6+ min ago (396+ words) Gadwal: "Media plays an indispensable role in sustaining democracy," said District Collector B.M. Santhosh, emphasizing that journalists act as a vital bridge between the people and the government, contributing significantly to societal development. The Collector attended the 4th District Conference of the Telangana Union of Working Journalists (TUWJ) held on Sunday at Vajra Abhinandan Banquet Hall in Gadwal, where he participated as a distinguished guest alongside District SP Srinivas Rao. Addressing the gathering, the Collector stated that the media, recognized as the fourth pillar of democracy, must strive to earn public trust by presenting accurate and reliable news. He noted that journalists" reports often help the government respond and take corrective action on issues affecting the public. "Journalism Is a Sacred Profession": District SP Srinivas Rao In his address, District SP Srinivas Rao said journalism has always been a noble profession and…...

20+ min ago (355+ words) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday reported significant progress in Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2025 of electoral rolls, with 99.65 per cent of Enumeration Forms (EFs) already distributed across 12 states and Union Territories. According to the Daily Bulletin, the nationwide EF distribution has reached 99.65 per cent, reflecting strong field mobilisation by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and participation from Booth Level Agents (BLAs). During the ongoing enumeration phase, which runs from November 4 to December 4 -- a total of 50.79 crore EFs have already been distributed out of the eligible 50.97 crore electors. Digitisation of EFs is also picking up, with 42.96 crore forms digitised so far, marking an overall digitisation rate of 84.30 per cent. Goa and Lakshadweep have recorded a perfect 100 per cent distribution of EFs, followed closely by Andaman and Nicobar with 99.99 per cent, Madhya Pradesh with 99.91 per cent, West…...

25+ min ago (471+ words) The Election Commission has granted a seven-day extension for Special Intensive Revision across 12 States and UTs, allowing citizens more time to validate their voter details before the draft electoral roll is published on December 16. The Election Commission of India has prolonged the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process by an additional week across 12 States and Union Territories, giving residents more time to confirm that their names and details are correctly recorded in the voter lists ahead of upcoming elections. The updated schedule applies to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, replacing the earlier timeline issued by the Commission. Under the revised plan, the enumeration period and the restructuring of polling stations will now continue until December 11, 2025. The preparation of the control table and the draft electoral roll…...

30+ min ago (252+ words) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday termed the all-party meeting convened by the Centre ahead of the Parliament's Winter Session a "mere formality", alleging that the Narendra Modi government has already revealed its intentions by listing a subject for short-duration discussion "without consulting the Opposition". The all-party meeting, held here a day before the session begins on Monday, saw Opposition leaders flag issues ranging from electoral roll revisions and the recent blast in Delhi to unemployment, inflation, federalism and law-and-order concerns in several states. The government had called the meeting in an effort to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses during the session. This year's Winter Session will have only 15 sittings, a significant reduction from the usual 20, making it one of the shortest sessions in recent years. The Centre is planning to introduce 13 legislative bills and one financial…...

35+ min ago (274+ words) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday asked students to delve deeper into research and innovation, powering the nation's transition from being a consumer of technology to becoming a global creator of advanced solutions. Addressing the 20th Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, Haryana, the Vice President highlighted India's rapid strides toward becoming a Vishwa Guru by shedding the remnants of the Macaulay-era colonial mindset. He said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 -- deeply rooted in India's culture, heritage, and ethos -- has set the nation on a transformative path. The Vice President emphasised that technology must represent "progress with purpose" and encouraged students to focus on research and innovation that empower rural India, bridge the urban'rural divide, and support MSMEs. Radhakrishnan stressed that technology has become a powerful enabler reshaping industries and redefining the way society functions. He urged…...

39+ min ago (407+ words) Every time we think Pakistan has hit rock bottom, events unfold that prove there is no such thing as the lowest point for a nation that keeps discovering new depths. The world has long recognised that genuine democracy has never found a stable home in a country carved out on the basis of religious identity. Its problems run as deep as the contradictions of its own founding. Deceit, duplicity, and an astonishing lack of diplomatic civility have become inseparable from Pakistan's state behaviour. These patterns are not matters of opinion -- they are recurring facts, reinforced by the actions of its military establishment, its political elite, and, increasingly, even its citizens. Equally troubling, however, is the persistent section within India that continues to advocate friendship with a neighbour that has repeatedly demonstrated volatility and hostility. Voices like Mani Shankar Aiyar, Farooq…...

44+ min ago (182+ words) Home Minister Anitha convened a review meeting at the Secretariat to assess preparations for Cyclone Ditwah, speaking with collectors from Nellore, Tirupati, Kadapa, Chittoor, and Annamaya districts... Home Minister Anitha convened a review meeting at the Secretariat to assess preparations for Cyclone Ditwah, speaking with collectors from Nellore, Tirupati, Kadapa, Chittoor, and Annamaya districts via video conference During the meeting, she urged officials to remain vigilant over the coming days in light of the cyclone's anticipated impact "It is our collective duty to inform the public at the grassroots level regularly, ensuring that there are no casualties," she emphasised.The Minister instructed officials to respond immediately to calls received by the control room and directed that officers be deployed in potentially hazardous areas to avert accidents She advised that any debris, such as fallen branches and damaged hoardings caused by…...

50+ min ago (329+ words) Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif lauded talismanic batter Virat Kohli's impressive show in the ongoing first ODI against South Africa and said that the veteran batter has a "zidd to prove his critics wrong." Virat Kohli made a threatening start to his innings and has looked dangerous as he raced to 22 off 20 and soon completed his 76th ODI half-century in just 48 balls with a maximum against Corbin Bosch, and is going strong, having scored a century in the 38th over with a boundary. Moreover, Kohli, along with former skipper Rohit Sharma, broke the all-time Indian record held by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid for having played the most international games together during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. Kohli, playing his 306th ODI, and Rohit, playing in his 277th one-day international, combined for their 392nd international match together across formats, surpassing…...

55+ min ago (413+ words) Nagaland is fully geared up for the 26th edition of the iconic 'Hornbill Festival', beginning Monday, with elaborate preparations in place at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, around 12 km south of the state capital Kohima. The 10-day festival, coinciding with Nagaland's Statehood Day, will be celebrated from December 1 to 10. This year's 'Hornbill Festival' will also see the participation of six Partner Countries - the UK, France, Austria, Switzerland, Malta and Ireland, while Arunachal Pradesh will participate as the Partner State. Named after the hornbill, the globally admired bird revered across Naga folklore, the festival draws together all 17 major tribes of Nagaland and their sub-tribes, showcasing their rich cultural heritage through traditional dances, music, attire and customs. Over 86 per cent of the state's two million population (2011 census) belong to tribals. The objective of the annual event is to preserve and promote the…...

56+ min ago (356+ words) The 'Bijli Bill Rahat yojana', a first-of-its-kind initiative, is being rolled out by the Uttar Pradesh government from December 1, which will bring relief to lakhs of electricity consumers by offering a 100 per cent interest waiver and also a rebate on their outstanding power bills. The move will benefit both ordinary citizens as well as small electricity consumers and also commercial operators. Under the scheme, consumers will be able to avail the scheme from December 1st, 2025, to February 28, 2026. Under the scheme, a 100 per cent interest and surcharge waiver, and a 25 per cent principal rebate have been provided. Small domestic consumers with connections up to two kilowatts and commercial customers with connections up to one kilowatt will receive special benefits. UPPCL Chairman Dr Ashish Kumar Goyal said in the review meeting that keeping the interests of the general public paramount, the government has…...