Gujarat: GETCO to set up five new substations; strengthen 1,100 CKM transmission network

IANS | December 22, 2025 10:28 PM

Gandhinagar, Dec 22 (IANS) The Gujarat government has announced major investments to further strengthen the state’s power infrastructure, with Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) planning to set up five new substations and strengthen around 1,100 circuit kilometres (CKM) of transmission network during 2026–27, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore.

Thirumavalavan declares BJP ‘unwelcome’ in TN, slams Sangh Parivar

IANS | December 22, 2025 10:17 PM

Madurai, Dec 22 (IANS) Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan MP launched a sharp attack against the BJP and its ideological affiliates, asserting that the party would never be able to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu, irrespective of the form it takes.

Kerala: CPI-M’s factionalism helped BJP win Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

IANS | December 22, 2025 10:06 PM

Thiruvananthapuram Dec 22 (IANS) Factionalism within the CPI-M’s Thiruvananthapuram district unit surfaced sharply during the party district committee meeting held here on Monday, with leaders conceding that internal discord played a decisive role in enabling the BJP to wrest control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the first time.

TN likely to add Rs 3,000 cash assistance to Pongal gift pack, distribution expected to begin in early Jan

IANS | December 22, 2025 10:01 PM

Chennai, Dec 22 (IANS) With the harvest festival of Pongal fast approaching, the Tamil Nadu government is preparing to launch its annual gift scheme, with official sources indicating that distribution through the Public Distribution System (PDS) could begin in the first week of January.

US lawmakers raise alarm over Bangladesh violence

IANS | December 22, 2025 9:53 PM

Washington, Dec 22, (IANS) Strongly condemning recent killings, attacks on media institutions, and a rise in assaults against Hindu and other minority communities, two influential US lawmakers on Monday expressed grave concern over escalating violence and unrest in Bangladesh.

Area sown under rabi crop crosses 580 lakh hectares

IANS | December 22, 2025 9:22 PM

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) The total area sown under rabi crops in the ongoing winter season has increased by 8.11 lakh hectares to 580.70 lakh hectares as on December 19 this year, compared with the corresponding figure of 572.59 lakh hectares in the same period last year, data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Monday showed.

Andhra: YSR Congress voices concern over growing crimes against women

IANS | December 22, 2025 9:13 PM

Amaravati, Dec 22 (IANS) YSR Congress Party has alleged that Andhra Pradesh has turned unsafe for women under the rule of the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government.

Over 13 lakh Indian students studied abroad in 2024: NITI Aayog

IANS | December 22, 2025 9:05 PM

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) India continues to send a large number of students overseas for higher education, with more than 13.35 lakh Indians studying abroad in 2024, highlighting the country’s growing dependence on foreign universities despite having the world’s largest college-age population, according to a report released by NITI Aayog on Monday.

JP Nadda accuses Congress of collusion in 2013 Jhiram Ghati Maoist attack

IANS | December 22, 2025 9:02 PM

Raipur, Dec 22 (IANS) Chhattisgarh politics plunged into a fresh debate on Monday after BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda alleged internal Congress collusion in the 2013 Jhiram Ghati Maoist attack that wiped out the party's top state leadership.

J&K: 30,000 houses built in Doda under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

IANS | December 22, 2025 7:38 PM

Jammu, Dec 22 (IANS) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), one of the flagship schemes of the Modi government, is helping realise the housing target of poor and marginalised families across the country, by providing them monetary assistance to build a dream home of their own.