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A political controversy is brewing in Jammu and Kashmir over the issue of a liquor ban, which was previously dismissed by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 2016. The PDP has now revived the demand, launching a signature campaign to support the ban, while the ruling National Conference (NC) accuses it of hypocrisy. Posters advocating the ban have appeared across Srinagar, urging tourists to "respect local culture and traditions," prompting criticism of police actions to remove them. The matter is set to dominate the assembly's upcoming budget session, with both PDP and NC members proposing bills to prohibit liquor sales. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has joined the campaign initiated by her daughter, while NC MLA Ahsan Pardesi argues that the unrestricted sale of alcohol undermines Kashmir's cultural values. The NC maintains a pro-choice stance, allowing tourists to decide on alcohol consumption, reflecting the region's complex relationship with liquor and tourism. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a shocking incident in Kolkata's Tangra, three members of the Dey family—a mother, aunt, and 14-year-old girl—were found dead, allegedly murdered by the younger brother, Prasun Dey. Following a car crash involving Pranay Dey and Prasun, the surviving boy reportedly informed police that Prasun had killed the women. Authorities discovered the bodies at the family's home, with the victims showing signs of severe injuries, including slashed wrists and throats, and evidence of poisoning in the girl. Reports indicate that she was beaten and force-fed after resisting the plot. While circumstantial evidence implicates Prasun, police noted that Pranay was also involved in planning the murders. The family, previously running a tannery business, was reportedly facing financial difficulties. Both brothers are currently hospitalized and will be arrested upon discharge. 
Published: Feb 24 2025, 1 ameznews.inVaranasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is a revered city steeped in over 3,500 years of history and Hindu mythology, believed to be the birthplace of the universe. Recently, photographer Anvesh Patel (@anveshgraphy) shared a stunning aerial video on Instagram, narrated in the style of a flight captain, showcasing the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Manikarnika Ghat, described as a site where life and death converge into moksha. The video culminates with a captivating view of the Ganga Aarti, encapsulating the city's divine essence. In his heartfelt caption, Patel reflects on the emotional connection to Varanasi, emphasizing its sacred ghats and the resonant chants of 'Har Har Mahadev.' Since its release, the video has garnered over 850,000 views, prompting numerous comments from viewers expressing their deep affection for the city and its spiritual allure. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Finance Ministry's annual report for 2023-24 reveals that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding seven projects in India, totaling approximately $750 million. In the current financial year, USAID has obligated $97 million for initiatives focused on agriculture, food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, and health, while no funding was allocated for voter turnout enhancement. The US has provided over $17 billion in economic assistance to India since the inception of its bilateral development program in 1951. Political tensions have arisen following a statement from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, which cancelled a $21 million grant purportedly aimed at boosting voter turnout. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern over misinformation from the Trump administration, while the Congress party accused the ruling BJP of spreading "fake news" and demanded accountability from Prime Minister Modi and Jaishankar regarding the controversy. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCongress MP Shashi Tharoor addressed speculation about a rift with his party on Sunday, urging reporters to focus on the ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan, which he deemed important. Tharoor's recent praise for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic engagement with the US has drawn criticism from fellow Congress leaders. In a February 14 article, he commended the LDF's economic policies while acknowledging the contributions of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Tharoor defended his remarks, stating they sparked valuable discussion on Kerala's industrial transformation. Additionally, he echoed Modi's strengths after US President Donald Trump described him as a superior negotiator. Tharoor emphasized the need to prioritize India's interests over party lines, stating, "We cannot always speak only in terms of party interest." 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Current Biology* reveals that climate change is causing significant behavioral shifts in estuarine crocodiles in Australia. As global temperatures rise, these ectothermic reptiles are experiencing increased body temperatures, with an average rise of 0.55°C since 2008. The research indicates that higher ambient temperatures lead to more days near critical thermal limits (32-33°C), resulting in reduced diving times and increased active cooling behaviors. Consequently, crocodiles are becoming less active during peak heat, which affects their hunting and feeding habits. Lead author Kaitlin Barham noted that elevated metabolism due to overheating hampers their ability to hold their breath and recover after dives. Alarmingly, 65% of the 203 crocodiles studied exceeded the 32°C limit at least once, prompting concerns that ongoing climate change may force them to seek cooler habitats, potentially impacting their growth and reproduction. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA couple from Delhi's Trilokpuri, Ashok Kumar and his wife Meenakshi, traveled to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh festival, where Ashok documented their trip. However, the following morning, Meenakshi was found dead in their homestay bathroom with her throat slit. The Prayagraj police swiftly identified her through social media and arrested Ashok after he initially reported her missing. During interrogation, Ashok confessed to plotting her murder for three months to pursue an extramarital affair. He had staged the trip as a pilgrimage, and after killing Meenakshi during an argument, he attempted to create an alibi by misleading his children about her disappearance. The investigation, bolstered by CCTV footage and forensic evidence, ultimately led to his arrest, revealing a tragic case of domestic violence masked by a facade of familial duty. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 4 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi defended the Maha Kumbh festival during a meeting in Chhattarpur, Madhya Pradesh, asserting that critics of the event are akin to "foreign powers who try to weaken the country." He condemned a group of leaders for mocking religion and attempting to divide society, claiming they have historically attacked Hindu beliefs and traditions. Modi emphasized the progressive nature of Hindu culture and accused detractors of undermining social unity. His remarks come amid opposition criticism following a recent stampede that resulted in 18 fatalities and concerns over sanitation in the Sangam waters. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labeled the event 'Mrityu Kumbh' due to the deaths, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the scale and financial implications of the festival, further intensifying scrutiny of the government's handling of the event. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn Telangana's Nagarkurnool district, a tunnel construction accident has left eight workers trapped following a roof collapse over 30 hours ago. Rescue operations, involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the army, and Singareni Collieries Co Ltd, are hampered by water and silt within the tunnel. Footage shows rescuers attempting to reach the trapped individuals, who include two engineers and two machine operators, as they shine flashlights and call out names. The tunnel, part of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal project, has been under construction for 20 years and is intended to supply water to 400,000 acres. Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy reported that a small leak had caused significant flooding. Electricity and oxygen have been restored for the trapped workers, and efforts are ongoing to clear debris. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both expressed concern and pledged support for the rescue efforts. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 3 pmeznews.inUniversity of Allahabad Professor Umesh Kumar Singh has questioned the validity of a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report indicating that Ganga water at the Sangam is unsafe for bathing. Singh highlighted discrepancies in the data, particularly regarding dissolved oxygen levels, which he claims demonstrate that the water is suitable for bathing. He criticized the CPCB for allegedly exaggerating the presence of faecal coliform bacteria and called for a re-evaluation of the data, suggesting that the report fails to account for the expected increases in nitrate and phosphate levels due to sewage and industrial waste. Singh's assertions echo those of Acharya Jaishankar, an IIT graduate who also dismissed the CPCB's pollution claims, insisting that the water quality has improved compared to previous years. Both experts urge for a more thorough analysis of the water quality data. 
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