#1 Daily News Updates, Politics, Crime, movie reviews, Latest News - dynamicleader.in
Blog Full Width » Page 2 of 7 » Dynamic Leader English - Daily News Updates
National

Delhi Demolition Drive Turns Violent: FIR Registered, Five Held as Police Probe Possible Conspiracy

Editor: Prathiban D C 99

The Delhi Police on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) registered an FIR and detained five individuals following violence that broke out during an anti-encroachment operation near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in the Ramlila Maidan area, officials said.

The clash occurred when the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was carrying out a court-ordered demolition on land adjacent to the mosque and a nearby graveyard. During the operation, a group of people allegedly hurled stones and glass bottles at police personnel, injuring at least five officers.

To bring the situation under control and disperse the crowd, police fired tear gas shells. Five persons were taken into custody for questioning and their involvement is being verified through CCTV footage.

Police officials said investigations are underway to determine whether the violence erupted spontaneously or was a premeditated attempt to obstruct the demolition drive. Efforts are also on to identify other suspects involved in the stone-pelting incident.

Footage Under Scrutiny
Senior officers confirmed that CCTV recordings and videos circulating on social media are being closely examined to identify those responsible. Statements of witnesses and the detained individuals are also being recorded as part of the probe.

The FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to obstructing public servants, assault to deter officials from duty, causing hurt, rioting, disobedience of lawful orders, and joint liability, along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

Mosque Unaffected
An MCD official clarified that the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque was not damaged during the demolition process. The civic body stated that the drive was conducted strictly in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

As part of the large-scale operation, nearly 30 bulldozers and 50 dumpers were deployed, with over 300 MCD workers and officials engaged in clearing encroachments and removing debris. The demolition continued through the night and led to the removal of extensive illegal structures identified by the court.

Police said adequate law and order arrangements remain in place in the area as a precaution. “The situation is under control and normalcy has been restored,” a senior officer said, adding that stringent legal action will be taken against all those found responsible. Further investigation is ongoing.

International

Pope Leo Concludes Holy Year, Calls for Compassion Towards Migrants and the Marginalised

Editor: Prathiban D C 73

VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo closed the Catholic Church’s Holy Year on Tuesday by sealing shut the special “Holy Door” in St.Peter’s Basilica and urging Christians worldwide to help those in need and treat foreigners with kindness.

Leo, who has made care for immigrants a central theme of his early papacy, said at a Vatican ceremony that the record 33.5 million pilgrims who visited Rome during the Holy Year should have learned not to treat humans as mere “products”.

“Around us, a distorted economy tries to profit from everything,” said the pope. “After this year, will we be better able to recognise a pilgrim in the visitor, a seeker in the stranger, a neighbour in the foreigner?”

Holy years, or jubilees, typically occur every 25 years and are considered a time of peace, forgiveness and pardon. Pilgrims to Rome can enter special “Holy Doors” at four Rome basilicas, and can attend papal audiences throughout the year.

At 9:41 a.m. (0841 GMT) on Tuesday, Leo, dressed in gold-trimmed robes, pulled shut the special bronze door at St. Peter’s, officially ending the year.

The next jubilee is not expected before 2033, when the Church may have a special one to mark 2,000 years since the death of Jesus.

Vatican and Italian officials said on Monday that pilgrims to Rome for the 2025 jubilee came from 185 countries, with Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil and Poland leading the pack.

The 2025 jubilee was marked by an historical rarity not seen for 300 years. It was opened by one pope, Francis, and closed by his successor, Leo.

Francis died in April after 12 years leading the 1.4-billion-member Church. The last jubilee held under two popes was in the year 1700, when Clement XI closed a holy year opened by Innocent XII.

Leo, who has pledged to keep Francis’ signature policies such as welcoming gay Catholics and discussing women’s ordination, echoed the late pope’s frequent criticisms of the global economic system on Tuesday.

Leo, the first U.S. pope, lamented that the markets “turn human yearnings of seeking, travelling and beginning again into a mere business.”

Karnataka

Repeal of MGNREGA an Assault on Workers’ Rights and Federalism: CM Siddaramaiah

Editor: Prathiban D C 70

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly criticised the BJP-led Union Government for repealing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), calling it a direct attack on workers’ rights and a grave insult to India’s federal structure.

“If Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated once by Godse, today the BJP is repeatedly erasing him by removing his name altogether. The BJP government functions under the ideological guidance of the RSS, which draws inspiration from the Manusmriti,” Siddaramaiah said.

He alleged that the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi repealed MGNREGA and introduced the VB-G RAM G Act unilaterally, without consulting state governments or seeking the opinion of the people. “This decision reflects an authoritarian mindset and a complete disregard for democratic and federal principles,” he said.

Recalling the UPA era under Dr Manmohan Singh, the Chief Minister said rights-based legislations such as the Right to Work, Right to Information and Right to Education empowered citizens across the country. “MGNREGA was a landmark law that ensured dignity and livelihood security for rural India,” he noted.

Siddaramaiah expressed serious concern over the hurried passage of the new law. “The Bill was introduced in Parliament on December 17 and pushed through the very next day. Today, India has 12.16 crore MGNREGA workers, including 6.21 crore women. About 17% belong to Scheduled Castes and 11% to Scheduled Tribes. In Karnataka alone, there are 71.18 lakh workers, of whom 36.75 lakh (51.6%) are women. The livelihoods of all these workers are now under threat,” he Expressed concern.

Accusing the Modi Government of prioritising corporate interests over workers and farmers, Siddaramaiah said that MGNREGA had allowed rural families to work in their own villages alongside agricultural activities, create durable community assets and strengthen village economies. “Most importantly, people had a legal right to demand work. That right has now been taken away,” he said.

He further alleged that over the past 11 years, the Union Government’s primary achievement has been renaming, diluting or dismantling people-centric welfare schemes. “Nearly 30 welfare programmes have been altered or withdrawn, hollowing out their original intent,” he said.

Under MGNREGA, a minimum of 100 days of work per year was guaranteed, with employment provided locally. “Under the new law, as per Section 5(1), work will be available only in areas notified by the Union Government. There is no assurance to Gram Panchayats or workers. Employment will be denied for 60 days during peak agricultural seasons, and wage indexation to inflation has been removed,” he pointed out.

The Chief Minister also criticised the shift in financial responsibility. “Earlier, the Union Government bore the entire wage cost. The new law pushes 40% of the financial burden onto states, violating Articles 258 and 280 of the Constitution. Powers granted to Gram Panchayats under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment have also been taken away, severely undermining federalism and local self-governance,” he said.

Siddaramaiah said he had written to the Prime Minister on December 30, urging that the unconstitutional law should not be implemented. “We demand the complete repeal of the VB-G RAM G Act, restoration of MGNREGA, reinstatement of employment rights for women, Dalits and Adivasis, and the return of powers to Panchayats,” he said.

Warning of serious social consequences, he said the new law would increase unemployment, reduce women’s participation in the workforce, intensify distress among Dalit and Adivasi families, and weaken rural livelihoods. “Panchayats will be reduced to mere implementing agencies, while contractors and corporate interests will gain strength,” he added.

The Chief Minister recalled that the BJP had opposed MGNREGA from the outset and had mocked people-centric legislations such as the Food Security Act. “Weakening welfare laws that empower the poor has always been part of the BJP’s long-term agenda,” he said.

National

Why the Latest Surrender in Telangana May Signal the ‘End of the Maoist Movement in Chhattisgarh’

Editor: Prathiban D C 93

Barsa Deva, a senior commander of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion 1, is set to surrender before Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B Shivadhar Reddy, along with several other Maoist cadres.

According to police officials, multiple Maoists — including Barsa Deva, also known as Barsa Sukka – will lay down arms before the Telangana police chief on Saturday. His surrender is being viewed as a major setback to the Maoist movement in Chhattisgarh.

“This effectively marks the end of the Maoist chapter in Sukma district, the stronghold of Madvi Hidma and his feared associate Barsa Deva,” Telangana DGP B Shivadhar Reddy told. He added that with Hidma killed last year and Deva now surrendering, the Maoist movement in Chhattisgarh has reached its final phase.

Deva is expected to surrender along with his personal security detail and 18 cadres. The DGP said sustained pressure from security forces, including Telangana’s anti-Maoist units, led Deva to agree to surrender.

“With the elimination of Hidma and the surrender of Deva, there is no leadership left to continue violent Maoist activities,” Reddy said.

The surrender follows outreach efforts by Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, who had met the families – particularly the mothers – of both Hidma and Deva, urging them to persuade Deva to give up arms. Sharma noted that Hidma had ignored similar appeals, which ultimately resulted in his death in an encounter.

Hailing from the same village, Puvarti, Hidma and Deva were key figures in the Dandakaranya region. Deva, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and a senior leader of the banned CPI (Maoist), was among the most wanted Maoist commanders. He is accused of orchestrating multiple attacks on security forces, including the deadly ambush on Congress leaders in Sukma district in May 2013, and carried a bounty exceeding Rs.50 lakh.

Officials believe Deva’s surrender will further cripple an already weakened Maoist network, which has seen a series of surrenders and encounter deaths over the past year. Hidma was killed in an encounter in the Maredumilli forest of Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district.

Appealing to remaining Maoist leaders, the Telangana DGP urged them to surrender and take advantage of rehabilitation schemes, noting that Telangana’s surrender policy has also been adopted by other states.

With Deva now giving up arms, only a handful of senior Maoist leaders remain underground. Among them is Thippiri Tirupathi, alias Devuji – the general secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist) – who is currently absconding and being pursued by security forces across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

National

Maharashtra Civic Polls: Mahayuti Secures 68 Seats Unopposed as Nominations Withdrawn

Editor: Prathiban D C 87

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has gained a major early edge in the Maharashtra civic elections, with 68 candidates elected unopposed even before voting, following the withdrawal of nominations across several urban local bodies. Polling for the civic elections is scheduled for January 15.

The unopposed victories were confirmed after the deadline for nomination withdrawals closed on Friday, as candidates from rival parties exited the fray, paving the way for uncontested wins in multiple municipal bodies across the state.

Of the 68 seats secured without a contest, the BJP alone accounts for 44. A significant number came from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Thane district, along with seats in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, Panvel, Bhiwandi, Dhule, Jalgaon and Ahilyanagar.

In Pune, BJP candidates Manjusha Nagpure and Shrikant Jagtap were elected unopposed from Ward No. 35 after their opponents withdrew. Both leaders had earlier represented the same ward during the 2017–2022 term.

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol said the unopposed wins reflected public confidence in the party’s governance. He expressed confidence that the next Pune mayor would be from the BJP, noting that the party aims to win 125 seats, with two already secured without contest.

BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the developments highlighted the party’s growing influence in urban civic institutions across Maharashtra. Party leaders attributed the success to the popularity of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the electoral strategy led by state BJP president Ravindra Chavan.

However, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) criticised the unopposed victories, alleging that democratic processes were being weakened. Party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the BJP of intimidating opposition candidates through central agencies or inducing withdrawals through inducements, and criticised the Election Commission for remaining silent.

Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the politically significant Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will take place on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for the following day.

International

Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York’s First Muslim Mayor Takes Oath with Hand on the Quran

Editor: Prathiban D C 77

Washington: Zohran Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as the Mayor of New York City early Thursday morning. A young left-wing leader, Mamdani has assumed office as mayor of America’s largest city for a four-year term.

In a historic ceremony held at a subway station in Manhattan, Mamdani took the oath of office as the new Mayor of New York City. The Indian-origin Democrat made history by becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor. During the swearing-in ceremony, he placed his hand on the Quran, a moment that drew significant attention.
“This is truly the greatest honor of my life,” Mamdani said.

Later in the day, at 1 p.m. local time, he will take the oath once again in a grand public ceremony at City Hall. The oath will be administered by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, one of Mamdani’s political mentors. Following the ceremony, the new administration will host a public block party along Broadway, popularly known as the “Canyon of Heroes,” a location famous for ticker-tape parades.

Born in Uganda and raised in New York City, Mamdani is currently one of the most closely watched politicians in the country. He previously served as a member of the New York State Assembly. According to the Associated Press, he is the first Muslim, the first person of South Asian descent, and the first individual of African origin to hold that position.

International

Two Suspects in Osman Hadi Murder Escape to India via Meghalaya Border: Dhaka Police

Editor: Prathiban D C 87

Two key suspects in the killing of Bangladeshi political activist Osman Hadi escaped to India through the Meghalaya border following the attack, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. As reported by The Daily Star, authorities revealed this information during a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre.

Additional Commissioner SN Nazrul Islam said the suspects—Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh—crossed into India via the Haluaghat border in the Mymensingh region with assistance from local collaborators. After entering India, they were reportedly received by a person identified as Purti, before being taken by a taxi driver named Sami to Tura town in Meghalaya.

Nazrul Islam stated that police have received informal information indicating that the individuals who helped the suspects may have been detained by Indian authorities, though official confirmation is still awaited. He added that Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies are in constant contact with their Indian counterparts through both formal and informal channels to facilitate the suspects’ arrest and extradition.

Osman Hadi was a well-known political leader, a strong critic of India and the Awami League, and a prominent figure in last year’s violent student-led protests, referred to as the July Uprising, which culminated in the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. After the uprising, Hadi formed a political platform called Inqilab Mancha and was preparing to contest the parliamentary elections scheduled for February.

Hadi was shot in the head by unidentified assailants in Dhaka on December 12. He was later airlifted to Singapore for medical treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries six days later.

His death sparked widespread unrest across Dhaka and other regions of Bangladesh. Mobs attacked and set fire to the offices of leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as cultural organisations such as Chhayanat and Udichi Shilpi Goshthi. The violence also spread to central Bangladesh, where a Hindu factory worker was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh, further intensifying tensions in the aftermath of Hadi’s killing.

National

Over 2,900 Attacks on Minorities Reported in Bangladesh Under Muhammad Yunus’ Interim Government: India

Editor: Prathiban D C 94

India on Friday voiced serious concern over the continued violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, stating that more than 2,900 such incidents have been recorded during the tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. New Delhi called for firm and immediate action against those behind the attacks, including the recent lynching of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said independent assessments have documented over 2,900 cases of violence targeting minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. These incidents reportedly include murders, arson attacks and illegal land seizures. He emphasized that these cannot be dismissed as exaggerated media reports or routine political clashes.

India strongly condemned the killing of Dipu Chandra Das and insisted that all those responsible be held accountable. Bangladeshi authorities have so far arrested 12 individuals in connection with the case. Jaiswal also referred to another recent incident in Rajbari town, where Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat, was beaten to death by a mob, citing it as further evidence of worsening security and growing hostility towards minorities.

The comments come amid renewed political turbulence in Bangladesh following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in last year’s protests that ultimately led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. India firmly rejected attempts by certain sections in Bangladesh to link New Delhi to Hadi’s death, calling such allegations baseless.

Jaiswal said India is closely watching developments in the neighbouring country and reiterated its support for peace, stability and the conduct of free, fair, inclusive and participatory parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12.

Responding cautiously to the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Dhaka after 17 years, India said the development should be seen in the light of its long-standing support for democratic processes in Bangladesh.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh.

Source: Deccan Herald

International

Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister? Tarique Rahman’s Return Set to Redefine the Nation’s Politics

Editor: Prathiban D C 112

Prathiban DC
Editor 

Bangladesh is preparing for the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman, who is set to come home after 17 years in exile. His arrival marks a critical moment for the election-bound nation, as the comeback of the BNP’s acting chairman is expected to significantly reshape the country’s political landscape.

Tarique Rahman is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. His return comes at a time when Khaleda Zia, the BNP chairperson, has largely withdrawn from active politics due to declining health. In her absence, Tarique has led the party from abroad while facing a series of legal challenges.

During the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, courts convicted Rahman in multiple cases, including corruption, bribery, money laundering, illegal accumulation of wealth, and involvement in grenade attacks. However, following the collapse of the Hasina government, these legal barriers have been removed, clearing the path for his political comeback.

Although Rahman was expected to return to Bangladesh in November, reports suggest his arrival was delayed by more than a month due to prevailing security concerns in the country.

Firm Foreign Policy Stance
Tarique Rahman is widely regarded as holding a strong anti-India position and has openly expressed his views on foreign policy matters, including the long-pending Teesta water-sharing dispute. At the same time, he has distanced himself from pursuing close ties with Pakistan. “Not Delhi, not Pindi, nor any other country. Bangladesh first,” Rahman stated in May, months after the fall of the Hasina government.

His return coincides with a sensitive period, as radical Islamic groups have been accused of fueling unrest and instability across the country.

Political Realignment Ahead of Elections
For decades, Bangladesh’s politics has largely been dominated by two major parties—the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina and the BNP founded by Khaleda Zia. With the Awami League now barred from participating in elections, the political space has opened up for the BNP’s resurgence.

However, radical political groups are reportedly attempting to delay the electoral process in a bid to weaken the BNP’s support base and expand their own influence.

If the BNP secures victory in the upcoming elections, Tarique Rahman could emerge as the next Prime Minister. Positioning himself as a champion of democratic restoration, Rahman has already unveiled his campaign roadmap and policy agenda. Addressing party workers at a recent event, he asserted that “only democracy can pull the country out of this crisis,” urging BNP members to strengthen democratic institutions.

As Bangladesh stands at a political crossroads, Tarique Rahman’s return is widely seen as a development that could redefine the country’s future trajectory.

Karnataka

Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill Welcomed, but Concerns Remain: Khasim Saab

Editor: Prathiban D C 601

The proposed Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, which classifies hate speech as a punishable offence, marks a historic step towards social justice, said Khasim Saab, while underlining both its significance and the concerns surrounding its implementation.

India is a nation guided by one of the world’s strongest parliamentary democratic Constitutions. The vision of an egalitarian society is deeply embedded in its Preamble and Directive Principles, which find real meaning only when governments translate them into effective laws and policies.

Religious minorities in India-particularly Muslim communities-have, over the years, been subjected to social discrimination, exclusion, violence, deaths, atrocities, marginalisation, and denial of rights and opportunities across the country, especially in Karnataka. The politics of hate speech has further deprived them of their civil rights.

Hate speeches rooted in religion have continuously fuelled violence and discrimination, exploiting differences related to faith, language, region, marriage, food habits, prayer practices, culture, religious customs, attire, and political dissent. These divisive narratives have been actively nurtured, yielding damaging consequences for social harmony.

At a time when religious hatred is increasingly being converted into a vote bank and mono-religious cultural politics occupies the seat of power, the Congress government’s move to introduce the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill-2025 is both significant and commendable. By recognising hate speech as a criminal offence, the Bill takes a landmark step towards social justice and sets an example for the rest of the country. Its approval by the Cabinet on December 4 and subsequent introduction in the Belagavi session of the Legislature reflects the government’s intent. However, whether its true spirit will be realised by overcoming implementation hurdles remains to be seen.

A key question, Khasim Saab noted, is whether the government and concerned departments possess the commitment and courage to enforce this law fearlessly-irrespective of religion, community, party, or group-against anyone indulging in hate speech or provocative statements. Particularly, the government must demonstrate resolve by taking strict action under the new law against individuals already facing multiple hate speech cases. Only then can the Bill’s genuine public interest be established.

The law must not be applied selectively against the weak while allowing powerful individuals to escape accountability. For the legislation to be truly effective, strict action must be taken regardless of political position. There is also a need for a clear framework for victim rehabilitation and compensation.

At the same time, some provisions of the Bill may carry the risk of unconstitutional misuse. The inability to clearly distinguish between legitimate criticism of religion or communities and outright hate speech could open the door to misuse by vested interests.

The Bill has been opposed by the BJP, Hindutva groups, and even the JD(S). Notably, Karave leader Narayan Gowda has also taken a stand against it. The government must address their stated concerns. Resistance from Sangh Parivar-affiliated groups is unsurprising, as hate speech has long been central to the BJP’s politics of power, often fuelling communal tensions to gain political advantage. Legally curbing this would effectively strike at the roots of divisive politics.

Despite several cases already registered against habitual hate speech offenders in the state, these socially destructive elements have often received protection and patronage under the guise of Hindutva (not Hinduism) from those in power, cutting across party lines. The weak enforcement of existing laws has enabled this trend, making the introduction of a dedicated law both necessary and justified.

The new Bill seeks to address loopholes in existing laws and strengthen provisions against hate speech or incitement to hate crimes based on religion, community, language, place of birth, caste, gender, or residence-covering all communities in Karnataka, not just Muslims. First-time offenders face imprisonment ranging from one to seven years along with a fine of ₹50,000, while repeat offences can attract up to ten years in prison. The law applies uniformly to all—Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, Lingayats, and others.

Under the proposed legislation, hate speech cases will be tried in JMFC courts, with investigations led by the Superintendent of Police. The law covers hate speech disseminated through public statements, writings, audio-visual content, and electronic media that incite hostility, violence, or discord between individuals or groups based on religion, caste, race, language, gender, birthplace, or place of residence.

Those seeking to divide society in the name of religion and fracture Karnataka’s pluralistic harmony find this law difficult to accept. If such resistance is evident even in Karnataka, one can only imagine the reaction if similar laws were introduced in states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, or Bihar.

By removing the inadequacies of earlier IPC provisions and imposing stringent penalties for hate speech and incitement, this law has the potential to curb political projects that thrive on creating divisions between communities, castes, classes, professions, and languages.

May secularism, social welfare, and communal harmony take deep root in this land. Khasim Saab expressed hope that the Congress party and the state government will demonstrate greater maturity and resolve in ensuring the comprehensive and fair implementation of this law.

Categories

DYNAMIC LEADER is a popular online news portal and going source for technical and digital content for its influential audience around the globe. You can reach us via email or phone.

+91 97415 53161

editor@dynamicleader.in