Category: INDIA

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has described her forthcoming memoir as a deeply personal account of her family and their lives, stressing that the book is not meant to be a political tract.

In her first post on the social media platform X on Sunday, the Rajya Sabha MP shared memories of her late husband and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, describing him as a very good-looking and gentle person.

The post marked her personal debut on the social media platform.

On Thursday, Sonia Gandhi had made her Instagram debut with posts about the book, calling it “a story of love, duty, loss and finding a place to belong”.

The 544-page memoir, titled ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’, is scheduled for global release on November 10.

HarperCollins India will publish the Indian edition on the same day, resolving an earlier impasse between the author’s representatives and Penguin Random House India.

Explaining her decision to write the book, Sonia Gandhi said she wanted to present a more intimate and accurate portrait of her family.

“This is not a political book, it’s a personal one. Much has been written about my family, but rarely with real insight into who they were, their motivations, their struggles, their very human flaws. I wanted to portray them honestly, as people I knew and loved,” she said on X.

Her comments come amid fresh criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has questioned the purpose of the memoir.

The BJP said that the book contains political rhetoric rather than pure personal reflection.

The controversy intensified after an interview Sonia Gandhi gave to newspaper ‘The Hindu’ ahead of the memoir’s release.

In the conversation, she accused the Narendra Modi government of causing “great damage” to India’s democratic institutions, alleged control over mainstream media, and accused it of using religion for political gains.

She also defended the constitutional basis of the 1975 Emergency, prompting BJP leaders to accuse her of attempting to justify the period under the then PM Indira Gandhi’s rule.

Until now, Sonia Gandhi had largely stayed away from personal social media accounts, preferring to release statements and messages through the official Congress X account.

Her recent social media posts mark a rare public engagement in her own name just days before the memoir’s release.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Gold sales across India during Dhanteras and Lakshmi Puja are estimated to cross Rs 62,000 crore, reflecting strong consumer demand despite elevated gold prices, according to the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) on Sunday.

Gold has continued to attract buyers this festive season, supported by its strong historical returns, cultural significance and growing confidence among investors, Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), said.

He also noted an increasing interest in gold purchases among Gen Z and younger consumers during this year’s Lakshmi Puja.

“During this year’s Lakshmi Puja, I have also noticed that even Gen Z & the younger generation have been keen on buying gold,” he stated.

“Also, Gold holds exceptional significance in our religious & cultural traditions & buying jewellery during Laxmi Puja & Dhanteras is considered auspicious,” he added.

Comparing gold prices over the past year, Rokde said the precious metal has delivered returns of approximately 9-14 per cent between Lakshmi Puja in October 2025 and November 2026.

He highlighted that gold prices, which generally ranged between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1.15 lakh per 10 grams over the last three years, have climbed significantly to around Rs 1.42 lakh-Rs 1.43 lakh during the current festive season.

“From last year’s Lakshmi Puja (October 2025) to this year’s Lakshmi Puja (November 2026), gold has given a strong return of about 9 to 14 per cent,” he stated.

He added that gold prices had touched levels of Rs 1.81 lakh-Rs 1.85 lakh earlier this year, making the prevailing prices appear relatively attractive to customers.

According to him, the sharp rise in gold prices has further strengthened consumer confidence in the precious metal, encouraging both jewellery purchases and investment demand.

Highlighting the long-term performance of the precious metal, the GJC chairman claimed that gold has delivered returns of around 3,200 per cent over the past 26 years.

He said the metal has demonstrated resilience through several global economic downturns, wars, recessions and market crashes, strengthening its position as a preferred asset among investors.

“If you look at gold’s history in the last 26 years, it has given a 3200 per cent return. No other asset class has given this kind of consistent return. In fact, it has survived every recession, war & market crash and still comes out stronger,” Rokde noted.

–IANS

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Patna, Nov 8 (IANS) Parliamentarian Pappu Yadav on Sunday took potshots at Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Lalan Singh, condemning the minister’s statement on using the Aadhaar card to access public welfare schemes.

Pappu Yadav said the Aadhaar card is a document linked to the lives of the country’s 1.4 billion people, and causing any hardship to the public will prove detrimental to democracy.

Pappu Yadav’s criticism came on the back of much-talked-about statements by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in which he reportedly said that payments to beneficiaries based on their Aadhaar numbers will soon be replaced by a system that processes payments using their biometrics and voter ID (EPIC) numbers.

Responding to remarks, the Independent MP said, “What do these people take the public for? Have they taken the people for granted? You issued Aadhaar cards, and now you say whatever you please.”

“The Aadhaar card is perfectly authentic, then why are you demanding ten different certificates? This is wrong. Such statements are not healthy for democracy. You are causing distress to the public; it is your own failure,” he added.

Rejecting allegations of foreign resources and entities propping up India’s Opposition for manufactured stir, he said, “If the Congress party is receiving foreign funding, why are you just sitting there? Why haven’t you arrested them? Why aren’t you taking legal action? Come out and state openly that there is foreign funding involved.”

He further accused the government of spreading lies about Rs 5 lakh funding to Rahul Gandhi’s public rallies daily. He claimed that such tactics are being cleverly deployed to mislead and misguide the Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, who are already outraged over the government’s mishandling of affairs and its “ties” with the crony capitalists.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) In a remarkable achievement in the neo-natal care segment, a government-run hospital gave a new lease of life to a premature baby, after a five-month long battle.

At the time of birth, the baby boy weighed only 700 grams.

Given the infant’s fragile condition, he was admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Mumbai’s KEM hospital.

The hospital-cum-medical college, operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) – the civic body of Greater Mumbai, nursed the 700 grams infant for five months and discharged him on Sunday after he weighed 3.3 kg.

“After spending five months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), he went home weighing 3.3 kg and on full breastfeeds, the hospital said in a statement.

The neo-natal care, giving a new life to the newborn, was done under the supervision of Anitha Haribalakrishna, Head of the Department of Neonatology, which managed a prolonged and challenging course requiring intensive care and respiratory support.

“The baby battled several life-threatening complications, which were gradually overcome through continuous monitoring, multidisciplinary care and dedicated medical and nursing support,” the doctor said.

“This successful discharge showcases the quality of specialised neonatal care available at KEM Hospital. It reflects the combined strength of its NICU facilities, clinical expertise, coordinated teamwork and sustained bedside care in treating some of the most vulnerable newborns,” the hospital said.

Notably, this is not the first benchmark and trailblazing development in neo-natal care success.

In March this year, the pediatric doctors of a government and medical college and hospital in Nagpur saved the life of another 700 gm baby, who took birth prematurely at just 26 weeks.

After 100 days of intense care at the NICU and round the clock monitoring, the doctors managed to save the infant and discharged him in stable condition, after he weighed 1.88 kg.

According to the doctors, the premature baby had developed severe respiratory distress and was also treated for congenital heart-related complications.

With 24×7 care, the baby grew up in weight and health, reflecting the dedicated efforts of doctors and also the strength of public healthcare system.

–IANS

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Amaravati, Nov 8 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has lifted the Model Code of Conduct in the state’s urban areas.

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha issued an order to this effect on Sunday.

This follows the completion of the poll process for Municipal Corporations and Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats across the State.

Though counting of votes polled in Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) and Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) has been completed, the Model Code of Conduct in rural areas will continue as elections to Gram Panchayats are yet to be held.

The Model Code of Conduct came into force in urban and Rural areas across the state on October 14.

The SEC issued the election notification for elections to 13 Municipal Corporations, 87 Municipalities, and Nagar Panchayats. As per the notification, polling was scheduled for October 28, and vote counting for October 30. 30.10.2026.

Following the Supreme Court order, the SEC rescheduled the Urban Local Body elections. Polling was postponed to November 1, and vote counting was rescheduled to November 3.

The SEC said the counting of votes and declaration of results were completed on November 3 in 100 ULBs, except Chirala Municipality, for which the counting was postponed to November 6 due to Cyclone ‘Murasu’ and was completed accordingly.

As the direct election process for the office of Mayor / Chairperson and Ward Members has been completed in all respects of the 100 Urban Local Bodies, the SEC lifted the Model Code of Conduct in the Urban areas of the entire State.

It said that although the counting of votes and declaration of results have been completed for MPTCs and ZPTCs on November 7, the Gram Panchayat election process has not been completed. Hence, the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct will continue in Rural areas across the state.

–IANS

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Raipur, Nov 8 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the security personnel in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, this was welcomed by many local residents, security personnel and former Maoists who gave up weapons for better future.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma described PM Modi’s visit to the region, as a symbol of success against Naxalism while locals said that the Maoist activities have not only ceased but the region was now moving on path of peace and development.

The Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister, speaking to the media, said that the region has become free from Naxalism.

“No Maoist cadre remains active. There was a time when a ‘Jantana Sarkar’ (parallel government) operated here, which refused to accept Constitution and defy every regulation. Today, the Constitution is upheld in every corner of the region, once infamous for red terror. The Maoist cadre has been eliminated, it has been made possible by the security forces,” he said

The Deputy CM added that the Prime Minister’s visit to the region and celebration of Diwali with the security personnel will send a message to the entire world that Bastar is now completely free from terror.

Former Maoist Sodhi Manjula, while speaking to IANS, shared that she surrendered in 2024, after spending 15 years with the insurgent group.

She also noted the secured employment and the benefits, she and others have received, under the rehabilitation program.

She mentioned that she has gained access to various facilities through Prime Minister Modi-led government’s welfare schemes and has faced no difficulties since then.

A local Bastar resident also expressed joy over the Prime Minister opting to celebrate Diwali in the Bastar region.

“He (PM Modi) met with the soldiers, offered them sweets, and engaged in conversation with them. This gesture serves to boost the morale of the armed personnel,” he said.

Notably, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with brave security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar on Sunday.

Addressing the security personnel, the Prime Minister said that this Diwali is special because the country has won decades-long battle against the Red terror.

He said that for the first time, every district in the country is free from Naxalism and crores of citizens have now overcome the fear of Left-Wing Extremism (LFW).

He credited millions of brave security personnel for their contribution in eradicating the red terror and also said that the eradication of Naxalism is not the ultimate goal, and the nation still has a long journey ahead.

–IANS

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Srinagar, Nov 8 (IANS) The Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district said on Sunday that they have arrested two persons from whose possession arms and ammunition was recovered.

Police officials said that two persons were arrested after security forces recovered a Chinese pistol, two grenades and ammunition from their possession during a ‘Naka’ (makeshift checkpost) at Paniwah area of Kulgam district.

“A joint team of security personnel was conducting a naka at Paniwah when two persons coming from an orchard area towards Kulgam were intercepted.”

“Their search led to the recovery of one Chinese pistol, one magazine, two 9 mm rounds and two Chinese grenades from their possession.”

“A case has been registered and further investigation is now going on,” officials added.

Security forces have significantly intensified anti-terror and search operations across the Kashmir Valley and wider Jammu and Kashmir following the setting in of winter as cold weather forces terrorists hiding in the higher reaches to move down.

Authorities have put up wanted posters for key suspects in Srinagar and deployed joint units of the Special Operations Group (SOG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and local police for intensified frisking, vehicle checks, and highway surveillance.

Security forces are actively hunting high-profile terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives in Anantnag and Kulgam.

Joint cordon-and-search operations and drone surveillance are underway in forest and upper reaches of Kishtwar (Chatroo belt), Udhampur (Basantgarh), Poonch, and Rajouri, alongside heightened alerts along the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway.

Senior military and police leadership including the Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and visiting Defence Commanders have stepped up coordination to dismantle over-ground worker and terror-financing networks.

–IANS

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Dhaka, Nov 8 (IANS) The ban on Awami League in Bangladesh has left the future of the country’s garment workers into the dark, as the latter’s protests against rising inflation is being linked to the banned political outfit in Dhaka, resulting in their police detentions, according to a media report.

Following the change of government in Bangladesh in October 2024, the Mohammed Yunus-led interim administration banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the Awami League’s student wing, under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

On May 12, 2025, it imposed a “temporary” ban on the Awami League itself, using the newly amended ATA.

“Now it is being turned on garment workers striking for a wage they can live on. That is bad for democracy, and worse for an economy that cannot afford another crisis of trust,” Sangita Gazi said in her report in The Diplomat.

As hundreds of thousands of garment workers staged protests across several parts of the country on October 31, demanding a minimum wage of 30,000 Bangladeshi taka ($241), police detained 21 people who they called Awami League activists and not genuine workers.

Thousands more unidentified individuals were detained under the ATA, the report added.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed reportedly blamed supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the protests.

The detention of workers under ATA prompted many labour leaders to go into hiding.

According to the report in The Diplomat, videos and images circulating on social media appeared to show workers being beaten, and police raiding slums to round up protesters, alleging that they have links with the banned political party.

Refuting the allegations, workers have said that rising food prices, inflation, and energy costs drove them into the streets.

The mob violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order pushed the Bangladeshi economy to the “brink”.

“Between August 2024 and June 2026, 457 garment and textile factories closed, and more than 240,000 jobs were lost. Most of those who lost their jobs are women. For many, there is no other formal work, and some say employers now screen new hires for union ties.”

Moreover, according to a survey, the share of US buyers sourcing from Bangladesh fell to about 78 per cent from 88 per cent a year earlier.

According to Sangita Gazi, the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government is caught in a “real bind” as owners warn that higher wages will raise production costs and push buyers to Vietnam, India or Cambodia.

“One manufacturer’s leader called the 30,000 ‘taka’ demand one with ‘no logical or mathematical basis’,” she mentioned.

Therefore, the author cautioned that “when political participation is banned, the label becomes a weapon that an authority can use against anyone inconvenient”.

“Today that label is being used against workers asking for a wage that covers rent and rice. Tomorrow it could be students, journalists, or the BNP’s own critics,” Gazi warned.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, Nov 8 (IANS) A 10-month intelligence-led international manhunt involving spanning across Asia, South America and Africa in coordination with national and international agencies led to the arrest of gangster Gurwinder Singh alias Afridi from Ethiopia, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said here on Sunday.

Yadav told the media here that Afridi, one of the key kingpins of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang, carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh announced by the state government on information leading to his arrest.

He is facing charges of directing targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents, and organised criminal networks in Punjab while operating from abroad.

The DGP said the accused is wanted in more than 30 heinous criminal cases, including five murder cases, attempt to murder, extortion, and Arms Act offences.

Saying that his arrest is a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime amid the ongoing campaign ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ launched by Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in coordination with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Counter Intelligence and support of central agencies, the DGP added that the arrest was secured following his deportation from Ethiopia.

“This marks the first-ever deportation of a fugitive secured by Punjab Police from an African country, heralding a new chapter in the state’s relentless crackdown against organised crime,” DGP Yadav said, accompanying Special DGP (AGTF) Promod Ban and Special DGP (Counter Intelligence) Amit Prasad.

His arrest marked the successful culmination of ‘Operation SHAHID’ — a 10-month-manhunt involving sustained surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering, and tracking across multiple countries, he added.

Sharing operational details, the DGP said that accused Afridi had fled abroad from the Mumbai airport to the UAE on March 31, 2025, using a fake passport obtained under the particulars of a Gorakhpur resident and issued from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh on February 12, 2025.

The accused was constantly evading law enforcement agencies across several continents, DGP Yadav said, adding that initially holed up in the UAE, the accused attempted to flee to Mexico via Istanbul, but was deported back to the UAE.

Subsequently, the accused slipped into Kenya in April 2026, travelled onwards to Angola in June 2026, and moved to Ethiopia in November 2026.

DGP Yadav said that Punjab Police have got a Red Notice issued against Afridi, shared inputs regarding his fake identity and movements with central agencies at critical intervals, and had seven INTERPOL references issued.

The persistent multi-agency pursuit led to his detention in Ethiopia on November 6 and his subsequent deportation to India. He was taken into custody by Punjab Police at the New Delhi Airport and is being brought to Punjab to face the law.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Defence and trade are the key drivers of the growing partnership between India and Poland, reflecting New Delhi’s broader re-engagement with Central and Eastern Europe, a report said.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s visit to India from October 21-23 underscored the growing relations between New Delhi and Warsaw, The Diplomat reported.

“Tusk’s recent visit is reflective of India’s broader re-engagement with Central and Eastern Europe following the Cold War,” the report said.

According to the report, India took part in its first summit with members of the Visegrad Group, or V4, when External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met his Polish, Slovak, Czech, and Hungarian counterparts on the sidelines of the UNGA in September 2026.

“As India seeks to lessen reliance on Russia, it has sought to deepen defence relations with Poland. While India’s primary security partner in Europe has traditionally been Paris, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has facilitated a continent-wide industrial rearmament,” it stated.

When the two countries upgraded their relationship to a “strategic partnership” in 2024, they announced in their 2024-2029 action plan to deepen defence industrial ties. In February 2026, the Polish Ambassador to India, Piotr Antoni Switalski, said India used Polish drones during Operation Sindoor, the report noted.

“Poland’s economic weight within Europe has increased significantly since it joined the EU in 2004, and it is now the continent’s fastest-growing economy. These developments have correlated with greater Indo-Polish economic relations,” The Diplomat stated.

From 2015 to 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries increased from $2.2 billion to $6.3 billion, and India is the second-largest market for Polish companies within Asia, according to the report.

After the India-EU free trade agreement concluded in January 2026, Warsaw and New Delhi announced plans to double bilateral trade by 2030, with Poland eager to become a gateway for Indian businesses as they seek to expand into Central and Eastern European markets.

–IANS

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