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Union minister Nitin Gadkari revealed he met Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran just hours before his assassination, recalling the incident during a book launch event.

Nitin Gadkari reveals how he met Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh hours before assassination in Tehran

Union minister Nitin Gadkari revealed he met Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran just hours before his assassination, recalling the incident during a book launch event.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari has revealed that he encountered Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran only hours before Haniyeh was assassinated in a high-security Iranian military facility&mdash;an incident that later highlighted serious security shortcomings and sent shockwaves across the region.
Gadkari shared the account while speaking at a book launch, recalling his visit to Iran in July 2024 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He said he had travelled to Tehran at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to represent India at the event.
According to Gadkari, several world leaders and dignitaries were staying at a five-star hotel in Tehran ahead of the inauguration. He noted that Haniyeh was present despite not being the head of any state.
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&ldquo;All the heads of various nations were present, but one person who wasn't a head of state was Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. I met him. I saw him heading to the swearing-in ceremony along with the President and the Chief Justice,&rdquo; Gadkari said.
He said the situation took a dramatic turn in the early hours following the ceremony. After returning to his hotel, Gadkari said that around 4 am, the Iranian ambassador to India approached him and informed him that he had to leave immediately.
&ldquo;When I asked what had happened, I was told that the Hamas chief had been assassinated. I was shocked. I asked how it happened, and the answer was, 'I don't know yet',&rdquo; he said.
Iran later announced that Haniyeh was killed at around 1.15 am on July 31, 2024, while staying at a heavily guarded military facility in Tehran under the supervision of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His bodyguard was also killed in the attack.
Gadkari said that even after the incident, there was uncertainty over how the assassination was carried out. &ldquo;Some people say he was killed because of using his mobile phone. Some say it happened in some other way,&rdquo; he told the audience.
During the same address, the Union minister also reflected on global geopolitics, stating that a nation&rsquo;s strength plays a decisive role in its security. Referring to Israel, he said that if a country is strong, &ldquo;no country can lay a hand on it,&rdquo; pointing to Israel&rsquo;s technological and military capabilities despite its small geographical size.
The IRGC has officially stated that the building where Haniyeh was staying was hit by a short-range missile.
However, a separate investigation reported by The Telegraph presented a different version of events. The report claimed that Israel&rsquo;s intelligence agency Mossad had recruited Iranian security personnel to assassinate Haniyeh by planting explosives inside the facility.
According to the report, an earlier plan to target Haniyeh during his visit to Tehran in May&mdash;when he attended the funeral of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi&mdash;was abandoned due to heavy crowds and the risk of exposure.
The final operation reportedly focused on an IRGC guesthouse in northern Tehran where Haniyeh was expected to stay. Citing two Iranian officials, the report said Mossad-linked operatives planted explosive devices in three separate rooms in the complex.
Iranian authorities, according to the report, reviewed surveillance footage showing the operatives entering and leaving the rooms within minutes. The agents allegedly exited Iran without detection, while maintaining at least one local contact within the country.
At around 2 am, the explosives planted in the room occupied by Haniyeh were remotely detonated.
Senior IRGC officials have since acknowledged serious lapses in security. One senior official told The Telegraph that Mossad may have exploited personnel from the Ansar-al-Mahdi protection unit, which is responsible for guarding senior leaders and allied figures inside and outside Iran.

Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 220 on Thursday morning, improving from Tuesday’s ‘severe’ levels, with Anand Vihar still in the ‘very poor’ category, CPCB data shows.

Temporary Relief from Pollution in Delhi as AQI Improves

Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 220 on Thursday morning, improving from Tuesday&rsquo;s &lsquo;severe&rsquo; levels, with Anand Vihar still in the &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; category, CPCB data shows.

Delhi saw a brief respite from elevated pollution levels on Thursday morning, with the air quality index (AQI) recorded at 220 in the 'poor' category.&nbsp;
According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, 29 monitoring stations in the capital recorded air quality in the 'poor' category. Anand Vihar recorded AQI in the 'very poor' category at 308, while the remaining stations were in the 'moderate' range.&nbsp;
As per the CPCB classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.&nbsp;
The 24-hour average AQI in the capital stood in the 'poor' category on Wednesday as well. This marked a sharp improvement from Tuesday, when the AQI had deteriorated to 412 in the 'severe' category at 4 pm, the CPCB data showed.&nbsp;
However, the relief is expected to be short-lived, with air quality likely to worsen again in the coming days. Favourable meteorological conditions, particularly surface wind speeds of 15 to 25 kilometers per hour, helped improve air quality in the capital, the CPCB said.&nbsp;
On the weather front, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius, one notch below normal, and a relative humidity of 63 per cent, according to the India Meteorological Department. The expected maximum temperature is 22 degrees Celsius and a moderate is forecast.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas morning service in Delhi, joining Christians from across north India, while wishing citizens peace, harmony, and goodwill on the festive occasion.

PM Modi Attends Christmas Service, Emphasizes Peace and Harmony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas morning service in Delhi, joining Christians from across north India, while wishing citizens peace, harmony, and goodwill on the festive occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended a Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption here along with a large congregation of Christians of Delhi and north India.
The service included prayers, carols, hymns and a special prayer for the prime minister by Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, the Bishop of Delhi.
"Attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi. The service reflected the timeless message of love, peace and compassion. May the spirit of Christmas inspire harmony and goodwill in our society," Modi said in a post on X.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi. The service reflected the timeless message of love, peace and compassion. May the spirit of Christmas inspire harmony and goodwill in our society. <a href="https://t.co/humdgbxR9o">pic.twitter.com/humdgbxR9o</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2004046244315123891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the prime minister greeted citizens on Christmas.
"Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas filled with peace, compassion and hope. May the teachings of Jesus Christ strengthen harmony in our society," he said in another post on X.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas filled with peace, compassion and hope. May the teachings of Jesus Christ strengthen harmony in our society.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2004018806507950358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Over the last few years, PM Modi has been regularly attending programmes connected with the Christian community.
During Easter in 2023, he attended a programme at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Delhi.
On Christmas in 2023, he hosted a programme at his residence 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi.
In 2024, he attended a dinner at the residence of Minister George Kurian and also a programme hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.
This shows a regular engagement with the community, sources said.
Meanwhile, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan also greeted people on Christmas.
"Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas, overflowing with hope, love, and kindness. May Christ's message inspire us to build stronger, more caring communities, and may his teachings strengthen our bonds and promote lasting peace," he wrote on X.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, along with Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, paid tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary, praising his leadership, vision, and service to the nation.

Tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Birth Anniversary

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, along with Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, paid tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary, praising his leadership, vision, and service to the nation.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday paid tribute to former prime minister 'Bharat Ratna' Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary, saying his policies had foresight, his leadership was marked by the spirit of service, and his decisions reflected political acumen.
Adityanath said in his post on X, "On the birth anniversary of the eternal ideal of good governance, the symbol of simplicity and compassion, our source of inspiration, former prime minister, 'Bharat Ratna' revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, I offer my heartfelt tributes and extend my best wishes to the people of the state on 'Good Governance Day'."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
सुशासन के शाश्वत आदर्श, सहजता एवं सहृदयता के प्रतीक, हमारे प्रेरणा पुरुष, पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री, 'भारत रत्न' श्रद्धेय अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी की जयंती पर उन्हें कोटि-कोटि नमन एवं प्रदेश वासियों को 'सुशासन दिवस' की हार्दिक बधाई। 'राजनेता' से 'राष्ट्रनेता' तक उनकी यशस्वी यात्रा&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/LWWl4XA6lM">pic.twitter.com/LWWl4XA6lM</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/2003989271674605789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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He further said in the post, "His illustrious journey from 'politician' to 'national leader' is commendable. His policies had foresight, his leadership was marked by the spirit of service, and his decisions reflected political acumen."
Yogi added, "He dedicated his life to upholding the honour of Mother India and the progress of the nation. His profound faith in democracy is worthy of reverence."
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said on his X account, "Former prime minister Bharat Ratna, revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was a visionary personality whose politics had dignity, whose words were restrained, and whose decisions reflected a deep commitment to the nation, and he always considered power as a means of public service."
He said, "The courageous decision of Pokhran gave India a new sense of confidence and strength. Atal ji made it clear that only a strong nation can truly protect human values."
Maurya further said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the same spirit of 'Nation First' is reaching every citizen as the work culture of New India. My heartfelt tributes to former prime minister, Bharat Ratna, revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his birth anniversary!" He also extended his best wishes and greetings on 'Good Governance Day', which is celebrated on the occasion of Atal Jayanti.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said in his post, "On the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna, the towering figure of Indian politics, the guiding light for countless BJP workers, our source of inspiration, and former prime minister, the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, I offer my respectful tributes."
Pathak also extended his best wishes on Good Governance Day.
Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced commercial flights on Thursday, with IndiGo’s inaugural flight from Bengaluru marking the airport’s first arrival and departure.

Navi Mumbai International Airport starts commercial flight operations

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced commercial flights on Thursday, with IndiGo&rsquo;s inaugural flight from Bengaluru marking the airport&rsquo;s first arrival and departure.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced commercial flight operations on Thursday, marking a key milestone for India's civil aviation sector, while expanding air travel capacity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began operations, with the first flight from Bengaluru, operated by IndiGo, touching down the runway at 8 am. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival, a time-honoured aviation tradition marking NMIA's first commercial touchdown and departure, the airport operator said in a statement.
The inaugural arrival was followed by the airport's first departure IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad at 08:40 am, completing NMIA's inaugural arrival and departure cycle, it said.
On the first day, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air will operate domestic services, connecting the new facility to nine destinations across India. The airport will handle 15 scheduled departures on the first day, it said, adding that during the initial phase, the facility will operate for 12 hours &mdash; between 8 am and 8 pm, with up to 24 scheduled daily departures to 13 destinations and the capability to manage up to 10 aircraft movements (arrivals and departures) per hour, it added.
The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8 this year. The first phase of the five-phased airport was built at Rs 19,650 crore. By the time all five phases of the airport are completed, it will be catering to 90 million passengers annually, along with dedicated cargo terminals and multimodal connectivity.
The entire project is being developed in multiple phases under a special purpose vehicle, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), in which the Adani Group has a 74 per cent stake, and the remaining 26 per cent is owned by CIDCO. From February next year, operations are planned to progressively scale up to round-the-clock services.

Delhi Police has intensified security across the capital, deploying nearly 20,000 personnel, additional pickets, and traffic management plans to ensure safety during Christmas and year-end celebrations.

Delhi Enhances Security with 20,000 Personnel for Festive Season

Delhi Police has intensified security across the capital, deploying nearly 20,000 personnel, additional pickets, and traffic management plans to ensure safety during Christmas and year-end celebrations.

Delhi Police has intensified security arrangements across the national capital, deploying nearly 20,000 personnel to ensure law and order on Christmas and the upcoming New Year celebrations, an official said.
Security has also been tightened along Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, and in areas adjoining Rajasthan, as a large influx of people is expected from neighbouring states for Christmas and year-end festivities, the official said.
"Nearly 20,000 police personnel, including traffic police and paramilitary forces, have been deployed across the city to prevent hooliganism, ensure public safety and curb traffic violations," the official said.
Additional pickets, barricades and deployment of paramilitary forces have been put in place at major entry points to check nuisance and unlawful activities by people entering the city, he added. The police said security will also be reinforced at 15 major entry points to Delhi, where vehicles from adjoining states are expected to enter.
The traffic police have drawn up a detailed plan to tackle drunken driving, overspeeding and dangerous motorcycle stunts, a senior police officer said. Additional force from local police stations has been deployed to assist traffic personnel during late evening and night hours.
"All SHOs have been directed to remain on the roads with their teams during Christmas and the New Year period to maintain law and order," the officer said, adding that vehicles involved in stunt-like activities will be impounded immediately and strict legal action will follow.
Police teams are also conducting checks at bus terminals, railway stations, hotels, dharamshalas and night shelters to verify the credentials of occupants and identify those staying illegally in the city, the official said.
Delhi Traffic Police said their primary focus will be on ensuring smooth vehicular movement and crowd management in high-footfall areas such as Connaught Place, Hauz Khas, major markets and malls.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam told PTI, "Adequate police and traffic arrangements have been made in the Shahdara district to maintain law and order. Around 400 police personnel will be deployed on the ground, with nearly 80 vehicles conducting continuous patrolling."
In addition to permanent pickets, 77 additional pickets have been set up for round-the-clock checking, he said.

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava dismissed allegations of ₹75 lakh extortion made by Bharuch BJP MP Mansukh Vasava, saying the District Collector confirmed the claims were false.

Gujarat AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava refutes Rs 75 lakh extortion claims by BJP MP

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava dismissed allegations of ₹75 lakh extortion made by Bharuch BJP MP Mansukh Vasava, saying the District Collector confirmed the claims were false.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Chaitar Vasava has dismissed claims made against him by Bharuch BJP MP Mansukh Vasava, who alleged that the MLA had extorted ₹75 lakh.
Speaking to the media after submitting a representation to the District Collector, Vasava stated that the Collector clarified publicly that the allegations against him were false. He urged the MP to limit his comments to matters related to expenditure on the Prime Minister&rsquo;s programme in Dediapada.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Making baseless allegations against me and trying to damage my political career in this manner is completely unjustified. We want to clearly state that if Mansukhbhai again makes such baseless allegations against us, we will be forced to take legal action,&rdquo; he said.
Vasava added that the Prime Minister&rsquo;s programme was held on 15th November and that the MLA&rsquo;s office had been informed during that month&rsquo;s coordination meeting. He emphasized that all details regarding the programme, which involved public funds, had been disclosed to the public.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Even when I exposed the MNREGA scam and the Nal Se Jal scam, he had stomach pain, and now when information about this programme has been sought, he is again uncomfortable,&rdquo; Vasava said.
The MLA suggested that the allegations could be related to contractors and expressed that if the MP had concerns, they should have been raised directly with him.&nbsp;
Instead, Vasava said, Mansukh Vasava held a press conference and made the claims public, also naming the Roads and Buildings Executive Engineer. &ldquo;The Collector has publicly clarified in the presence of everyone that the statements made by Mansukhbhai were completely baseless,&rdquo; Vasava added.

AAP MLA Gopal Italia has written to Visavadar police alleging harassment and extortion of farmers at the Soni Godown MSP groundnut procurement centre, urging immediate action.

AAP MLA Gopal Italia alleges bullying, extortion at Visavadar groundnut centre

AAP MLA Gopal Italia has written to Visavadar police alleging harassment and extortion of farmers at the Soni Godown MSP groundnut procurement centre, urging immediate action.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Visavadar, Gopal Italia, has written to the Police Inspector of Visavadar Police Station alleging instances of bullying and extortion at a minimum support price (MSP) groundnut procurement centre in the town.
In his letter, Italia stated that groundnut procurement at MSP is currently underway in Visavadar in accordance with government policy, with three procurement centres functioning in the area. He alleged that farmers selling produce at one of these centres&mdash;the Soni Godown procurement centre&mdash;have been facing harassment for the past week.
According to the MLA, a person identified as Nanubhai Lakhani from Lathodva village and his associates have been present at the Soni Godown procurement centre throughout the day. Italia alleged that they intimidate farmers arriving to sell groundnuts, threaten to wrongly reject their produce, and extort money from them. He said farmers from various villages brought the matter to his attention through phone calls, personal interactions during public outreach programmes, and by informing members of his team.
Italia further stated that farmers claimed Lakhani and his associates were coming from outside the taluka and occupying the procurement centre while forcibly extorting money. Following these complaints, the MLA said he deputed members of his team, including Hareshbhai Savaliya, Hardevbhai Vikma, Ravibhai Dobariya, and others, to visit the centre at different times to verify the situation and hear farmers&rsquo; grievances.
According to the letter, when the team members reached the procurement centre, they allegedly faced aggressive arguments and abusive language from Nanubhai Lakhani and his associates, creating what the MLA described as an atmosphere of fear among farmers.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/694cc0da118f8_1766637786.jpeg" width="403" height="569">
Italia has urged the police to take immediate action against those allegedly involved in bullying and intimidation at the Soni Godown procurement centre. He also requested that adequate preventive measures be put in place to ensure that no conflict or untoward incident occurs at the centre in the future.

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava addressed concerns over alleged religious conversions in Dediapada, saying no complaints of forced conversions have been reported during his three-year tenure.

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava dismisses conversion claims in Gujarat's Dediapada tribal region

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava addressed concerns over alleged religious conversions in Dediapada, saying no complaints of forced conversions have been reported during his three-year tenure.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Dediapada, Chaitar Vasava, on Wednesday addressed concerns raised over alleged religious conversions in the tribal region, following a representation submitted by the RSS-affiliated Rashtriya Adivasi Sangh to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dediapada.
According to Vasava, the representation sought action to stop alleged religious conversions by Christians and demanded that Christmas programmes not be permitted in the area. Responding to the issue, the MLA said such organisations should first understand the historical and cultural background of the tribal community.
He stated that tribal communities are those who have lived in a region since time immemorial and described them as a pre-religious society, existing before the emergence of organised religions. Vasava said tribals traditionally practise nature worship and continue to revere deities such as Himadiya Dev and Gamaan Dev, along with natural elements including the sun, moon, rivers, mountains, trees, and forests.
Referring to developments in the 1970s and 1980s, Vasava said individuals associated with Christian missionary organisations began working in tribal areas, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and employment. He said that through these activities, several benefits were provided to the local population, and some members of the tribal community were inspired to gradually adopt Christianity.
The MLA further stated that many tribals follow religions other than Christianity, but at their core, they continue to identify as tribals. He said that as members of a constitutionally recognised community, tribals are entitled to secularism and protection from discrimination as guaranteed under the Constitution. According to him, this has resulted in tribals being spread across different religions and sects.
Addressing allegations of religious conversions in his constituency, Vasava said that during his three-year tenure as an MLA, he has not received a single complaint from any area regarding forced or induced religious conversion. He added that he has not come across any instance where conversion occurred due to greed, temptation, or coercion.
Vasava also referred to leaders from other political parties who follow Christianity. He said BJP leaders Riteshbhai Vasava from Jhagadia and Mohanbhai Kokdi from the Vyara constituency continue to practise Christianity and have been elected as MLAs from reserved tribal seats. He stated that if the objective of raising the issue is to question benefits meant for tribals, then, in his view, the matter should begin with such leaders as well.
The issue has brought renewed focus on religious practices, constitutional rights, and tribal identity in the region, amid ongoing political and social discussions.

At least nine people were killed after a speeding truck jumped a divider and crashed into a sleeper bus in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, causing the bus to catch fire.

Multiple casualties after truck collides with luxury bus in Karnataka

At least nine people were killed after a speeding truck jumped a divider and crashed into a sleeper bus in Karnataka&rsquo;s Chitradurga district, causing the bus to catch fire.

At least nine persons were killed when a speeding truck crashed against a luxury sleeper bus, which caught fire under the impact, in this district early on Thursday, a senior police official said.
The bus with 32 passengers, which was on its way to Gokarna was engulfed in flames under the impact of the collision and most of the deceased were burnt alive inside the vehicle, East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda told reporters.
The accident happened after the truck jumped a road divider and collided with the oncoming bus, Gowda told reporters. The bus driver and cleaner escaped. The truck driver is among the dead, he added.
"Our preliminary investigation hints that a diesel tanker might be involved in the accident," Gowda said. Many passengers escaped by jumping from the bus, the Gowda said.
"Our initial investigation shows that eight passengers and the truck driver have died. Of the 12 injured, nine have been shifted to Sira and three to Tumakuru. One of the critically burnt patients has been taken to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru," he added.
The rest of the injured are out of danger, the IGP said.
Another bus from T Dasrahalli to Dandeli with 42 school children that was behind the fateful bus just escaped the accident.
"The driver of the bus carrying schoolchildren hit the bus from behind, turned to the other side and veered off the road. Fortunately, no one sustained even a minor injury," Gowda said.
The children have continued their journey in another bus, he said, adding that the school bus driver is an important eyewitness to this accident, whose statement will be recorded.
Most passengers of the bus that was involved in the accident had booked their tickets online. "We have got their phone numbers. We are trying to contact their families," he said.
The officer said a DNA test would be performed to identify the dead bodies.

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A video taken from inside the helicopter was shared by news agency ANI.

Watch | IAF rescues UT Disaster Relief Force personnel from Ladakh's Markha Valley

A video taken from inside the helicopter was shared by news agency ANI.

In a daring rescue operation, the Indian Air Force on evacuated five personnel of UT Disaster Relief Force Ladakh's Markha Valley.
A video taken from inside the helicopter was shared by news agency ANI.
According to PRO defence (Leh), IAF's single-engine helicopters flew in unchartered territory and narrow valley which does not have any flat terrain to land.
 &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to boosting ‘Ease of Living’ through reforms in taxes, labour laws, MSME growth, and simplified compliance, emphasizing outcome-based governance.

PM Modi Reinforces Commitment to Enhanced 'Ease of Living'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the government&rsquo;s commitment to boosting &lsquo;Ease of Living&rsquo; through reforms in taxes, labour laws, MSME growth, and simplified compliance, emphasizing outcome-based governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the government's reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times as it is committed to boosting 'Ease of Living'.
The prime minister made this observation on a series of posts by the central government on its various reform initiatives.
"Ours is a Government committed to boosting 'Ease of Living' and this thread below gives examples of how we have worked in that direction. Our reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times," Modi said.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ours is a Government committed to boosting &lsquo;Ease of Living&rsquo; and this thread below gives examples of how we have worked in that direction. Our reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times. <a href="https://t.co/4ZdPFQl92b">https://t.co/4ZdPFQl92b</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2004412623601979644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
With the hashtags #ReformInAction &amp; #GoodGovernance, the central government said in the posts that the real test of reform is whether it reduces stress for people and 2025 marked a clear shift in governance, with reforms focused on outcomes, not complexity.
Simpler tax laws, faster dispute resolution, modern labour codes, and decriminalised compliance reduced friction for citizens and businesses alike. The emphasis was on trust, predictability, and long-term growth, showing how well-designed policy can quietly improve everyday life, the posts by MyGovIndia said.
For millions of Indians, tax relief became real. Incomes up to Rs 12 lakh attract zero tax. Middle-class families now retain more of what they earn, giving them flexibility to spend, save and invest with greater confidence, it stated.
It said the Income Tax Act, 2025 streamlined compliance and brought clarity, transparency, and fairness to the direct tax system, making it more taxpayer friendly and aligned with today's needs.
Small businesses can now grow without fear of losing benefits. Higher investment and turnover limits allow MSMEs to expand while retaining access to loans and tax incentives. This encourages scaling up, hiring more workers, and building stronger local enterprises.
Rural employment now creates assets, not just wages. With extended guaranteed employment and a focus on village infrastructure, rural labour is now building permanent assets that strengthen communities and livelihoods, it said.
It observed that workers no longer need to navigate dozens of laws as 29 labour laws were simplified into four clear codes covering wages, safety, social security, and relations.
Rights are clearer, compliance is easier, and women benefit from assured maternity and workplace protections, it stated.
The government also stated that GST has been made simpler for businesses and consumers alike. With streamlined tax slabs, easier registration, automated processes, and faster refunds, the next generation of GST reforms is improving ease of doing business.
The impact is clear in record Diwali sales of Rs 6.05 trillion and the strongest Navratri shopping in over a decade, it said.
It also said that businesses can now bring products to market faster. With rationalised Quality Control Orders, Indian manufacturers face lower compliance costs, improved efficiency, and greater strength in global markets. More room to grow for Indian businesses, the government said in the posts.
The expanded definition of small companies reduced compliance burden and costs, allowing enterprises with turnovers up to Rs 100 crore to focus on innovation and expansion, it added.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has urged residents to continue following pollution-control measures despite the lifting of GRAP 4 restrictions, warning that western disturbances could worsen air quality.

Delhi Faces Potential Pollution Spike Amid Western Disturbance Warning

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has urged residents to continue following pollution-control measures despite the lifting of GRAP 4 restrictions, warning that western disturbances could worsen air quality.

Even as GRAP 4 restrictions were lifted after a temporary improvement in air quality, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday urged residents to continue following pollution-control measures, warning that weather conditions may worsen again due to an approaching western disturbance.
Addressing the media, Sirsa said weather conditions are likely to turn unfavourable, with increased chances of dense haze and fog, which could worsen pollution levels.
"According to the weather department and past data, the impact of western disturbance will be visible in Delhi in the next couple of days. The weather will deteriorate again and there is a strong possibility of heavy haze," he said.
The minister urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to follow pollution control measures despite the relaxation of restrictions. He appealed to the people not to take out vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates and to avoid unnecessary travel.
"Even though the 50 per cent work-from-home norm has been withdrawn, I request people to avoid using their vehicles unless absolutely necessary," Sirsa said.
Emphasising community participation, Sirsa also appealed to citizens not to burn garbage or light fires at night, warning that biomass burning significantly contributes to air pollution. He said collective efforts are essential to ensure cleaner air for the city.
Warning that fog could turn into smog again due to worsening weather conditions, Sirsa said Delhi must remain on high alert to prevent a fresh spike in pollution levels.
"The clear weather we saw over the past couple of days may not last. We all need to work together to keep Delhi's air clean," he added.
On the entry of vehicles below BS-VI norms into Delhi, Sirsa said while it would be better if such vehicles are avoided, they are currently allowed to enter the city following the lifting of GRAP 4 restrictions.

Four men linked to VHP and Bajrang Dal were arrested in Assam’s Nalbari district for vandalising Christmas decorations at a school and damaging festive items in shops.

VHP and Bajrang Dal Members Arrested for Vandalism of Christmas Decorations in Assam

Four men linked to VHP and Bajrang Dal were arrested in Assam&rsquo;s Nalbari district for vandalising Christmas decorations at a school and damaging festive items in shops.

Four people associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal were arrested for vandalising decorative items used for Christmas celebrations at a school and damaging festive articles in shops in Assam&rsquo;s Nalbari district, police said.
The arrests were made on Thursday, a senior officer said.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the police personnel for their prompt action and asserted that his government was committed to "maintaining peace, communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across the state".
The incident took place on Wednesday when the accused allegedly entered St Mary&rsquo;s School in Panigaon village under the Belsor police station limits and burnt and damaged decorative items meant for Christmas celebrations.
"Miscreants who vandalised the school have been arrested. They entered the premises unlawfully," the officer said.
He added that the accused vandalised outer decorations, lights, plant pots, and other articles, as well as set some items on fire, resulting in loss of property.
"In connection with the vandalism at St. Mary&rsquo;s English School, Panigaon, under Belsor Police Station, Nalbari district, the miscreants involved have been arrested. Assam Police acted promptly, and further action will be taken strictly as per law. We are fully committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across the state," the CM said on X.
"A case has been registered at Belsor police station. Further investigation is going on. We are trying to identify some more people who were involved," the officer said.
The arrested persons are VHP Nalbari district secretary Bhaskar Deka, parishad's district vice-president Manash Jyoti Patgiri and assistant secretary Biju Dutta, along with Bajrang Dal's district convenor Nayan Talukdar, he added.
They had raised 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans and warned the school authorities not to organise Christmas celebrations on the school premises on Thursday, the officer said.
The accused also went to various shops selling Christmas goods in Nalbari town and set fire to some items near the Jain Mandir.
They also entered several shopping malls and business establishments selling Christmas items and burnt the goods, he added.

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category on Friday, with an overall AQI of 310. Jahangirpuri and Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI of 395, and pollution levels are expected to remain very poor for six days.

Delhi's Air Quality Worsens: Registers 'Very Poor' AQI Levels

Delhi&rsquo;s air quality deteriorated to the &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; category on Friday, with an overall AQI of 310. Jahangirpuri and Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI of 395, and pollution levels are expected to remain very poor for six days.

The air quality in the city slipped into the 'very poor' category on Friday after witnessing marginal improvement for two days. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 310.
The air quality was recorded as 'moderate' at Lodhi Road station with an AQI of 185, while it was 'very poor' in at least 24 stations. Jahangirpuri and Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 395, the highest among all 40 stations.
Delhi recorded 'poor' air quality in the last two days. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), the air quality is likely to be in the 'very poor' category for the next six days.
The current average wind speed, which is less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.
According to the IMD, the maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi on Friday are likely to be in the ranges of 21 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius respectively.

The Railway Ministry has officially notified a hike in train ticket prices, with fares rising by 1–2 paise per km across select classes from December 26, while short-distance and suburban passengers remain unaffected.

Railway Ministry notifies fare hike; new ticket prices come into effect today

The Railway Ministry has officially notified a hike in train ticket prices, with fares rising by 1&ndash;2 paise per km across select classes from December 26, while short-distance and suburban passengers remain unaffected.

The Railway Ministry on Thursday officially notified a hike in train ticket prices by 1 paise per km for ordinary class beyond a journey of 215 km, and 2 paise per km for non-AC classes of mail/express trains and AC classes of all trains.
On December 21, the ministry announced its decision to increase the passenger fares from December 26. This is the second time in a year that the ministry has revised passenger train fares. The earlier fare hike was implemented in July.
Justifying its decision, the ministry stated that the rationalising of fares has "the objective of balancing affordability for passengers and sustainability of operations".
"Under the revised fare structure, there is no change in fares for suburban services and season tickets, including both suburban and non-suburban routes. For ordinary non-AC (non-suburban) services, fares have been rationalised in a graded manner across second class ordinary, sleeper class ordinary, and first class ordinary," the ministry said in a statement.
It added, "In second class ordinary, there is no increase in fare for journeys up to 215 km, ensuring that short-distance and daily commuters are not impacted. For distances from 216 km to 750 km, the fare increases by Rs 5.
For longer journeys, the increase is applied in steps -- Rs 10 for distances between 751 km and 1250 km, Rs 15 for distances between 1251 km and 1750 km, and Rs 20 for distances between 1751 km and 2250 km."
According to the ministry, fares for sleeper class ordinary and first class ordinary have been revised uniformly at the rate of 1 paise per kilometre for non-suburban journeys, ensuring a gradual and limited increase in ticket prices.
It stated that in mail/express trains, the fare increase has been rationalised at 2 paise per kilometre across non-AC and AC classes.
"This includes sleeper class, first class, AC chair car, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and AC first class. As an illustration, for a 500 km journey in non-AC mail/express coaches, passengers will pay only about Rs 10 extra," the statement said.
The official notification said that the existing basic fares of major train services, including Tejas Rajdhani, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Tejas, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, and ordinary non-suburban services (excluding AC MEMU/DEMU, where applicable), have been revised in line with the approved class-wise basic fare increases.
"The revised fares are applicable only on tickets booked on or after 26 December, 2025. Tickets booked prior to this date will not attract any additional charges, even if the journey is undertaken after the effective date," it added.
The fare list displayed at stations will also be updated to reflect the new fares effective from December 26.
The ministry maintained that Indian Railways remains committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable travel to millions of passengers every day.
The revised fare structure reflects a balanced approach that safeguards passenger convenience while maintaining operational sustainability, it said.

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