Category: INDIA

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin visited the residence of Bharat Ratna Lal Krishna Advani to personally extend birthday greetings and wishes, as the party patriarch entered his 100th year on Sunday.​

​The BJP chief was accompanied by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and the party’s general secretary, B. L. Santosh, who wished the party veteran good health and a long life; Santosh served as the 7th Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004.​

Sharing the pictures on his X handle, Nabin said, “From the horrors of Partition to the journey of nation-building, Advani ji’s public life has exemplified the idea of ‘Nation First’ and an unwavering commitment to it.”​

“His life philosophy of ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last’ will always remain a source of inspiration for the BJP’s organisational culture and its workers,” he further said.​

Earlier in the day, the BJP celebrated the 99th birthday by organising a puja and havan at the party’s headquarters, which saw a gathering of several party leaders admiring and applauding LK Advani’s contributions to India’s democracy and polity.​

The event, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Diwali, was organised to commemorate LK Advani’s contributions to the party organisation and the nation, and to celebrate his long public life.​

Addressing the event, Nitin Nabin said, “The life of revered Lal Krishna Advani ji is an inspiring example of nation first, cultural nationalism, and unwavering commitment to ideas. The journey from his historic rath yatra to the construction of the magnificent Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a saga of the resolve and struggle of millions of devotees of Lord Ram.”​

Further paying tribute to his Ram Temple movement, he said, “The historic Rath Yatra of Lal Krishna Advani ji gave the Ram Temple movement new direction and energy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, that dream came true, and today Lord Ram is enshrined in his magnificent abode in Ayodhya.”​

Union Minister Piyush Goyal also recalled LK Advani’s contributions, describing him as an extraordinary figure with unwavering loyalty to the nation, steadfastness in his convictions and dedication to the organisation.​

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s remark over demolition of Ayodhya’s Babri Masjid in 1992, seems to have not gone down well with some of Muslim clerics as well as ‘karsevaks’.

All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi, reacting to Sonia Gandhi’s statement, said, “Sonia Gandhi’s tears are crocodile tears and merely for show. The Congress was in power from 1992 to 1996 and again from 2004 to 2014. Action could also have been taken against those involved in the conspiracy behind the Babri demolition but it never took any step.”

Posing a direct question at the former Congress President, the Muslim cleric asked, “If she was genuinely saddened by the demolition of the Babri Masjid, her government could have had it rebuilt during Congress’ decades in power.”

The controversy erupted over Sonia Gandhi’s claim, in an interview with The Guardian, ahead of the launch of her memoir ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’, where she allegedly recalled ‘crying’ after witnessing Babri episode ‘on television’. Her ‘candid admission’ has already received scathing criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Maulana Sajid Rashidi, unsparing in his criticism, called out Congress government’s inaction over rogue elements and not incarcerating those behind the Babri Masjid demolition.

“The court had also remarked on the need to take action against those involved in the conspiracy. Had the Congress government wanted to act, it could have banned the RSS and VHP and jailed their activists for demolishing the mosque,” he said.

He also added that not one but hundreds of riots have taken place in the country under Congress governments and in all incidents, it was the Muslim community which paid the price.

Escalating his attack, Maulana Sajid Rashidi said that there was still time for the Congress to correct its wrongs, provided it is willing to do so.

“These are artificial tears of 2027, however, there is still some time. If it seriously wants to atone for its wrongdoings, it must promise to raise the Babri mosque again, vow to jail and punish those brought down the mosque,” he suggested.

Besides political storm, Sonia Gandhi’s remark is also eliciting strong comments from other quarters, including ‘karsevaks’.

Santosh Dubey, a former karsevak, said that the blame for Babri demolition rests on the Congress’ shoulders.

“It was her (Sonia Gandhi’s) own family that was responsible for the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Rajiv Gandhi, her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi, the Congress party and the then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao also had a role in it. Both Hindus and Muslims were offered all kinds of inducements. The Ram Janmabhoomi belonged to the Hindus, but it was demolished to build a mosque,” he said, while questioning Congress’ duplicity on Hindu exodus in Jammu and Kashmir.

–IANS

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Ayodhya, Nov 8 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday extended Diwali greetings to the residents of Ayodhya, particularly the deprived downtrodden sections, of Ayodhya and said that no ‘Manthara’ or ‘Maricha’ would be allowed to cast an evil eye upon the holy city, while also calling upon the people to adhere and follow the ideals of Lord Ram.

“We must resolve that, in the times ahead, no ‘Manthara’ or ‘Maricha’ shall be permitted to cast an evil eye upon the splendor of our Ayodhya. Any malicious attempt to defame Ayodhya once again or to plunder its glory will not be allowed to succeed,” the Chief Minister said.

Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath urged them to take a collective resolution to protect Ayodhya’s religious identity, dignity and cultural heritage and added that no violence will be tolerated again, referring to infamous firing on ‘Ram bhakts’, during previous governments.

“Never again will bullets be fired at the devotees of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. No one will be able to use sticks or batons against those who chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’, nor will there be any restrictions imposed on the ‘Panchkosi’, ’14-kosi’, or ’84-kosi’ circumambulations (parikramas),” he remarked.

The Chief Minister also met many underprivileged families, including the sanitation workers and boatmen, and distributed sweets to many of them.

He visited a slum settlement near Ramghat Halt, to share the festivities on the special occasion and presented gifts to municipal Councillors who did exemplary work.

He remarked that the invaluable contributions made by these individuals toward the success of the ‘Deepotsav’ and in keeping ‘Awadhpuri’ (Ayodhya) clean deserve to be recorded in golden letters.

Praising the sanitation workers of Ayodhya, the Chief Minister said, “More than 30 lakh diyas were lit during yesterday’s Deepotsav. Hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the country and the world thronged the streets and ghats of Ayodhya until late into the night. Yet, when I stepped out this morning, I was amazed to see that all the ghats and streets were completely clean—there was no trace of litter or disorder.”

Acknowledging the contribution of boatmen at the Saryu Ghats, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked, “While we were performing the Maha Aarti of the Saryu river, our boatmen were working with great diligence. On every festival, as well as on ‘Amavasya’ (new moon) and ‘Purnima’ (full moon), hundreds of thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the Saryu. The significant role played by our boatmen—the Manjhis and Nishads—in ensuring the safety of the devotees and upholding their faith is truly commendable.”

During the event, the Chief Minister presented Diwali gifts and sweets to local families from the Nishad and Dalit communities.

He also remarked, “Today’s Ayodhya truly brings to mind the Treta Yuga. Future generations will remain grateful to you, knowing that when the ‘New Ayodhya’ was being built, their ancestors also made an invaluable contribution.”

–IANS

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Haridwar, Nov 8 (IANS) On the occasion of veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani’s 100th birthday on Sunday, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev hailed the former Deputy Prime Minister’s political contribution, crediting him for building the party’s organisational structure from the ground level which, according to Ramdev, ultimately led to the BJP coming to power.

Speaking to reporters here, Baba Ramdev said that there are two major inspirations from Advani’s life.

“He (L.K. Advani) maintained great restraint over his diet, and also worked hard throughout his life,” he added, while noting that an individual’s ultimate goal is not merely ascending the throne, but taking the entire society forward together.

Baba Ramdev said that the former Deputy Prime Minister lived his life with the resolution, “Whether one remains or not, may his glory remain immortal.”

The Yoga guru also asserted that if the BJP is in power today, there is a massive amount of hard work behind it.

“Advani Ji put in immense effort to build the BJP organisation in every province, every district, every tehsil, and even down to the block level. His political contribution was of a monumental scale. He has also set an ideal example of health by leading life without being affected by any major disease,” he said.

Meanwhile, Baba Ramdev also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “elevating the pride” of our national festivals.

The Yoga guru said: “Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) of our country lives by Sanatan. From Holi, Diwali, Janmashtami, and Ram Navami to Republic Day or Independence Day, he has elevated the pride of our national festivals. He has raised the honour of Sanatan.”

“He (PM Modi) lives by the values of Sanatan Dharma, the spirit of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Shiva, as well as swears by the nation’s democracy and Constitution,” he added while appreciating PM Modi for celebrating Diwali festival with soldiers who stay far away from their families to protect the nation’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty.

The Yoga guru also spoke about the 10th ‘Deepotsav’ celebrations in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, calling it a “symbol of Sanatan pride”.

“The way Uttar Pradesh lit up for Diwali—with more than 30 lakh ‘diyas’ illuminated across 56 ghats in state—it is in itself a massive inspiration for everyone and a grand symbol of the pride of Sanatan,” he said.

Crediting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the success of the event, Baba Ramdev added: “Erasing all marks of slavery, Yogi Adityanath Ji Maharaj is crafting new standards of development, fearlessness, and social harmony.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Benchmark equity indices ended Sunday’s special Diwali trading session on a subdued note, with a negative bias, as losses in banking and IT stocks weighed on market sentiment.

The Sensex declined 28.62 points, or 0.04 per cent, to settle at 80,999.40, while the Nifty fell 43.95 points, or 0.18 per cent, to close at 24,986.40.

The Nifty touched an intra-day high of 25,132 during the session before giving up its gains and settling below the 25,000 mark. The Sensex also witnessed volatility, touching a high of 81,442 and a low of 80,932 before closing nearly 29 points lower.

Among the Nifty constituents, SBI Life Insurance Company, InterGlobe Aviation and Bharti Airtel were among the biggest losers. On the other hand, Sun Pharma and Tata Steel emerged as major gainers during the special trading session, while Mahindra & Mahindra and InterGlobe Aviation were among the top laggards.

The broader market, however, showed resilience, with the Nifty MidCap 100 rising 0.13 per cent and the Nifty SmallCap index gaining 0.94 per cent.

Sectorally, Nifty Pharma and Nifty Healthcare were among the top-performing indices, while Nifty Bank and Nifty Private Bank witnessed the steepest declines.

“From a market perspective, we believe the outlook for the coming Samvat remains constructive, albeit with expectations of moderate and more selective returns,” market experts stated. “Earnings growth, rather than valuation expansion, is likely to be the primary driver of market performance going forward,” analysts said.

“As we step into the new Samvat, our view is that India remains well-positioned to deliver sustainable long-term growth. The focus should remain on quality, earnings resilience and prudent investing. We wish investors a prosperous Samvat filled with wealth creation and financial success,” market experts noted.

Muhurat trading is a special truncated session on the occasion of Diwali. Coinciding with Lakshmi Puja, it is considered auspicious and prosperous and marks the beginning of the Vikram Samvat, or the Hindu financial year.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Jayant Advani, son of BJP stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani, on Sunday expressed gratitude to senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and party workers for coming together to pray for his father’s good health as he entered his 100th year.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin, along with several other senior party leaders, on Sunday performed a special ‘puja’ and ‘havan’ to mark the 100th birthday celebrations of Advani.

The special religious ceremony was organised at the BJP Central Office, where party leaders offered prayers for Advani’s good health, longevity and well-being as he entered his 100th year.

The veteran leader’s children, Pratibha Advani and Jayant Advani, also attended the event.

Speaking to IANS, Jayant Advani thanked the party leadership and workers for organising prayers on the occasion and said that his only wish was for his father to remain healthy and continue to receive God’s blessings for the rest of his life.

“I would first like to thank the senior leaders of the party and all the party workers. We have all gathered here today to pray for Advani’s good health. May God keep him healthy and bless him with good health for the rest of his life, however long it may be. This is my only prayer to God,” he told IANS.

Recalling the significance of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Jayant Advani said that the period remained an unforgettable chapter in the country’s political history and played a crucial role in strengthening the BJP’s presence across India.

“That period is always remembered, and it is a time we can never forget. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which began in 1990, provided a surge of strength to the party; the wave of support for the BJP that swept across the country emerged precisely following this Ram Mandir movement. Since 1990, we have witnessed the BJP’s consistent improvement in performance,” he said.

He further highlighted the BJP’s growth over the years, pointing out that the party had evolved into the country’s largest political organisation, with crores of members, a government at the Centre and in several states.

“I believe that it is thanks to the contributions made by our veteran leaders that we are able to witness the present day — the day we see now,” he added.

The occasion was marked by tributes to the veteran leader’s long political career and his significant contribution to the growth and development of the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also penned a detailed article on the occasion, reflecting on Advani’s life, political journey and lasting contribution to the country as the senior BJP leader entered his 100th year on November 8.

In his article, the Prime Minister highlighted several defining moments of Advani’s life and political career, describing his journey as closely connected with some of the most significant chapters in modern India’s history.

–IANS

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Srinagar, Nov 8 (IANS) Police in J&K’s Srinagar city have put out posters of four wanted terrorists, announcing a “handsome” reward for those giving credible information about the quartet.

The four wanted terrorists are Bilal Ahmad Mir of Sopore, Abid Qayoom Lone of Baramulla, Mohammad Lateef Bhat of Kulgam, and Mohammad Umar Mir of Sopore.

The posters carry photographs of these wanted terrorists, with the caption: “Anyone who can provide credible information regarding the movement/presence of these terrorists, the identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential and a handsome reward will be given for reliable information”.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police use wanted posters, lookout notices, and public reward announcements as a core counter-terrorism strategy to track active terrorists, gather confidential intelligence and dismantle networks across the Valley.

J&K Police frequently issue Urdu and English posters featuring photographs, names, and native villages of active or recycled terrorists from groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Cash rewards ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh are routinely announced for actionable, confidential information.

Posters are systematically pasted across high-visibility public spaces and transit routes such as Srinagar’s M.A. Road, Nowgam, and various locations across South Kashmir (Pulwama, Kulgam, and Anantnag) to pressure local networks and prompt public tips.

Following major security incidents like the Pahalgam attack, security agencies pasted posters of key suspects across South Kashmir with high-value rewards such as Rs 20 lakh.

In October 2025, JeM posters appearing in Nowgam, Srinagar, signed by figures like Commander Hanzala Bhai served as a critical early red flag for police. CCTV footage tracking who pasted the posters led J&K Police to bust a multi-state terror network and a drone module linked to planned explosives caches.

Police notices consistently emphasise that informers’ identities are kept strictly confidential, backed by designated helpline numbers and anonymous tip-off channels.

Wanted and lookout posters issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Police serve as a critical operational bridge between hard tactical intelligence and community-assisted counter-terrorism. Historically, these posters have been utilised not only to locate top-tier commanders but also to expose highly secretive, underground logistical networks.

–IANS

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Patna, Nov 8 (IANS) A police team came under attack while conducting raids in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Sunday, leaving some of the personnel injured and police vehicles damaged.

The injured constables were rushed to hospital while several miscreants were taken into custody.

The incident took place in Sahni Tola area of ​​Balgudar village on Sunday morning, when the police team went to inspect the location after receiving complaints of disturbance, allegedly by drunk men. The police faced stone-pelting from the mob, resulting in injuries to police personnel, including a sub-inspector (SI).

The injured personnel were given first aid at the hospital, while several hoodlums and thugs were apprehended over the grave offence of attacking policemen on duty.

According to the police, the Town Police Station team received information that some individuals were creating a disturbance near the village’s ‘Kali Sthan’ (Kali temple), while under the influence of intoxicants.

There were also reports of illegal liquor storage and gambling at the location. Following this, the police reached the village to conduct a raid.

The police team left their vehicles a short distance from the Kali temple and proceeded on foot.

Upon spotting the policemen, the individuals began shouting and causing commotion. A couple of them shouted, “Beat them, beat them” even as policemen apprehended two individuals.

The miscreants overpowered the police and set them free. Subsequently, a mob of approximately 200 people gathered and began pelting the police team with stones.

Sub-Inspector Tribhuvan Thakur sustained a head injury in the attack, while a female constable and two other police personnel were also injured. Two police vehicles were damaged in the stone-pelting.

According to a police official, at least 12 people have been arrested following the incident. The police are also identifying those involved in the attack by examining footage from nearby CCTV cameras.

The police told newsmen that those found guilty of violence will not be spared and those evading suspects will soon be arrested.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, Nov 8 (IANS) In a major breakthrough against organised crime, the Punjab Police on Sunday secured the deportation of fugitive gangster Gurwinder, alias Afridi, from Ethiopia following a 10-month-long international manhunt under Operation SHAHID

Gurwinder alias Afridi, described by the police as a key kingpin of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang, was brought to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, where a team of the Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), led by senior officers, took charge of the accused to bring him back to Punjab for further investigation.

The operation was spearheaded by the Anti-Gangster Task Force in coordination with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence wing, with assistance from central agencies.

Announcing the development, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the successful operation followed sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tracking of the fugitive across several countries in Asia, South America and Africa.

According to preliminary investigations, Afridi was allegedly operating from foreign soil and directing targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents and other organised criminal activities in Punjab.

His alleged role in coordinating criminal operations from abroad had made him a priority target for the state police.

The Punjab government had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

Afridi is reportedly wanted in 35 criminal cases, including five murder cases. These include the killings of AAP sarpanch Rajwinder Singh, alias Raj Talwandi, in October 2024, 12-year-old Gursewak Singh in March 2025, Vicky Chugh in March 2025, Jaswant Singh in May 2025, and Congress block president Gurmel Singh in September 2025.

The successful deportation is being viewed as a significant achievement for Punjab Police, particularly in its efforts to track down gangsters who operate from foreign countries while allegedly orchestrating criminal activities in the state.

The DGP acknowledged the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and other central agencies, stressing that close coordination between state, central and international agencies was crucial to the operation.

With Afridi now back in India, investigators are expected to question him about his alleged involvement in multiple criminal cases, his links with gang members and the network through which criminal activities were allegedly being coordinated from abroad.

–IANS

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Kanpur, Nov 8 (IANS) A tragic incident unfolded on the streets of Kanpur on the eve of Diwali, as a speeding SUV, purportedly driven by a woman with a learner’s licence, rammed into a scooterist and dragged him to death.

After hitting the scooter, the SUV dragged the victim and his scooter for nearly 20 metres before crashing into the green cover nearby. The scooter rider reportedly died on the spot, leading to chaos and panic in the area.

The incident took place in the Awas Vikas-3 area of Kalyanpur police station area at around 7.30 p.m. on Saturday

Following the incident, the police team arrived at the scene and shifted the victim to the hospital, where was declared dead. Police have launched a manhunt to track down the woman driver, who fled the spot after knocking down the victim.

The victim was identified as 55-year-old Santosh Singh Chouhan, who had gone to the market for Diwali shopping. Some reports said that the accident happened while he was returning home after purchasing a saree for his wife.

Some eyewitnesses claimed that the speeding ‘Thar’ rammed into his scooter from behind. The SUV went out of control, broke through the boundary wall of a house, and ended up in the garden inside. The scooterist was also dragged along with the SUV, resulting in his immediate death.

Two women and one man are said to be in the car at the time of the accident. Following the mishap, the car occupants abandoned the damaged vehicle and fled in another car.

Some reports said that the victim’s scooter was struck by the car, very close to him. His family members are demanding that the accused be arrested and prosecuted.

According to eyewitnesses, the SUV bore the inscriptions “Bharatiya Kisan Union” on the front and “Krishna Group” on the rear portion of the car.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s body has been sent for post-mortem, while the Kalyanpur police have taken the ‘Thar’ into custody and are conducting a probe into whole incident. Video footage from the nearby CCTV cameras is being examined to identify the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Speaking to newsmen, DCP West, Kasim Abdi, said that a case has been registered and police teams have launched a manhunt for the accused.

–IANS

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