New Delhi, November 25 (IANS). Union Minister Kiren Rijiju came to India with the holy relics of Lord Buddha from Bhutan. Meanwhile, while talking to the media, he said that the holy relics of Lord Buddha are very special and the timing of this special display of the relics lasting 17 days in Bhutan coincides with the International Peace Prayer and the birthday of the fourth king of Bhutan. He said that the people of Bhutan are very happy with bringing the relics of the Holy Buddha to Bhutan. The King of Bhutan himself has made personal arrangements for the proper display of the relics so that the people of Bhutan and tourists do not face any inconvenience. He said that the King of Bhutan said that the entire royal family, government and all the people of Bhutan are very grateful to PM Modi for bringing the relic and extending it by 7 days to 17 days. It shows a close spiritual connection and bond between the people of India and Bhutan. Earlier, Rijiju had written on Twitter that he was proud to bring the sacred Buddha relics back to India after a 17-day exhibition in Bhutan. Bhutan’s deep reverence for the sacred Buddha relics inspires harmony between the people of India and Bhutan. I was extremely touched by the personal presence of the King of Bhutan during the formal ceremony. He said that I also thank the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, the Central Monastic Body, the monks and the entire Royal Government of Bhutan for the special arrangement of the remains and Prime Minister Modi’s memorable visit to Bhutan on November 11. Let us tell you that Bhutan bid farewell to the holy relics of Lord Buddha which was held on Tuesday morning of India Hall of Thi Grand Kuenre ceremony and which was held in the Thi Grand Kuenre ceremony. Present on the occasion were Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Letshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body, Ministers of Home Affairs and Health of Bhutan and respected monks from both India and Bhutan. –IANS MS/ABM Share this story Tags

New Delhi, November 25 (IANS). Sri Lanka won the fifth match of the triangular T20 series 2025 played against Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium by 9 wickets. It was Sri Lanka’s first win in the series. Earlier it had to face defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe and Pakistan. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Zimbabwe scored 146 runs after losing 5 wickets in the prescribed overs. Zimbabwe had a very bad start. This team lost its 2 wickets for only 17 runs. From here Brian Bennett along with Brendan Taylor scored 36 runs for the third wicket. Taylor returned to the pavilion after scoring 14 runs in 16 balls. From here, Brian Bennett made a partnership of 36 runs in 29 balls for the fourth wicket with captain Sikandar Raza. This partnership took the team to a score of 89. Opener Bennett was out after scoring 34 runs in 26 balls with 1 six and 4 fours, while skipper Raza scored 37 runs in 29 balls. Apart from him, Ryan Burl also added the same number of runs to the team’s account. From the opposition team, Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Dikshana took 2 wickets each. Apart from this captain Shanaka took 1 wicket. In response, Sri Lanka claimed victory in just 16.2 overs. The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Misara gave a good start to this team. Both players added 59 runs in 5.4 overs to the team’s tally. Kamil returned to the pavilion after scoring 12 runs. From here, Nissanka along with Kusal Mendis added 89 runs in 64 balls for the second wicket and gave the team an easy win. Nissanka scored an unbeaten 98 runs in 58 balls with 4 sixes and 11 fours, while Mendis contributed 25 runs to the team’s tally. Brad Evans took the only wicket for Zimbabwe. –IANS RSG Share this story Tags

Beijing, December 7 (IANS). The ‘Artificial Intelligence + Transportation Shanghai Release 2025’ event held in East China’s Shanghai city on Sunday showed that Shanghai has officially announced its science and technology innovation construction achievements for transportation power, accompanied by the implementation of a number of important measures. In terms of regional coordination and grassroots support, the program has shown significant progress. Shanghai-Chiangsu intelligent connected vehicle test application scenarios have achieved mutual connectivity, which will greatly promote the regional industry coordination and commercial operation of autonomous driving. With this, with the newly opened autonomous driving test roads in Shanghai’s Futong New Area, Minhang District and Hongqiao Transportation Center, the total number of open test roads in Shanghai has reached 3,173, with a total length of 5,238 kilometers, covering nearly a third of the city’s area. This created a full-dimensional and comprehensive coverage autonomous driving test scenario layout. At the same time, the country’s first massive city-wide traffic signal data was released to the open platform and driving service platform, where real-time data from 7,600 intersections will give strong impetus to the research, development and mass production of high-level autonomous driving. According to reports, this program has demonstrated Shanghai’s leading role in the intelligent transportation field, which will further accelerate the empowerment of new quality productive forces in transportation through artificial intelligence, as well as provide strong momentum for the construction of transportation power and regional integrated development. (Courtesy- China Media Group, Beijing) –IANS ABM/ Share this story Tags

Patna, December 7 (IANS). BJP leader Kumar Shailendra targeted the Congress. He said that the stand of the Congress party today is that whoever gives money will get a ticket in the elections. Today the Congress has ceased to be a party of workers and has become a party of capitalists. This statement of the BJP leader came at a time when Navjot Kaur Sidhu claimed that whoever gives a suitcase worth Rs 500 crore will become the CM. BJP leader Kumar Shailendra said that Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s statement is not wrong. The Congress Party no longer functions as a principled political organization. It became a family-based party, dominated by a few influential families. Many of his petty leaders are also limited to family interests only. It seems that there will be more difficult situations for the Congress in the coming times. Today it has become a party where tickets are given to those who pay, and no survey or vision goes into its decisions. There is no coordination in Congress. Laying the foundation stone of Babri Masjid by suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, he said that there is no point in raising the issue of construction of Babri Masjid here. If any elected representative supports such a move, they are working against the interests of the country. On the absence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Kumar Shailendra said that Tejashwi Yadav never stays in the assembly in the first place. This means that he also ignores the sentiments of the people who voted for him. He was made the leader of the opposition by such a large majority, yet he abjured that responsibility and left the country. From abroad he now says that democracy has lost and machinery has won. First, he asks questions about the Electoral Commission. Secondly, if he claims that ‘the machinery has won’, then I want to ask Tejashwi Yadav, who are you trying to mislead with such statements. –IANS DKM/DKP Share this story Tags

New Delhi, December 7 (IANS). Simon Jones dazzled with his reverse swing in the 2005 Ashes series between Australia and England. During this period he played an important role in England’s win by taking 18 wickets at an average of 21 in 4 matches. Simon, 6 feet 3 inches tall, was a right-arm fast-medium bowler who had the exceptional ability to swing back. Simon was known for his quick pace, excellent line length and his style of constantly putting the batsmen under pressure. When Simon’s ball hit the pitch, it would come in quickly, confusing the batsman. Even though his journey was very short due to injuries, he left a deep impact in world cricket in just 2 years of international career. In the 2005 Ashes series, the first match between England and Australia was played at Lord’s, which Australia won by 239 runs. In this match, Simon took a total of 3 wickets in two innings. The English team was 0-1 behind in the series. In such a situation, the host team needed parity in the series. The second match of the series between the two countries was played in Birmingham, in which Simon played an important role in the victory by taking a total of 3 wickets. From here, both teams were tied at 1-1 in the series. The third match was played in Manchester, in which the English team gave a tough fight to Australia and tied the match. The English team scored 444 runs in the first innings of the match. In response, the Australian team were reduced to just 302 runs before the lethal bowling of Simon Jones. In this innings, Jones showed the magic of his reverse swing and took 6 wickets for 53 runs in 17.5 overs, which also included the wicket of Ricky Ponting. He took one wicket in the next innings. The fourth match of this series was held in Nottingham, in which Simon played an important role in England’s victory by taking a ‘five wicket’. England scored 477 runs in the first innings. In response, the Australian side were reduced to just 218 runs before Jones’ lethal bowling. Simon bowled 14.1 overs in this innings and took 5 wickets for 44 runs. It also included the wicket of Ricky Ponting. England had a lead of 259 runs on the basis of first innings. In such a situation, the Australian team was forced to play follow-on, but in this innings, the visiting team was restricted to only 387 runs. The Australian team had high expectations from captain Ricky Ponting, but he was run out and returned to the pavilion. England were given a target of 129 runs to win, which the team achieved by losing 7 wickets in 31.5 overs. Simon bowled only 4 overs in Australia’s second innings. England called on replacement fielder Gary Pratt to rest their main fast bowler, who ran out Ponting with a brilliant direct hit. At the time, Ponting was unhappy with England’s strategy, in which the team kept substitute fielders on the field to rest their main fast bowler, while according to the rules, the substitute fielder could only come on the field when a player was injured. Calling it against the spirit of the game, Ponting said: “If not Simon Jones, then all is well.” Actually, Ponting said if key players like Jones are out of the field, it is good, but it is not right to abuse the rules in this way. Ponting also complained about this to the match referee. Simon Jones was unable to play the final match of the series, which England drew and won the series 2-1. Simon Jones could only play 18 Test matches in his career and took 59 wickets at an average of 28.23. In addition, he took 7 wickets in 8 ODIs. –IANS RSG/

New Delhi, December 7 (IANS). Simon Jones dazzled with his reverse swing in the 2005 Ashes series between Australia and England. During this period he played an important role in England’s win by taking 18 wickets at an average of 21 in 4 matches. Simon, 6 feet 3 inches tall, was a right-arm fast-medium bowler who had the exceptional ability to swing back. Simon was known for his quick pace, excellent line length and his style of constantly putting the batsmen under pressure. When Simon’s ball hit the pitch, it would come in quickly, confusing the batsman. Even though his journey was very short due to injuries, he left a deep impact in world cricket in just 2 years of international career. In the 2005 Ashes series, the first match between England and Australia was played at Lord’s, which Australia won by 239 runs. In this match, Simon took a total of 3 wickets in two innings. The English team was 0-1 behind in the series. In such a situation, the host team needed parity in the series. The second match of the series between the two countries was played in Birmingham, in which Simon played an important role in the victory by taking a total of 3 wickets. From here, both teams were tied at 1-1 in the series. The third match was played in Manchester, in which the English team gave a tough fight to Australia and tied the match. The English team scored 444 runs in the first innings of the match. In response, the Australian team were reduced to just 302 runs before the lethal bowling of Simon Jones. In this innings, Jones showed the magic of his reverse swing and took 6 wickets for 53 runs in 17.5 overs, which also included the wicket of Ricky Ponting. He took one wicket in the next innings. The fourth match of this series was held in Nottingham, in which Simon played an important role in England’s victory by taking a ‘five wicket’. England scored 477 runs in the first innings. In response, the Australian side were reduced to just 218 runs before Jones’ lethal bowling. Simon bowled 14.1 overs in this innings and took 5 wickets for 44 runs. It also included the wicket of Ricky Ponting. England had a lead of 259 runs on the basis of first innings. In such a situation, the Australian team was forced to play follow-on, but in this innings, the visiting team was restricted to only 387 runs. The Australian team had high expectations from captain Ricky Ponting, but he was run out and returned to the pavilion. England were given a target of 129 runs to win, which the team achieved by losing 7 wickets in 31.5 overs. Simon bowled only 4 overs in Australia’s second innings. England called on replacement fielder Gary Pratt to rest their main fast bowler, who ran out Ponting with a brilliant direct hit. At the time, Ponting was unhappy with England’s strategy, in which the team kept substitute fielders on the field to rest their main fast bowler, while according to the rules, the substitute fielder could only come on the field when a player was injured. Calling it against the spirit of the game, Ponting said: “If not Simon Jones, then all is well.” Actually, Ponting said if key players like Jones are out of the field, it is good, but it is not right to abuse the rules in this way. Ponting also complained about this to the match referee. Simon Jones was unable to play the final match of the series, which England drew and won the series 2-1. Simon Jones could only play 18 Test matches in his career and took 59 wickets at an average of 28.23. In addition, he took 7 wickets in 8 ODIs. –IANS RSG/

Pune, December 7 (IANS). December 8 is the birth anniversary of Nanasaheb Peshwa alias Balaji Bajirao, who assumed the position of Peshwa after the death of his father Bajirao I at the age of just 19. He was one of the most discussed and controversial Peshwas in Maratha history, who was also called the creator of the Maratha Empire. Historians call Balaji Bajirao the ‘real emperor of the Maratha Empire’. Balaji Bajirao inherited a large but unstable empire. His father Bajirao Ballal raised the Maratha flag in Malwa, Bundelkhand and Gujarat, but the power of the Mughal emperor still remained in North India. Nanasaheb first paid attention to internal unity. He tied together great chiefs like Sadashivrao Bhau, Malharrao Holkar, Jankoji Shinde and Raghuji Bhosale. The Maratha Empire expanded unprecedentedly under the leadership of Balaji Bajirao. During this period, the territory of the Maratha Empire reached about 2.5 million square kilometers. The Marathas had a strong influence in the Mughal court of Delhi. In 1752, he signed a treaty with the Mughal emperor Ahmed Shah, in which the Marathas were given the right to collect Chauth-Sardeshmukhi in Western India. In 1758, the Marathas captured Delhi and sent their army to Punjab. During this the Maratha flag was hoisted up to Attock. Maratha armies used to reach Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Bengal to gather Chauth. Nanasaheb made Pune the capital of Marathas and built a huge palace in Shaniwarwada. Even today, Shaniwarwada is a symbol of its glory. He made Marathi the official language and encouraged Sanskrit and Modi script. Scholars like Damodar Pant, Narayan Dixit and Ramshastri were appointed in the Peshwa Court. The tax system was streamlined and farmers got relief. Balaji Bajirao’s greatest misfortune was the third battle of Panipat on January 14, 1761. 80 thousand Maratha soldiers led by Sadashivrao Bhau fought against Ahmed Shah Abdali. The Maratha army was defeated in the war. Vishwasrao Peshwa (eldest son of Nanasaheb), Sadashivrao Bhau and thousands of Maratha chiefs were killed. When this sad news reached Pune, Balaji Bajirao died of deep grief on June 23, 1761 at the age of just 40. In Maratha history it is called ‘Peshwa’s elegy’. There are many controversies about Bajirao. In fact, many historians hold Nanasaheb responsible for the defeat of Panipat. He is accused of giving full command of the army to Bhau and prefers to stay in Pune himself. Moreover, discontent among the local people also increased due to Maratha atrocities and Chauth collection in North India, which favored Abdali. Yet it is undeniable that Balaji Bajirao fulfilled the dream of Bajirao I. Under his rule, the Maratha Empire became the most powerful state in India. After his death, the Maratha confederacy began to disintegrate and was finally abolished by the British in 1818. Even today, Nanasaheb Peshwa is remembered as ‘Maharaj’ in the Maratha community. –IANS SCH/DKP Share this story Tags

New Delhi, December 7 (IANS). Defense Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated to the nation the 900-metre long Shyok Tunnel built on the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Ladakh along with 125 strategically important infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also participated virtually in this program. In a post on social media platform X, Kiren Rijiju wrote that he was virtually present at the inauguration ceremony of 125 infrastructure projects of BRO by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. These transformative initiatives will further strengthen border connectivity, improve strategic readiness and improve the lives of the people in our border areas. I truly appreciate the dedication of the BRO staff. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Just a few months ago, we saw when our armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor in response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and the world knows what happened to the terrorists. We could have done a lot, but our forces gave a measured response, which showed bravery as well as patience.” He said that such a large operation was possible because our connectivity was strong. Logistics could be delivered to our armed forces at the right time. Our connectivity with the border area remained intact, making Operation Sindoor a historic success.” About this program, BRO wrote on social media that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh today inaugurated 125 strategic infrastructure projects of Leh, which also includes the iconic 920 meter long cut-and-cover Shyok tunnel (12,523 feet) on the strategic road in Ladakh. These include 28 roads, 93 bridges and 4 strategic projects in 7 states of Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and two union territories of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. Of these, 85 projects are located in areas at altitudes above 9,000 feet, promoting border connectivity, operational preparedness and socio-economic development in remote areas. –IANS office/abm

The Kolkata Police has announced traffic restrictions across the city in connection with the Portathon scheduled on December 7. The measures, aimed at ensuring public safety and smooth running of the event, will be in place from 04:00 to 13:00, or until the completion of the programme. Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, citing powers under the Motor Vehicles Act, Calcutta Police Act and West Bengal Traffic Regulations Act, said that all types of goods vehicles will face movement restrictions on various key roads across the city. Key restrictions include: 2nd Hooghly Bridge: Traffic from the split to Hastings exit and from Howrah bound via Furlong Gate 11 and Ghora Pass will be restricted. Major Roads Affected: CGR Road (from Ramnagar Junction East Boundary), DH Road (from Pailan Junction Northbound), Satya Doctor Road, GR Road, Clyed Row, St. Georges Gate Road, Khidderpore Road, Alipore Road, AJC Bose Road (from Hastings Junction to Mullick Bazar Road), New Road, Duffernorina Avenue, Red Road, (Loversin Avenue) Avenue, Hospital Road, Bardhaman Road, Garden Reach Flyover and CGR Road. Kolkata Maidan area: Roads including Khidderpore Road, Casuarina Avenue, Queensway, Red Road, Bardhaman Road, Garden Reach Flyover, and CGR Road will be closed for vehicular traffic from 4 am to 1 pm. Additional restrictions include: AJC Bose Road will remain open westbound from Belvedere Road intersection, except for vehicles heading towards the 2nd Hooghly Bridge and St. Georges Gate Road/Strand Road. Eastbound traffic on CGR Road will be suspended from Satya Doctor Road junction. All traffic from St. Georges Gate Road/Clyed Row intersection to the south will be restricted. Westbound vehicles on Khidderpore Road will not be allowed to proceed towards Hastings Junction. Vehicular movement along the Hastings ramp will be restricted to devotees only. The traffic police may divert vehicles from any major or feeder road as required during the event.

Garvit Bhirani Updated Dec 7, 2025, 06:51 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the victims of Goa’s Birch By Romeo Lane club fire that killed 23 and assured full state support after speaking to CM Pramod Sawant. He took to X and said, “The fire accident in Arpora, Goa is very sad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Pramod Sawant Ji, CM of Goa, on the situation. The state government is offering all possible assistance to those affected.” (This is a developing story. More to come)