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₹20 Lakh Financial Help and Free Education Announced by Mann Government for Bereaved Teachers’ Children

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Dhruv
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Punjab
Punjab

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has once again demonstrated its commitment to standing by its employees and their families in times of tragedy. In a compassionate move, the state has announced financial assistance of ₹20 lakh for the family of a teacher couple from Moga who lost their lives in a tragic road accident while heading for election duty. In addition, the government has assured that the complete education of their children will be taken care of, securing their future.

The tragic incident occurred when teacher Jaskaran Singh was taking his wife Kamaljit Kaur to her assigned election duty. Due to dense fog and poor visibility in the Baghapurana area of Moga, their vehicle lost control and plunged into a deep ditch, claiming both their lives. The incident sent shockwaves across Punjab. Responding swiftly, Chief Minister Mann directed immediate relief measures, following which Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan personally visited the bereaved family to express solidarity.

During his visit, Sandhwan reassured the family that the government would fully support the children and ensure they never feel abandoned. He confirmed that all expenses related to their schooling and higher education would be borne by the state so their parents’ aspirations for them are fulfilled. Acting on the Chief Minister’s instructions, the district administration has already completed the formalities to release ₹10 lakh each for both deceased teachers.

This prompt assistance and the commitment to fund the children’s education reflect more than administrative duty. They highlight the government’s respect for the dedication of teachers who play a vital role in democratic processes such as elections. Chief Minister Mann reiterated that the state deeply values such service and will always honour the sacrifices made by its employees.

Through these actions, the Mann government has reinforced its image as a people-focused administration that prioritises the welfare and dignity of its workforce. The gesture has strengthened confidence among government employees across Punjab that their safety, service, and families will always remain a top concern for the state.

Virat Kohli Ends Vijay Hazare Trophy Season Without a Hundred, Yet Refines His Batting Approach

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Dhruv
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virat kohli
virat kohli

Virat Kohli’s ODI momentum shows no signs of slowing down. The experienced right hander continues to stamp his authority in the format, delivering another commanding performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Playing against Gujarat at the Centre of Excellence on Friday, the former India captain scored a fluent 77 from just 61 deliveries, reinforcing his red hot form this season.

Kohli arrived at the crease after the early dismissal of Priyansh Arya and immediately took control. He found the boundaries with ease and never allowed Gujarat’s opening bowlers to settle. Batting with freedom and authority in Bengaluru, Kohli brought up his half century in only 29 balls and looked well set for a much bigger score.

During his stand with Arpit Rana, Kohli dominated the strike in a 72 run partnership for the second wicket. Rana was eventually dismissed in the 14th over, giving Gujarat a breakthrough, but Kohli continued to dictate the tempo of the innings.

The Delhi star appeared on course for what would have been his 59th List A hundred in his 344th appearance. However, against the flow of play, he was stumped after being drawn out of his crease as the ball turned past his outside edge.

What stood out most was Kohli’s evolving approach. Traditionally known for his classical ODI batting, he operated in a much higher gear for most of the innings. Reports noted that he even experimented with reverse sweeps against a left arm spinner, a shot rarely associated with his game.

Since the South Africa series, Kohli has clearly embraced a more aggressive mindset, especially in the powerplay. He has consistently looked to seize control early and prevent bowlers from setting the tone. His innings against Gujarat marked his sixth consecutive fifty plus score in List A cricket. His recent sequence reads 74 not out against Australia, 135 and 102 in the first two ODIs against South Africa, 65 not out in the third ODI, 131 against Andhra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and now 77 versus Gujarat.

Earlier in the tournament, Kohli had already produced a memorable 131 against Andhra, comfortably guiding Delhi through a 299 run chase. During that knock, he became the fastest player to reach 16,000 runs in men’s List A cricket, achieving the milestone in just 330 innings. He also now holds the record for being the quickest to every 1,000 run landmark beyond 10,000 in the format.

Kohli’s form over the past two months of 2025 has been exceptional. He was recently named Player of the Series after scoring two centuries and a fifty against South Africa. That run came shortly after a tough patch in Australia, where he registered back to back ducks before finishing the tour with a composed unbeaten seventy.

With Kohli having stepped away from Test cricket, speculation has grown around his long term ODI future. For now, his bat continues to provide the clearest answer. Meanwhile, the board has instructed centrally contracted players to participate in at least two rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Having featured against Andhra and Gujarat, it remains uncertain whether the 37 year old will take part in Delhi’s upcoming matches.

Visa Services Halted in Three Indian Cities as Bangladesh Cites ‘Unavoidable Circumstances’

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Dhruv
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Bangladesh

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has halted visa operations indefinitely after a small protest took place near the mission, according to officials aware of the development. The move comes at a time of renewed tension between India and Bangladesh.

A similar decision was taken by Bangladesh’s assistant high commission in Tripura after members of the Tipra Motha Party and other groups staged a demonstration outside the office. Visa services run by a private agency on Bangladesh’s behalf in Siliguri were also stopped following an incident of vandalism. Officials said these details on condition of anonymity.

Official notices issued in New Delhi and Agartala stated that all consular and visa related services have been suspended until further notice due to unavoidable circumstances. Staff at the Agartala mission remain stationed at the premises.

Bangladesh has been witnessing widespread unrest in recent days, with protests increasingly taking on an anti India tone after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. A known critic of India, Hadi died in Singapore while undergoing treatment after being shot in Dhaka.

Last week, a large crowd attempted to storm India’s assistant high commission in Chittagong, prompting police to use tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters. Following the incident, Indian visa services in the city were suspended. Demonstrations were also reported near Indian missions in Dhaka, Khulna and Rajshahi.

For several days, some Bangladeshi student leaders and political figures alleged that those responsible for Hadi’s killing had fled to India and demanded their extradition. However, Bangladesh Police later said the attackers’ whereabouts remain unknown.

India dismissed reports of a security breach at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi as misleading and voiced concern over the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man who was lynched during the protests after being accused of blasphemy. The external affairs ministry said a small group of protesters had gathered outside the mission to condemn the killing before being dispersed by police.

Bangladesh’s acting foreign minister Touhid Hossain disputed India’s account, calling it a serious security lapse. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry also rejected claims that the lynching of Das amounted to an attack on minorities.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated sharply since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government following student led protests and the formation of a caretaker administration under Muhammad Yunus. The unrest linked to Hadi’s death has further deepened the strain between the two countries.

H-1B Visa Curbs Gain Vance’s Backing as He Attacks Firms for Bypassing American Labour

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Dhruv
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jd vance
jd vance

US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday defended the Donald Trump administration’s tougher stance on H 1B visas, arguing that companies should not sidestep American workers in favour of lower-cost labour abroad.

Vance made the remarks while addressing AmericaFest, the annual convention organised by Turning Point USA, a conservative student group co-founded by activist Charlie Kirk.

Speaking about the broader role of governance, Vance said Christian politics should go beyond issues such as family values and the protection of the unborn, and must also shape how governments approach economic and labour policies.

Questioning corporate practices, he asked why companies that move American jobs overseas should face penalties. He answered that such action is necessary because work carries inherent dignity and people holding stable jobs in the United States deserve protection.

Turning specifically to immigration policy, Vance said the administration had acted to limit H 1B visas without waiting for Congress. He explained that the move was driven by the belief that it is unfair for firms to bypass domestic workers simply to cut costs by hiring labour from developing countries.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump introduced one of the strictest measures of his immigration agenda by announcing a 100,000 dollar fee for new H-1B visa applications.

The H 1B programme is heavily used by the US technology industry to recruit skilled professionals from overseas, with India supplying the largest share of such workers.

Separately, reports have said that Google and Apple have advised some employees on US work visas to avoid traveling abroad because of visa stamping delays that can stretch up to a year. Immigration lawyers have warned that new social media screening rules have slowed processing, increasing the risk of workers being stuck outside the country if appointments are postponed.

Starbucks Appoints Indian-Origin Tech Veteran Anand Varadarajan as New CTO

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Dhruv
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Anand Varadarajan
Anand Varadarajan

Global coffee chain Starbucks has appointed Indian origin technology executive Anand Varadarajan as its new executive vice president and chief technology officer, placing a seasoned Amazon veteran in charge of the company’s worldwide technology strategy.

According to an official announcement cited by PTI, Varadarajan will take on the role starting January 19. He will join Starbucks’ Executive Leadership Team and report directly to Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol.

Varadarajan succeeds Deb Hall Lefevre, who retired in September. Following her departure, Ningyu Chen served as interim chief technology officer while the company searched for a permanent replacement.

Starbucks said Varadarajan brings extensive experience in building secure and scalable technology systems that support large-scale operations while keeping customers at the center. His appointment is expected to accelerate investments in digital platforms and backend infrastructure aimed at improving efficiency, supporting employees, and enhancing the in-store experience, areas he previously helped develop at Amazon.

Varadarajan is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He later completed a master’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Washington.

He spent nearly two decades at Amazon, most recently overseeing technology and supply chain operations for the company’s Worldwide Grocery Stores business. Earlier in his career, he also worked at Oracle and several startups, gaining experience across a wide range of technology environments.

Starbucks believes Varadarajan’s appointment will strengthen its digital capabilities and help fast-track its global technology initiatives.

Air Quality Worsens in Delhi With AQI Approaching 400, ‘Severe’ Levels Feared Despite Restrictions

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Dhruv
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delhi pollution
delhi pollution

After a brief period of relief from extremely poor air conditions, Delhi once again edged close to the 400 AQI mark on Saturday as thick fog and cold weather covered the city from early morning.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the average air quality index over the past 24 hours at 398, placing it in the very poor category, with PM2.5 identified as the main pollutant. The capital had recorded severe air quality for three consecutive days starting December 13.

A heavy layer of smog persisted across the city through the morning hours. According to the India Meteorological Department, temperatures rose to a maximum of 22.2 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to around 6.1 degrees Celsius. An orange alert was issued for dense fog, with shallow to moderate fog expected during the night and early morning. Cloudy and foggy conditions continued into the afternoon, and yellow alerts have been issued for Sunday and Monday.

Recent weekends have repeatedly signaled worsening pollution levels. Just days earlier, Delhi’s AQI climbed to alarming levels, touching 461, which led to the implementation of GRAP 4 restrictions. On December 12, the AQI stood at 349 before rising sharply to 431 on December 13, peaking at 461 on December 14, and remaining high at 427 on December 15.

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that vehicles without valid pollution under control certificates will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps starting Thursday. He also said that vehicles registered outside Delhi and below Bharat Stage VI standards will be barred from entering the capital from December 18 as long as GRAP 3 and 4 restrictions remain in force.

Meanwhile, flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport continued to be affected, with more than 120 flights cancelled across multiple airlines over the past week due to persistent fog. The airport issued a fresh advisory at 3 pm, urging passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.

Guwahati Airport Gets Massive New Terminal as PM Modi Inaugurates Northeast’s Biggest Facility

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Dhruv
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed terminal building at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, marking a major expansion of Assam’s aviation infrastructure.

Officials said the project has been developed at a total cost of ₹5,000 crore, with ₹1,000 crore allocated for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities. With the new terminal becoming operational, the Guwahati airport is expected to play a central role as an aviation hub not only for Assam but for the entire Northeast region.

The terminal’s design draws inspiration from Assam’s cultural heritage and rich biodiversity. Spread across 1,40,000 square metres, the structure combines modern facilities with local artistic and environmental elements. The airport is named after Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first chief minister, and Prime Minister Modi also unveiled an 80 foot tall statue of Bardoloi outside the terminal.

Earlier, the prime minister shared glimpses of the new facility and described it as a major boost to the state’s infrastructure. He said the increased capacity would improve ease of living while also supporting commerce and tourism.

On Sunday, December 21, Modi said he would pay floral tributes at the Shaheed Smarak Sthal, dedicated to the martyrs of the historic Assam Movement. He also announced his participation in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ammonia Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited in Namrup, Dibrugarh. The project is expected to meet fertilizer requirements in Assam and other states, reduce imports, and strengthen self reliance.

‘Still grieving’: Esha Deol reflects on losing her father Dharmendra and asks for compassion

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Dhruv
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dharmendra esha deol
dharmendra esha deol

The passing of veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra on November 24 plunged the film industry and his fans into deep mourning. The legendary actor died just weeks short of turning 90. On Friday, his daughter Esha Deol shared an emotional message on Instagram, explaining that she must resume limited social media activity due to long pending professional commitments, while appealing for compassion during this painful period.

In her note, Esha said she had postponed several work related posts for a long time and would now begin sharing them over the coming days. She asked people to see her not just as a public figure, but as a grieving daughter coping with the loss of a father she described as deeply loving and irreplaceable. She added that while she would have preferred to step away from social media entirely, circumstances did not allow it, and she hoped for empathy and understanding from everyone.

Dharmendra’s career spanned more than six decades, during which he delivered countless iconic performances in films such as Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Phool Aur Patthar, and Dharam Veer, among many others. He passed away at his residence in Juhu and was cremated at the Pawan Hans Crematorium, with several film personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Govinda attending to pay their final respects.

Dharmendra will make his final on screen appearance in the upcoming war drama Ikkis, which also features Agastya Nanda, marking the end of an era in Indian cinema.

Parliament Hears AAP MP’s Demands for Punjab Relief Fund and Improved Pay for Anganwadi Workers

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Dhruv
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AAP
AAP

Aam Aadmi Party MP from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer used the discussion on Supplementary Demands in Parliament of India to spotlight a range of social and economic concerns, calling for immediate financial and policy interventions from the Centre.

Focusing on welfare workers, Meet Hayer urged the government to regularise Anganwadi employees and substantially raise their current honorarium. He argued that these workers are central to child nutrition and early development, yet continue to be underpaid and insecure. Pointing to India’s poor standing on the Global Hunger Index, he said the promise of a developed India rings hollow when frontline workers are undervalued.

Turning to Punjab’s flood crisis, the MP said the damage caused by recent floods had far exceeded official estimates. While the Prime Minister had announced a relief package of ₹1,600 crore, Meet Hayer said the state’s actual losses stood close to ₹20,000 crore and even the promised funds had not reached Punjab. He pressed the Centre to immediately release the announced amount and sanction additional compensation to rebuild damaged infrastructure.

He also raised concerns about the Public Distribution System, noting that the absence of a census since 2011 has left many families without ration cards despite population growth and increased poverty levels. Meet Hayer called for the urgent issuance of new ration cards so that vulnerable households are not excluded from food security schemes.

On sports funding, he criticised what he described as an unfair allocation of grants. Citing Punjab’s strong contribution to Indian hockey and medal wins by players from the state, he said funding should be linked to sporting performance rather than political considerations. He contrasted this with Gujarat receiving large grants despite not winning medals at the Paris Olympics, and warned that with India set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, neglecting sports funding now could hurt future preparedness.

Overall, Meet Hayer said equitable funding, respect for workers, and need based welfare policies were essential if national development goals were to have real meaning on the ground.

Bondi Beach Shooting Called ‘Matter of Pride’ by Islamic State, Group Does Not Claim Attack

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Dhruv
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bondi beach
bondi beach

The Islamic State on Thursday described the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which claimed 15 lives, as a source of pride, according to a report by Reuters. The remarks appeared in an article shared on the group’s Telegram channel that referred to the attack during a Hanukkah celebration, though the organisation stopped short of formally claiming responsibility.

Australian authorities believe the Bondi Beach attack was carried out by a father and son, and investigators said the act appeared to be influenced by Islamic State ideology. During the incident, the father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a gunfight with police, while his 24 year old son Naveed was critically injured and later hospitalised under police guard.

After regaining consciousness from a coma, Naveed was charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism related charges. A court has since adjourned his case until April 2026, as police continue probing possible Islamic State linked networks operating within Australia.

Officials also revealed that Sajid Akram originally hailed from Hyderabad and held an Indian passport, though he migrated to Australia in 1998. Police said he had minimal contact with relatives in India over the past 27 years and did not return even after his father’s death.

In response to the attack, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a tougher approach toward hate speech and extremism. He said the government is considering new laws to make it easier to prosecute those promoting hatred or violence, tighten visa rules, and impose stricter penalties. Albanese also said authorities would maintain a list of organisations whose leaders encourage hate, as Australia mourned the victims of the tragedy.

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