NEWS AN LIVE

India has rejected Canadian media reports linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Calling the allegations "ludicrous" and "smear campaigns," India asserted that such claims damage the already strained relations between the two nations. The denial follows a Canadian news report alleging Indian government involvement in Nijjar's death, citing anonymous sources.

Balasaheb Shinde, a 43-year-old independent candidate contesting from the Beed assembly seat in Maharashtra, tragically passed away during the ongoing state elections. Shinde collapsed at a polling booth and was later pronounced dead at a private medical facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He was among 31 candidates vying for the Beed constituency seat.

India's Gsat-20 communication satellite, designed to boost broadband and in-flight connectivity, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket from Florida. The satellite, weighing 4,700kg and built for a 14-year mission, is expected to significantly enhance communication infrastructure across India. This launch marks the first time India has utilized a US rocket for its space program.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing India's commitment to fighting hunger and poverty. He highlighted India's successful initiatives in poverty reduction, food security, and healthcare, and expressed support for Brazil's proposal to establish a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.

At COP29, India criticized developed nations for their reluctance to address climate finance and mitigation, emphasizing that progress on climate action in developing countries hinges on receiving financial and technological support. India accused wealthy nations of delaying action and burdening developing countries with unrealistic expectations.

The Election Commission directed the removal of a controversial video from BJP Jharkhand's social media platforms following complaints from the Congress and JMM, who alleged it spread misinformation and aimed to incite hatred. The EC issued a notice to BJP Jharkhand seeking an explanation for the alleged Model Code of Conduct violation.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will convene a meeting to discuss the implementation of GRAP IV following the Commission for Air Quality Management's decision to activate Stage IV due to severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The stage IV restrictions include a ban on construction, limitations on truck entry, and potential school and office closures.

An electrical short circuit is suspected to have caused a fire at Jhansi Medical College's neonatal intensive care unit, resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 infants. Authorities have identified all but one of the 49 children present during the incident. The state government has initiated investigations and announced compensation for the victims' families.

The Tripura government is partnering with Tata Technologies to upgrade 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the state. The project, costing Rs 683.27 crores, will introduce 11 new trades and improve infrastructure. The initiative aims to enhance ITI graduate opportunities, including startup support and out-of-state placements.

The latest US visa bulletin brought mixed news for Indian nationals seeking employment-based green cards. While EB-1 remains unchanged, EB-2 and EB-3 categories saw slight advancements. However, significant backlogs persist, particularly for those from India. The bulletin also provides crucial information on family-sponsored green card categories and their respective priority dates.

The Indian government has notified the Supreme Court about the establishment of a new "Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School Going Girls." This policy, approved by the Union health ministry, aims to improve menstrual hygiene practices and provide access to sanitary products for female students in government schools across the country.

A sword believed to have belonged to Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, fetched £317,900 at a Bonhams auction. The sword, with a provenance tracing back to the Battle of Seringapatam in 1799, was presented to Captain James Andrew Dick for his service in the battle and remained with his family until recently.

Two days after Donald Trump's presidential victory, the US conducted a nuclear weapons program flight test. The Los Alamos National Laboratory launched a payload to assess component and technology performance in missile-like conditions. This test aligns with the US's nuclear warhead upgrades and new designs, ensuring stockpile safety and reliability.

In Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, a JCO was killed and three soldiers were injured during a gunfight with terrorists in Keshwan forest. The terrorists, suspected to be from the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, were also responsible for the recent abduction and killing of two village defence guards. Security forces have intensified operations to counter the surge in terrorist activities in the region.

Four men arrested by UP STF for aiding the escape of a murder suspect to Nepal were previously charged with molesting a 15-year-old girl in Bahraich. The men were accused of publicly molesting the girl during a Muharram procession. Three were arrested and later released on bail, while the fourth obtained a stay order on his arrest.

Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore sparked controversy with sexist remarks, suggesting RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal would benefit if his wife, Kanika, lost the Khinvsar bypoll. Rathore implied her loss would allow her to focus on childcare, referencing Beniwal's social media posts expressing concerns about her potential return to her parents' home.

A terrorist was killed in an ongoing anti-terror operation in Rampora, Sopore, by security forces. This is the second encounter in the area in 24 hours and the fourth in North Kashmir in five days. The operation began based on intelligence inputs about the presence of two to three terrorists. While sources suggest the slain terrorist was Pakistani, official confirmation is awaited.

The Indian government is installing 100,000 locally made transponders on fishing boats to improve safety and security. These devices will help fishermen avoid crossing maritime borders, receive weather alerts, and locate potential fishing zones. The transponders will also aid in combating illegal fishing and tracking vessels engaged in suspicious activities.

Shiv Sena (UBT)on Friday, criticized the 'Mahayuti alliance', claiming that there is significant confusion within the alliance due to a lack of consensus among the Mahayuti parties.

A tragic accident in Jammu & Kashmir's Reasi district claimed the lives of four individuals, including a young girl. The driver of an SUV lost control, causing the vehicle to plummet into a gorge. Three occupants died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Two others are currently receiving medical treatment.

An Indian-American woman, Saba Haider, originally from Ghaziabad, has won a seat on the DuPage County Board in Illinois, US. Despite a grueling campaign that left her physically exhausted, Saba persevered, attributing her success to her supportive family and dedicated community engagement.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump on winning a second term as US President. Modi, one of the first world leaders Trump spoke with, expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration between the two nations. Trump referred to India as a "magnificent country" and praised PM Modi's global standing.

Veteran Indian folk singer Sharda Sinha, renowned for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi music, passed away at 72. Prime Minister Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led tributes, remembering her iconic voice, especially her renditions associated with the Chhath Puja festival.

A new well-being survey at IIT Madras revealed that one-third of freshmen require mental health support. The survey, conducted to address suicides and self-harm incidents, found loneliness and past trauma as significant challenges. The institute is implementing stress management programs, reducing course load, and introducing mandatory recreational courses to support student well-being.

The BJP and the Maha Vikas Aghadi faced rebel candidates in the Maharashtra assembly polls, despite attempts to consolidate support. Several high-profile candidates withdrew, leading to a final count of 4,140 candidates vying for 288 seats. Key constituencies like Mumbai and Pune witnessed intense competition, with rebel candidates adding to the complexity of the political landscape.