Saturday, December 27, 2025
Home Blog Page 1247

Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Ambadas Danve: Only Thackeray Cousins Can Decide on Reconciliation

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, addressed the ongoing speculation about a potential political reunion between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, reiterating that only the estranged cousins could determine their political fate. He clarified that discussions around the Thackeray cousins reuniting after years of political division were ongoing, especially after every electoral setback. However, Danve emphasized that Shiv Sena (UBT) has no role in this decision.

Danve also commented on Raj Thackeray’s political stance, which remains unclear to many. He highlighted the ambiguity surrounding the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief’s position regarding the state government, questioning whether Raj was supporting or opposing it. “After each election defeat, rumors about a possible alliance between the Thackeray cousins circulate. But it’s ultimately for them to decide if they want to reconcile,” Danve said​

His remarks come amid growing speculation about the future of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its alliances. Some party members have expressed interest in contesting elections independently, focusing on their ideological commitments rather than seeking power through alliances.

Web Team C6N

Massive Fire Engulfs Varanasi Railway Station Parking, Over 200 Vehicles Destroyed

A massive fire broke out in the parking area of Varanasi’s Cantt Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh early on Saturday, destroying over 200 vehicles. The blaze, which engulfed the parking lot, was reportedly triggered by a short circuit. Emergency response teams quickly mobilized, and the fire was brought under control after a two-hour operation.

Footage from the scene showed towering flames consuming the parking area as fire brigade teams, along with police officials, worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze. Around 12 fire brigade vehicles, along with personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police, were deployed to combat the fire. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

Cause of the Fire

Initial investigations suggest that the fire was caused by a short circuit. Eyewitnesses reported that the first short circuit occurred at around 10:30 pm on Friday night, prompting electricians to fix the issue. However, a few hours later, another short circuit occurred, which ignited petrol from a motorcycle, sparking the fire.

“Some bicycles were also caught in the flames,” said CO GRP Kunwar Bahadur Singh, confirming that the investigation is ongoing. Many of the vehicles destroyed in the fire belonged to railway employees, adding to the personal impact of the disaster.

One railway worker shared his experience: “I parked my bike around midnight. There was a short circuit reported earlier, which was fixed, but a few hours later, I learned about the massive fire. I quickly moved my bike to safety, but the flames spread rapidly.”

The incident has raised concerns about fire safety at public spaces, especially around critical infrastructure like railway stations. Authorities have vowed to investigate further and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Kerala Man Sentenced to 141 Years in Prison for Abusing Stepdaughter

0

A Kerala court has sentenced a man to a cumulative 141 years in prison after convicting him of repeatedly abusing his stepdaughter over several years. The conviction came after an intense investigation into the crime, which occurred when the child’s mother was away from home. The verdict has sparked discussions about the legal system’s approach to such severe crimes.

The man, a resident of Tamil Nadu, had been abusing his stepdaughter since 2017, with the crimes continuing over an extended period. Following the victim’s disclosure of the abuse to her mother, the police were alerted, and an investigation was launched. The child’s brave step in revealing the truth led to the man’s arrest.

The Manjeri Fast Track Special Court, presided over by Judge Ashraf A. M., sentenced the accused to the maximum jail term of 40 years for each charge, with the total sentence amounting to 141 years. The sentences will run concurrently, ensuring that the man serves the longest possible sentence. Along with the prison term, the court imposed a fine of ₹7.85 lakh and directed compensation for the victim as part of the restitution process.

The victim’s mother, in a statement, expressed her gratitude to the legal authorities for the justice delivered. She also emphasized the importance of supporting victims of abuse, stating that her daughter’s courage to speak out has brought some measure of justice.

A police official involved in the case highlighted the severity of the crime, noting that this case underscores the need for stronger protective measures for children. “This case serves as a stark reminder of the necessity to safeguard children from such heinous acts,” the officer said.

This ruling is part of the continued efforts to address child protection and ensure justice for victims of such grave offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

While the sentence provides some relief, experts agree that authorities must implement more systemic changes to prevent such incidents and ensure victims receive adequate support.

Muskan Raghuvanshi Scales Mount Kosciuszko, Earns Jyotiraditya Scindia’s Praise

0

Muskan Raghuvanshi, a 23-year-old mountaineer from Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh, has etched her name in history by scaling Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia. The achievement was part of India’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations on August 15, 2024, where she proudly hoisted the Indian flag at the summit.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who supported her expedition with financial aid, congratulated Muskan for her incredible feat. In his message, he highlighted her determination and the inspirational role she plays in empowering young women.

Muskan’s journey to the peak was not just about physical endurance but also about overcoming societal barriers. Initially taking up cycling during the pandemic to stay active, she gained recognition for her record-breaking 3,200-kilometer Narmada Yatra and a cross-country cycling expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. With unwavering support from her family, especially her father, she transitioned to mountaineering, which led her to this recent triumph.

Her Mount Kosciuszko climb was facilitated by Mission Possible, an initiative led by adventurer Narender Singh Yadav, with Scindia’s encouragement adding a crucial boost. This accomplishment marks Muskan as the youngest woman from Madhya Pradesh to conquer this peak.

Muskan’s story resonates as a beacon of women’s empowerment and determination. As she continues to break barriers, her journey inspires countless others to dream big and push their limits.

Web Team, C6N

Congress Leader’s ‘Kutta’ Remark Sparks Political Firestorm

Congress leader Bhai Jagtap’s controversial comments comparing the Election Commission of India (ECI) to “PM Modi’s dog” have ignited a heated debate in Maharashtra’s political circles. The remark, made after the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s underwhelming performance in recent assembly polls, has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and others, demanding action against Jagtap.

Jagtap accused the ECI of losing its neutrality, saying, “The Election Commission has become a puppet sitting outside Narendra Modi ji’s bungalow. It exists to safeguard democracy, not to serve an individual,” he stated, doubling down on his comments and refusing to apologize despite widespread backlash. He also questioned the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), suggesting a need for their review, claiming the technology was initially credible but has since raised concerns.

The BJP, led by leaders like Kirit Somaiya, slammed Jagtap’s remarks as derogatory and unconstitutional. Somaiya filed complaints with both the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the ECI, urging immediate action. “Such humiliation of a constitutional body is intolerable. Congress is resorting to insults rather than addressing its electoral failures,” he said.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also criticized the Congress, saying, “This rhetoric undermines democratic institutions. Instead of introspection, Congress has chosen a path of baseless allegations.”

Political experts believe this incident could strain the Congress-BJP dynamics further and intensify the rhetoric in Maharashtra politics. While Congress remains steadfast in its criticism of EVMs and the poll process, the BJP has positioned this as another instance of the opposition’s “disrespect for democracy”.

This controversy underlines the rising polarization and challenges in safeguarding democratic discourse in India’s evolving political landscape.

Canadian News Media Takes OpenAI to Court Over Copyright Violations

Five prominent Canadian news media companies have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the AI giant of copyright infringement. The coalition, including Torstar, CBC/Radio-Canada, Postmedia, The Canadian Press, and The Globe and Mail, claims that OpenAI’s ChatGPT system has unlawfully scraped their content without permission or compensation. This lawsuit marks a significant legal pushback against generative AI technology in Canada.

Paul Deegan, president of News Media Canada, stated, “OpenAI is strip-mining journalism while unjustly enriching itself at the expense of content creators.” The plaintiffs argue that the company undermines journalism’s role in serving the public interest by using their content for commercial gain.

The legal action follows similar lawsuits globally. OpenAI, however, maintains that its AI systems are trained on publicly available data in compliance with fair use principles. An OpenAI spokesperson emphasized the company’s collaborations with publishers and its opt-out mechanisms for content creators.

This lawsuit comes amidst growing scrutiny of AI’s impact on intellectual property. In the U.S., OpenAI and Microsoft face parallel allegations, with Elon Musk recently expanding his lawsuit against the companies for monopolizing the AI market. Despite these challenges, OpenAI has forged partnerships with some publishers, like its recent deal with Condé Nast.

As the debate over AI and copyright intensifies, this case could set a precedent for how generative AI interacts with journalism in Canada and beyond.

SP’s Shyam Lal Pal Under House Arrest as Sambhal Violence Spurs Political Storm

SAMBHAL: In the aftermath of violent clashes in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, Shyam Lal Pal, Samajwadi Party’s (SP) Uttar Pradesh in-charge, has been placed under house arrest. The action came as the SP planned a visit to assess the situation, intensifying the political feud surrounding the incident.

The violence on November 24 was triggered by a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, claimed to be the site of a demolished Hindu temple. Four people lost their lives, while over 20, including police personnel, sustained injuries. The district administration imposed prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, restricted political leaders from entering Sambhal, and suspended internet services to maintain law and order.

Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and others were named in FIRs for allegedly inciting unrest. Barq, however, denied involvement, stating he was attending a meeting in Bengaluru during the violence. SP leaders have accused the BJP-led government of orchestrating the unrest for political gain. Meanwhile, the BJP has called for strict action against those responsible for incitement.

The clashes arose during a second survey of the mosque. Muslim groups argued the exercise lacked sufficient notice, leading to tension. Conversely, Hindu groups supporting the survey claimed it adhered to court directives. Officials cited the survey as necessary to resolve the legal dispute over the mosque’s origins.

As investigations continue, the political blame game has escalated. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Yogi Adityanath government, accusing it of targeting his party and suppressing dissent. On the other hand, BJP leaders have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing the need for justice for those affected by the violence.

With Sambhal under tight security, the incident has amplified political and communal tensions in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the challenges of balancing legal orders with public sentiment.

Web Team, C6N

Cyclone Fengal Disrupts Tamil Nadu: Flights Suspended, Heavy Rainfall Forecasted

Cyclone Fengal, a severe weather system, is set to make landfall near Puducherry on November 30, bringing heavy rainfall and wind speeds of up to 90 km/h. The Chennai airport suspended operations until 7 PM, with airlines like IndiGo and Air India issuing advisories due to widespread flight disruptions. Public transport near coastal areas has also been halted as a precaution.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall until December 1. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin stated, “Continuous monitoring is underway; precautionary measures and relief camps are in place to ensure safety.” Farmers, however, face crop losses in Nagapattinam, with 800 acres of paddy submerged.

Residents are urged to stay indoors, with educational institutions closed and IT employees advised to work from home. Authorities have raised alert levels at ports, warning of potential flooding in coastal and low-lying areas.

For real-time updates, travelers are advised to contact their airlines.

Congress Slams Election Commission for Alleged Bias, Plans Nationwide Campaign

NEW DELHI: In a dramatic escalation of its criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Congress Party has accused the body of partisan behavior favoring the ruling BJP, citing concerns over transparency and fairness in upcoming elections.

Congress leaders allege that the ECI has failed to act impartially, with particular focus on its selective enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and controversial decisions during recent state elections. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, stated, “The Election Commission is the custodian of our democracy, but its actions raise questions about its neutrality.”

As part of its response, the Congress Party has announced a “national movement” aimed at raising awareness among citizens and pressuring the ECI to uphold its constitutional mandate. This initiative will include public rallies, petitions, and dialogues with other opposition parties to build a unified front. Rahul Gandhi emphasized, “Our democracy cannot thrive when institutions appear to be compromised. This movement is not just for the Congress, but for every Indian who values free and fair elections.”

In defense, BJP spokespersons dismissed these allegations, accusing the Congress Party of attempting to distract voters from its electoral shortcomings. “These claims are baseless and politically motivated,” said BJP national secretary Anil Baluni, asserting that the ECI has conducted itself with integrity.

The announcement comes amid heightened political activity as India prepares for the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Analysts believe that these developments could shape the discourse around electoral reforms and institutional accountability in India. The Congress Party’s strategy to mobilize public opinion is likely to amplify calls for reforms in the functioning of independent institutions like the ECI.

Political observers suggest that this move could energize opposition ranks while creating pressure on the ECI to maintain transparency in election administration. Whether the Congress’s movement will garner enough traction to force tangible reforms remains to be seen.

Web Team, C6N

Maharashtra Polls: SC Notice to EC on 100% VVPAT Verification Amid Political Clamor

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission (EC) and the central government over a plea seeking the full counting of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) slips instead of the current practice of random verification of slips from only five EVMs per assembly segment. The court has sought responses from both parties, marking a crucial step in addressing transparency concerns surrounding electronic voting machines (EVMs).

This move follows growing political pressure, particularly from opposition parties like the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP. Alleging irregularities in the use of EVMs, several MVA candidates have pushed for enhanced scrutiny. Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray emphasized, “We demand 100% verification of VVPAT slips to ensure electoral integrity and restore public confidence in the system.”

Earlier, the EC reiterated that any recounting of VVPAT slips post-results requires a judicial directive, allowing only a demo poll to verify machine functionality in routine checks. Kiran Kulkarni, Additional Chief Electoral Officer for Maharashtra, stated, “C&V (Counting and Verification) is a process distinct from recounting. The latter can occur solely under court orders after the declaration of results.”

The ongoing debate has seen the Congress party lauding the Supreme Court’s intervention. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, stated, “This is a vital step towards ensuring transparency in the electoral process. The matter must be resolved before the upcoming general elections.”

The plea in the apex court argues that simultaneous verification of VVPAT slips, rather than sequential processing, could ensure full transparency within hours. It underscores the need for deploying more officers at counting stations to expedite the process.

As Maharashtra gears up for its elections, the Supreme Court’s ruling on this plea could redefine the role of VVPATs in India’s electoral framework, with widespread implications for accountability and trust in democratic processes.