Transgender players unite: Jamshedpur Football Club launches first Super League for transgender athletes; 70 players compete in groundbreaking tournament
Jamshedpur: In a first, the Jamshedpur Football Club (JFC) organised Jamshedpur Super League (JSL), a six-month soccer tournament exclusively for transgender players. The event which began on Dec 7 features seven teams competing in a five-a-side format at the JRD Tata Sports Complex artificial football turf in Jamshedpur. Matches will be organised every Sunday, with each team playing 12 matches. JFC officials said Chaibasa FC, Jamshedpur FT, Chakradharpur FC and Seraikela FC were initially slated to compete, but three additional sides—Kolhan Tiger FC, Noamundi FC and Jamshdpur Indra Nagar FC—later joined the tournament. A total of 70 players from varied backgrounds, including Tata Steel employees, daily wage labourers and vendor’s workers, are participating. “Its’s tremendous experience playing in a proper professional tournament,” said Aliya, one of the participants. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
St Xavier’s Univ plans nursing & medical colleges
Kolkata: St Xavier’s University planned to start a school of nursing and a medical college was expected in two years, said vice-chancellor Father Felix Raj on Tuesday. Father Felix will write to CM Mamata Banerjee, seeking more land for the expansion. He also said that the university was introducing four BTech courses with 240 seats from the next session. The university has already requested for 10 acres of land for infrastructural expansion from the state govt two years ago. “We appealed for 10 acres of land for infrastructural expansion and have yet to receive any response from the state govt. I will speak to the CM shortly on this matter and will write to the govt requesting more land to start a nursing college and a medical college,” he said. Explaining their plan for starting these new courses, the VC said that the proposal came from the CM in 2017 at the inauguration of the university to start a medical college, but at that time, they could not do so. Recently, several doctors showed their interest in supporting the university to execute this plan, and this was discussed during a programme in London as well. He said they want to start both BSc Nursing and BA Nursing courses. “Many of our girls from this state migrate to other states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka for nursing training as there are very few nursing schools in our state,” he added. The nursing school will start first because, before starting a medical college, they need to establish a hospital, which requires some time to execute. The university is introducing BTech courses in computer science and engineering, information technology, electronics and communication engineering, and computer science and engineering—AI & ML from the next academic session following a separate entrance test for filling seats. The university will start an MTech course soon. An integrated MBA, integrated BEd, and School of Design will also be introduced. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Big meeting today chaired by PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi to also participate, decision on new CIC to be made
The selection committee chaired by the Prime Minister may meet today to select the next Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is also a member of this committee. This meeting is crucial for filling the vacant posts in the Central Information Commission. New Delhi: The three-member selection committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi may meet on Wednesday to select the next Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is also a member of this committee. Rahul Gandhi may participate in this meeting to fill the vacant posts in the Central Information Commission (CIC). The government had informed the Supreme Court on December 1 that the committee would meet on December 10 to select and recommend names for these posts. Chief Information Commissioner post vacant Currently, the post of Chief Information Commissioner is vacant as the incumbent Chief Information Commissioner, Hiralal Samariya, stepped down after completing 65 years of age on September 13. Besides the Chief Commissioner, the commission can have up to 10 commissioners. Currently, the commission has only two Information Commissioners, Anandi Ramalingam and Vinod Kumar Tiwari. Eight posts of Information Commissioners have been vacant since November 2023. After Samariya’s departure, the post of Chief Commissioner in the CIC has become vacant for the seventh time since 2014. How is the selection made? According to Section 12(3) of the Right to Information Act, the Prime Minister is the chairman of the search committee. This committee also includes the Leader of the Opposition and a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. Under the process of appointing the Chief Information Commissioner, details of interested candidates are invited through advertisements. These details are compiled into a list by the DoPT and sent to a search committee constituted by the Prime Minister and chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. Subsequently, the shortlisted names are sent to the committee chaired by the Prime Minister. Edited by: Abhishek Pandey About the Author Abhishek Pandey is a Consultant Writer at Navbharat Times Online. He has over three years of experience working on news related to current affairs, politics, crime, and public interest. They have also covered the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022 and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections very closely. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Videsh nayak’: BJP takes dig at ‘paryatan leader’ Rahul Gandhi; Congress leader to be in Germany from Dec 15–20
NEW DELHI: The ruling BJP on Wednesday labelled Congress MP Rahul Gandhi ‘Videsh Nayak’ and ‘leader of paryatan’ ahead of his upcoming visit to Germany from December 15 to 20. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla — a former Congress member — also highlighted that the trip will coincide with the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which began on December 1 and is scheduled to conclude on December 19. “Once again, Videsh Nayak is doing what he does best — going on a foreign tour! Parliament is on till 19th Dec, but Rahul Gandhi will visit Germany from Dec 15–20! Rahul is LoP — leader of paryatan. During the Bihar elections too he was abroad and then on a Jungle Safari,” Poonawalla wrote on X. While ‘Videsh Nayak’ (leader of foreign visits) plays on ‘Jannayak’ (leader of the masses), a title the Congress uses for Gandhi, ‘leader of paryatan’ (tourism) is a jab at his LoP initials — leader of opposition, a post he has held since June last year – and also references what the BJP says are his frequent foreign trips. The Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) announced on Monday that Gandhi will visit Germany. On December 17, the former Congress president will meet German lawmakers and members of the Indian community in Berlin, the European nation’s capital and largest city. During his overseas visits — first as an MP and now in his official capacity as leader of the opposition — the Raebareli MP has repeatedly raised concerns about what he describes as the ‘weakening’ of India’s democracy and the ‘capture’ of its institutions by the BJP and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In September, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which provides him security, flagged repeated ‘lapses’ by Gandhi in following security protocols — including intentionally skipping mandatory protective measures on multiple occasions despite being a Z+ protectee with an Advance Security Liaison (ASL) team. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Upping the Ante: The Story of JSL’s Trailblazing India’s First Transgender League
Jamshedpur : For Puja Soy, scoring four goals in the opening match of the Transgender League felt less like a personal milestone and more like the beginning of a new identity, not as a transgender woman, but as a footballer finally recognised on the stage she had long dreamed of. “Football is such a beautiful sport, and for the first time, I felt like I wasn’t being seen for my gender, but for my game,” she said, her eyes still bright from Jamshedpur FT’s 7–0 triumph over Chaibasa FC. That sentiment captures the essence of the Jamshedpur Super League’s newest chapter. The Transgender League, introduced within the JSL’s broader philosophy of inclusivity and football for all, has quickly become a symbol of what sport can achieve when barriers are removed. It goes beyond communities, labels, or social boundaries, standing today as one of the very few dedicated football leagues for the transgender community in India. The first week at the JRD Tata Sports Complex reflected exactly that spirit. There was pace, there was passion, and above all, there was a sense of belonging many players had never experienced before. Kolhan Tiger FC announced themselves with a commanding 3–0 win over Chakradharpur FC, while Jamshedpur Indranagar FC and Noaumandi FC delivered a gritty 0–0 draw that showcased the competitive edge already built within the league. But behind the scorelines, the emotional weight of the opportunity was unmistakable. “This is the first time we are playing in a proper professional environment,” said Aliya, another participant in the league. “The support from the club and the fans makes us feel like we truly belong to the football family.” The league features seven teams, Jamshedpur FT, Chaibasa FC, Chakradharpur FC, Jamshedpur Indranagar FC, Naomundi FC, Saraikela FC and Kolhan Tiger FC, made up of 70 players who come from all walks of life. Some of them are Tata Steel employees, daily-wage labourers, small business workers, and others who simply wanted a chance to play. The five-a-side format ensures every team will get 12 matches, with the league comprising 42 fixtures in total. For many of these players, participation itself is a liberation. “We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, India’s first Transgender League,” said Pyari Hessa, captain of Jamshedpur FT. “It gives us a platform we never had before and will hopefully inspire other states to create similar spaces. We’re very grateful to Jamshedpur FC for making this possible.” “The introduction of the Transgender Football League marks a progressive and meaningful step in our commitment to making football inclusive, accessible, and empowering for every individual. As the club we firmly believe that football must serve as a platform where talent is nurtured without discrimination, and where all players regardless of gender identity are given equal opportunities to participate, compete, and excel. This League reinforces our academy’s belief that sport can lead to societal change.”- explained Kundan Chandra, Head of Grassroots & Youth Football. More than another category within the JSL, the Transgender League has become a powerful statement that reflects Jamshedpur’s progressive sporting culture and JFC’s commitment to broadening football’s reach. As the league continues in the coming days, the players walk out not just to compete, but to claim their place in the football landscape, proving that the game truly belongs to everyone and hoping that more clubs across the country open up similar pathways of inclusion. Courtesy : UditVani Note: This news is originally published on https:/uditvani.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Christian prof dismissed from SRM University after targeted attacks
The university has given her a month to submit an appeal to the vice chancellor, the appellate authority in this matter. Chennai: A Dalit Christian assistant professor at Chennai’s SRM University was dismissed for sharing anti-war views when Operation Sindoor was executed. Lora Santhakumar was dismissed from service after the university’s internal inquiry confirmed she committed “grave misconduct.” In May, students had allegedly exposed Lora’s identity after she posted a WhatsApp status calling for peace during the tumultuous times. Add as a preferred source on Google “King According to The News Minute, the termination order accused her of tagging herself as an assistant professor at the University and sharing “unethical remarks” on the internet against the army. “Therefore, she is unfit to continue her job in the institution and is dismissed from service with immediate effect,” the order accessed by TNM said. The inquiry held at the Kattankulathur SRM campus from July 15 to September 26, and was headed by the Director of Student Affairs at SRMIST, Dr Nisha Ashokan. Memory Khan Seminar The committee submitted its final report to the university registrar on October 30. Her suspension was prompted after her WhatsApp status, along with her phone number and photo were leaked to right-wing social media accounts, resulting in targeted cyber-bullying, harassment, and intimidating phone calls, including death threats. Those handles had taken parts of her status and circulated on social media platforms, accusing her of speaking negatively of the Indian army. She was publicly denounced as an anti-national. So much so that she was forced to move out of her home in Chennai. Lora headed back to her hometown, Kallakurichi, in Tamil Nadu, to shield herself from the incessant harassment. What did she post? On May 7, Lora used her WhatsApp status to strongly criticise calls for war during the India–Pakistan conflict. She shared several posts throughout the morning, including quotes and facts, urging people to remember the human cost of fighting. She also warned others not to trust or share fake social media profiles posing as Indian Army officers. She posted a total of 12 anti-war messages according to the committee report, out of which two were publicly shared. One of her messages detailed the real-life consequences of war, listing everything from economic shutdowns to loss of life. Another criticised the killing of civilians in a strike, calling the act cowardice instead of bravery. The committee charged her with 5 reasons, with an additional charge memo issued against her on June 16. The charge memo claimed she posted unethical remarks against India’s armed forces, lacked patriotism, and acted against national interests. “Your act amounts to action against the interests of the nation and also disrupts the cordial atmosphere and smooth functioning of the institution and invites legal implications harmful for the reputation of the institution and it amounts to major misconduct.” She was further accused of “criminal” antisocial activities, which the committee called major misconduct. Denying all charges, Lora had maintained that her comments were never intended to demean the armed forces and that they were, in reality, misinterpreted and shared with the wrong perspective. Lora denied harming the university’s reputation. She explained that she never said she was a professor in her posts. She pointed out that the WhatsApp number she used was her personal number and had no link to the university. She also clarified that the comments were not posted on public social media, but only on her temporary, personal WhatsApp status. However, the inquiry committee found that all five of her charges were proven and gave the same allegations for all of them. The order stated, “When the presenting officer conducted the chief examination of Ms S Lora, she confirmed posting in her personal capacity and denied charges 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, which were read out to her by the presenting officer. “Hence, this charge is proof of her posting on social media in her personal capacity. It is not proved by the delinquent employee that she has not officially tagged SRMIST in her capacity as assistant professor. Therefore, it is deemed that the entire charge against her is proved.” The university has given her a month to submit an appeal to the vice chancellor, the appellate authority in this matter. “When I was placed under suspension, they did not tell me why I was being suspended and the claims made in the charge memo and the screenshots of my messages have no time stamp. There are also no details of where it was taken. All the accusations are wrong and illegal,” Lora was quoted by TNM. She added that the law officer Ravi’s actions were absent from the report. “The entire inquiry happened under his control, and he was the one who was dictating the terms. I have initiated criminal action against those who targeted me online and none of it has been recorded in this inquiry report,” she stated. Moreover, she has also reportedly filed a petition with the Tamil Nadu chief minister’s cell. Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/lhesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Prime accused in Dalit youth kidnap case surrenders in Vijayawada
Vijayawada: In a significant development in the kidnapping case of Dalit youth Mudunuri Satyavardhan, prime accused Komma Koteshwar Rao surrendered before Patamata police on Monday. He had been absconding since the case came to light in Feb, 2025. The case is linked to the high-profile Gannavaram TDP office attack case, in which Satyavardhan, initially shown as the complainant, later told the SC/ST Special Court that he had been coerced by the police to sign a complaint during the previous regime. Appearing before the magistrate earlier this year, he submitted an affidavit stating he had no role in the office attack, was not present at the scene, and was not subjected to any caste-based abuse, contradicting the FIR narrative. The police investigation revealed that former Gannavaram MLA Vallabhaneni Vamsi and his associates allegedly kidnapped and threatened Satyavardhan to force him to give a false statement in court that he was not a witness. Cases for kidnapping, extortion, and SC/ST Act violations were registered against Vamsi based on Satyavardhan’s later complaint. Following this, a separate case was registered alleging that former Vamsi and his associates kidnapped and intimidated Satyavardhan to force him to retract statements linked to the TDP office attack. Vamsi, named as A1 in the kidnapping case, was arrested in Feb 2025 and later secured bail in May. Police have stated that Koteshwar Rao, listed as A2, played a key role in abducting Satyavardhan, transporting him to Hyderabad, and later bringing him back to Vijayawada. Two other accused, Telaprolu Ramu and Vajra Kumar recently surrendered before a local court, while another suspect, Yerramsetti Ramanjaneyulu, has already been arrested. With several accused evading arrest, non-bailable warrants were issued in recent weeks. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalits denied barber services: Dalit community in Jaypura alleges barber boycott; Police intervenes but barbers remain uncooperative
Jamshedpur: Members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in Jaypura village, located in the Baharagora block of East Singhbhum district, alleged that local barbers have stopped providing services to them. According to residents, for the past four weeks all six barber shops in the village have refused to serve dalit customers. “Despite police intervention, they are not serving us,” said Madadev Baitha (38), a resident of the village. Jaypura had a population of 347 across 54 households according to the 2011 Census. Locals claim the population has grown significantly in the last 15 years. “There are around 30 Dalit families in the village,” Baitha said. Another resident alleged that barbers have begun charging inflated rates to deter Dalit customers. “When our children go for a haircut, they charge Rs 300. Even for shaving, they ask for Rs 100,” said Rakhahari Mukhi (50). Community members first reported the issue to Barsol thana police on Nov 8 and have followed up several times since. “Police threatened the barbers with legal action, but nothing has changed,” Mukhi added. Villagers said the police station in-charge summoned all barbers on Sunday and instructed them to comply or face action. “Today (Monday), all barber shops in the village are closed,” said Sagar Kalindi, a Dalit resident. Police station in-charge Abhishek Kumar denied that this is a case of social boycott. “There is confusion over the money they are charging. Some people believe the fees were raised deliberately to avoid them,” he said. Mahadalit Samaj leader Vimal Baitha, who submitted a representation to Barsol police, insisted it is a clear case of social boycott. Dalit representatives accused the police of downplaying the issue. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit minor girl raped by autorickshaw driver in Andhra
An autorickshaw driver raped a minor Dalit girl in Andhra Pradesh after he took her to his house under the pretext of helping her in relocating. The man is absconding Amaravati: A minor Dalit girl was allegedly raped by an autorickshaw driver after he took her to his house under the pretext of helping her in relocating, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred on December 3 when the girl was shifting from one hostel to another and sought assistance from the driver whom she had earlier met. The driver was identified as Sai Kumar. “Kumar lured the minor Dalit girl home under the guise of helping her and then raped her,” a police official said. The girl reported the incident to the police with the help of her friends. Police said Kumar is absconding and has switched off his mobile phone, prompting police to launch a manhunt Meanwhile, a case has been registered under the relevant BNS sections along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Courtesy : Telangana Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/lelanganatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Vande Mataram debate: Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘chronology’ jab at Centre; questions PM Modi’s ‘selective’ history
NEW DLEHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha, alleging that his recent speech during the Vande Mataram anniversary debate lacked ‘facts’ and historical details. While acknowledging the PM’s oratory, she said he “falls weak on the facts,” and went on to take a “chronology” jab at the government, describing how Vande Matram was introduced as the national song. Vadra questioned why the PM did not mention that “in 1896 Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram for the first time at a Congress convention,” asking, “was it Hindu Mahasabha, was it RSS, what were you attempting to hide that it was a Congress convention?” Recounting the song’s origins, she said Bankim Chattopadhyay wrote the first two stanzas in 1875, followed by the publication of Anandamath in 1882, which included additional stanzas. She noted that Vande Mataram emerged as a symbol of unity during the 1905 anti-partition movement of Bengal, when “stalwart freedom fighters like Rabindranath Tagore hit the street singing the songs.” “Soon, people from all walks of life started singing. Understand the power of this song – Britishers used to dread the song, our bravehearts used to find strength after listening to the song to fight the Raj. The song invokes the feeling of dying for the motherland – this is the real power of this song,” she said. Also read: ‘Only two reasons’ – Priyanka Gandhi targets government over Vande Matram debate; brings in ‘Bengal election’ Vadra argued that the song became politicised in the 1930s amid rising communal divides. She then criticised the PM for selectively quoting correspondence between Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru. She said that ahead of the 1937 Congress convention in Kolkata, Bose wrote to Nehru on October 17, stating, “We shall have a talk in Calcutta, and also discuss the question in the working committee if you bring it up there. I have written to Dr Tagore to discuss the matter with you when you visit Shanti Niketan.” According to her, Nehru’s reply on October 20 included more than the line read by the PM. She quoted Nehru as saying, “There is no doubt that the present outcry against Vande Mataram is to a large extent manufactured by the communalists… whatever we do, we can’t pander to communalist feelings.” Vadra added that after Tagore met Nehru, Tagore wrote that he supported separating the first two stanzas, noting their deep significance and warning that the later additions “can be misconstrued as communal.” She said that on October 28, the Congress Working Committee, with Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel and Tagore present, declared the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram as the national song. She went on to say, “When in 1950, Dr Rajendra Prasad in constituent assembly announced the song as our national song almost all of these leaders were present and along with them was Dr Ambedkar and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee but no one had an issue with it.” She accused the ruling dispensation of revealing an anti-constitution mindset by questioning Vande Matram’s current form. “Questioning the current form of Vande Matram isn’t just insulting to all those stalwarts who in their great wisdom took this decision but it also reveals an anti-constitutional mentality. Are the treasury benches so arrogant to think of themselves as bigger than Gandhi, Tagore, Maulana Azad, Neta ji Bose, Rajendra Prasad?” she said. She went on to add, “The PM’s statement that the national song was cut by an anti-national ideology is an insult to all those great leaders, those who devoted their entire lives to the freedom struggle. By accusing them of dividing Vande Matram you’re accusing the entire constituent assembly. This is a direct attack on our constituent assembly and our constitution.” Vadra later defended Nehru and recounted his contribution to the state, asserting if he would not have laid the foundation of multiple institutions like IITs and AIIMS, how would we have become Vikshit Bharat. “Insofar Jawaharlal Nehru is considered, for as long the PM Modi has been the Prime Minister, that’s 12-years, Nehru spent that much time in jail for what? For the independence of the country, and after that 17-years as the country’s PM. You criticise him but if he wouldn’t have established ISRO your Mangalyan wouldn’t be there, if there was no DRDO your Tejas wouldn’t exist, if he wouldn’t have established IITs and IIM’s, then would not have led in IT…if he wouldn’t have established the institutions which you’re selling today, so would this Viksit Bharat exist? Pandit Nehru lived for the country and died serving this nation.” Earlier in the day opening the debate on Vande Matram PM Modi told the Lok Sabha that “Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a letter to Subhash Chandra Bose after Jinnah’s opposition to Vande Mataram, stating that he had read the background of Vande Mataram and thought it might provoke and irritate Muslims. He added that they would examine the use of Vande Mataram, and that too in Bankim Chandra’s Bengal.” Setting the debate in the context of what he described as the Congress’ past compromises with the Muslim League, the Prime Minister argued that the party had weakened the song’s legacy and “fragmented” it, undermining the sentiments of the freedom movement. He said the decisive moment came on October 26 that year. “The Vande Mataram song was sung. But it is the misfortune of the country that on October 26, the Congress compromised on Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram ke tukde kardiye. That decision was a failure, a betrayal,” he said, adding that the Congress “bowed to the Muslim League and decided to fragment Vande Mataram.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/limesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights