Chhattisgarh News Highlights: Naxalism certainly going to be eliminated from state, says CM after 30 Naxals killed

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue on October 4 and said, “...India’s age-old relationship and tradition of fostering maritime cooperation with the countries in the region has also evolved from ancient trade and cultural ties to modern strategic partnerships aimed at ensuring security in the Indian Ocean Region. This East-West balance has created opportunities for economic development. The Indo-Pacific is experiencing an unprecedented economic buzz today. But, as they say, opportunities come with challenges. The global maritime landscape is rapidly evolving today, shaped by shifting power dynamics, resource competition, and emerging security threats. The emergence of the Indo-Pacific theatre today reflects a visible balancing of global power —political, economic and, to some degree, even military power between the West and the East...”

On BJP's statement that they will come to power in Jharkhand after the upcoming Assembly election, Jharkhand Minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta says, “...They (BJP) are seeing 'Mungeri Lal Ke Haseen Sapne' from the day Jharkhand govt was formed and it will remain as a dream...What manifesto will BJP bring?...they had promised that every year they would provide employment to 2 crore youths...inflation would come down...what kind of ethics do they have?...”

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai says, “...It's a big operation. I congratulate all the police personnel and I bow to their valour... Naxalism is taking its last breath... Naxalism is certainly going to be eliminated from the state...Union Home Minister Amit Shah has visited the state twice in nine months regarding Naxalism and he has this resolve that we have to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.”

Agitating junior doctors threaten to launch indefinite hunger strike if demands not met by West Bengal government within 24 hours from Friday evening.

A scuffle broke out between police and flood victims in Muzaffarpur, Bihar earlier today.

Protesting over lack of relief and help from the state government, flood victims blocked the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi road, which led to an altercation with the police personnel. The protesters were lathi-charged by the police, following which both sides clashed, leading to several injuries.

Bangladesh Combined Minority Alliance organised a massive protest rally today in Dhaka, ahead of Durga Puja.

The Alliance put forth an 8-point demand, including, the guarantee of justice for the persecution of minorities, and urged that the same be accepted.

Spiritual leaders from various temples and monasteries across the country especially from Dhaka and Chittagong, students from various colleges and universities, leaders of minority communities, citizens from all walks of life and the representatives of Bangladesh Combined Minority Alliance were present at the protest rally.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s unwavering resolve to a rule-based international order, respect for international law, and adherence to the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, describing them as the cornerstones of foreign policy.

“India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to disputes and has sought to promote cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific, with a strong emphasis on the centrality of ASEAN in fostering regional dialogue, stability & collective growth,” he said.

He also underscored India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the vital international maritime routes. He added that the engagement with regional partners, including joint exercises and information-sharing initiatives, is aimed at strengthening the collective maritime security framework, the Ministry of Defence said.

30 Naxals killed so far in the encounter with Police in ​​Maad area on Narayanpur-Dantewada border. A huge amount of automatic weapons recovered. Search operation is underway

Total number of naxals neutralised so far in the encounter with Police, rises to 24 in ​​Maad area on Narayanpur-Dantewada border, following a search operation

On EAM S Jaishankar to visit Pakistan for the SCO summit, National Conference provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta says, "We welcome this. I think this is a very good time because the National Conference has always said that we should have good relations with our neighbours, especially with Pakistan and that we should have dialogues with them. So now the Foreign Minister of India is going to Pakistan, we welcome it and I hope new avenues for dialogue will open up. If we have good relations with our neighbours, they will progress and we will also progress..."

Fourteen Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on October 4, a senior police officer informed.

A search operation by the CISF was carried out at Jaipur airport after the airport administration received the threat via email. Nothing suspicious has been found so far.

SHO Sandeep Basera says, "CISF received a non-specific threat through the mail which has been done by tagging all-India airports. It has an indirect threat and no direct bomb threat. Intensive checking has been done by the CISF and the team, we had our security meeting as well. We haven't found any suspicious object."

Additional CP, Delhi Police Special Cell, Pramod Singh Kushwaha says, "Two more arrests have been made - Akash Bholi and Sumit. They had escaped together right after the incident and fled towards Amritsar the same day. They have been on the run since then. After returning from Amritsar on 1st October, they stayed in Sonipat, Panipat and so on. On 1st Oct, they boarded a train from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. They headed to Madhya Pradesh and then to Pune. From Pune they went to Manmad. From there, when they were heading to Kolhapur, our team arrested them at Miraj junction near Sangli. So, our team was chasing them for a week...They are associated with Himanshu Bhau gang. He is instructing them from somewhere abroad. We have identified others too..."

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "Many times, even at the highest level we have said that minorities should be protected there (in Bangladesh). This is our expectation that the government there will provide security to the minorities. Any incident happening during Durga Puja is not good. Durga Puja conveys a good message and I extend my best wishes to all on this occasion...."

Supreme Court rejects petitions seeking review of the Constitution Bench judgment empowering state to sub-classify Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs/STs)

-- SC has pointed out Andhra CM Naidu's 'true picture', says YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy

-- TTD executive officer handpicked by CM Naidu himself said adulterated ghee was never used in making laddu prasadam, he adds

-- Andhra CM Naidu should have some remorse now, says YSRCP chief after SC ruling on Tirupati laddu

Former Andhra Pradesh CM and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy says, "The Supreme Court highlighted the comments made by CM Chandrababu Naidu, stating that they hurt the sentiments of Hindus and warned against using religious matters for political drama. The SIT formed by the CM was also halted. The sanctity of TTD and prasadam was damaged by Chandrababu Naidu's false comments. Even the courts questioned CM Chandrababu Naidu for making allegations on TTD."

An encounter between a joint party of Narayanpur Police and Dantewada Police, and Naxals is underway in ​​Maad area on Narayanpur-Dantewada border, following a search operation.

On media reports that sewerage connections will be given on the basis of the number of seats installed by building owners in Himachal Pradesh, Onkar Chand Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department says, "The notification was issued on 21st Sept 2024, regarding the charges in rural as well as urban areas. It was all mentioned in detail. Wherever the sewerage has been installed by the department, the charges will be 30% of the water bill. But a few establishments were such, a few hotels were such that - both in rural and urban areas, where they had their own water scheme. But they used the department sewerage...Since they used their own water system, they were charged on the basis of per seat. But as soon as this notification was issued and the file reached the Deputy CM, he said this didn't look right. So, this was withdrawn. This provision of per seat has been withdrawn..."

Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda said, “...Today Himachal has become 100% free from open defecation. I was very surprised to hear in the morning that Sukhu ji has imposed tax on toilets (seats) as well. Now what should we call this, this government has lost its mind. Tell me whether corruption has increased in this Congress government or not. The Congress Party has taken up the task of troubling you in every way.”

Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda said at Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh on October 4, "It is a matter of great joy for all of us and I thank you for the fact that in the Lok Sabha elections, you gave all 4 seats of Himachal to BJP. You made lotus bloom in Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi and Shimla...Today, NDA government is there in 18 states including the BJP government in 13 states. We would also like to tell you that due to your tireless efforts and strength, today the BJP's lotus has bloomed on 98% of the land and 97% of the population has voted for the BJP. I thank the people of India and the people of Himachal that they took care of us and blessed our party."

The Supreme Court on Friday criticized the Lieutenant Governor's office for its rush to hold elections for the sixth member of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's Standing Committee. The bench instructed the LG's office to pause elections for the Standing Committee chairman until it reviews Mayor Shelly Oberoi's plea against the September 27 polls. The court warned it would take serious action if elections proceeded without its approval, highlighting concerns about potential threats to democracy under Section 487 of the Delhi Municipal Act. The LG's office must respond within two weeks, with the case set for hearing after the Dussehra break.

The Supreme Court stated on Friday that if it determines that Gujarat authorities acted in contempt of its order regarding property demolitions, it will direct them to restore the structures. This declaration came during a hearing involving a plea for contempt proceedings based on alleged violations of the court's September 17 ruling. That order specified that no properties, including those linked to alleged crimes, could be demolished without the court's permission. Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan emphasized the seriousness of the matter as they reviewed the plea.

The Union Cabinet has approved a performance-linked bonus (PLB) totaling ₹2,028 crore for more than 1.17 million Railway employees, which equates to 78 days' wages. This bonus will benefit a range of non-gazetted Railway staff, including track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, station masters, and various technical and ministerial personnel. This initiative is aimed at recognizing the hard work and contributions of Railway employees, enhancing morale and productivity across the sector.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut hailed the Centre's decision to bestow classical language status on Marathi, asserting that this achievement stems from the collective efforts of various stakeholders rather than the credit of a single political party or leader. In a press interaction, Raut remarked that if the BJP-led Union government's motive for granting this status was to make amends for its electoral defeat in Maharashtra, such "alms" are unwelcome, as Marathi stands strong as a significant language in its own right. His comments reflect the sentiment that the recognition of Marathi's importance should not be politicized.

The Supreme Court has directed the Solicitor General to respond to a plea alleging contempt of its previous order concerning demolitions in Gujarat. The matter has been posted for hearing on October 16. The petition claims that the demolitions have violated the court's earlier directives, prompting the need for clarification and action. Further details on the issue are awaited as the court prepares to address the allegations in the upcoming hearing.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that by 2047, the Indian Air Force (IAF) envisions having its entire inventory produced domestically. Speaking at an event, he highlighted the importance of self-reliance and indigenous production for national security. Singh underscored the IAF’s ongoing efforts to boost indigenous capabilities through collaborations with Indian manufacturers, aligning with the government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). The initiative aims to make India a global leader in aerospace and defence technology, marking a significant shift in the country’s defense production strategy.

Punjab Police on Friday arrested two individuals in connection with a drug syndicate and recovered 1.5 kg of heroin from their possession. The heroin was concealed in jackets, according to Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sukhdeep Singh and Krishan. This bust marks another effort by the Punjab Police to combat the state's growing drug issues, and further investigations are underway to determine the extent of the syndicate's operations.

An Environment Ministry committee emphasized that site visits are crucial before granting environmental clearances to pumped storage projects (PSPs) in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. During a September 27 meeting, the ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) stated that about 15 projects in the region had received Terms of Reference (ToR), outlining the necessary environmental studies required before applying for clearance. The committee stressed that these site inspections must be conducted thoroughly to ensure ecological preservation in this sensitive zone.

A bomb explosion and firing incident has been reported near the residence of former BJP MP Arjun Singh in Barrackpore, West Bengal. The exact details and motive behind the attack are still unclear, and authorities are investigating the situation. No information has been released yet regarding casualties or damage. Security in the area has been tightened, and further updates are awaited.

An Environment Ministry committee emphasized that site visits are crucial before granting environmental clearances to pumped storage projects (PSPs) in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. During a September 27 meeting, the ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) stated that about 15 projects in the region had received Terms of Reference (ToR), outlining the necessary environmental studies required before applying for clearance. The committee stressed that these site inspections must be conducted thoroughly to ensure ecological preservation in this sensitive zone.

The Supreme Court has formed an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT), which includes two officers from the CBI, to probe the Tirupati laddu controversy. The court emphasized its commitment to preventing the judicial system from becoming a political battleground, stating that it does not wish for the situation to devolve into a political drama.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has officially vacated his residence and is moving out with his family. This decision follows his resignation from the chief minister's post last month, as he prepares to live at the official bungalow of Punjab Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in Lutyens' Delhi.

In Mumbai, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar expressed strong support for the Maratha reservation, stating, "Everyone has this feeling that reservation should be given. There is nothing wrong with it." However, he emphasized the need to protect existing reservations for other communities, insisting that they should not be harmed. Pawar pointed out that current laws limit reservations to 50%, and any increase beyond that would necessitate a change in legislation.

Ahead of the T20I cricket match between India and Bangladesh scheduled for Sunday, Gwalior's district magistrate has imposed prohibitory orders. These restrictions include a ban on protests and the circulation of inflammatory material, particularly on social media, to maintain peace and ensure an incident-free event, according to officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Maharashtra on Saturday to launch a series of development initiatives totaling over Rs 56,000 crore. According to the PMO, he will inaugurate the Banjara Virasat Museum in Washim, which celebrates the rich heritage of the Banjara community. Additionally, Modi will unveil projects worth Rs 23,300 crore focused on the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors. Later, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects in Thane, amounting to over Rs 32,800 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his heartfelt condolences on Twitter regarding the tragic road accident in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. He stated, "The road accident in Mirzapur is extremely painful. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives. May God give them strength to bear this pain." He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and assured that the local administration is working under the state government's supervision to assist the victims in every possible way.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the budget during the "Amrit Kaal" era targets four key demographics, highlighting the importance of inclusive growth. She stated, "We are developing export hubs" and noted the significant reduction in port turnaround times by 50%. Sitharaman projected that India, having taken 75 years to reach a per capita income of $2,730, could add another $2,000 in just five years. She also mentioned that 43% of Indians are under 24 years old, indicating an organic growth in consumption.

An earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale struck Ukhrul town in Manipur on Friday morning, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The epicentre was located in the Ukhrul area at a depth of 30 km, with the tremor occurring around 7:02 AM.

BookMyShow has filed a case against an unknown individual at the Vile Parle Police Station in Mumbai for allegedly black marketing tickets to the Coldplay concert scheduled for January 2025 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The police have registered the case under Section 66 (C) of the IT Act and relevant sections of the BNS Act, with investigations ongoing.

In its complaint, BookMyShow stated that when ticket sales began on September 22, they explicitly warned against purchasing tickets from third parties. The company received emails from two individuals requesting to book maximum tickets and claiming to have collected money from others in exchange for securing tickets. Additionally, BookMyShow received multiple WhatsApp messages from individuals making similar requests, which they chose to ignore.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal affirmed that India considers the United States one of its most reliable trade partners, stating, "We are increasingly expanding our relations and trade in goods, services, technology, and investment." He emphasized the value of this relationship under the Modi government, highlighting the positive interactions with the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. Goyal expressed confidence that these strong ties with the U.S. will continue to flourish in the future.

Actor Rajinikanth was discharged from Apollo Hospital in Chennai at 11 PM last night, according to the Chennai Police. He had been admitted on September 30 due to swelling in the main blood vessel leaving his heart. The issue was successfully treated using a non-surgical, transcatheter method.

Junior doctors in West Bengal are persisting with their total 'cease work' across all state-run medical colleges and hospitals, demanding justice for their colleague who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital, as well as improved safety measures at medical facilities.

One of the protesting doctors stated, “We are holding a governing body meeting to decide our next steps, but we are firm on our demands for safety and security across all hospitals in West Bengal.” This meeting, which began on Thursday evening, continued into Friday morning without any announcement of a decision.

The junior doctors resumed their 'cease work' on October 1, following a violent incident involving medics at the College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital the previous week. Previously, they had engaged in a 42-day strike after the tragic incident on August 9, ending it on September 21 after discussions with state officials aimed at ensuring safety in healthcare.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his joy over Bengali being conferred classical language status, coinciding with the auspicious Durga Puja festivities. In his tweet, he noted, "Bengali literature has inspired countless people for years." He extended his congratulations to Bengali speakers worldwide, highlighting the cultural significance of this recognition.

Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut expressed pride over Marathi being granted classical language status, along with four other languages—Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese. Raut highlighted the longstanding demand for Marathi’s recognition, stating that leaders across party lines and every state government over the past 30-35 years contributed to this achievement. He emphasized, "This is the contribution of everyone, not just one person," while criticizing the BJP for often taking sole credit for such milestones

On the second day of Navratri, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini extended his best wishes to the people of the state and the country. In his message, he expressed hopes for good health and prosperity, saying, "I pray that people stay healthy and that there is immense progress and development in the country."

At least 10 labourers lost their lives, and three others were injured in a fatal truck-tractor collision in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district late last night. The accident occurred when a truck lost control and rammed into a tractor carrying 13 people on GT Road near the Kachhwa border. Authorities quickly launched rescue efforts, and the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The Supreme Court will hear a series of pleas today seeking a court-monitored probe into allegations of using animal fat in the making of Tirupati laddus. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had requested the court to reschedule the hearing for Friday morning. The bench, led by Justice B R Gavai, agreed and listed it as the first item for today. Earlier, the court had asked Mehta to assist in determining if the state-appointed SIT should continue the investigation or if an independent probe is necessary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the third Kautilya Economic Conclave on Friday, which will focus on job creation, green economy, AI, and economic resilience. The event, themed The Indian Era, will bring together around 150 experts to discuss key challenges facing India and the Global South, including reforming global financial systems and tackling the middle-income trap.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal is set to vacate the Delhi CM’s house on Friday. He will relocate with his family to Punjab MP Ashok Mittal’s bungalow on Ferozeshah Road, near AAP’s headquarters. Kejriwal stepped down as Delhi chief minister last month, stating he needed to regain the public's trust before returning to the role. His resignation comes ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in February next year.

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