Category Archives: india

disaster, government, india, politics

PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia For Families Of Himachal Bus Accident Victims – VIDEO

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New Delhi: At least 18 passengers were killed when a private bus they were travelling in was hit by a landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday, officials said. The tragic incident occurred in the Bhalughat area of the Jhandutta Assembly segment, amid intermittent rainfall that the region has been experiencing since Monday.

The bus, carrying around 35 passengers and travelling from Marotan to Ghumarwin, was struck when a mountain suddenly gave way and crashed down onto the vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported that the chances of survival for the passengers were bleak. Rescue operations are currently underway, with state officials and machinery deployed to clear debris and search for missing passengers. So far, 18 bodies have been recovered from the mangled remains of the bus.

The Bilaspur district is notable as the home district of BJP national President J.P. Nadda.

In response to the accident, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences to the victims and their families. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. The President wrote on X, “The news of the deaths of several people in a bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sympathies to the affected families. Announcing ex-gratia payments from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), he stated that Rs. 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would receive Rs. 50,000. The PMO posted on X, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences and informed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams had reached the site and were engaged in rescue operations. On X, he said, “I am deeply saddened by the bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. NDRF teams have reached the incident site and are engaged in rescue operations. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. At the same time, I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu expressed grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modi-announces-2-lakh-ex-gratia-for-families-of-himachal-bus-accident-victims-video

disaster, government, india, politics

PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia For Families Of Himachal Bus Accident Victims – VIDEO

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New Delhi: At least 18 passengers lost their lives when a private bus they were traveling in was struck by a landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred in the Bhalughat area within the Jhandutta Assembly segment, amid intermittent rainfall since Monday.

The bus, carrying around 35 passengers, was en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin when the landslide hit. Eyewitnesses reported that a mountain came crashing down onto the bus, leaving little chance of survival for those inside. Rescue teams have recovered 18 bodies so far from the mangled remains of the vehicle. State officials and heavy machinery have been deployed to clear the debris and continue searching for any missing passengers.

Bilaspur is notably the home district of BJP National President J.P. Nadda.

In response to the tragedy, several top leaders expressed their condolences and offered support to the victims and their families.

President Droupadi Murmu took to X to express her sorrow, stating, “The news of the deaths of several people in a bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his condolences on X, announcing an ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his grief and informed that rescue operations are underway. On X, he wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. NDRF teams have reached the incident site and are engaged in rescue operations. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. At the same time, I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu also conveyed his condolences and grief over the incident, extending support to the bereaved families.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, authorities urge caution in the region due to ongoing heavy rainfall and the risk of further landslides.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modi-announces-2-lakh-ex-gratia-for-families-of-himachal-bus-accident-victims-video

crime, death, india, police, suicide

Senior Haryana IPS officer shoots himself at residence

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**Senior Haryana IPS Officer Dies by Suicide at Residence**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 07, 2025, 05:04 PM*

Senior Haryana Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Puran Kumar allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Sector 11, Chandigarh. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when he reportedly shot himself with his official weapon. Preliminary investigations suggest that he died on the spot.

Puran Kumar was a 2001-batch IPS officer serving as the Additional Director General of Police at the Police Training Centre in Sunaria, Rohtak. His wife, Aman P Kumar, an IAS officer, is currently on an official trip to Japan and is expected to return to India tomorrow evening.

Senior officials of Chandigarh Police have launched an investigation into the case. Chandigarh’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Kanwardeep Kaur, confirmed that a team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory is examining the scene as part of the ongoing probe.

—

**Support Resources**

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Please reach out to the following organizations for support:

– **AASRA (Suicide Prevention Counseling):** 022-27546669 (24 hours)
– **Roshni NGO:** +91-4066202000
– **COOJ:** +91-83222-52525
– **Sneha India Foundation (24×7):** +91-44246-40050
– **Vandrevala Foundation (Call & WhatsApp):** +91-99996-66555

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. You are not alone.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/senior-haryana-ips-officer-shoots-himself-at-house/story

competition, events, india, sports, tennis

Manish Sureshkumar, Vaishnavi Adkar Win Fenesta Nationals

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**Manish Sureshkumar and Vaishnavi Adkar Clinch Titles at Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship**

Tamil Nadu’s Manish Sureshkumar and Maharashtra’s Vaishnavi Adkar emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s singles events respectively at the Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship held here on Saturday.

**Men’s Singles Final**

In a two-hour battle, Manish Sureshkumar defeated Keerthivassan Suresh 6-4, 6-2, showcasing exceptional consistency and composure under pressure. Both players started aggressively, exchanging early service breaks to level the score at 1-1. Manish then broke Keerthivassan’s serve to take a 2-1 lead, which he consolidated to go 3-1.

Keerthivassan fought back, holding serve and breaking once more to lead 4-3. However, Manish elevated his game from that point, breaking serve again to clinch the first set. Riding the momentum into the second set, Manish maintained his rhythm, engaging in long rallies with precise groundstrokes and solid returns, eventually wrapping up the set 6-2 to claim the title.

**Women’s Singles Final**

Vaishnavi Adkar dominated the women’s singles final, overpowering Akanksha Nitture 6-1, 6-2. Vaishnavi started strong, breaking Akanksha’s serve early to gain a 2-0 lead. Although Akanksha briefly broke back, Vaishnavi quickly regained control with accurate shot-making to secure the first set comfortably.

The second set mirrored the first, with both players holding serve initially before Vaishnavi broke twice to surge ahead 5-1. Despite Akanksha managing a break back, Vaishnavi held her nerve, serving out confidently to seal both the set and the championship.

**Under-18 Category Highlights**

In the girls’ Under-18 singles final, Harshini N clinched a hard-fought victory against Snigdha Kanta, winning 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted over three hours.

The boys’ Under-18 singles final saw Tavish Pahwa triumph over Hruthik Katakam 7-6 (2), 1-0, after Hruthik was forced to retire due to injury.

**Doubles Finals**

– *Men’s Doubles:* Nitin Kumar Sinha and Maan Kesharwani edged out the duo of Manish Sureshkumar and Abhinav Sanjeev in a thrilling contest, 6-4, 3-6, [10-5].

– *Women’s Doubles:* Akanksha Nitture paired with Soha Sadiq to secure a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory against Pooja Ingale and Yubrani Banerjee.

– *Boys’ Under-18 Doubles:* Vraj H. Gohil and Prakaash Sarran staged a comeback to beat Karan Thapa and Channamallikarjuna Yale 2-6, 7-5, [10-5].

– *Girls’ Under-18 Doubles:* Savitha Bhuvaneswaran and Aahan outclassed Akansha Ghosh and Deepshika V with a 6-3, 6-3 win to lift the title.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/manish-sureshkumar-vaishnavi-adkar-win-fenesta-nationals

business, election, india, local, politics

Bihar Election 2025: AAP releases first list of candidates

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**Bihar Election 2025: AAP Releases First List of Candidates**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 06, 2025, 05:35 PM*

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its first list of 11 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. This announcement comes ahead of the Election Commission’s press conference, which confirmed that the polls will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the results scheduled to be declared on November 14.

**Contesting All 243 Seats Independently**

AAP plans to contest all 243 assembly seats across Bihar, aiming to replicate its electoral successes in Delhi and Punjab. The party has made it clear that it will be contesting independently, without forming alliances. State co-incharge Abhinav Rai stated, “Our alliance is with the people of Bihar. We won’t ally with any party or coalition.”

**First List of Candidates**

The 11 candidates announced include:

– Dr. Meera Singh from Begusarai
– Yogi Chaupal from Kusheshwarsthan (Darbhanga)
– Amit Kumar Singh from Taraiya (Saran)
– Bhanu Bharatiya from Kasba (Purnia)
– Shubhada Yadav from Benipatti (Madhubani)
– And others

**Focus on Governance and Development**

AAP leaders have actively highlighted the party’s governance achievements in Delhi and Punjab, particularly improvements in education, healthcare, and public welfare sectors. Bihar in-charge Ajesh Yadav emphasized, “We have an approved model of growth and governance” that they aim to implement in Bihar.

The party is also expected to announce its star campaigners soon. Prominent leaders such as Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have recently visited Bihar to engage with local voters ahead of the elections.

Stay tuned for more updates on AAP’s campaign and candidate announcements as the Bihar Assembly elections approach.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/bihar-election-2025-aap-releases-first-list-of-candidates/story

ethics, india, judiciary, law, legal

Bar Council of India suspends advocate who tried to hurl shoe at CJI Gavai

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The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Monday suspended the practice of Advocate Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old lawyer who allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings. The council has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against him, news agency PTI reported.

In a shocking breach of decorum, Kishore reportedly approached the dais during a hearing and tried to throw a shoe at the CJI, but was promptly stopped by security personnel.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has strongly condemned the incident in a unanimous resolution, according to PTI. Headed by Vipin Nair, the association described Kishore’s act as a “disrespectful and intemperate gesture” by an advocate.

In a statement, SCAORA secretary Nikhil Jain urged the Supreme Court to “take suo motu cognizance of the said conduct and initiate appropriate proceedings for contempt of court, as the act/gesture is a calculated move to scandalise the authority of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and lower its dignity in the eyes of the public.”

The association emphasised that freedom of speech carries a duty of restraint, particularly for members of the legal profession, who are officers of the court.

It expressed “deep anguish and disapproval at the recent act of an advocate who, by his unwarranted and intemperate gesture, sought to disrespect the office and authority of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and his companion Judges.”

According to SCAORA, such conduct is unbecoming of a member of the Bar and undermines the mutual respect between the “Bench and the Bar.” The body added that this behaviour is antithetical to the dignity of the legal profession and contrary to constitutional values of decorum, discipline, and institutional integrity.

“Any attempt to malign or a personalised act/gesture aimed against a sitting judge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court constitutes a direct assault on the independence of the judiciary and undermines public faith in the justice delivery system,” SCAORA stated.

The association condemned the incident as a “cowardly and disrespectful act” and affirmed its complete solidarity with the CJI and the entire judiciary in upholding the majesty, independence, and impartiality of the Supreme Court.

(With PTI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/attempted-attack-on-cji-br-gavai-bar-council-of-india-suspends-advocate-rakesh-kishore-23597477

business, india, manufacturing, technology, transportation

Production milestone! Ather Energy rolls out its 5,00,000th electric scooter

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**Production Milestone! Ather Energy Rolls Out Its 500,000th Electric Scooter**

*By Akash Pandey | Oct 06, 2025, 04:37 PM*

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Ather Energy has reached a significant milestone by rolling out its 500,000th electric scooter from its manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The landmark unit is the company’s latest family-focused model, the Rizta, which has rapidly become one of Ather’s strongest growth drivers since its launch last year.

### Journey from Niche to Full-Range EV Manufacturer

Over the years, Ather has evolved from a niche performance EV brand into a full-range manufacturer catering to both family riders and enthusiasts. The company has aggressively expanded across middle and northern India, entering several tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This expansion aligns with Ather’s goal of making its growing product lineup and charging infrastructure more accessible to a wider audience.

### Expansion of Manufacturing Capabilities

Currently, Ather operates two facilities in Hosur: one dedicated to vehicle assembly and another focused on battery production. Together, these facilities have a combined capacity of 420,000 scooters per year. To meet the rising demand for its electric scooters, Ather is establishing a third facility, Factory 3.0, located in Bidkin, Maharashtra.

The new facility will be developed in two phases implementing Industry 4.0 principles. Once fully operational, Ather’s total manufacturing capacity will increase to 1.42 million (14.2 lakh) electric two-wheelers per year.

### Commitment to Quality and Reliability

Commenting on this milestone, Swapnil Jain, Co-founder and CTO of Ather Energy, described crossing the half-million mark as a major achievement. He highlighted that the company’s journey has been focused not only on building vehicles but also on establishing a scalable and reliable manufacturing ecosystem.

Jain credited years of dedicated engineering, rigorous testing, and meticulous attention to quality at every stage of production as key factors underpinning Ather’s continued success.

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Ather Energy’s recent milestone underscores its growing influence in India’s electric mobility space and its commitment to innovation, quality, and accessibility. The company is poised for further growth as it expands its product portfolio and manufacturing footprint.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/ather-reaches-half-million-mark-prepares-to-triple-production-capacity/story

constitution, india, law, politics

Rule Of Law Vs Rule By Force

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The principal characteristic of the Indian Constitution is the rule of law it mandates. This foundational principle envisions that the law, established under the constitutional framework, holds primacy over all other considerations—be they individual, ideological, or political. It is the bedrock that ensures we are a nation governed by laws, not by men.

This ideal, however, has faced a starkly modern challenge: the rise of ‘bulldozer justice’. In states like Uttar Pradesh, governments have employed strong-arm methods, using machinery to raze homes and properties of individuals deemed suspects, bypassing the judicial process entirely. This practice conflates accusation with guilt and allows the executive to act as judge, jury, and executioner.

It creates a dangerous precedent where the government of the day believes it can operate outside the sanctity of established legal procedure. What began as a political theatre of “instant justice” has now become an instrument of fear and selective punishment, often targeting minorities or dissenters.

It is against this backdrop that Chief Justice of India BR Gavai’s recent remarks in Mauritius carry profound significance. Defending his own verdict, he emphatically stated that the Indian legal system is governed by the “rule of law, not by the rule of the bulldozer.” The Supreme Court’s ruling, which held that such demolitions violate the rule of law and infringe upon the fundamental right to shelter, was a necessary and powerful corrective.

It reaffirmed that the executive’s authority is not absolute but is circumscribed by constitutional morality and judicial oversight. This judicial stance is deeply rooted in our constitutional history, notably the Kesavananda Bharati case, which established that the Constitution’s basic structure is immutable.

While not exhaustively defined, this structure is undeniably animated by the principles enshrined in the Preamble—Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. ‘Bulldozer justice’ assaults each of these ideals, substituting the rule of reason with the rule of muscle.

Yet, a sobering reality remains. The courts often move at a deliberate pace, granting the executive considerable leeway to act in the interim. This temporal gap between executive action and judicial redress can render the latter a pyrrhic victory for those whose homes and rights are instantly demolished. The damage is done long before the court’s pen can restore what the bulldozer’s blade destroyed.

Therefore, the judiciary’s role is not just to settle matters but to set boundaries—clearly, promptly, and fearlessly. As Justice Gavai articulated, the rule of law is not a rigid doctrine but a continuous conversation—a substantive principle that restrains arbitrary power and embeds democratic accountability.

In defending the Constitution against the bulldozer, the Supreme Court is defending the very idea of India as a democratic republic where no one is above the law.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/rule-of-law-vs-rule-by-force

cricket, india, sports, teams, tournaments

Vidarbha beat ROI to win third Irani Cup title

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**Vidarbha Claim Third Irani Cup Title: Key Stats**

*By Parth Dhall | October 5, 2025, 6:11 PM*

Vidarbha, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, have added another feather to their cap by winning the prestigious Irani Cup. The team secured their third Irani Cup title after a commanding performance against the Rest of India (ROI) at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium, culminating in a dominating finish on Day 5.

**Bowling Brilliance Seals the Win**

Vidarbha’s five-man bowling attack operated in perfect harmony to bowl out ROI for 267 runs just before tea on Sunday. The star of the bowling lineup was Yash Thakur, whose double strike included the prized wicket of Yash Dhull, who scored a brilliant 92. Thakur’s incisive spells at crucial moments helped dismantle the opposition’s chase of 361 runs. In a fiery moment during play, Thakur and Dhull were engaged in a heated exchange, showcasing the intensity of the contest.

Harsh Dubey also played a pivotal role, taking a four-wicket haul at key junctures to stifle ROI’s chase effectively. His bowling performance was instrumental in ensuring a 93-run victory for Vidarbha, maintaining their dominant streak.

**Match Summary**

Vidarbha set a strong foundation batting first, posting 342 all out, thanks to a scintillating 143 from Atharva Taide and a solid 91 from Yash Rathod. ROI’s initial response saw them bundled out for 214, with Yash Thakur claiming four wickets.

In their second innings, Vidarbha were restricted to 232 all out, with Anshul Kamboj taking four wickets for ROI. Chasing a challenging target of 261 runs, ROI fell short at 267 all out, as Harsh Dubey’s four-wicket haul proved decisive.

**Perfect Record in Irani Cup**

With this victory, Vidarbha now boast a perfect record in the Irani Cup, having won all three editions they have competed in. Their previous back-to-back victories came in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. Meanwhile, the Rest of India side faced disappointment as runners-up for the 30th time in the tournament’s history.

Vidarbha’s consistent excellence in domestic cricket continues to make them a formidable force in Indian cricket’s premier competitions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/vidarbha-clinch-third-irani-cup-title/story

business, economy, energy, india, mining

Arunachal Pradesh’s first commercial coal mine starts operations tomorrow

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**Arunachal Pradesh’s First Commercial Coal Mine to Begin Operations Tomorrow**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025, 6:41 PM*

Arunachal Pradesh is set to enter the coal mining industry with the inauguration of its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district tomorrow. The ceremony will be led by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who will perform the Bhoomi Poojan and officially hand over the mining lease.

As part of the event, Minister Reddy will also flag off machinery for Coal Projects Private Limited (CPPL), the company that will commence operations at the site. In a move towards environmental sustainability, he will plant 100 trees to support a green initiative.

### The Journey of Namchik-Namphuk Coal Block

The Namchik-Namphuk coal block holds significant reserves estimated at 1.5 crore tons. Originally allocated in 2003, the project faced numerous delays and operational hurdles over the years. However, in 2022, the coal block was revived through a transparent auction process, marking a new era of private sector participation in Arunachal Pradesh’s mining sector.

This marks a milestone not only for the state but also for India, which currently ranks as the world’s second-largest coal producer. Arunachal Pradesh is now poised to contribute to this status through its maiden commercial coal mining activity.

### Economic Impact and Employment

The commercial mining launch is expected to generate over ₹100 crore in annual revenue for Arunachal Pradesh. Beyond revenue generation, the project is anticipated to create substantial employment opportunities for the local youth, boosting the state’s socio-economic development.

This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of EAST – Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform – which guides development efforts across India’s Northeast region.

### Promoting Responsible Resource Management

By formalizing coal mining operations, the state aims to eradicate illegal mining activities that have previously led to resource exploitation and wastage. This move is expected to introduce transparency and accountability in managing Arunachal Pradesh’s precious natural resources.

Moreover, the government has announced plans to auction two critical mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and five additional blocks in Assam. This highlights the growing importance of the Northeast region within India’s strategic and technological mineral landscape.

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The inauguration of the Namchik-Namphuk coal mine marks a new chapter for Arunachal Pradesh, setting the stage for sustainable development while contributing to India’s overall energy and mineral production goals.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/arunachal-pradesh-to-start-commercial-coal-mining-on-october-6/story