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VOL 02 No. 230 F R E E D O M , FA I R N E S S A N D A C C U R A C Y Saturday, August 23, 2025

SC’s directive on Bihar voters

Aadhaar valid proof of residence
NEWS ARENA NETWORK

Democracy has survived

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22

T
HE SUPREME Court on Friday
directed the Election Commission
to accept Aadhaar as valid proof a brutal assault: Congress Punjabi comedian
of residence for voters in Bihar, who were
struck off the rolls during the on-going NEW DELHI: The Congress on chief electoral officer to implead them
Jaswinder Bhalla
special revision exercise.
The directive offers relief to lakhs of
Friday declared that “democracy has
survived a brutal assault”, after the
in the proceedings. Election officials
have also been instructed to issue
is no more
people excluded from the lists ahead of the The directive offers relief Supreme Court directed the Election acknowledgement receipts to booth- NEWS ARENA NETWORK
state election later this year. The court Commission of India (ECI) to widen level agents (BLAs) who submit MOHALI, AUGUST 22
estimated that of the 65 lakh voters deleted, to lakhs of people exclud- access for voters excluded in Bihar’s claims on behalf of voters.
as many as 35 lakh were genuine electors, ed from the lists ahead of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Congress general secretary in- THE PUNJABI entertainment industry
after excluding deaths and duplicate entries. the state Assembly elec- electoral rolls. The party claimed that charge communications, Jairam is mourning the sudden loss of iconic
Justice Surya Kant, heading the bench the poll body now stands “totally Ramesh, said the judgement ensures comedian and educator Jaswinder Bhalla,
with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, instructed
tions later this year. exposed and discredited”. voters’ rights could not be dismissed. who passed away early on Friday morning
that all documents for re-inclusion must be The directive from a bench of “Democracy has survived a brutal at Fortis Hospital, Mohali. He was 65.
filed by September 1. The process can be level agents) doing? Political parties must Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya assault from the Election Commission Renowned for his incisive wit, innate sense
completed online to speed up submissions. help voters,” the court remarked. Bagchi allows excluded voters to file of India,” he remarked, welcoming of humour and flawless comedic timing,
The bench noted that voters may now The criticism followed submissions claims online as well as through phys- the intervention. He recalled that on Bhalla delighted audiences for many years
apply for re-enrolment using Aadhaar that only two objections had been lodged ical submissions. The court further 14 August, the Supreme Court had and established himself as a timeless
along with 11 other recognised identity by over 1.6 lakh BLAs, despite wide- ordered that Aadhaar card details, along already set aside the ECI’s decision character in Punjabi cinema.
documents. spread allegations by parties that the with any one of eleven prescribed to withhold the list of deleted voters, Fans and colleagues alike were shocked
During the hearing, the court rebuked revision exercise was designed to disen- documents, must be accepted as proof. directing that deletions must be pub- to learn of his passing and the Punjabi
Bihar’s political parties for failing to franchise their vote base. Expressing displeasure that political lished with reasons. On the same day, entertainment community as a whole is
support affected citizens. “Political parties The court also ordered poll officials to parties had not filed objections regard- the court also ruled that Aadhaar card in deep mourning. The Balongi cremation
are not doing their jobs… We are sur- provide acknowledgment receipts when ing the 65 lakh voters left out of the would be valid identity proof for those ground in Mohali will host his funeral on
prised at what political parties are doing BLAs file voter forms, after complaints rolls, the bench directed the state’s struck off the rolls. Saturday at noon. Family members, close
in Bihar. What are your BLAs (booth- that objections were not being registered. friends, industry colleagues and countless
admirers are expected to attend and
pay their final respects to the legendary
comedian.

PM Modi backs NDA’s three bills

Known not just for making people
laugh, Bhalla’s performances often car-
ried subtle reflections of Punjabi life and
culture, making his work relatable to
NEWS ARENA NETWORK know why the Opposition is afraid of in at least five years in prison. audiences across generations.
GAYA, AUGUST 22 these laws?” Earlier, the PM launched several initia- He began his career with stage shows and
On Wednesday, the leaders of the oppo- tives, such as the 660 MW Buxar thermal comedy albums in the late 1980s and 1990s,
PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi on sition INDIA bloc made the protests in power plant, which cost a total of ₹6,880 with his iconic Chhankata series becoming
Friday lashed out at the Opposition for the Lok Sabha even stronger right after crore and is located in Bihar’s Gayaji a household name. Transitioning into films,
their criticism of three controversial bills. the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, district. He also flagged off two trains he quickly became one of the most recog-
These relate to the removal of the Prime introduced the three bills. — the Amrit Bharat Express from Gayaji nisable comic actors in Punjabi cinema.
Minister, chief ministers and ministers The bills include the Constitution to Delhi and the Buddhist Circuit train National BJP Leader and Patron Punjab
who are under arrest for 30 days straight (130th Amendment) Bill, which deals from Vaishali to Koderma. Kalakar Manch (Regd.) Sukhminderpal
due to serious charges. with the Prime Minister, states, and the Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Singh Grewal Bhukhri Kalan said, “I
At a rally in Bihar, which is an impor- National Capital Territory of Delhi; the Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, share the most heart-breaking news
tant state for upcoming elections, the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary that my dearest friend, the legend of
Prime Minister stated that everyone (Amendment) Bill; and the Government and many Union ministers, state minis- Punjabi film industry and world-
understood why the opposition leaders of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill. ters, MPs, and MLAs were also present renowned comedian Dr Jaswinder Bhalla
of the INDIA bloc were worried about The three bills state that if a current being released, they will have to leave at the event. The PM also opened the ji has left us for his heavenly abode
the new laws that have been proposed. minister, chief minister or prime minister their position. This applies if the person Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and early this morning.”
At a rally in Gayaji. Modi asked, “Do we is arrested or held for 30 days without is charged with a crime that could result Research Centre in Muzaffarpur. See more on Page 10

Inside n STRAY DOG ORDER

PM inaugurates three
new metro corridors
SC permits release after sterilisation
in Kolkata NEWS ARENA NETWORK

‘FEEDING STRAY DOGS IN PUBLIC NOT ALLOWED’

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22
KOLKATA: Kolkata’s metro network
reached a milestone on Friday as Prime THE SUPREME Court of India on
Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Friday modified its controversial August THE TOP court clearly said that “The observation (of imposing fine
three new corridors, including the city’s 8 order concerning stray dogs. The new feeding stray dogs in public is not of Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh in the
first direct rail link to the airport in over directive stipulates that stray dogs, after allowed and that steps will be taken order) is meant for NGOs and those
four decades. being vaccinated and dewormed, must against anyone who does it. “No who intervened in the suo motu mat-
Story on Page 2 be released back into the same areas from public feeding of dogs allowed. ter, not for common people. The pur-
which they were removed. Dedicated feeding spaces of stray pose of it can be understood by
NRI industrialist Lord This decision was met with widespread dogs to be created. Action will be going through the order. These funds
jubilation among animal lovers. However, taken against persons found to be will be used for the welfare of dogs,”
Swraj Paul passes away the court also specified that dogs exhib- feeding dogs on the streets,” the Sharma said.
CHANDIGARH: Leading NRI iting signs of rabies or aggressive behav- court said. The court expanded the scope of
industrialist Lord iour must be immunised and housed in The court also let animal lovers NGOs to put in Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 its directions across the country,
Swraj Paul passed separate shelters. file requests to adopt the dogs, but lakh, respectively. impleading all states and union terri-
away in London on A number of additional changes to the warned that it’s up to them to make Advocate Vivek Sharma, appear- tories and transferred similar cases
Thursday evening. August 8 order were made by the three- sure the strays aren’t sent back to the ing for the petitioners, explained that from High Courts to itself to ensure a
He was 94. The judge bench, which comprised Justices streets. The court also told each per- the financial stipulation was never uniform national framework on stray
founder of Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV son who filed a petition and the intended to target ordinary citizens. dog management.
UK-based Caparo Anjaria. Within eight weeks, civic
Group of Industries, Lord Paul had authorities in Delhi-NCR have been
recently been hospitalised. directed to collect all stray dogs and according to the original order. case’s focus to include the entire nation hearing, it would develop a national
Story on Page 3 place them in designated shelters, In addition, the court broadened the and stated that following a thorough policy on the subject.
2 | News Arena India NATION Saturday, August 23, 2025

PM inaugurates three new

metro corridors in Kolkata
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
KOLKATA, AUGUST 22 CM recalls her role

K
OLKATA’S METRO network in metro expansion
reached a milestone on Friday as KOLKATA: As Kolkata prepared for
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival
inaugurated three new corridors, includ-
ing the city’s first direct rail link to the
to inaugurate three new metro lines, Chief
Minister Mamata Banerjee turned reflec-
JUSTICE REDDY
airport in over four decades.
Modi, flanked by West Bengal
tive on Friday, recalling her personal
involvement in the city’s metro expansion ABETTED
Governor C V Ananda Bose, BJP state
president Samik Bhattacharya and Union
across decades.
Taking to social media, Banerjee NAXALISM,
minister Sukanta Majumdar, waved the
green flag to formally launch operations
described her long association with the
project, beginning with her tenure as CLAIMS SHAH
on the new stretches. Railway Minister. “Allow me to be a little
The expansion, spanning 13.61 km nostalgic today. As the Railways Minister NEWS ARENA NETWORK
across the Green, Yellow and Orange of India, I was fortunate in planning and KOCHI, AUGUST 22
lines, is expected to transform mobility sanctioning series of Metro Railway cor-
in the metropolis, easing pressure on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves the green flag to inaugurate three new metro routes. ridors in metropolitan Kolkata. I had drawn THE UNION Home Minister Amit Shah
city’s gridlocked roads and offering the blueprints, arranged the funds, initi- accused the Congress-led alliance’s Vice-
quicker access to key transit hubs. extension from Noapara to Jai Hind The event, however, was notable for ated the works and ensured that the differ- President candidate Justice B Sudershan
Officials said the Green Line extension Bimanbandar (6.77 km) introduces the the absence of Chief Minister Mamata ent ends of the city (Joka, Garia, Airport, Reddy of “supporting Naxalism”. The
between Sealdah and Esplanade (2.45 first-ever metro connection to Netaji Subhas Banerjee. Trinamool Congress leaders Sector V, etc.) were connected by an intra- statement of Shah came on Friday, saying
km) will, for the first time, stitch togeth- Chandra Bose International Airport. A road said she stayed away in protest against city Metro grid,” she wrote on X. that if Reddy had not delivered the Salwa
er Howrah and Sealdah, the city’s two journey of over an hour is expected to be the alleged harassment of migrants from Banerjee noted that her contribution Judum judgement, the extremist Left
busiest railway terminals. The journey, cut down to around 30 minutes. Bengal in BJP-ruled states. did not end with the planning phase. movement in India would have ended
which currently takes nearly 50 minutes The third addition, the Orange Line, Officials underlined that the new infra- “Later, as the Chief Minister of West before 2020. He then added that with the
by road, will now be completed under- will provide east-west connectivity, structure not only addresses pressing Bengal, I had the additional privilege of grand old party’s choice for the VP can-
ground in about 11 minutes. strengthening a network first launched in commuter concerns but also symbolises taking part in execution of the projects,” didate, Congress’s probability of winning
For air passengers, the Yellow Line 1984 and steadily expanded in recent years. a new phase in Kolkata’s transit story. she said. in Kerala has lessened.
“Sudershan Reddy is the person who
helped Naxalism. He gave Salwa Judum
judgment. If the Salwa Judum judgment

Received call from US for ceasefire: Pak FM

NEWS ARENA NETWORK it clear that Pakistan did not want a war.”
had not been given, the Naxal terrorism
would have ended by 2020. He is the
person who was inspired by the ideology
that gave Salwa Judum judgment,” Shah
ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 22
Dar said he received a call India carried out precision strikes under said, referring to the 2011 SC judgement
from the United States for ‘Operation Sindoor’ on nine terror infra- on Salwa Judum, during a question-
PAKISTAN WAS ready for a compre- a ceasefire with India. “I structure early on May 7 in response to answer session as part of the conclave.
hensive dialogue with India to discuss received a call from the the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that
Kashmir and all other pending issues, killed 26 people, including one Nepali The case:
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday, US for a ceasefire,” Dar citizen. In December 2011, Justice Reddy of the
adding that Islamabad received a call said, adding, “I had made Following the Indian action, Pakistan Supreme Court, in a ruling, stated that using
from the United States for ceasefire it clear that Pakistan did attempted to attack Indian military bases tribal youths as Special Police Officers
during its’ four-day military conflict on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces — whether called ‘Koya Commandos’,
with India. not want a war.” launched a fierce counter-attack on sev- Salwa Judum, or by any other name — in
“Talks, whenever held, will be not just eral Pakistani military installations. the fight against Maoist insurgents was
Kashmir but on all issues,” Dar said while Pakistan had made it clear from the outset Following this, both the nations reached illegal and unconstitutional, and that they
talking to the media, outside the parlia- that discussions with India would not take an understanding on May 10 to end the shall be immediately disarmed.
ment in Islamabad, on being asked about place on any single-point agenda. conflict after four days of intense cross- Shah said Kerala has faced the brunt
update on talks with New Delhi. Dar made claims that Pakistan did not border drone and missile strikes. Dar said of Naxalism. “People of Kerala will cer-
India has made it clear that it will only asked for any mediation between are willing to meet,” he claimed. that the ceasefire agreement with India tainly see that the Congress party, under
have a dialogue with Pakistan on the return its conflict with the India, but was Dar said he received a call from the is on hold. the pressure of Left parties, is fielding a
of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the offered one. United States for a ceasefire with India. Responding to a question, Dar said that candidate who supported Naxalism and
issue of terrorism. Dar, who is also the “We were told to sit down at a neutral “I received a call from the US for a the US Secretary of State’s visit to used a pious forum like the Supreme
Deputy Prime Minister, emphasised that location, and I said if that is the case, we ceasefire,” Dar said, adding, “I had made Pakistan has not yet been scheduled. Court,” the Home Minister said.

Defence minister lauds women’s rise in forces

NEWS ARENA NETWORK for complex peacekeeping environments. reflects this very belief in the power and
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 “We are strengthening policies to potential of woman officers.
encourage women’s participation in our Singh also unveiled the UN Journal
INDIA IS focusing on strengthening armed forces and peacekeeping contin- 2025 - ‘Blue Helmet Odyssey: 75 Years
policies, encouraging women’s participa- gents, ensuring they have equal opportu- of Indian Peacekeeping’ — a platinum
tion in the armed forces, and peacekeeping nities to lead and serve,” he said. jubilee edition, which captures India’s
contingents, the Defence Minister Rajnath “We will continue to work with the legacy, innovations, and future vision in
Singh said on Friday. The effort is being UN and troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping. Reflecting on the blue
made so that the women can have equal advance gender parity, foster inclusive colour of its helmets, Singh said that like
opportunities to lead and serve the forces, leadership, and create a world where the sky, the UN peacekeepers offer protec-
added the defence minister as he inter- peace is not just sustained but thrives tion and a sense of security, and like the
acted with the women officers of 15 through diversity and equality,” Singh oceans, they build connections across
nations, alongside India, who are partici- was quoted as saying in the statement. borders and cultures.
pating in a nearly two-week-long United UNWMOC-2025 has brought togeth- The Chief of Army Staff General
Nations Women Military Officers Course er participants from Armenia, Congo, Upendra Dwivedi and other senior offi-
(UNWMOC-2025) being held here. Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz cers were present during the interaction.
Organised by the Centre for United Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with women officers of 15 countries, including India, The curriculum of UNWMOC-2025
Nations Peacekeeping under the aegis of Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, who are participating in the UN Women Military Officers Course. includes key aspects of modern peace-
the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Uruguay, and Vietnam, alongside 12 Indian keeping such as international humanitar-
External Affairs from August 18-29 at woman officers and five interns, making ney,” he told the officers. whose voices are vital in rebuilding soci- ian law, refugees and internally displaced
the Manekshaw Centre, the course aims the course a vibrant international platform On the vision of the UN to increase eties torn by conflict,” the minister said. people, protection of civilians, conduct
to build professional capacity of women for training and exchange, it said. the participation of woman officers in “Their presence has been shown to and discipline, conflict-related sexual
military officers for effective participation Singh described the presence of offi- peacekeeping missions, Singh said this help prevent sexual violence, improve violence and child protection in conflict,
in multidimensional UN missions, the cers from 15 countries as a “reflection of commitment stems from the recognition access to humanitarian assistance and the ministry said.
defence ministry said. a microcosm of the UN and its enduring that woman peacekeepers are essential increase gender equality on the ground,” Speakers from the UN, the Ministry
Addressing the participating officers at spirit of unity and cooperation”. to making the missions more effective, he added. of External Affairs, international orga-
South Block, Singh said, as the largest “You are the torchbearers of change. inclusive, and sustainable. The defence minister also said that nisations and Indian Army veterans
contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, Your dedication strengthens not only “Woman officers bring invaluable woman peacekeepers serve as “powerful are addressing the participants, the state-
India has been a “strong supporter of peacekeeping but also the very fabric of perspectives and approaches to peace role models”, inspiring local women and ment said.
women’s participation and their integration global security. India stands with you, operations. They are often able to foster girls to see themselves as active partici- A field demonstration by an infantry
into these missions”, and initiatives such proud of your contributions, and steadfast deeper trust with local communities, pants in peace and security, adding that battalion nominated for UN will enhance
as UNWMOC prepare woman officers in its commitment to support your jour- particularly with women and children, India’s own journey in peacekeeping practical understanding, it added.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 NATION News Arena India | 3

NRI industrialist Lord

Swraj Paul passes away Gujarat to be awarded
NEWS ARENA NETWORK A regular in the annual “Sunday Times ₹1,400-cr rail projects
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 Rich List”, he was ranked 81st this year
with an estimated wealth of 2 billion NEWS ARENA NETWORK
LEADING NRI industrialist Lord Swraj pounds. Headquartered in London, NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22
Paul passed away in London on Thursday Caparo operates from over 40 sites with
evening. He was 94. The founder of operations based in the UK, North PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi will
UK-based Caparo Group of Industries, America, India and the Middle East. His visit Gujarat on Monday, August 25 to
Lord Paul had recently been hospitalised. son Akash Paul is chairman of Caparo dedicate railway projects worth over Rs
Born to Pyare Lal, who ran a small India and director of the Caparo Group. 1,400 crore to the nation, a release from the
foundry to make steel goods, including An active member of the Indian dias- Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office (CMO)
buckets and other farming equipment, pora in the UK, Lord Paul maintained his stated on Friday.
Lord Paul had joined business early in daily routine of attending the House of The initiatives are aimed at transforming
his life much before he went on to estab- Lords despite his poor health in recent connectivity in North Gujarat, benefiting
lish the Caparo Group, a diversified months. “We pray for the departed soul. districts such as Mahesana, Patan,
business entity with interests predomi- May the noble Lord rest in peace,” said Banaskantha, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad.
nantly in design, manufacture, marketing Lord Rami Ranger, his colleague in the Officials said the projects will promote
and distribution of value-added steel and of India’s oldest business conglomerates. After he lost his son Angad Paul in Upper House of Parliament. industrial growth, improve logistics, and
niche engineering products. He, however, relocated to the UK in 1966 2015 and his wife Aruna in 2022, he Prime Minister Narendra Modi generate employment opportunities.
Born on February 18, 1931, Lord Paul for the treatment of his daughter Ambika, undertook similar philanthropic initiatives expressed anguish over Lord Paul’s death, Among the major projects are the dou-
completed high school education at Jalan- who was suffering from leukaemia. After in their memory. saying his support for perpetuating close bling of the 65 km Mahesana-Palanpur Rail
dhar and did his BSc from Panjab University her death, he set up the Ambika Paul “This hall is a tribute to my wonderful ties between the UK and India will always Line at a cost of Rs 537 crore, the gauge
in 1949. He then went to the US to pursue Foundation as a charitable trust, which wife whom I miss very much; we never be remembered. “Deeply saddened by conversion of the 37 km Kalol-Kadi-
his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in donated millions to promote the well- had an argument during our 65 years of the passing of Shri Swaraj Paul Ji. His Katosan Road Rail Line at Rs 347 crore,
mechanical engineering from the Massach- being of children and young people all marriage,” said Lord Paul while inaugu- contributions to industry, philanthropy and the 40 km Bechraji-Ranuj Rail Line
usetts Institute of Technology (MIT). over the world through education and rating the Lady Aruna Swraj Paul Hall at and public service in the UK, and his conversion at Rs 520 crore.
After completing his studies at MIT, health initiatives. The Ambika Paul the unwavering support for closer ties “With the addition of broad-gauge capac-
he returned to India to join the family Children’s Zoo in London is a major Indian Gymkhana Club in London in with India will always be remembered,” ity, these projects will ensure smoother,
business, Apeejay Surrendra Group, one beneficiary of the foundation. February 2023. Modi said. safer and more seamless connectivity, espe-
cially for Mahesana, Banaskantha and Patan
districts,” the release said. Officials added
that this will ease travel for commuters,

Your CM didi wont be DELHI CM ATTACK: INTERROGATION

tourists and businesses alike while fostering
regional economic integration.
The track doubling on the Ahmedabad-

afraid: Rekha Gupta OF FIVE SUSPECTS ON IN RAJKOT

Delhi corridor is expected to enhance line
capacity, allowing the operation of higher-
speed trains, more passenger services, and
POLICE ARE questioning five people efficient freight movement. This, in turn,
NEWS ARENA NETWORK during a 'Jan Sunwai' (public hearing) in Rajkot, Gujarat, over their alleged is projected to boost economic activity
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 programme. connection with the attack on Delhi across the state.
The attack on Chief Minister Gupta Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The devel- The Bechraji-Ranuj gauge conversion
DELHI CHIEF Minister Rekha Gupta occurred on Wednesday, during a 'Jan opment came on Friday, with an officer aligns with the National Logistics Policy
has resumed her official duties for the Sunvai' (public hearing) session at her saying that they have already seized the and the PM Gati Shakti National Master
first time since the attack on her a few camp office. The accused, identified as accused’s mobile phone and are follow- Plan for Multimodal Connectivity. Its objec-
days ago. Her first official engagement Rajeshbhai Khimji, a 41-year-old man ing leads that have emerged. tive is to reduce logistics costs and strength-
was attending an event named 'Vastrika' from Rajkot, was arrested. A case has These five people are the accused’s en Gujarat’s ranking in the national Logistics
in Gandhi Nagar, which is a major gar- been registered against him on various family members and friends. Performance Index, accelerating socio-
ment hub in New Delhi. charges, including attempted murder. “A total of five people are being economic development in North Gujarat.
CM Gupta vowed to persist in the fight Following the incident, Gupta had questioned by the Delhi Police. We are The launch of passenger trains between
for the city’s rights, telling supporters, "I remained at her official residence in also taking help from the Gujarat Katosan Road and Sabarmati from Kadi
assure you that your Chief Minister Didi Civil Lines. Police for a better understanding of the will improve access to religious destina-
will not be afraid, will not get tired, will According to officials, the Chief accused and his family members,” the tions, facilitate daily commuting, and
not lose. Till Delhi gets its rights, she will Minister is also likely to return to her officer said. stimulate economic activity at the grass-
keep fighting with you. It is my vow to office at the Delhi Secretariat. On “One person is already under ques- a protest at Ramleela Ground here roots level. Meanwhile, the car-loaded
continuously fight for you..." Thursday, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta made tioning who transferred money to him. against the Supreme Court’s order freight train service from Bechraji will
On Friday, a man was detained after a public statement asserting that her 'Jan We may bring them to Delhi for further on relocating stray dogs, similar to enhance industrial connectivity, strength-
he shouted slogans at a public event where Sunvai' programme would continue to investigation and questioning. Our how social activist Anna Hazare en the logistics network, and create
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was be held in every assembly constituency team will also question those who protested over the corruption issue. employment opportunities.
speaking in Gandhi Nagar. According to and would not be limited to her residence. were in contact with the accused to “If required, we can also take him to Officials described these services as
police, security personnel quickly escort- "Despite all these unexpected blows, know if he was planning this attack his native place in Rajkot, Gujarat, as sustainable, environmentally friendly, and
ed him out of the venue. I will never abandon Delhi," she said, on the CM,” the officer added. part of the ongoing investigation,” high-speed transport options, designed to
This incident marks Gupta's first pub- referring to the attack. She also added The man accused of attacking sources said. His mobile phone has reduce travel time, attract investment, and
lic appearance since an alleged attack on that women have double the strength to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta already been sent for forensic examina- drive regional industrial growth. “All these
her two days earlier. On Wednesday, a overcome difficulties and must endure during a public hearing told inves- tion to ascertain if he deleted any crucial Railway projects will pave the way for a
41-year-old man reportedly attacked her countless tests to prove themselves. "I tigators that he had planned to stage information before the assault. Viksit Bharat through Viksit Gujarat,” the
at her Civil Lines Camp Office residence am ready too," she stated. release stated.

President Murmu signs Siddaramaiah to join Rahul’s Bihar Yatra

Online Gaming Bill NEWS ARENA NETWORK
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22
This yatra is focused on addressing vote
theft,” Bhattacharya told ANI.
Indian Youth Congress National President
K A R N ATA K A C H I E F Minister Uday Bhanu Chib added, “The BJP's 'chor
NEWS ARENA NETWORK fines. However, no punishment Siddaramaiah on Friday announced he will sarkar' must be removed. Rahul Gandhi has
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 has been prescribed for individual join Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ongo- exposed their fake vote tactics with proof.

P
players. ing ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar on August With the support of the youth, the BJP has
RESIDENT DROUPADI Murmu Government officials emphasised that 29, aimed at highlighting alleged irregu- no option but to resort to jailing opponents.”
on Friday gave her assent to the the primary objective of the law is to larities in the state’s electoral rolls ahead of Siddaramaiah also spoke on cultural
Promotion and Regulation of curb gambling-related addiction, finan- the 2025 Assembly elections. focused on “addressing issues of vote theft events in Karnataka, noting that
Online Gaming Bill, 2025, a legislation cial ruin and the extreme consequences “Rahul Gandhi ji took out a yatra in Bihar. and the alleged inaction of the Election International Booker Prize 2025 winner
that simultaneously recognises e-sports such as suicides that have been linked to I am going to join it on 29th August,” Commission, despite submission of evi- Banu Mushtaq will inaugurate the world-
as a legitimate sporting activity while online money gaming. Siddaramaiah told reporters here. dence pointing to fake voter entries.” famous Dasara Mahotsav on September
imposing a sweeping ban on money- “The harms of addiction, financial The 16-day yatra, now on its sixth day, “We presented several proofs of fake 22. Vijaya Dashmi will be celebrated on
based online gaming. losses, and even extreme consequences has so far covered over 1,300 km across 20 voters, but the Election Commission has October 2, and Union Minister Rajnath
The Bill, passed by Parliament earlier such as suicides associated with online districts and is expected to conclude in Patna taken no action despite numerous com- Singh has also been invited.
this week, prohibits the offering, promo- money gaming can be prevented by the on September 1. Congress leaders have plaints. The way the SIR [Special Intensive The Voter Adhikar Yatra represents
tion or facilitation of online money prohibition of such activities,” sources termed the exercise as a response to alleged Revision] is being conducted, it will defi- the opposition’s attempt to ensure voter
games, regardless of whether they are said. Reports of money laundering and voter suppression during the Special nitely reduce voter numbers. Around 65 awareness and electoral transparency in
based on skill, chance or a mix of terror financing through such platforms Intensive Revision (SIR) of the rolls. lakh votes have already been excluded. Bihar, raising concerns over alleged
both. Offenders face strict penalties, also weighed heavily in the government’s CPI (ML) Liberation General Secretary Imagine how many more voters will be disenfranchisement that could impact
including imprisonment and heavy decision. Dipankar Bhattacharya said the yatra is deleted once documentation is completed. millions of voters.
4 | News Arena India NATION For more Nation
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Saturday, August 23, 2025

Six farmers commit suicide in

Maharashtra everyday: Sapkal
NEWS ARENA NETWORK The Congress leader
cited the case of
Demand for Bharat
MUMBAI, AUGUST 22

M
AHARASHTRACONGRESS
Babasaheb Subhash
president Harshwardhan Sapkal Sarode, a farmer from Ratna to Shibu
has alleged that six farmers are Nevasa taluka in
committing suicide every day in the state,
while the Mahayuti government remains
Ahilyanagar, who died Soren echoes in
unconcerned. Speaking to reporters,
Sapkal criticised the Devendra Fadnavis-
by suicide. J’khand Assembly
led government for its delay in implement- houses and bungalows. NEWS ARENA NETWORK
ing a farm loan waiver. Instead of a blanket waiver, the govern- RANCHI, AUGUST 22
"This government is not only thick- ment is working towards granting relief
skinned like a rhinoceros, but also blind, to poor farmers whose fields yield nothing, THE MONSOON Session of the Jharkhand
mute, and deaf," he said. He accused the those who have taken loans and are on Assembly resumed on Friday with an all-
ruling alliance of being "anti-farmer" and the verge of suicide, he said. party chorus demanding the Bharat Ratna,
questioned why Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, During the monsoon session of the state India’s highest civilian honour, for legend-
and Ajit Pawar could not sign off on a a video before ending his life, in which But how many more farmers must lose assembly, the government had informed ary tribal leader and Jharkhand Mukti
loan waiver. he said he was hoping for a loan waiver their lives before that 'right time' comes?" the House that a committee had been set Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren,
The Congress leader cited the case of to make him debt-free, but he was forced Sapkal asked. up to study whether a waiver should be popularly known as Dishom Guru.
Babasaheb Subhash Sarode, a farmer from to take the extreme step as the government State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar granted and how it should be imple- The House paid homage to Soren and
Nevasa taluka in Ahilyanagar, who died had failed poor farmers. Bawankule last week said that the govern- mented, and said that a decision would former minister Ramdas Soren before mov-
by suicide. "Even today, they say, 'We will ment will waive loans for only needy be taken after the committee submits its ing to business. Congress legislature party
He claimed that Sarode had recorded announce the loan waiver at the right time.' farmers, and not those building farm- report. leader Pradeep Yadav led the charge, urging
the Assembly to pass a resolution recom-
mending the award to the Centre.
The Congress MLA said no one symbol-

Two dead as heavy rains lash Rajasthan ised the fight for Jharkhand’s identity,
tribal rights and social justice more than
Soren, who devoted his life to these causes.
The demand found rare unanimity across
NEWS ARENA NETWORK est rainfall of 254 mm in 24 hours, the night. In Jaipur's Chaksu area, a couple the political spectrum. JDU’s Saryu Roy
JAIPUR, AUGUST 22 Meteorological Centre in Jaipur said. on a motorcycle was swept away by the backed the proposal, calling for national-
In Bhilwara's Bijolia, 170 mm of rain swollen Dhundh river. level recognition for Soren.
TORRENTIAL RAINS pounded parts caused the Panchanpura dam to overflow, While locals managed to rescue the Independent MLA Arup Chatterjee
of Rajasthan on Friday, leaving two and the Eru river to flow in spate. In Kota, husband, his wife was carried away by pressed for installing Soren’s statue in the
persons dead and submerging several three gates of the Kota Barrage were the current. Assembly premises, conferring the Bharat
low-lying areas in Sawai Madhopur, opened, releasing 25,000 cusecs of water. The weather office has issued an Ratna and transforming his ancestral village,
Tonk, Kota and Bhilwara districts, offi- This led to several low-lying colonies in orange alert for Udaipur, Dungarpur, Nemra, into a tourist hub.
cials said. Bundi's Kapren town being submerged, Banswara, and Pratapgarh districts, JKLM legislator Jairam Mahato sug-
In Sawai Madhopur, several houses in with connectivity to rural areas being warning of heavy to very heavy gested placing statues of Soren and Vinod
Palli Par area of the old city were inun- cut off. rainfall. Light to moderate showers Bihari Mahato atop Parasnath Hills, while
dated as floodwaters entered residential The relentless rainfall has also claimed are also expected across most of AJSU’s Nirmal Mahato said implementing
localities. two lives. In Ajmer, a man drowned eastern Rajasthan and in some western prohibition in Jharkhand would be the tru-
The tehsil also recorded the state's high- while bathing in a dam late Thursday districts. est tribute to the late leader.

SC stays SIT probe

against Cong MLA Arif
Culture meets sport at
Masood in forgery case Gujarat’s Tarnetar Fair
NEWS ARENA NETWORK Director General of Police Telecom, with NEWS ARENA NETWORK
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 Deputy Inspector General Kalyan GANDHINAGAR, AUGUST 22
Chakravarty and Assistant Inspector
THE SUPREME Court on Friday stayed General Nimisha Pandey as members. TARNETAR MELA is one of the most
a Madhya Pradesh High Court order that The Madhya Pradesh government had popular rural events of Gujarat organised
had directed the registration of an FIR cancelled the recognition of Indira in present day Surendranagar district near
and the formation of a special investiga- Priyadarshini College, run by the Aman Tarnetar village since last 200-250 years.
tion team (SIT) against Congress MLA Education Society, of which Masood is It is an event full of colorful traditional
Arif Masood. Masood is accused of the secretary, on June 9. Masood subse- decors, dances, customs and products on
running a college using forged documents. quently challenged this decision in the sale. The three-day annual event attracts
A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari high court. During the hearing, the high over 1 lakh visitors every year. It is a
and Vijay Bishnoi issued a notice to the court ordered the Bhopal police commis- significant cultural event in the region,
Madhya Pradesh government while hear- sioner to register an FIR against him particularly for the tribal people, who
ing an appeal filed by the college, which within three days and instructed the DGP wait year-long for it.
is known as Indira Priyadarshini College. to form the SIT. The FIR was registered The fair has been regularly held every
Following the high court's directive, at the Koh-e-Fiza Police Station under year since the last 200-250 years and was
the Madhya Pradesh police had already sections of the Indian Penal Code, includ- traditionally popular as a matchmaking
constituted a three-member SIT on August ing 420 (cheating) and 471 (using a forged event for wannabe brides and grooms. In
21 to probe the allegations. The team is document). The top court’s stay now puts fact, the region where the fair is held is
headed by Sanjeev Shami, Additional a hold on these proceedings. called the ‘Panchal Pradesh’ and the
matchmaking tradition is a recurrence of The fair has been regu- blessings and wash away sins.
‘Panchali’ Draupadi’s Swayamvar as larly held every year since The Gramya Olympics at Tarnetar
described in the epic ‘Mahabharata’. Mela is organised in many categories
This year’s event is going to be from the last 200-250 years and separately for men and women. Apart
August 26 to 29. To add a new dimension was traditionally popular from the contests of 100 m running,
to this age-old event, Gujarat Government as a matchmaking event 400 m running, 800 m running, long
organises ‘Gramya Olympics’ along with jump, 4 x 100 m relay race, volleyball,
the fair. This year the government will for wannabe brides and the Olympics have several tradi-
host its 20th edition of the ‘Gramya grooms. tional contests.
Olympics’. The traditional contests include
The ‘Gramya Olympics’ is a one-of- belongs to the Solanki era, that ruled Langdi race, Matka Daud (pot race),
its-kind contest of traditional sports and Gujarat from 10th to 12th century. The Kabbadi, Ladoo eating competition,
practices that used to be there in earlier grand Gurjara-Pratihara style Shiv temple Satodi (Nargoal), Coconut throw, rope
days. Villagers and tribal people enthu- is surrounded by three sacred kunds skipping, Kushti (traditional wrestling),
siastically take part in these contests. (ponds). Bathing in these kunds is con- Rope pulling and so on. State govern-
The fair is held adjoining to the beau- sidered a holy act, similar to bathing in ment gives cash prises to winners in each
tiful Trinetrashwar Temple, which the Ganges, and is believed to grant divine category.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 NATION For more Nation
stories click News Arena India | 5

Amit Shah predicts BJP’s

Political parties unite
against Vijay for
insulting their leaders

rise to power in Kerala NEWS ARENA NETWORK

CHENNAI, AUGUST 22

POLITICAL PARTIES in Tamil Nadu,

including the ruling Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam and the opposition AIADMK
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, AUGUST 22
Amit Shah claimed that (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra
Kerala, which has

U
Kazhagam) and Bharatiya Janata Party,
NION HOME Minister Amit experienced alternating have jointly criticised actor-politician
Shah has predicted that the rule by the United Vijay for his comments at the recent
Bharatiya Janata Party is poised TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) con-
to gain power in Kerala, citing three key Democratic Front (UDF) ference in Madurai. They particularly
issues that he says plague the state under and the Left Democratic objected to his remarks targeting their
its current Communist-led government: Front (LDF), is "riddled leaders.
corruption, a weak law and order system, KN Nehru, the state's Municipal
and developmental stagnation. with scams". Administration Minister from
Shah claimed that Kerala, which has the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam,
experienced alternating rule by the revenues from tourism and foreign took strong exception to Vijay
United Democratic Front (UDF) and remittances. He alleged that the ₹5,100 addressing Chief Minister MK
the Left Democratic Front (LDF), is crore in disaster relief funds provided Stalin as "uncle." Nehru said the
"riddled with scams." He specifically by the Centre since 2014 had been actor's language displayed a
mentioned the gold smuggling scam, diverted to the party cadre. "low political standard," and he warned
alleging that its influence reached the of the Popular Front of India (PFI) were highest literacy rate but also the highest In contrast, Shah said the BJP's devel- that the DMK would give Vijay a "fit-
Chief Minister's Office. He also refer- not banned earlier, noting that the organ- unemployment. He attributed this to a opment model is based on "appease- ting reply" in the 2026 Assembly elec-
enced the cooperative scam and the isation had expanded from Kerala into "lethargy" in Kerala's development ment-less, caste-less politics of perfor- tion.
Exalogic scam, asserting that the public Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat. He ethos. He said that while the state has mance", which he believes will increase BJP leaders also weighed in. Former
is unhappy with the current state of credited the Narendra Modi government the potential for IT, semiconductor, and the party's support base in the state. He Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan
affairs. for the eventual ban, stating that without knowledge-based industries, these predicted that the BJP would win 25 per accused Vijay of "blabbering" when he
On the issue of law and order, Shah the central government's intervention, opportunities have not been explored. cent of the votes in the upcoming local linked the BJP to fascism. She said his
claimed it had been "compromised for the PFI would still be active. According to Shah, this is because the body polls and would not have to rely speech seemed to be pre-written and
votes" and to benefit the ruling party's Shah also highlighted what he called LDF government prioritises its cadre on the other two fronts to come to pow- that his performance was "merely a
cadre. He questioned why the activities a "Kerala paradox": the state has the over the people, relying on automatic er in the subsequent Assembly elections. one-day film show."

MAYNAGURI
HORROR: MAN BJP takes dig at Cong as Shivakumar
MURDERS WIFE,
ROAMS WITH HER
sings RSS anthem in K’taka Assembly
HEART IN BAG NEWS ARENA NETWORK
BENGALURU, AUGUST 22
The clip shows
Shivakumar singing
NEWS ARENA NETWORK K A R N ATA K A D E P U T Y Chief "Namaste Sada Vatsale
KOLKATA, AUGUST 22 Minister DK Shivakumar has stirred Matrubhume," the RSS
controversy after he was seen singing the
IN A shocking incident in Maynaguri, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem, within the
Jalpaiguri district, a man allegedly mur- anthem in the state assembly. The inci- assembly premises.
dered his wife, dismembered her body and dent, which was captured in a 73-second This occurred after the
roamed around with her heart and other video clip, has prompted the Bharatiya
organs in a bag. The incident took place on Janata Party (BJP) to take a swipe at the
BJP had taunted him
Friday morning in the Bankkandi area near Congress party. about his past
Maynaguri town. Police have identified The BJP contrasted Shivakumar’s actions remarks concerning
the accused as Ramesh Roy, a local resident, with the Congress’s recent criticisms of the organisation.
who is currently absconding. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention
According to local sources, Ramesh of the RSS in his Independence Day speech.
allegedly hacked his wife, Deepali (45), to The clip shows Shivakumar singing anthem yesterday in the Karnataka assem- Replying to the controversy, June 4 outside the Chinnaswamy stadium
death with a sharp weapon at their resi- “Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume”, bly. Rahul Gandhi & close aides of Shivakumar asserted to his loyalty to the in Bengaluru. Dismissing the opposition’s
dence. “He then cut up her body and stuffed the RSS anthem, within the assembly Gandhi Vadra family straight into ICU/ Congress. “I am a born Congressman. As criticisms, Shivakumar said he could also
parts into a bag. Witnesses claimed that he premises. This occurred after the BJP had Coma mode now,” BJP National a leader I should know my opponents and highlight lapses by BJP-led governments
went door to door in the locality, showing taunted him about his past remarks con- Spokesperson Bhandari said on X. friends. I have studied about them. There in other states.
his wife’s organs to shocked neighbors,” cerning the organisation. “After PM Modi spoke about the con- is no question of joining hands (with the He referred to his role as the minister
said a police officer. The Bharatiya Janata Party targeted tribution of the RSS from the ramparts BJP). I will lead the Congress. I have in charge for Bengaluru, saying he had
Local resident Bablu Roy recounted, the Congress on Friday, saying a major- of the Red Fort, a majority of Congress been with the Congress since birth for done his job by attending the airport
“This morning, Ramesh was roaming ity of its leaders are now hailing the RSS. leaders are now hailing the RSS. No one life,” he said. celebrations after the Royal Challengers
around with a bag. He went to a house and “Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume... in Congress— Tharoor to DK Shivakumar The incident occurred during a discus- Bengaluru registered their first ever Indian
showed his wife’s heart from inside the DK Shivakumar seen singing the RSS takes Rahul seriously!” he said. sion on a stampede that took place on Premier League victory.
bag. Then a local person informed me. I
went to his house to see whether his wife
was okay. That’s when I saw blood on the

QR code introduced on students’

bed. Then I informed the head to inform
the police. Ramesh must have killed his
wife.”
On being alerted, Neelima Roy, head of

uniforms at Trichy school

the Maynaguri Gram Panchayat, immedi-
ately contacted the police. “The locals
informed me that a man from my neighbor-
hood was roaming around with body parts
inside a bag and went to neighbours’
houses and showed them. After knowing
this, I informed the police. The body has NEWS ARENA NETWORK uniforms is the latest pioneering move in address to the codes in the future.
been recovered. The murderer is abscond- CHENNAI, AUGUST 22 the state. Every Wednesday, students wear She also highlighted the smart classes
ing,” she said. specially designed T-shirts in yellow, green, and said, “Along with QR code uniforms,
Police personnel from Maynaguri police A CORPORATION Primary School in red, and white, each with a QR code print- we also have smart classes, which are very
station, led by Inspector-in-Charge Subal Edamalaipatti Pudur, Trichy, is setting a ed on it. Scanning the code instantly pro- useful during teaching.”
Chandra Ghosh, rushed to the spot and new standard for government schools by vides basic details, such as the student's According to the school administration,
recovered Deepali’s body parts from the introducing modern facilities, including a class and the name of the school. the initiative has been introduced with
couple’s home and sent to Jalpaiguri uniform with a QR code. The school, which Latha Roslin, a teacher at the school, student safety in mind. Plans are underway
Government Medical College and Hospital has 650 students from Classes 1 to 5, has said about the new initiative, stating, "In to make QR codes a permanent feature on
for post-mortem. been upgraded with private school-like this academic year, we are implementing all school uniforms in the form of badges,
Ghosh said a search is on to trace the facilities thanks to the efforts of the QR code uniform. With the help of which will also include details such as the
accused. “An investigation into the incident Headmistress Pushpalatha, the teaching this uniform, one can easily identify the student’s home address and contact number
has been started,” he said. staff, and funding from the Tamil Nadu school and class of the students, if they in the future.
The shocking crime has left residents of government, the Corporation, and private rooms, smart boards, Wi-Fi, and creative go missing." She added that the school Among government schools in Tamil
Maynaguri stunned and fearful, as police donors. railway coach-style painted classrooms. is "updating with technology" and plans Nadu, this is the first school to introduce
continue efforts to track down Ramesh. The school already features smart class- The introduction of QR codes on students' to add the student's name and parents' QR codes in uniforms for students.
6 | News Arena India REGION For more Region
stories click
Saturday, August 23, 2025

Jakhar leads protest Himachal Assembly

seeks Bharat Ratna
in Abohar, detained for YS Parmar
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
FAZILKA, AUGUST 22 NEWS ARENA NETWORK

A
SHIMLA, AUGUST 22
DAY after the Punjab Police
cracked down on the BJP’s out- THE HIMACHAL Pradesh Assembly
reach programme, “BJP De has passed a resolution urging the Union
Sewadar, Aa Gaye Tuhade Dwar”, and Government to award the Bharat Ratna
detained about 125 party leaders and posthumously to Dr. Yashwant Singh
workers at several places, Punjab BJP Parmar, the founder and first Chief
president Sunil Jakhar led a massive Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
protest on the Abohar-Sitto Gunno road The House said Dr. Parmar deserved
on Friday. the country’s highest civilian honour for have presented the proposal.
Jakhar had, on Thursday, challenged his tireless work towards the growth of “Dr Parmar was a leader of such vision
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to arrest Himachal Pradesh and the nation. that today Himachal is counted among the
him when he opposes the police action The resolution was brought as a private leading states of India because of the
and leads the BJP’s outreach programme member’s proposal by Ajay Solanki, foundation he laid. When Himachal
the next day. Terming the police action Congress MLA from Nahan in Sirmaur Pradesh was formed in 1948, many doubt-
as “hooliganism” of the Punjab govern- Senior Superintendent of Police Gurmeet and Mayor Vimal Thatai met the SSP and district. It was adopted by voice vote with ed what the hill people could achieve. Yet,
ment, Jakhar had warned Mann that he Singh and Sub Divisional Magistrate resented the move. support from both ruling and opposition bringing together 30 princely states, he
himself would go to Raipura village to Krishan Pal Rajput. The police foiled an attempt by BJP members. created Himachal,” Solanki said.
hold a camp. Detained party workers raised slogans workers to erect a tent for the camp in “This House recommends to the Central “It was because of him that Himachal
The police blocked the road at Kala like “Punjab government murdabad” and Raipura village, saying the administra- Government that, in view of the tireless attained full statehood in 1971. He never
Tibba toll plaza to prevent the movement “Sunil Jakhar zindabad” while they were tion had not given permission for the services rendered by the creator of compromised on his principles, lived with
of BJP workers to Raipura village. When being taken away. programme. Before leaving for Raipura Himachal and its first Chief Minister, the unmatched simplicity, and even as Chief
BJP workers staged a dharna and refused BJP district president Sukhwinder from his Subhash Nagar house, the state late Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar, for the Minister, travelled by bus. After resigning,
to budge, the police detained Sunil Jakhar, Singh Kaka Kamboj and Balluana halqa BJP chief said the Aam Aadmi Party development and progress of the nation he returned home on the first seat of a bus,
his nephew and MLA Sandeep Jakhar, incharge Vandana Sangwal were detained would lose the next Assembly elections and the state, be conferred the Bharat carrying his small bag, with only Rs 5,000
former minister Surjit Jyani and others, by the police when they tried to organise in the state. “Aware of this, the chief Ratna,” the resolution stated. in his bank account. In the politics of
and took them to police station. a camp in Raipura village. They were minister and other leaders have pan- Speaking in the House and later to the Himachal, such examples are rare,” he
The operation was supervised by released later when MLA Sandeep Jakhar icked,” he said. media, Solanki said he felt fortunate to added.

PRAISING PAKISTAN
WITHOUT BERATING Swollen Beas, Satluj submerge Agniveer shot dead
in Haryana village
INDIA NOT SEDITION,
SAYS HP HIGH COURT
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
thousands of acres in Punjab NEWS ARENA NETWORK
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 22

SHIMLA, AUGUST 22 NEWS ARENA NETWORK A 20-YEAR-OLD Agniveer, Baldev,

CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 22 was shot dead on Wednesday night in
IN AN interesting ruling , the Himachal Mandkola village of Haryana, just a day
Pradesh High Court recently held that THE RISING dam water levels due to after he came home on leave. He had
praising another country without heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh have led joined the Army this year.
denouncing India does not amount to to flooding in downstream areas of Beas Baldev’s father, Khemchand, said the
sedition since it does not incite the sep- and Satluj rivers in various districts of family had been facing threats from some
aratist feelings or subversive activities. Punjab. The state government has ordered villagers. Last month, his brother Bishan
Justice Rakesh Kainthla made the a special girdawari of the flood-affected Sharma was attacked by four men from
observation while granting bail to a man areas to assess the extent of damage. the village, Rajendra, Naresh, Bansi and
accused of sharing an AI-generated Floods have inundated around 90,884 Manju.
image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi acres across 150 villages in seven districts A case was filed at the Gadpuri police
with words ‘Pakistan Zindabad’.The of the state. Fazilka is the worst-hit with station, but the accused allegedly kept
Court noted that there was no allegation Satluj waters damaging crops over 32,762 pressuring them to withdraw it and threat-
that hatred or discontent was caused acres. In the Sultanpur Lodhi area of As a result, the water flow at Harike, ed with 11,345 acres flooded. Crops on ened to kill them.
towards the government established by Kapurthala, the swollen Beas has sub- where the Beas and the Satluj meet, 3,000 acres have been destroyed in Munda “They were constantly pressuring my
law in India. merged 20,005 acres of farmland, while reached 94,929 cusecs, while it was Pind and Johal Dhaiwala. family to withdraw the case and threaten-
“Hailing a country without denounc- in Chola Sahib, Patti and Khadoor Sahib 82,725 cusecs at the Hussainiwala bar- In the Doaba region, the swollen Beas ing to kill us. I had reported this to the
ing the motherland does not constitute areas of Tarn Taran, 18,920 acres have rage, leading to flooding of several hasd flooded many areas in Sultanpur police several times, but the police did
an offence of sedition because it does been submerged. Ferozepur and Fazilka villages. In Fazilka, Lodhi and Tanda. Water flow at Passi not take any action. On Tuesday, my son
not incite armed rebellion, subversive Though controlled release of water is crops across 28,952 acres remain sub- near Tanda was 1,15,226 cusecs, while Baldev came to the village on leave from
activities, or encourage feelings of sep- being done from the Pong Dam for almost merged, while another 3,810 acres along it was 1,19,403 cusecs at Dhilwan. the Army,” Baldev said.
aratist activities. Therefore, prima facie, a week now, 71,794 cusec water was the Satluj banks have also been affected. Flooding in Tanda has submerged 988 “On Wednesday, he was sleeping alone
there is insufficient material to connect released on Thursday. From Bhakra Dam, A total of 34 villages have been affected acres of farmland. In Kapurthala district, in our old house on the farm outside the
the petitioner with the commission of 43,300 cusecs of water was released on by rising Satluj waters in Ferozepur. In 63 villages have been affected by flood- village, where Rajendra, Naresh, Bansi
crime,” the Court said. Thursday. The inflow at Pong Dam on Tarn Taran district, 40 villages between ing. State ministers have been sent to the and Arun and another person shot Baldev
The accused Suleman was booked Thursday was 64,705 cusecs, while it was Bhalojala and Muthianwala are sub- affected regions to take stock of the situ- in the head, due to which he died on the
under Section 152 of the Bharatiya 52,634 cusecs at Bhakra Dam. merged. Chola Sahib is the worst affect- ation and distribute relief material. spot,” he added.
Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) by Paonta Sahib
police in district Sirmour in May this
year after his post was treated as inflam-
matory and against the interest of the
nation. He surrendered before the police
on July 8. Section 152 of BNS crimi-
Himachal govt says no to student body polls for now
nalises acts endangering unity and integ- NEWS ARENA NETWORK young people for leadership, especially
rity of India and has genesis in Section SHIMLA, AUGUST 22 when over 65 per cent of India’s popula-
124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) tion is under 35.
that criminalized sedition. DIRECT ELECTIONS to the Students' Technical Education Minister Rajesh
Suleman’s counsel argued before the Central Associations (SCA) in Himachal Dharmani said student involvement in
Court that he has been falsely impli- universities and colleges will not be politics was not wrong, but violence on
cated in the case and that since restored for now, Education Minister campuses couldn’t be accepted.
chargesheet has already been filed in the Rohit Thakur told the Assembly. BJP’s Vinod Kumar also supported the
case, no fruitful purpose would be served Replying to a discussion on a private resolution, pointing out that leaders like
by his custody. member resolution moved by the BJP's Union Minister J.P. Nadda and former
However, the State counsel argued Vipin Singh Parmar, he said the govern- CM Jai Ram Thakur came from student
that the relationship between India and ment needed to think seriously about the politics.
Pakistan was strained when the post was matter as campus elections often turn Congress MLA Kewal Singh Pathania
shared and writing ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ violent. However, he added that the idea agreed that many leaders had their roots
was anti-national.However, the Court could be considered in the future. in student politics but stressed the impor-
found that there was insufficient mate- The resolution for restoring student tance of keeping campuses violence-free.
rial to connect the accused with the body polls was moved by BJP MLA Vipin Another Congress MLA, Harish Janarth,
alleged crime. It also noted that the police Singh Parmar, who argued that 80 per opposed the resolution, saying not every-
have already seized the electronic device cent of leaders in India have come from one from student politics goes on to
and sent it for forensic examination. student politics. He said elections prepare become a leader.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 REGION News Arena India | 7
Noose tightened on J&K power sector
land grabbers, ED raids owes over ₹143 cr
nine locations in J&K to Central govt
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22

T
IN WHAT can be seen as a huge liabil-
HE J&K government has tightened ity for the UT government, the Power
noose on the land grabbers across sector of Jammu Kashmir owes a whop-
UT with multiple agencies on work ping amount of over Rs 143 Crores to
to identify and nab the culprits involved in the Government of India (GoI) on
fraudulent deals. The Enforcement account of pool deficit recovery.
Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out According to official sources,
searches at nine locations in Jammu and Northern Regional Power Committee
Kashmir in connection with land-grabbing custodian land in Asarwan, Mishriwala and conduits of land grabbers. (NRPC) representative informed the
and corruption cases linked to custodian Bhalwal area of Jammu district was found Thereafter insertions and additions forum that the total outstanding of Rs level of the Government and is cur-
land property belonging to evacuees from usurped by the land mafia in connivance regarding additional chunks of custodian 221.54 Cr and Rs 45.37 Cr of UP and rently under process and the dues will
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). with the officers, officials of the custodian, lands were made in the revenue records J&K, respectively against pool deficit be cleared shortly. “Forum requested
As per the officials, ED’s Jammu unit revenue and police departments. by the officials of the revenue and custo- recovery and these are attributed as UP and J&K to clear their pending dues
carried out the searches at the nine loca- Inputs were then received that custodian dian department by sheer abuse of their Legacy dues. at the earliest.”
tions, including eight in Jammu and one land in thousands of Kanal situated at official positions, and these lands were “UP and J&K are requested to expe- The official documents further reveal
in Udhampur. The searches were con- Asarwan, Mishriwala and Bhalwal Jammu sold by the conduits and attorney holders dite the pending payments to ensure a that NRLDC representative apprised
ducted against Pranav Dev Singh, Patwari; fraudulently grabbed by the land grabbers to various persons including their own healthy cash flow in the pool account the forum that NRLDC is operating and
Rahul Kai, Patwari; Akeel Ahmed, Naib and gangsters in connivance with the rev- gang leaders and members, by resorting and to avoid any interest penalties,” maintaining the ‘Northern Region Pool
Tehsildar; and several others allegedly enue and police officers. The revenue to fraudulent means, thereby causing a NRPC said. Account’ for deviation charges,
involved in the case. records have been tampered with and land huge loss to the government. “Representatives from Uttar Pradesh Reactive Energy Charges and
The probe stems from a First Information has been sold to many. Owing to the establishment of, prima informed the forum that they have Congestion Charges in accordance with
Report (FIR) registered by the Anti- ACB had conducted a formal verifi- facie, nexus of the criminal elements and already filed a petition at UPSERC for provisions under various CERC
Corruption Bureau (Central), Jammu and cation wherein it was found that in land grabbers and the revenue, custodian the payment of legacy dues and based Regulations.
Kashmir Police, in 2022. Investigators furtherance of the criminal conspiracy, officers and officials in alienation of cus- on the direction from UPERC they will “As per Regulations, the payment to
suspect large-scale irregularities in the FORM 3-A (Form Alf) along with todian land through fraudulent means, settle the payment of legacy dues,” the statutory pool account has high
transfer and illegal occupation of custodian power of attorneys (POAs) were ACB has registered five formal case FIRs reads the official document. priority and the concerned utilities are
land in the Jammu region. obtained from various POK refugees, in Central Jammu and Kashmir for inves- The Chairperson, NRPC, informed required to pay the indicated amounts
Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption alluring them of additional lands and tigation under the provisions of Prevention that the matter regarding the outstand- within 10 days of the issue of the week-
Bureau had extracted one of the major land providing them instant money ranging of Corruption Act, criminal conspiracy, ing payment of Jammu and Kashmir ly energy account by the NRPC secre-
scams in Jammu and Kashmir, wherein from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 by the cheating, forgery and fraud. has already been taken up at the highest tariat,” it reads.

LG Sinha sacks two employees over terror links Search operation

underway in Kathua
NEWS ARENA NETWORK allegedly involved in the smuggling of Jammu and Kashmir
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22 arms, ammunition, and narcotics from Lieutenant Governor Manoj NEWS ARENA NETWORK
Pakistan through LoC routes in Sinha has terminated two SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22
JAMMU AND Kashmir Lieutenant Kupwara.
Governor Manoj Sinha has terminated During the investigation, a large cache government employees SECURITY FORCES have launched a
two government employees from service of arms and ammunition, including AK from service over their search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s
over their alleged involvement in terror- rifles and pistols, was recovered. He is alleged involvement in Kathua district on Friday after suspicious
related activities, officials said on Friday. currently lodged in District Jail, terror-related activities, movement was reported in the area, offi-
The action was taken under Article 311 Kupwara. officials said on Friday. cials stated.
(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution. The second employee, Siyad Ahmad The search operation began in Juthalba
According to the official order, one Khan, appointed as an Assistant recovered an AK-47 from his possession, area of Rajbagh after local residents
of the dismissed employees, Khurshid Stockman in the Sheep Husbandry while his associate was caught with a had “betrayed their oath of service” and reported movement of two suspected
Ahmad Rather, a teacher appointed in Department in 2004, was also linked pistol and ammunition. Investigations acted as facilitators for terror operations. individuals in Jakhol area late Thursday
2003 and regularised in 2008, was alleg- with LeT. He was arrested in January revealed that he was actively coordinat- “Education and government service night, they said.
edly working as an Over Ground Worker last year while transporting arms to the ing with handlers across the LoC. cannot be compromised by such ele- The operation is still underway to trace
(OGW) for Lashkar-e-Taiba. He was Keran Sector in Kupwara. The police The authorities said both employees ments,” the order stated. the suspected individuals, they added.

Pithoragarh roads Efforts on to clear

tricky ‘lake’ in Harsil
Farmers clash with police
blocked, Rishikesh NEWS ARENA NETWORK
at toll plaza in Haridwar
UTTARKASHI, AUGUST 22 NEWS ARENA NETWORK As tension rose, some farmers tried to

ghats shut after rains SEVERAL AGENCIES, including

NDRF, SDRF, Police, Revenue, Health,
Food Supply, and PWD, are working
HARIDWAR, AUGUST 22

FARMERS MARCHING towards

Dehradun to hold a protest against the
cross the barricades. When stopped, they
sat on a dharna at the toll plaza, which is
still continuing.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader
NEWS ARENA NETWORK of Pithoragarh, where a boulder crashed together to clear a recently formed lake installation of smart meters and other Rakesh Tikait called the police action
PITHORAGARH, AUGUST 22 onto a house around 1:52 am on August in Harsil. The lake was created after electricity issues got into a heated debate “unfortunate”.
19. A 12-year-old boy died and four heavy rains and debris blocked the flow with the police when they were stopped at Tikait, in a post on social media, said,
THAL-MUNSYARI and Munsiyari- others were injured in the incident. of the Yamuna River at Syanchatti in the Bahadarabad toll plaza in Haridwar. "It is very unfortunate that the police
Milam roads in Pithoragarh have been Rescue teams from the Fire Department, Barkot tehsil. The water has now Farmers claimed they were lathicharged, lathicharged the farmers marching towards
closed due to landslides, the police said. police, and SDRF reached the spot reached nearby residential areas, caus- which further escalated the situation. Dehradun with their demands at the
People have been urged to remain alert quickly and pulled the boy out from ing fresh problems for locals. The police, however, said it was only a Bahadarabad toll plaza in Haridwar." There
in areas vulnerable to heavy rain and under the debris. District Magistrate Prashant Arya scuffle and no lathicharge was carried out. will be a response to every lathicharge on
falling debris. The Uttarakhand Police shared on visited the site for inspection and Farmers from Roorkee and nearby the farmers.
The Pithoragarh Police shared a post X, “On 19.08.2025 at 1:52 am, a stone assured residents there was no need areas of Haridwar, under the banner of Haridwar’s rural SP Shekhar Suyal,
on X, saying, “Closed Road Routes - Thal fell on a house in Gram Devat, to panic, as all safety measures were the Bharatiya Kisan Union, were on their however, maintained that no lathicharge
- Munsyari route is closed, Munsyari - Pithoragarh. Immediately, FIRE, police, being taken and agencies were work- way to the Uttarakhand Power took place. He said there was only a "scuf-
Milam route is closed. All other nation- and SDRF teams reached the spot and ing round the clock to clear the block- Corporation Limited headquarters to hold fle" between the farmers and the police
al/state highways are open. Stay alert in carried out rescue operations. A 12-year- age. Drone surveillance is also being a protest when the police stopped them who were attempting to stop the farmers
areas prone to rain and landslides.” old boy had died. He was extracted by used to monitor the situation closely with barricades. from moving forward.
Roadblocks are common in the hill the rescue teams jointly by removing and agencies were working tirelessly
state, often caused by landslides and debris and stones. Four people sustained to open the blockage and restore nor-
falling stones, which disrupt travel and minor injuries.” mal flow as soon as conditions permit.
sometimes cost lives. Earlier this week, Meanwhile, in Rishikesh, access to the Rescue and relief efforts continue in
the Munsiyari-Milam Road and 19 rural Ganga ghats near Laxman Jhula has been Uttarkashi after the recent cloudburst in
routes were blocked in Pithoragarh after stopped due to heavy rain and a sudden Dharali and Harsil. Work is being done
heavy rains triggered falling stones, the rise in the river’s water level. The police on a war footing under the guidance of
police said. have put up barricades and are patrolling Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Tragedy struck in Gram Devat village the area to ensure public safety.
8 | News Arena India OPINION Saturday, August 23, 2025

Congress’ slogan ‘Modi chor’ has

potential to boomerang
NEWS ARENA NETWORK has not let the BJP capitalise on the resonate with his sentiments, he feels
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 22 ‘Operation Sindhoor’. The BJP has a special happy. But the matter does not end there.

O
expertise in exploiting and capitalising on Gandhi does not need to appeal or impress
NE MAY agree or disagree such issues. Till now, the BJP has been put people like Tejashwi Yadav and Akhilesh
with Prime Minister Narendra on the defensive to defend the SIR. Yadav. They are already “impressed” with
Modi’s policies and world- Two, there is a long-term strategy for him, for whatever reasons. Their cadres
view. But one thing that is the Congress. It has certainly so far not and supporters can buy anything and
undoubtedly clear is his personal integ- succeeded in denting the image of Prime everything against Modi. Rather, they don’t
rity, which is above board. You can hurl Minister Modi, who led his party to win need to be sold anything against him.
any allegations and any charges against the third consecutive General Election in It is actually the “swinging voters” who
him, but you cannot question his per- 2024. Besides, he had earlier led the matter. The hardcore cadre voters, wheth-
sonal integrity. You may question his party to win three consecutive elections er belonging to the Congress, the RJD,
choice of “expensive clothes” by saying in Gujarat also. He has so far remained the SP, or even the BJP, will continue to
“suit-boot ki sarkar”, that may be accept- invincible for the Congress despite the stick to their respective parties irrespec-
able. But hurling a charge like “Modi is party levelling so many charges and tive of what narrative is made to prevail
a thief” (Modi chor hai) has the grave allegations against him. around. If the Congress and Gandhi want
potential to boomerang, something like As of now, the Congress does not seem to dislodge Modi and the BJP, they will
“Maut ka saudagar” that the then Congress
The Congress has launched an aggressive campaign against to be in any position to challenge his need to appeal to those “in the middle”
president Ms Sonia Gandhi described the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar, claiming that the popularity or present an alternative to who can, and who do, swing from one
him as during Gujarat elections in 2007, him. Despite always being harshly criti- side to another. This section of the voters
and it eventually boomeranged on the
exercise has been deliberately launched to disenfranchise cal of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is normally well-informed and does not
Congress. the underprivileged voters like the Dalits, the minorities, the the Congress had laid so many hopes on have any particular preferences or preju-
The Congress has launched an aggres- its (the RSS’) supremo Mohan Bhagwat’s dices. This section forms opinions based
sive campaign against the Special
backwards, and the migrant labourers, who, the Congress suggestion, made a month ago, that on knowledge and information, and votes
Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, claim- presumes, do not vote for the BJP. people should retire after 75. Modi will according to what it feels and believes is
ing that the exercise has been deliber- be 75 on September 17. There is no right. It is difficult for this section to
ately launched to disenfranchise the indication of his calling it a day. The accept that “Modi is a thief” (Modi chor
underprivileged voters like the Dalits, the mentary elections. Gandhi, during his ongoing ‘Voter Congress had started believing in hai) just because Rahul Gandhi is saying
minorities, the backwards, and the To prove his charge of voter fraud he Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, has been fre- Bhagwat that Modi was on his way out. so. They will need to be convinced that
migrant labourers, who, the Congress presented a case study, not from quently referring to Maharashtra “voter Under such circumstances, when the he really is a thief, as alleged by Gandhi.
presumes, do not vote for the BJP. Maharashtra, but from Karnataka where fraud”, and arguing that this has been Congress realises that it is almost impos- This slogan, as already mentioned, has
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has he picked up Mahadevapura assembly happening everywhere across the country. sible to defeat Modi, the party is now the potential of further consolidating the
been trying to draw parallels with alleged segment falling under the Bengaluru He claims that the election results are trying to build the narrative that he (Modi) “floating section” of the voters around
“voter frauds” in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Central parliamentary constituency for always contrary to the mood among the is not winning because of his performance Modi. If Gandhi has decided to level an
and Haryana. He has built up an argument the “voter fraud” study. Gandhi claimed people and the projections in opinion and and popularity, but only because he has allegation against Modi, he should be able
that the Bharatiya Janata Party, in collu- that there were about one lakh “fake vot- exit polls, although that is not correct. corrupted and manipulated the electoral to at least convince those he is targeting,
sion with the Election Commission of ers” in that particular assembly segment, None of the opinion or exit polls sug- system in collusion with the Election and they certainly are not his own sup-
India, added about one crore voters, from where the BJP candidate established gested contrary results as claimed by him. Commission of India. This, of course, is porters and cadres or those of his allies.
although most of his party colleagues put substantial lead to win the Bengaluru Rather, the opinion and exit polls pro- far from the truth and unlikely to appeal He has to target the neutral voters, who
the figure around 65–70 lakhs only, after Central parliamentary constituency. jected better performance for the BJP to the neutral masses. will need to be convinced with convincing
the parliamentary elections held in May Nobody has asked him so far why he than what it actually did. As long as Rahul has cheerleaders arguments and not vague rhetoric.
2024. This, he says, helped the BJP to chose a constituency in Karnataka instead Gandhi appears to have twin motives in within his party and some alliance partners Maybe Gandhi and his advisers
win the assembly elections which were of Maharashtra to prove his voter fraud trying to build up a narrative of “electoral like the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar and and cheerleaders have some well-thought-
held about six months after the parlia- charge in that state (Maharashtra). fraud” across the country. One, so far, he the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, who out plan.

NEWS ARENA NETWORK

CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 22
Time ripe for regulating 150 million registered learners globally,
operated in 120 countries, and was valued

A
at $22 billion. Launched in 2015, the

coaching factories
FTER BYJU’S, it is now edtech firm catered to students from
FIITJEE’s turn to slip into a kindergarten to class 12, achieving
major financial crisis. Not long Unicorn status and valuing over USD 1
ago, these two leading players in India’s billion 2019.
thriving coaching industry appeared But its rapid expansion through acqui-
unstoppable, riding high on expanding The test preparation market, valued at sitions and aggressive marketing proved
markets, soaring valuations, growing Rs 58,000 crore a few years ago, has unsustainable, particularly once the pan-
student admissions, and investment flows. historically been unregulated, leading to demic boom ended. The company faced
However, the edtech industry is now concerns about exorbitant fees, mislead- criticism for using high-pressure sales
in the middle of a meltdown. The collapse ing advertisements, and the lack of stan- tactics and misleading advertising to attract
is largely due to financial mismanage- dardisation in teaching quality and infra- customers. It was also accused of creating
ment, declining student engagement, structure. a high-pressure work environment and
exorbitant fee structures, high opera- The high-stakes nature of these exams carrying out mass layoffs to cut costs.
tional costs, unethical practices, and has created an environment where scor-
other extraneous factors. ing even a fraction higher can make or
Betrayal, alleges FIITJEE
Once seen as a role model for the educa- break a student’s chances. Many students The FIITJEE crisis started earlier this
tional technology sector, Byju’s has been on and parents feel that regular school edu- year, when several centres shut down
a downhill path for some time, facing allega- cation is insufficient for cracking these over non-payment of salaries. The
tions of financial fraud that led to investiga- exams, fuelling the demand for coaching. FIITJEE management attributed the cri-
tions and scrutiny of its financial reporting In the absence of any policy or regu- sis to financial mismanagement and
practices. The cash-strapped company has laris0ation, the number of unregulated alleged betrayal by its Centre Managing
entered insolvency proceedings after coaching centres in the country continues high standards. More importantly, a robust What is more appalling is that the Partners (CMPs). This meltdown exposed
American lenders complained last year about to grow. Lack of oversight has led to grievance redressal system must be in student suicides are reduced to cold sta- the flaws in its decentralised franchise
the alleged misuse of $1 billion it had bor- inconsistencies in quality, exorbitant fees, place to empower students to raise con- tistics and the society is becoming increas- model.
rowed. This has left thousands of employees and unethical practices. Over the past two cerns about quality and services without ingly numb to these tragedies. The Rs While acknowledging the operational
and students in the lurch. decades, coaching institutes have mush- fear of retribution. 12,000 crore coaching industry of Kota challenges, the management alleged that
FIITJEE, a prominent player in the roomed across the country, promising is quite heartless when it comes to stu- the crisis was a result of a “criminal
competitive exam coaching space with students an edge in competitive examina-
Killing fields of Kota dents’ welfare. conspiracy” orchestrated by individuals
over 100 centres across the country, is tions. In reality, many cash in on exploit- Kota, home for India’s most famous coach- In March, the Supreme Court set up a with vested interests.
also grappling with multiple crises, ing students’ fears and insecurities. ing factories for admission into the sought- national task force headed by by its former The sudden closure of centres in Delhi,
including abrupt closures of centres, after engineering and medical colleges, judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat to address NCR, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh dis-
financial difficulties, and legal chal-
Standardise fee structure presents a stark paradox. On one hand, it students’ mental health concerns and rupted students’ exam preparation, raising
lenges. At least eight centres across North There is an urgent need for regulation to produces top rankers and high achiever; prevent suicides in higher educational concerns among parents.
India have shut down in recent times after standardise fee structures based on ser- on the other, it has earned the grim reputa- institutions. More recently, the Central Several have filed police complaints
hundreds of its teachers resigned over vices offered. This would prevent exploi- tion of being a suicide hub. Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) over disrupted services and poor com-
non-payment of salaries and pay cuts. tation and ensure affordability. Coaching Every year, thousands of students from issued notices to several coaching insti- munication. Based on these complaints,
institutes must also be mandated to disclose across the country flock to this small town tutes for misleading advertisements and company founder D.K. Goel and 11
Time for regulation their curriculum, teaching methodologies, in Rajasthan with big dreams and aspira- unfair trade practices. Many ads promise others have been booked by the Noida
It is baffling that India’s coaching indus- and actual success rates so students and tions, but only a fraction succeed. For the top ranks and assured selections without Police.
try, which provides supplementary guid- parents can make informed choices. rest, rejection becomes hard to handle. In substantiating their claims, thus laying a The crises at Byju’s and FIITJEE are
ance for students aspiring to crack com- Regulatory bodies must conduct peri- this battle of survival-of-the-smartest, many trap for vulnerable students. a stark reminder of the broader chal-
petitive exams like JEE, NEET, and odic assessments of teaching quality, end up broken, scarred and disillusioned. lenges faced by an unregulated coaching
UPSC, is still allowed to operate without infrastructure, and learning outcomes to Kota has seen 15 student suicides this
Spectacular decline industry in the country. Ultimately, it is
any meaningful regulation. ensure that coaching institutes maintain year alone. At its peak in 2022, Byju’s boasted over students who suffer the most.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 INTERNATIONAL For more International
stories click
News Arena India | 9
12 ARMY
OFFICERS Ex-Sri Lankan President
AMONG 17 DEAD
IN COLOMBIA
REBEL STRIKES
Wickremesinghe arrested These allegations are part of a broader
NEWS ARENA NETWORK Wickremesinghe stands
COLOMBO, AUGUST 22 pattern of scrutiny over Wickremesinghe’s
accused of using state

F
NEWS ARENA NETWORK tenure in public office.
BOGOTA, AUGUST 22 ORMER SRI Lankan president resources to travel to In April 2025, he was summoned by
Ranil Wickremesinghe, 76, was England in September the Commission to Investigate Allegations
SEVENTEEN PEOPLE were killed in taken into custody on Friday over of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC)
Colombia after a truck bomb and the allegations of misusing state funds. The
2023 to attend the convo- regarding his remarks about the
suspected downing of a military helicop- arrest took place at the Criminal cation ceremony of his arrest of MP Chamara Sampath
ter struck in quick succession, jolting Investigation Department (CID) head- wife, Prof Maithree. Dassanayake, who faced corruption
security forces and reigniting fears of quarters, where Wickremesinghe had charges over the alleged misuse of
resurgent guerrilla violence. been summoned to provide a statement Provincial Council funds.
Authorities said officials people were regarding an investigation into alleged Bimal Rathnayake accused the former singhe’s staff and examining the legiti- Wickremesinghe, who succeeded
killed in a powerful truck explosion near government expenditure irregularities. President of misusing public funds during macy of the travel expenses. Gotabaya Rajapaksa to complete the
a military base, while twelve army officers He became the first former head of a private trip to the UK in September Wickremesinghe has denied the accusa- presidential term ending in 2024, is
died when their helicopter was state in Sri Lanka to be arrested. 2023. The trip, initially described as tions, asserting that his wife’s travel widely recognised for steering Sri Lanka
brought down in Antioquia, northern He stands accused of using state private, was later reclassified as official, expenses were privately covered and that out of the severe economic crisis of 2022.
Colombia. Dozens were reported injured resources to travel to England in leading to the use of state resources. no state funds were used. His political career spans decades, includ-
across both incidents, according to local September 2023 to attend the convocation Minister Rathnayake alleged that approx- Furthermore, in a 2020 report, ing six terms as the country’s prime
officials. ceremony of his wife, Prof Maithree. imately £40,000 (over LKR 16 million) Wickremesinghe was implicated in minister.
Antioquia governor Andres Julian Authorities allege that Wickremesinghe of public funds were expended on the alleged corruption at SriLankan Airlines Police have not disclosed whether
confirmed in a post on X that the army made the trip while returning from an visit, which included expenses for a during his tenure as Minister of Finance. further charges are likely, but the arrest
helicopter was shot down while on a official engagement in the United States, butler at £1,000 per day. The report suggested that both marks a significant development in Sri
routine patrol. raising questions over the use of public The Criminal Investigation Department Wickremesinghe and former President Lanka’s ongoing efforts to address finan-
“Rescuers are making intensive efforts funds for private purposes. (CID) initiated an investigation into these Mahinda Rajapaksa were involved in cial irregularities at the highest levels of
to recover the bodies and assist the In March 2025, Sri Lanka’s Minister allegations, questioning Wickreme- massive fraud at the airline. government.
injured,” he added.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro
denounced the attack on the helicopter
US SUSPENDS
as an “act of war,” blaming it on the 36th
Front of the Estado Mayor Central
(EMC), a dissident faction of the dis-
banded Revolutionary Armed Forces of
US to scrutinise 55 mn visas FOREIGN TRUCK
Colombia (FARC).
Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez, who
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
WASHINGTON, AUGUST 22
restriction effort in recent US history.
The measure could potentially hamper DRIVER VISAS
initially pointed to the Clan del Golfo a wide spectrum of travellers, from stu- NEWS ARENA NETWORK
cartel, later stated that “recent informa- THE UNITED States government will dents and workers to family visa holders, WASHINGTON, AUGUST 22
tion” from police confirmed the conduct a comprehensive review of all raising concerns among immigrant advo-
EMC’s role. US visa holders, affecting around 55 cacy groups about the scope and fairness THE UNITED STATES has suspended
The EMC, one of the most powerful million people. The authorities have said of the initiative. the issuance of visas for commercial truck
splinter groups of FARC, has expanded that the review is a part of an effort to “We review all available informa- drivers following a fatal incident in
rapidly in recent years, fuelling violence identify the visa violations which might tion as part of our vetting, including law Florida that killed three people.
in Colombia’s rural hinterlands. The trigger a wave of deportations. enforcement or immigration records or Harjinder Singh, an Indian national,
group is heavily involved in narcotics Under President Donald Trump, the any other information that comes to light allegedly made an illegal U-turn on the
trafficking and extortion. United States has already sent back hun- The US State Department has said that after visa issuance, indicating a po- Florida Turnpike, causing a collision that
Petro has repeatedly sought to advance dreds of thousands of illegal immigrants permission given to people to stay in the tential ineligibility,” a State Department claimed three lives. Singh, who entered
a policy of “total peace,” negotiating with to their native countries in the past few United States can be revoked at any time official said. the country illegally in 2018, was arrest-
armed groups that refused to join the months. if there are ‘indicators of overstays, Approximately five million Indians ed in California and extradited to Florida
2016 peace accord with FARC. But Trump’s major concern is that he criminal activity, posing any threats to are believed to be holding active US to face charges of vehicular homicide.
the twin strikes highlight the fragility of believes that the cheap labour arriving the safety of the people, or engaging in non-immigrant visas, including visas for Secretary of State Marco Rubio
state authority in contested regions from different countries is affecting the any form of terrorism, or aiding a terror- tourism, business, and education, such as announced the immediate cessation of all
and underscore the scale of the security American job market and, therefore, leads ist, criminal or Narco criminals. The B1/B2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, worker visas for commercial truck drivers,
challenge. to low wages and discrimination. proposed review will be the largest Visa and H-1B work visas. citing public safety and job protection.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers
operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US
roads is endangering American lives and

Netanyahu rejects US approves undercutting the livelihoods of American

truckers,” he said.
The crash has escalated political ten-
sions. The Trump administration attrib-

Gaza ceasefire $346 mn in arms uted responsibility to California Governor

Gavin Newsom, alleging that Singh’s
state-issued licence facilitated the trag-

sales to Nigeria
edy. Newsom’s office countered that the
NEWS ARENA NETWORK federal government had issued Singh’s
TEL AVIV, AUGUST 22 work permit and that California cooper-
ated in his extradition.
ISRAELI PRIME Minister Benjamin NEWS ARENA NETWORK Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
Netanyahu has said that his country will ABUJA (NIGERIA), AUGUST 22
The sale announcement has emphasised enforcement of English
conquer the entire Gaza Strip even if was “conspicuously silent proficiency for truck drivers, reversing
Hamas accepts the ceasefire deal. He THE $346 million arms deal between the on the Nigerian military’s prior guidance that limited removal from
made these comments after Israel’s United States and Nigeria has made rights record of serious human the road due to language deficiencies.
defence forces announced the start of the groups nervous due to continued violence Drivers are required to demonstrate
first phase of the operation to seize carried out by the security forces of West rights abuses and on what English competency for road safety.
what it described as a Bastion of Hamas African nations against civilians. Rights safeguards, if any, will be The United States has seen a sharp rise
in the north. groups accuse Abuja of carrying out implemented,” said in foreign-born truckers over the past two
On Thursday evening, Netanyahu Israel’s policies in Gaza. The French widespread violence against civilians decades. Federal statistics indicate the
stressed that the goal of finishing Hamas foreign ministry, during a recent state- with impunity. Anietie Ewang, Nigeria number of immigrant drivers more than
remains unchanged. “We’re going to do ment, said that Israel is violating interna- Earlier last week the US State researcher for Human doubled between 2000 and 2021, reach-
that anyway. There was never a question tional law by openly threatening to annexe Department approved a possible sale of Rights Watch. ing 720,000, representing 18 per cent of
that we’re not going to leave Hamas Gaza and the West Bank. $346 million in weapons, including bombs, the trucking workforce.
there,” he said. However, Netanyahu has also accused rockets and munitions, to Nigeria. Nigerian Indian-origin drivers form a substantial
He said US President Donald Trump Macron of fuelling anti-Semitism. forces are battling one of the worst resur- safeguards, if any, will be implemented,’ part of this influx, particularly in long-
was in his corner for finishing Hamas. Netanyahu argued that the war “could gences in violent crimes committed by the Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher for haul freight. Many are from the Sikh
Trump earlier this month said that Hamas end today” if Hamas agreed to release armed “bandit” gangs in the northwest and Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. community and contribute not only as
‘can’t stay’ in Gaza Netanyahu added, “I the remaining hostages, disarm, and separatists in the southeast. Though the Nigerian military has denied drivers but also as entrepreneurs running
think President Trump put it best; he says “demilitarise Gaza”. He dismissed inter- Civilians are often caught up in cross- the claims and said that in the Zamfara trucking schools, transport businesses,
Hamas has to disappear from Gaza. It’s national criticism as a “tsunami of anti- fire between the Christian and Muslim bombing, the air force struck “terrorists”. truck stops, restaurants, and faith-based
like leaving the SS in Germany.” Semitism.” militias who are fighting for control over Meanwhile, a SIPRI report recently facilities catering to the industry.
He drew parallels between Nazi The Red Cross and other humanitarian resource-rich areas. The same week the revealed that the US is not the Primary In California alone, tens of thousands
Germany and Gaza, saying it would be organisations have urged Israel to halt arms deal was approved, a human rights weapons supplier to Nigeria; rather, China of truckers trace their heritage to India,
foolish to conquer everything but leave the operation, as the official death toll of report on Nigeria said that its security and Russia are. In the past five years, that filling critical roles amid chronic driver
the centre for the enemies. Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023 forces had conducted widespread air landscape has shifted, with China, Turkey, shortages.
Meanwhile, there has been growing surpassed 62,000 this week. France, attacks on civilians. Brazil, Pakistan and the Netherlands A shortage of 24,000 drivers has been
international criticism over Israel’s illegal Australia, Spain, and some 21 more The sale announcement was ‘conspicu- making up the top suppliers, according reported nationally, costing the freight
plans to reoccupy the Gaza Strip. In that nations are likely to recognise the inde- ously silent on the Nigerian military’s record to SIPRI’s database of publicly available industry millions of dollars weekly as
context, France has been a vocal critic of pendent Palestinian state in September. of serious human rights abuses and on what “major conventional arms” transfers. goods remain undelivered.
10 | News Arena India CELEB SPOTLIGHT Saturday, August 23, 2025

ACTOR RAZA FILES PRATIK GANDHI’S

POLICE COMPLAINT SERIES ‘GANDHI’ SET
OVER ‘FALSE DEATH FOR TIFF WORLD
RUMOURS’ PREMIERE
NEWS ARENA NETWORK NEWS ARENA NETWORK
MUMBAI, AUGUST 22 MUMBAI, AUGUST 22

ACTOR RAZA Murad has filed an official ACTOR PRATIK GANDHI is excited about the
complaint at Mumbai’s Amboli Police Station world premiere of his much-anticipated series,
on Friday, alleging that a false social media “Gandhi” at the prestigious Toronto International
post about his death was circulated online, Film Festival (TIFF) next month and says the
leaving him “exhausted” from repeatedly clar- show is crafted in India for a global audience.
ifying the rumours. The series, directed by Hansal Mehta, delves
The veteran actor said the “rumour” left into the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the influen-
him deeply disturbed and forced him to repeat- tial figures that contributed to India’s struggle for

GOVINDA, WIFE SUNITA

edly clarify that he is alive. independence.
Raza Murad claimed that someone had “TIFF is a big big moment, not only for me or
shared a social media post declaring him dead. for the team but for the whole country
He said the post even mentioned his date of because it’s the first ever Indian
birth and a “fake date of death,” along with a series selected there at TIFF.

HEADED FOR DIVORCE?

tribute. We all talk about India as a
“There are some people who, for reasons I soft power. So, it (show)
don’t understand, seem bothered by my exis- is made in India for the
tence. They posted about my death and even globe, the first ever
offered condolences. They wrote that I had series on Gandhi, and
worked for many years, but now no one is there I’m very proud of
to remember me. They even mentioned my NEWS ARENA NETWORK dekh bhi rahi hoon, toh main jaanti hoon jo mera it,” Pratik, known
birthday and a fake date of death in that post. MUMBAI, AUGUST 22 ghar todne ki koshish karega, usko toh woh baithi for his roles in
This is a very serious matter,” Murad said. hai Maa Kaali. Ek acche insaan ko aur ek acchi “Scam 1992”,
The actor added that he has been worn out BOLLYWOOD SUPERSTAR Govinda’s wife, aurat ko dukh dena acchi baat nahi hai. Main tee- “Madgaon Express”,
by the constant need to clarify the misinforma- Sunita Ahuja, came into the limelight as she non maata ko itna prem karti hoon. Jo bhi paris- and “Saare Jahan Se
tion. “My throat, tongue, and lips have dried recently became vocal about the couple’s divorce thiti hai aur jo ghar-parivaar todne ki koshish Accha”, told in an
up from telling people that I am alive. This rumours. Now, the fresh media reports suggest karega, usko Maa bakshegi nahi.” interview.
false news has spread everywhere. I am get- that Sunita has filed for divorce on the basis of (“When I met Govinda, I prayed to the Goddess Spanning from 1888
ting calls and messages from across the world. ‘adultery, cruelty, and desertion’ from Govinda in that I should get married to him and have a good to 1947, the show’s first
People are even sending me copies of the the Bandra Family Court. life. The Goddess fulfilled all my wishes—she season will focus on
post,” he said. The media reports claim that Sunita has accused even blessed me with two children. But not every Gandhi’s formative years from
Calling the incident “shameful,” Murad crit- Govinda of engaging in extramarital affairs, with truth in life is easy; there are always ups and 1888 to 1915. The subsequent sea-
icised the person behind the rumour. specific allegations pointing to his conduct with co- downs. Still, I have so much faith in the Goddess sons will delve into his journey from 1915
stars and industry associates. The couple, who mar- that whatever I am witnessing today, I know that to 1932 and then 1932 to 1947.
ried in 1987 and have two children, have faced whoever tries to break my home, Maa Kaali is The 45-year-old actor is hopeful that the
rumours of discord in the past, too. there. It is not right to cause pain to a good man “human” aspects of Gandhi depicted in the show
Govinda was summoned by the court in the and a good woman. I love all three forms of the will resonate universally.
month of May, and since June, the couple has Goddess deeply. Whatever the situation may be, “His human quality is going to be highlighted
been trying to ‘work things out’, as per the media anyone who tries to break my family, Maa will not in the show. (It) will resonate with everybody
reports, which then added that Sunita has been forgive them.”) across the globe, generations, and age groups.
appearing in front of the judge, but the Bollywood The couple’s daughter, Tina Ahuja, and son, Also, that (side of) Gandhi (which we are show-
star has been missing from the hearings. Yashvardhan, are reportedly attempting to medi- ing in the series) we don’t know, nobody knows.”
The media reports that Sunita, in her recent ate, but the media reports indicate reconciliation is Growing up, the actor said he had a unique con-
vlog, was seen in tears and said, “Main jab unlikely. nection to his surname, ‘Gandhi’ one that he
Govinda se mili tab maine maata se wahi maanga The divorce rumours have been making head- didn’t fully appreciate until he played Gandhi,
ke meri shaadi usse ho jaaye aur jeevan acche se lines since February this year. Though no official first in a play and later in Mehta’s series.
jaaye. Maata ne sab mannat poori kiya. Bacche statements have been made by either party. “I was born with the surname Gandhi. In school
bhi de diye dono. Par har sach milna aasan nahi Govinda, a prominent figure in 1990s people used to tease me, like they would say,
hota, unch-neech ho jaata hai. Par main maata pe Bollywood known for films like Hero No. 1 and ‘Gandhi ji, and Baapu’, when I was in pre-prima-
itna vishwas karti hoon ke aaj main agar kuch Coolie No. 1. ry school. I hated that.

1960 – 2025

‘Kala coat’ to ‘Chacha Chatra’, Bhalla’s legacy lives on

A
POPULAR comedian and character actor, Punjabi actor and singer Gippy Grewal, who
Jaswinder Bhalla, breathed his last on visited the residence of Bhalla, said he was
Saturday, August 23. He died at the age of shocked to learn about his death.
65, but his legacy as an Actor will remain till “Preparations were going on for the ‘Carry
infinity. He is one of the veteran actors of the On Jatta-4’. He was very happy. He was improv-
Punjab industry who changed the course of ing and had said that he would be fit by
Punjabi movies. December,” Grewal. He said Bhalla’s death was
Bhalla was known for his roles in Punjabi a big loss for the industry which cannot be filled.
films such as “Carry on Jatta”, “Mahaul Theek Grewal had earlier paid a tribute to Bhalla in a
Hai”, “Gaddi Jandi Eh Challangan Mardi”, “Jatt post on X, saying that he was like a father, men-
Airways”, and “Jatt & Juliet 2”. tor and family.
Bhalla was known for his satirical comedy “It’s very hard to believe. I’m in shock... Our
and wit in Punjabi movies. His role of ‘Advocate bond was very strong. This is the worst news.
Dhillon’ in “Carry on Jatta” became memorable May he rest in peace. All my strength to the
among the audience. family. His legacy will live on through his work,
Bhalla did his Master of Science from Punjab and his impact on our lives will never be forgot-
Agricultural University, Ludhiana, where he also ten. I’ll cherish the memories we shared and the
went on to serve as a faculty member. He retired lessons he taught me. You will always be in my
in 2020 as professor and head of the Department heart Jaswinder Bhalla Bhaji,” Grewal said.
of Extension Education. Actor Karamjit Anmol, who also visited the
As an actor, Bhalla was known for his satiri- residence of Bhalla, remembered the veteran as
cal comedy and wit in Punjabi movies. His role a great actor. “We are sad that he is no more,”
as advocate Dhillon from 2012’s “Carry on “The sudden departure of Jaswinder Bhalla Ji Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said Anmol.
Jatta”, featuring Gippy Grewal and Mahie Gill, from this world is extremely sorrowful. The said he was deeply saddened by the death of the Actor Binnu Dhillon posted on X,
became a memorable one. heart is saddened by the silence of the jingle of actor-comedian. “Today I lost not only a great artist, but a
His impeccable comic timing and unique Chhankatian. May Waheguru grant him a place “His unmatched wit, iconic roles, and ability dear friend, a big brother. Jaswinder Bhalla ji
catchphrases struck a chord with the audience. at His feet. Chacha Chatar will always reside in to bring smiles will forever remain in our hearts. did not only make us laugh, but also taught us
Bhalla’s son, Pukhraj Bhalla, is also an actor our hearts,” Mann wrote. Heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. to live the truths of life by laughing. The
and has starred in many Punjabi movies. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja May his soul rest in peace.” Shiromani Akali memory of Bhalla Sahib can never be erased
Warring also condoled Bhalla’s demise. Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said the actor from our hearts,” added Dhillon, who acted
From political leaders to actors, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Jaswinder ruled the hearts of the people of Punjab with his along with Bhalla in several movies including
Bhalla ji. A proud Punjabi voice around the world, performances. “Carry on Jatta”.
tributes pour in for Bhalla his contribution and love for the community will After the news of his demise spread, many Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan said Bhalla’s con-
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann mourn- always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to actors and politicians visited Bhalla’s residence tribution to Punjabi cinema and the joy he
ed Bhalla’s death in a post on X. his family & admirers,” Warring said on X. in Mohali to express their grief with the family. brought to millions will always be remembered.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 ECONOMY For more Economy
stories click
News Arena India | 11

‘India’s business activity Sensex tumbles

has hit two-decade high’ nearly 700 pts as
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
MUMBAI, AUGUST 22
selling intensifies
D
NEWS ARENA NETWORK Tata Consultancy Services, HDFC Bank
RIVEN BY a surge in the ser- MUMBAI, AUGUST 22 and Tech Mahindra were among the major
vices sector demand, India’s laggards; while Mahindra & Mahindra,
private sector activity showed THE INDIAN stock markets continued Maruti, Bharat Electronics and Sun
the fastest expansion in August, a survey on their roller-coaster of gains and losses, Pharma were among the gainers.
revealed on Thursday. with the week closing on heavy selling In the six-day rally to Thursday, the
Despite expectations for a slowdown and sharp drop in both Sensex and Nifty. BSE benchmark has climbed 1,765 points
in the economic growth this fiscal, The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled or 2.14 per cent, and the Nifty rallied 596
HSBC’s flash India Composite Purchasing 693.86 points or 0.85 per cent to settle at points or 2.4 per cent.
Managers’ Index (PMI), which is com- 81,306.85. During the day, it plunged Meanwhile, as investors await US
piled by S&P Global, was 65.2 in August 708.94 points or 0.86 per cent to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s
as against 61.1 last month. 81,291.77. forthcoming statements at the Jackson
The services sector activity index The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped Hole Symposium, where chiefs of the
soared to 65.6 following an 18-year 213.65 points or 0.85 per cent to world’s major central banks are gathered,
upsurge in the total new orders, which is of easing inflation as seen in government 24,870.10. the US markets ended lower as it started
also a key gauge of demand.
Services sector activity data, dropping to an eight-year-low of This week had seen the markets mak- to become apparent that Powell will hold
Since the survey began to be con- index soared to 65.6 after 1.55 per cent in July. ing up for last week’s intense losses as back on interest rate cuts for at least a
ducted in December, 2005, this is the first an 18-year upsurge in The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), geopolitical tensions eased and the Prime little longer.
time the reading has been this high. A new orders, which is also which ensures inflation stays in its 2-6 Minister Narendra Modi announced GST On the other hand, in Asian markets,
reading above the 50-mark sepa- per cent ‘tolerance’ range, has reduced reforms before Diwali. South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225
rates growth from contraction for the a key gauge of demand, interest rates to a total of 100 basis points But, Friday’s selling, especially in index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index
49th month. says S&P Global study. this year to stimulate the economy. market heavyweights HDFC Bank and and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng settled in
Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector Though it made no further cuts to the Reliance Industries, led to another positive territory, as did markets in
has also showed significant strength with repo rate in its latest meeting, it is expect- sharp decline for the equity benchmark Europe.
a PMI of 59.8 – its highest since January, costs to customers, showed in a 12-year ed to make another cut next quarter before indices. Foreign Institutional Investors
2008. Not only does this translate to more increase in output price index of 55.8 the year ends. From the Sensex pack, Asian Paints, (FIIs) bought equities worth ₹1,246.51
job creation, the survey also revealed that from 53.5 in July. The PMI has reinstated optimism in UltraTech Cement, Tata Steel, ITC, HCL crore on Thursday, according to ex-
companies passed on increases in input This figure has offset the recent trend firms, the highest since March. Tech, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Adani Ports, change data.

Prohibition clauses in Online Gaming WinZO, PokerBaazi

suspend real
Bill likely to be enforced right away money online
gaming operations
NEWS ARENA NETWORK early as possible. “I would not commit NEWS ARENA NETWORK
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 to a timeframe, but it clearly can’t wait NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22
as long,” Krishnan said, adding, “We
WITH THE Centre’s Promotion and have already started working on drafting WITH THE government passing the
Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, the rules.” Promotion and Regulation of Online
passed by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday Additionally, the sections whose rules Gaming Bill, 2025, in the Parliament on
without debate, the government is now are being drafted will provide a frame- Thursday, it is now mulling putting in
focused on ensuring that the blanket ban work for promotion and regulation of place ‘prohibition clauses’ ahead of the
on real-money online games comes into e-sports and online social games, which other sections in a bid to immediately ban
force before other sections of the bill are the Centre hopes will pose India as a all forms of real-money online games,
worked upon. global hub for game development. The while encouraging the growth of e-sports
Affirming the same, IT Secretary S rules will also include constitution of the and free-to-play social games.
Krishnan said they are mulling enforce- regulatory authority envisaged in the In lieu of the development, two popu-
ment of the ‘prohibition clauses’ once the Promotion and Regulation of Online lar gaming platforms – WinZO and
Bill gets the President’s nod and notified. Gaming Bill, 2025. PokerBaazi (backed by Moonshine
The urgency, he said, comes from the The onus of compliance when it comes Technologies) – have announced suspen-
“demonstrable negative effect” that online to those engaged in sports or high-profile IT Secretary S Krishnan said they are mulling enforcement of the ‘prohibition clauses’ once the sion of their real-money online gaming
money gaming has had on social and sponsorships, however, rests with the Bill gets the President’s nod and is notified. operations.
public health, forcing many to commit parties concerned, Krishnan warned. In a regulatory filing, Nazara
suicide or battle debts. “They will have to read the law and While employment numbers directly of talented youngsters who are experi- Technologies said that its associate com-
“There is a social evil (around online find out for themselves as to whether they tied to real-money gaming could run into enced software professionals and so on, pany, Moonshine Technologies Pvt Ltd,
money games) that the government has are violating the law or not...figure out a few thousand, the number of individu- who can easily find another job, because which owns and operates PokerBaazi,
wanted to address (through the Bill)... And whether they are acting in accordance als adversely impacted by gaming addic- that is the category of people we are has suspended its real-money offerings
I think we need to respect that sentiment with the law,” he said. tion runs into “several crores”, he rea- talking about, as opposed to the liveli- in line with the new legislation.
and make sure that we are able to do On concerns surrounding the plunging soned. hoods of crores of Indians, and hundreds “Pursuant to the Promotion and
whatever work we need to do at the back- of the country’s gaming industry into “There have been suicides, instances of millions of Indians whose lives and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025,
end much more quickly,” Krishnan said. losses, Krishnan said between employ- of deep family distress...So, I would say livelihoods are at stake, I think the deci- passed by the Parliament on August 21,
When asked how long that might take, ment generation and risk to life, the gov- that when it came to a question of wheth- sion is clear as to which way society needs 2025 and pending enactment, we wish to
the senior official said it would be as ernment’s priority is the latter. er you are looking at a few thousand jobs to view that issue,” Krishnan said. inform that, as a matter of abundant cau-
tion and in due respect of the govern-
ment’s mandate, Moonshine Technologies
Private Limited, an associate company

IOC’s viable jet fuel gets global acclaim in which Nazara Technologies Limited
holds a 46.07 per cent stake, has ceased
offering real money online gaming oper-
ations,” it said in the filing.
NEWS ARENA NETWORK residues and even carbon dioxide captured them to produce SAF from used cooking is collected by agencies to be exported. Meanwhile, WinZO, which holds a
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 from air. Since it reduces emissions from oil, which will be supportive to the gov- With the IOC’s Panipat refinery portfolio of over 100 real money games
air transportation, it can help cut down ernment’s mission to achieve net-zero now ready to collect this for SAF including Rummy, Solitaire, Dehla Pakad,
TOWARD THE end of this year, used carbon footprint. SAF is designed to be emissions by 2070. production, the only challenge remaining Fantasy Cricket, and Poker, said it is
and discarded cooking oil will start being a ‘drop-in’ fuel, which means it can be India plans to mandate blending of would be the logistics involved in the “responsibly withdrawing impacted offer-
collected from hotels and restaurants to used in existing aircraft engines without SAF with conventional ATF in a staged collection. ings” in full compliance with the law of
produce aviation fuel, says a government- needing major modifications. manner – the current one per cent SAF- “There is a large amount of such oil the land, effective immediately.
owned refinery. While it can be blended up to 50 per blending in ATF sold to all international available in the country. The only chal- The Mobile Premier League (MPL)
The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC), cent in conventional aviation turbine fuel flights will gradually be increased to 2 lenge is collection. While it is easy to has also suspended all of its real-money
also called IndianOil, said it is the only (ATF or jet fuel), depending on avail- per cent-blending in 2028. collect from large hotel chains, a solution gaming offerings in India, saying,
company in the country to have won a ability, India has mandated 1 per cent In August, 2018, SpiceJet had flown a needs to be found for collection from “Effective immediately, we are suspend-
certification by the International Civil SAF blending in jet fuel to be sold to test flight using a blend of 75 per cent small users, including households,” ing all gaming offerings involving mon-
Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to produce international airlines from 2027. regular ATF and 25 per cent biofuel. Sahney said. ey on the MPL platform in India.”
sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), almost The IOC chairman, Arvinder Singh Subsequently, IndiGo did a demons- Elaborating further on the company’s “Our foremost priority is our users.
35,000 tonnes of which will be produced Sahney, said the International tration flight using 10 per cent SAF- green energy ambitions, the chairman While new deposits will no longer be
per year in its Panipat refinery. Sustainability and Carbon Certification blend on an international flight in said they plan to power their Panipat accepted, customers will be able to with-
SAF is an alternative to conventional (ISCC) developed under the Carbon February, 2022. refinery using green hydrogen, which is draw their balances seamlessly. However,
jet fuel, made from non-petroleum feed- Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for So far, cooking oil discarded after one relatively cheaper and leaves no residue online money games will not be available
stocks such cooking oil, agricultural International Aviation (CORSIA) allows use by large hotels and restaurant chains in the air, unlike coal and oil. on the MPL platform anymore,” it said.
12 | News Arena India SPORT For more Sport
stories click
Saturday, August 23, 2025

Valarivan shoots 10m air rifle gold

NEWS ARENA NETWORK The 26-year-old from bagged the silver and bronze, respec-
SHYMKENT, AUGUST 22
Tamil Nadu shot a score tively.

I
NDIAN SHOOTER Elavenil of 253.6 to claim her Valarivan set to storm into Top 10
Valarivan won the gold medal in second gold at the 16th One of India’s most consistent woman
the women's 10m air rifle competi- Asian Championships. rifle shooters for some years now,
tion of the 16th Asian Championships Valarivan has time and again proven
here on Friday with a spectacularly her mettle against the best in the world.
composed performance in the final. a strong showing by its junior shooters. Currently ranked 11th, she is now set
The 26-year-old from Tamil Nadu, Anantjeet Singh Naruka had claimed to storm into the Top 10, which is not
who has won multiple gold medals in India's first senior gold in the men's an uncharted territory for the Indian
World Cups, shot a score of 253.6 to skeet event. Double Olympic medallist ace, having once achieved the world
finish on top in the final and claim her Manu Bhaker had won the bronze number 1 ranking in her category.
second gold in the continental show- medal in the women's 10m air pistol Known for her unwavering focus and
piece, the first coming way back in competition. mental fortitude under pressure,
2019 in Taiwan when she was honing 253, while Korea's Eunji Kwon (231.2) with a score of 630.3 but made the final Valarivan is now aiming for glory at
her skills under the tutelage of Olympic took home the bronze. as two other higher-placed Indians, Juniors continue to impress next year's Asian Games, but before
medallist shooter Gagan Narang at his Another Indian in the fray, Mehuli Arya Borse (633.2) and Sonam Maskar The trio of Shambhavi Shravan, Hrudya that, she will want to do well at the ISSF
Gun for Glory Academy. Ghosh, signed off in fourth position (630.5), stepped aside since they were Shri Kondur and Isha Anil won the gold World Championships, where she has
This was Valarivan's first individual after scoring 208.9 in the eight-shooter competing only for ranking points. medal in the team gold in the women’s no individual honours. Besides the
podium finish in the ongoing event, final. Valarivan's medal was only the sec- junior 10m air rifle competition with a Olympics, the Worlds and Asian Games
having won a silver and bronze in the Valarivan had qualified eighth for ond senior individual gold for India in combined total of 1896.2, which is a are some of the events where Valarivan
team events previously. The silver went the final with a score of 630.7. Ghosh the continental showpiece, where the junior world and Asian record. The is yet to make a mark in individual
to China's Xinlu Peng with a score of had originally finished 10th in the event country is topping the charts owing to teams from China and South Korea events.

Left-arm spinner Gouher

Bengaluru makes way for Mumbai Sultana calls it quits
as women’s ODI World Cup venue
NEWS ARENA NETWORK
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22

INDIA’S WOMAN left-arm spinner

NEWS ARENA NETWORK Thiruvananthapuram, was initially consid- Gouher Sultana has retired from all forms
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 ered a replacement venue before Navi of cricket, saying it has been the "greatest
Mumbai was finalised. honour" to represent the country at the
IN A major last-minute change, the The ICC Women's ODI World Cup is highest level of the game. The 37-year-old
International Cricket Council (ICC) returning to India after a 12-year gap. Jay Sultana played 50 ODIs and 37 T20Is for
announced on Friday that Mumbai would Shah stressed on Navi Mumbai's growing India after making her debut in 2008. She
replace Bengaluru as one of the five host reputation as a hub for women's cricket. last represented the country in April 2014.
Pragg, Gukesh play cities for the Women's ODI World Cup next "Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine Sultana, however, made a successful
month, citing "unforeseen circumstances". The decision to drop Bengaluru comes home for women's cricket in recent years. comeback in the 2024 and 2025 Women's
out draws again The decision comes after the M in the wake of a tragic stampede on June 4 The support it has received during interna- Premier League seasons, representing UP
Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru failed during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL tional fixtures and the Women's Premier Warriorz.
NEWS ARENA NETWORK to secure the requisite administrative and victory celebrations outside the stadium, League has been remarkable, creating an "To have represented India at the highest
ST LOUIS, AUGUST 22 security clearances, making it ineligible to which claimed 11 lives. Since the incident, atmosphere that elevates the players and level - in World Cups, tours and battles that
host matches in the tournament starting the stadium has not hosted any match. The inspires fans. I am certain that the same tested both skill and spirit - has been the
INDIAN GRANDMASTER R September 30. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) energy will define the big matches of the greatest honour of my life," Sultana wrote
Praggnanadhaa was held to an easy draw The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai eventually instructed the Karnataka State ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it in an Instagram post announcing her retire-
by Samuel Sevian of the United States, will now host up to five fixtures, including Cricket Association (KSCA) to obtain returns to India after 12 years,” he said. ment on Thursday.
while world chess champion D Gukesh also the tournament opener, a semifinal and security clearances for the World Cup. The other confirmed venues for the "Every wicket taken, every dive in the
settled for a draw with Maxime Vachier- possibly the final on November 2. However, the state unit was unable to do prestigious eight-team tournament are field, every huddle with my teammates has
Lagrave of France in the fourth round of "While unforeseen circumstances so in the prescribed time frame after an Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam and shaped the cricketer and the person I am
the Sinquefield Cup. required us to adjust the schedule and inquiry into the stampede found that the Colombo. today," she said.
Fabiano Caruana of the United States replace a venue, we are now pleased to design and structure of the venue was Colombo is the neutral venue for the Sultana picked up 66 wickets in ODIs at
scored his second victory in two days, have a line-up of five world-class venues "unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering". India-Pakistan clash as the two countries an average of 19.39, and 29 scalps in T20Is
defeating Nodirbek Abdusattorov of that will showcase the very best of the As per ICC guidelines, the host associa- have decided against touring each other at an average of 26.27. She played in two
Uzbekistan in the only decisive game of women's game," ICC Chairman Jay Shah tion needs to hand over the venue to the even for multilateral engagements. As per ODI World Cups, in 2009 and 2013, and
the day. In the other games, Levon Aronian said in a statement. "The stage is set, and global governing body 30 days prior to the an understanding reached before the picked up 12 wickets in 11 matches. Sultana
of the United States drew with Duda Jan- I am confident this tournament will capture tournament's start, and no other matches Champions Trophy earlier this year, all also featured in three T20 World Cups from
Krzysztof of Poland and French Alireza imaginations and inspire a new generation should be held at the stadium in that period. India-Pakistan matches in ICC events until 2009 to 2014, and claimed seven wickets.
Firouzja split the point with Wesley So. of fans," he said. The Greenfield Stadium in Karyavattom, 2027 will be held at neutral venues. She is currently a BCCI Level 2 coach.
With five rounds still to come, Caruana
shot into sole lead on three points from four
games, and is followed by Praggnanandhaa
and Aronian on 2.5 each. A pack of five
players, Wesley, Firouzja, Vachier-Lagrave,
Sevian and Gukesh, share the fourth spot
Feather shuttles scarce, BWF wants supply chain fixed
on two points apiece. A half point behind NEWS ARENA NETWORK with synthetic shuttlecocks for quite some
is Duda while Abdusattorov is on the bottom NEW DELHI, AUGUST 22 time. "Our testing and trialling pro-
of the tables on just a half point. grammes for production and introduction
Praggnanandhaa faced the Queen’s gam- BADMINTON WORLD Federation of competition and social use synthetic
bit declined as white and could not pose (BWF) Secretary-General Thomas Lund shuttlecocks in collaboration with the
any real problems in the way of Sevian. has said that the ongoing shuttlecock short- manufacturers remains in place and is
The middle game saw a lot of pieces change age has not yet reached a "crisis level", but firmly part of our sustainability strategies
hands and it was a soon a drawn endgame stressed that manufacturers must resolve for the future," Lund said.
on the board. supply chain issues and accelerate the "This is an ongoing process ... several
Gukesh also could not make much use rollout of advanced synthetic options for manufacturers have already gone to mar-
of his white piece as Vachier-Lagrave put players worldwide. ket with their social use synthetic shuttle-
up stiff resistance in another Queen pawn Prices of imported feather shuttles have cocks, and the products have been well
game of the day. The Queens got traded more than doubled in the past year due to received. More work is being done by the
early in the game and though it was a bit raw material crunch in China. A recent BWF and manufacturers on competition-
complicated, both players held on to their report in a French newspaper attributed the approved shuttlecocks. Collectively we
own. The resulting rook endgame offered shortage to changing food habits in China, this is at a crisis level yet,” said Lund. of the sport and to ensure long-term acces- continue to use the qualitative and quan-
little hope with both players having a pawn with preference shifting to pork over duck The shortage has already prompted sibility for continued generations of players. titative feedback from previous competi-
each and the draw was a logical result. and goose meat and a global rise in the India's top stakeholders to admit that the We have been committed to this project for tion testing windows to guide the process
Nodirbek's hunt for an elusive victory popularity of badminton. sport can no longer depend solely on goose over the last 10 years," Lund said. in making the necessary improvements to
continued as Caruana gave a cold-water "We are aware of the global supply and duck feathers, with national chief coach "....in saying this, BWF is not a shuttle- all future synthetic shuttlecock produc-
treatment to an unwarranted King side chain challenges and subsequent Pullela Gopichand sounding the alarm. cock manufacturer itself, and therefore the tion," he said, assuring that the world body
attack. Abdusattorov sacrificed a piece, but increases in feathered shuttlecock pric- The BWF reiterated its long-term com- onus must still be on the shuttlecock produc- is closely monitoring the situation.
did not get the desired compensation and es impacting badminton communities mitment to synthetics, but said the onus ers to address these supply chain chal- "We remain in regular contact with top
threw in the towel in just 30 moves. around the world. And while we are was on manufacturers to sort out the supply lenges and to also fast-track more advanced global manufacturers and will continue to
The event, to be played over nine rounds naturally concerned by this barrier, as chain issue. "We are 100 per cent commit- synthetic options," he said. update the member associations and the
among 10 players, has a total prize pool of per large-scale manufacturers’ assess- ted to investing in and developing syn- To address sustainability and supply badminton community on any new break-
US $3,50,000. ment of the situation, we don't believe thetic shuttlecocks for future sustainability concerns, BWF has been experimenting throughs," he added.

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