Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Adjourned for the Day Amid Oppn Sloganeering, to Meet Tomorrow at 11

A Congress MLA in Rajasthan was booked for allegedly making a controversial statement against bureaucrats, officials said on Monday.

Abhimanyu Poonia, the Sangaria MLA and state president of the Youth Congress, had taken out a motorcycle rally and held a public meeting in Barmer district on November 30.

While addressing the meeting, he had said, "If an officer troubles you too much, then the youngsters are strong, they can beat up the officer. Then we will deal with it." On Monday, Inspector General of Police (Jodhpur Range) Vikas Kumar instructed Superintendent of Police (Barmer) Narendra Singh Meena to take legal advice and register a case.

After this, an FIR was registered at Sedwa police station that will be investigated by the CID-CB.

Poonia had also said the youngsters of Barmer, Jaisalmer and Marwar were particularly strong. "Beat up the officer, after that Ummeda Ram ji (Barmer MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal) and we all will deal with them." Kumar said the MLA's statement was "prima facie inciting to commit a crime". 

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday said that his government has constituted a task force for the formation of a development council for the southern part of the state.

The proposed South Odisha Development Council will play an important role in the progress of the region, he said in the assembly through a statement.

“The proposed council will play an important role in the development of the southern part of Odisha. This will include all sections of the people and the region in the development process of the state,” the chief minister said.

He said the task force has been constituted to give proper opinions on how the proposed development council will be set up, which districts and blocks will be included in it and what will be its structure and functioning.

“The task force will submit its report within 30 days of its constitution. It has been constituted under the chairmanship of Nityanand Gond, Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development," he said in the written reply.

Several other ministers, MPs and MLAs are members of the panel.

Majhi said there are three ex-officio members.

The special secretary of the Planning and Coordination Department is its member convener, the chief minister said.

The ruling BJP, in its election manifesto, had announced the formation of a development council each for the southern region and northern part of the state.

Earlier, the state has a development council for the western region. 

Amid dissent within a section of the party, BJP district unit presidents on Monday presented a united front, expressing support for state party president B Y Vijayendra.

This comes as Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and his supporters have taken a defiant stance against former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and his son Vijayendra. The district unit chiefs convened at a private hotel to discuss their concerns, BJP sources said.

Members of the BJP state organisation committee also attended the meeting, they said.

"At a time when the state unit is preparing to challenge the Siddaramaiah government, such internal conflicts are harmful," a BJP leader told PTI.

The leader acknowledged the party's recent setbacks, including the loss of all three seats in the assembly by-polls. "Infighting and internal disputes are causing significant damage to the party," he said.

The district presidents plan to hold another meeting on Tuesday in the presence of BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, the leader said.

Meanwhile, Yatnal has embarked on a month-long anti-Waqf march from November 25 to December 25, which lacks approval from the state leadership. Despite being issued a show-cause notice, Yatnal has continued his march.

On Monday, he reiterated his criticism of Yediyurappa and Vijayendra, accusing them of "surrendering to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar." 

Delhi has received a respite from toxic air in the first two days of December as the city's AQI remained in the "poor" category on Monday, recording a reading of 280.

The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city was recorded at 280 at 4 pm, registering a slight improvement from 285 on Sunday.

The air quality shifted from "poor" to "very poor" on October 30, after which it intermittently remained in the "very poor" and "severe" categories.

On Sunday, for the first time in 32 days, the capital's AQI dipped below 300, aided by dry northwesterly winds and ample sunlight.

Of the 38 monitoring stations in the city, 12 recorded the air quality in the "very poor" category on Monday, while 25 recorded it in the "poor" category and one station reported "satisfactory" results, according to the Sameer app.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies AQI between 0 and 50 as "good", between 51 and 100 as "satisfactory", between 101 and 200 as "moderate", between 201 and 300 as "poor", between 301 and 400 as "very poor", and above 400 as "severe".

The primary pollutant on Monday was PM2.5, with levels recorded at 106 µg/m³ at 3 pm.

These fine particles pose significant health risks as these can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

A Delhi court on Monday fixed December 9 for the recording of statements of two former police officials as witnesses in a 1984-anti Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler.

Special CBI Judge Jitendra Singh deferred the hearing after being informed that the witnesses were not in a position to depose on Monday.

The judge on November 23 summoned the witnesses -- Ravi Sharma and Dharam Chand.

"It is submitted by the public prosecutor for the CBI that the witnesses, who are present in the court, have stated to him that they are not in a position to depose today... As the witnesses are not being examined by the prosecution today, the matter stands adjourned," the judge said, posting the case on December 9.

Tytler appeared before the court in person.

The case is linked to the killings of three Sikhs at Gurudwara Pul Bangash in the national capital in 1984.

The judge on November 12 concluded recording the statement of Lakhvinder Kaur, the widow of Badal Singh who was killed by a mob at Gurudwara Pul Bangash during the riots.

The court framed charges of murder and other offences against Tytler on September 13.

University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said on Monday that higher education institutions should adopt the semester system instead of holding annual examinations for better evaluation of students and improving their learning process.

Considering the student learning process, those universities in the country should adopt the semester system where students are still evaluated through the annual examination system, he said.

"We want continuous assessment of students in higher education institutions. If you conduct exams just once a year, students do not get feedback to improve their learning process. Therefore, the semester system has been adopted globally," Kumar told reporters in Indore.

Students should also evaluated on the parameters such as examinations held between semesters, different exercises, participation in discussions, and homework assignments, he added.

The UGC chairman said at least 6,300 colleges and universities will benefit from the "One Nation, One Subscription" scheme, which he believes will strengthen the research structure in higher education institutions.

The Union cabinet recently approved the "One Nation, One Subscription" scheme to provide nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journal publications.

Kumar participated in the regional conference of autonomous colleges organised by UGC and Indore's Devi Ahilya University on the topic of "Implementation of New National Education Policy".

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar expressed confidence about India's relationship with the United States in the Trump 2.0 administration. Speaking at the CII Partnership Summit on Monday, Jaishankar stressed on the deepening strategic and economic ties between the two countries.

"The advent of the second Trump administration is a major consideration in business efforts," Jaishankar noted. Reflecting on past experiences, he added, "Different countries have their own experiences from the first administration and would presumably draw from that to approach the second."  

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep regret over the breach at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission premises in Agartala earlier today. In a strongly-worded statement, the MEA emphasized that diplomatic and consular properties must never be targeted under any circumstances.  

“The incident earlier today at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances,” the statement read.  

The Sambhal violence is set to be discussed in the Parliament on Tuesday. Dharmendra Yadav, Samajwadi Party MP, on Monday, confirmed the report saying that the Sambhal issue will be put up before the parliament on December 3. The SP MP made the announcement after the conclusion of the all-party meeting of floor leaders with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. 

Ahead of the Navy Day celebrations here on December 4, a two-day rehearsal began on Sunday at the Blue Flag beach in Odisha's Puri, officials said.

President Droupadi Murmu will be part of the celebrations on Wednesday, and 15 warships and 40 aircraft will be featured during the programme.

Navy Day is observed on December 4 every year to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

“The Navy will demonstrate its operations in Odisha for the first time. The preparations for the Navy Day celebrations had begun months back. Ships, submarines, aircraft and various other marine commandos will be participating in the event. You will have a spectacular show,” INS Chilka’s commanding officer B Deepak Aneel said.

Outgoing Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar arrived at Mumbai airport to leave for Delhi where he will likely meet the top BJP leadership.

The Supreme Court on Monday sought the Election Commission's response on a PIL challenging its decision to increase the maximum number of voters from 1,200 to 1,500 at every polling station, saying no elector should be excluded.

While asking the poll panel to clarify its stand, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said, "We are concerned. No voter should be excluded." The bench therefore directed senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the poll panel, to file a short affidavit explaining the rationale behind the decision to increase the number of voters per polling station.

"Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the Election Commission, says on instruction that they will explain the position by way of a short affidavit. Let the affidavit be filed within a period of three weeks," said the bench.

Singh said the bench knew about the consistent allegations on EVMs, adding, "They will keep on coming. The polling has been happening like this since 2019 and political parties are being consulted before this in every constituency." The senior lawyer said polling stations could have multiple polling booths and political parties were consulted in each constituency when the total number of voters was raised per EVM.

In a relief to YSR Congress Party social media in-charge Sajjala Bhargav Reddy, the Supreme Court on Monday granted protection from arrest to him for two weeks to enable him move the high court for quashing of multiple FIRs lodged against him in Andhra Pradesh.

Refusing to quash the multiple FIRs on a plea by Reddy, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said, "We do not want to bypass the high courts and they are constitutional courts. We have no sympathy for anyone and if wrong is done then they will have to face the law." It ordered, "We dispose of the writ petition with liberty to approach the high court. It goes without saying that the high court will hear both sides before passing appropriate orders. We have not expressed any opinion on merits." It added, "Since the petitioner is apprehending his immediate arrest, which may disable him to approach the high court, we direct that the arrest of petitioner shall remain stayed for two weeks to enable him to approach the high court".

The top court said that the high court may use its complete discretion to extend or decline the interim protection granted by the court.

PM Modi arrived in balayogi auditorium, to watch Sabarmati Report with all NDA MPs.

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Monday alleged that there was a "Jungle Raj" in Delhi and people in the city had never witnessed such times of rise in crime.

Kejriwal met a family in Naraina whose two members were killed in a span of six months by the criminals. He said that a youth was recently stabbed to death despite complaining to the police fearing for his life from some local criminals. Six months ago, his younger brother was murdered, he told reporters.

"Delhi people never witnessed such times of chaos and Jungle Raj all around. Anybody can murder anybody. When it was known that those who killed one member of the family, could kill someone else, why was no action taken to stop them?" he asked.

Kejriwal urged the BJP and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to provide safety to Delhi people who were feeling unsafe.

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party has been raising the issue of law and order situation in the city, attacking the BJP-led Centre and the Union Home minister.

Kejriwal said that the entire Naraina area knew about a gang of local criminals who terrorised the residents but police took no action against them.

"Three murders were committed in the city yesterday. The BJP and Shah have left the city at the mercy of goons and gangsters," he charged.

The BJP has hit back at Kejriwal saying he was raising the law and order issues by citing criminal incidents to deflect attention from the corruption and failures of the AAP government.

The Bombay High Court on Monday came down heavily on the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) for taking "lightly" the probe into the killing of Badlapur school sexual assault case accused in a shootout.

Stressing the need for a fair investigation in all cases, a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan said the conduct of the CID in the present case raises doubt and a wrong inference that it does not want to provide all information to the magistrate conducting inquiry into the shootout.

The accused, Akshay Shinde (24), was arrested in August for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur area of Maharashtra's Thane district. He was killed by police in a shootout on September 24.

The high court sarcastically remarked that cases are transferred from local police to the CID because of the latter's competence.

The HC was irked after noting certain loopholes in the probe and documents submitted to the magistrate who is conducting an inquiry into the accused's death.

A special court in Chennai on Monday sentenced BJP's H Raja to 6 months imprisonment and a fine for his derogatory speech against Periyar and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.

Several farmers under different organisations staged a protest near Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida as they were not allowed to enter Delhi.

The BJP will launch a campaign to reach out to various sections of society from December 5 to seek feedback for its Delhi Assembly poll manifesto under the theme "Meri Delhi Mera Sankalp BJP", party MP Ramvir Bidhuri said on Monday.

At a press conference here, the South Delhi MP also released a phone number and the #bjpsankalp2025 hashtag, inviting suggestions for the party manifesto from people through social media.

Maharashtra caretaker CM Eknath Shinde on Monday afternoon cancelled all his meetings. This comes a day after Devendra Fadnavis' name was finalised for the post of Maharashtra Chief Minister. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India.

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov during a briefing said, "Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, it’s our turn. We received Mr. Modi’s invitation and we will certainly consider it positively. We will figure out the tentative dates early next year.

Farmers, under the aegis of BKU (Bhartiya Kisan Union), gathered at the Maha Maya flyover in Noida to begin their march to Delhi.

A farmer said, "...The govt and the officials have the time to fulfil our demands...without that, we won't return to our homes... We have already told them our programs - if they won't announce something by the evening, we will announce our programs further..."

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day and will meet again on December 3 at 11:00 am. 

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day and will meet again on December 3 at 11:00 am. 

The Mumbai Police have registered a case against 10 to 15 CISF personnel for allegedly assaulting a doctor, his brother and another person in a road rage incident in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai township, officials said on Monday.

The accused personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been issued notices in connection with the incident which took place at 10.15 pm on November 29, they said.

(Inputs from PTI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited Marakkanam in Villupuram to witness the effects of cyclone 'Fengal' on Monday.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will watch the film 'The Sabarmati Report' today at 4 pm at Balyogi Auditorium in Parliament.
 

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till noon amid sloganeering by opposition MPs.

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till noon amid sloganeering by opposition MPs.

The Lok Sabha proceedings in the Winter session of the parliament began amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs.

At least three people were killed and several others were injured after a bus crashed into a divider on the Chikkanahalli flyover in Sira Taluk in Tumakuru, the police said.

The incident occurred during the wee hours of Monday. The three deceased have been identified as Shefali Singh, Urvi and Priyanka.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday is expected to address and make a statement regarding the recent developments in India-China relations following the border disengagement agreement in the winter session of Lok Sabha

The Trinamool Congress on Monday skipped an all-party meeting called by Congress. 

The IMD on Monday issued a 'red' alert for Kerala's Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod districts predicting extremely heavy rain.

Stepping up the security measure in Noida, police set up barricades as farmers are all set to begin marching towards Delhi starting today.

A massive traffic jam was seen at Chilla Border as farmers are all set to march towards Delhi today.

DMK parliamentary party leader T R Baalu seeks to move an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha on Monday to discuss 'unprecedented' rainfall and heavy flooding that damaged standing crops and properties in several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Bengaluru and parts of Karnataka are bracing for a spell of intense rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued an 'orange' alert for the tech hub.

However, despite a rain alert, there has been no official announcement on whether the schools and colleges will be shut for the day. 

An eight-year-old girl was shot dead in Meerut as attackers, who were allegedly targeting her brother Sahil due to a two-year-old dispute, mistakenly shot her when she intervened, police said.

The incident took place on Saturday evening at the Kalindi village in Sardhana.

(Inputs from PTI)

Amid heavy rains in the Nilgiris district, a holiday has been declared today for schools and colleges, District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya said.

Furthermore, the IMD predicts light thunderstorms & lightning with light to moderate rain in the Nilgiris.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for four districts in Kerala on Monday, December 2, cautioning of isolated heavy rainfall in the state.

The four northern districts of Kerala, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur are forecasted to experience extremely heavy rainfall.

Rainfall activity will increase, with light to moderate rainfall at most places, heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations on December 2, followed by heavy rainfall at isolated places on December 3," the weather department said.

Meanwhile, an orange alert" has been issued for the districts of Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur, while a "yellow alert" has been placed for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

On Monday, December 02, a layer of smog engulfed the area around India Gate as the Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi continues to be in the 'poor' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A group of farmers is set to march towards Delhi on Monday, December 02. Sukhbir Khalifa, leader of the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), confirmed the farmers' plans, stating that they are ready to march towards Delhi.

The protest march comes ahead of the scheduled protest march to Delhi by other farmer organisations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), from December 6.

Khalifa said, “Tomorrow, on December 2, we will begin our journey from beneath the Mahamaya flyover at 12 pm, where we will gather and demand compensation and benefits according to the new laws.”

The key demands of the farmers, who will commence a protest march towards Delhi from Haryana and Punjab, include compensation demands, benefits under the new agricultural laws, and a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP).

According to reports, the Mahayuti alliance might meet today to formulate a power-sharing pact in Maharashtra as caretaker CM Eknath Shinde returned from his hometown in Satara.