News Headlines :
- प्रधानमंत्री नरेन्द्र मोदी ने नई दिल्ली में मुख्य सचिवों के पांचवें राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन की अध्यक्षता की।
- Hearing on Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls begins in West Bengal at over 3 thousand centers across the state.
- नागर विमानन महानिदेशालय की जांच समिति ने इंडिगो की उड़ानों में आए व्यवधान पर रिपोर्ट सौंपी।
- 359th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji being observed today.
- थाईलैंड और कंबोडिया ने सीमा पर कई हफ्तों से जारी संघर्ष रोकने के लिए युद्धविराम समझौते पर हस्ताक्षर किए।
- In cricket, England registers a historic win by defeating Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Today, we will talk about Handicrafts at the Heart of India’s Rural Economy.
Handicrafts form a vital socio-economic pillar of rural India, sustaining livelihoods, preserving heritage, and generating non-farm income. It is providing vast rural employment to millions of artisans, especially women, preserving unique cultural heritage, generating significant export revenue, and offering a sustainable, eco-friendly income source second only to agriculture. With 318 GI-tagged handicraft products and around 455 formally classified craft categories, the sector reflects the remarkable diversity of India’s creative traditions.
भारत विश्व के प्रमुख हस्तशिल्प आपूर्तिकर्ताओं में से एक है। प्रामाणिक, टिकाऊ और हस्तनिर्मित उत्पादों की वैश्विक मांग बढ़ने के साथ, देश अपने हस्तशिल्प अर्थतंत्र को विस्तार देने के लिए अच्छी स्थिति में है। भारत के विभिन्न राज्यों में बड़ी संख्या में कारीगरों के पास अंतर्निहित कौशल, तकनीकें और पारंपरिक शिल्पकला है, जो हस्तशिल्प उद्योग की रीढ़ हैं। हालांकि अधिकांश कारीगर कम पूंजी निवेश के साथ अंशकालिक रूप से शिल्प कार्य करते हैं, फिर भी इसमें उच्च मूल्य संवर्धन होता है, जिससे हस्तशिल्प आय का अच्छा स्रोत बनता है। यह क्षेत्र अत्यधिक श्रम-प्रधान और विकेंद्रीकृत है, जो देश के कोने-कोने में फैला हुआ है।
This sector empowers communities through skill development and digital platforms, boosting financial independence and rural development through diverse crafts like textiles, pottery, woodwork, and painting, supported by government initiatives for growth and market access.
वर्तमान में भारत में अनुमानित 64 लाख 66 हजार हथकरघा और हस्तशिल्प कारीगर हैं, जिनमें उत्तर प्रदेश, राजस्थान, असम, ओडिशा, पश्चिम बंगाल और तमिलनाडु जैसे राज्यों की हिस्सेदारी उल्लेखनीय है। अगस्त 2025 तक, हथकरघा बुनकरों में महिलाओं की हिस्सेदारी 71 प्रतिशत और कुल कारीगरों में 64 प्रतिशत रही। बिहार की मधुबनी चित्रकला से लेकर झारखंड की ढोकरा धातु कला तक – यह क्षेत्र भारत की विविध और प्राचीन शिल्प परंपराओं की भी रक्षा करता है और इन्हें आज के बाज़ारों से जोड़ता है।
It is a significant foreign exchange earner, contributing substantially to India’s GDP and leveraging growing global demand for handmade, sustainable goods. It often uses natural materials and zero-waste practices, aligning with sustainable development goals.
The sector plays an important role in uplifting the social stature of the economy, with a diverse artisans’ workforce- majority belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. This reflects a broad-based involvement of various communities in craft activities, making the handicraft sector a vehicle for inclusive growth and livelihood across different sections of society. Above all it offers financial independence and social upliftment, especially for marginalized women in rural areas.
हस्तशिल्प वे वस्तुएँ हैं जो मुख्यत हाथ से बनाई जाती हैं, हालांकि निर्माण प्रक्रिया में कुछ औज़ारों या मशीनों का भी उपयोग किया जा सकता है। ऐसी वस्तुएँ अपनी सुंदरता के लिए जानी जाती हैं और इनमें खास गुण होते हैं, जो सुन्दरता, कलात्मक, जातीय या सांस्कृतिक रूप से जुड़े हो सकते हैं।
- इनकी झलक देशभर में विभिन्न रूपों में दिखाई देती है-
- वस्त्रों में पंजाब की फुलकारी, उत्तर प्रदेश की चिकनकारी और तेलंगाना की इकत।
- कला और चित्रकला में बिहार की मधुबनी और महाराष्ट्र की वरली।
The Government has demonstrated support for the handloom and handicrafts sector through a slate of dedicated schemes and policy interventions. Empowering Artisans Through Structured Skill Development Initiatives. Today, standardized production, skilled manpower, design databases, quick & efficient prototyping, and better communication skills are essential to match the evolving production and distribution of crafts to both national and global markets. This consistent support has been crucial in modernizing the sector, enhancing artisans’ incomes, and ensuring the sector’s resilience. Key government initiatives and their impacts include:National Handicraft Development Programme under which Schemes like Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) ODOP (One District One Product), and digital platforms like Indiehaat.com provide training, market access, and digital literacy to boost income and reach wider audiences.
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क्षेत्रीय विशेष –
ITANAGAR INTRO;
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General (Retd.) KT Parnaik while chairing high-level Security Review Meeting in the state, said Safety and security of the people must always remain the foremost priority of the State Government.
“The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. General (Retd.) KT Parnaik, chaired a high-level security review meeting at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar, recently. State Home Minister Mama Natung, Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, senior officials of the State Government, representatives from the State Police, Border Roads, Assam Rifles, and Central Reserve Police Force, in addition to Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding Districts, of Arunachal Pradesh, participated in the meeting. This was a follow-up to the Security Review Meeting, held at Namsai district on 26th July 2025. The Governor emphasized that the safety and security of the people must always remain the foremost priority of the State Government, and that every possible effort should be made to eliminate fear and instill a sense of confidence among citizens. The Arunachal Governor Parnaik called for a people-centric approach to security, where the administration and security agencies work proactively to protect lives, livelihoods, and public trust. He said that district-level administrations must remain constantly alert and responsive, particularly in sensitive and border areas. Referring to the arrest of agents and highlighting the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh, Governor Parnaik cautioned that external forces and elements from neighbouring States may attempt to create disturbances, and therefore, sustained vigilance and preparedness are essential to safeguard peace and stability. He said that when Arunachal Pradesh is secured, the Nation is secured. Emphasizing the growing role of technology, the Governor urged the security forces and the civil administration to leverage modern tools and systems to further strengthen the security apparatus of the State. During the discussion, the Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung highlighted several important initiatives of the State Government, including the surrender policy aimed at bringing misguided youth back into the mainstream, the implementation of the e-Inner Line Permit (e-ILP) system, and other measures taken to strengthen internal security and governance. The State Police, the Border Roads Organization, along with the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, provided a comprehensive update on the action taken pursuant to the deliberations of the Namsai Security Meeting. Through detailed presentations, they outlined the measures initiated on the ground, progress achieved so far, and the challenges being addressed to further strengthen the security framework of the State. For Parikrama, Kenyum Ango, Akashvani Itanagar.”
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KOLKATA INTRO;
वर्तमान में पश्चिम बंगाल में सबसे अधिक चर्चा का विषय चुनावी मतदाता सूची का विशेष गहन पुनरीक्षण और उससे जुड़ा आगामी सुनवाई चरण है। मसौदा मतदाता सूची के प्रकाशन के बाद, जिन मतदाताओं के नाम इसमें शामिल हैं और जिनके नाम छूट गए हैं-दोनों ही वर्गों के मन में एक ही सवाल है कि आगे क्या होगा? क्या उन्हें सुनवाई के लिए बुलाया जाएगा, और यदि नहीं, तो उन्हें क्या कदम उठाने चाहिए?
“The Election Commission, however, has been clear from the very beginning that there is no reason for panic. Any person who is eligible to be on the electoral roll will not be excluded under any circumstances-whether or not they are called for a hearing. Even so, the figures in the draft roll have generated anxiety. According to the draft list, the names of 58, 20,898 voters have been excluded across the state. This includes around 12.20 lakh missing voters, more than 24 lakh deceased voters, nearly 19.90 lakh voters marked as shifted, and about 1.38 lakh identified as fake or duplicate. At first glance, the number appears large. But the Commission has clarified that exclusion at the draft stage does not mean final deletion. This is precisely a preliminary stage meant to allow corrections. As per Election Commission’s estimates, in the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision, around 1.36 crore voters may initially be called for hearings. However, this number is expected to come down once duplicate names or multiple entries are filtered out during verification. The Chief Electoral Officer of the state, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, has repeatedly stated that there is no reason for voters to be afraid even if they are called for a hearing. The Commission has also noted that among large states, West Bengal has completed this work within the stipulated time-frame, which it considers a significant achievement. Susmita Mandal, Akashvani Kolkata.”
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TIRUCHIRAPPALLI INTRO;
तमिलनाडु के मध्य ज़िले तिरुचिरापल्ली स्थित श्री रंगम का श्री रंगनाथस्वामी मंदिर-108 वैष्णव दिव्यदेशमों में प्रथम और ‘भूलोक वैकुंठ’ के रूप में विख्यात-वैकुंठ एकादशी के लिए पूरी तरह तैयार है। 30 दिसंबर की तड़के परमपद वासल खोले जाएंगे।
“The Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at Srirangam’s Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, marking the day when the gates of Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu’s abode are believed to open. The festival is divided into two parts : Pagal Pathu which began at December 19 and will conclude on 29th and Ira Pathu which will start from December 30 to January 8. The highlight of the festival is the opening of the Paramapada Vaasal Sorga Vaasal on December 30, 2025, at 5:45 am. Devotees gather to witness the procession of Sri Namperumal, the processional deity, through the Paramapada Vaasal. The arrangements are on in full swing within the sprawling temple complex in connection with the 22-day festival with large number of devotees participating. Today is the 7th day of Pagal Pathu Thirumozhi Thirunal were Urchavar Namperumal is being adorned with Andal Kondai wearing Gold, Diamond ornaments all over his sanctum holy body. Todays decoration is specified by Namperumal with a pearl crown wearing a forehead pendent with the Diamong Abaya hastham the hand in the gesture of blessing stands adoringly in the Arjuna Mandapam. For the first time, elegantly wearing Makara Karnapatrangal ear ornaments in the shape of a mythical creature on both sides of the chest; wearing a Makari and a Sri Mahalakshmi pendant in the centre. Namperumal is also wearing a white flower pendant with red stones; adorned with a series of diamond Makara Kandigai necklaces with mythical creature motifs covering the entire body along with a gold-mounted coral necklace; and two strands of pearl necklaces. And for the subsequent today service he is adorned with a white bird pendant with blue stones – Bhujakeerthi armlet and amulet chains, offering Darshan. Likewise on each day of pagal pathu the deity in different decorations and different astonishing ornaments is a feast to eyes and blessing to all the devotees who throng at the temple to see him. Various rituals and poojas are also being performed on these days. Devotees are allowed to have a special darshan of Namperumal during this days. The highlight of the festival is the opening of the Paramapadha vaasal in the early hours on December 30. This implies the opening of gates of Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu’s abode and the starting of Ira pathu a 10 day event. On that day the processional deity Sri Namperumal will be taken out in a procession from the sanctum santorum and pass through the Paramapadha vaasal to the Thirumamani Aasthana mandapam were lahks and lakhs on devotees will be is witnessing this astonishing and grand celestial event. A Local holiday has been declared for Trichy districts on December 30th due to the festival. The Trichy City police have put in place an exhaustive security scheme for the festival. Thirukaithala Sevai in Jan-5th Thirumangai Mannan Vedupari event in Jan 6th and Theerthavari on Jan 8th are the key and significant aspects of Raa pathu vizha. The Vaikunta Edadasi festival will conclude with Nammalvar Motcham on January 9, 2026. Srirangam the ancient town with river Cauvery on North and the big Kollidam river on the south is adorning a festive vibration with devotees thronging from all over the world. As we conclude our exploration of Vaikunta Ekadasi, let’s remember the importance of faith, devotion and spiritual growth. May this festival inspire us to lead a life of righteousness, compassion and service to humanity. May the blessings of Lord Vishnu bring peace prosperity and happiness to all. SHANTI RAMESH FOR PARIKRAMA FROM AKASHAWANI, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI.”
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Ladakh INTRO;
As winter tightens its grip over Ladakh, bringing heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and treacherous road conditions, the role of the Ladakh Police becomes crucial in ensuring public safety and maintaining essential connectivity. Nowhere is this more evident than on strategic and high-risk routes like the Zojila Axis on NH-1D, which serves as a vital lifeline for the region.
“During recent snowfall, traffic movement on the Minamarg-Sonamarg road was severely affected due to slippery conditions, leading to vehicle skidding and temporary disruptions. Demonstrating alertness and a strong sense of duty, personnel from Minamarg Police Station and Ladakh Police immediately responded to the situation. By promptly securing hazardous stretches with mud and gravel, the police ensured the safe movement of stranded vehicles and restored traffic without delay. Such timely interventions highlight the Ladakh Police’s indispensable role during winter months, when road safety challenges intensify and even minor delays can lead to major hardships for travelers, patients, and supply chains. Working in extreme weather and difficult terrain, police personnel remain on constant vigil, regulating traffic, assisting stranded commuters, coordinating with road maintenance agencies, and responding to emergencies round the clock. Local travelers and drivers have repeatedly acknowledged and appreciated the dedication, courage, and professionalism of the Ladakh Police, whose efforts often go beyond routine duty to safeguard lives. The administration has also urged citizens to cooperate with the police, follow traffic advisories, and exercise caution while traveling during adverse weather conditions. The consistent presence and proactive action of the Ladakh Police during harsh winters not only ensure smoother traffic management but also reinforce public confidence. Their commitment continues to make them a vital pillar of safety and support for the people of Ladakh during one of the most challenging seasons of the year. For parikarma this is Anayat Ali from Kargil UT Ladakh.”
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खेल हलचल –
ऑलराउंडर दीप्ति शर्मा ने तिरुवनंतपुरम में श्रीलंका के साथ तीसरे टी-ट्वेंटी क्रिकेट मैच में कई रिकॉर्ड बनाए। उन्होंने 18 रन देकर तीन विकेट हासिल किए। ऑस्ट्रेलिया की एलिस पेरी को पीछे छोड़ते हुए दीप्ति महिला अंतरराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट में सबसे ज्यादा विकेट लेने वाली तीसरी गेंदबाज बन गईं हैं।
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Fifteen-year-old Indian chess player Goutham Krishna produced an outstanding display on the opening day of the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championships. He defeated three Grandmasters – and drew with two others to remain unbeaten on the first day of the World Rapid Chess Championships. As a result of his performance, he gained 6.0 rating points in a single day.
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एशेज श्रृंखला के चौथे क्रिकेट टेस्ट मैच में इंग्लैंड ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया को हरा दिया है। इंग्लैंड ने ऑस्ट्रेलियाई जमीन पर करीब 15 वर्ष बाद जीत दर्ज की है। मेलबर्न क्रिकेट ग्राउंड में इंग्लैंड ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया को चार विकेट से हराया। जोश टोंग ने पांच विकेट लेकर ऑस्ट्रेलिया की पहली पारी 152 रन पर समेट दी। इंग्लैंड ने पहली पारी में 110 रन बनाए। श्रृंखला का पांचवां और अंतिम मैच सिडनी में चार जनवरी से खेला जाएगा।
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अब हम याद करेंगे महान स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों को और बात करेंगे उन महान व्यक्तियों की जिनकी आज है-पुण्यतिथि, जयंती या जन्मदिवस है।
लांस नायक अल्बर्ट एक्का – 27 दिसम्बर 1942
आज हम स्मरण कर रहे हैं परमवीर चक्र से सम्मानित अद्वितीय वीर सैनिक लांस नायक अल्बर्ट एक्का को।
झारखण्ड की राजधानी रांची, तत्कालीन बिहार में 27 दिसम्बर 1942 को जन्मे लांस नायक अल्बर्ट एक्का 1971 के भारत-पाकिस्तान युद्ध में भारतीय सेना की 14 गार्ड्स बटालियन में तैनात थे। पूर्वी मोर्चे पर गंगासागर क्षेत्र में दुश्मन की चौकियों पर हमले के दौरान उन्होंने अदम्य साहस और असाधारण वीरता का परिचय दिया। भीषण गोलाबारी के बीच उन्होंने एक के बाद एक दुश्मन की कई चौकियों को नष्ट किया और अंततः देश के लिए वीरगति को प्राप्त हुए। उनकी अनुपम वीरता के लिए भारत सरकार ने उन्हें मरणोपरांत सर्वोच्च सैनिक सम्मान परमवीर चक्र से सम्मानित किया।
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HOAGY CARMICHAEL
we are remembering Hoagy Carmichael (born November 22, 1899, Bloomington, Indians, U.S.—died December 27, 1981, Rancho Mirage, California) was an American composer, singer, self-taught pianist, and actor who wrote several of the most highly regarded popular standards in American music.
असदउल्ला बेग ख़ान ‘ग़ालिब’ – जयंती 27 दिसंबर 1797, आगरा
आज हम स्मरण कर रहे हैं उर्दू और फ़ारसी साहित्य के महान शायर मिर्ज़ा असदउल्ला बेग ख़ान ‘ग़ालिब’ को। ग़ालिब ने शायरी को परंपरागत प्रेम-भावनाओं से आगे बढ़ाकर जीवन, अस्तित्व, ईश्वर और मानवीय संघर्षों से जोड़ा। उनके उर्दू ग़ज़लों के संग्रह “दीवान-ए-ग़ालिब” को आज भी साहित्य जगत की अनमोल धरोहर माना जाता है। ग़ालिब का साहित्य आज भी उतना ही प्रासंगिक है, क्योंकि वह मनुष्य के भीतर चल रहे संघर्ष और प्रश्नों से सीधा संवाद करता है। गालिब की एक बेहतरीन गज़ल है, हज़ारो ख्वाहिशें ऐसी, हम सब ने वो गज़ल पढ़ी ज़रूर है लेकिन आज इसी गज़ल के कुछ अंश हम जगजीत सिंह की आवाज़ में सुन भी लेते हैं।
His verses and ghazals are full of philosophy of life. He started composing poems from the age of 11.
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It is Salman Khan’s birthday today career spanning over three decades and more than 100 films. From romantic hits of the 1990s to action-packed blockbusters of the 2010s, Salman has remained one of Hindi cinema’s most bankable stars.
सलमान ख़ान ने अपने फ़िल्मी करियर की शुरुआत फ़िल्म मैंने प्यार किया से की और पहली ही फ़िल्म में देशभर के दर्शकों के दिल जीत लिए। इसके बाद हम आपके हैं कौन, करन अर्जुन, जुड़वाँ और बीवी नंबर वन जैसी फ़िल्मों ने उन्हें लोकप्रियता के नए शिखर पर पहुँचाया। वर्ष 2000 के बाद तेरे नाम में उनका अभिनय ख़ूब सराहा गया, वहीं दबंग, बजरंगी भाईजान, “एक था टाइगर और सुल्तान ने उन्हें बॉक्स ऑफिस का एक भरोसेमंद सितारा बना दिया। एक्शन से लेकर रोमांस और सामाजिक संवेदनाओं से जुड़ी फ़िल्मों में सलमान ख़ान का अभिनय आज भी लोग पसंद करते हैं।
Known for his mass appeal, iconic characters and ability to reinvent himself, the actor continues to command audiences across generations, cementing his legacy as one of Bollywood’s most enduring superstars.
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