State – Page 304 – SD NEWS agency

Dense Fog Brings Delhi-NCR to a Standstill; Cold Wave Shows No Signs of Easing

17Jan

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DELHI (national capital territory), State

Dense Fog Brings Delhi-NCR to a Standstill; Cold Wave Shows No Signs of Easing

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) continued to reel under intense cold as dense fog severely reduced visibility on Saturday, affecting road, rail, and air travel. The biting winter shows no signs of letting up, as residents face the combined impact of thick fog and rising pollution levels. Fog Creates Hazardous Travel ConditionsOn Saturday morning, much of Delhi and surrounding areas were shrouded in thick fog, bringing visibility down to near-zero levels in several localities. Commuters struggled on roads, while trains and flights experienced significant delays due to low visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported dense fog across several parts of the capital during early hours, disrupting normal travel. Double Whammy: Cold and PollutionAlong with freez...

Cultural Feast Turns Political: Luv-Kush Community Raises Reservation Demands to Bihar CM at Dahi-Chura Event

17Jan

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Bihar, State

Cultural Feast Turns Political: Luv-Kush Community Raises Reservation Demands to Bihar CM at Dahi-Chura Event

Patna, January 17, 2026: What began as a traditional Dahi-Chura feast in Bihar on the occasion of Makar Sankranti quickly transformed into a stage for political maneuvering. The Luv-Kush community, through its National Luv-Kush Seva Sangh, leveraged the gathering to present key demands to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, bringing caste-based reservation issues to the forefront. Feast with a Political Edge The event, held at the residence of Nitish Kumar’s close associate Sanjay Gandhi, saw a congregation of influential leaders, including the Chief Minister himself, Minister Shravan Kumar, Upendra Kushwaha (National President of Ralomo), Panchayat Minister Deepak Prakash, JDU state president Umesh Kushwaha, and other senior leaders. The feast served not just as a social gathering but also...

Rakesh Tikait Takes Charge in Kitchen at Prayagraj Magh Mela, Cooks Paneer-Peas Dish Amid Delay in Bhandara

17Jan

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State, Uttar Pradesh

Rakesh Tikait Takes Charge in Kitchen at Prayagraj Magh Mela, Cooks Paneer-Peas Dish Amid Delay in Bhandara

Prayagraj, January 17, 2026: During the ongoing Kisan Kumbh organized by the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Tikait faction) at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait surprised everyone with a hands-on approach. When preparations for the communal feast (bhandara) were delayed, Tikait personally entered the kitchen and started cooking a dish of potatoes, peas, and paneer. Hands-On Leadership Tikait, taking a spatula in hand, began stirring the vegetable curry himself in the makeshift kitchen of the Kumbh camp. Soon, other farmer leaders joined him to assist in the preparation, creating a warm and lively atmosphere that drew the attention of numerous workers and supporters. Security officials later escorted him out to maintain order. Engaging with Farmers for Hours Tikait ...

Madhya Pradesh: Man-Eating Tiger Strikes in Gumtara-Kishanpur, Claims Three Farmers in 17 Days

17Jan

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Madhya Pradesh, State

Madhya Pradesh: Man-Eating Tiger Strikes in Gumtara-Kishanpur, Claims Three Farmers in 17 Days

Chhindwara, January 17, 2026: Panic has gripped the villages of Gumtara and Kishanpur, near the Pench Tiger Reserve, as a man-eating tiger has attacked three farmers in the past 17 days. The latest victim, a 40-year-old farmer, was dragged into the forest by the tiger while irrigating his field. Parts of his body, including his head and legs, were consumed before help could arrive, witnesses said. Series of Attacks The first attack in this deadly spree occurred on December 31, 2025, when farmer Balram Deharia was ambushed by the tiger while operating a water motor in his field. On January 6, 2026, another farmer, Kamal Uike (43), was attacked near a pond, and his mutilated body was later found by the riverside. The tiger’s repeated attacks over 17 days have left local residents terri...

BMC Election 2026: Uddhav Thackeray Signals Mayoral Ambitions, Urges Shiv Sainiks to Stay United

17Jan

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Maharashtra, State

BMC Election 2026: Uddhav Thackeray Signals Mayoral Ambitions, Urges Shiv Sainiks to Stay United

Mumbai, January 17, 2026: In the aftermath of the BMC 2026 elections, where Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena lost its decades-long control, the party still secured a strong second position with 65 UBT candidates winning. On Saturday, the newly elected corporators visited Matoshree, Thackeray’s residence, where the former Chief Minister congratulated them, offered guidance, and addressed party workers. Thackeray’s Address Speaking to the gathering of Shiv Sainiks at Matoshree, Thackeray said the opposition had hoped to dismantle Shiv Sena “on paper,” but they failed on the ground. He indirectly criticized the BJP, asserting that while they attempted to manipulate power, money, and machinery—and even brought traitors into their fold—they could not buy loyalty. “Your loyalty deserves respec...

Bihar Railways: New Bypass Line from Baijnathpur to New Jhajha to Cut Travel Time, Direct Trains to Patna and Darbhanga

17Jan

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Bihar, State

Bihar Railways: New Bypass Line from Baijnathpur to New Jhajha to Cut Travel Time, Direct Trains to Patna and Darbhanga

Supaul, Bihar, January 17, 2026: Rail travelers in the Kosi and Mithilanchal regions now have reason to rejoice. The Baijnathpur–Andauli–New Jhajha bypass line has been completed, and following a successful inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), train operations on this route are set to commence. The new line will allow trains to run directly to Patna and Darbhanga without changing engines, saving up to 40 minutes on the Saharsa–Darbhanga stretch. Direct Connectivity Without Engine Changes Previously, trains on this route required engine reversal or replacement to change direction, causing delays and inconvenience to passengers. With the new bypass line operational, trains can now move seamlessly from Supaul, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Nirmali, and Forbesganj to their desti...

Jitu Patwari Meets Sumitra Mahajan in Indore: A Rare Display of Political Courtesy with Strategic Undertones

17Jan

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Madhya Pradesh, State

Jitu Patwari Meets Sumitra Mahajan in Indore: A Rare Display of Political Courtesy with Strategic Undertones

Indore, January 17, 2026: In a rare display of political civility in Madhya Pradesh, Congress state president Jitu Patwari met senior BJP leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at her residence in Indore on Friday. The discussion, transcending party lines, focused on the city’s contaminated water crisis, with Mahajan offering advice like a senior sibling and Patwari acknowledging the need for collaborative action for public welfare. Rising Above Politics Patwari emphasized that the Baghirathpura water contamination incident is not a political matter, but a serious public health concern. “Large portions of drinking water in Madhya Pradesh are contaminated. It is everyone’s responsibility to rise above politics and ensure clean water for the people,” he said. Speaking to t...

Sonbhadra: Court Orders FIR Against Five, Including Contractor, in Tribal Man’s Murder Case

17Jan

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State, Uttar Pradesh

Sonbhadra: Court Orders FIR Against Five, Including Contractor, in Tribal Man’s Murder Case

Sonbhadra, January 17, 2026: In a significant judicial intervention, the Special Judge under the SC/ST Act in Sonbhadra has ordered the filing of an FIR against five accused, including a contractor, in the murder of tribal resident Surajman Chero. The court has directed that the investigation be conducted under the supervision of the Circle Officer (CO), and the results be submitted to the court. Incident Details The case pertains to the alleged strangulation and killing of Surajman Chero approximately two months ago. According to the court order, on the night of October 8, 2025, four men from Gidhiyan village forcibly took Surajman Chero and his father under the pretext of securing work in a company in Maharashtra. When they resisted, they were beaten and dragged to Kon Bazaar, from...

Bhadohi Carpets Shine in Europe Despite US Tariffs, Industry Looks Forward to Global Orders

17Jan

By sd newsNo Comments

State, Uttar Pradesh

Bhadohi Carpets Shine in Europe Despite US Tariffs, Industry Looks Forward to Global Orders

Bhadohi/Frankfurt, January 17, 2026: At the prestigious Heimtextil-2026 fair in Frankfurt, Germany, Bhadohi carpets drew significant attention from European buyers, showcasing their artistry, durability, and intricate designs. While participation from American buyers was relatively subdued due to high tariffs, strong support from Europe has provided new hope for the Bhadohi carpet industry. Impact of US Tariffs According to exporters participating in the fair, the additional tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian products directly affected orders. Although demand in the US market remains, higher duties made buyers cautious, resulting in slower sales. Strong European Support Conversely, buyers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands showed keen interest i...

PM Modi in Bengal: Assures Right to Stay for Matua and Namashudra Communities, Signals BJP’s Electoral Strategy in Malda

17Jan

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Politics, State, West Bengal

PM Modi in Bengal: Assures Right to Stay for Matua and Namashudra Communities, Signals BJP’s Electoral Strategy in Malda

Kolkata/Malda, January 17, 2026: Amid ongoing religious violence in neighboring Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to West Bengal assured refugees coming to India on account of religious persecution that they would receive full protection. Addressing a public rally in Malda, PM Modi emphasized that communities such as Matua and Namashudra, who fled neighboring countries due to communal violence, need not fear and have the constitutional right to reside in India. Drawing a parallel with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), PM Modi said, “Through CAA, we have provided complete protection to refugees. This is my guarantee.” Political and Electoral Significance At the Malda event, PM Modi inaugurated the Made-in-India Vande Bharat sleeper trains while taking a s...