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In his first public remarks since the Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) unexpected loss in the 2024 general elections, party president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has raised concerns over the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs). The BJD, which had been poised for a sixth consecutive term in Odisha, suffered a major setback, failing to secure a single Lok Sabha seat while managing to retain only 51 out of 147 Assembly constituencies.
Patnaik expressed his thoughts after attending the 28th foundation day of BJD on Thursday.&nbsp;
Patnaik emphasized the need for transparency in the electoral process and called on the Election Commission (EC) to investigate potential irregularities in EVM usage. "It should definitely be checked," he said when asked about allegations surrounding EVMs. He further questioned the BJP's reluctance to address these concerns, stating, "Why is the BJP so secretive about EVMs?" Patnaik also reiterated his party's stance in favor of reverting to paper ballots, asserting that this would strengthen public trust in the electoral system.
Taking aim at the BJP, Patnaik accused the party of misleading voters with "lies and false promises" during the campaign. Reflecting on his party's shortcomings, he admitted that the BJD struggled to counter the BJP's aggressive narrative on social media.
When asked about the future leadership of the BJD, Patnaik remained non-committal, saying, "I have been leading for a very long time, but I have not thought about who will take over after me." He also reiterated his long-standing demand for a Bharat Ratna to honor his father, Biju Patnaik, calling him a statesman deserving of the nation's highest civilian award. Patnaik dismissed speculation about his own name being considered for the honor as mere rumors.
In closing, Patnaik stressed the need for reforms to restore faith in India's electoral process. "We want a system that ensures complete trust in the electoral process," he stated, urging the Election Commission to take the concerns over EVMs seriously and prioritize voter confidence.
The BJD had recently submitted a formal memorandum to the Election Commission, calling for a thorough investigation into EVM-related concerns, underscoring the party's firm position on the issue.
&nbsp;

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik paying floral tribute founder of the party Biju Patnaik

BJD chief suggests EVMs might have impacted Odisha polls, calls for return to paper ballots

Naveen Patnaik Hints at EVM Role, Backs Paper Ballots

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi (file photo)

Remembering Dr. Manmohan Singh's legacy in India's economic reforms and global diplomacy

Farewell to Dr. Manmohan Singh: Architect of Modern India

A novel stent surface treatment technology using laser patterning can revolutionise surgeries for heart diseases, according to a study on Thursday.
Traditional metal stents may cause restenosis &mdash; a re-narrowing of the artery &mdash; due to excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation one month after implantation.However, the innovative stent surface technology controls vascular cell responses without drug side effects.
Developed by a team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), the technology promotes endothelial cell growth while slowing down smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation in blood vessels.
It holds promise for enhancing vascular recovery, especially when combined with chemical coating methods. 
&ldquo;This study demonstrates the potential of surface patterns to selectively control vascular cell responses without drugs,&rdquo; Dr. Hojeong Jeon, from KIST. 
&ldquo;Using widely industrialised nanosecond lasers allows for precise and rapid stent surface processing, offering significant advantages for commercialisation and process efficiency,&rdquo; Jeon added.
In the study, the team applied nanosecond laser texturing technology that creates nano- and micro-scale wrinkle patterns on nickel-titanium alloy surfaces.
While stent-induced vascular wall injury causes migration and morphological changes of smooth muscle cells, the wrinkle patterns slowed them down and prevented restenosis. The wrinkle patterns also boost cellular adhesion, promoting re-endothelialisation to restore the vascular lining.&nbsp;
The effectiveness of the technology was validated via in vitro vascular cell studies and ex-vivo angiogenesis assays using foetal animal bones.
The laser-textured metal surfaces created favourable environments for endothelial cell proliferation while effectively suppressing smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation and excessive growth.
Notably, smooth muscle cell growth on the wrinkled surfaces was reduced by approximately 75 per cent. On the other hand, angiogenesis increased more than two-fold.&nbsp;
The surface patterning technology is expected to apply not only to metal stents but also to biodegradable stents, the researchers said. 
In biodegradable stents, the patterns prevented restenosis and enhanced endothelialisation before dissolving. This improved treatment outcomes and reduced the risk of complications, said the team planning to conduct animal tests and clinical trials next.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

Laser-patterned stent enhances heart surgery

KIST's laser-textured stent tech enhances vascular recovery, plans clinical trials ahead

New Laser Tech Set To Revolutionize Heart Stent Surgery

Amid unrest in the country, over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a Maputo prison on Wednesday. Sparked by the controversial confirmation of the long-ruling Frelimo party as the winner of recent elections, tensions prevailed in various parts of the country. 
Bernardino Rafael, the national police chief, said a total of 1,534 prisoners escaped the high-security prison located about 15km from the capital.
He also informed that 33 inmates were killed and 15 were wounded in clashes with prison staff. 
A search operation, backed by the army, led to the arrest of about 150 fugitives.
&ldquo;Around 30 of the prisoners were linked to armed groups that have been behind unrest and attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado for the past seven years.
&ldquo;We are particularly concerned about this situation,&rdquo; Rafael said.
The African nation&rsquo;s highest court had confirmed Frelimo&rsquo;s ascend to power after the presidential election.
Frelimo, who has been in power since 1975, won 65.17% of the vote, about five points less than the initial results declared by the country&rsquo;s electoral commission.
Mozambique&rsquo;s Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, blamed supporters of losing presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane for starting the violence.
While Rafael blamed protests outside the prison for encouraging the riot, Justice Minister Helena Kida told local broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest started inside the prison and had nothing to do with the protests outside.
He said there were jailbreak attempts at two other prisons. &ldquo;We are worried as a country, Mozambicans and security forces,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We expect in the next 48 hours a rise in crime.&rdquo;
The prison riots began a day after 21 people were killed in the unrest that ensued after the judiciary confirmed the victory of presidential candidate Daniel Chapo on Monday.
Photos and video circulating on social media showed protesters burning and looting shops in the capital and the city of Beira, where some local officials were reported to have fled.
Some demonstrators set up tables in the streets to occupy the space while celebrating Christmas, AFP news agency reported.
Mondlane even called for a &ldquo;shutdown&rdquo; beginning Friday even as the situation in the capital remained tense.
Mozambique, a nation of 34 million people, has been on edge since its October 9 general election. Mondlane&rsquo;s supporters, mostly young people, have been taking to the streets since the election, only to be met with gunfire by security forces.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean President and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa welcomed a court ruling that proclaimed Daniel Chapo the winner of the October 9 general elections of Mozambique. 
&ldquo;The ruling by that country&rsquo;s top electoral court, which upheld Frelimo party&rsquo;s victory, completes and thus exhausts all lawful processes on determining election results, in line with that country&rsquo;s national laws, and in keeping with SADC&rsquo;s Election Guidelines and expectations,&rdquo; Mnangagwa said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said SADC expects all parties to the electoral process to abide by the decision of the Constitutional Council of Mozambique, noting that the ruling should provide a constitutional way forward for the country and facilitate greater peace, normalcy, and stability in the southern African country, Xinhua news agency reported.
&ldquo;SADC stands ready to assist the incoming government and the people of Mozambique, in consolidating their electoral democracy on the basis of the aforesaid Court decision which should be held sacrosanct by all,&rdquo; Mnangagwa said.
Mnangagwa also urged the international community to respect the sovereign will of the people and the Republic of Mozambique and encouraged constructive support towards peace, law, and order by all those concerned.

Protestors in Mozambique’s capital city Maputo

Unrest in Mozambique due to Frelimo victory; 33 killed, 15 wounded in clashes with prison staff

1.5K Inmates Escape Maputo Prison Amid Unrest

At least three labourers were killed and six others severely injured after a 400 KV transmission line tower fell on them in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district on Thursday.&nbsp; 
The tragic incident occurred in Aamda village under Rampur Naikin police station, around 50 km from district headquarters Sidhi. A huge-sized tower collapsed on labourers working on the project.&nbsp;
Local people rushed to the spot and took the injured labourers to hospital. Meanwhile, local area police were also alerted.
Two persons died on the spot, while another succumbed to his injury during treatment at a government primary healthcare in Rampur Naikin.
The injured have been admitted to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital (SGMH), Rewa. The fatalities in the incident are likely to increase as the condition of three injured labourers was said to be critical. The injured were on ventilator support.&nbsp;
According to police, nine labourers were working when the tower collapsed on them. They were replacing the old transmission lines on the tower with a new one.
"A tower collapsed on a group of labourers, killing two on the spot, while a third person succumbed to injuries en route to hospital. Six persons were injured and have been admitted in Rewa," Sidhi Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma said.
A 400 KV transmission line has been established between Satna district and JP Nagar power plant in Sidhi.
According to Rampur Naikin Police Station in-charge Sudhanshu Tiwari, a West Bengal-based private company was carrying out transmission tower work.
"Identification of the labourers, including deceased was being done. The contractor and other senior staff of the firm have been summoned for questioning. Whether the mandatory safety norms were complied with during the work will also be examined," Tiwari added.&nbsp;
&mdash;IANS

A 400 KV transmission line has been established between Satna district and JP Nagar power plant in Sidhi

A huge tower collapsed in Aamda Village in MP killing 2 labour on the spot and others were admitted to hospital

Transmission Tower Collapsed: 3 Killed & 6 Injured

The relationship between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always been defined by an uneasy balance between ideology and political ambition. The RSS, the ideological parent, provided the foundation and moral compass, while the BJP, its political offspring, translated those ideals into electoral success. But today, that balance seems to be fracturing.
The signs of strain are becoming increasingly visible. One prominent example is the BJP's growing reliance on temple politics. Across several states, especially Uttar Pradesh, leaders are aggressively pursuing narratives around uncovering Hindu religious sites beneath non-Hindu structures. This approach has fuelled communal polarisation, serving short-term electoral goals but risking long-term societal harmony.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently intervened, urging restraint. In a pointed statement, he reminded leaders that the Ram Mandir movement was about faith and not about daily Hindu-Muslim confrontations. His words were not just advisory&mdash;they were a warning.
However, Bhagwat&rsquo;s caution was met with resistance. Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand accused political leaders of exploiting religious sentiment to consolidate power and then abandoning the cause when convenient. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya went a step further, asserting that the fight for temple reclamation would continue, regardless of political narratives.
Social media amplified this dissent, with sharp commentary mocking the inconsistency: &ldquo;RSS once said, &lsquo;Wake up, Hindus,&rsquo; but now that Hindus are awake, they&rsquo;re being told to sleep again.&rdquo;
Even Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a powerful figure within the BJP, seemed caught in this tension. His cryptic remark about Lord Vishnu's next avatar being born in Sambhal appeared designed to maintain religious fervour among his base while sidestepping Bhagwat&rsquo;s caution.
But the inconsistencies don&rsquo;t end there. The silence of many RSS leaders on the alleged sidelining of traditional Sanatan deities by the Swaminarayan sect has also raised eyebrows. Observers note that financial and electoral clout often dictates which issues receive attention and which are quietly brushed aside.
This isn&rsquo;t the first public divergence between the two power centres. During the Lok Sabha elections 2024 run-up, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared himself a &ldquo;non-biological&rdquo; entity, a remark that drew a veiled rebuke from Bhagwat. The RSS chief cautioned against leaders developing a superhuman self-image, a clear reminder of the organisation&rsquo;s belief in humility and collective effort.
Similarly, disagreements surfaced after the Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections, particularly over chief ministerial appointments. While the RSS emphasised grassroots consensus, the BJP prioritised political expediency.
More recently, RSS leaders have reportedly begun reconnecting with old political allies sidelined by the BJP's top two faces. This outreach indicates a subtle yet significant shift&mdash;perhaps an attempt to reclaim lost influence in political decision-making.
At its core, this growing chasm reflects a fundamental question: Has the BJP outgrown the RSS? While the RSS prioritises long-term ideological goals, the BJP&rsquo;s focus has increasingly shifted towards short-term electoral wins. This divergence isn&rsquo;t merely a leadership issue&mdash;it&rsquo;s a philosophical one.
The RSS has traditionally been the ideological anchor of the BJP, but today, it seems to be wrestling for relevance in the face of the party's towering electoral machinery. The cold war brewing between the two isn&rsquo;t just a fleeting disagreement&mdash;it&rsquo;s a reflection of changing priorities and power dynamics.
For now, the ideological genie is out of the bottle, and it&rsquo;s unlikely to return anytime soon. Whether the RSS and BJP can realign their goals or drift further apart remains a question that will shape India&rsquo;s political landscape in the years to come.

The ideological parent and political offspring face a widening chasm over power and priorities

The Growing Rift: BJP and RSS at Crossroads

After saying religion is &lsquo;not fashionable&rsquo; in Hollywood, two-time Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington has been baptized and became a minister.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The star was baptized, receiving a certificate of baptism, as well as a minister&rsquo;s license, meaning that he can later get ordained, reports deadline.com.
The event took place at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ located in New York City&rsquo;s Harlem, per Today. First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York live streamed the service on Facebook.
The actor said: &ldquo;In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I&rsquo;m here.&rdquo;
He went on to thank his wife, Pauletta Washington.
The award-winning star has been open about his faith before, telling Esquire last month that while talk of religion in Hollywood is rare, he is unflinching in his resolve to share his beliefs and experience.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m unafraid. I don&rsquo;t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it&mdash;you can&rsquo;t talk like that and win Oscars. You can&rsquo;t talk like that and party. You can&rsquo;t say that in this town,&rdquo; he wrote in an essay relayed by the magazine.
He continued at the time, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not fashionable. It&rsquo;s not sexy. But that doesn&rsquo;t mean people in Hollywood don&rsquo;t believe. There&rsquo;s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard. It&rsquo;s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe.&rdquo;
&ldquo;So I don&rsquo;t know how many other actors have faith. I didn&rsquo;t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there&rsquo;s no &lsquo;church actor meetings&rsquo; I have been to.&rdquo;
Upcoming on Washington&rsquo;s docket is Spike Lee&rsquo;s Apple Original project Highest 2 Lowest, alongside A$AP Rocky &amp; Ice Spice.
&mdash;IANS

The veteran actor gets baptized and receives a minister’s license in New York

Denzel Washington is Now a Minister!

Officials of investigating agencies probing the rackets engaged in arranging fake Indian passports for illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, are now trying to track the roots of this menace in a section of public distribution system (PDS) dealers in West Bengal. 
Sources said that preliminary investigation has revealed such errant PDS dealers constitute the base of the pyramid structure in the racket of the creation of fake passports.
Explaining the modus operandi of the crime, the sources said that once an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant steps into the Indian side and contacts the agents of such rackets, the process of creation of fake ration cards for the infiltrator begins.
The agents of such rackets contact the local PDS dealers for the list of ration cards that expired recently because of the demise of the cardholder concerned or for not collecting rations allotted for that card for a long time. Thereafter, one such particular card was selected and based on that, a general diary on its misplacement was filed.
Later, based on that general diary, the expired card was revived showing the illegal infiltrator as the beneficiary of the card. Thereafter, the chain system of the next lines of creation of fake Indian documents starts first with EPIC cards, followed by PAN and Aaadhaar cards and finally fake passports.
The sources said errant PDS dealers&rsquo; involvement was the base of the pyramid structure of this menace and involving a section of the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) was the peak of the same structure.
So far five persons have been arrested in West Bengal in connection with such fake passport rackets of which two, Dipankar Das and Deepak Mondal, are contractual POPSK staff.
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;

Five people arrested for involvement in the racket so far

They allegedly create fake docs by reviving govt ID cards of deceased

Bengal Passport Racket: Cops Track PDS Dealers

&nbsp;A routine traffic stop spiraled into a scene of chaos and devastation on Saturday evening when a suspected drunk driver led authorities on a high-speed chase, ultimately crashing through the glass doors of a JCPenney store inside Killeen Mall. The incident left at least five people injured and ended with the suspect being fatally shot by law enforcement.
The events began around 5 p.m. local time, according to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sgt. Bryan Washko, when an officer flagged a black pickup truck for suspected DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in the nearby city of Belton, roughly 20 miles east of Killeen.
The suspect refused to stop, igniting a high-speed pursuit that ended in the Killeen Mall parking lot. In a shocking turn, the driver rammed the front glass doors of JCPenney and proceeded to plow through the store's interior, indiscriminately striking shoppers.
Authorities, including a Texas DPS trooper and a Killeen Police officer, pursued the vehicle on foot as it drove several hundred yards through the store, hitting people in its path.
&ldquo;The trooper and the officer continued on foot after this vehicle, which was driving through the store actively running people over," said Sgt. Washko.
In a chaotic confrontation, officers from multiple agencies opened fire, fatally shooting the suspect inside the store.
At least five victims, aged between 6 and 75, sustained injuries. Four were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals, while one person self-transported. Their conditions remain unconfirmed.
&ldquo;Thankfully he was stopped when he was because it could have been so much worse," added Washko. "This mall is pretty busy this time of year."
Authorities have confirmed that initial reports of an active shooter were false and assured the public that the scene is secure. However, they urged residents to stay clear of the area while investigations continue.
The vehicle remained inside the mall as of Saturday night, and the Texas Rangers Division will assist Texas DPS in leading the investigation.

JC Penny store at the Killeen Mall after car crashed into the store

Suspected DWI driver crashes into Killeen Mall, injuring 5 before being fatally shot

Deadly Chaos: Truck Plows Through Killeen Mall in Texas

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday revealed that New Delhi has taken &ldquo;seriously&rdquo; the latest threat issued by the US-based Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against India&rsquo;s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra and raised it accordingly with the authorities in Washington.
In a recent video, Pannun threatened that Kwatra is on the radar of pro-Khalistani Sikhs in America for allegedly coordinating with Russian authorities, who in turn were providing inputs to Indian intelligence agencies on the Khalistani network in the United States.
&ldquo;As and when such threats are issued, we take them very seriously and raise them with the US government. In this particular case also, we have raised it with the US government and it is our expectation that the United States government will take our security concerns seriously and act on it,&rdquo; MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.
A former foreign secretary, Kwatra took charge as India&rsquo;s Ambassador to the United States in August this year, succeeding Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
His appointment came at a time when Khalistani separatists continue to target Hindu community in the country and also the Indian missions.
Khalistanis have been found to be involved in incidents of defacement of temples, including in California and New York, and also in acts of arson and vandalism at the Indian embassy in San Francisco.
Several lawmakers, including Shri Thanedar&mdash;a Democrat elected to the House of Representatives from Michigan state&mdash;have raised alarm over the &ldquo;substantial increase&rdquo; in attacks on Hindus and their places of worship in the United States.
The lawmaker had recently expressed frustration with the investigating agency for their failure to find the culprits behind the incidents at the temples and the consulate.
&ldquo;It appears to be a very coordinated effort to attack these places of worship which has created a lot of fear in the community. And often what we have seen is that the law enforcement, the local law enforcement enters into these investigations and rarely any suspects have been identified, and that investigation goes nowhere.
&ldquo;What that does is that it leaves the community feeling like nobody cares about them. Nobody reports back to them on what&rsquo;s going on. And that means that the community continues to live in fear, the computing community continues to live in an adverse situation with essentially no help from law enforcement,&rdquo; he said.
The lawmaker went on to state that he and his colleagues are asking the US Department of Justice for &ldquo;coordinated efforts between the local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Justice, and higher priority needs to be assigned to such hate crimes against this peaceful community&rdquo;.
&mdash;IANS

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the weekly briefing in New Delhi

Ministry assures Khalistani attacks, vandalism issue raised with US authorities

Pannun’s Threat to Indian Ambassador ‘serious’: MEA

Five persons, including two juveniles, were nabbed on Monday for opening fire in South Delhi in which a youth was injured, police said. 
The incident took place in Ambedkar Nagar on Sunday when 20-year-old man Kunal, from Madangir, was shot and later admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, they said.
A police officer said that a used cartridge was recovered from the spot and an FIR was registered against the accused.
The police officer added that investigations led to the arrest of Kamal alias Anna and Shubham&mdash;both 23-year-old&mdash;Sahil (22) and two juveniles.
Two country-made pistols, a knife and two motorcycles used in the commission of the crime were also recovered from their possession, he said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the attack stemmed from personal enmity, the police officer said. Anna allegedly attempted to take revenge after being beaten by Kunal and his friend Sera during a previous altercation, he stated.
Anna and Sahil were identified as the shooters, the officer added.
&mdash;IANS
&nbsp;

Police have recovered a used cartridge from the spot

20-year-old youth shot in chest over personal enmity in South Delhi’s Ambedkar Nagar

Delhi Shooting: Two Minors Among 5 Held

A horrifying incident has come to light in Yendagandi village, Undi mandal, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. Naga Tulsi, a resident of the village, was shocked to find the body of an unidentified person inside a parcel delivered to her home late Thursday night. The parcel, initially thought to contain electrical appliances, turned out to be part of a gruesome crime.
Tulsi had earlier sought financial assistance from the Kshatriya Seva Samithi for constructing her house. The Samithi had previously supported her by providing tiles and promised additional help, including electrical appliances. On Thursday, she received a WhatsApp message indicating that a delivery of items such as fans, lights, and switches was on its way. However, what she received instead was a package containing a human body.
Upon discovering the shocking contents, Tulsi and her family immediately informed the local police. A police team, led by District Superintendent of Police Adnan Nayeem Asmi, rushed to the scene. The body, identified as that of a male aged approximately 45 years, was shifted to a government hospital for autopsy. Preliminary investigations suggest that the person may have died 4-5 days before the discovery.
Adding a chilling layer to the case, a ransom letter was found inside the parcel. The letter demanded a sum of ₹1.3 crore and threatened serious consequences if the demand was not met. This has led police to believe the incident might be linked to an extortion attempt.
Investigators are now focusing on identifying the person who delivered the parcel. Representatives of the Kshatriya Seva Samithi have been summoned for questioning to determine if the delivery could have been exploited by someone to execute the crime. The police are also examining missing persons reports from nearby areas to trace the victim&rsquo;s identity.
The incident has left the local community in shock and fear. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue to uncover the truth behind this gruesome crime.

West Godavari District Police officers meeting (File photo)

Woman in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district who received the package was expecting it to contain electrical appliances

Body Found in Parcel Leaves Village in Shock

Actor Allu Arjun, producers and director of Pushpa 2: The Rule have announced financial assistance of ₹2 crore for the family of the woman who was killed in the Sandhya Theatre stampede on December 4. The victim&rsquo;s son was critically injured during the premiere show and is battling for his life.
Allu Arjun&rsquo;s father and well-known producer Allu Arvind made the announcement on Wednesday after meeting Sri Teja, who is undergoing treatment at KIMS Hospital.
Allu Arvind told media that the cheque was handed over to Dil Raju, Chairman, Telangana State Film Development Corporation.
Allu Arvind said to support the boy and his family, the film unit decided to give financial assistance of ₹2 crore.
While Allu Arjun has given ₹1 crore, Mythri Movies, the producers of the movie have extended assistance of ₹50 lakh. Film&rsquo;s director Sukumar has also given ₹50 lakh to the family.
Allu Arvind said they spoke to doctors and were happy to know that he is recovering.
Allu Arjun had announced ₹25 lakh for the family two days after the incident. He had also assured all support to the family including treatment expenses of the boy.
Sri Tej&rsquo;s father Bhaskar had said on Tuesday that he received a demand draft of ₹10 lakh from Allu Arjun.
Bhaskar said that the actor&rsquo;s manager is also in regular touch with the family to get updates on the boy&rsquo;s condition.
The family is receiving support from both the Telangana government and Allu Arjun.
Bhaskar said Minister for Roads &amp; Buildings and Cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy gave them a cheque of ₹25 lakh.
The boy&rsquo;s father said after 20 days, they noticed some body movement.
&ldquo;He also opened his eyes but did not recognize any of us,&rdquo; he said.
A woman named Revathi died and her son Sri Tej was critically injured in the stampede at Sandhya Theatre.
Actor Allu Arjun was arrested in the case on December 13 and was released on interim bail the next day.
The Chikkadpally police, which registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, interrogated Allu Arjun for more than three hours on Tuesday.
&mdash;IANS

Allu Arjun had earlier announced assistance of ₹25 lakh —File Photo

‘Pushpa 2’ makers, Allu Arjun extended financial aid as her son battles for life

₹ 2 cr Assistance to Family of Stampede Victim

Every year in the highlands of Ethiopia, when the rain returns after a parched dry season, a dazzling sight unfolds. Vast fields of a plant known as the Ethiopian red hot poker revive from their crinkled, withered state, and bloom into fiery torch-like flowers. From June to November, these bright blossoms offer a precious resource: a profusion of sweet nectar.
Among the humming flash of sunbirds and insects drawn to the flowers, an unusual visitor appears: the Ethiopian wolf. Approaching a cone-shaped flower head, it licks the bottom, lapping up nectar and looking quite visibly pleased. As it moves from flower to flower, its muzzle becomes dusted with pollen. Can a wolf actually be a pollinator?
The Ethiopian wolf is a slender canid about the size of a large dog, with a reddish coat, white markings on its throat and chest, and a black bushy tail. It lives only in Ethiopia, in a few areas of high-altitude &ldquo;sky islands&rdquo; that emerge above the tropical forests below. With fewer than 500 alive today, it is Africa&rsquo;s most endangered carnivore.
I&rsquo;m part of a team of scientists, working under the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme, who have detailed this surprising nectar-feeding and the wolf&rsquo;s potential role in pollination. We recently published our findings in the journal Ecology.
The conservation programme, a joint initiative between the University of Oxford and Ethiopian colleagues, has worked to protect Ethiopian wolves for more than 30 years. While these findings were only published recently, Claudio Sillero, founder and director of the programme, first observed wolves feeding on flowers years ago.
&ldquo;As I sat in a rocky shelter, I trained my binoculars on a wolf zigzagging through a stand of red hot pokers, pausing to lick a vivid red and yellow inflorescence, and moving on to the next,&rdquo; he recalls. &ldquo;Having tasted them myself, I knew they were heavy with sweet nectar. But I wasn&rsquo;t quite expecting the wolves also had a sweet tooth!&rdquo;
Other colleagues were also familiar with the plant. &ldquo;It is considered a medicinal plant in Ethiopia and its nectar is traditionally used to sweeten coffee, or on kita, our flatbread,&rdquo; explained Abdi Samune, one of our wolf monitors.
Capturing the evidence
The publication emerged from a series of serendipitous events. A few years back, Adrien Lesaffre, a wildlife photographer, became a close collaborator of ours. After hearing about the nectar-feeding behaviour, he made it his mission to get good pictures of the wolves foraging among flowers. At the time, except occasional sightings, nothing much was known.
&ldquo;It took me two years, several trips to the mountains, tons of patience and great efforts to get my first pictures of a wolf licking the flowers,&rdquo; said Adrien. The close-up pictures captured the amount of pollen deposited on the wolves&rsquo; muzzles. This was striking evidence of their potential role in transferring pollen between flowers.
As we investigated further, it became clear it was not an exceptional occurrence. On the contrary, the wolves really were seeking out the nectar and could spend a substantial amount of time foraging for it. For instance, we noted one female wolf spent 1.5 hours in a flower field and visited 30 different flower heads. Dissecting the flowers confirmed that pollen could be deposited by a mammal. Armed with all the new evidence, we shared our findings in a scientific journal.
Redefining the role of carnivores
Our work challenges conventional thinking about plant-pollinator interactions, especially regarding the role that predators can play.
There are a few nectar-eating pollinator mammals, mostly species of bats. Nectar feeding is uncommon in carnivores and typically only small species do it, such as civets or mongooses. Omnivorous bears, such as sun bears, may eat nectar too, although it is poorly documented.
That&rsquo;s why the Ethiopian wolf&rsquo;s behaviour is groundbreaking. Normally a specialized rodent hunter, it is the first large carnivorous predator documented consuming nectar.
While nectar is unlikely to provide enough nutrition to sustain the wolves&rsquo; daily needs, it can provide a small energy boost. A tasty treat to start the day or as dessert, to top up a rodent meal.
Ethiopian wolves usually hunt giant mole rats and other rodents. Adrien Lesaffre
Whether the wolves can be effective pollinators remains to be confirmed, but it&rsquo;s worth exploring what this means for the red hot poker flower. And perhaps the Ethiopian wolf is not the only nectar-loving large predator. Greater awareness of such atypical interactions might lead to new examples being discovered in other systems.
Conserving unique species interactions
Pollination is a crucial process sustaining biodiversity. A nectarivorous wolf potentially involved in pollination highlights the complex interactions that can appear in these unique &ldquo;Afroalpine&rdquo; ecosystems. In this fragile environment, where both the wolves and the flowers are vulnerable, understanding these relationships is vital for conservation efforts.
The Ethiopian highlands are a biodiversity hotspot, yet their apex predator faces increasing threats from habitat loss, disease transmission, and climate change.
Although our programme&rsquo;s mission is to save the wolves, there is crucial value in conserving not just a species, but also the ecological processes they help support. Preserving the Afroalpine ecosystem, in turn, ensures that the many species and local communities relying on them will continue to thrive.
(Sandra Lai is a Postdoctoral Researcher, Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme, University of Oxford. This article first appeared in theconversation.com)

A tasty treat to start the day or dessert to top up a rodent meal? (Pic: Carine Lavril)

How scientists discovered the first large carnivore that pollinates flowers in Ethiopia

Wolves with a Taste for Nectar?

A festive evening turned into a nightmare in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday when a car plowed into a crowded Christmas market, killing at least two people, including a toddler, and injuring over 60 others. Authorities have declared it a deliberate attack. Eyewitnesses to the incident claims that at least 11 are killed in the attack.
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The horrifying incident unfolded around 7 p.m. as families and holiday shoppers filled the market. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the speeding vehicle tore through wooden stalls, scattering decorations, and sending people diving for cover.
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Verified video footage captured the aftermath &mdash; shattered glass, overturned stalls, and the suspect surrendering. The driver, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who has been living in Germany since 2006, was seen stepping out of the wreckage, raising his hands, and lying face down on the cold pavement before being taken into custody by heavily armed police.
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Local authorities, including Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, identified the suspect as a practicing doctor from Bernburg, a town 40 kilometers south of Magdeburg. While officials believe he acted alone, the investigation remains ongoing, with counterterrorism units involved.
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"Every human life lost in this attack is a tragedy," said Reiner Haseloff, Governor of Saxony-Anhalt, visibly shaken during a press conference. "We must remain vigilant, especially during such significant cultural events."
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The death toll could rise as at least 15 victims are reported to have sustained critical injuries. Hospitals across the region are on high alert, with emergency services working tirelessly to stabilize patients.
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The attack echoes painful memories of the 2016 Berlin Christmas market tragedy, where 13 lives were lost in a similar assault. Despite increased security measures at holiday events across Germany, vulnerabilities remain.
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Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand united with Magdeburg in this time of grief."
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CCTV image of the Christmas Market of  Magdeburg after terrorist attack

Car plows into bustling Christmas market in Magdeburg, leaving two dead, dozens injured

Deadly Attack Shatters Magdeburg Christmas Market

Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on September 5 on Teachers' Day acknowledged the wisdom of Guruvaryas and contributed to Shiksha Kalyan Nidhi. Children of St. Xavier's School and School of Achievers in Gandhinagar reached the Chief Minister's residence this morning to take voluntary contribution to the Teacher Welfare Fund. The birth anniversary of late Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, lifelong teacher and former President, September 5 is celebrated as Teachers' Day across the country. Acknowledging the contribution of teachers in the development of individuals and society, everyone makes a voluntary contribution to the Teacher Welfare Fund on this day. The Chief Minister interacted with the school children who came to collect the contribution and exchanged his respect for the teachers. At this time District Collector Mehul Dave, District Development Officer JB. Patel, District Education Officer Dr. Bhagwanbhai Prajapati, Primary Education Officer Piyush Patel and other officials and teachers of the school also joined. - POOJA

ગાંધીનગર: મુખ્યમંત્રી ભુપેન્દ્ર પટેલે પાંચમી સપ્ટેબરએ શિક્ષક દિને ગુરુવર્યોના સમજદાયિત્વનો ઋણસ્વીકાર કરતા શિક્ષ કલ્યાણ નિધિમાં ફાળો અર્પણ કર્યો હતો. શિક્ષક કલ્યાણનિધિમાં સ્વૈચ્છિક ફાળો લેવા માટે આજે સવારે મુખ્યમંત્રીના નિવાસસ્થાને ગાંધીનગરની સેન્ટ ઝેવિયર્સ સ્કૂલ અને સ્કૂલ ઓફ એચિવર્સનાં બાળકો પહોંચ્યાં હતાં.&nbsp;
આજીવન શિક્ષક અને પૂર્વ રાષ્ટ્રપતિ સ્વ.સર્વપલ્લી રાધકૃષ્ણનની જન્મ જયંતિ તારીખ પાંચમી સપ્ટેમ્બરને દેશભરમાં શિક્ષક દિવસ તરીકે ઉજવવામાં આવે છે. વ્યક્તિ અને સમાજ ઘડતરમાં શિક્ષકોના પ્રદાનનું ઋણ સ્વીકાર કરતાં સૌ આ દિવસે શિક્ષક કલ્યાણ નિધિમાં ફાળા રૂપે સ્વૈચ્છિક યોગદાન આપે છે.
મુખ્યમંત્રી એ ફાળો લેવા આવેલા શાળાના બાળકો સાથે સહજ સંવાદ કરીને શિક્ષકો પ્રત્યેના તેમના આદરભાવનું આદાન-પ્રદાન કર્યું હતું. આ સમયે જિલ્લા કલેકટર મેહુલ દવે, જિલ્લા વિકાસ અધિકારી જે.બી. પટેલ, જિલ્લા શિક્ષણાધિકારી ડો. ભગવાનભાઈ પ્રજાપતિ, પ્રાથમિક શિક્ષણાધિકારી પિયુષ પટેલ તથા અન્ય અધિકારીઓ અને શાળાના શિક્ષકો પણ જોડાયા હતા.
- POOJA&nbsp;

તેમણે તેમના સત્તાવાર નિવાસસ્થાને શાળાના વિદ્યાર્થીઓ સાથે સમય વિતાવ્યો

ગુજરાતના મુખ્યમંત્રીએ શિક્ષક દિવસ પર 'શિક્ષક કલ્યાણ નિધિ'નું દાન કર્યું

गांधीनगर: मुख्यमंत्री भूपेन्द्र पटेल ने 5 सितंबर को शिक्षक दिवस पर गुरुवर्यों की बुद्धिमत्ता को स्वीकार किया और शिक्षा कल्याण निधि में योगदान दिया। गांधीनगर के सेंट जेवियर्स स्कूल और स्कूल ऑफ अचीवर्स के बच्चे शिक्षक कल्याण कोष में स्वैच्छिक योगदान लेने के लिए आज सुबह मुख्यमंत्री आवास पहुंचे. आजीवन शिक्षक और पूर्व राष्ट्रपति स्वर्गीय सर्वपल्ली राधाकृष्णन की जयंती तिथि 5 सितंबर को पूरे देश में शिक्षक दिवस के रूप में मनाया जाता है। व्यक्ति और समाज के विकास में शिक्षकों के योगदान को स्वीकार करते हुए इस दिन हर कोई शिक्षक कल्याण कोष में स्वैच्छिक योगदान देता है। मुख्यमंत्री ने योगदान लेने आए स्कूली बच्चों से बातचीत की और शिक्षकों के प्रति अपना सम्मान व्यक्त किया। इस समय जिला कलक्टर मेहुल दवे, जिला विकास अधिकारी जे.बी. पटेल, जिला शिक्षा अधिकारी डाॅ. भगवानभाई प्रजापति, प्राथमिक शिक्षा अधिकारी पीयूष पटेल और स्कूल के अन्य अधिकारी और शिक्षक भी शामिल हुए। -पूजा

उन्होंने अपने सरकारी आवास पर स्कूली छात्रों के साथ समय बिताया

गुजरात के मुख्यमंत्री ने शिक्षक दिवस पर 'शिक्षक कल्याण निधि' दान की

He spent time with school students at his official residence

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