January 9, 2026 Friday India This Week 1 A We e k ly N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng New s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tinent Pub li s h ed From th e U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 35 No.2 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday January 9, 2026 Indian Woman Found Dead in Maryland; Former Roommate Named Prime Suspect, Embassy Extends Support Ellicott City/ Columbia (USA), January 6: A 27-year-old Indian national, Nikitha Godishala, was found dead inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, prompting a murder investigation by local authorities and consular intervention by the Indian Embassy in the United States. According to Howard County Police, Godishala, who had been living and working in the United States for the past four years, went missing earlier this month. She was last seen on December 31, when she reportedly visited an apartment on Twin Rivers Road in Columbia to recover money she had lent to a former roommate. On January 2, a 26-year-old man identified as Arjun Sharma, her former roommate, reported Nikitha Godishala who was found dead in her apartment -Screenshot image her missing. Police said Sharma left the United States shortly after filing the report. Acting on the missing person complaint, officers searched the apartment and on January 3 recovered Godishala’s body. Authorities confirmed on January 4 that the body bore multiple stab wounds. Police have identified Sharma as the prime suspect and issued arrest warrants against him on charges including first- and second-degree murder. Federal agencies are coordinating with local police to trace and apprehend the suspect, who is believed to have fled the country. Family members allege that the killing followed a financial dispute. Speaking from Hyderabad, Godishala’s father, Anand Godishala, said his daughter had lent money to Sharma while they were sharing accommodation. “Four people used to stay in the apartment. My daughter had given him money. When she asked for it back before he flew to India, he killed her and ran away,” he alleged, adding that Sharma was her former roommate and not her former boyfriend. Godishala’s cousin, Saraswati, said Nikitha had transferred USD 4,500 to Sharma earlier, of which USD 3,500 was returned. When Sharma allegedly sought an additional USD 1,000, Nikitha refused and asked for repayment of the remaining amount. Sharma reportedly assured her he would return the money, prompting her visit to his apartment on December 31. The Indian Embassy in Washington said it is in constant touch with the bereaved family and is extending all possible consular assistance, including help with documentation and coordination with local authorities. The Embassy is also closely monitoring the investigation. Members of the Indian community in Maryland expressed shock over the incident and called for swift justice. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to Arjun Sharma: Investigators have identified her former room mate Arjun Sharma as the prime suspect in the case -Screenshot image the case to contact law enforcement, noting that the investigation remains ongoing. The family has appealed for the early repatriation of Godishala’s body and requested privacy as legal proceedings continue. Officials on both sides said cooperation between Indian and US authorities will continue in accordance with legal and judicial procedures. (ANI) Donald Trump and the Transformation of Global Politics By Elisha Pulivarti U.S. India SME Council, Inc. Donald John Trump remains one of the most consequential and polarizing figures of contemporary global politics, reshaping political discourse, leadership styles, and media engagement in ways few leaders before him have achieved. Businessmanturned-politician, Trump’s influence has extended far beyond the borders of the United States, leaving a lasting imprint on the global economy and international power dynamics. Born on June 14, 1946, in New York City, Trump was raised in a disciplined and competitive environment shaped by his father, Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer. Early exposure to business negotiations and high-stakes decisionmaking helped forge Trump’s assertive personality—marked by confidence, risk-taking, and an unyielding belief in winning. These traits would later define both his business ventures and political career. Trump rose to prominence in the real estate sector by expanding the Trump Organization into a globally recognized brand. Luxury hotels, skyscrapers, golf courses, and entertainment properties bearing his name became symbols of ambition and extravagance. His business career experienced notable highs and public setbacks, but Trump’s resilience and refusal to retreat from controversy strengthened his public image as a determined dealmaker. His reach expanded dramatically with the success of the reality television show The Apprentice, where Trump’s boardroom persona and signature phrase, “You’re fired,” made him a household name worldwide. The show amplified his reputation as a decisive authority figure and introduced him to a global audience beyond traditional business circles. In 2016, Trump stunned the political establishment by winning the U.S. presidential election as a political outsider. Campaigning on themes of economic nationalism, immigration control, and institutional reform, he tapped into widespread public discontent. As the 45th President of the United States, Trump pursued an unconventional style of governance characterized by strong rhetoric, direct communication through social media, and a willingness to challenge long-standing political norms. T r u m p ’ s presidency influenced global markets, diplomatic relationships, and geopolitical alignments. From trade negotiations and immigration policies to foreign relations and economic reforms, his decisions frequently commanded international attention and, at times, volatility. Supporters credited him with prioritizing national interests and economic assertiveness, while critics argued his approach intensified divisions both domestically and internationally. Throughout his public life, Melania Trump, former First Lady of the United States, maintained a composed and reserved presence. A former model, she focused on initiatives related to children’s welfare and anti-bullying, offering a contrast to the intensity of her husband’s public persona. Donald Trump’s legacy is defined by both loyalty and opposition. Admirers view him as a fearless leader who challenged entrenched systems and spoke candidly, while detractors see him as disruptive and polarizing. Regardless of perspective, there is broad agreement that Trump permanently altered the landscape of modern politics. Even after leaving office, Trump continues to exert significant influence. His public appearances draw large crowds, his statements shape political debate, and his role in global economic and political discussions remains substantial. As the world continues to assess shifting power structures, Donald Trump’s impact on global politics and the international economy is far from over. His career underscores a defining reality of the modern era: leadership, branding, and power are increasingly shaped by boldness, media presence, and the ability to command attention on a global stage.
January 9, 2026 Friday India This Week Umar Khalid, Sharjil Imam’s prolonged detention constitutionally valid, record shows key role in Delhi Riots conspiracy: SC New Delhi [India], January 6 (ANI): Observing that the material placed on record by the prosecution indicates key involvement of Jawaharlal Nehru University students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam to plan, mobilise and strategically direct the alleged 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy, beyond isolated or localised acts, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant the accused bail, while upholding the constitutional validity of their prolonged detention. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria said that the material against the two men, primarily accused in the conspiracy case, considered on face value as required at this stage, does not justify their enlargement on bail. “This Court is satisfied that the prosecution material, taken at face value as required at this stage, discloses a prima facie attribution of a central and formative role by the appellants in appeals arising out of SLP… Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam are in the alleged conspiracy. The material suggests involvement at the level of planning, mobilisation, and strategic direction, extending beyond episodic or localised acts,” the Court noted. “The statutory threshold under Section 43D (5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, therefore stands attracted qua these appellants. While the period of incarceration undergone by these appellants is substantial and has been duly considered, the Court is not persuaded that, on the present record, continued detention has crossed the threshold of constitutional impermissibility so as to override the statutory embargo,” it added. The Court was pronouncing its ruling on the bail pleas of seven people accused under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The tragic event shook the national capital by killing 53 people and leaving more than 900 injured. As regards the other five persons — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohammad Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmed — accused in the conspiracy, the Supreme Court granted them liberty by observing that their continued incarceration, considering their roles as per the material on record, is not essential for the conduct of a fair trial, provided strict conditions are imposed upon their release. However, the Court clarified that the grant of bail to these accused does not dilute the gravity of the allegations nor amount to any finding on guilt. Rather, “it represents a calibrated exercise of constitutional discretion, structured to preserve both liberty of the individual and security of the nation.” Taking into account national security, public order, and the integrity of the trial process, the Court imposed numerous conditions on their bail, including the furnishing of personal bonds of Rs 2 lakh each, with two local sureties, to the satisfaction of the Trial Court. Additionally, the five accused persons shall remain within the NCT of Delhi and shall not leave without prior court permission. The Court further directed them to surrender their passports (or file an affidavit if none exists) and furnish updated residential and contact details, with prior intimation for any change. “Each of the appellants, namely Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmed shall personally appear twice a week, that is on Monday and Thursday, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, before the Station House Officer, Police Station Crime Branch, Delhi Police, Office of the Commissioner of Police, Police Headquarters, Jai Singh Marg, New Delhi – 110001, and mark their attendance,” the Court said. The Station House Officer shall maintain a separate register of attendance in respect of each of these appellants and shall furnish a monthly compliance report to the Trial Court, which shall be placed on the main record of the case. The Court also directed the accused persons not to contact, influence or intimidate any witness or person connected with the proceedings, nor associate with any group or organisation linked to the case. They must fully cooperate with the trial, appear on all dates of hearing unless exempted, avoid any conduct that delays proceedings, and maintain peace and good behaviour. Moreover, the Court observed that any breach of these conditions or misuse of liberty would entitle the prosecution to seek cancellation of bail from the Trial Court after hearing the appellants. While concluding its decision, the Court observed that though personal liberty is guaranteed under the Constitution, it cannot be conceived as an absolute entitlement detached from the security of the society in which it operates. “The sovereignty, integrity, and security of the nation, as well as the preservation of public order, are not abstract concerns; rather, they are constitutional values which Parliament is entitled to protect through law,” the Court observed. Explaining the different outcomes for the seven accused persons, the Court stated that criminal law does not mandate identical results merely because allegations arise from the same case. Those alleged to have led unlawful or terrorist activity stand on a different legal footing from those whose involvement is at a different level. “To disregard such distinctions would itself result in arbitrariness,” it said. In view of the nature of the case and the prolonged incarceration already undergone, the Supreme Court directed the Trial Court to conduct the trial expeditiously, particularly the examination of prosecution and protected witnesses. The prosecution was also directed to ensure the presence of witnesses on scheduled dates, and the Trial Court was granted liberty to regulate proceedings to prevent delay. The Court had reserved its decision in the case on December 10 after hearing all parties. During hearings, counsel for the petitioners argued that the accused had been in custody for over five years with no assurance as to when trial would commence. They also contended that no proof of violence instigating the riots had emerged despite five years having passed. Delhi Police opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the alleged offences involved a deliberate attempt to destabilise the state. It claimed the violence was not spontaneous but part of a well-orchestrated “panIndia” conspiracy aimed at “regime change” and “economic strangulation.” Police further argued that the conspiracy was timed with the visit of the US President to draw international attention and globalise the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was allegedly used as a “radicalising catalyst” under the guise of peaceful protest. According to the prosecution, the premeditated conspiracy resulted in 53 deaths, largescale property damage, and the registration of 753 FIRs in Delhi alone. Evidence suggested the plan was intended to be replicated pan-India. The prosecution also referred to WhatsApp groups such as the Delhi Protest Support Group (DPSG) and Jamia Awareness Campaign Team as tools used to hatch the conspiracy. It argued that delays were attributable to the petitioners and that the trial could conclude within two years if they cooperated. In response to claims that Sharjeel Imam is an intellectual, Delhi Police argued that “intellectuals involved in terrorism are more dangerous than those operating on the ground.” Additional Solicitor General SV Raju cited past terror incidents to underline this point. Earlier, the Delhi High Court on September 2 denied bail to Imam, Khalid and seven others, observing that their roles in the conspiracy were prima facie grave and involved inflammatory speeches to instigate communal mobilisation. Seven petitioners subsequently approached the Supreme Court seeking bail under the stringent provisions of the UAPA. Imam was arrested in 2020 and named as a main conspirator behind the riots, which erupted during protests against the proposed CAA and NRC. 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January 9, 2026 Friday India This Week 30.04 per cent of voters deleted in draft electoral roll in Lucknow: UP Chief Electoral Officer Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 7 (ANI): Following the completion of the enumeration phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Uttar Pradesh, the Office of the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that Lucknow recorded the highest percentage of voter deletions at 30.04 per cent in the draft electoral roll. According to Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa, Lucknow had 39,94,535 electors as of October 27, which declined to 27,94,397 voters by January 5. Ghaziabad registered the secondhighest deletion, with the number of electors falling from 28,37,991 on October 27 to 20,19,852 on January 5. On Tuesday, Rinwa said that 18.70 per cent of names were removed from the draft voter list across the state before its publication following the enumeration phase of SIR. Speaking to ANI, Rinwa said, “Today, the draft electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh has been published after the Enumeration Phase of SIR. We have 12,55,56,025 electors. The enumeration phase started on November 4 and continued till December 26. Our Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visited every house, distributed enumeration forms, and collected them after verification.” He added that during the process, over 2 crore 28 lakh voters were identified as either deceased or having duplicate entries in the voter list. Additionally, many voters were found to have shifted from the addresses at which they were originally registered. Rinwa said voters can check their registration status by entering their EPIC number on the official website, which will display the booth and serial number where their name is listed. “After scrutiny, 18.70 per cent of names were removed from the voter list when it was published today. We expect a large number of people to verify their names in the draft voter list. A list of absent, shifted, dead, and duplicate voters (ASDDR) has also been released. A one-month window has been provided to submit Form 6 along with the required declaration documents,” he said. He further urged youths who turn 18 years of age on January 1, 2026, to submit Form 6 for inclusion in the electoral roll. Rinwa also stated that booth-wise lists have been published detailing voters whose names appeared in the electoral roll before October 27 but do not appear in the draft list, along with specific reasons for deletion. Addressing the press, Rinwa said approximately 12 crore 55 lakh enumeration forms were received, indicating consent for inclusion in the draft list. Of these, 46.23 lakh voters were identified as deceased, 2.17 crore voters were found to have migrated or could not be located, and 25.47 lakh voters had duplicate registrations. In total, 2.89 crore names were excluded from the draft electoral roll. He said that in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, Returning Officers conducted meetings with political parties and distributed printed copies of the draft electoral rolls. The draft rolls are also available online at ceouttarpradesh. nic.in. The SIR process began on October 27, 2025, when the existing electoral roll was frozen. Enumeration forms were issued to all 15 crore 44 lakh 30,092 registered voters. The enumeration phase was extended by 15 days, concluding on December 26, with the approval of the Election Commission of India (ECI). In an official statement, the Office of the CEO said the ECI is implementing the SIR with the objective of ensuring the inclusion of all eligible electors and the exclusion of ineligible ones, maintaining transparency at every stage. According to the CEO’s office, 12,55,56,025 electors out of the total 15,44,30,092 voters listed as of October 27 submitted their enumeration forms, reflecting strong public participation in the first phase of SIR. The statement credited the success of the exercise to coordinated efforts by District Election Officers (DEOs) across all 75 districts, 403 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 2,042 Assistant EROs (AEROs), and BLOs deployed across 1,62,486 polling booths. Field representatives of recognised political parties, including 5,76,611 Booth Level Agents (BLAs), also actively participated. To ensure widespread awareness, election officials conducted extensive outreach campaigns and held multiple meetings with political parties. BLOs carried out house-to-house visits, making at least three attempts to collect enumeration forms, while BLAs and volunteers worked to ensure no eligible voter was left out. As per the SIR order, the draft electoral roll was published on January 6, 2026. Printed and digital booth-wise copies have been provided to recognised political parties and uploaded on the CEO’s website. The claims and objections period will remain open from January 6 to February 6, 2026. Eligible voters may file claims for inclusion or objections for deletion of ineligible names. A total of 403 EROs and 2,042 AEROs will scrutinise the applications, with disposal scheduled by February 27, 2026. Additional AEROs have been appointed to ensure timely resolution of all claims and objections. (ANI) Trump Highlights India-US Defence Cooperation, Flags Apache Helicopter Delivery Delays Washington, DC [US], January 7 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) highlighted defence cooperation between India and the United States, claiming that India’s order for 68 Apache attack helicopters faced a delivery delay of nearly five years, an issue he said was personally raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with him. Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump pointed to what he described as prolonged delays in supplying defence equipment to India and said his administration was working to address them. “India came to me saying they had been waiting for five years, and we are changing that. India ordered 68 Apache helicopters. Prime Minister Modi came to me and said, ‘Sir, can I please see you?’ and I said yes,” Trump said while recalling his interaction with the Indian Prime Minister. Trump reiterated that he shares a strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Modi but noted that the Indian leader had expressed dissatisfaction over high US tariffs imposed on India due to its purchases of Russian oil. “I have a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi, but he is not happy with me because India is paying high tariffs. But now they have reduced it very substantially, buying oil from Russia,” Trump said. The tariffs, amounting to nearly 50 per cent, were imposed by Washington in response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil, which the US has argued indirectly support Russia’s economy amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Trump’s remarks came a day after he warned that the United States could further raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi fails to address American concerns over Russian oil imports. “They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy,” Trump said, while defending his tariff policy and claiming that the United States was benefiting financially from the measures. The US President has repeatedly warned India that continued purchases of discounted Russian crude could invite stricter trade penalties. He has directly linked tariff pressure to Washington’s broader efforts to curtail Russia’s economic strength during the Russia-Ukraine war. At the same time, Trump has positioned himself as a potential mediator in the RussiaUkraine conflict, holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though no concrete breakthrough has been announced. India has previously rejected Trump’s assertion that Prime Minister Modi assured him New Delhi would halt Russian oil imports, clarifying that no such conversation or commitment took place. (ANI)
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January 9, 2026 Friday India This Week Cold Wave Intensifies in Rajasthan; Major Indian heavy fog reduces visibility in Jaipur Army drone push, 15-20 Shaktibaan regiments to be raised for unmanned warfare Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], January 7 (ANI): As the cold wave intensifies in Northern India, Rajasthan’s state capital, Jaipur, was shrouded in dense fog on Wednesday morning, reporting a significant drop in visibility. Due to reduced visibility, travellers were seen driving with their headlights on along highways to minimise the risk of accidents. Meanwhile, residents lit bonfires across the city to cope with the biting cold. According to IMD, Jaipur is experiencing a cold wave, with a temperature of 19 °C. In addition to a cold wave shrouding the city, the state capital also experienced a deterioration in its air quality. According to the CPCB, Jaipur recorded an AQI of 247 at 8 in the morning, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category. In addition to Jaipur, other cities in Rajasthan were also covered in a dense layer of fog. Ajmer was also shrouded in thick fog this morning. The town, like the state capital, Jaipur, also reported a significant drop in visibility, with houses shrouded in fog. In contrast to Jaipur, Ajmer had relatively better air quality, with an AQI of 106, which falls in the ‘moderate’ category. In Uttar Pradesh, several cities were also covered by a dense layer of fog, reducing visibility. For instance, a layer of fog enveloped the city of Agra in the morning. The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was obscured by a thick layer of fog in the town. The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 9, 2025 The Day of Reckoning By Rajan George Though you ride high, answerable to none for a season, Though for many years no voice has dared question you, Though your purpose has never known defeat, The day of reckoning will come—you shall not escape. Though by force you have crushed your enemies, Though you have silenced the voices of opposition, Though you are encircled by your loyal coterie, The day of reckoning will come—you shall not escape. Though you deem yourself secure and untouchable, Though fortified walls convince you of safety, Though you trust the hands you feed will never betray you, The day of reckoning will come—you shall not escape. Though you are hailed as a benevolent man, Though sycophants lift their songs in praise of you, Though cruelty and brutality mark your rule, The day of reckoning will come—you shall not escape. Mighty men who walked this path before you Did not endure when judgment drew near; Greater powers bound them in chains, And dealt them the measure they once dispensed. Without mercy they struck those they named as foes, So without mercy it was returned upon them; For the balance does not forget, nor does it err, And justice sleeps only for a time. Every word you have spoken is written, Every deed you have done is weighed; What you have sown shall surely be reaped, By forces far greater than you. You will strive, yet your striving will fail; You will resist, yet resistance will break— For when the appointed hour arrives, The day of reckoning cannot be escaped. By Ajit Dubey | According to the IMD, Agra recorded a maximum temperature of 12 °C. Despite the fog, the city’s air quality remained ‘moderate,’ falling within the 101-200 range, as per CPCB data. Other cities, including Moradabad, also grappled with dense fog due to the cold wave, though their overall air quality stayed ‘moderate.’ Earlier, Delhi saw a slight deterioration in air quality, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 300 at 8 am, remaining in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Despite the marginal decline, the air remained relatively clear, with a thin fog enveloping the capital. Areas such as Kartavya Path were engulfed in dense fog due to a cold wave prevailing in the city this morning. (ANI) INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ New Delhi [India], January 7 (ANI): In a major push to strengthen its drone warfare capabilities, the Indian Army is raising 1520 Shaktibaan regiments which would be equipped with swarm drones, loitering munitions and long-range UAVs which would be capable of striking targets from 5 kms to 500 Kms. The Shaktibaan Regiments would be part of the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery and initial units have already been operationalised, defence officials told ANI. The major force restructuring, conceived by Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, is part of the forces’ transformation to tackle the challenges of modern warfare. The raising of these Shaktibaan regiments is set to bridge the force’s capability gap to strike targets from 50 to 500 kms, they said. For targets beyond 400-500 km, the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery has the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and is now also receiving the 120 km-range Pinaka rockets. To equip the first of the Shaktibaan regiments, the Indian Army will shortly issue a tender under a fast-track procedure to procure 850 loitering munitions, along with the required launchers, they said. Indian industry will provide the drones through a fast-track process and is expected to deliver them to the Army within the next two years. Indian firms, including Solar Defence and Aerospace, Adani Defence and RapheM, are likely to be the contenders for this Rs 2,000 crore project. The Indian Army has already created a pool of over a lakh drone operatives and has now begun equipping formations with the required arsenal. Along with the Shaktibaan regiments, the Regiment of Artillery will also raise around 3540 Divyastra batteries as part of artillery divisions, equipped with drones of different types with lethal strike capabilities. The Infantry is also modernising in line with new warfare requirements by raising Ashmi platoons in each Infantry battalion. It has also seen the creation of a new Special Force, Bharav, to provide the Army’s Special Operations capability at the Corps Headquarters level, with every operative capable of launching drones to hit enemy targets. The Indian forces used a number of loitering munitions like the Nagastra, Sky Strikers, Harpy and Harop to target enemy targets during Operation Sindoor to destroy enemy bases and Pakistan Army bases after extension of hostilities by Pakistan. (ANI)
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January 9, 2026 Friday India This Week Police Caught Me, Then I Decided to Surrender: Rs 75 Lakh Reward Maoist Commander Deva By Pramod Chaturvedi Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 7 (ANI): Former CPI (Maoist) commander Badse Sukka, alias Deva, who carried a reward of Rs 75 lakh and was considered one of the most powerful tribal leaders of the outlawed organisation, has said that he decided to surrender only after being caught by Telangana Police during a routine vehicle check. Deva, who was the battalion commander of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), surrendered on January 3 along with 19 other CPI (Maoist) cadres, dealing a major blow to the organisation in the region. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Deva said he was travelling for an assignment when police intercepted his vehicle, checked it, detained him and brought him to Hyderabad. “The police stopped and checked me. After checking, they brought me here and after that I decided to surrender,” Deva told ANI. He clarified that his decision was not influenced by recent encounters or surrenders of Naxal cadres. “I did not surrender after seeing encounters or surrenders. They caught me and after that I made this decision,” he said. Deva also admitted that he was carrying cash at the time of his detention and that his diary contained information about an arms dump, which later helped police recover a large cache of weapons. Some of the arms, he said, had been looted from police forces. “I had seven AK47s, INSAS rifles and an SLR. The remaining weapons were recovered from a dump,” he said, adding that several of the weapons seized belonged to him personally. According to Telangana Police, a total of 48 high-grade weapons were recovered following the surrender. These included AK-47s, light machine guns (LMGs), SLRs, INSAS rifles and an Israeli-made Tavor CQB rifle. Te l a n g a n a Director General of Police Shivadhar Reddy said the surrender of senior Maoist leaders and the recovery of such a large weapons cache had significantly weakened CPI (Maoist) operations in the region. “There is a lot of internal conflict within CPI (Maoist). They are also facing health problems. Due to immense pressure from security forces, their movement has been completely restricted, forcing many cadres to surrender,” the DGP said. He added that almost all the recovered weapons had been looted from police forces, except for the Tavor CQB rifle, the source of which is still under investigation. Deva was a contemporary of Madvi Hidma, one of the top CPI (Maoist) leaders who was killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh in November last year. Both hailed from Puvvarthi and had worked together in different divisions of the organisation. Police officials said Deva joined CPI (ML) People’s War Group in 2003 under Hidma’s influence and later became an expert in military strategy, explosives procurement, and the manufacture of firearms and IEDs. “When Hidma was promoted and left the PLGA battalion in November 2023, he selected Deva as his successor and deputed him as PLGA battalion commander,” police said. They further stated that Deva was known for his ruthless tactics and was linked to several deadly ambushes and raids, including the Jheram Ghati attack in Chhattisgarh, in which senior Congress Haryana will become growth engine of Developed India: Chief Minister New Delhi [India], January 7 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said that the state will prove to be the growth engine of Developed India-2047. He said the Haryana Vision Document-2047 has been prepared through extensive consultation, in-depth study, and the participation of experts. Nayab Singh Saini made the remarks while speaking at the pre-budget workshop organised at the Gurugram University Auditorium in view of Haryana Vision-2047 on Tuesday. With the objective of finalising the Haryana Vision 2047 roadmap, the Chief Minister held detailed discussions on every aspect during the pre-budget consultation meeting organised with stakeholders from the industry, health, IT, and education sectors for the financial year 2026–27. Representatives of various organisations associated with industry and manufacturing units shared their suggestions for the upcoming budget, a release said. The Chief Minister said that a major developmental transformation has been visible over the past 11 years. Along with positive changes, the government is moving forward in the direction of holistic development. He said that the government has constituted a Department of Future, which will prove effective amid emerging global changes. Such workshops are being organised with the aim of imparting knowledge and vision. He further said that departmental plans will have to be linked with a clear vision, and the focus must be placed more on outcomes than activities. Bringing meaningful improvement in the lives of citizens is the priority of the Haryana government. The Chief Minister informed that as a result of meaningful brainstorming with stakeholders, the Haryana government will play its role in realising the dream of Developed India 2047 by focusing on six pillars. He said that the Haryana Vision Document-2047 has been prepared based on six strategic themes. These include finance and security; education, skill development and employability; health and nutrition; agriculture, food security and environmental conservation; infrastructure development; and projects based on regional development and local selfgovernance. He added that the budget for the financial year 2026–27 will be fully aligned with these themes. Senior officers gave theme-based presentations during the pre-budget deliberations. Under the Haryana Vision 2047 roadmap, in-depth discussions were held on various thematic spotlights aimed at making the state developed, inclusive, and self-reliant by the year 2047. (ANI) leaders were killed. Police also revealed that surrendered cadres disclosed growing discontent within CPI (Maoist), alleging that leadership arbitrarily deployed cadres to unfamiliar and distant regions without consent, leading to serious mobility, logistical and survival challenges. Sustained pressure from security forces and worsening internal conditions have resulted in a growing number of Maoist cadres laying down arms, officials added. New Delhi [India], January 6 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay for questioning in connection with the deadly Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu. The summons is scheduled for January 12, sources said. The CBI has previously questioned several TVK leaders and recorded their statements as part of the ongoing investigation. On November 8, 2025, three TVK members, including the party’s legal team and Trichy Zonal Joint Coordinator Arasu, appeared before the CBI in Karur district. The stampede occurred on September 27, 2025, during a rally led by Vijay, resulting in 41 deaths and numerous injuries. Following the tragedy, the Supreme Court directed a CBI probe on October 23, 2025, and appointed a threemember committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to ensure the investigation’s independence and impartiality. In December, the Tamil Nadu government filed a counter-affidavit in the Supreme Court seeking to challenge the CBI probe, arguing that neither Vijay nor TVK can select the investigating agency or monitoring committee, as both are implicated in the incident. )In response, TVK asserted that the state’s claims were false and misleading, emphasizing that removing the CBI and the supervisory committee would hinder the ongoing investigation. “The Respondents (Tamil Nadu government) are erroneously claiming that the Petitioner (TVK) has misled this Hon’ble Court, omitted material facts, or made unsupported assumptions — these averments on the Respondents’ behalf do not have any substance, and are not borne by the material on record before this Hon’ble Court,” TVK stated. CBI Summons TVK Chief Vijay in Karur Stampede Case
January 9, 2026 Friday Over 40 Years Of Experience Bomb Threat Emails Trigger Security Alert at Karnataka Courts; Police Say Family HAircut Hoax Likely, Probe Underway Bagalkote/Mysuru/ Dharwad (Karnataka), January 7 (ANI): A series of bomb threat emails sent to multiple courts across Karnataka on Tuesday triggered panic, evacuations, and heightened security measures, though police later said the threats appeared to be hoaxes. Investigations are underway to trace the source of the emails. In Bagalkote, the District Court received a bomb threat email on Tuesday afternoon, prompting immediate action by the police. Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal said the email was sent by a person identified as Mohammed Rajguru. Following the alert, police personnel, along with the bomb disposal squad and dog squad, carried out a thorough inspection of the court premises under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent of Police. “An email has been received from a person named Mohammed Rajguru. A threat of a bomb blast was received via mail in the afternoon. We are registering a case after taking a complaint from the court staff. Our police team, bomb disposal squad, and dog squad inspected the premises. Everything is clear,” SP Goyal told ANI. He added that no suspicious items were found and that the email “seems to be a prank,” though an investigation will be conducted to identify the sender. Similar threats were also reported from district courts in Mysuru and Gadag earlier in the day, placing authorities across the state on high alert. In all cases, court premises were evacuated and searched, but nothing suspicious was found. Meanwhile, the Dharwad bench of the Karnataka High Court also received a bomb threat email, leading to the evacuation of staff and the temporary suspension of court proceedings. Police, bomb disposal squad, and fire brigade personnel were deployed at the site. Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya said the search was completed by around 3 pm. “We finished checking the court premises, all the buildings and open grounds, but we haven’t found any suspicious objects. The prima facie report is that the threat came from a personal email. We have lodged an FIR, and further investigation is underway,” SP Arya told ANI. When asked whether the threat was a hoax, she said the matter would be determined through investigation. In Mysuru, the District Court received an email threatening that three RDX bombs would be detonated by 1:55 pm. Court staff were evacuated immediately, and a detailed search was conducted. A lawyer from the Mysuru Court confirmed that the threat was received via email and that police were informed without delay, following which inspection procedures were initiated. Authorities said all the threat emails so far have been deemed hoaxes, but police are continuing investigations with due diligence to identify those responsible. (ANI) Men • Women • Children 5 $ ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES • Beard Trim $500 • Shampoo $1000 • Blow Dry $1000 st $ 00 • Perm from 20 $ 00 • Color from 20 • Highlights from $3500 • Spa Pedicure from $1700 1 Hair Cut Salon & Barber Shop 7364 McWhorter Place Annandale, VA Hours: Monday -Saturday 10am -5pm 9
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