Page 7 - National News

ATS again takes custody of Pune engineer held for alleged terror links

The Maharashtra ATS has once again taken the custody of software engineer Zubair Hangargekar, arrested two months back for alleged links with banned outfits such as Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent as well as suspected involvement in radicalisation activities. Hangargekar, who was earlier in judicial custody, was sent to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) remand till January 3 by a special court hearing cases pertaining to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). "The ATS took Hangargekar into its custody on Wednesday. The court has remanded him to the ATS custody till January 3," an official said. Under the UAPA, the maximum period of police custody for an accused in terror cases is 30 days. Hangargekar (37) was arrested on October 27 for his alleged links with banned terror outfits. "Following his arrest, Hangargekar was in the ATS custody for 18 days. He was then sent in judicial custody after the probe agency last month sought his judicial custody while ...

Industrial-logistics space demand hits record 76.5 mn sq ft this year

Demand for industrial and logistics spaces hit an all-time high this year, with leasing volumes rising nearly 19 per cent to 76.5 million square feet across 24 major cities in India, according to Savills. Real estate consultant Savills India data showed that the manufacturing sector took on lease 29 per cent of spaces, followed by third-party logistics firms (28 per cent) and e-commerce players (12 per cent). "India's Industrial and Logistics sector continued its strong post-pandemic growth trajectory in 2025, recording its highest-ever annual absorption of 76.5 million sq ft," Savills India said. In the 2024 calendar year, leasing of industrial and logistics spaces stood at 64.5 million square feet. Out of the total leasing this year, the consultant said that eight tier-I cities -- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Pune -- saw 20 per cent growth in leasing to 59.5 million square feet this year from 49.7 million square feet in 2024. Delhi-N

FSSAI asks food businesses to stop calling herbal infusions 'tea'

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a stern warning to food business operators against using the word 'tea' for herbal infusions and plant-based blends not derived from Camellia sinensis, terming it a case of misbranding and misleading practices under the law. The directive, issued on December 24, comes after the regulator found several food business operators (FBOs) marketing products, such as 'Rooibos tea', 'herbal tea' and 'flower tea', none of which are obtained from the Camellia sinensis plant. According to FSSAI regulations, the term 'tea' can only be used on packaging and labelling if the beverage is derived from Camellia sinensis. This includes variants such as Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea. "Such plant-based or herbal infusions or blends, which are not derived from Camellia sinensis, do not qualify to be named as tea," the FSSAI clarified. The violation, it said, amounts to misleading and misbranding under the provisions of the Food

NTPC to set up 1 tonne-per-day green hydrogen plant in Greater Noida

Power giant NTPC on Tuesday announced its plan to set up a green hydrogen project of 1 tonne/day at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The project will be set up through NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA), the Research & Development (R&D) wing of NTPC. NETRA will set up a plasma gasificationbased green hydrogen plant on its campus at Greater Noida, the company said. The plant is designed to produce 1 tonne of green hydrogen per day, NTPC said. The advanced plasma gasification technology will convert waste into tar-free syngas, which will be further processed to produce hydrogen using PSA/membrane technology, it said. NTPC, under the Ministry of Power, is contributing one-fourth of India's power requirements, and has an installed capacity of 85 GW+, with an additional capacity of 30.90 GW under construction, including 13.3 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company aims to achieve 149 GW of production capacity by 2032, including 60 GW of renewable energy capacity, .

Delhi, Noida AQI levels rise to 'severe', cross 400 at multiple locations

The air quality forecast failed as Delhi's AQI slipped into the 'severe' category above 400, with the national capital and neighbouring Noida recording the worst air quality in the country. A grey haze enveloped the capital on Tuesday as the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 412 in the severe category at 4 pm, deteriorating sharply from 373 in the very poor category at the same time a day earlier, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Out of the 40 functional monitoring stations in the city, five recorded severe-plus AQI levels above 450, including Nehru Nagar (465), Mundka (457), Chandni Chowk (453), Okhla (452) and Jahangirpuri, while 26 stations remained in the severe category. The remaining stations reported very poor air quality, as per CPCB's SAMEER app. Delhi recorded the second-worst air quality in the country with an AQI of 412, after neighbouring Noida, which registered an AQI of 426. These were the only two cities among 230 ...

VB-G RAM G to address labour shortage during peak farm season: Minister

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said the recently passed Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act addresses the labour shortage faced during peak farm seasons. The VB-G RAM G Act, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), was passed in Parliament last week. Addressing virtually on the occasion of Farmers Day, Chouhan said the law strikes a balance between the welfare of farmers and labourers, according to an official statement. "VB-G RAM G is extremely useful in the broader interest of the country, as it empowers and makes the farming community self-reliant. While the VB-G RAM G fully takes care of the upliftment of labourers, it also focuses on farmers, ensuring sufficient labourers are available for farming," he said. The minister pointed out that farmers often face difficulty in finding labourers during sowing and harvesting seasons. "Now with this new law, this problem wil

Eminent Hindi writer, Jnanpith Award winner Vinod Kumar Shukla dies at 89

Eminent Chhattisgarh-based Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla died on Tuesday evening due to age-related ailments at a government hospital here, his family members said. He was 89. Shukla was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, on December 2 after experiencing breathing difficulties. He breathed his last at 4.48 pm on Tuesday, his son, Shashwat Shukla told PTI. He is survived by his wife, son Shashwat and a daughter. According to the family, his mortal remains will first be taken to his residence here, and details regarding the last rites will be announced shortly. Shashwat Shukla said that after his father experienced breathing problems in October, he was admitted to a private hospital in Raipur. After his condition improved, he was discharged and continued treatment at home. However, his health deteriorated suddenly on December 2, after which he was taken to AIIMS Raipur for further treatment, he added. A ...

Workers' unions to go on strike in Feb over new labour codes, SHANTI Bill

A joint platform of central trade unions have decided to hold a nationwide strike in February against the government's move to change legislations related to workers, the nuclear energy sector, and rural jobs. The trade unions are opposing the four new labour codes notified by the government in November and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, passed by the Parliament during the Winter Session, which was concluded on December 19. Also, the unions are against the passage of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), 2005 and seeks to provide rural workers with an employment guarantee of 125 days per financial year. Members of the farmers' body Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and NCCOEEE (National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers) have extended their support to the .

Mumbai civic polls: NCP (SP) holds alliance talks with Sena (UBT), MNS

Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Shashikant Shinde on Tuesday said his party was in talks with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray-led MNS for a tie-up for the January 15 polls to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Talking to reporters here, Shinde said discussions were being held to bring on board all parties opposed to the BJP to put up a united fight against the lead partner in the ruling Mahayuti coalition. Asked if the ruling NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will align with his party for the Pune civic body polls, the former state minister maintained that the NCP (SP) has authorised its local units to take a call on the issue taking into account the prevailing political situation. To a query whether the Congress will be a part of the alliance that the NCP (SP) is trying to forge for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) polls, Shinde pointed out that the Grand Old Party is already a constituent of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Discussions on labelling AI content over, rules to follow soon: IT secy

The government has completed consultations with the industry on the proposed mandatory labelling of AI-generated content, and the related rules are set to be issued shortly, IT Secretary S Krishnan has said. Krishnan told PTI in an interview that the industry has been "fairly responsible", understands the logic behind labelling of AI content and that, as such, there has not been serious pushback against it. The primary feedback from the industry is around wanting clarity on the degree of modification to make clear distinctions between substantive, material changes through AI, and routine technical enhancements. "Based on the inputs we have received, we are just consulting the other ministries within government, saying that these are the changes which have been suggested... so which changes we accept, which changes we make and what tweaks we make... that portion is on right now, and I think we should come out with the new rules very shortly," Krishnan said. About the feedback and ..

India's rice stocks surge to record high as paddy procurement climbs

State reserves of rice, including unmilled paddy, totalled a record 57.57 million metric tons as of December 1, far exceeding the government's target of 7.61 million tons for January 1

Delhi markets report drop in sales, footfall after BS VI ban, fuel curbs

Markets across the national capital have reported a decline in sales and footfall following the ban on non-BS VI vehicles and the enforcement of the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule, with traders saying fewer buyers from the National Capital Region (NCR) are visiting Delhi's key shopping hubs. Sadar Bazaar, one of Delhi's largest wholesale markets that largely depends on retailers from neighbouring NCR towns, has seen sales fall by around 30 to 35 per cent due to reduced movement, Paramjit Singh Pamma, chairman of the Sadar Bazaar Association, said. Pamma said that buyers from outside Delhi have limited their visits since the restrictions came into force. "Around 30 to 35 per cent of our sales have been affected as retailers from NCR are coming less frequently," he said. With the festive season underway, traders said the impact is being felt more sharply. "We have Christmas and New Year stock piled up, but the number of buyers is much lower compared to last year and overall footfall has dro

Knowledge key for India to become $5 trillion economy, says Gadkari

Knowledge is the most powerful tool for India to become a USD 5 trillion economy and the third largest economy in the world, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Monday. Addressing an event in the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, he said the future of any country is based on the type of futuristic technology it possesses. Taking technology to the grassroots, particularly in agriculture and rural India, is critical for making India self-reliant and a global power, he said. "IITs and their students have made a great contribution towards the country's development and progress. While working in the government, if we face any challenge, we refer it to the IITs first. The credibility of IITs is so good that the solution we get is widely accepted. In a nutshell, you are the capital of knowledge," the Union minister said. "The progress of the country, resources, and technologies are important, but what is more important is the futuristic technology and knowledge. The future of any ..

Leadership row: Will wait for Congress high command's call, says Shivakumar

With the leadership issue involving him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah coming to the fore again, deputy CM D K Shivakumar on Saturday said the Congress high command has told the two leaders as to when they will be called to Delhi to discuss the matter. He said that both of them will go to Delhi and meet the high command, when called. "I will inform you, I won't do anything without informing you. I will not go hiding from you," Shivakumar told reporters here in response to a question on him and Siddaramaiah's likely visit to the national capital to meet the party high command after the just concluded legislature session in Belagavi. Asked if there was any invitation from the high command, asking him and CM to come to Delhi, he said, "they have told something to both of us, they have told both of us over phone as to when they will call us. We will go, both of us will go." "They (high command) have said they will call both of us at the appropriate time, we will wait for the call," th

New Aravalli Hills definition sparks protests over feared ecological damage

Environmental activists on Saturday held protests in Haryana's Gurugram and Rajasthan's Udaipur against the new elevation-based definition of what constitutes the Aravalli hills, which they feared could prove detrimental to the ecological balance of one of the country's oldest mountain ranges. In Gurugram, a large number of activists, members of social organisations and locals gathered outside the residence of Cabinet minister Rao Narbir Singh and staged a peaceful protest. The protesters held banners and placards, and raised slogans such as "Save Aravalli, Save the Future" and "No Aravalli, No Life". They expressed deep concern over the Supreme Court order ratifying the new definition. The top court, on November 20, 2025, accepted the recommendations of a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on the definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges. According to the new definition, "Aravalli Hill is any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an ...

Rekha Gupta attack case: Court frames attempt to murder charges against 2

A court here on Saturday ordered framing of attempt to murder charges against the two accused in the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a public event earlier this year, saying there was a prima facie case against them. Additional Sessions Judge Ekta Gauba Mann was hearing a case against Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai and Tahsin Raza Rafiullah Shaikh, who are accused in the case. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her camp office in the Civil Lines area on August 20, with her office terming the assault a part of a "well-planned conspiracy to kill her". Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai (41), a resident of Rajkot in Gujarat, was arrested and booked under attempt to murder and other charges. Tahsin Raza Rafiullah Shaikh has been accused of hatching the conspiracy along with Khimjibhai to attack the chief minister. In the order, the judge said, "I am of the considered view that prima facie all the ingredients for the offence punishab

Over 2.4 mn voters remain untraced after enumeration phase in Kerala SIR

Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar on Saturday said that 24,08,503 voters remain untraced after the enumeration stage of the SIR of the electoral rolls in the state. He was speaking at an all-party meeting convened to review the SIR procedures. Kelkar presented the SIR figures after the completion of the enumeration process. According to the data, 24,08,503 enumeration forms remain uncollected out of 2.78 crore existing voters in the state, accounting for 8.65 per cent. Of these, 6,49,885 pertain to deceased persons, 6,45,548 voters were found untraceable, and 8,16,221 voters were identified as having permanently shifted from their registered addresses. In addition, 1,36,029 duplicate voters and 1,60,830 voters falling under other categories were identified. Kelkar said the draft electoral roll will be published on December 23. He said issues related to the voters' list can be addressed during the grievance redressal period from December 23 to January 22, 2026. Also,

Privileged to host PM Modi at Guwahati airport terminal inauguration: Adani

Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani on Saturday said he was privileged to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the new terminal at Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. The terminal has been developed by Guwahati International Airport Ltd, with operations led by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). "Privileged to host Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji at the inauguration of the new terminal at @GuwahatiAirport," Adani posted on X. "This terminal belongs to the people of Assam. Built with 140 tonnes of locally sourced bamboo and shaped around the Sky Forest, it carries the craftsmanship, ecology and quiet strength of the Northeast into a world-class gateway connecting youth, entrepreneurs, farmers and families more deeply with India and the world," he said. He also expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma "for his tremendous leadership and support". "At @AdaniOnline, we are proud to build and connect Gateways to Goodness for every air ..

MHA secretary reviews security preparedness along India-Myanmar border

The visit was dedicated to reviewing the current security architecture and infrastructure projects along the strategically vital Indo-Myanmar border

Comparing Murshidabad murders with B'desh lynching is misleading: WB Police

The West Bengal Police on Saturday said that attempts to draw parallels between the recent lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh with the murders of a father-son duo in the state's Murshidabad district eight months ago were "highly inciteful, factually misleading, and intended to disturb public order". The police, in a statement, said that 13 people accused in the murder of father-son duo, Haragobindo and Chandan Das, in Murshidabad were promptly arrested and a "strong charge sheet" was filed, while judgment in the case is expected soon. The two people were killed during communal violence in the Bangladesh-bordering district during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. A 25-year-old Hindu man, identified as Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Mymensingh city in Bangladesh on Thursday. "Drawing parallels with the events in Bangladesh is nothing but a disingenuous attempt to spread communal mistrust where the law is already .