Saturday, March 07
A former MBBS doctor, known as Dr. Rafiq, built a clandestine medical system for Maoists and Adivasis in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. He performed surgeries with limited resources, trained medics, and documented treatments for battlefield injuries and common ailments. Revered by locals, his network continues to function even after his departure, blending traditional knowledge with modern medicine.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay its order on the Aravalli range's "new definition." The court has formed a committee to re-examine the issues. The government remains committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli hills, with mining bans on new and renewed leases continuing. This follows widespread criticism of the previous definition.
Delhi-NCR is battling a severe smog crisis, with visibility plummeting and air quality entering the 'very poor' category. Dense fog has led to flight disruptions at IGI Airport, operating under CAT III conditions. Authorities have implemented GRAP Stage III curbs, including construction bans and 'No PUC, No Fuel' rules, as cold temperatures exacerbate the pollution.
Golam Nabi Azad, son of Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir, was arrested in Murshidabad for allegedly assaulting a police officer at his family residence. The officer filed a complaint after Azad reportedly objected to his presence and then assaulted him. Kabir claims the arrest is politically motivated by the TMC.
Ladakh's pristine cold desert faces a crisis as feral dogs, numbering nearly 45,000, threaten endangered wildlife like snow leopards and Pallas's cats. Human activities, including increased tourism and unmanaged waste, have fueled their rapid multiplication. Conservationists warn these canines, now outnumbering native predators, pose a significant ecological threat and have even attacked humans.
A nine-year-old boy, Ajay Raj Nishad, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his bravery after saving his father from a crocodile attack in the Chambal river. Armed with a stick, Ajay struck the predator's eye, forcing it to release his father. Inspired by the award ceremony, Ajay aspires to join the defence forces.
Karnataka BJP leader R Ashoka has slammed Congress general secretary K C Venugopal for his remarks on the Bengaluru demolition drive, accusing him of interfering in state administration. Ashoka questioned Venugopal's authority and highlighted alleged hypocrisy regarding waste dumping from Kerala.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor offered a measured response to Digvijaya Singh's praise for the RSS's organizational strength, emphasizing the need for internal discipline. While acknowledging Singh as a friend, Tharoor stated the party can learn from its own 140-year history. Other Congress leaders sharply criticized the RSS, highlighting ideological differences.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's praise for the RSS-BJP's organizational prowess, highlighting Modi's grassroots rise, sparked internal debate during a CWC meeting. Singh advocated for decentralization within Congress, criticizing its over-centralized structure. The BJP seized on his remarks to attack the Congress leadership, contrasting their approach with Modi's rise.
