have also been deployed in affected areas to monitor symptoms and contain the spread.

Amaravati, Dec 17: The Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board has reported a significant increase in its land holdings, with the total land bank expanding to nearly 81,000 acres across the state. Officials stated that the growth was due to improved surveys, updated records, and recovery of previously unaccounted properties.

The expanded land bank is expected to enhance revenue generation for welfare and development activities of minority communities. Authorities said steps are being taken to protect Waqf properties and ensure transparent management through digitisation and legal safeguards.

Vijayawada, Dec 17: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday inducted 5,757 newly recruited trainee constables into the state police force, marking a significant step towards strengthening law enforcement across the state. Addressing the recruits, the Chief Minister emphasized discipline, public service, and professionalism in policing.

Naidu also announced a substantial increase in the monthly stipend for trainee constables, raising it from ₹4,500 to ₹12,500. He said the decision was taken to provide better financial support during training, which is scheduled to commence from December 22, and to boost morale among the new recruits.