left wing extremism

Maharashtra has declared Gadchiroli district Maoist-free following a 100-hour operation that resulted in zero active Maoists in police records. The coordinated action, codenamed 'Antim Prahar,' led to eight arrests and five surrenders, dismantling the Maoists' military wing and crippling their financial resources.

Security forces gunned down a Maoist cadre, identified as Amrit alias Israel with a Rs 1 lakh bounty, in an encounter in Saranda forest. Amrit, a central technical committee cadre, specialized in assembling rockets and making IEDs. The operation intensified following intelligence about top Maoist Misir Besra's movements.

Odisha has again recorded the highest number of police personnel injured in criminal attacks nationwide for the fourth consecutive year. Latest NCRB data shows 264 injuries in 2024, with officials citing increasing criminal defiance and resistance during raids. Experts and police unions highlight concerns about deterrence and the need for better protection and legal support for officers.

A proposed theatre training institute in Bengal has sparked debate, with assurances of artistic freedom from BJP MLA Roopa Ganguly. Actors Koushik Kar and Mia Maelzer shared experiences of past discrimination and isolation due to political beliefs, expressing hope for a more inclusive environment. They anticipate a return to the stage if the atmosphere becomes receptive to all artists.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that 70 security camps in Bastar will be converted into tribal welfare and governance centres within 18 months. These centres will bring essential government services, banking, and healthcare to remote villages, transforming conflict zones into hubs of development and hope for tribal communities.

Kylian Mbappé is reportedly under increasing scrutiny at Real Madrid following a turbulent season, despite impressive personal numbers. Growing dressing-room tensions and fan backlash have fuelled speculation about his future, including a viral “Mbappé Out” petition that has surged into a global movement, reportedly nearing 73 million signatures. Arsenal and Liverpool are linked with possible moves, though Real Madrid are said to have no plans to sell him.

By mid-2026, Russia's Ukraine invasion has transformed into a grinding conflict. Ukraine's successful drone warfare and long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure are reshaping the battlefield. Russia, adapting with infiltration tactics and glide bombs, faces a new, industrialized war of attrition. European aid bolsters Ukraine's defense, while diplomatic progress remains stalled.

Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, criticized journalists for labeling President Trump with extreme terms while attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner. She attended to confront media over coverage of her and her late husband, Charlie Kirk, who was murdered in 2025. Kirk linked the attempted White House shooting to a climate of dehumanization fueled by media narratives.

Mercedes dominated in an era of raw pace, then withdrew after a tragic accident. When they returned, they learned and built a seven-year period of dominance, after that a psychological setback. Now, they are experiencing yet another rebirth, with a completely different structure within the team.

Rumors surrounding Candace Owens have surged online, with viral posts claiming she left the country amid a defamation case linked to Brigitte Macron and possible financial trouble. While these claims remain unverified, they have sparked intense debate across social media. Strong rhetoric, including remarks attributed to Donald Trump, has further fueled the controversy as speculation continues to outpace confirmed facts.

Odisha police are now focused on recovering nearly 610 sophisticated weapons looted by Maoists over the years, having already retrieved about 60% of the total 1,539 arms. Following directives from the Union Home Minister, states are compiling databases of looted arms to facilitate their identification and return, with Odisha expecting to recover more from seizures in neighboring states.

In a bold move towards progress, Bihar's chief secretary has taken a closer look at advancements in four districts impacted by Maoist activities. With the region now officially Maoist-free, the emphasis shifts to developing essential infrastructure such as roadways and mobile towers, ensuring streamlined permissions to elevate connectivity.

Odisha is establishing a dedicated anti-terror squad (ATS) to bolster internal security and respond swiftly to threats, shifting focus from left-wing extremism to urban terrorism. The ATS will operate statewide, likely replacing the crime branch's STF, and will leverage the reoriented Special Operations Group (SOG) and its advanced training facilities to enhance the state's preparedness.

In a pattern that has become familiar over the past few years, a key Lashkar-e-Taiba leader was killed by unknown gunmen just days after another one survived an assassination attempt

A secular Left and a vulnerable minority should have been natural allies. So why do so many Muslims in north India still keep their distance?