Hyderabad civic polls: TRS retains its bastion, BJP makes significant inroads winning 48 seats

BJP reduced TMC to half in 2019, will wipe them out in 2021: Dilip Ghosh

Speaking to ANI in Siliguri on January 19, West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Dilip Ghosh spoke on Suvendu Adhikari's remark. Ghosh said, "Who knows Nandigram better than Suvendu? It is in his hands. If he has said it, he might do it as well." "Violent politics will continue under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) rule. They have tactics to stop BJP but it weakened with time. We will bring in a change in West Bengal. As development is inching closer, they are getting uneasy and doing this. We reduced TMC to half in '2019 and will wipe them out in 2021," he added. On January 18, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said, "She (WB CM Mamata Banerjee) goes to Nandigram only during elections. Can she tell what has she done for the people of Nandigram? Whoever would contest against her, she would lose by 50,000 votes. If I fail to make her lose, I will leave politics."

"Construction of villages not a new thing," BJP MP on India-China row

As India-China continues to lock horns in months-long bitter border standoff, the latter is undertaking construction on the borders with Arunachal Pradesh. BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh, Tapir Gao said that since the 80s till today, they are occupying this area and construction of villages is not a new thing. He further said that they have already constructed military base between Bisa and Maza which is inside McMahon Line, under Indian Territory. "Since the 80s till today, they (China) are occupying this area and construction of villages is not a new thing. They have already constructed military base between Bisa and Maza which is inside McMahon Line, under Indian Territory. Since 80s China is constructing road. They've built Longju to Maza road. During Rajiv Gandhi's regime, China occupied Sumdorong Chu Valley in Tawang. The then Army Chief planned an op but Rajiv Gandhi denied him permission to push back PLA."

Hyderabad-based non-profit organisation provides free education to tribal children

Once a child labour, Santosh, who is currently running his own NGO in Hyderabad, provides free primary education to the tribal children. People Helping Children was set up in 2019 and aims towards providing solution to the problems faced by the underprivileged children. Education and nutritious food are the two top priorities of the NGO. With branches in 6 states, NGO runs with the support of around 50 members and over 1000 volunteers. Founder of People Helping Children, Santosh said, "I lost my childhood, I worked as a child labourer, so I don't want anyone to lose their childhood, this is the main reason, why I started this NGO." The goal of this NGO is that every child gets primary education in the country.

Vaccines approved only after testing: G Kishan Reddy confident of efficacy

Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy inaugurated vaccination drive at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad on January 16. On the rumours around the efficacy of the vaccine, G Kishan Reddy said that medicines tested in other countries are considered good but when our scientists toil and develop made in India medicines, people view it like that. He further assured that vaccines have been approved only after testing."I request people to not say such things. Medicines tested in other countries are considered good but when our scientists toil and develop made in India medicines, people view it like that. I request not to discuss things like this. Vaccines have been approved only after testing. I say this confidently that the vaccines will benefit everyone," said MoS Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy.

COVID-19 vaccination drive begins in India

The mega COVID-19 vaccination drive began in India on January 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the drive and around 100 healthcare workers will get vaccinated at each session site on the inaugural day. Manish Kumar, a sanitation worker, became the first person to receive COVID-19 vaccine jab at AIIMS. In the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive, healthcare workers will receive the vaccine. The beneficiaries reached to their respective health centres. Two COVID vaccines have been approved in India- Pune-based SII's 'Covishield' and Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech's 'Covaxin'.

UP 2022 polls: Owaisi meets alliance partner Rajbhar in Azamgarh

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on January 12 visited Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh. Owaisi is on a one-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. Before the next assembly elections, Owaisi forged alliance with Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) to make a strong ground in eastern UP.

WB's acting AIMIM chief joins TMC

Ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections, state's acting All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief SK Abdul Kalam joined Trinamool Congress (TMC) on January 09 in Kolkata. Several other members of AIMIM also joined TMC. WB Assembly elections are likely to be held in mid 2021.