Patna, May 14 (IANS) As the political battle heats up ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp offensive against RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his son and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, through a new video titled ‘Ghotalebaz’ (scamster).The over three-minute song, crafted using AI-powered visual effects, accuses the father-son duo of being central figures in multiple scams, including the fodder scam and the ongoing IRCTC land-for-job case.The video, widely circulated on social media, paints a satirical yet scathing picture of the RJD leadership, reviving past corruption charges.BJP leader, Arvind Kumar Singh, said, “This video shows how Lalu Yadav was involved in one scam after another, and how Tejashwi Yadav became a crorepati despite being a minor. The new generation needs to know the truth.”Reacting sharply, RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari said, “The BJP has no moral authority to talk about corruption. The double-engine government is itself knee-deep in corruption and crime. What about the Srijan scam, Muzaffarpur shelter home case, or the collapsing bridges during the NDA rule?”Tiwari accused the BJP of diverting attention from governance failures while asserting that the public has not forgotten the “misgovernance” and “scandals” under the National Democratic Alliance’s watch.Despite Lalu’s limited political activity due to health and legal constraints, the RJD’s momentum is largely being carried forward by Tejashwi.Meanwhile, the IRCTC land-for-job scam, dating back to Lalu’s tenure as Railway Minister, continues to haunt the RJD.Several members of the Yadav family, including Rabri Devi, Tej Pratap, and Misa Bharti, are under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).As the political slugfest intensifies, all eyes are now on the upcoming campaign strategies and alliances that will shape Bihar’s 2025 electoral narrative.–IANSajk/svn

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) While Pakistan is taking out funeral processions of terrorists killed in Indian strikes during ‘Operation Sindoor’, some leaders back home are taking out ‘Saboot yatra’, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla told IANS on Wednesday, taking a sharp jibe at the INDIA bloc-led Opposition.His critical remarks came in response to former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi’s objection to US President Donald Trump’s ‘mediation’ in reaching an ‘understanding’ between India and Pakistan over the heightened crisis.“INDIA alliance and Pakistan are two bodies but one soul,” he claimed, taking a caustic swipe.He said that the BJP is taking out ‘Tiranga Yatra’ across the country to celebrate the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and honour the armed forces but the parties of INDIA bloc including the Congress and AAP are raising questions on its success.Atishi taking to X on Tuesday, demanded answers from Prime Minister Modi asking as to why the ceasefire was announced when the armed forces were still eliminating the terrorists and their supporters to avenge the Pahalgam attack.Shehzad Poonawalla, responded to the former Delhi CM’s jibe stating, “The whole world knows Atishi, whose parents supported Afzal Guru. She asks for proof and wants to see evidence that Pakistan folded its hands before India. Atishi does not want to listen to the Indian Army, but she will believe it only when Pakistan tells her that it had asked for a ceasefire from India.”He further said, “Pakistan does not accept defeat after losing to India in 1965, 1971 and 1999 but Atishi wants confirmation from Pakistan. Congress leader Hussain Dalwai says that 100 terrorists were killed, show proof of this.”He said that the Army has already given full details, during an extensive press conference, about how our military destroyed nine terrorist hideouts in PoK and Pakistan.He said that the INDIA bloc had earlier also raised questions on surgical strikes and the Balakot operation.“After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, there is again a race to give a clean chit to Pakistan. Their statements have shown that there are two fronts. The front that lives here, eats from here but sings the tune of Pakistan,” he remarked.–IANSmr/rad

Ranchi, May 14 (IANS) Six people were killed and four others seriously injured in three separate road accidents across Jharkhand on Wednesday, police officials said. The first accident occurred near Baihatu village on the Chaibasa-Chakradharpur highway in West Singhbhum district, where a small cargo vehicle collided head-on with a truck coming from the opposite direction.Three occupants of the cargo vehicle — Seenu Purti (35), Ganga Jarika (36), and Shivram Hembram (30) — died on the spot. Another passenger, Jagdish Hembram (35), was seriously injured and referred to the Tata Main Hospital after initial treatment.The impact of the collision was so severe that the Tata Magic vehicle was shattered. Local residents and police worked together to rescue those trapped inside.Chaibasa Mufassil Police Station in-charge Chandrashekhar Kumar said the three deceased were declared brought dead at the hospital. Post-mortem examinations are underway.In the second accident, a Bolero vehicle fell into the Tilaiya Dam after breaking through the railing of Jawahar Bridge on the Ranchi – Patna Road in the Barhi police station area of Hazaribagh district.Of the four people in the vehicle, two — Saurabh and Sandeep — managed to escape by swimming to safety. However, the other two occupants, Rahul Sonkar and Ashish, died in the accident.The group was reportedly returning to Barhi after attending a wedding ceremony in Koderma. Upon receiving information, the SDPO of Barhi reached the spot with a police team. A crane was used to retrieve the submerged vehicle from the dam. While Rahul Sonkar’s body has been recovered, the search for Ashish’s body is still underway.In another incident near Pochra turn in the Latehar Sadar police station area, a bike and an auto collided head-on, killing Ashfaq Ansari. Another person, Waris Ansari, sustained serious injuries and has been shifted to RIMS Ranchi for treatment.–IANSskp/

Varanasi, May 14 (IANS) Celebrations erupted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, following India’s successful military operation against Pakistan. In a unique show of devotion and patriotism, locals anointed a poster of PM Modi with 51 litres of milk, accompanied by religious rituals including Sankhnaad, Rudrabhishek, and Dugdhabhishek, all performed to the chanting of Vedic mantras.The celebrations came in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military strike launched by India on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The operation targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to the Defence Ministry, the 25-minute strike resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists.IANS spoke to some of the locals of Varanasi.Bhim Singh, one of the locals, said, “Today, we are celebrating the efforts of PM Modi. Under his leadership, our armed forces successfully executed Operation Sindoor. This should serve as a warning to Pakistan. Honestly, I wish the operation had lasted longer so we could take even stronger revenge.”Another resident, Navneet Pandey, added, “We were deeply affected by the killing of 26 innocent people in Pahalgam. PM Modi has shown strong leadership. The way he handled the situation diplomatically and militarily is commendable. That’s why we performed a Dugdhabhishek of his poster and offered prayers with drums and chants.”Over 100 terrorists were killed during Operation Sindoor. According to Army officials, 24 precision strikes on nine different targets were carried out in a span of just 25 minutes in the early hours of May 7.According to reports, the Pakistan air force has suffered severe losses, with 20 per cent of its infrastructure destroyed in Indian strikes. Many of its fighter jets have been destroyed while more than 30-40 of its army men are understood to have succumbed.India targeted at least 10-11 airbases in Pakistan, many of which are known to host the country’s key fighter jets. The strikes caused severe damage, destroying ammunition depots and airbases such as Sargodha and Bholari, where the PAF’s F-16 and J-17 fighter aircraft were said to be stationed.After four days of intense fighting, India and Pakistan finally reached an understanding to pause the operation.–IANSjk/skp

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) In a heartbreaking incident, a three-and-a-half-year-old child died after a fire broke out in a house near the Kasara Bypass in Shahapur village, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district. The fire reportedly started around 8 a.m. on Tuesday in the residence of Dattatray Bule.Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed by a group of boys heading out to play cricket on their two-wheelers. Spotting smoke and flames, the boys immediately stopped and attempted to douse the fire with whatever water they could find in the vicinity.Due to a shortage of water, they struggled to contain the blaze. While trying to extinguish the fire, one of the boys realised that a child was trapped inside the house.Without wasting a moment, the boy entered the burning structure and managed to pull the child out. The child, identified as Krishna Bule, was immediately rushed to the Kasara Primary Health Centre, and later referred to Kharadi Rural Hospital for further treatment. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.The fire had already engulfed the entire house by the time private water tankers arrived to assist. According to the Kasara Police, the initial investigation suggests that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.Upon receiving information, the Thane Disaster Management team promptly arrived at the scene. Team members bravely entered the burning house wearing wet blankets and tried to put out the fire and rescue anyone who might be trapped inside the burning house.The Kasara Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the local community is in shock over the tragic loss of such a young life.Authorities are expected to further assess the cause of the fire and determine if any safety protocols were violated.–IANSrs/rad

Kolkata, May 14 (IANS) BJP’s West Bengal president and Union Minister of State Dr Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring the safe return of BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23.Shaw, a resident of Rishra in Hooghly district, was posted in Pathankot, Punjab, when he was captured by Pakistan Rangers — a day after the Pahalgam attack.Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also called for strong intervention by the Centre to secure Shaw’s release.In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Majumdar said Shaw’s repatriation was not only a moment of relief but also a testament to India’s diplomatic strength and national resolve.He expressed deep gratitude to the Prime Minister, stating, “Once again, under your decisive leadership, India has ensured that no citizen is left behind. Your relentless commitment to the nation’s security and dignity has ensured justice and honour for our brave soldiers. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind! Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai!”Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress also issued a statement highlighting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s role in supporting Shaw’s family during the ordeal.“Home at last. After days of anxiety and uncertainty, BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally been repatriated. Smt. @MamataOfficial personally reached out to his wife multiple times, offering reassurance and support during the ordeal. We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he endured and hope he finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones,” read the statement on the party’s official X handle.The Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday released the BSF jawan Purnam Shaw, who was captured by them and held in captivity for almost three weeks.The BSF jawan had inadvertently crossed over the international border in Punjab’s Ferozpur district. Purnam Shaw had strayed into the Pakistani side, a day after the ghastly Pahalgam attacks on April 22, which saw terrorists taking 26 innocent lives in cold blood.–IANSsrc/skp

Bhopal, May 14 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh unit of the BJP on Wednesday distanced itself from Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, stating that the party does not endorse such comments against individuals who have brought pride to the nation.State BJP president V.D. Sharma said he had communicated with Shah soon after the matter came to light and conveyed clear instructions from the party. However, he did not disclose the nature of those instructions.“The BJP leadership is very sensitive to such matters. If something inappropriate happens, it is promptly addressed. Vijay Shah has been conveyed the party’s message. No one has the right to disrespect Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who has made the country proud with her service,” Sharma said.When asked about the Congress’s demand for Shah’s resignation, Sharma said, “I will not comment on what Congress leaders say. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi served under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. She is a matter of pride for all of us.”Sharma had summoned Shah to the BJP headquarters in Bhopal on Tuesday evening for a closed-door meeting that lasted about 30 minutes. The state BJP office shared a photograph from the meeting.Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress stepped up its attack, staging protests in seven locations across the state and reiterating its demand for Shah’s resignation from the tribal affairs portfolio.Late on Tuesday night, Congress workers blackened the nameplate outside Shah’s official residence in Bhopal.Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh condemned Shah’s remarks, calling them “highly objectionable” and urging the BJP leadership to take strict action.The controversy erupted following Shah’s comments at a government event in Mhow (Indore district) on Monday, where he praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.Referring to Operation Sindoor, Shah had said that PM Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to avenge the attack.“PM Modi is working for the upliftment of society. Those who widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam), we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” he said.Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force had jointly briefed the media during Operation Sindoor, conducted in response to the Pahalgam attack.–IANSpd/skp

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, along with the three service chiefs — Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi — called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday to brief her on ‘Operation Sindoor’.As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President was apprised of the details and outcomes of the operation, which was launched in response to the brutal killing of 26 people by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.The armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ to neutralise the perpetrators. Strikes were carried out on terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).According to military sources, over 100 terrorists were eliminated during ‘Operation Sindoor’.President Murmu lauded the courage and efforts of the armed forces and described the operation as a “matter of national pride.”The President was given a comprehensive account of these developments during the briefing.A day earlier, CDS General Anil Chauhan had also met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at his residence in New Delhi.Earlier, key insights from ‘Operation Sindoor’ were also shared in a high-level meeting with retired military personnel and strategic think tanks in New Delhi.The meeting was attended by CDS Anil Chauhan, General Dwivedi, Admiral Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Singh.The Senior leadership of the Indian Armed Forces shared their perspectives on ‘Operation Sindoor’s’ operational success, highlighting its strategic significance and the military’s joint capabilities.A defining feature of the operation was its execution across all warfare domains — land, air, sea, and cyber. Military officials attributed its success to exceptional inter-service coordination, technical integration, and unified planning.This synergy was evident not only in combat operations but also in every layer of planning, communication, and decision-making. The experiences shared during the meeting offered valuable lessons for future military campaigns and emphasised the evolving nature of warfare.The discussions reflected the Indian Armed Forces’ strategic vision, commitment to integrated operations, and readiness to tackle emerging challenges.–IANSgcb/skp/rad

Chennai, May 14 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has issued a heavy rainfall forecast for parts of Tamil Nadu, particularly the Ghat regions of Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, and several interior districts, till Friday (May 16). While these areas are expected to experience relief from the heat, other parts of the state will continue to reel under intense summer conditions.On Tuesday, seven weather stations in Madurai, Vellore, Erode, Karur, Palayamkottai, and Tiruchy recorded maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.The Madurai airport station once again reported the highest temperature in the state, touching 41 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day.In contrast, weather conditions are turning favorable for the advancement of the southwest monsoon.According to the RMC, the monsoon is likely to progress over parts of the south Arabian Sea, the Maldives and Comorin area, and parts of the south Bay of Bengal over the next 3-4 days.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has earlier projected that the southwest monsoon will reach Kerala by May 27.A yellow alert has been issued for several districts due to the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph).On Thursday, districts including Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Tirupattur, Vellore, Namakkal, and Karur are expected to receive heavy rainfall.On Friday, heavy showers are forecast in Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and the Karaikal region. In Chennai, the sky will remain partly cloudy over the next few days, with temperatures expected to hover between 38 degrees Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius.Authorities have advised residents in rain-prone districts to remain alert and take necessary precautions, especially in hilly and low-lying areas where localised flooding or landslides could occur. Farmers and travellers have also been urged to monitor weather updates closely.–IANSaal/svn

Amaravati, May 14 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh is emerging as India’s most investor-friendly clean energy hub, said state Minister Nara Lokesh ahead of the launch of the country’s largest single-site renewable energy complex in Anantapur.

The complex is coming up with a total investment of Rs 22,000 crore to generate 1,800 Megawatt solar, 1 Gigawatt wind and 2000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).This is the first major project under the Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy, introduced by the Andhra Pradesh government in October 2024, offering structured incentives and fast-track approvals for clean energy investments.Lokesh, who is the Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real Time Governance, and Human Resources Development, claimed that this will be a landmark moment for India’s renewable energy sector.With this project, ReNew is set to re-enter Andhra Pradesh. It was the largest renewable energy investor in the state prior to 2019, with 777 MW installed capacity. However, the company suspended further development due to PPA cancellations by the previous government.ReNew decided to re-enter Andhra Pradesh after Minister Lokesh held talks with Sumant Sinha, Chairman & CEO of ReNew, during the World Economic Forum at Davos.Under the first phase of the project coming up at Bethapalle village in Guntakal constituency, 587 MW solar, 250 MW wind, and 415 MWh BESS will be generated with an investment of Rs 7,000 crore.”This project is a testament to Andhra Pradesh’s resurgence as a national leader in clean energy. We are building not just capacity, but credibility and global investor confidence,” he said.The project aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s ambitious target of 72 GW renewable energy capacity by 2029, as announced during RE Invest 2024.He mentioned that during the last eight months, the state witnessed a wave of clean energy investments from major players. These include Tata Power (7,000 MW, Rs 49,000 crore), NTPC (Green Hydrogen, Rs 1.86 lakh crore), Vedanta’s Serentica (10,000 MW, Rs 50,000 crore, Brookfield (8,000 MW, Rs 50,000 crore and SAEL Industries (1,200 MW, Rs 6,000 crore.The Anantapur renewable complex will not only add vital capacity to the grid but also showcase Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable development, economic growth, and innovation-driven governance, added Lokesh.–IANSms/svn