A week of dramatic events: India’s top companies see a massive market cap surge, while political clashes and international incidents dominate headlines. An Indian student’s murder in Canada, a farmer’s protest, and a significant political appointment are all major news stories alongside market gains.
Hundreds of farmers, undeterred by a heavy police presence and communication restrictions, launched a march towards Delhi, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Authorities responded with internet shutdowns, school closures, and a massive security deployment.
Delhi is on high alert as farmers prepare for a major ‘Dilli Chalo’ march, potentially causing significant traffic disruptions. Schools in Ambala are closed, and authorities are implementing contingency plans. Get the latest updates on this developing situation and other top India news stories.
Massive traffic jams plagued the Delhi-Noida border on Monday due to heightened security measures implemented in response to a planned farmers’ protest march. Commuters faced significant delays and resorted to alternative routes, highlighting the disruption caused by the increased police presence.
Thousands of farmers are set to march to Delhi in early December to demand compensation under new agricultural laws and a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). Multiple farmer organizations are coordinating these protests, leading to significant traffic disruptions in the Delhi-NCR region. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued advisories and alternate routes, urging commuters to utilize public transport.
Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat visited the farmers’ protest site at the Shambhu border in Haryana, expressing support for the movement while refusing to comment on political aspirations. The visit sparked speculation about a possible political entry, particularly with Haryana’s upcoming state elections. Phogat emphasized the importance of the farmers’ struggle and called for the government to address their concerns.
On Thursday, Kangana Ranaut, BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, made headlines when she was slapped by a woman constable during a security check at Chandigarh airport. The constable, Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly objected to Ranaut’s controversial remarks about farmers’ protests in 2020. Kaur’s mother, who supported the protests, was reportedly the target of Ranaut’s comments. Following the incident, Ranaut voiced her concerns about rising terrorism in Punjab. The incident has sparked outrage and an investigation by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
A CISF constable has been suspended after she allegedly slapped Kangana Ranaut at the Chandigarh airport on Thursday. The constable, Kulwinder Kaur, said she was triggered by a remark the actor made during the farmers protests in 2020. In a viral video, Kulwinder was seen saying, “My mother there,” referring to the Kangana’s statement saying women in the farmers protest were paid 100 each to sit at Delhi borders. “Kangana Kehti hai aurate 100-100 rupee mein baithi thi aurate farmer protest mein, yeh baithegi wahan pe? Meri maa baithi thi jab isne bayan diya tha (Kangana said the women were sitting in the farmers protests for 100. Will she go and sit there? My mother was sitting there and protesting when she made that remark),” Kulwinder said.
Over 50 farmers and opposition members were detained in Nashik while planning a protest against the government’s handling of onion export prices. The incident occurred ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the city. Farmers criticized the fluctuating export policies and lack of support from state leaders, claiming that their concerns had been ignored.
The ongoing farmers’ rail blockade at Shambhu on the Ambala-Ludhiana line has now entered its eighth day, affecting the movement of 149 trains. According to Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway’s Ambala division, the agitation has forced the cancellation of 75 trains, diversion of 64, and short termination or short origination of 10. The blockade, which began on May 26, has had a significant impact on rail traffic, with a total of 1,139 trains, including mail express, Shatabdi, and passenger trains, being canceled or diverted in the last eight days. The protesting farmers are demanding the release of three farmer unionists from the custody of Haryana Police. The impact of the blockade has also been felt on Ambala’s cloth market, as traders are unable to ship their goods economically. Shambhu station lies on a key railway line connecting Delhi with Punjab and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Farmer union leader Sarvan Singh Pandher has vowed to continue the protests at Shambhu, Khanauri, and Dabwali borders and has warned the government of a mega gathering across the country once the protests complete 100 days.
