J&K Police file murder case over death of three civilians in Army custody
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a murder case after three men who were picked up by the Army for questioning were found dead with multiple injuries on December 22. The incident occurred following an ambush on an Army convoy in the Poonch-Rajouri area on December 21, where four soldiers were killed and three others were injured. The terrorists responsible for the ambush have yet to be identified or apprehended.
In other news, a Nicaragua-bound flight carrying mostly Indian passengers was allowed to resume its journey after being detained by French authorities for suspected human trafficking. The A340 aircraft operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines had 303 passengers onboard. The French judges ultimately decided to cancel the hearings of the passengers due to irregularities in the procedure.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries in Southeast Asia to strengthen surveillance and take necessary measures to combat the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 and its new sub-variant JN.1, as well as influenza. The WHO emphasized the importance of tracking the evolution of these viruses to tailor the response accordingly.
Virat Kohli, the acclaimed Indian cricketer, has rejoined the Indian red-ball squad in South Africa ahead of the Boxing Day Test against the Proteas. After a personal absence following the World Cup final, Kohli is expected to make his on-field appearance on December 26. The Test series forms part of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, with India currently leading the table.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Russia from December 25-28. During this visit, he will interact with Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov. The visit is also an opportunity for Jaishankar to meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, following Lavrov’s visit to Delhi during the G-20 summit.
Amid the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region, the United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy a naval ship off the coast of Guyana later this month. The move comes as a show of support to Guyana, a former British colony and ally. Both nations recently agreed to avoid using force and escalating tensions.
In Maharashtra, the state government has requested quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil to cancel his protest rally scheduled for January 2024. While appreciating the Supreme Court’s decision to hear a curative petition on Maratha reservation, the government urged Jarange-Patil to reconsider holding the mega rally of the Maratha community. The Chief Minister thanked the Supreme Court for providing an opportunity to discuss the Maratha reservation issue.
Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc revealed that he had declined multiple lucrative offers from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the past to prioritize his international career. Starc believes that this decision has helped him improve his game. However, he has recently joined the Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming season, taking advantage of the break during the IPL to recharge and stay fit for international assignments.
Tragedy struck in Jammu and Kashmir as a 72-year-old retired police officer and local muezzin was shot dead by terrorists while giving the call for prayer from a mosque in Baramulla district. The incident occurred during the pre-dawn prayers when the gunmen opened fire, tragically claiming the life of Mohammad Shafi Mir. Witnesses recalled his last words pleading for mercy.
Following the recent poll debacle, the Congress party continues to delay making changes to the state leadership in Rajasthan, unlike Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Sachin Pilot, former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, was promoted to the position of general secretary, while Ashok Gehlot was nominated to the National Alliance Committee. The party is now searching for a fresh face to lead the Congress Legislature Party, while also considering the retention of State chief Govind Singh Dotasra.
Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s decision to suspend the newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Some questioned why a loyalist of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was allowed to contest in the first place. The WFI elections took place on December 21, with Sanjay Singh and his panel winning by significant margins.
In Germany and Austria, security measures have been increased around Christmas celebrations due to concerns of a potential attack. Sightseeing visits were barred at the Cologne cathedral, and worshippers at the Christmas Eve midnight Mass underwent security checks. Despite the heightened security, authorities encouraged people to continue enjoying the holiday celebrations without fear.
These are the latest headlines for ‘The Hindu Morning Digest’ on December 25, 2023. Stay tuned for more news updates.
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