Sun Jan 12 12:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India News Roundup: Nehru Remarks Spark Controversy, Maoist Clashes, and Border Tensions
**New Delhi, [Date]** – A series of events across India have dominated the headlines today, ranging from political controversy to border disputes and natural disasters.
Former Haryana Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar ignited a political firestorm with comments suggesting India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, became Prime Minister by accident. Khattar claimed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel or Dr. B.R. Ambedkar could have been more suitable choices. The Congress party responded by labeling Khattar an “accidental Chief Minister,” escalating the already tense political climate.
Meanwhile, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district claim to have killed five Maoists, including two women, in an encounter within Indravati National Park. This comes amidst an ongoing intensified counter-insurgency operation, although the incident follows recent attacks resulting in the deaths of security personnel and civilians.
Tensions are rising on the India-Bangladesh border after Bangladesh objected to construction work by the Border Security Force (BSF) within 150 yards of the zero line. Bangladesh’s home ministry has summoned the Indian High Commissioner to discuss the matter, alleging a violation of existing border agreements.
A coal mine collapse in Assam’s Dima Hasao district continues to be a major concern, with rescue efforts ongoing. Four bodies have been recovered, and five people remain missing.
On the economic front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted that India’s economy will surpass the $10 trillion milestone by the end of the next decade.
In sporting news, Devjit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh were elected as the new secretary and treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), respectively. The women’s Indian cricket team also secured a commanding victory against Ireland in the second ODI.
International news includes a devastating wildfire in Los Angeles, California, resulting in at least 16 fatalities. The fire has consumed thousands of acres, and firefighters are battling the blaze amidst strong winds. Separately, officials in Germany reported that a Russian oil tanker, part of Russia’s alleged “shadow fleet,” is stranded in German waters, prompting accusations from German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
In other international developments, a tram collision in Strasbourg, France, left at least 30 injured. A building collapse near Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj railway station injured approximately 20 people, prompting criticism from former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a docking trial for its SPADEX mission. Finally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Ukrainian forces captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region. A sexual assault and gangrape case in Kerala involving an 18-year-old Dalit girl led to the arrest of 20 out of 64 accused, and an investigation is underway into the alleged forced removal of shirts from schoolgirls in Jharkhand.
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