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India Secures Re-Election to UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2025–2026

India has been re-elected to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the term 2025–2026. The announcement comes as the country’s current term is set to expire on December 31, 2024. This achievement underscores India’s commitment to fostering global peace and stability as a founding member and major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.

India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations expressed pride in the re-election through a post on X (formerly Twitter), reiterating its dedication to international peace efforts. The PBC, an intergovernmental advisory body, plays a crucial role in supporting post-conflict recovery, institution-building, and sustainable development in conflict-affected nations. Comprising 31 members from various UN bodies, the Commission facilitates collaboration among key stakeholders to enhance global peacebuilding initiatives.

India’s contribution to peacekeeping includes deploying over 6,000 personnel across regions like South Sudan, Lebanon, and the Central African Republic. Notably, it holds the highest number of casualties among troop-contributing nations, with nearly 180 personnel sacrificing their lives in peacekeeping missions.

This re-election reaffirms India’s leadership and active role in addressing global conflicts and promoting a coordinated approach to peacebuilding.

Tensions Rise in Sambhal Over Mosque Survey Amid Claims of a Historical Temple

SAMBHAL, UTTAR PRADESH: Security has been heightened across Sambhal as tensions persist following a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, which was conducted in response to claims that a Harihar temple originally stood at the site. This comes as the report from the court-appointed Advocate Commission is expected to be submitted soon. The district administration is on high alert, especially with Friday prayers approaching.

The situation escalated dramatically on November 24 when protests against the survey turned violent. Clashes between police and demonstrators near the mosque led to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to over 20 police personnel. The violence involved stone-pelting, vehicle arson, and reports of firing from both sides. Authorities have since arrested over 25 individuals and imposed prohibitory orders, suspending internet services and restricting public gatherings in sensitive areas.

The court survey was prompted by a petition from lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, alleging that the mosque was constructed over a demolished temple by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. Despite the unrest, officials confirmed the survey was completed with comprehensive videography and photography, and the findings are anticipated to be critical in determining the court’s next steps.

Local authorities, including Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, have reinforced security measures near the mosque and the court in Chandausi to maintain order. Meanwhile, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to investigate the violence and its underlying causes.

The Shahi Jama Masjid’s management committee has questioned the legality of the survey, asserting it was not authorized by the court but conducted on the district magistrate’s instructions. Officials deny these allegations, emphasizing the importance of the survey in resolving the historical dispute.

The situation remains tense but under control, with authorities urging residents to maintain peace as legal proceedings progress.

(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)

NGT Criticizes NMCG Over Ganga Pollution in Bihar, Demands Action Beyond Meetings

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed grave concerns over escalating pollution in the Ganga River in Bihar, citing that the water quality remains unsafe even for bathing. The tribunal criticized the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) for failing to take meaningful action to address the crisis, emphasizing that its efforts have been limited to holding meetings and writing letters.

In an order dated November 25, the NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, noted that Bihar generates an estimated 1,100 million liters of sewage daily. However, the state’s sewage treatment plants (STPs) collectively handle only 343 million liters per day, leaving over 750 million liters of untreated waste flowing directly into the Ganga. Furthermore, out of eight operational STPs in the state, six were found to be non-compliant with quality standards.

The tribunal denounced NMCG’s lack of strict measures, stating that the organization failed to enforce compliance with environmental directives despite the alarming situation. It directed NMCG’s executive director to submit a fresh affidavit detailing specific remedial steps. Additionally, the tribunal included Bihar’s Principal Secretary for Environment as a respondent to ensure accountability.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the NGT referred to earlier reports that flagged the presence of faecal coliform and other contaminants in Ganga’s waters, rendering it unfit for bathing at most locations in Bihar. The bench warned that failure to address the issue promptly could lead to severe repercussions, including a demand for the personal appearance of state officials.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 18, 2024.

(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)

Six Doctors Charged in Child’s Death at Maharashtra Hospital

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Six doctors from Vedant Hospital in Maharashtra’s Sutgirni area have been booked for allegedly misleading the father of a five-year-old boy who died under their care. The child was admitted to the hospital on April 26 for surgery but passed away shortly after the procedure.

According to police, the doctors are accused not only of negligence but also of tampering with evidence to obscure their actions. A case has been registered following a detailed complaint by the boy’s father, who claimed that the hospital misinformed him about his child’s condition and the risks involved in the procedure.

Preliminary investigations revealed lapses in the child’s treatment, prompting scrutiny into the hospital’s practices. This incident has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about the accountability of private healthcare providers. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the grieving family.

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Six doctors from Vedant Hospital in Maharashtra’s Sutgirni area have been booked for allegedly misleading the father of a five-year-old boy who died under their care. The child was admitted to the hospital on April 26 for surgery but passed away shortly after the procedure.

According to police, the doctors are accused not only of negligence but also of tampering with evidence to obscure their actions. A case has been registered following a detailed complaint by the boy’s father, who claimed that the hospital misinformed him about his child’s condition and the risks involved in the procedure.

Preliminary investigations revealed lapses in the child’s treatment, prompting scrutiny into the hospital’s practices. This incident has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about the accountability of private healthcare providers. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the grieving family.

(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)

Lithuanian Film Toxic Wins Golden Peacock Award at IFFI 2024

The Lithuanian film Toxic, written and directed by Saule Bliuvaite, claimed the prestigious Golden Peacock Award at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, as the global cinematic celebration concluded on November 28. The film explores the intense experiences of two 13-year-old girls attending a modeling school that tests their physical and emotional boundaries. This compelling narrative also earned the Best Actor (Female) award jointly for Vesta Matulyte and Leva Rupeikaite.

Romanian filmmaker Bogdan Muresanu received the Best Director award for The New Year That Never Came. The Indian Film Personality of the Year accolade was awarded to actor Vikrant Massey. Additionally, the Best Actor (Male) award went to Clement Faveau for his performance in the French film Holy Cow, which also won the Special Jury Award.

The festival, chaired by Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar, showcased over 200 films from 75 countries. Other notable honors included the Best Debut Feature Film Award for Sarah Friedland’s Familiar Touch and the Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film Award for Navjyot Bandiwadekar’s Marathi movie Gharat Ganapati. Celebrated Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.

Held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, the event concluded with a vibrant mix of screenings, masterclasses, and panel discussions, cementing IFFI’s reputation as a significant platform for international cinema.

(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)

Teenager Raped in Ambulance in Madhya Pradesh

MAUGANJ, MP: A horrifying incident has come to light from Mauganj district in Madhya Pradesh, where a 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped inside a moving ambulance.

The incident, which occurred on November 22nd, involved an ambulance operated under the ‘108’ emergency service. Two of the four accused, including the driver, have been apprehended by the police.

According to Deputy Inspector General (Rewa Range) Saket Pandey, the victim was traveling with her sister and brother-in-law in the ambulance, although none of them were patients.

This shocking crime has raised serious concerns about the safety of individuals, especially women, while availing emergency medical services. The authorities are investigating the matter further to bring all the culprits to justice.

(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)

Maharashtra Polls: Postal Ballot Results Show Tight Contest Between Mahayuti and MVA

MUMBAI: As the election counting for Maharashtra’s 288 assembly constituencies unfolded, postal ballot trends revealed a closely contested battle between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The Election Commission of India’s early data showed that in the first hour of postal ballot counting, Mahayuti led in 142 constituencies, while MVA was ahead in 137. This tight race continued until the counting of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes began, shifting the dynamics in favor of the ruling alliance.

The postal ballot, which includes votes from senior citizens, essential services employees, and military personnel, counted a total of 5.45 lakh ballots. The largest chunk, over 81,000 votes, came from senior citizens, while essential services employees contributed around 31,000. This method of voting, though small compared to EVM ballots (64.08 million), has sparked debates, especially after the Nanded Lok Sabha by-election where postal votes flipped the result in favor of Congress’s Ravindra Chavan over BJP’s Santukrao Hambarde.

As the postal ballot count progressed, Mahayuti’s lead came from the BJP, which led in 84 constituencies, while Shiv Sena and NCP followed with 29 and 24 seats respectively. MVA’s Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) were leading in 56, 40, and 37 constituencies, with smaller allies contributing additional leads.

Despite the initial close race, election experts caution against reading too much into postal ballot trends. Kiran Kulkarni, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, emphasized, “The trends and patterns of the results change with every round based on various aspects including demography and the dominance of particular types of voters.”

Maharashtra Congress General Secretary Sachin Sawant raised concerns over EVM reliability, claiming that the postal ballot vote share significantly outperformed their EVM votes, fueling suspicion about the accuracy of the electronic system. NCP-SP leader Rohit Pawar echoed this sentiment, pointing out historical discrepancies between postal ballot and EVM results.

While the postal ballot counting provided an early snapshot, it’s clear that the EVM tally will ultimately decide the fate of the two alliances.

Amit Shah Finalizes Power-Sharing Deal in Maharashtra: BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP Reach Consensus

In a crucial development for Maharashtra’s political landscape, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with leaders from the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance on Thursday night to finalize the power-sharing arrangement in the state. The meeting, held at Shah’s residence in Delhi, involved Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar. The primary focus was on finalizing Cabinet berths and the distribution of key portfolios ahead of the swearing-in of the new government, expected early next week.

Sources indicate that the BJP will hold the Chief Minister’s post, and Shah has agreed to appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers—one from the Shiv Sena and one from the NCP. BJP leaders expect the party to appoint Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister, with him likely retaining the home portfolio, while the NCP is set to receive the finance portfolio. According to BJP insiders, the Shiv Sena will secure the Urban Development and Public Works Departments.

The meeting also covered discussions on the allocation of Cabinet positions, statutory boards, and the representation of both Shiv Sena and NCP in the Union government. The BJP is expected to secure the lion’s share in the 43-member Cabinet, with 22 berths, while the Shiv Sena and NCP are set to receive 12 and 9 respectively.

In a twist, Shiv Sena leaders have hinted that Eknath Shinde may relinquish his Deputy Chief Minister post if Fadnavis becomes CM, instead favoring his son Shrikant Shinde for the role. “Knowing his nature, Shindesaheb may not take the Deputy CM’s post and prefer to give his workers good posts,” said Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat.

Chandrakant Patil’s “surprise” remark fuels CM speculation, as BJP appoints observers ahead of next week’s government announcement.

Jack Edwards on Facing Indian Cricket Giants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in PM’s XI Match

Prime Minister’s XI (PM XI) skipper Jack Edwards has expressed his excitement at the prospect of competing against Indian cricketing legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated clash scheduled in Canberra, Edwards shared his admiration for the Indian stalwarts, referring to them as “some of the best in the world.” The match marks an important opportunity for Edwards and his team to test their mettle against one of the strongest cricketing nations.

The game, a two-day pink-ball encounter, serves as a preparatory event for India ahead of their pink-ball Test series in Australia. It also carries historical significance, celebrating the strong cultural and cricketing ties between India and Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted this sentiment, stating that the event symbolizes the growing partnership between the two nations.

Also Read: Jimmy Sheirgill Reflects on the Legacy of Mohabbatein Amidst Anniversary Buzz

Edwards, known for his rising career in Australian domestic cricket, emphasized the honor of leading the PM’s XI in such a prestigious match. He stated that this game is not just a competition but also a learning experience, especially when facing players of the caliber of Sharma and Kohli. He hopes this challenge will enhance his team’s readiness for future international assignments.

This match will also provide a crucial platform for Australia’s selectors to evaluate promising talent. The annual PM’s XI fixture has traditionally been a springboard for players aspiring to national selection. Edwards aims to make the most of this opportunity, not just for himself but for his entire squad, as they prepare to take on India, a team renowned for its depth and skill.

With India gearing up for their upcoming Test series under lights and the PM’s XI aiming to showcase their potential, cricket fans can expect an enthralling contest. The clash is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of cricket’s ability to bring nations together.

Web Team C6N 

Jimmy Sheirgill Reflects on the Legacy of Mohabbatein Amidst Anniversary Buzz

As Mohabbatein marks its 25th anniversary, fans are abuzz with speculation about a potential re-release of the cult classic. Actor Jimmy Sheirgill, who portrayed the love-struck Karan in the film, recently shared his perspective on the film’s enduring impact and addressed rumors of a re-release.

Sheirgill expressed gratitude for being part of the iconic ensemble cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Aishwarya Rai, and acknowledged how the movie remains a milestone in his career. Speaking to the media, he noted, “Mohabbatein was a game-changer, not just for me but for Bollywood, for how love stories were told.”

While fans are hopeful for a theatrical return of the Aditya Chopra-directed masterpiece, Sheirgill emphasized his preference for preserving its legacy untouched. “Certain films achieve a timeless quality. While a re-release might bring nostalgia, remakes or reimagining such classics might dilute their essence,” he said, adding that the industry should create new narratives instead of revisiting past successes.

Also Read: BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat Criticizes Delhi Government Over Ayushman Bharat Scheme Non-Implementation

The 2000 blockbuster, known for its captivating soundtrack and heartfelt performances, continues to inspire fans. From reel tributes on social media to playlists that feature tracks like “Humko Humise Chura Lo,” the movie’s legacy thrives across generations.

Sources suggest that Yash Raj Films has not confirmed plans for a theatrical re-release. However, fans hope the anniversary celebrations might include special screenings or digital content that honors the film’s legacy.

As Bollywood shifts its focus to new-age storytelling, Sheirgill’s sentiments reflect a growing recognition of preserving the unique identity of classics like Mohabbatein. Whether or not the film returns to cinemas, its status as a cultural touchstone remains unwavering.

For now, fans can revisit the original, reliving the grandeur, romance, and emotions that made Mohabbatein a masterpiece.

Web Team C6N