Author: TheStateLine

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 15 (IANS) Suspense ended on Monday when suspended Congress legislator Rahul Mamkoothathil arrived at the Kerala Legislative Assembly to take part in the proceedings of the penultimate session of the current House.Mamkoothathil, a first-time MLA from Palakkad, had been suspended from the Congress last month following a series of controversies, including allegations of sexual harassment.Ever since, speculation had been rife within party circles over whether he would attend the session.The uncertainty grew after Leader of Opposition and Congress Parliamentary Party chairman V.D. Satheesan formally informed Speaker A.N. Shamseer about the MLA’s suspension.The move deepened divisions in the Congress, with one faction pressing for Mamkoothathil’s participation and another...

New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Uttarakhand Waqf Board President Shadab Shams on Monday expressed confidence that the Narendra Modi-led government has rekindled hopes for poor Muslims to secure their rightful place, as the Supreme Court is set to pronounce its decision on petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai is expected to deliver its ruling on whether to stay the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 -- legislation that has drawn sharp criticism from petitioners but has been strongly defended by the Centre as a step towards curbing misuse of Waqf properties and ensuring transparency in their management.Speaking to IANS, Shams said, "Today, the Supreme Court is going to give its decision on the Waqf Amendment Act. These include Waqf by use...

Bengaluru, Sep 15 (IANS) A quick-thinking driver helped save all 75 passengers travelling in a BMTC bus, which was gutted by fire within minutes of the blaze being noticed.The bus attached to the government-run Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) was gutted by fire on Monday morning. But thanks to the quick action of the driver, all 75 passengers escaped unhurt.Smoke and flames started emanating from the moving bus, and within minutes, the fire engulfed the entire vehicle, destroying it.According to police, the bus bearing registration number KA 57 F 4568 was travelling from Majestic to the Kadugodi locality in Bengaluru. The incident occurred near the HAL Entrance early in the morning.After noticing smoke and a small fire in the engine, the driver immediately alerted the p...

Ranchi, Sep 15 (IANS) In a year of relentless counter-insurgency operations, the elite 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) has emerged as a formidable force against Maoists in Jharkhand. With precision, courage, and tactical brilliance, the unit has dismantled key elements of the insurgent network, marking 2025 as a turning point in the region’s fight against left-wing extremism.Throughout the year, 209 CoBRA neutralised 20 hardcore Maoists, striking at the very heart of the movement’s leadership.Among those eliminated were two Central Committee Members -- the highest rung of Naxal command -- along with two BJSAC (Bihar-Jharkhand Special Area Committee) Members, four Zonal Committee Members (ZCMs), two Sub-Zonal Committee Members (SZCMs), and three Area Committee Members (AC...

New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) The GST reforms in the food processing and logistics sectors will ensure affordability for consumers, predictability for industry players and competitiveness for India’s economy, the government said on Monday.By reducing rates on essential food items, packaging materials, and transport vehicles, the government has not only simplified taxation but also laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth in food processing, logistics, and allied industries.Food items like ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, paneer/chena, breads like paratha/parotta, khakhra, chapati/roti and pizza bread have been exempted from GST. The indirect taxes on packaged food/snacks, chocolates, sauces, juices, coffee, etc. have been reduced to 5 per cent, boosting demand and industry growth.Packa...

Bhopal, Sep 15 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government claimed that misleading and false information is being shared on social media regarding the purchase of vehicles for the 'Dial 112' emergency response service launched in the state recently. The Directorate of Press Information (DPR) of the Madhya Pradesh government, in a statement, clarified that vehicles (Bolero and Scorpio) were not purchased by the government but hired through a tendering process for the period of five years, not for one year."1200 vehicles have been hired through the tendering process, and it costs Rs 972 crore for a period of five years. As per the contract, the government will pay Rs 32,000 per month for one Bolero, while Rs 36,000 per month for one Scorpio. It also includes the monthly wages of around 500 drivers,...