Naveen Patnaik forgoes hiked LoP salary, asks Odisha govt to use funds for poor

IANS | December 13, 2025 7:35 PM

New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced that he would forgo the recently increased salary and allowances attached to the LoP’s post, asking that the amount instead be used for the welfare of the poor.

We are on the cusp of eliminating Maoism: HM Amit Shah

IANS | December 13, 2025 7:31 PM

Bastar, Dec 13 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday the forces and the government are on the cusp of fulfilling the resolve to eliminate Left Wing Extremism from the entire country before March 31, 2026.

Govt plans to serve local cuisine in Vande Bharat trains

IANS | December 13, 2025 6:11 PM

New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday discussed with officials on providing local cuisine of the region in Vande Bharat trains, and then roll it out across the railway network in the future.

Hajj pilgrims should choose only authorised operators: Kiren Rijiju

IANS | December 13, 2025 5:57 PM

New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday urged Indian Muslims planning to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026 to complete their bookings well in advance and ensure that they choose only authorised Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) or Private Tour Operators (PTOs).