National

NHRC Reveals Winners of Human Rights Short Film Competition

Published

1 year ago

February 27, 2025

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has revealed the winners of its tenth annual short film competition focusing on human rights for the year 2024.

The first prize of ₹2 lakh has been awarded to “Doodh Ganga- Valley’s Dying Lifeline,” a documentary by Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat from Jammu & Kashmir. This film addresses the alarming issue of waste pollution affecting the pristine waters of the Doodh Ganga river and emphasizes the urgent need for its restoration for the welfare of the valley’s residents. It is presented in English, Hindi, and Urdu, with English subtitles.

The second prize, valued at ₹1.5 lakh, was given to “Fight for Rights” by Kadarappa Raju from Andhra Pradesh. This impactful film discusses the critical issues of child marriage and education, and it is produced in Telugu with English subtitles.

The third prize of ₹1 lakh went to “GOD” by R. Ravichandran from Tamil Nadu. This silent film features an elderly protagonist and highlights the significance of access to clean drinking water.

Additionally, the Commission has decided to grant a cash award of ₹50,000 each to four films recognized with a ‘Certificate of Special Mention.’ The selected films are:
– “Aksharabhyasam” by Haneesh Undramatla from Telangana, a silent film emphasizing the importance of children’s education;
– “Vilayilla Pattathari (An Inexpensive Graduate)” by Shri R. Selvam from Tamil Nadu, presented in Tamil with English subtitles, focusing on the concerns and rights of older adults;
– “Life of Seetha” by Shri Madaka Venkata Satyanarayana from Andhra Pradesh, in Telugu with English subtitles, which explores the rights violations faced by children due to religious practices and the necessity for reform;
– “Be a Human” by Shri Lotla Naveen from Andhra Pradesh, a Hindi film with English subtitles, that tackles issues surrounding domestic violence, assaults on women, girl-child abandonment, and the need for societal intervention.

Since its inception in 2015, the NHRC Short Film Award Scheme aims to encourage and honor citizens’ creative efforts in promoting and protecting human rights. For the 2024 edition, a record total of 303 short films were submitted in various Indian languages, with 243 entries being considered for the awards. The awards presentation ceremony will be held at a later date.

National

Killers Travelled 1,400 Km to Murder Delhi Professor

Published

5 days ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Delhi Police solved the murder case of Delhi University professor Debosmita Paul within three days.

Investigators found that the accused had travelled nearly 1,400 km from West Bengal to Delhi to carry out the crime.

Police used CCTV footage, cab booking records, and GPS data to trace the suspects.

Seven special teams conducted raids across four states and arrested the accused in Bardhaman, West Bengal.

The investigation revealed that the murder was linked to a property dispute involving Paul’s ancestral property.

The swift and technology-driven investigation has been widely praised.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.