Kolkata, Aug 13 (IANS) The father of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, on Wednesday, rejected the Kolkata Police’s claim that no evidence of policemen beating his wife during the August 9 Nabanna Avijan has been found so far. Speaking to media persons, the victim’s father said they have no faith in the police, adding that the officers lack the backbone to conduct an impartial investigation into their complaint.”The police’s claim is ridiculous. If the police say this, where will the common man go? …

Mangaluru, Aug 13 (IANS) The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the mass grave case, will begin the final phase of excavation at the 13th burial site on Wednesday. The developments are being closely monitored, as no significant evidence has been recovered in the past 13 days of excavation in the temple town of Dharmasthala.According to sources, if nothing is found during today’s operation, the excavation work is likely to be halted.An unidentified complainant had claimed that he …

Mumbai, Aug 13 (IANS) In a sharp critique aimed at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Uday Samant on Wednesday said it was “unfortunate” that Balasaheb Thackeray’s son had chosen to ally with the Congress, the very party his father had vehemently opposed.“The same Balasaheb Thackeray who once said he would shut down the Shiv Sena if it ever joined hands with the Congress, today, it is unfortunate that his own son has allied…

Chennai, Aug 13 (IANS) A sharp drop in Tamil Nadu’s birth rate and a corresponding fall in student enrolment have compelled the state government to temporarily shut down 208 of its primary and middle schools this academic year, according to the Department of Elementary Education (DEE).Fresh data from the DEE reveals that 1,204 schools across the state did not register a single new admission in 2024-25. This list includes 208 state-run institutions, 114 government-aided schools, 11 partially fu…

Chandigarh, Aug 13 (IANS) As India prepares to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hoisted the Tricolour at his official residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, here, saying, “Our National Flag is a symbol of our pride and glory.” The Chief Minister hoisted the Tricolour under the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan.In an appeal to the public, the Chief Minister, in a message, said, “To mark Independence Day, every house should hoist the Tricolour and participate in this fest…

Chennai, Aug 13 (IANS) The DMK will hold a crucial district secretary-level meeting on Wednesday, to be chaired by party president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, at Kalaignar Arangam, Anna Arivalayam, Chennai. The meeting will review the progress of the ongoing “Oraniyil Tamil Nadu” membership drive and finalise strategies to strengthen the party ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan, in a notice issued earlier, directed all district league secretaries …

New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS) The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is set to benefit the domestic mineral sector, according to the Ministry of Mines.V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary (Mines), highlighted the opportunities for the Indian mineral sector, particularly the aluminium industry, in terms of enhanced market access and competitiveness in the FTA partner country.Towards making good use of the CETA provisions, he emphasised the need to understand product demand in UK through …

Chennai, Aug 13 (IANS) A simmering land dispute in Chettikarai Panchayat of Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu has prompted residents from four villages to announce a one-day hunger strike on Independence Day, protesting against the Waqf board land claims as per the Waqf (Amendment) Act.The agitation stems from allegations that the Waqf Board has laid claim to agricultural lands that locals say have been in their families for generations. Several residents from Rajapettai, Kottaimedu, Khan Nagar,…

Thrissur, Aug 13 (IANS) Union Minister of State and BJP MP from Thrissur, Suresh Gopi, received a rousing welcome from party supporters upon his arrival at Thrissur railway station on Wednesday, even as allegations of voter list irregularities continue to swirl around him. Despite repeated attempts by the media to elicit a response, the actor-turned-politician maintained silence and left the station in his official vehicle.This marks his first visit to the constituency since July 17, a period du…

Mumbai, Aug 13 (IANS) Shiv Sena(UBT) on Wednesday supported the Supreme Court’s orders upholding the Bombay High Court’s stay on feeding pigeons and asking the municipal authorities to pick up and house all stray dogs in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region in dedicated shelters within eight weeks. In the party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ editorial, the Shiv Sena(UBT) said that pigeons and stray dogs pose a threat to human health, and it is wrong to incite religious sentiments on this.”Th…