Jharkhand: 4 boys rape teen girl, post video on social media, held

Ramgarh: Four teenage boys were detained for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl and posting the purported video of the crime on social media, a police officer said on Sunday, May 5. The incident reportedly took place on April 21, but the victim did not register a police complaint as the boys aged between 15-17 years Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

TMC, BJP cautiously navigate Jhargram's complex identity dynamics

TMC, BJP cautiously navigate Jhargram's complex identity dynamics The tumultuous days of Maoist violence may now be a thing of the past for residents of Jhargram constituency in western West Bengal but the tribal-dominated seat sits on a powder keg of identity politics which has a direct bearing on the elections. A long-standing demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the minority Kurmis, a traditional tiller community listed as OBCs in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha, had led to sporadic violence in the recent past and has vertically divided the inhabitants of region with the majority Adivasis, enlisted STs, firmly opposing it. Both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP have chosen to tread cautiously over this ''extremely sensitive'' issue which, some voices from the ground feel, has the ''potential to explode at the slightest provocation''. While the ruling party in the state has declared in its poll manifesto that it would ''actively work with the Centre'' to award the desired status to the Kurmi-Mahato community, the saffron party has officially remained silent. The BJP is defending this ST-reserved seat it snatched from the TMC five years ago but the latter bounced back in the 2021 state elections, winning all seven assembly segments of Jhargram and reducing the saffron camp to naught. ''Unless a quick constitutional remedy to the impasse is found, Jhargram could turn into another Manipur,'' warned Ashok Mahato, a local Kurmi leader. ''Parties across the board make promises ahead of polls but have hardly taken effective steps to make progress in the matter. The BJP made the same promise in 2019 but barely moved an inch. The state claims it has sent the Cultural Research Institute (CRI) report to the Centre with necessary recommendations but there is no feedback yet from the other side. People are getting impatient,'' he said. The Kurmi leader, who had previously unsuccessfully contested the state polls as an Independent candidate, said he has filed for registration for a separate party of Kurmis named Jungal Mahal Swaraj Morcha. In 2004, the Jharkhand government had recommended listing Kurmis as STs rather than OBCs. Following the Centre's Tribal Research Institute opposition to the proposal, the Union government turned down the state's plea in 2015. ''Kurmis have every right to make their demand but we oppose it,'' said Samai Hansda, leader of the Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal, a social organisation of the Santhal community in Jhargram. ''Mahatos are primarily Kshatriyas and are already entitled to various social opportunities. It's the tribals who need constitutional protection due to their backwardness. As long as the Kurmis agitate in a democratic manner, we have no issues. But if push comes to shove, we won't stay silent,'' Hansda added. Over the past year or so, Jhargram and its neighbouring areas have witnessed multiple instances of long periods of road and railway track blockades by agitating Kurmis who were joined by their counterparts from adjoining Jharkhand. ''This matter must be resolved by making all stakeholders, including the state and central governments, sit across the table for discussions. I will do everything in my limited powers to facilitate that process, should I win the elections,'' said BJP candidate Pranat Tudu. Tudu was named as candidate after the party's sitting MP Kunar Hembram resigned from the BJP on March 9, barely days before the polls were announced, citing ''personal reasons''. TMC's nominee, Kalipada alias Kherwal Soren, a noted Santhali playwright and author recognised with Sahitya Academy and Padma Shri awards, said his party has already taken a principled stand on the issue which it clarified in its poll manifesto. ''We stand by the Mahato demands and have sent our CRI recommendation. The ball is now in Centre's court,'' he said. ''In my sustained interactions with the Adivasis during my campaign, I found no adverse repercussions on the ground over this,'' he claimed. A hotbed of ultra-Left Maoist activities during 2008-2011, Jhargram and its adjacent Bankura, Purulia and Paschim Medinipur districts witnessed wanton blood spill where victims included militants, security personnel and ordinary people. Following the encounter killing of Maoist commander Kishenji in November 2011, the Naxals lost grip over the region resulting in steady subsiding of turbulence. Despite acknowledging the benefits of peace returning to the region, Tudu was reluctant to give credit to the Mamata Banerjee administration for it. ''Everyone knows that the Maoist problem was the TMC's own creation. The rebels helped the party to come to power,'' he alleged. The sharp differences over ST status demand aside, both Kurmis and the tribals broadly agree on the other pertinent issues of Jhargram over which the elections are likely to be fought. ''People of Jhargram are looking forward to better facilities in sectors such as education, health, employment and environment protection,'' Mahato said, stressing on the need to build a dedicated elephant corridor to address increasing instances of man-animal conflict in the region. Hansda said, ''Adivasis are sensitive about their indigenous religion and associated social practices. We want no interference from governments in our traditional and personal lives and expect both the Centre and the state to honour our rights to water, forest and land.'' ''If the BJP implements Uniform Civil Code, like they say they would, the tribals would be the hardest hit,'' the TMC nominee chipped in. ''We have long fought for our rights to self control and never bowed before the British. Any attempts to impose social codes from above will meet stiff resistance from the Adivasis,'' Soren said. A radiologist by profession, BJP candidate Tudu highlighted ''crippled health infrastructure'' of the region, calling it an issue of ''paramount importance''. ''The Jhargram Medical College, the only facility which is supposed to provide tertiary healthcare to patients, does not even have an MRI machine nor performs echocardiogram on patients,'' he alleged. The 15 lakh-odd voters of the seat would exercise their franchise on May 25 during the sixth phase of polls.

Rahul Gandhi has no fire but Cong playing with fire by attempting Hindu-Muslim divide:Rajnath

Rahul Gandhi has no fire but Cong playing with fire by attempting Hindu-Muslim divide:Rajnath Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has no fire while his party is playing with fire by attempting to create Hindu-Muslim divide for electoral dividends, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said. In an interview to PTI, Singh also indicated that the BJP will implement its big-ticket plans like rolling out of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and implementing the 'One Nation One Election' push if it retains power for the third consecutive term. The defence minister also said that he was confident that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will cross 400 seats and the BJP will get over 370 as these projections were made after detailed assessment of the ground situation and not made only for public consumption. On the overall political landscape, the defence minister accused the Congress of attempting to disturb social harmony and trying to create tensions on religious lines. ''They are attempting to create Hindu-Muslim divide for electoral gains. The Congress is trying to create tensions on religious lines,'' he alleged. ''The Congress wants to disturb social harmony. They look at the Muslim community only as a vote bank. I have a suggestion for them -- politics should not be done only for forming governments. The aim of politics should be for nation building,'' he said. ''Rahul Gandhi has no fire but Congress is playing with fire,'' he said. Singh said people of the country will repose their faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP's tally will improve significantly based on the performance of the government in the last five years. ''Our seats will increase in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and we will get some seats in Tamil Nadu. Our account will open in Kerala as well. We are winning a good number of seats in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,'' the senior BJP leader said. ''We will increase our tally in Odisha, Jharkhand and Assam. We are sweeping Chhattisgarh,'' he said, asserting that the BJP will cross the 370-mark. Asked whether the BJP's seats in Maharashtra will come down, he did not give a direct reply but said there may be some adjustments here and there. The BJP leader also came down hard on the Congress for its plan to ''redistribute'' wealth, saying it will have disastrous consequences for the country's economy. ''The concept of redistribution of wealth will trigger recession. Argentina and Venezuela implemented it and faced disastrous consequences. The investors will lose confidence in India,'' Singh said. On the BJP's big-ticket plans like implementation of the UCC and 'One Nation One Poll' push in if it retains power, Singh said it fulfils promises that it makes to the people of India. In its manifesto, the BJP pledged to implement the UCC if it returns to power after the general elections. It also mentioned that the party will move forward with a resolve to realise the idea of 'One Nation, One Election'. ''We always fulfil our commitments. We will never allow any question mark on our credibility and will not compromise on the country's unity and integrity. We implement whatever we say in our manifesto. We have to do whatever we say,'' Singh said. ''We will go for 'One Nation One Election. We will take views of every quarter, including all political parties on it,'' he said. On the UCC, the defence minister said even the Constitution-makers felt a need for it, as it is mentioned in the directive principles. ''The Congress wants to create fear psychosis; they want to use the Hindu-Muslim card,'' he said. ''They do not have any issue. They want to form a government by dividing the society in the name of caste, creed and religion and they have always done it,'' he alleged.

Ayodhya decks up for PM Modi's first visit since 'Pran Pratishtha', roadshow

After winding up his scheduled public meetings in Jharkhand and Bihar, PM Modi reached UP on Saturday evening and took out an elaborate roadshow in Kanpur, flanked by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He will address a public meeting in Etawah around 2.45 pm and hold another later in the day at Dhaurahra around 4.45 pm.

As rivers eat away banks, parties look to turn erosion into a poll plank in Malda

River Ganga's course changes displace voters in Malda to Jharkhand. Erosion affects schools, residents, and triggers political actions. Farakka Barrage's impact on river course emphasized in political discourse.

Forces on high alert as Maoist posters resurface

Rourkela: Maoist posters were Saturday found pasted on a tree and the wall of a school building barely a kilometre away from Odisha border in neighbouring Jharkhand. The posters were found in Rela village under Goelkera PS limits. In the two posters written in Sadri, the local dialect, the ultras have threatened the politicians and []

RJD chief Lalu tried to save those behind Godhra train carnage: PM Modi

PATNA : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday alleged that RJD chief Lalu Prasad tried to shield those who were responsible for burning more than 60 kar sevaks by setting up the Banerjee committee to probe the 2002 Godhra train burning incident. Addressing an election rally in Darbhanga, Modi said the opposition always pursued appeasement politics, and it was the reason the father of Bihars shehzada (referring to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav) had tried to save those who were responsible for the Godhra arson. After all, it was the rule of Sonia madam, PM said. He recalled that Lalu who was the then Railway Minister had constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the Godhra train arson, which under his influence gave a report that exonerated those guilty of the arson. He said that the court dumped the report. PM alleged that Congress was trying to give reservation to Muslims by cutting into quotas of SCs, STs and OBCs, even by going against the sentiments of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and backstabbing B R Ambedkar. Since these deprived sections are disillusioned with INDIA bloc, the alliance is now trying to give reservation to Muslims by cutting into their quotas, he added. Targeting Tejashwi for his comment on X in which he pointed out all three service chiefs of the armed forces are Hindus, PM said that now even the religion of service chiefs was counted and asked whether anybody while remembering the martyrdom of Captain Abdul Hamid looked him from the prism of religion. Without naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi, PM said, There is a shehzada in Delhi and one in Patna, both of whom think of the country as their fiefdom. Addressing a rally at Palamu in Jharkhand, Modi said the Pakistan government is praying Congress prince to become PM, but strong India wants strong government only. He said, Leaders of JMM and Congress have collected huge assets through corruption, but I dont even have even a bicycle or house of my own.

To boost Chatra turnout, 50 nodal officers appointed

PMLA court reserves verdict on Hemants bail plea in land scam case

Lesser known candidate beats Arjun Munda in terms of wealth

Varsity submits self-study report for NAAC grade

Three Aman Sahu gang members held in Rgarh

Ind candidate arrested before filing papers in city

Arrested ex-Union min in Chatra fray for 7th time

CMs home district elects 3 MPs but doesnt have a constituency

Chancellor Portal mandatory to admit students, RU tells colleges

Now, protest-stung JSR schools stringent on students promotion

Ramgarh aims to achieve over 85% turnout

11 IEDs found in Chatra

Mandal dam, airport missing from PMs speech

Modi son of poor mother, Cong shehzada born with silver spoon

Maoists paste posters with poll boycott call

Partisanship makes ECI an election omission

Empires and emperors come and go, but some institutions remain immortal. The Roman empire vanished in 476 CE, but Pax Romana became the basis of modern justice. King John died in 1216 CE, but the Magna Carta laid the foundation of democracy. The individuals in charge are mere mortals. As long as they have the keys, they can make or mar the image of credible institutions through inept and inappropriate methods. The Election Commission of Indias (ECI) conduct over the past few weeks exemplifies such a degradation. It is being charged with delaying decisions, minimising transparency of data and ignoring genuine complaints by various candidates, especially from the opposition. Last week, it had mud on its face for taking almost 11 days to post the final polling numbers of voters in the first phase. The data didnt follow the precedential pattern and just gave the percentage of votes cast instead of constituency-wise details. Suspiciously, the final numbers vastly differ from the figures released by the ECI after the day of polling. The past has seen such delays, but this time the formatting and method was dodgy. In this digital age, when data can travel a million times faster than political volte-faces, the ECIs slow pace was abhorrent to even the most conservative pollsters and intellectuals. After all, it will decide the ruling party after June 2024. Despite unlimited money, resources and technology at its disposal, the ECI, in its wisdom, extended the election to seven phases in spite of the expected heat wave. Once upon a time, the ECI earned worldwide admiration for conducting elections in which over 100 crore voters in 543 constituencies decided their representatives. Except during the 1970s, Indian elections have by and large been fair and peaceful. The ECI faced political ire but its verdict was finally accepted by all the candidates. But no more. The ECI is their principal target, more than their political adversaries. Its not performance, but the perception that the ECI is controlled and directed by the BJP that has become its nemesis. The commission is basking in the glory of a record seizure of unaccounted money and drugsalmost Rs 100 crore a day since January. Yet its administrative initiatives, including fixing the election schedule and taking punitive and preemptive actions against contestants who habitually flout the Model Code of Conduct, are dubious at best. All three election commissioners have impeccable track records. The current CEC, Rajiv Kumar, an 1984 batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, was previously the Union finance secretary. He is credited with turning around the banking sector and introducing impactful financial reforms. The other two, IAS officers Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, are closely associated with the Modi governments infrastructure push and Home Minister Amit Shah. Kumar was one of the key members of the home ministry team that worked on the secret exercise for the abolition of Article 370. However, the manner and suddenness of their appointments have led to myriad controversies. The Election Commission has become a sumptuous post-retirement habitat for random civil servants whose main credentials are loyalty to the establishment; their meritorious achievements are today the exception, not the rule. The ECI started life on a moral high ground when the reputed ICS officer Sukumar Sen was appointed to conduct the first Lok Sabha election and then the second one. Since then, 24 more chief election commissioners have occupied the exalted seat. Four from the ICS, 15 from the IAS, two from the IRS, one woman politician and two eminent constitutional legal eminences, Nagendra Singh and S L Shakdhar. The ECIs reputation was tarnished after politics superseded merit. For example, after V P Singhs government fell on November 7, 1990, V S Ramadevi, an advocate from Andhra Pradesh, was appointed the first female CEC on November 26, 1990. For inexplicable reasons, in two weeks she was replaced by the feisty T N Seshan. The shenanigans that followed after his stringent actions against electoral violations politicised the institution. Seshan imposed all legally available restrictions on candidates. High-voltage campaigns ground to a halt. For the first time, the government approached the Supreme Court seeking curbs on the CECs powers. The then-Prime Minister Narasimha Rao converted the ECI into a three-member commission and gave each one equal power. Leading a minority government, he couldnt alter the provision for the CECs dismissal, which says removal is only possible through a parliamentary resolution. Interestingly, while only the House can impeach the CEC, the authority to remove an election commissioner rests with the CECthe president may or may not accept the recommendation. This makes the other members vulnerable. They would fall in line. Converting the ECI into a multi-member body caused internal conflicts between the members. For example, in January 2009, CEC N Gopalaswami wrote to the president recommending the removal of his colleague Naveen Chawla. He accused Chawla of partisanship by overtly supporting the Congress. Gopalaswami was the home secretary during the previous NDA government and considered close to the Sangh parivar. The Manmohan Singh administration rejected the recommendation and Chawla became the CEC afterwards. Since then, successive governments have acquired the regressive reputation of packing the institution with individuals ideologically or personally aligned with the ruling party. Over the past 12 years, various governments have chosen retired or service-inactive babus. The current controversy stems from the fact that the two new members were about to retire or already hung their boots. They were chosen just a day before the elections were announced. The truth is, no political party wishes to abdicate control over the CECs selection. Even after the Supreme Court ruled that the government must establish a credible panel for selecting election commissioners, the NDA government defiantly dropped the Chief Justice of India from the panel and retained its majority clout. Such discretionary power enables the sarkar to handpick people who pass the twin test of pliability and compatibility. It is tragic that even prominent and eminent constitutional writers couldnt anticipate the misuse of the ECI by any ruling party. The Constitution has no provision for an independent selection mechanism for them, unlike in many other world democracies. For example, even the omnipotent president of the US cant appoint the mandated half a dozen federal election commissioners without the Senates advice and consent. Since it is impossible to change the Indian system, its the ECIs duty to protect its own credibility and acceptability. India has seen a vast increase in voter turnout. From 58.21 percent in 2009, it has risen to 67.40 percent under Modi. Going by the public perception that the prime minister is set for a record hat-trick, any doubtful and unjustifiable exercise by the ECI would not only raise doubts over the projected triumph but would also sound the death knell for yet another distinguished institution of Indian democracy. An election won with numbers must also be won with hearts. Caesars wife should be above suspicion. Or else, the next meme on the Election Commission could read Election Omission. prabhu chawla prabhuchawla@newindianexpress.com Follow him on X @PrabhuChawla

NDTV Election Carnival: Will BJP Win Karnataka Or Will Congress Make A Comeback?

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting in two phases of the Lok Sabha elections is done. Parties are campaigning in full swing for the third phase on May 7. NDTV's Election Carnival reached Karnataka's Gulbarga on Friday after passing through several states. The 'carnival' has so far traveled 5,800 kilometers from Delhi to Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra to gauge the mood of the people and understand the atmosphere on the ground. In Karnataka, the election voltage is high over the 'sex scandal' involving former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's grandson and MP from Hassan Prajjwal Revanna.

Congress opposes respect for tribal history and the progress of tribal society: Narendra Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Singhbhum, Jharkhand. The Prime Minister said that the BJP was committed to the welfare of the tribal society. He also accused the Congress of neglecting tribal history. M Modi remarked, Congress wanted to monopolize the credit for independence to one...

Modi Attacks Opposition, Recalls Godhra in Bihar Rally

NEW DELHI: In one of his fiercest election speeches in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday raked up the 2002 Godhra train arson, an issue that he rarely mentions even at such events, to attack the Congress-led UPA and the then railways minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav for practicing appeasement politics at a rally in Bihars Darbhanga. Earlier in the day, the PM addressed two rallies in Jharkhands Palamu and Lohardaga and later in the evening, he held a roadshow in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur, where he continued his attack on the Opposition over corruption, votebank politics and attempts to change the Constitution for providing reservations to Muslims. Addressing his third rally of the day in Bihars Darbhanga, Modi raked up the 2002 Godhra train arson issue and accused Lalu Prasad of trying to save those responsible for burning alive more than 60 kar sevaks. It is because of this appeasement politics that the father of Bihar's shehzada (allusion to Tejashwi Yadav) had tried to save those who were responsible for the Godhra train burning incident, said Modi, adding that after all, it was the rule of Sonia madam. He (Lalu Prasad Yadav), who has himself been convicted (in fodder scam cases), was railway minister. He set up an inquiry committee and got a report, which exonerated those guilty of the horrendous crime. But the court threw the report away, said Modi. Kicking off his gruelling campaign schedule for the day from Palamu, Jharkhand, the PM took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without naming him and said Pakistan wanted him as the Prime Minister, but India wants a strong country with a strong government. Maa Bharati's disrespect won't be tolerated anymore. New India's surgical and air strikes shook Pakistan, which was known for supporting terror attacks on India during the Congress regime The new India knows how to enter enemy territory and strike... Shaken by the surgical and air strikes, leaders in Pakistan are now praying that the Congress' shehzada' becomes PM of India... But our strong nation wants a strong government and leader, Modi said at the rally to campaign for the BJP candidate from Palamu, V.D. Ram. The Prime Minister said that earlier, after any terror attack on the country, the Congress-led governments were helpless. But that has changed under the strong BJP-led government at the Centre. Now, Pakistan is seeking help from the world to save the nation. He told the audience that their one vote had contributed to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya after generations struggled for 500 years, as well as the scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress and the INDI alliance want to usurp your land. They want to snatch SC, ST and OBCs' quotas to provide reservations to Muslims by altering the Constitution. Till I am alive, I will not now allow any such design of the Congress to succeed, he asserted. In his address, the Prime Minister claimed that over 25-crore people came out of poverty in the last 10 years of the NDA government. He said: The Congress never bothered for the welfare of people. The party's shehzada was born with a silver spoon and poses for the camera when he visits the house of the poor. But it is my commitment to transform IndiaThere has been no blot of corruption on me in the past 25 years as Chief Minister and Prime Minister. I don't own a home or even a bicycle... The corrupt JMM and the Congress leaders have amassed huge wealth for their children. In Sisai, Lohardaga, Modi said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces and all those who indulged in corruption will face action under law in the next five years. Hitting out at jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren without taking his name, Modi said: The former Jharkhand CM is behind bars for corruption... Modi is committed to wipe out the menace of corruption. In the next five years, all those who indulged in corruption will face legal action, he said. The INDI alliance leaders, neck-deep in corruption, hold rallies, including in Delhi and Ranchi, voicing support for corrupt people, which reveals their true character, the PM said. Modi also blamed the Congress for the backwardness of tribal districts, alleging that food grains used to rot in godowns during the UPA regime from 2004 to 2014, while tribal children died due to starvation. Modi said the NDA government ensured that the poor got access to the internet unlike the Congress, which was against it. Today's youths are the heroes of social media. The Congress had made the internet a thing for the rich, but Modi ensured it became available for the poor. We made mobile data affordable for all, he said. The PM also slammed the Congress for not taking any action against Maoists to preserve the party's votebank. He said: But, as long as Modi is alive, no one will be allowed to put tribal lives at risk. Modi also accused the Opposition parties of trying to rob SC, ST, OBC and tribals of reservations because of the disillusionment these deprived sections feel towards the INDIA bloc. The INDI alliance is trying to divert reservations to Muslims. They are going against the views of Babasaheb Ambedkar and first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, neither of whom was in favour of reservations on religious lines, Modi claimed. He also slammed Tejashwi Yadav for bringing up the Hindu Muslim narrative at rallies while talking about the Agnipath scheme and said, When we talk about the martyrdom of Captain Hameed, do we think of him as a Muslim? Without referring to Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav by their names, he said, There is a shehzada in Delhi and one in Patna, both of whom think of the country as their jaagir (fiefdom). He added: Their mindset was exposed when they raised questions about the surgical strikes and spoke ill of the armed forces. A large crowd cheered for the Prime Minister at the Kanpur roadshow in Uttar Pradesh. Mr Modi visited the Gumati Gurdwara before starting his roadshow in support of the BJP's candidates for the Kanpur and Akbarpur Lok Sabha seats.

Loco Pilot Run Over By Rajdhani Express In Jharkhand: Cops

A loco pilot was run over by the New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express when he was crossing the railway tracks in Jharkhand's Koderma district on Saturday morning, police said.

JMM Demands BJP's Recognition Suspension Over Prime Minister's 'Unacceptable' Language

JMM Demands BJP's Recognition Suspension Over Prime Minister's 'Unacceptable' Language The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Saturday demanded that the Election Commission of India (ECI) suspend the BJP's recognition of a national party for the alleged use of unparliamentary language by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during election rallies. In a letter to the ECI, the party alleged that Modi, a start campaigner of the BJP, has been using religion in his speeches, which is not only inappropriate but also against the provisions that recognised the BJP as a national party. The Bharatiya Janata Party signed an affidavit for its registration as a political party and was recognized by the commission as the national political party of the country. The use of religion by BJP's star campaigner Narendra Modi in his speeches, is not only inappropriate, but also against the provisions mentioned in the affidavit, the letter read. It should be ensured that the star campaigners of BJP at any level should not make unrestrained statements against religion and sect, the letter said. The party also demanded that the ECI seek a clarification from the BJP within 24 hours. A BJP spokesperson, when contacted, said that he would not comment at the moment.

What Tips PM Modi Gave To Jharkhand BJP Workers For The Polling Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a campaign trail to three states, namely, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, took time out to engage in an interesting conversation with party workers in Jharkhand and offered them 'jadibooti' (tips) for

Punjab CM Mann alleges BJP imprisoned Kejriwal to hinder his LS poll campaign

Punjab CM Mann alleges BJP imprisoned Kejriwal to hinder his LS poll campaign Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said the ruling BJP was afraid of his Aam Aadmi Party colleague and Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently in jail in connection with a excise policy linked case. The BJP has jailed him in a completely false case to stop him from campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls, said Mann, who held a road show for his party's Bharuch candidate Chaitar Vasava. ''They put him in jail just before the elections because they wanted to stop Arvind Kejriwal from campaigning. BJP and Narendra Modi are scared of AAP and Arvind Kejriwal. But they don't know that Arvind Kejriwal is not just a person, he is an idea,'' Mann claimed. ''They can never stop a thought. They can only keep the person in jail. Vasava was similarly jailed by the BJP because he fights for the people and their rights. But he is out now and fighting for what is right,'' he said. Vasava was jailed in a rioting case in November last year and later released on bail by the High Court. The BJP is so scared that it got Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren arrested, froze the bank accounts of opposition parties and is using the governors of non-BJP ruled states to do their dirty work, Mann alleged. ''The Punjab governor creates obstacles in the works of the state government. The governor of Tamil Nadu does the same. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee is also facing difficulties. Because the BJP is a dictatorial party, they want to finish the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar. They want to finish off our democracy,'' Mann asserted. ''In Surat, the Congress candidate withdrew his nomination. They (BJP) bought off independent candidates and won unopposed. Constitutionally there should have been an election because even in the absence of other candidates there is NOTA (none of the above) option to a voter,'' he opined. The first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls has given a shock to the BJP, which is no longer using the slogan 'abki baar 400 paar', the Punjab CM claimed. The INDIA bloc, of which the AAP and Congress are constituents, is winning both the phases easily, he added.

Indian Leaders Exchange Barbs over Political Aspirations

Indian Leaders Exchange Barbs over Political Aspirations Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted his governments surgical and air strikes had shaken Pakistan, and the neighbouring countrys leaders are now praying that the Congress shehzada becomes Indias PM. Modi, addressing a poll rally in Palamu, took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without taking his name, and said Pakistan might want him as prime minister, but India wants a strong country with a strong PM. Objecting to the language used by Modi, the Congress said that Rahul Gandhi is actually shahidzada (martyrs son)'' and not shehzada (crown prince). While campaigning for the BJP candidate of Palamu, Modi said, ''Maa Bharati's disrespect won't be tolerated anymore. New India's surgical and air strikes shook Pakistan, which was known for supporting terror attacks on India during the Congress regime.'' Earlier, Congress-led governments were ''helpless'' after any terror attack on the country, he claimed. But this new India knows how to enter enemy territory and strike... Shaken by the surgical and air strikes, leaders in Pakistan are now praying that the Congress shehzada becomes PM of India... But, our strong nation wants a strong government and leader,'' Modi said. The situation is such now that Pakistan is seeking help from the world to save the nation, the PM said. He urged the electorate to recognise the importance of one vote, which contributed to building the Ram Temple after generations struggled for 500 years, as well as the scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir...The entire world saluated the power of democracy in India.'' Modi also said he will not allow any ''design'' of the Congress to succeed in changing the constitution for providing reservations to Muslims. Congress and the India bloc want to usurp your land. They want to snatch quotas for SC, ST and OBCs and provide reservations to Muslims by altering the Constitution. Till I am alive, I will not now allow any such design of the Congress to succeed, he asserted. Modi said 25 crore people came out of poverty in the last 10 years of the NDA government. The prime minister claimed that the Congress' shehzada was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, while he (Modi) lived and lived a poor man's life. The Congress never bothered for the welfare of people. I crafted schemes for the poor during the past 10 years based on my own experiences. Those who have not seen their mothers cough due to smoke when cooking, quench hunger with water and sleeping on empty stomach will not understand Modi's tears,'' the PM said. There has been no blot of corruption on me in the past about 25 years as chief minister and prime minister. I don't own a home or even a bicycle... but corrupt JMM and Congress leaders amassed huge wealth for their children, he said. Hailing tribal icon Birsa Munda, Modi said it is his promise to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh and added that it was his fortune that he became the country's first PM to visit Munda's birth place Ulihatu. He said: ''In my third term as PM, I will convert all Katccha houses into Pakka ones; It is Modi's guarantee'' and added that Congress has cast an evil eye on your property. Modi alleged that the Congress would snatch people's assets like gold, silver, land, house and even mangalsutra and give them to its vote bank. ''They want to snatch and loot SC/ST/OBC reservations and provide it to Muslims by altering the constitution,'' he said. Later, addressing a rally at Jharkhand's Gumla he said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces, and all those who indulged in corruption would face action under law in the next five years. Hitting out at jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren without taking his name, Modi said leaders of the Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc take out rallies in support of the corrupt. ''In the next five years, all those who indulged in corruption will face legal action,'' he said at a poll rally in Gumla's Sisai. Modi also blamed Congress for the backwardness of tribal districts, alleging that food grains used to rot in godowns during the UPA regime from 2004 to 2014, while tribal children died due to starvation. No force on the earth can stop free ration delivery to the poor, this is Modi's guarantee, the prime minister asserted. Modi said the NDA government ensured that the poor get access to the internet, which was meant only for rich people during the Congress rule. The PM also slammed the Congress for not taking any action against Maoists to preserve the party's vote bank. ''Banned organisations like PFI in Santhal Parganas are spreading their tentacles and running rackets while indulging in atrocities against tribal women, looting their land,'' he said. Congress's contribution to the country in the past six decades is dynastic politics, corruption and appeasement, he alleged. Resonding to Modi's comments, Jharkhand Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir said, The PM refers Rahul Gandhi as shehzada whereas the people know that he is a shahidzada.'' The ruling JMM in Jharkhand also wrote a letter to the ECI objecting to use of unparliamentary language by Modi and demanded action.

Relief from Scorching Heat Expected as Rainfall Forecasted for UP and Bihar

Lucknow: Th e Meteorological Department has announced that relief from the scorching heat is on its way with the prediction of rainfall in many states, including UP and Bihar. The forecast indicates that the heat wave conditions in Eastern India will persist until May 5. However, there is good news for North-East India, with heavy to very heavy rain expected on May 5 and 6, along with a possibility of storms. Eastern UP may also experience rainfall between May 6 and 9. In the last 24 hours, heatwave conditions were observed in Gangetic West Bengal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The highest temperature recorded was 46.2 degrees Celsius in the Nandyal area of Rayalaseema. Conversely, heavy rain was reported in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura. The Meteorological Department has forecasted light to moderate rain in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura over the next five days. Additionally, warnings for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning have been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh between May 3 and 5. In North-West India, light rain is expected in Western Rajasthan on May 3 and in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab on May 4. Strong winds are also likely in Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi on May 3 and 4. Furthermore, light to moderate rain is predicted in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand between May 6 and 9, with an alert for thunderstorms and lightning. In Delhi, the minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 18.3 degrees Celsius, six degrees below normal. The relative humidity in the national capital was 34 percent at 8:30 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted strong winds during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to be around 38 degrees Celsius. Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP Candidate from Porbandar, Equates Party Workers to God

In 25 years Modi par ek paise ke ghotale ka aarop nhi laga: PM Modi in Jharkhand

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Shaken by surgical strikes, Pak leaders praying Cong 'shehzada' becomes India's PM

Palamu (Jharkhand): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted his government's surgical and air strikes had shaken Pakistan, and the neighbouring country's leaders are now praying that the Congress shehzada becomes India's PM. Modi, addressing a poll rally in Palamu, took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without taking his name, and said Pakistan might want him as prime minister, but India wants a strong country with a strong PM Maa Bharati's disrespect won't be tolerated anymore. New India's surgical and air strikes shook Pakistan, which was known for supporting terror attacks on India during the Congress regime. The new India knows how to enter enemy territory and strike... Shaken by the surgical and air strikes, leaders in Pakistan are now praying that the Congress shehzada' becomes PM of India... But, our strong nation wants a strong government and leader, Modi said at the rally to campaign for BJP candidate from Palamu, V D Ram. Earlier, Congress-led governments were helpless after any terror attack on the country, but the situation is such now that Pakistan is seeking help from the world to save the nation, the PM said. He urged the electorate to recognise the importance of one vote, which contributed to building the Ram Temple after generations struggled for 500 years, as well as the scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Modi also said he will not allow any design of the Congress to succeed in changing the constitution for providing reservations to Muslims. Congress and the India bloc want to usurp your land. They want to snatch quotas for SC, ST and OBCs and provide reservations to Muslims by altering the constitution. Till I am alive, I will not now allow any such design of the Congress to succeed, he asserted. The prime minister said 25 crore people came out of poverty in the last 10 years of the NDA government. Congress never bothered for the welfare of people. The party's shehzada was born with a silver spoon, and poses for the camera when he visits the house of the poor. But, it is my commitment to transform India. There is no blot of corruption on me in the past 25 years as chief minister and prime minister. I don't own a home or even a bicycle... but corrupt JMM and Congress leaders amassed huge wealth for their children, he said. Hailing tribal icon Birsa Munda, Modi said it is his promise to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.

JPSC Food Safety Officer Exam Date 2023 Announced; Check Details Here

Attention job seekers! Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has announced vacancies for the position of Food Safety Officer. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in this opportunity, read on to find out how to apply and important details about the recruitment process.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi in Jharkhand, attacks Congress

All Those Who Indulged In Corruption Will Face Legal Action In Next Five Years: PM Modi

SISAI (JHARKHAND), May 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces, and all those who indulged in corruption would face action under law in the next five years. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel Hitting out at jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren without taking his name, Modi said leaders of the Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc take out rallies in support of the corrupt. The former Jharkhand CM is [] The post All Those Who Indulged In Corruption Will Face Legal Action In Next Five Years: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi Vows to Pursue Legal Action Against the Corrupt Within the Next Five Years

PM Modi Vows to Pursue Legal Action Against the Corrupt Within the Next Five Years Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces, and all those who indulged in corruption would face action under law in the next five years. Hitting out at jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren without taking his name, Modi said leaders of the Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc take out rallies in support of the corrupt. ''The former Jharkhand CM is behind bars for corruption; Modi is committed to wipe out the menace. In the next five years, all those who indulged in corruption will face legal action,'' he said at a poll rally in Gumla's Sisai to campaign for BJP candidate Samir Oraon from the Lohardaga Lok Sabha seat. The INDIA bloc leaders, neck-deep in corruption, hold rallies, including in Delhi and Ranchi, voicing support for corrupt people, which reveals their true character, the PM said. Modi also blamed Congress for the backwardness of tribal districts, alleging that food grains used to rot in godowns during the UPA regime from 2004 to 2014, while tribal children died due to starvation. No force on earth can stop free ration delivery to the poor, this is Modi's guarantee, the prime minister asserted. Modi said the NDA government ensured that the poor get access to the internet, which was meant only for rich people during the Congress rule. The PM also slammed the Congress for not taking any action against Maoists to preserve the party's vote bank.

'Aaj ka Bharat ghar me ghus kar marta hai...': PM Modi at Jharkhand rally

Video: PM's 'silver spoon' jibe at Rahul Gandhi at Jharkhand poll rally

Video PMs silver spoon jibe at Rahul Gandhi at Jharkhand poll rally

BJP is in depression, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says India bloc will form government on June 4

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bihar visit, claiming BJP leaders are despondent and predicting an INDIA alliance government formation on June 4. Yadav remarked that Modi inviting Trump and Putin would be beneficial. He accused the PM of neglecting Bihar's development and job losses for youth. Campaigning in Bihar and Jharkhand, Modi faces scrutiny over NDA's past performance in the region amid ongoing polls. In 2019, NDA dominated Bihar with RJD failing to secure any seats.

PM Modi exposes corruption ring; pledges legal action against culprits in Jharkhand rally

PM Modi exposes corruption ring; pledges legal action against culprits in Jharkhand rally Modi unmasked corrupt forces, all those who indulged in corruption will face action under law in next five years: PM at Jharkhand rally.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Faces Corruption Charges, Modi Vows Anti-Corruption Drive at Gumla Rally

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Faces Corruption Charges, Modi Vows Anti-Corruption Drive at Gumla Rally Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren behind bars for corruption, Modi committed to wipe out the menace: PM at Gumla rally.

PM Modi Blasts Opposition Leaders in Jharkhand, Accusing Them of Protecting the Corrupt

PM Modi Blasts Opposition Leaders in Jharkhand, Accusing Them of Protecting the Corrupt INDIA bloc leaders take out rallies in support of those indulging in corruption: PM Modi in Jharkhand's Gumla.

PM Modi's 'Congress's love letter to Pak' attack at Jharkhand poll rally

PM Modis Congresss love letter to Pak attack at Jharkhand poll rally

PM Modi highlights the digitization initiatives under his government, bringing internet access to the underprivileged

PM Modi highlights the digitization initiatives under his government, bringing internet access to the underprivileged Modi ensured the poor get access to internet, which was meant only for rich people during Cong rule: PM Modi in Jharkhand.

PM Modi highlights Congress's past neglect of tribal districts during poll rally in Jharkhand

PM Modi highlights Congress's past neglect of tribal districts during poll rally in Jharkhand Congress ruined tribal districts, solely responsible for their backwardness: PM Modi at poll rally in Jharkhand's Gumla.

Pakistani leaders praying for Rahul Gandhi to make him PM, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jharkhand

Lashing out at ruling JMM and its alliance partner Congress, Mr. Modi alleged that leaders of both parties have accumulated immense wealth through corruption

Shaken By Surgical Strikes, Pak Leaders Now Praying Cong Shehzada Becomes Indias PM

Palamu (Jharkhand), May 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted his governments surgical and air strikes had shaken Pakistan, and the neighbouring countrys leaders are now praying that the Congress shehzada becomes Indias PM. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel Modi, addressing a poll rally in Palamu, took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without taking his name, and said the neighbouring country might want him as prime minister, but India wants a strong country with a [] The post Shaken By Surgical Strikes, Pak Leaders Now Praying Cong Shehzada Becomes Indias PM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bogey Of Political Vendetta: Jharkhand High Court Dismisses Hemant Soren's Plea Against ED Arrest In Illegal Land Case

PM Modi Celebrates Tribal Icon Birsa Munda's 150th Anniversary as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh' in Jharkhand's Palamu

PM Modi Celebrates Tribal Icon Birsa Munda's 150th Anniversary as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh' in Jharkhand's Palamu It is Modi's promise to celebrate tribal icon Birsa Munda's 150th anniversary as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh': PM in Jharkhand's Palamu.

PM Modi Declares Unwavering Opposition to Congress's Plans for Muslim Reservation

PM Modi Declares Unwavering Opposition to Congress's Plans for Muslim Reservation Till I am alive, will not now allow any design of Cong to succeed in changing constitution for reservation to Muslims: PM Modi in Jharkhand.

Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report

Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report Multiple meteorological organizations are anticipating abundant rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. According to Geojit insights, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects above-normal rainfall, with the total from June to September anticipated to be 106 per cent of the long-period average. Private forecaster Skymet Weather Services and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Climate Centre have echoed similar forecasts. Last year, the southwest monsoon ended with a 6 per cent deficit of the long-period average, mainly due to El Nino, resulting in wide spatial and temporal variations in rainfall distribution. However, regions that generally receive good rainfall experienced shortages, while dry regions like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch received bountiful rainfall. Out of the total 36 meteorological subdivisions, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall. The forecast of normal monsoon rains this year comes as a relief at a time when agricultural output is declining, and food inflation remains high, exacerbated by dwindling water levels in reservoirs. Slow growth in agriculture is mainly attributed to declining farm output, with food grain production expected to decline by six percent in 2023-24. The deficient monsoons last year and warmer, drier weather due to El Nino have left considerable impact on water levels in reservoirs across the country. Currently, reservoir storage stands at 31 per cent of the total live storage capacity, significantly lower than the 10-year average. With the summer approaching its peak, the situation in southern India, where reservoir levels are critically low, has worsened, increasing the threat of drought. Apart from affecting standing crops and agricultural productivity, dwindling water levels could impact other sectors as well. The prediction of normal monsoons this year brings hope for boosting the production of kharif crops such as rice, soybean, sugarcane, and pulses, cooling down food inflationary pressures, and replenishing water resources. However, the arrival, distribution, intensity, and departure of the monsoon remain crucial factors that will impact agricultural production and productivity. Skymet expects good rainfall in southern, western, and northwestern parts of the country, with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh expected to receive adequate rainfall. However, eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal may face the risk of deficit rainfall during peak monsoon months, impacting kharif crops heavily dependent on early rainfall. Additionally, heavy showers during the latter half of the monsoon season may pose a threat to standing crops across the country. (ANI)

PM Modi at Jharkhand Rally: Your Vote Helped Fulfill 500-Year-Old Ram Temple Dream

PM Modi at Jharkhand Rally: Your Vote Helped Fulfill 500-Year-Old Ram Temple Dream Your one vote contributed in building Ram Temple after struggle for 500 years: PM Modi at poll rally in Jharkhand's Palamu.

25 Crore Indians Uplifted Out of Poverty Under NDA Rule, Claims PM Modi in Jharkhand Rally

25 Crore Indians Uplifted Out of Poverty Under NDA Rule, Claims PM Modi in Jharkhand Rally 25 crore people came out of poverty in last 10 years of NDA govt: PM Modi at poll rally in Jharkhand's Palamu.

PM Modi asserts spotless record as CM and PM during Palamu poll rally

PM Modi asserts spotless record as CM and PM during Palamu poll rally There is no blot of corruption on me in past 25 years as chief minister and prime minister: PM Modi at poll rally in Jharkhand's Palamu.

One Vote, Multiple Victories: PM Modi Highlights Successes from Scrapping of Article 370, Countering Terrorism

One Vote, Multiple Victories: PM Modi Highlights Successes from Scrapping of Article 370, Countering Terrorism Recognise value of your one vote, it resulted in scrapping of Article 370 in J&K, wiped out terrorism: PM Modi at Jharkhand poll rally.

Congress accuses Modi govt of step-motherly treatment to Jharkhand on coal royalties, scheme benefits

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday claimed that the Centre owed Jharkhand lakhs of crores of rupees in coal royalties and central scheme benefits, and alleged that the Modi government dished out a step-motherly treatment to the state. Congress general secretary posed questions to the prime minister ahead of his rally in Palamu, Jharkhand. Why is the PM not releasing 1.36 lakh crores due to Jharkhand? Why is the PM denying 8 lakh people of Jharkhand the homes they were promised? What happened to the Mandal Dam? Ramesh said in a post on X. In Jharkhand, coal mines are operated by subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, which owes huge sums of money to the state government, he said. There is an outstanding of Rs 1,01,142 crore for non-payment of land compensation, Rs 32,000 crore under common cause dues head, and Rs 2,500 crore under washed coal royalty head. Sadly, given the BJP's track record in opposition-ruled states, the step-motherly treatment being dished out to Jharkhand is hardly a surprise, Ramesh said. What happened to the PM's favourite slogan - Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas? Where are the Rs 1,36,042 crores that Jharkhand and its people were promised? he said. Today mornings questions for the Prime Minister as he heads to Palamu, Jharkhand: 1. Why is the PM not releasing 1.36 lakh crores due to Jharkhand? 2. Why is the PM denying 8 lakh people of Jharkhand the homes they were promised? 3. What happened to the Mandal Dam? Jumla Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 4, 2024 Ramesh also said the Centre is yet to provide benefits to 8 lakh eligible beneficiaries in Jharkhand under the Centre's flagship housing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). In 2021-2022, despite the scheme's portal listing more than 10 lakh beneficiaries, only 4 lakh homes were sanctioned. Most recently, about two lakh beneficiaries were arbitrarily removed from the list by the Ministry of Rural Development. Where are the 8 lakh homes that Jharkhand and its people are entitled to? he said. The Mandal Dam project in Palamu is yet another poll promise that PM Modi conveniently forgot about after elections, Ramesh said. Just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the PM had laid the foundation stone of Mandal Dam project with great fanfare, he said. Five years later, the project remains stalled. Conceptualised to address agrarian distress in Jharkhand and Bihar, the project has languished even while the state has suffered back-to-back droughts in recent years, Ramesh said. He claimed that the dam's progress has been hindered as the BJP has refused to meet the demands of displaced families and failed to resolve compensation issues. PM will never tell you this...: Jairam Ramesh Despite promises of additional compensation, the project remains inactive, raising questions about the BJP government's commitment to completing crucial irrigation projects. Is the PM doing anything to ensure that this crucial project will be built? What is his vision to help rid Jharkhand of droughts? he said and asked the prime minister to break his silence on these issues.

Truth be retold: On archaeology, Indian history and more

The Earth is the library of mankind. For centuries, an obsessive, inquisitive and courageous tribe has been trying to excavate the extensive hoard of knowledge hidden beneath its layers of soil and sand, oceans, forests, rivers and ruinsa tribe called archaeologists. Their purpose is to exhume the debris of millennia, to understand the evolution of man, the rise and fall of civilisations and empires and, in the process, find a common thread between the past and present, and explain why we are as we are now. Their discoveries keep changing previous beliefs about religion, architecture, governance, ecology, tools, science, wars, gender and politics. Finding a piece of stone, a jawbone or molar that existed thousands of millennia ago can be a marker of mankinds peregrinations, answering the fundamental questions of creation. Who are we really? Where are we from? How did we come to become what we are? What next? They are, at the core, disruptors whose new findings are causing seismic shocks in established circles. The Great Migration didnt start from Africa, it was the reverse: proto-hominins, who lived in parts of Greece and Europe, moved to Africa first. Ancient Egyptian tombs may have been used to store radioactive nuclear waste. Arabia was a verdant expanse that supported all kinds of life 4,00,000 years ago. The poor Indian politician, who didnt see his ancestors change from apes to humans, was probably right; he couldnt have, even if he had lived 3,00,000 years ago in Africa. Humans did not evolve in a linear way. The famous monkey-to-man illustration published by Time-Life in 1965, known as the March of Progress, did much to embed this perception for generations. Archaeologists have contradicted this theory by analysing bone fragments found recently in digging sites. These conjure up a Frankensteins monster: different body parts evolving in different timelines and dimensional scales. the fossils of an ape, found to have lived in Greece between Eight-nine million years ago, possibly belonged to a male from a new species that foretold the arrival of man. Its DNA analysis suggests that humans evolved first in Europe, before moving to Africa, and then divided into two migratory streams Remains of Australopithecus sedibait walked like a humanwhich lived around 98 million years ago in South Africa, had a human hand attached to an ape-like arm and an advanced ankle bone connected to a primitive heel. Pre-human hominids (hominids are modern humans, extinct human species and all our immediate ancestors), however, were not as primitive as we think: researchers reconstructed a 4,76,000-year-old log building in Zambia, built more than 2,00,000 years before the Homo sapiens appeared on earth. FOLLOW THE TRAIL A new mind-boggling discovery in Greece is challenging the African migration theory. A team led by Canadian archaeologist David Begun recently concluded that the fossils of an ape, which lived in Greece eight-nine million years ago, possibly belonged to a male from a new species. Its DNA analysis suggested that human ancestors may have evolved first in Europe before moving to Africa, and then divided into two migratory streams. The result shatters the classical Darwinian theory; in 1871, he had suggested that all hominins are descended from a gene pool in Africa; or even Europe. To trace the Homo sapiens journey, scientists study two categories: Hominins and Hominids (modern humans, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans, plus all their immediate ancestors). This is a debate that has been ongoing for a long time. There are potentially a lot of places where the modern human could have developed from. There are believed to be at least 21 hominid species before Homo sapiens walked the earth. Whether they originated all out of Africa or in other corners of the world is a larger debate, says Shriya Gautam, Founder and Director of Research at Speaking Archaeologically, an archaeological education group. PREHISTORIC WARS ETCHED IN BONE Home sapiens is probably the only species that settles debates often with violence. Mans most primitive instinct to wage war was evident even then; archaeologists have plenty of evidence of brutality between humans and Neanderthals, who hunted big animals with clubs and spears. The longest war on earth lasted for 10,000 years between Neanderthals, who were physically powerful with larger brains and stronger arms, and the less stronger humans. Fossils of both species show signs of battle: traumas to the skull caused by clubs, parry fracture of the lower arm caused by warding off blows and spears plunged into chests. The warfare was prolonged, and through skirmishes, guerrilla-style raids and ambushes. Ashes to ashes The vulcanised city of Pompeii is proof that social inequality was ever present. Archaeologists identified ruins of a prison bakery where prisoners were locked up with donkeys, and forced to grind grain for bread. This suggested an organised justice system in a society that supported prison labour Our species kept losing for thousands of years because the enemy, which had superior strength and numbers, knew the terrain intimately. We dont know how or why they were beaten in the end. Humans had built weapons with longer range like bows, spear-throwers and throwing clubs, which allowed them to massacre Neanderthals from far away. Their new hunting and gathering techniques with such weapons encouraged population growth, which created larger tribes whose bigger numbers overpowered Neanderthals. Mysteries are the lifeblood of archaeology. Scientists are still trying to figure who the Giants of Lovelockthe massive 10-ft-tall skeletons discovered in and around Nevada caves in the last centurywere. By analysing their bone fragments using radiocarbon dating, it was found they lived between 2030 BC and 1218 BC. Native American legends speak about gigantic humans who inhabited the Lovelock area thousands of years ago: savage, redheaded, pale-skinned seafaring giants who attacked the local tribes. After years of war, they were cornered in a cave and massacred, according to indigenous lore. The human instinct to inflict pain, and kill predates Cain. The madness hasnt changed, only the methods have. Recently, archaeologists working in France found Stone Age remains of two women who were tortured and sacrificed in an Italian Mafia-style killing: the ligature binding their ankles to their necks would have resulted in self-strangulationa practice known as incaprettamento; the kind of revenge the Italian Mafia reserves for traitors. The first woman would have died gasping for breath with the weight of the second woman pushing down on her neck, and preventing her from breathing, leading to cardiac arrest. The study says homicidal ligature strangulation was an important part of ceremonies at ritual sites in the late Stone Age. There is speculation that these women were sacrificial victims. The second woman had two pieces of grindstone placed horizontally on her back. Grindstones are associated with agriculture. Researchers found more such instances of similar ritualistic murders of men and children too. Human sacrifices were common in the ancient world; prehistoric skeletons of men, women and children bearing signs of ritual killing have been dug up all across the earth. There was honour in burial too: women warriors in Mongolia and Scandinavia were interred in formal burial mounds with their horses and armour. Archaeology repeatedly proves that inequality and injustice has survived along with civilisation for millennia. In Pompeii, a city destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, earth detectives identified the ruins of a prison bakery where prisoners were locked up with donkeys and forced to grind grain to bake bread, which suggested an organised justice system that supported prison labour. Foreign slaves were imprisoned for even small crimes. Excavators recently discovered a completely preserved fifth-century Mayan city built exclusively for the elite, demonstrating a strict distinction between the ruling classes and commoners. As wealth became hierarchical, powerful lords and rulers, Mayans and Egyptian kings and nobles were interred with their wives, servants and favourite animals like dogs and horses to accompany their masters into the afterlife. INDIAS AGE There is strong racial bias in archaeology. Conscious or not, most funding goes to digs examining Caucasian DNA of people of European descent. A new study showed that modern Japanese people descend from three ancestral groups, with the second being an unknown species. India too gets little funding for genomic research, despite its population of more than 1.4 billion, with more than 4,500 anthropologically well-defined populations, including castes, tribes and religious groups. The story of India starts 2.6 million years ago. The history of India starts 2,700 years ago. For over 99 per cent of the human past in the Indian subcontinent all you have is archaeology, says archaeologist and historian Kurush F Dalal. For over a century, British colonialists pushed the fraudulent Aryan migration theory as a superior racial trope. Now, fresh evidence released in early March suggests that Indians, like other races, travelled out from Africa around 50,000 years ago and possess Iranian ancestry. The examination of DNA of people in 18 Indian states concluded that most of us are descended from ancient Iranian farmers, Eurasian steppe herders and South Asian hunter-gatherers; not Aryan invaders, who thundered across the Indus to decimate and conquer. Gautam is circumspect. More research into it will be able to prove things in better light. Using present-day DNA to determine what has happened in the past can be useful but we cant rely on it 100 per cent, she says. Dalal has another take. Aryan is a linguistic term. There was never an Aryan invasion. There is zero evidence for this on the ground, she says. Last December, archaeologists established that human remains discovered in Rakhigarhi village, Haryana, are 8,000 years old. This debunks the Aryan invasion theory, which is supposed to have happened between 1,800 and 1,500 years ago. American archaeologist and Egyptologist Sarah Parcak is collaborating with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to use remote sensing to map archaeological sites; a new science called satellite archaeology and satellite remote sensing. Parcak says that over 90 per cent of Indian heritage is buried in the earth. The Indian Culture Ministry will spend Rs 27,000 crore on reconstruction of historic sites; funding for archaeology has gone up by seven times. In January, archaeologists discovered remains of an 800-year-old human settlement in Prime Minister Narendra Modis native village Vadnagar in Gujarat: The oldest living city within a fortification ever to be unearthed in India. In July 2023, in Benisagar, Jharkhand, archaeologists found a village with a strong Hindu ethos; continuously inhabited by humans from the 5th century AD to 16-17th century AD. Benisagar was a thriving Hindu centre as its sculptural remains of temple complexes, images of Surya, Bhairava, Lakulisha, Agni and Kuber attest. A stone seal inscribed with Priyangu Dheyam Chatuvidya (Chaturvidya), indicated that a Vedic scholar named Priyangu lived in Benisagar. Dispelling current concepts of social morality, the frescoes of copulation in Benisagar also point at liberal sexual mores and sex education extant during that period. pyramid puzzle Egypt has been the focus of all things pyramidal, but thats not the half of it. There could be up to 138 of these structures in Egypt, but Sudan has far more: about 255, making it the country with the most of these mysteries The North-South political divide in India often rears its ugly head in archaeology. Excavations by the Tamil Nadu government has led Chief Minister MK Stalin to suggest that Indian history should be rewritten from the Dravidian point of view after finding 2,600-3,200-year-old objects in Keeladi. More money is needed to explore Indias vast subterranean heritage. The ASIs Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme is meant to safeguard the countrys diverse cultural heritage with corporate stakeholders opening their wallets for the upkeep of more than 3,600 monuments. PEELING THE LAYERS Archaeology is the search to confirm that a common worldwide human imagination has existed on earth for millennia. For example, that pyramids are not confined to Egypt but also exist in Latin America and Cambodia. A study that spanned 20 years found that Amazonites had a strong urban culture, as proved by a vast network of interconnected cities in the heart of the rainforest. Social customs and class distinctions have become less crude, but have remained the same. Viking teeth showed that apart from tattoos, filed teeth and elongated skulls were signs of prestige. Researchers Matthias Toplak and Lukas Kerk think they might be members of a merchant guild. They told Newsweek magazine, This theory also implies that larger, organised communities of merchants existed already in the Viking Age, before the existence of formalised guilds. A 5,000-year-old mummy of an obese Anatolian farmer, nicknamed the Iceman, bore 61 ritualistic tattoos made with either a piece of bone or a copper awl. The worlds oldest-known pearl-fishing city found in the UAE revealed a flourishing ocean trade in precious things. Roman artefacts being discovered in Coimbatore to England to China showed the power and reach of the 1,000-year-old Empire. Many rulers were enlightened; at one time, the Persian Empire was one of the worlds oldest open societies. Unlike Irans Ayatollahs, Persian rulers welcomed outside craftsmen from Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Afghanistan and other distant lands to build their capital city, Persepolis. Archaeological evidence of imperial ambition is widely available; the Cholas took Sri Lanka and Indonesia, while Kashmiri rulers raided Afghanistan and Xinjiang in China. The Nanda Empire of 345 BC had conquered Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan while the Mauryan Empire ruled over Myanmar, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Tajikistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan in 322 BC. The study of power is the study of humanity, as archaeology amply proves. The recent excavation of a Mayan pyramid in Guatemala showed charred royal remains like a greenstone mask, usually placed in royal tombs with the dead king. Using historical coordinates and carbon dating, the team concluded that the citizenry had taken out the bones of the former ruler and burned it in public, signifying the arrival of a new monarch, likely Papmalil, who took over the Mayan kingdom of Kanwitznal then. LOST SCIENCES? Mythology is often derived from foggy historical images. In all ancient mythologies, fearsome weapons, in the form of thunderbolts and spears, can destroy mankind abound. A recent study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, suggests that nuclear waste has been found in Egyptian tombs that emit high radiation levels. The researchers think the ancient Egyptians were conversant with uranium-based technology. Studying ancient Egyptian literature in texts from 2,300-2,100 BC has revealed references to transformative processes and substances that resemble uranium-based materials, suggesting a high-level of technological sophistication in ancient Egypt that has gone unnoticed so far. Many superstitions arise from millennial prototypes, and it may be an error to dismiss ancient cultural symbols like the famous Chinese dragon as mythological nonsense. Excavators found a perfectly preserved fossil of an aquatic reptile resembling a Chinese dragon with snake-like features and elongated neck in the Year of the Dragon. It belonged to a Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, a 240-million-year-old reptile that lived or died in the Triassic period in southern China. Meanwhile, excavators digging inside a lignite mine in Kutch, Gujarat have discovered the bones of one of the most mammoth snakes ever known, dubbed Vasuki, which was 49-ft-long. FURY OF FAITH Where and when does God come into all this? A poignant discovery of religion, if not ritualism, came to light in 2016 when excavators found the 40,000-year-old body of a two-three-year-old child buried in a Spanish cave near Madrid. Named the Loyoza Child, its body was surrounded by hearths where bones, antlers and a rhino skull had been burned in a ceremonial cremation. Though evidence of organised religion doesnt appear till the Middle Paleolithic Age3,00,000 to 50,000 years ago when the Neanderthals were still around, and modern humans were yet to appearproof of religion was found in detailed cave paintings by Paleolithic artists 50,000 years ago. Where there is religion, superstition cannot be far behind. Fear of zombies and vampires rising from their graves are primal fears. Inside a late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age grave excavated in Germany, a large stone was found placed on a mans legs, pinning him down. Similarly, a 400-year-old grave of a child vampire, with a padlocked foot to prevent it from rising and drinking human blood was excavated in Poland last year. The Paleolithic Period, around 2.5 million years ago, has the first evidence of religion among Homo sapiens. In the Upper Paleolithic Period35,000 to 10,000 years agoappeared fertility goddesses (Venus statuettes). The loss of ancient languages mean the first religion must remain nameless, though the excavation of 92,000-year-old human remains found in the Qafzeh Cave, Israel, may be the earliest proof of faith. Archaeologists unearthed bones coloured with red ochre, accompanied by painted sea shells and flint artifacts; red ochre represents blood in religious rituals and reincarnation. The patterns of the earliest burial practices suggest a belief in life after death. Later findings show the existence of an ancestral skull cult 7,000 years ago in Palestine, where skulls with plaster moulds were kept in separate rooms. Science is truly the philosophy of opposites. One part goes into space to discover other civilisations while another searches inside the earth for lost ones. In the end, both are the same. Unravelling the mysteries of life and death, and the oldest enigma that ever existed: Time. A Brief History of Archaeology 6th century BC: The title of the worlds first archaeologist goes to the ancient Mesopotamian king, Nabonidus of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, who discovered and analysed the foundation deposit of the Akkadian Empire ruler Naram-Sin (2200 BC) 14th-15th century: Grave robbers from France, Britain and Denmark dug up ancient art objects to be sold as drawing room art showpieces. They travelled to the colonised Near-East and Egypt, where they looted pyramids and stole immense riches of the kings of ancient Egypt, Babylon and Persia from their tombs. This serendipitously led to the development of classical archaeology Classical Archaeology: In the 1400s, Cyriacus of Ancona collected and copied books and documents about archaeological monuments in Greece and the Mediterranean for 25 years. In the 18th century, people started to become aware of ancient civilisations Antiquarian studies: In the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, art collectors appear in England, France and Scandinavia, which promoted antiquarian studies among scientifically adventurous people. British and European colonialism in Asia, Africa, America and Australia made it possible for collectors to bring home antiquities of great historical value and study. European museums were suddenly stocked with objects, and knowledge about arcane ancient Eastern and Western cults spread The Beginning of Scientific Archaeology: In 1814, a French customs official, Boucher de Perthes, discovered stone tools in the valley of the Somme in France, along with the fossils of prehistoric animals. In 1863, Sir Charles Lyell published the geological antiquity of man. In 1857, the fossil of prehistoric Stone Age man was discovered in a stone cave at Neanderthal in Germany. He was named the Neanderthal man. Archaeology was accepted as a science by the mid-19th century The Birth of Modern Archaeology: Charles Darwins Origin of Species further encouraged the study of mans antiquity and his evolution from an animal species from a remote time. Heinrich Schliemann conducted the first archaeological excavation in Greece to discover the city of Troy. Radiocarbon dating was invented in mid-20th century to reconstruct the unrecorded prehistory of man The India story 18th Century: Systematic research into the sub-continents history was first undertaken by the Asiatic Society founded by the British Indologist Sir William Jones in 1784 Enter ASI: British Army engineer Alexander Cunningham realised the need for a permanent body, and founded the Archaeological Survey of India in 1861. Shortly after, the body was suspended due to lack of funds. It was revived in 1871, and Cunningham was appointed its first Director-General. In fact, almost two decades later, another fund crunch led to the suspension of the Director-General post until 1902 Age of Discovery: Fear of the ASI being shut down prevailed until the discovery of the Nigali Sagar, an archeological site in Nepal containing the remains of Asokas pillar. In 1896, another related discovery was madethe Lumbini pillar inscription The Curzon era: The organisation truly came into its own from 1901 under the Director-Generalship of John Marshall, who encouraged epigraphical studies. Under his leadership, the excavations of Taxila began in 1913 and lasted for 21 years. The Indus Valley Civilisation at Harappa and Mohenjodaro were duly discovered in 1921 Independent India: The National Museum was inaugurated in Delhi on August 15, 1949 to house excavated artefacts. Excavations of Indus Valley sites at Kalibangan, Lothal and Dholavira were made in 1968 Present Day: Today the ASI administers close to 4,000 monuments and sites. The latest discoveries have been at Rakhigarhi, an Indus Valley Civilisation site in Haryana OLD TRADE, NEW TOOLS GPS It helps archaeologists locate and accurately map locations of sites across landscapes Satellite imaging Use of high-resolution satellites with thermal and infrared capabilities to pinpoint potential sites of interest in the earth 3D modelling It helps archaeologists reconstruct site models for research and academic purposes. It comprises techniques such as Structure for Motion and Building Information Modelling, which ensure efficient and accurate representation LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging is the process of detecting distant objects and determining their position, velocity, volume or other characteristics by analysing pulsed laser light reflected from their surfaces

Loksabha Election 2024: PM Narendra Modi to hold rallies in Jharkhand & Bihar

Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two public rallies at Palamu and Sisai in Gumla district at 11 am and 12.30 pm today in Jharkhand. Mr Modi will campaign for NDA candidates from Palamu BD Ram and Samir Oraon from Lohardaga constituencies, going for polls in the fourth phase of General []

Step-motherly treatment dished out by Modi govt to Jharkhand: Congress

In Jharkhand, coal mines are operated by subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, which owes huge sums of money to the state government, Ramesh said. There is an outstanding of Rs 1,01,142 crore for non-payment of land compensation, Rs 32,000 crore under common cause dues head, and Rs 2,500 crore under washed coal royalty head. Sadly, given the BJP's track record in opposition-ruled states, the step-motherly treatment being dished out to Jharkhand is hardly a surprise, Ramesh said.

Congress cries foul over alleged bias of Modi government towards Jharkhand

Congress cries foul over alleged bias of Modi government towards Jharkhand The Congress on Saturday claimed that the Centre owed Jharkhand lakhs of crores of rupees in coal royalties and central scheme benefits, and alleged that the Modi government dished out a ''step-motherly treatment'' to the state. Congress general secretary posed questions to the prime minister ahead of his rally in Palamu, Jharkhand. ''Why is the PM not releasing 1.36 lakh crores due to Jharkhand? Why is the PM denying 8 lakh people of Jharkhand the homes they were promised? What happened to the Mandal Dam?'' Ramesh said in a post on X. In Jharkhand, coal mines are operated by subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, which owes huge sums of money to the state government, he said. ''There is an outstanding of Rs 1,01,142 crore for non-payment of land compensation, Rs 32,000 crore under common cause dues head, and Rs 2,500 crore under washed coal royalty head. Sadly, given the BJP's track record in opposition-ruled states, the step-motherly treatment being dished out to Jharkhand is hardly a surprise,'' Ramesh said. ''What happened to the PM's favourite slogan - Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas? Where are the Rs 1,36,042 crores that Jharkhand and its people were promised?'' he said. Ramesh also said the Centre is yet to provide benefits to 8 lakh eligible beneficiaries in Jharkhand under the Centre's flagship housing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). ''In 2021-2022, despite the scheme's portal listing more than 10 lakh beneficiaries, only 4 lakh homes were sanctioned. Most recently, about two lakh beneficiaries were arbitrarily removed from the list by the Ministry of Rural Development. Where are the 8 lakh homes that Jharkhand and its people are entitled to?'' he said. ''The Mandal Dam project in Palamu is yet another poll promise that PM Modi conveniently forgot about after elections,'' Ramesh said. Just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the PM had laid the foundation stone of Mandal Dam project with great fanfare, he said. ''Five years later, the project remains stalled. Conceptualised to address agrarian distress in Jharkhand and Bihar, the project has languished even while the state has suffered back-to-back droughts in recent years,'' Ramesh said. He claimed that the dam's progress has been hindered as the BJP has refused to meet the demands of displaced families and failed to resolve compensation issues. ''Despite promises of additional compensation, the project remains inactive, raising questions about the BJP government's commitment to completing crucial irrigation projects. ''Is the PM doing anything to ensure that this crucial project will be built? What is his vision to help rid Jharkhand of droughts?'' he said and asked the prime minister to break his ''silence'' on these issues.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: PM Modi To Campaign For BJP In UP, Jharkhand; FIR Against Amit Shah For 'Poll Code Violation'

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: The Prime Minister is also set to blow the poll bugle in Jharkhand's Palamu tomorrow

Lok Sabha polls 2024 LIVE updates: PM Modi to address two rallies in Jharkhand

Rahul Gandhi filed his papers from Uttar Pradeshs Rae Bareli constituency, barely an hour before nominations closed for the Lok Sabha seat.

Logs worth 5L seized in PTR, 4 held

Chatra admin, NTPC hold voters programme

25 senior cops keep hawk eye on campaign

HC allows Hemant to attend shradh of uncle in police custody

Third-gender candidate files nomination for Dhanbad seat

BCCL to pay dividend to CIL for the first time

ACs, coolers fly off shelves as mercury soars in Ranchi

Brothers feud steals limelight in Chatra

Borewell operators now need to notify RMC prior to drilling

Thousands wait in blazing sun for PMs roadshow in Ranchi

38 of 45 girls of CMs school of excellence fail in intermediate exam

BJP appeals to migrant voters to come home and vote

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Nine candidates take political plunge to bring social change

60-Year-Old Man Shot Dead By Son Over Jharkhand Housing Scheme: Police

A 60-year-old man was shot dead allegedly by his son in a dispute over Abua Awas in Palamu district, police said on Friday.

JMMs Odisha Candidate List: Shibu Sorens Daughter to Fight for Both MP, MLA Seats

Bhubaneswar: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced its candidate list for the upcoming Odisha general elections on Friday. The list includes candidates for five assembly seats. Anjani Soren, the daughter of JMM leader Shibu Soren and the sister of ex-CM Hemant Soren is set to run for the Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha seat as well as [] The post JMMs Odisha Candidate List: Shibu Sorens Daughter to Fight for Both MP, MLA Seats appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Rainfall Update: There will be rain in this state for four days; Meteorological Department announced good news

UP Weather: There is going to be light to moderate rain in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand between 6-9 May. Apart from this, an alert has also been issued for thunderstorm and lightning. UP Weather: Amidst the scorching heat across the country, the Meteorological Department has announced good news on Friday. It is going to [] The post Rainfall Update: There will be rain in this state for four days; Meteorological Department announced good news first appeared on informalnewz .

Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days in Eastern and Southern Peninsular India

Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days in Eastern and Southern Peninsular India The record-breaking heatwave spell affecting east India and parts of the southern peninsular region continued unabated on Friday, with temperatures settling above 44 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places. Intensely hot conditions prevailed in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Maximum temperatures settled in the range of 43-46 degrees Celsius in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra and 40-43 degrees in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Marathwada and north interior Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh sizzled at 46.3 degrees Celsius, the highest maximum temperature in the country on Friday. The mercury settled at 44.6 degrees Celsius in Odisha's Boudh, 45 degrees in Khammam (Telangana), 46.2 degrees in Cuddapah (Andhra Pradesh), 43.4 degrees in Erode (Tamil Nadu), and 44.6 degrees in West Bengal's Kalaikunda. The IMD said the ongoing heatwave spell in east and south peninsular India will continue until May 5-6 and abate thereafter. The Met office on Wednesday said above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in May and a significantly high number of heatwave days expected over the northern plains, central region and adjoining areas of peninsular India. April witnessed record-smashing maximum temperatures in east, northeast and southern peninsular India, prompting health warnings from government agencies and some states to suspend in-person classes in schools. A number of stations recorded their highest-ever April day temperatures. Five active western disturbances led to rainfall, thunderstorms and hail storms over north and central India at regular intervals in April, preventing heat waves. IMD data shows that heat waves this April were far worse than in 2023, the warmest year on record so far. This trend is likely to continue in May, with around eight to 11 heatwave days predicted over the south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada and the Gujarat regions. The remaining parts of Rajasthan, east Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Chhattisgarh, interior Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, north interior Karnataka and Telangana may record five to seven heatwave days during the month. Normally, the northern plains, central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India experience around three days of heat waves in May. India witnessed two spells of heat waves in April -- from April 5 to 7 and April 15 to 30. The IMD attributed the prolonged heatwave spell over east, northeast and south peninsular India in April to the absence of thunderstorms and an anticyclone at lower levels over the west central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining eastern coasts of India. This caused the sea breeze to cut off over Odisha and West Bengal on most days. The weather office said south peninsular India recorded an average maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in April, the second-highest since 1901. The mean temperature (28.12 degrees Celsius) in April in east and northeast India was the highest since 1901, it said. The IMD said above-normal maximum temperatures have become frequent over south peninsular India since the 1980s. The region recorded 12.6 mm rainfall in April -- the fifth lowest since 1901 and the second-lowest since 2001. According to IMD data, the number of heatwave days this April was the highest in 15 years in Gangetic West Bengal and nine years in Odisha. Odisha also experienced the longest heatwave spell (16 days) in April since 2016. Amid the prevailing but weakening El Nino conditions, the IMD had earlier warned of extreme heat during the April-June period, coinciding with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Hundreds of thousands of voters had to cope with the searing heat when they stepped out to exercise their franchise in the second phase of the elections on April 26. Polling for 94 constituencies across 12 states will take place on May 7. The weather office had earlier expected four to eight heatwave days in different parts of the country in April against a normal of one to three days. Ten to 20 heatwave days are expected against a normal of four to eight in the entire April-June period.

Congress, JMM in race for corruption and loot in Jharkhand: PM Modi

Congress, JMM in race for corruption and loot in Jharkhand: PM Modi Ranchi: Launching yet another blistering attack against the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the Congress and the JMM of openly looting Jharkhands massive resources. Theres a race between the Congress and the JMM in Jharkhand a race for corruption [] The post Congress, JMM in race for corruption and loot in Jharkhand: PM Modi appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

State govts announce new school timings, holidays amid heatwave: Check complete list

State governments adjust school timings to protect kids from intense heatwave. IMD red alert for Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha. Met 'Orange' alert for Telangana, Karnataka. Heatwave persists in May. Chhattisgarh summer vacation. Jharkhand school closure. Maharashtra early break.

INDIA bloc spreading jungle raj, wants to unleash unrestrained loot in country: PM Modi at Jharkhand rally

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State filled with promise: PM Modi shares thread highlighting Jharkhands progress under BJP

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Growing Support for INDIA Bloc Gains Momentum Nationwide: Jharkhand CM

Growing Support for INDIA Bloc Gains Momentum Nationwide: Jharkhand CM Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren on Friday asserted that the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state will not have any impact on the poll prospects of the INDIA bloc as a ''strong wave'' is sweeping across the country in its favour. Addressing a public meeting at Bodhi Temple Ground here before JMM candidate Samir Mohanty filed his nomination papers from the prestigious Jamshedpur Lok Sabha constituency, Soren appealed to the masses to vote for INDIA bloc candidates to ''protect the Constitution and democracy''. When asked about the PM's visit, Soren, after Mohanty filed his nomination, told reporters, ''It is election time and any leader can go anywhere for campaigning. However, his visit will not impact the poll prospects of the INDIA bloc.'' PM Modi addressed a public meeting in Chaibasa, the district headquarters of West Singhbhum, on Friday evening in support of BJP candidates Union minister Arjun Munda (Khunti) and Geeta Koda (Singhbhum). ''We will register a historical victory in Jharkhand in the polls,'' Soren asserted. He alleged that 11 lakh ration cards were cancelled in the state when the BJP government was in power. ''Whoever spoke of development were sent behind the bars. Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal were examples,'' he added.

Congress, JMM openly looting Jharkhand's resources, says PM Modi at Singhbhum rally

Addressing a public rally in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, Prime Minister Modi said the relationship between BJP and Jharkhand is one from the heart and that if anyone understands Jharkhand and the feelings of the people here, then it is only the BJP. Bhajpa aur jharkhand ka jo ye rishta haina, vo dil ka hai, jharkhand ko, yaha ke logo ki bhavnao ko agar koi samajhta hai aur suljhata hai, toh vo sirf BJP hai, said the Prime Minister.

Congress, JMM openly looting Jharkhands resources, says PM Modi at Singhbhum rally

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Congress, JMM indulged in loot of Jharkhand's resources, their leaders involved in scams: PM Modi