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Jayaram Reddy, a senior Maoist leader known as Chalapati, met his end after decades of evading security forces. A joint operation by central and state police forces resulted in the killing of 20 Maoists, including Chalapati, near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border this week. Chalapati, who carried a bounty of ₹1 crore, masterminded the infamous February 2008 Nayagarh attack in Odisha, in which 13 security personnel were killed, and a police armoury was looted. Using guerrilla tactics, he ensured the Maoists’ escape by blocking roads with massive tree trunks, thwarting police reinforcements. The breakthrough in tracking him came from a selfie he took with his wife, Aruna alias Chaitanya Venkat Ravi, a deputy commander in the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC). The image was found in an abandoned smartphone recovered in May 2016 after a Maoist encounter in Andhra Pradesh. Chalapati, originally from Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor, served on the central committee of the Maoists, the group’s top decision-making body. Although primarily active in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, he had recently moved operations closer to the Odisha border due to heightened security activity. Known for his expertise in military tactics and guerrilla warfare, Chalapati traveled with a security detail of 8–10 guards. However, his efforts to stay hidden ultimately failed. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as a significant step toward eradicating Naxalism, reiterating the government’s goal of achieving a Naxal-free India by March 2026. “With our security forces’ resolve and relentless efforts, Naxalism is breathing its last today,” Mr. Shah posted on X. This year alone, over 40 Maoists have been killed in various encounters in Chhattisgarh. The latest operation underscores the government’s intensified campaign against left-wing extremism.

Saif Ali Khan Discharged After Knife Attack, Police Probe Continues Actor Recovers After Surgery Actor Saif Ali Khan was discharged from Lilavati Hospital on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, after being hospitalized for five days following a knife attack at his Bandra residence in Mumbai on January 16. The incident left the actor with six injuries, including harm to his thoracic spine. Doctors performed surgery to remove a 2.5 mm knife fragment, and Khan is now reported to be recovering at home. Details of the Attack The attack occurred during an alleged robbery attempt when the accused, identified as Shariful Islam Shahzad, broke into Khan’s residence. A confrontation ensued, during which the actor sustained injuries. Key Findings of the Investigation Next Steps Mumbai Police continue their investigation to uncover further details about Shahzad’s activities and background. The attack has raised concerns about the security of high-profile individuals in the city and highlighted issues of illegal immigration and identity fraud.

No Suitable Site Identified After 45 Days Even after 45 days of efforts, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has yet to identify a suitable site for relocating slums under the ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ scheme. Both the district administration and BMC are still conducting surveys to find viable locations for relocating slum dwellers. Rejected Proposal for Vallabh Nagar Relocation In November 2024, the Department of Urban Development and Housing (UAD) rejected a proposal to relocate the Vallabh Nagar slum to the Shaurya Smarak site under the ‘Jhuggi-Mukt Bhopal’ plan. Instead, UAD directed BMC to consider locations such as Ban Ganga for the relocation. Goals of the Scheme The ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ initiative aims to rehabilitate urban poor and slum dwellers by: Under the scheme, private developers will handle housing construction for slum dwellers, create commercial spaces to ensure project viability, and manage the expenses for housing provisions and rehabilitation during the transition phase. Challenges in Relocation and Re-densification Next Steps BMC and the district administration are under pressure to expedite the site identification process and finalize a practical relocation strategy. The successful execution of the ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ scheme depends on efficient planning, community engagement, and collaboration with private developers to ensure smooth transitions and sustainable urban development.

Vicky Kaushal’s Look as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava Sets the Internet Ablaze Vicky Kaushal is all set to enthrall audiences with his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the upcoming historical drama Chhaava. Ahead of the much-anticipated trailer launch on January 22, 2025, new posters of the film have been unveiled, showcasing Vicky in a fierce, warrior avatar. Katrina Kaif’s Fiery SupportVicky’s wife, actress Katrina Kaif, expressed her excitement for the film by reposting the posters on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by fire emojis. Her enthusiastic reaction highlights her role as Vicky’s biggest cheerleader and adds to the buzz surrounding the film. Poster DetailsThe posters depict Vicky Kaushal embodying the spirit of the elements—prithvi (earth), jal (water), agni (fire), and vayu (air)—while wielding various weapons on the battlefield. The caption on the post read:“Agni bhi woh, Paani bhi woh, Toofan bhi woh, Sher Shiva ka #CHHAAVA hai woh! (He is the fire, he is the water, he is the storm, Shiva’s lion, he is Chhaava!).”The film’s trailer is set to release on January 22, 2025, with its theatrical release scheduled for February 14, 2025. Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz Star Cast and Plot With powerful visuals, a compelling storyline, and stellar performances, Chhaava is shaping up to be a must-watch epic drama. Fans are eagerly counting down to Valentine’s Day for this cinematic treat!

Masked Khalistani Activists Disrupt Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Screening in the UK A screening of Kangana Ranaut’s latest film Emergency was disrupted on Sunday night at Harrow Vue cinema in London by masked Khalistani activists. The protesters, chanting anti-India slogans and distributing pamphlets about the Sikh genocide, forced the screening to be canceled, leaving the Indian diaspora attendees shaken. Chaotic Scene at the CinemaSaloni Belaid, a British Indian who was present at the screening, described the atmosphere as chaotic. “Masked individuals stormed in, shouting ‘Down with India.’ They bypassed staff without tickets and began handing out flyers. Many fled in fear, but my friends and I chose to confront them,” she said. While the police arrived quickly, no arrests were made. Authorities cited the protesters’ right to demonstrate as long as no harm was caused. Despite some audience members requesting to continue, the screening was canceled as the staff appeared visibly shaken. Protest AllegationsJasveer Singh of the Sikh Press Association, which supports the protests, claimed that Emergency is “anti-Sikh Indian state propaganda.” The disruptions have reportedly led to canceled screenings in several UK cities. British Sikh groups allege that the film portrays Sikhs in a negative light, exacerbating tensions. Film Overview and ReceptionReleased on January 17, 2025, Emergency depicts the controversial Emergency period in India (1975-1977) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While Kangana Ranaut’s performance as Indira Gandhi has received widespread acclaim, critics have described the storytelling as disorganized. The film explores Gandhi’s political legacy, focusing on themes of power, resilience, and moral dilemmas. Broader ImplicationsThe protests have sparked debates around freedom of expression, historical representation, and the responsibilities of cinema in addressing sensitive topics. The incident also highlights ongoing tensions within the Indian diaspora over political and cultural narratives. This disruption adds a contentious layer to the film’s reception, underlining the challenges of portraying polarizing historical events on the global stage.

Shares of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. (AESL) traded in the red on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, despite the announcement of the company’s largest-ever order worth ₹25,000 crore. The stock was down 0.44% to ₹812.15 apiece on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) as of 3:05 PM. ₹25,000 Crore Bhadla-Fatehpur HVDC Project In a filing to the exchanges, AESL disclosed it had secured the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) order, a project titled ‘Transmission system for evacuation of power from REZ in Rajasthan (20 GW) under Phase-III Part I.’ Key Highlights of the Project: With this project, AESL’s order book has surged to ₹54,761 crore, covering a 25,778 circuit kilometer (ckm) transmission network and 84,186 MVA transformation capacity. Comment from Adani Energy CEO Kandarp Patel, CEO of Adani Energy Solutions, emphasized the project’s significance in India’s decarbonization efforts: “By enabling efficient evacuation of renewable energy from some of the most inhospitable regions of the country and connecting them to the national grid, AESL is playing its role in India’s decarbonization journey. We will be deploying the latest technology and practices to deliver the project in time and with minimal environmental impact.” Market Reaction Despite the milestone announcement, the stock dipped slightly, reflecting broader market sentiment or investor caution. Adani Energy is noted for being the only private-sector player in India with an HVDC asset, a preferred technology for long-distance power transmission. The company previously completed the Mundra-Mahendragarh HVDC Project and is currently working on the Aarey-Kudus HVDC Project. This order reinforces Adani Energy’s strategic role in shaping India’s renewable energy infrastructure and national decarbonization goals.

Income Tax Raids Target Mythri Movie Makers and Producer Dil Raju The Income Tax (IT) Department conducted extensive raids on Tuesday morning at the residences and offices of key figures behind the Pushpa franchise, including Mythri Movie Makers and producer Dil Raju. Widespread Search Operations Reason for the Raids BackgroundMythri Movie Makers is one of the most successful production banners in Indian cinema, known for blockbuster hits including Pushpa: The Rise and its highly anticipated sequel, Pushpa: The Rule. Dil Raju, a prominent producer in Tollywood, has been involved in several high-budget projects, making him a key figure under IT scrutiny. The searches are ongoing, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

14 Maoists Killed in Major Operation Along Odisha-Chhattisgarh Border Security Forces Deliver Another Blow to Naxalism In a significant anti-Maoist operation, at least 14 Maoists were killed along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in Gariaband district, police reported on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Initially, the police had confirmed two fatalities on Monday, January 20, but the count was updated following the recovery of more bodies. Among the deceased was Jayaram alias Chalpati, a senior member of the central committee—the Maoists’ highest decision-making body—with a reward of ₹1 crore on his head. The operation, hailed as a major success, involved joint efforts by the CRPF, Odisha’s Special Operation Group (SOG), and Chhattisgarh Police. Union Home Minister and Chief Minister React Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, calling it “another mighty blow to Naxalism” in his post on social media platform X. “Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat,” he said, lauding the coordinated efforts of the CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also congratulated the forces and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Maoism by March 2026. He saluted the bravery of the personnel, emphasizing that this success marked significant progress toward their target. Details of the Operation Recent Anti-Maoist Efforts Since January 1, 2025, security forces have eliminated at least 40 Maoists in multiple operations: Implications and Government’s Vision The Gariaband operation marks the largest single-day Maoist casualty this year and reflects the intensified efforts under the government’s “Naxal-free Bharat” campaign. With the “double-engine government” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh aims to be Maoist-free by March 2026. Security forces continue to conduct operations with determination, emphasizing coordinated action and the use of elite units like the CoBRA to tackle Maoist insurgency effectively.

Concerns Over Shifting Bhopal Collectorate to Professor Colony Opposition Grows Against Relocation Plan The proposal to shift the Bhopal Collectorate from the Old Secretariat to Professor Colony has sparked significant concerns among residents, officials, and local leaders. The proximity of Ban Ganga, one of the largest slums in Bhopal, as well as the presence of multiple educational institutions, has been cited as a major hindrance to the plan. Key Issues Highlighted Call for Reconsideration Residents and officials are urging the government to reconsider the relocation plan. Advocates of the re-densification strategy argue that it is a more practical solution that avoids the complications associated with shifting to a low-density yet critical area like Professor Colony.

Mumbai Police Investigation Uncovers Details of the Incident New revelations in the attack case involving actor Saif Ali Khan have shed light on the background of the accused, identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national. According to reports from The Indian Express, the Mumbai Police probe indicates that the accused illegally entered India by crossing the Dawki river in Meghalaya approximately seven months ago. He reportedly used the Aadhaar card of a West Bengal resident to purchase a SIM card, which was instrumental in his movements and planning. Arrest and Incident Details Fakir was arrested in Maharashtra’s Thane in the early hours of Sunday, three days after breaking into Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra residence. During the attempted robbery, Fakir engaged in a scuffle with the actor, stabbing him six times. The police have since traced Fakir’s activities leading up to the attack. Fake Identity and Entry into India The accused reportedly assumed the name “Bijoy Das” after illegally crossing into India via the Dawki river on the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. Initially, Fakir stayed in West Bengal for a few weeks and attempted to procure an Aadhaar card in his fake name but failed. Investigators revealed that he used the Aadhaar card of Khukumoni Jahangir Sekh, a West Bengal resident, to obtain a SIM card. Employment and Movements in India Fakir later moved to Mumbai in search of employment, deliberately choosing workplaces where documentation was not required. A labour contractor, identified as Amit Pandey, assisted him in securing housekeeping jobs at pubs and hotels in the Thane and Worli areas. Call Records and Connections to Bangladesh Although Fakir initially claimed to be a Kolkata resident, police investigations uncovered inconsistencies in his statements. His call records revealed multiple outgoing calls to Bangladesh-based numbers, as well as the use of mobile applications to communicate with his family in Bangladesh. The probe continues, with police examining further links and the motive behind the attack. 4o