DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:07:38 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/society/mobile-ban-in-karnataka-schools-under-discussion-parents-also-exerting-pressure-deputy-cm-shivakumar-662365.html Bengaluru Feb 23 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said that the issue of banning mobile phones in schools is under discussion and that there is pressure from parents as well Many countries have implemented such measures The issue is also being discussed at the international levelâ he said in response to questions from the media near his residence hereAsked about restricting mobile phone usage by children in schools he said âIt is not appropriate to publicly disclose how mobile phones are being misused That is why discussions are being held on this issueOn the issue of banning mobile phones Home Minister G Parameshwara stated there has been discussion on imposing a mobile ban in schools and colleges Giving mobile phones to children below 16 years of age is affecting their education in different ways he said Many countries have conducted studies and imposed bans on mobile phones The Chief Minister has also deliberated on this issue A decision will be taken after studying its pros and cons he addedAsked about Minister Mahadevappa raising the issue of a Dalit Chief Minister Shivakumar said He is our national leader I offer him my greetings from hereResponding to a question about a report by the National Water Quality Standards Authority stating that Bengaluruâs lake water is not fit for drinking he said The government has never said that lake water in Bengaluru should be used for drinking or bathing These lakes exist to recharge groundwater Water from the Thippagondanahalli reservoir is treated by the BWSSB Bengaluruâs lake water is not meant for drinking or bathingOn the issue of protest by Congress against Viksit BharatâGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Act he said the Central government has not issued any clarification or directiveEven wages for previous work have not been released The law has been rendered ineffective Atrocities are being committed against labourers and the poor We are organising a major protest against this A âNREGA Bachao Andolanâ protest has been organised in Chikkaballapurâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/mobile-ban-in-karnataka-schools-under-discussion-parents-also-exerting-pressure-deputy-cm-shivakumar-662365.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/aap-govt-in-punjab-announces-meri-rasoi-scheme-for-nutritious-food-to-40-lakh-people-662367.html Chandigarh Feb 23 IANS Ahead of the assembly elections slated for early 2027 the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab on Monday announced the Meri Rasoi scheme to provide nutritious food to 40 lakh blue card holders in the state from AprilnbspnbspThis was announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after a meeting of the Council of Ministers herenbspMeri Rasoi will ensure that all blue card holders will get 2 kg dal 2 kg sugar 1 kg iodised salt 200 grams haldi and 1 litre of mustard oil along with the free wheat they are getting each monthnbspThe families will be provided the ration kit for three months from April the Chief Minister saidnbspOfficials said the Meri Rasoi scheme has a budget outlay of Rs 1000 crorenbspWhile the kits will be prepared by staterun Markfed the Food and Supplies Department will distribute them among the beneficiariesnbspFrom April onwards each cardholder under the National Food Security Act or Smart Ration Card Scheme will get a separate bag containing the food items The beneficiaries are eligible for 15 kg of wheat every month The wheat is given quarterly in a 45kg bagnbspCM Mann said it was ironic that Punjab has been feeding millions of people in the country but many families in the state get just one meal a daynbspOur children are undernourished and suffer from iron deficiency The meals they get are not rich in protein As a welfare government it is our duty to ensure that every citizen in the state gets wholesome meals he saidnbspMeanwhile the Cabinet decided to hold the Budget session from March 6 to 16 and the Budget will be presented on International Womens Day March 8 which falls on a SundaynbspIf Prime Minister Narendra Modi can get a Parliament session convened on a Sunday why cant we We can also table our budget on Sunday Mann saidnbspThe Chief Minister also said that investigations were underway into the killings of two security personnel at a border checkpoint in Gurdaspur on SundaynbspAssistant SubInspector Gurnam Singh and home guard Ashok Kumar were found dead close to the Pakistan bordernbspOn the Special Intensive Revision SIR revision CM Mann said the government would give full cooperation to the Election Commission But we will oppose any move to delete the voters he saidnbspIANSnbsp https://dailyworld.in/society/aap-govt-in-punjab-announces-meri-rasoi-scheme-for-nutritious-food-to-40-lakh-people-662367.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/punjabs-excise-reforms-directly-strengthening-public-welfare-says-finance-minister-cheema-662398.html Chandigarh Feb 23 IANS Projecting excise revenue of Rs 12800 crore for 202627 Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on Monday said the states excise reforms are now directly strengthening public welfare by funding schools hospitals and other propeople schemesnbspAnnouncing the new excise policy Cheema said the state has moved decisively away from the stagnation of previous Congress and AkaliBJP governments transforming excise into a transparent enforcementdriven and growthoriented sector that is delivering record collections while tightening the noose around illicit tradePresenting a detailed comparative analysis of the states excise trajectory he said during the SADBJP regime in 201112 excise revenue stood at a modest Rs 2755 crorenbspOver the subsequent decade growth remained slow and it reached only Rs 6255 crore during the Congress regime in 202122nbspHowever following the implementation of a more robust policy framework in 202223 by the Bhagwant Mannled government the state witnessed an immediate and massive leap to Rs 8428 crore This momentum has continued unabated with revenue climbing to Rs 10744 crore in the 202425 and meeting the current target of Rs 11200 crore for 202526Detailing key provisions of the new excise policy he said The Punjab government has introduced several measures to streamline operations and support existing businesses A primary feature includes the renewal of current retail licences at a 65 per cent increase over the 202526 fees In cases where groups are not renewed the allotment will be handled through a transparent etender processnbspThe quota for Punjab medium liquor at 50 and 65 degrees has been increased by three per cent bringing the total to 879 crore proof litres to meet consumer demand while regulating the market Furthermore to combat the sale of illicit alcohol the government will introduce 40degree PML subvends specifically in areas identified as highcrime zones under the Excise ActnbspThe minister announced that Punjab will now host its own malt manufacturing units This strategic initiative signals a sophisticated evolution in the states industrial policy transitioning Punjab from a downstream bottlingcentric economy to a highvalue manufacturing hub he addednbspIANSnbsp https://dailyworld.in/society/punjabs-excise-reforms-directly-strengthening-public-welfare-says-finance-minister-cheema-662398.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/commuters-residents-praise-speed-comfort-of-meerut-metro-on-first-day-662429.html Meerut Feb 23 Meerut Metro on the first day of its operation saw a wave of excitement across the city as commuters praised the new service for its speed comfort and modern infrastructure Families and young passengers thronged stations from the morning eager to experience the cityâs first metro ride Long queues were observed at ticket counters and several passengers were unable to secure tickets due to the overwhelming crowd Youth in particular expressed high enthusiasm capturing reels selfies and group photos while some recorded the full journey to share on social mediaCommuters highlighted that the metro drastically reduced travel time across the city offering a convenient alternative to twowheelers and road transport which are often delayed by traffic congestion Earlier we used to travel by scooter which took a lot of time and we often got stuck in traffic The train journey is excellent and saves timeâ said Rohit who travelled with his son from GagolPassengers also lauded the cleanliness comfort and modern amenities of stations and coaches Manjit Singh an elderly resident who visited the station to get a MetroCard said âThe look of the Metro has even surpassed worldclass standards I didnât expect this from the government but they have delivered I thank the government for thisCommuters travelling between Begumpur and South Meerut reported smooth rides and improved connectivity noting that the metro promises to ease pressure on roads and transform daily travel patterns Many expressed pride over the inauguration of the project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath calling it a landmark step for the cityâs developmentOfficials said the strong turnout on day one reflected the cityâs pentup demand for reliable public transport Residents hope the metro network will expand further in the coming years supporting Meerutâs growth and offering more routes and upgraded infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/commuters-residents-praise-speed-comfort-of-meerut-metro-on-first-day-662429.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/gautam-adani-reviews-rs-43-000-crore-power-projects-in-jharkhand-bihar-662256.html Ahmedabad Feb 22 IANS Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Sunday reviewed major power projects of the group in eastern IndianbspDuring his visit to Godda in Jharkhand Gautam Adani inspected the 1600 MW ultrasupercritical thermal power plant built with an investment of over Rs 16000 croreThe project located in a tribaldominated area has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs and improved rail connectivity in the regionThe power plant supplies electricity exclusively to Bangladesh under a longterm agreement giving it crossborder importanceThe Adani Group Chairman also visited Bihar where the Group is planning a 2400 MW ultrasupercritical power project at Pirpainti near BhagalpurThe proposed project involves an investment of over Rs 27000 crore and is expected to be completed within the next four to five years It aims to meet the growing industrial and urban power demand in he stateWith these projects the Adani Group has emerged as one of the largest private infrastructure investors in Jharkhand and BiharBoth states are rich in mineral resources but have historically seen limited largescale industrial investmentAt the Godda plant Gautam Adani interacted with engineers technicians and frontline workers appreciating their effortsHe also met tribal women from nearby communities underlining what he described as a peoplefirst approach as the Group expands its operationsEarlier in the day Gautam Adani offered prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar calling it the fulfilment of a longheld personal wishHe spoke about the idea of Seva hi Sadhana Hai meaning service itself is devotionVisiting Baba Baidyanath in Deoghar felt as if centuriesold faith is still pulsating in the same vibrant form today Gautam Adani wrote on his X handle sharing a picture of him performing rituals thereThe realisation of why Mahadev is regarded as a symbol of strength restraint and resolve becomes even stronger upon arriving here he addedIn recent years the Adani Group has also been associated with major spiritual and public events such as the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Jagannath Rath YatraIANS https://dailyworld.in/society/gautam-adani-reviews-rs-43-000-crore-power-projects-in-jharkhand-bihar-662256.html Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/haryana-cm-inaugurates-lays-foundation-of-projects-worth-rs-103-crore-661833.html Chandigarh Feb 18 IANS Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of five development projects worth Rs 10331 crore during a public meeting held in Uchana in Jind district aimed at strengthening infrastructure and accelerating development in the regionnbspThese included three projects inaugurated at a cost of Rs 2854 crore and two projects for which foundation stones were laid involving an estimated expenditure of Rs 7477 crore reflecting the state governments focus on expanding public infrastructure and improving civic amenitiesOn the occasion Public Health Engineering Minister Ranbir Gangwa Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi and Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Krishan Middha also addressed the gathering and highlighted the governments development initiativesPublic Health Engineering Minister Gangwa said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Saini the doubleengine government was carrying out development works at a rapid pace across Haryana ensuring balanced and inclusive growth in both urban and rural areasReferring to the Assembly elections he said the people of Uchana played a decisive role in forming the BJP government and strengthening democratic participation in the stateHe said the Chief Minister was ensuring equal development across Haryana and prioritising infrastructure projects in all regions without discriminationThere was a misconception that only political dynasties could win from this constituency Another myth was that the BJP formed the government only after certain leaders joined the party The people of Uchana have dispelled both these misconceptions Gangwa saidHe added that leaders who had served as ministers at the Centre Members of Parliament and MLAs were shown that electoral victories are decided by the people and not by political families or dynastic influenceSocial Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi said the Bangar region has historically played a significant role in Haryanas political landscape and contributed to shaping the states leadershipThere was a time when the Congress won five seats from here and leaders like Chaudhary Devi Lal also won from this region Bedi said while recalling the political history of the areaHowever he said that people have now expressed their trust in the BJP Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Saini reflecting changing political dynamics and growing support for the current governments development agendaHe alleged that leaders elected from the region in the past had used their political positions for personal advancement at the state and national levels but did not devote sufficient attention to the development of the areaIn contrast Chief Minister Saini was directly engaging with people addressing their concerns and accelerating development works to improve infrastructure and public services in the region he saidIANS https://dailyworld.in/society/haryana-cm-inaugurates-lays-foundation-of-projects-worth-rs-103-crore-661833.html Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/india-aims-to-achieve-ai-for-all-via-7-sutra-roadmap-661640.html New Delhi Feb 15 IANS Indias AI Governance Guidelines are anchored in seven Sutras to ensure that AI serves as an enabler for inclusive development economic growth and global competitiveness while effectively addressing risks to individuals and society through proportionate evidencebased measures according to an official explainer issued on SundaynbspThrough this structured and forwardlooking architecture India aims to realise the vision of AI for All ensuring that the transformative potential of artificial intelligence contributes meaningfully to the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat by 2047 with benefits reaching every citizen in a safe inclusive and sustainable manner the statement saidThe seven guiding sutras are Trust is the Foundation People First Innovation over Restraint Fairness ampamp Equity Accountability Understandable by Design and Safety Resilience ampamp SustainabilityBy focusing on AI for All India seeks to combine sovereign capability with open innovationleveraging public digital infrastructure indigenous model development and affordable compute to drive productivity and inclusive growth This approach aligns AI development with the broader aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047 positioning AI as a catalyst for economic transformation social empowerment and strategic autonomy the statement saidnbspnbspIndias achievements reflect this deploymentfirst philosophy Under the IndiaAI Mission over 38000 GPUs have been onboarded through a subsidised national compute facility AIKosh now hosts more than 9500 datasets and 273 sectoral models strengthening indigenous model development The National Supercomputing Mission has operationalised 40 petaflop systems including AIRAWAT and PARAM SiddhiAI On the capacity front IndiaAI and FutureSkills initiatives are supporting 500 PhDs 5000 postgraduates and 8000 undergraduates while 570 AI Data Labs and 27 IndiaAI labs across states are expanding grassroots innovation With nearly 90 per cent of startups integrating AI in some form India is embedding AI deeply into its innovation ecosystem the statement saidThe India AI Governance Guidelines releasing in AI Impact Summit 2026 arrive at a critical juncture to consolidate these gains The framework adopts a principlebased technolegal approach By establishing new institutions such as the AI Governance Group the Technology ampamp Policy Expert Committee and the AI Safety Institute India is institutionalising a wholeofgovernment model that balances innovation with safeguards The guidelines strengthen Indias ambition to lead not only in AI adoption and capability but also in responsible inclusive and trusted AI governance globally the statement further saidThe key principles of the AI Governance framework have been carefully designed to ensure crosssectoral applicability and technology neutrality enabling relevance across diverse use cases and stages of technological evolution Together these principles provide a flexible and futureready foundation for responsible AI development and deployment the statement addedIANSnbsp https://dailyworld.in/society/india-aims-to-achieve-ai-for-all-via-7-sutra-roadmap-661640.html Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/most-shocking-and-disappointing-sc-cancels-bail-of-husband-accused-in-dowry-death-case-661476.html New Delhi Feb 12 IANS The Supreme Court has set aside a bail order granted by the Allahabad High Court to a man accused in a dowry death case terming it as one of the most shocking and disappointing orders it has come across in recent timesnbspA Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan allowed the appeal filed by the father of the deceased woman and directed the accused the husband of the deceased to immediately surrender before the trial court and be sent to judicial custodynbspThe dowry death case was registered at Kotwali Bhinga Police Station in Uttar Pradeshs Shrawasti district for offences under Sections 85 and 802 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961nbspAs per the prosecution the deceased woman aged about 22 years was married to the accused on March 1 2025 and died within three months of her marriage under mysterious circumstances at her matrimonial homenbspThe FIR lodged by her father alleged that despite giving Rs 35 lakh in cash and other dowry articles at the time of marriage the accused and his family were dissatisfied and demanded a fourwheeler as additional dowry It further alleged that the woman was subjected to physical and mental harassment and was found dead on April 25 2025 with injury marks on her neck The postmortem report revealed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulationnbspExpressing strong disapproval of the Allahabad High Courts approach the apex court said The impugned order is one of the most shocking and disappointing orders that we have come across over a period of timenbspThe Justice Pardiwalaled Bench observed that the Allahabad High Court while granting bail had merely recorded the submissions of the defence counsel and granted bail on the ground that the accused was in jail since April 27 2025 and had no criminal historynbspWe fail to understand on plain reading of the impugned order as to what the High Court is trying to convey What weighed with the High Court in exercising its discretion in favour of the accused for the purpose of grant of bail in a very serious crime like dowry death the order saidnbspThe Supreme Court stressed that the Allahabad High Court ought to have considered several crucial factors including the nature of the alleged crime the punishment prescribed under the BNS 2023 the marital relationship between the accused and the deceased the place of occurrence and the postmortem findings indicating death by strangulationnbspThe impugned order has led to a travesty of justice the Justice Pardiwalaled Bench said adding that it was unsustainable in lawnbspWhile clarifying that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case as the trial is in progress the apex court directed the accused to surrender immediately before the trial court and ordered that he be sent to judicial custody upon surrenderIt further directed the trial court to proceed with the case expeditiously and clarified that the innocence or guilt of the accused would be determined on the basis of evidence led during the trial The bench further directed the top court registry to forward a copy of the order to the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court who shall place it before the Chief Justice of the High Court for appropriate considerationnbspIANSnbsp https://dailyworld.in/society/most-shocking-and-disappointing-sc-cancels-bail-of-husband-accused-in-dowry-death-case-661476.html Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/woman-with-special-needs-allegedly-raped-by-neighbour-in-bengals-baduria-661258.html Kolkata Feb 9 A neighbour has been accused of raping a young woman with special needs in West Bengalâs Baduria area of North 24 Parganas district police said on Monday The incident triggered shock and outrage among locals in the area The police said the incident took place on Sunday night The police are searching for the absconding accused The incident took place in Chandipur village panchayat under the Baduria police station areaAccording to locals on Sunday night the young woman with special needs was sitting on the verandah of her house The accused neighbour who is over 50 years old was passing by her at that time Seeing her sitting alone he lured her away by offering her food Then he took her to a nearby gourd garden It is alleged that he then raped the young woman and fled the spotMeanwhile family members grew worried when the girl did not return home late at night and began searching for herThey also went to the gourd garden where they found the victim lying unconscious After regaining consciousness she narrated the ordeal and gave details of the incident They then approached the Baduria police station and filed a rape complaint against the accused neighbour The victims medical examination has already been conductedA senior officer of Basirhat Police District said The accused is absconding The police are searching for him A case has been registered against the accused We are investigating the matter thoroughly and with utmost seriousnessThe victims sisterinlaw told local reporters He lured her to the garden by offering her food He also threatened to kill her if she spoke up He committed this heinous act after taking her to the gourd garden We want strong punishment for the accused He should be hanged We want justice for her IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/woman-with-special-needs-allegedly-raped-by-neighbour-in-bengals-baduria-661258.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 01:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/2-870-public-water-testing-labs-functional-across-states-jal-shakti-ministry-661306.html New Delhi Feb 9 As many as 2870 water quality testing laboratories are being operated by government agencies at the state regional district subdivision and block levels apart from mobile units and Water Treatment Plant WTP facility laboratories the Ministry of Jal Shakti told Rajya Sabha on Monday In addition there are 1707 accredited and recognised laboratories to conduct water quality tests Minister of State MoS V Somanna said in a written replyHe said that to encourage water quality testing to the rural communitypublic the statesUnion Territories UTs have been advised to open their water quality testing laboratories to general public for testing of their water samples at a nominal rateIn consultation with various stakeholders Concise Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water Supply to Rural Households was released in December 2024 for guidance to statesUTs MoS Somanna addedThe MoS said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission JJM to enable statesUTs test water samples for quality and for sample collection reporting monitoring and surveillance of drinking water an online JJMWater Quality Management Information System JJMWQMIS portal has been developedHe added that statesUTs have also been advised to review the existing network of drinking water quality testing laboratories in the state and to strengthen it by setting upexploring PublicPrivate Partnership for additional laboratories at various levels in the stateThe MoS said statesUTs have been directed to get their water quality testing laboratories accreditedrecognised to ensure the reliability accuracy and credibility of the data they produceHe added that meetings were also held with statesUTs and accreditation bodies with the objective of addressing the concernsissues faced by statesUTs in accreditation process including shortage of assessors or delays in accreditation slotsFor enhancing public awareneess a Citizen Corner has been placed on the JJM DashboardThe Citizen Corner includes display of village level water quality test results in the public domain to further create awareness and build confidence among people about the quality of water supplies through the Public Water System in rural areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/2-870-public-water-testing-labs-functional-across-states-jal-shakti-ministry-661306.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/isro-fast-tracks-indias-space-station-plans-80-satellites-in-pipeline--661330.html Samastipur Bihar Feb 9 India is making rapid progress towards establishing its own space station while simultaneously advancing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission ISRO Programme Director Imtiyaz Ahmed said on Monday Work is currently underway on nearly 80 satellites that will play a crucial role in scientific research innovation disaster management internal security navigation and relaying critical signals for the Gaganyaan mission back to Earth the senior ISRO official saidSpeaking to IANS in Samastipur on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Indiaâs first indigenously developed satellite Aryabhata Ahmed noted that such missions are central to strengthening Indiaâs spacebased capabilities and technological selfrelianceHe said ISRO is presently engaged in several major projects including Earth Observation missions Navigation with Indian Constellation NVS the Indian Data Relay Satellite System IDRSS Gaganyaan and the Venus Orbiter Mission Together these initiatives reflect Indiaâs expanding footprint in space science exploration and applied technologiesRecalling the historic launch of Aryabhata on April 19 1975 Ahmed said the satellite named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer represented a landmark moment in Indiaâs scientific journey Despite limited technological resources and infrastructure during the Cold War era the success of Aryabhata laid the foundation for future space missions and helped ISRO emerge as a globally respected space agency Its legacy he said continues to inspire generations of scientists and engineersTo mark the golden jubilee of Aryabhata the ISRO has launched a nationwide outreach programme for school students As part of this initiative the first programme in Bihar was held on Monday at Holy Mission High School in Samastipur with students from five different 102 schools participatingDuring the programme students were introduced to the ISROâs work and future opportunities in the space sector Scientists also shared their personal experiences noting that many of them studied in Hindimedium schools encouraging students to dream big and aspire to careers in space science and technology IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/isro-fast-tracks-indias-space-station-plans-80-satellites-in-pipeline--661330.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-dgp-stresses-tough-action-on-habitual-criminals-drugs-661347.html Jaipur Feb 9 Rajasthan Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar Sharma during his visit to Bhilwara on Monday conducted a comprehensive crime review meeting of the Ajmer Range at the Collectorate Auditorium focusing on crime control pending investigations law and order and the overall effectiveness of policing across all districts of the range Addressing the meeting the DGP said Rajasthan Police has clearly defined priorities and all officers must act with full commitment while keeping these objectives in focusHe emphasised strengthening police patrolling and directed that police visibility be maintained at all times stating that it instils a sense of security among citizens and fear among criminals He instructed officers to further strengthen evening and night patrolling review deployment strategies and ensure proper briefing of deployed personnelTo curb road accidents the DGP directed that road safety campaigns be conducted throughout the yearHe also directed officers to make effective use of provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to conduct financial investigations against organised criminals and to attach illegally acquired properties strictly as per legal proceduresDGP Sharma conducted a pointwise review of cases related to crimes against women and matters under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities ActHe also reviewed the implementation of the Case Officer Scheme action taken under local special laws preparation of electronic evidence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita arrest of wanted criminals pending investigations and preventive actions taken during 2025 and 2026Immediate corrective measures were ordered wherever deficiencies were noticed during circlewise reviewsThe DGP instructed Investigating Officers IOs and Station House Officers SHOs to maintain regular and continuous followup in pending cases stressing that ensuring speedy justice to victims must remain the highest priority of the policeHe emphasised handling serious crimes with sensitivity impartiality and promptness ensuring effective and resultoriented actionSenior officers of the Ajmer Range briefed the DGP on policing initiatives current crime trends and law and order challenges in their respective districtsDistrictwise reports were presented by SP Bhilwara Dharmendra Singh SP Ajmer Vandita Rana SP Beawar Ratan Singh SP Tonk Rajesh K Meena SP Nagaur Mridul Kachhawa and SP DidwanaâKuchaman Richa TomarThe meeting included detailed discussions on the status of pending cases action taken so far and future action plansThe DGP emphasised fixing accountability in policing ensuring timebound disposal of cases and enhancing vigilance at the field level stating that effective and sensitive policing strengthens public trustThe meeting was attended by ADG Law and Order VK Singh IG Ajmer Range Rajendra Singh and DIG Kunwar Rashtradeep along with all district SPs ASPs Deputy Superintendents of Police SHOs and other senior police officers of the rangeDuring the meeting ADG Law and Order VK Singh also shared suggestions for improved crime control while IG Ajmer Range Rajendra Singh highlighted the overall achievements of the range IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-dgp-stresses-tough-action-on-habitual-criminals-drugs-661347.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/four-arrested-for-assaulting-tourist-in-jampks-doda-661205.html Jammu Feb 8 Four people have been arrested on the charges of assaulting a tourist in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district police said on Sunday Officials said that a written complaint was received at Police Station Bhaderwah from Suresh Kumar of Nagni Bhalra Bhaderwah regarding the assault of a tourist in the area on FridayTaking prompt cognisance of the complaint and to prevent any further escalation or breach of peace the police initiated preventive action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha SanhitaIn this connection four people Javed Iqbal Owais Ahmed Khursheed Ahmed and Avinash Manhas all from Bhaderwah were detained the officials saidAll the arrested have been produced before the Executive Magistrate Bhaderwah for further legal proceedings as per lawPolice remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and security of tourists and reiterated their firm commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a safe secure and touristfriendly environmentAny act of disturbing public peace harmony or safety will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law the officials addedTourism is the mainstay of Jammu and Kashmirs economy being second only to horticultureIn 2025 over 177 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir including 36000 foreigners Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent threeday visit to Jammu and Kashmir said the tourists have not been deterred from visiting the union territory despite the worst efforts by the terroristsNotably on April 22 2025 Pakistanbacked terrorists of LashkareTaiba LeT killed 26 innocents including 25 tourists and one local Pony owner in Baisaran meadow of PahalgamThe attack outraged the nation Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave orders to the armed forces to avenge the Pahalgam killings after which the armed forces launched Operation Sindoor and the terrorist infrastructure was targeted deep inside Pakistan and Pakistanoccupied Kashmir IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/four-arrested-for-assaulting-tourist-in-jampks-doda-661205.html Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/health-minister-nadda-urges-youth-to-work-responsibly-give-back-to-society-661173.html New Delhi Feb 7 Union Minister for Health amp Family Welfare JP Nadda on Saturday urged youth to work responsibly and to give back to society Addressing the convocation ceremony 202526 of Manav Rachna Educational Institutions MREI Nadda said it is not just the culmination of an academic journey but the beginning of a new phase of responsibility towards the nation and society He emphasised that the graduating cohort is privileged to be entering their professional lives during the second phase of Amrit Kaal leading up to 2047 when India aspires to become a fully developed nation âThis phase presents both immense opportunities and equally significant responsibilities the youth must contribute meaningfully to the national developmentâ Nadda said âAlways carry the sentiment that society has enabled their success and in return they must strive to give back by serving society selflessly and meaningfullyâ said Nadda He also urged the graduating students to move forward guided by strong values ethical conduct and a commitment to public service During the ceremony the Minister also highlighted the transformative progress achieved under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last 11 yearsâ23 AIIMS have been established up from just six earlier creating a robust network of stateoftheart healthcare institutions across the countryâ Nadda said He further stated that India has made remarkable advances across healthcare indicators ranging from maternal and child health to communicable and noncommunicable diseases especially in tuberculosis and malaria cases and deaths The Minister also highlighted a significant drop in outofpocket healthcare expenditure with initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and largescale population screening programmes making healthcare more accessible and affordable A total of 2150 students from diverse disciplines including engineering management law education sciences and healthcare were awarded degrees during the convocationThis included 521 undergraduate students 58 postgraduate students and 11 doctoral scholars marking a significant academic milestone for the graduating cohort IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/health-minister-nadda-urges-youth-to-work-responsibly-give-back-to-society-661173.html Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/womens-commission-steps-in-as-kerala-headmistress-challenges-school-gate-humiliation-661024.html Kollam Kerala Feb 5 The Kerala State Womenâs Commission on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the controversy over a headmistress being denied entry into a school in Kottarakkara in Kollam district for wearing a churidar Commission Chairperson P Sathidevi said the act violated womenâs dignity and directed the Kottarakkara District Educational Officer to submit an urgent reportThe intervention followed an incident in which Sindhu the headmistress of Neduvathur Eeswaravilasam Higher Secondary School in Kottarakkara was allegedly denied entry into her workplace for wearing a churidar instead of a sariThe incident occurred on Tuesday morning when Sindhu arrived for duty and was stopped at the school gate by a security employeeAccording to Sindhu the security staff member told her that the school management had instructed him not to allow her inside if she was dressed in a churidarWith students and teachers watching she sat down in protest at the gate refusing to leavePolice were later called to the spot and intervened allowing her to enter the schoolBased on her complaint the Kottarakkara police registered a case against the security employee ShashankanThe FIR states that restraining the headmistress amounted to an act that harmed her dignitySindhu has alleged that the guard acted on explicit directions from the school manager and described the episode as an abuse of authorityThere is no government order mandating that women teachers must wear saris I have been repeatedly harassed in ways that make it difficult for me to work said Sindhu and added that she was humiliated in front of her students and colleaguesShe said she would continue her legal fight until justice is ensuredThe school management however has denied the allegationsThe manager has claimed that teachers are free to wear attire of their choice and that no instruction was issued to prevent the headmistress from entering the campus based on her clothingThe episode has sparked wider debate on workplace dignity and gendered norms in educational institutionsWomenâs rights groups and educators have pointed out that dress codes cannot be enforced arbitrarily or used as a tool of intimidation particularly against women in leadership positions IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/womens-commission-steps-in-as-kerala-headmistress-challenges-school-gate-humiliation-661024.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-conrad-sangma-announces-inquiry-into-meghalaya-coal-mine-explosion-661036.html Shillong Feb 5 Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic coal mine explosion in East Jaintia Hills district that claimed at least 16 lives and announced a comprehensive inquiry into the incident to fix responsibility In a statement posted on social media platform X Sangma conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and said the state government stands firmly with those affected by the tragedyâProfoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedyâ the Chief Minister saidSangma said the Meghalaya government has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident and made it clear that accountability would be enforcedâThe Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident Accountability will be fixed and those responsible will face strict legal actionâ he saidStressing that there would be no leniency in matters involving public safety the Chief Minister asserted that the state would not compromise when it comes to the protection of human livesHe said the administration would ensure that all necessary legal and administrative steps are taken based on the findings of the inquiryâIn this moment of sorrow the State stands in solidarity with all those affectedâ Sangma addedIn one of the deadliest mining accidents in recent years the bodies of at least 16 labourers have been recovered following a massive explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area of Meghalayaâs East Jaintia Hills district police officials said on ThursdayConfirming the toll East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said rescue teams have so far retrieved 16 bodies from the accident siteâSixteen bodies have been recovered so farâ Kumar told IANS adding that the search and rescue operation is still under wayThe Chief Ministerâs statement comes amid growing concern over illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills district where banned mining practices have repeatedly resulted in fatal accidentsDespite courtmandated restrictions and enforcement measures illegal mining activities are believed to persist in remote areasMeanwhile rescue and recovery operations are underway at the accident site with the assistance of disaster response teams while district authorities have intensified monitoring in the areaOfficials said further details would emerge as investigations progress IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-conrad-sangma-announces-inquiry-into-meghalaya-coal-mine-explosion-661036.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/adani-mangal-seva-completes-1-year-of-dignity-opportunity-for-500-divyang-women-661048.html Ahmedabad Feb 5 The Adani Mangal Seva on Thursday completed the first year of dignity and opportunity for 500 divyang persons with disabilities women Announced on February 5 last year Adani Mangal Seva marks Diva and Jeet Adanis decision to turn their wedding celebrations into a pledge of social security for divyang womenAnchored by the Adani Foundation the social welfare and development arm of the Adani Group Adani Mangal Seva supports divyang women aged 25 to 40 identified by project partner Youth for Jobs and holding Unique Disability ID UDID cardsIn its first year the initiative fulfilled its commitment to support 500 divyang women each with Rs 10 lakh Fixed Deposit to ensure monthly income and longterm financial stability as per a foundation statementAs a doting father I feel truly blessed that my children are choosing to carry their personal happiness into the lives of many families adding hope reassurance and quiet strength where it is needed most I pray to the Almighty that this spirit of service continues to bring happiness dignity and renewed hope into countless lives and that Jeet and Diva remain steadfast on this path of compassion purpose and seva Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani said in a post on X while also extending his wishes and blessingsUnder the Adani Mangal Seva initiative each beneficiary receives a Rs 10 lakh fixed deposit created in partnership with State Bank of India SBI as the banking partnerThe structure provides an assured monthly income with access to the principal amount after 10 years ensuring longterm financial stability and securityThe commitment is structured to span at least five years supporting up to 500 divyang women annually with an annual allocation of Rs 50 crore to sustain the initiative and its longterm impactThe evening marked a moment of reflection continuity and fulfilment on the Belvedere Club lawns in Shantigram as Adani Mangal Seva completed one year since its inceptionThe programme began with prayer and reflection followed by a presentation reaffirming the central belief of Adani Mangal Seva that prosperity finds meaning only when it creates lasting opportunity for othersâThe inspiration behind Adani Mangal Seva was born from a simple yet profound thought that personal joy finds its highest meaning when it is shared for collective wellbeing When life blesses us with moments of happiness extending that happiness to society is true service That is why Adani Mangal Seva is deeply personal to me This is not just a programme It is an emotion It is a responsibility we carry forward Adani Foundation Chairperson Dr Priti Adani said in her address to the gatheringDuring the programme Gautam Adani also launched Adani Mangal Sevaâs book comprising stories of transformation The evening concluded with a shared dinner that preserved its inclusive and grounded character IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/adani-mangal-seva-completes-1-year-of-dignity-opportunity-for-500-divyang-women-661048.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/no-gang-rape-at-medaram-jatara-finds-preliminary-probe-by-ncw-661053.html Hyderabad Feb 5 No gangrape of a minor girl occurred during the recent Sammakka Saralamma Jatara shows the preliminary inquiry by the National Commission for Women NCW The inquiry committee constituted by the NCW to probe the allegations arrived in Mulugu district of Telangana on Thursday afternoonAccording to an official release by the state government the inquiry committee headed by NCW member Delina Khongdup met Collector T S Divakara and Superintendent of Police Ramnath Kekan at the Mulugu CollectorateSubsequently they inspected the area around the Medaram Jatara where the alleged gang rape was believed to have taken placeIt was primarily confirmed that no gang rape incident occurred at the JataraThe inquiry team will submit its final report to the National Commission for Women after receiving a written report from the policeThe Commission on Wednesday constituted an inquiry committee to inquire into the alleged sexual assault of a 13yearold girl during the tribal fair as it took cognisance of reports circulating in the media and on social media platforms regarding the alleged incident Some media reports alleged that the incident involved a case of gang rape purportedly committed by five youths from ChhattisgarhTaking serious note of the matter NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatka constituted the committee to inquire into the alleged incident Chaired by NCW member Khongdup it included senior coordinator Kanchan Khattar as a memberIt was also announced that the Committee may also be assisted by an advocate nominated by the District Legal Services Authority DLSA MuluguThe Committee has been mandated to examine the circumstances leading to the alleged incident assess the action taken by the authorities concerned interact with relevant officials and persons to ascertain facts and recommend remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents The Committee will submit its recommendations to the Commission for appropriate action the NCW had saidThousands of devotees attended Sammakka Saralamma Jatara held at Medaram from January 28 to 31The biennial event said to be the largest tribal fair in Asia drew devotees from across Telangana Andhra Pradesh Maharashtra Karnataka Chhattisgarh and other states IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/no-gang-rape-at-medaram-jatara-finds-preliminary-probe-by-ncw-661053.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/meghalaya-coal-mine-tragedy-rs-3-lakh-aid-for-kin-of-victims-661058.html Shillong Feb 5 In the wake of the tragic coal mine incident in Meghalayaâs East Jaintia Hills district Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday announced an exgratia assistance of Rs 3 lakh from the state government to the next of kin of each deceased labourer The Chief Minister said the decision was taken as an immediate relief measure for the affected families even as rescue and investigation efforts continue at the accident siteHe reiterated that the state government stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult timeIn addition to the state assistance Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced exgratia support from the Prime Ministerâs National Relief Fund PMNRFAs per the announcement an amount of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the families of each deceased while those injured in the incident will receive Rs 50000Chief Minister Sangma earlier confirmed that at least 18 bodies of labourers have been recovered so far from a collapsed illegal coal mine at Thangsko in the coalrich East Jaintia Hills district even as search and rescue operations continueSpeaking to reporters here Sangma said the incident occurred earlier in the day when a powerful dynamite blast triggered the collapse of the illegal mine trapping several workers insideThe explosion reportedly took place around 1130 am during mining activityThe Chief Minister said two Cabinet ministers â Wailadmiki Shylla and Lahkmen Rymbui â have been directed to visit the accident site to oversee the situation and coordinate relief and rescue effortsThe site is located in a remote area around a threehour journey from the district headquarters at KhliehriatSangma said he is personally monitoring the situation and remains in constant touch with district officialsThe Deputy Chief Minister who is in charge of the Home Police department is also closely coordinating with the administration to ensure that rescue operations are carried out efficientlyâSearch and rescue operations are underway and investigations have been initiatedâ the Chief Minister said adding that the state government is taking the incident with utmost seriousnessDisaster response teams including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force SDRF and the National Disaster Response Force NDRF have been mobilised to assist local authorities in the ongoing operation which is being conducted under challenging conditions due to unstable terrain and safety concernsThe Chief Minister further said the Meghalaya government has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident and made it clear that accountability would be enforcedâThe Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident Accountability will be fixed and those responsible will face strict legal actionâ he saidStressing that there would be no leniency in matters involving public safety the Chief Minister asserted that the state would not compromise when it comes to the protection of human livesHe said the administration would ensure that all necessary legal and administrative steps are taken based on the findings of the inquiryâIn this moment of sorrow the state stands in solidarity with all those affectedâ Sangma added IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/meghalaya-coal-mine-tragedy-rs-3-lakh-aid-for-kin-of-victims-661058.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-expands-anganwadi-services-with-addition-of-514-lakh-beneficiaries-661113.html Gandhinagar Feb 6 More than 514 lakh beneficiaries have been newly brought under various Anganwadi schemes across Gujarat following a focused coverage exercise aimed at strengthening access to nutrition and health services for mothers and young children The initiative carried out between November 2025 and January 2026 expanded the reach of welfare services to pregnant women lactating mothers and children aged up to six years with a major share of enrolments recorded in tribal and rural areasThe Women and Child Development WCD Coverage Drive was undertaken to identify and include eligible beneficiaries who were previously outside the Anganwadi networkThe campaign was implemented under the leadership of Women and Child Development Minister Manisha Vakil to ensure that essential nutrition and basic healthcare services reach every eligible child and motherOfficial figures show that over 255 lakh beneficiaries from tribal areas were added during the drive while more than 207 lakh beneficiaries from rural regions and around 51000 from urban areas were also linked to Anganwadi servicesThese beneficiaries are now covered under schemes providing supplementary nutrition growth monitoring and access to basic healthrelated supportOfficials said the results were achieved through detailed microplanning by district administrations which helped in uncovering households and prioritising outreach in remote and interior regionsThe campaign placed particular emphasis on tribal belts and rural pockets where gaps in coverage were more pronouncedTo maintain the accuracy of beneficiary data the department used the TECHO software a digital platform for maternal and child health tracking alongside systematic field verificationOfficials said the use of technology combined with onground checks helped prevent duplication and ensured that eligible beneficiaries were correctly identified within a short timeframeAnganwadi workers and helpers played a key role in implementing the drive through doortodoor outreach and verification supported by districtlevel officialsTheir efforts led to improvements in data accuracy and helped extend services to beneficiaries who had previously remained unregistered IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-expands-anganwadi-services-with-addition-of-514-lakh-beneficiaries-661113.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/punjab-cm-mann-launches-year-long-celebrations-for-650th-guru-purb-of-guru-ravidass-661121.html DW Bureau Chandigarh Feb 6 nbsp Marking a decisive institutional commitment to the legacy of Guru Ravidass the Punjab government on Friday formally launched yearlong celebrations for the 650th Guru Purb laying out a clear sequence of religious cultural and academic initiatives that will run across the state until February 20 2027nbspnbspChief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the commemorations with the announcement of sustained congregations Sant Sammelans kathakirtan programmes conventions and universitylevel seminars while simultaneously unveiling major infrastructure commitments including the expansion of a Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh and the establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre near Dera Ballan in JalandharStressing that financial constraints would not be allowed to dilute the scale or spirit of the observances the Chief Minister assured that all directions of the Sant Samaj would be fully implemented situating the yearlong religious programme within the broader governance framework of the AAP government that prioritises education reform expanded public healthcare with cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh and policy decisions guided by public welfarenbspAddressing the statelevel function organised to commemorate the 649th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Mann said It is our collective duty to spread the message of the Guru across the globe Sri Guru Ravidass Maharajji envisioned an egalitarian society free from all forms of discriminationDescribing himself as a humble participant in the sacred congregation the Chief Minister assured that the state government will leave no stone unturned to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji in an unsurpassed mannernbspRecalling recent initiatives Mann said The state government has recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadurji through a series of events Likewise yearlong programmes have been chalked out to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharajji in an unprecedented mannerHe added that he felt blessed to be connected to the sacred land noting that Guruji delivered a powerful message of equality from here and spent more than four years at this placenbspHighlighting steps taken to institutionalise the legacy of the revered Guru Mann said To perpetuate the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj the state government has established Chairs at Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to undertake researchnbspHe further said As guided by the Sant Samaj the state government will organise a wide range of events to mark the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj All of us are fortunate to have received this onceinalifetime opportunity to celebrate Guru Jis Parkash PurbReiterating his governments commitment to social justice the Chief Minister said We will work tirelessly to ameliorate the woes of the weaker and underprivileged sections of society in complete consonance with the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj JinbspHe added that the state government is duty bound to ensure the wellbeing of the poorest of the poor for which several pathbreaking initiatives are being undertaken and said that with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidassji our government has been voted to power with a thumping majoritynbspElaborating on Guru Jis philosophy Mann said Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji gave the message of welfare of entire humanity and equality of all sections of society thereby laying the foundation of a truly egalitarian social order https://dailyworld.in/society/punjab-cm-mann-launches-year-long-celebrations-for-650th-guru-purb-of-guru-ravidass-661121.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-high-court-puts-stay-on-order-declaring-hooghly-dpsc-illegal-661003.html Kolkata Feb 5 In a case concerning teacher transfers the Calcutta High Court had declared the District Primary School Council DPSC in Hooghly district illegal The division bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty has now issued an interim stay on this singlebench order court sources said on ThursdayThe court said that the Primary School Council can continue its work for the time being However the division bench has directed the council to submit relevant documents regarding the matterEarlier a single bench of the Calcutta High Court had ruled that the council was not formed in accordance with the rules and laws governing its operation and formationTherefore since the council is illegal it has no existence It further said that the council had no authority to issue instructions to the chairman or other officebearers of the district primary councilEven if any instructions had been issued they were not validThe primary council challenged this order before the High Courtâs division benchOn Wednesday in the case related to the matter the division bench ordered that the council can continue its work for the time beingThe copy of the order was uploaded on the courtâs website on ThursdayDuring the hearing Bishwabrata Basu Mallick the lawyer for the Hooghly district primary council said âThe DPSC handles all aspects of primary education from recruitment to transfersâThis entire process has been halted Not only that the council is unable to perform any of its other functions The employees of the council are also facing difficultiesâAccording to legal experts this order from the division bench has resolved the deadlock that was about to complicate primary councils across the stateThe council which was suffering from an existential crisis has now been freed from that predicamentIncidentally the Hooghly DPSC had issued a transfer order for a teacher named Chandana BhuiClaiming her transfer to be illegal she challenged the order in courtIn that case the single bench of the High Court not only cancelled the teacherâs transfer but also declared the council itself illegal IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-high-court-puts-stay-on-order-declaring-hooghly-dpsc-illegal-661003.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/centre-released-rs-259-crore-to-panchayats-in-telangana-mos-bandi-sanjay-kumar-660991.html Hyderabad Feb 5 Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Thursday revealed that the Central government has released Rs 25936 crore to Gram Panchayats in Telangana under the 15th Finance Commission as the first instalment He shared on âXâ that the Centre has released the funds following continuous followup by him and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan ReddyâThis is how the Centre functions under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Funds donât stop at announcements They reach the ground No delay No politics Only deliveryâ he postedHe gave the assurance that funds would continue to flow in stages He said the next instalment would come after municipal elections and then after ZPTC and MPTC electionsThe BJP leader appealed to people to vote for the BJP âfor development that actually happensâMeanwhile campaigning for the BJP in Huzurabad he promised that if the BJP wins the municipal elections he would bring Rs 500 crore from the Centre as the first instalment towards funds for municipalitiesHe claimed that hundreds of crores were brought from the Centre for Telanganaâs development He said all required infrastructure was provided in government hospitals but the state government is not appointing the staffAlleging that Huzurabad was neglected for the last 10 years he promised that if people vote for the BJP in the municipality he would bring funds from the Centre to ensure its developmentOn Chief Minister Revanth Reddyâs promise that more houses for the poor will be sanctioned under the Indiramma Illu scheme in the upcoming budget Bandi Sanjay said that like many other promises made by the Congress this too would not see the light of dayHe claimed that in Telangana real houses have come only under the PM Awas YojanaThe BJP leader recalled that the same Chief Minister had loudly promised a â2BHK in Cherlapally Jail for KCR and his familyââForget building it He couldnât even move KCR out of his farmhouseâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/centre-released-rs-259-crore-to-panchayats-in-telangana-mos-bandi-sanjay-kumar-660991.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/world-wetlands-day-dda-chief-links-floods-to-land-management-660604.html New Delhi Feb 3 Delhi Development Authority DDA Vice Chairman N Saravana Kumar has highlighted the importance of land management and urban governance in protecting cities from natural disaster like floods Speaking at an event organised at the Authoritys Yamuna Biodiversity Park YBP to celebrate World Wetlands Day on Monday Saravana Kumar emphasised the DDAs role in removing encroachments from the Yamuna floodplains and developing Baansera and Asita ParksThe event organised at YBPs amphitheatre near the restored wetland aligned with the global theme Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge Celebrating Cultural HeritageThe DDA Vice Chairman highlighted that wetland conservation is deeply rooted in traditional practices and is not a modern conceptHe noted that nearly 15 per cent of Delhis geographical area comprises DDA parks which are accessible to the public and that the seven Biodiversity Parks developed by DDA in collaboration with Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems CEMDE of Delhi University are significantly enhancing the quality of life for citizensCR Babu CEMDE Director said that all rivers originate from wetlands whether glaciers lakes or ponds and stressed that the survival of the planet depends on the restoration and preservation of wetlandsHe added that more than 87 per cent of the worlds wetlands were extinct and most of the extant wetlands are highly degraded and nonfunctionalShashank Shekhar Department of Geology Delhi University explained the role of wetlands in maintaining river flowHe highlighted that Biodiversity Parks developed on floodplains help in regulating nutrient cycling reduce pollution and protect rivers from nutrient loadingYamini Gupt Department of Business Economics Delhi University shared insights on the economic value of wetlands which are worth 264 trillion exceeding the GDP of many countriesThe event concluded with an award ceremony for the photography competition organised in collaboration with Delhi Universitys Rajdhani CollegeThe participants also took a guided nature trail walk experiencing YBPs wetlands and observing migratory bird species such as Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Great Cormorant Gadwall and TealThe programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 350 attendees including students from Delhi University colleges SPM College Keshav Mahavidyalaya School of Business Economics Zakir Hussain College Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College IP College for Women Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University Satyavati College MV College of Education Mata Sundri College and Shivaji College along with researchers UPSC aspirants academicians journalists nature enthusiasts local communities and DDA officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/world-wetlands-day-dda-chief-links-floods-to-land-management-660604.html Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/man-hacked-to-death-over-decade-old-elopement-in-karnatakas-belagavi-660673.html Belagavi Karnataka Feb 3 A man was brutally hacked to death allegedly over a decadeold personal grudge linked to an elopement in Hoolikatti village near Saundatti taluk of Belagavi district police said on Tuesday The victim Basappa was killed on Monday night after being attacked more than 16 times with a machete by the accused identified as Irayya Police said the accused allegedly placed his leg on the victimâs body and posed for photographs until officers arrived at the sceneAccording to police the murder was the result of a longstanding grudge dating back to 2015 when Basappa allegedly eloped with Irayyaâs mother and never returned to the village Irayya who was a minor at the time was reportedly traumatised by his mothers leaving and held Basappa responsible for the incidentPolice said Irayya had been searching for Basappa and his mother for several years Four days ago Basappa reportedly returned to the area and was staying in Basadoni village to construct a house After learning of his presence Irayya allegedly waited for him near Hoolikatti villageWhen Basappa arrived on his motorcycle on Monday night Irayya allegedly waylaid him and repeatedly attacked him with a machete killing him on the spotPolice said the accused himself alerted the police after the crime and was taken into custody at the scene The victimâs body was shifted to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences BIMS for postmortem examinationA case has been registered at the Saundatti police station and further investigation is underwayMeanwhile in a separate incident reported on February 2 Davanagere district police arrested a recently married woman and her lover on charges of abetment to suicide Police said their elopement and alleged harassment drove the womanâs husband to take his own lifeThe deceased Harish had married Saraswati of Hulikatte village three months ago She allegedly eloped with her lover Kumar on January 23 Though the family traced her two days later a distressed Harish hanged himself In a note he claimed he had committed no wrongdoing and alleged harassment and threats following the elopement IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/man-hacked-to-death-over-decade-old-elopement-in-karnatakas-belagavi-660673.html Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cant-play-with-right-to-privacy-sc-flags-concerns-over-whatsapp-privacy-policy-data-sharing-660679.html New Delhi Feb 3 IANS The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over WhatsApps 2021 privacy policy and the sharing of user data by its parent company Meta Platforms observing that the platform cannot be allowed to play with the right to privacy of Indian usersnbspThe courts remark came as a bench of Chief Justice of India CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi was hearing appeals filed by Meta Platforms and WhatsApp LLC against a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal NCLAT order which had upheld a Rs 21314 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India CCIThe CCI has also filed a crossappeal challenging the NCLAT decision insofar as it allowed WhatsApp to share user data for advertising purposesnbspAgreeing to admit the appeals the CJI Kantled Bench made sharp observations on the nature of WhatsApps privacy policy describing it as a take it or leave it arrangement that leaves consumers with no real choicenbspWhat is the choice You have complete monopoly in the market and you are saying you are giving a choice It is either you walk out of WhatsApp or we will share your data the apex court remarkedDuring the hearing the CJIled Bench repeatedly flagged concerns about the fairness of the privacy policy particularly for ordinary usersnbspA poor woman selling fruits on the street will she understand the terms of your policy The language is so cleverly drafted that even some of us may not understand it the top court saidnbspDescribing the alleged data practices as deeply problematic the Supreme Court observed This is a decent way of committing theft of private information You cannot play with the right to privacy of this country You are making a mockery of constitutionalismIt also expressed concern over instances of targeted advertisements appearing soon after personal communications even as WhatsApp reiterated that its messaging services are endtoend encrypted and that it cannot read user conversationsnbspSolicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre supported the apex courts concerns stating that personal data today has clear monetary value and is being commercially exploitedAfter an extensive hearing the CJI Kantled Bench directed Meta and WhatsApp to file an affidavit explaining their privacy policy and datasharing mechanisms including how user consent is obtained and communicated The apex court also impleaded the Union government as a party to the proceedings The matter has been posted for further hearing next weekIANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cant-play-with-right-to-privacy-sc-flags-concerns-over-whatsapp-privacy-policy-data-sharing-660679.html Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/stt-hike-to-secure-household-savings-from-speculative-bets-cea-anantha-nageswaran-660555.html New Delhi Feb 2 IANS Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said on Monday that the increase in Securities Transaction Tax on derivatives trading announced in the Union Budget 202627 is aimed at securing household savings from highly speculative bets rather than generating revenue for the governmentnbspThe purpose of STT hike is not revenue generation the purpose is to ensure hardearned savings are used to maximise wealth in households The SEBI has pointed out how people lose money through FampampO the CEA told journalistsThe Union Budget 202627 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed raising STT on futures to 005 per cent from the present 002 per cent and on options premium and exercise of options to be raised to 015 per cent from the present rate of 01 per cent and 0125 per cent respectivelynbspThe stock market crash in the shares of brokeragerelated companies after the presentation of the Budget was attributed to the hike in STTnbspThe tax changes are mechanical in design The STT applies per transaction so a higher rate increases the cost of trading for participants who buy and sell frequently including intraday strategies that rely on turnover By raising the transaction levy the government increases the allin cost of derivatives trades alongside exchange fees and other statutory chargesSimilarly Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava also said after the presentation of the budget that the volumes in the FampampO market are in the realm of heavy speculation when compared to the size of the countrys GDP or underlying securities marketnbspnbspThis results in huge losses to retail investors The governments intention is to discourage speculation The increase in STT is meant to handle the systemic risk in the derivatives market The rate is still modest compared to the volume he addednbspSitharaman said in her budget speech that the STT change was a course correction in the derivatives segment and it would also generate additional revenues for the governmentIANS https://dailyworld.in/society/stt-hike-to-secure-household-savings-from-speculative-bets-cea-anantha-nageswaran-660555.html Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/drug-abuse-steadily-undermining-pakistans-socioeconomic-structure-report-660510.html Islamabad Feb 1 Drug abuse has been consistently undermining Pakistans socioeconomic structure and posing one of the biggest challenges faced by the country as per reports Nearly 67 million people in Pakistan abuse controlled drugs with cannabis being the most commonly used substance and heroin addiction affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the country according to the most recent official estimates and statistics of the United NationsAs a result cannabis opioids cocaine and various synthetic narcotics not only pose a threat to personal health but also threaten public safety and national stability A report in the daily Pakistan Today said Drug abuse has grown to be a deeply ingrained societal catastrophe that is steadily undermining Pakistanâs socioeconomic structure and posing one of the biggest challenges of our timePakistans youth who comprise 64 per cent of the total population remain vulnerable as facing issues like peer pressure family discord academic stress unemployment and societal uncertainty often push young people to take up destructive coping strategies According to the report Pakistan must reaffirm its commitment to building a resilient society increasing education and employment opportunities for youth and bolstering interagency coordination to dismantle domestic and transnational drug networks Police the AntiNarcotics Force ANF customs authorities paramilitary forces and community partners must work together to make drug abuse and illicit trafficking less profitable and less pervasive it saidGeographically speaking due to its strategic location within the Golden Crescent Pakistan alongside Afghanistan and Iran bears a unique burden as both a transit and consumption zone for opiates particularly heroin and opium cultivated in Afghanistan Historically the Golden Crescent has surpassed the Southeast Asian Golden Triangle Burma Thailand and Laos in global narcotics production and as a result a significant share of Afghan opiates destined for international markets continues to pass through Pakistanâs land and maritime routes the Pakistan Today report saidAgainst this backdrop Pakistans lawenforcement framework has increased its operational reach to tackle the challenge Regional Police Officer RPO Faisalabad Sohail Akhtar Sukhera has introduced strategies to curb crime and dismantle drug networks at the ground levelUnder his leadership intelligencebased operations and targeted raids have been carried out in Faisalabad and nearby districts resulting in the detention of thousands of individuals who are involved in criminal activity including professional drug peddlers habitual offenders and addicts according to the Pakistan Today report Furthermore Sukhera has created an activitybased intervention model to enhance confidence resilience and decisionmaking skills among students enabling them to face peer pressure and not engage in negative behaviours like drug and substance abuseLegally the Control of Narcotic Substances Act CNSA of 1997 provides the foundation for prosecuting drug traffickers prescribing life imprisonment or even the death penalty for trafficking substantial quantities of prohibited narcotics Nevertheless long prison sentences alone are insufficient to curb demand rather comprehensive prevention strategies expanded rehabilitation services and the destigmatisation of treatment seekers are urgently required the report saidApart from health consequences the drug trade causes social and economic repercussions Illicit drugs erode community trust cause crime corruption and lead to money being spent in informal economies thereby impacting legitimate growth At the same time families and healthcare systems face immense pressure especially in areas where social support structures and medical infrastructure remain weak or nonexistent IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/drug-abuse-steadily-undermining-pakistans-socioeconomic-structure-report-660510.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/three-of-a-family-hacked-to-death-in-jharkhands-palamu-teenage-girl-critical-660469.html Palamu Jharkhand Feb 1 Three members of a family were brutally murdered with sharp weapons in a village in Jharkhandâs Palamu district police said on Sunday A 16yearold girl of the family sustained serious injuries in the attack in the Kusri village of the Asehar panchayat under the Panki police station area and is battling for lifeThe incident occurred after midnight Preliminary investigations suggest the murders were triggered by superstition and suspicion of witchcraftThe deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan his wife Hewanti Devi and their son Chhotu Bhuiyan Their daughter Mamta Kumari was critically injured in the attack and has been admitted to the Panki Community Health Centre Doctors said her condition remains seriousUpon receiving information police rushed to the spot cordoned off the area and launched an investigation Two neighbours Ravindra Bhuiyan and Pramod Bhuiyan have been named as accused in the caseAccording to police and local residents Bhuiyan had longstanding disputes with some villagers who allegedly accused his family of practising black magic and witchcraftSeveral arguments had reportedly taken place earlier between them and village councils were convened in the past to resolve the issueOn Saturday night a group of people allegedly entered the house and assaulted the family members before attacking them with sharp weapons killing the three family members on the spotA pall of gloom has descended over the village following the incident with a large number of villagers and relatives gathering at the crime scenePanki police station incharge Rajesh Ranjan said swift action was taken based on information provided by villagersThe matter is being investigated thoroughly and search operations are underway to arrest all those involved he saidThe crime scene is located about 35 km from the Panki police station in a Maoistaffected area Police are exercising extra caution while launching an operation to nab the perpetrators of the crime IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/three-of-a-family-hacked-to-death-in-jharkhands-palamu-teenage-girl-critical-660469.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/adani-foundation-adani-electricityobservenational-girl-child-day-across-mumbai-schools-660279.html New Delhi Jan 30 Adani Foundation supported by Adani Electricity recently observed National Girl Child Day with students from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC schools in Mumbai The day was observed on January 24 as part of the flagship CSR initiative Project UtthanIn a collaborative effort to promote early empowerment and equality Project Utthan by Adani Foundation supported by Adani Electricity in collaboration with the BMC observed National Girl Child Day across BMC schoolsâ according to an official statementRecognising that a just society begins with the foundational years the programme focused on early empowerment safety and equality for students in Classes 1 to 4Moving beyond traditional celebrations the initiative utilised experiential learning such as roleplaying and problemsolving to position girls as confident decisionmakersBy involving boys as allies the programme successfully reinforced values of empathy and shared responsibilityAligned with NEP 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat Mission this collaboration reaffirms a commitment to closing learning gaps and nurturing a generation of aware compassionate and empowered young citizens the statement saidIn Mumbai the Adani Foundation and Adani Electricity in collaboration with the BMC Education Department have extended Utthan to all 947 BMC primary schools reaching 148 lakh students across 25 wards and eight mediumsThe project places special emphasis on Priya Vidyarthis progressive learners offering focused academic guidance and joyful learning experiences that help them grow steadilyA team of over 300 trained women Utthan Sahayaks forms the core of the programmeDrawn from local communities they support classroom teaching help students overcome learning gaps engage regularly with parents document childrenâs progress and strengthen trust at the community level Their presence has brought structure warmth and continuity to daily learningAcross India Project Utthan operates in five states supporting 1200 government schools and reaching nearly 180 lakh studentsIts focus on equitable access personalised support and NEPaligned practices positions it as a strong model for strengthening government education systems and helping children build the skills and confidence they need to succeed IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/adani-foundation-adani-electricityobservenational-girl-child-day-across-mumbai-schools-660279.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cash-crunch-to-cut-shortpakistans-polio-vaccinationcampaign-660288.html IslamabadNew Delhi Jan 30 Pakistan has cut short the antipolio campaign over cash crunch and a slash in workers payments according to a media report The Tribune Express reported that the duration of the antipolio drive has been reduced to just four days from the earlier scheduled seven daysMajor cuts have also been made to the compensation of male and female polio workers area incharges and union council medical officersWhile polio workers previously paid a lump sum of 13000 Pakistani Rupees per campaign will now be paid 7000 Pakistani Rupees area incharges who earlier received a total of 19000 Pakistani Rupees for the campaign period will now be paid 9216 Pakistani RupeesThe Union council medical officers also face a slash in salary from 25000 Pakistani Rupees per campaign they will now receive only 16000 Pakistani Rupees the report saidThe reduced compensation is due to a shortage of funds with the health department facing a severe financial and economic crisis it addedAmid concerns over the possibility of further reductions polio workers have also launched a protest demanding a rollback of the wage cuts and restoration of the full previous compensation They warned of intensifying protests if the demands are not metTerming the move unjust female polio workers urged the government to curb âits own extravagance instead of robbing poor dailywage workers of their compensationâ The Pakistani government meanwhile has decided to continue the wage cuts in phases the report saidShockingly the report noted that claims by the district administration about eliminating polio in Rawalpindi last year are fake with new sampling has found a large presence of the polio virus in the citys sewageOfficial records also cite a significant increase in refusal cases in Rawalpindi including in posh areas such as KhayabaneSir Syed and Satellite TownTo curb the spread the health authorities have called for monthly antipolio campaigns and targetting families refusing polio dropsThe next antipolio campaign in Rawalpindi district will begin on February 2 and will continue from Monday February 2 to Thursday February 5 the report said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cash-crunch-to-cut-shortpakistans-polio-vaccinationcampaign-660288.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/even-ews-students-left-without-protection-under-ugc-rules-iim-professors-660431.html Udaipur Rajasthan Jan 31 The University Grants Commissionâs UGC 2026 regulations aimed at âpromoting equityâ in higher education have come under sustained academic scrutiny not only for their alleged vagueness but also for deep internal inconsistencies that risk excluding the very groups they claim to protect An essay authored by IIM Udaipur professors Kunal Kamal Kumar and Gyanesh Raj argues that the regulations suffer from a serious lack of coherence particularly in their treatment of the Economically Weaker Sections EWSReleased on January 13 2026 the regulations explicitly name EWS as a vulnerable constituency in their objectives However the operative provisions âfail to translate this recognition into actionable protectionâ As the essay points out the definition of âdiscriminationâ under Regulation 31e is restricted to religion race caste gender place of birth and disability Economic disadvantage despite being the defining feature of EWS is conspicuously absent it saysThis omission the authors argue is not a minor drafting error but a structural flaw âEWS is named as a constituency but not clearly operationalised as a basis of actionable discriminationâ the essay notes As a result individuals from the EWS category would have found it nearly impossible to file complaints against discrimination rooted in poverty inability to pay fees or classbased exclusion the essay maintains Such grievances would only become cognisable if they could be reframed under another listed ground such as casteThe essay highlights a striking inconsistency in the regulatory architecture Eligibility for Other Backward Classes OBC reservation is already filtered through the âcreamy layerâ exclusion which relies explicitly on socioeconomic criteria says the essay It adds that Indian law therefore already recognises economic status as relevant in determining vulnerability and entitlement to remedial measures Yet the UGC regulations fail to extend this logic to EWS even while naming it as a protected group the authors argueThis mismatch sends mixed signals and undermines the regulationsâ stated equity goals they say It risks rendering classcoded humiliation and exclusion invisible within institutional grievance mechanisms effectively leaving economically disadvantaged students without meaningful recourse they point outTitled From Constable to Fraternity Ambedkarâs Design Lens for the UGC Regulations 2026 the essay also critiques the guidelines for âdeviatingâ from BR Ambedkarâs principles While public outrage largely focused on the exclusion of general castes from the definition of castebased discrimination the authors contend that gaps like the EWS anomaly reveal deeper design failuresThe Supreme Court of India stayed the regulations on January 29 citing vagueness The essay suggests that unless such internal contradictions are addressed future equity frameworks may continue to falter not due to lack of intent but due to flawed legal imagination IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/even-ews-students-left-without-protection-under-ugc-rules-iim-professors-660431.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-hc-orders-removal-of-illegal-temples-from-roads-sidewalks-in-jaipur-660063.html Jaipur Jan 29 The Rajasthan High Court has directed the removal of illegally constructed temples from sidewalks roads and other public places in Jaipur and ordered the state government to shift idols to nearby legally existing temples A division bench of Justices Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Sangeeta Sharma passed the order on Thursday while hearing a public interest litigation PIL filed by Sunny MeenaThe court instructed the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Commissioner to submit an affidavit at the next hearing detailing the steps taken to remove such illegal structures from public spaces across the cityThe High Court also directed the government to issue necessary guidelines for the demolition of illegally constructed temples and for relocating idols to authorised temples The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 4The court was hearing a PIL related to a temple constructed on a public thoroughfare in Pratap Nagar Sector7 in Jaipur Terming the construction illegal the bench ordered the removal of the temple within seven days and also sought action against officials responsible for allowing the encroachmentIn his petition Meena alleged that several shops and a temple had been illegally constructed on a public road in Pratap Nagar Sector7 He claimed that commercial activities were being carried out under the cover of religious faithFollowing the filing of the PIL the Municipal Corporation demolished the illegal shops but failed to take action against the templeThe civic body and other respondents argued before the court that the temple was old and linked to public faith However the petitioner submitted recent photographs showing fresh construction at the site after which the court directed the Deputy Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation to remove the temple and shift the idol to another legal temple within seven daysDuring the hearing Housing Board counsel Ajay Shukla informed the court that the Pratap Nagar area has been handed over to the Municipal CorporationThe bench observed that responsibility for granting construction permissions and taking action against illegal constructions lies with the Municipal CorporationMeanwhile State Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham said that the state govt will study the decision as it is under subjudice IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-hc-orders-removal-of-illegal-temples-from-roads-sidewalks-in-jaipur-660063.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/mizoram-cm-lalduhoma-calls-on-youth-to-lead-the-fight-against-drug-menace-660094.html Aizawl Jan 29 Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday once again urged the youth and all sections of society to stay away from drugs and actively fight the growing drug menace Inaugurating the National Cadet Corps NCC Mizoram Group Headquarters in Aizawl the Chief Minister expressed concern over the increasing impact of substance abuse among young people and stressed the need to shield them from such harmful influencesHe said that disciplined capable and committed youth should be provided with wider opportunities to showcase their talents and skillsKeeping these objectives in mind the state government decided to establish its own NCC Group Headquarters he addedLast year the Mizoram government conducted a special fourmonthlong operation between September and December 2025 to curb the smuggling of drugs from outside the state particularly from Myanmar The state police in coordination with the Excise and Narcotics Department and the Young Mizo Association YMA the largest civil society organisation in the state carried out the operation along with awareness campaignsFollowing the brief inaugural programme the Chief Minister held a meeting with ministers and senior NCC officersIn his remarks on the occasion Lalduhoma recalled the efforts made to establish the NCC Group Headquarters in Mizoram and expressed hope that the youth of the state would actively participate in NCC activities and use the platform for positive character buildingWith this development NCC Mizoram which was earlier administered under Assam will now function under its own dedicated Group HeadquartersNCCs Additional Director General North Eastern Region Major General Anurag Vij said that NCC aims to train and guide youth to become selfdisciplined courageous and responsible citizens who contribute positively to the nation society and family while remaining free from substance abuse and unhealthy lifestylesWhenever the state government initiates programmes aligned with these goals the NCC is ready to extend full cooperation he addedMajor General Vij also observed that while youth from Northeast India are disciplined and capable they are sometimes perceived as being less integrated with other parts of the countryTo address this the NCC plans to provide wider exposure by facilitating greater interaction with people from other states thereby strengthening mutual understandingOn infrastructure NCC officials highlighted the need for suitable accommodation and said that if the state government provides land the NCC would be able to construct its own facilities The land need not be permanently transferred and could be provided on a longterm lease basisCurrently Mizoram has four NCC units with around 8000 cadets With the establishment of the Group Headquarters NCC activities in the state are expected to expand further IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/mizoram-cm-lalduhoma-calls-on-youth-to-lead-the-fight-against-drug-menace-660094.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-yadav-welcomes-padma-shri-awardees-at-his-residence-660095.html Bhopal Jan 29 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday welcomed Padma Shri awardees Kailash Chandra Pant and Mohan Nagar at his official residence here and congratulated them for their achievements The Chief Minister honoured the awardees by presenting them with a shawl and an idol of Lord Mahakal âChief Minister Mohan Yadav today welcomed Kailash Chandra Pant and Mohan Nagar who have been selected for the Padma Shri award and extended his congratulationsâ the Chief Ministerâs Office said in a statementSenior litterateur and journalist Kailash Chandra Pant and social worker Mohan Nagar are among the four personalities from Madhya Pradesh selected for the Padma Shri the countryâs fourthhighest civilian award in recognition of their contributions in different fieldsPant 89 a resident of Sagar district will receive the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to Hindi literature Mohan Nagar hailing from Rajgarh district has been selected for the award in the field of social service particularly for his work in environmental protectionExpressing his happiness Pant had earlier said on January 25 that receiving the Padma Shri was a moment of pride for him and his family âThis honour is not only a matter of pride for me but also for everyone working in the field of Hindi literature and education Most of my literary work is based on critical essays along with some independent writingsâ he saidMohan Nagar who is currently serving as VicePresident of the Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad said he was engaged in serving the Narmada River and leading a cleanliness campaign when he learned about the honour He is also actively involved in educationrelated initiatives in the tribaldominated Betul districtTwo other personalities from Madhya Pradesh Bhagwan Das Raikwar Sports and Narayan Vyas Archaeology have also been selected for the Padma Shri this year IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-yadav-welcomes-padma-shri-awardees-at-his-residence-660095.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/there-should-be-no-compromise-on-ethical-use-of-ai-pm-modi-tells-ceos-660133.html New Delhi Jan 29 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told top CEOs and experts working in the field of Artificial Intelligence that there should be no compromise on the ethical use of AI The Prime Minister was interacting with the CEOs in a meeting held at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence in the runup to the IndiaAI Impact Summit in February The session was aimed at fostering strategic collaborations showcasing AI innovations and accelerating Indiaâs AI mission goalsPM Modi highlighted the importance of data security and the democratisation of technology He said that there should be no compromise on the ethical use of AI and emphasised the need to ensure an ecosystem which is transparent impartial and secure Indiaâs AI ecosystem should reflect the character and values of the nation he addedThe highlevel roundtable saw participation from CEOs of companies working in AI including Wipro TCS HCL Tech Zoho Corporation LTI Mindtree Jio Platforms Ltd AdaniConnex Nxtra Data and Netweb Technologies along with experts from IIIT Hyderabad IIT Madras and IIT Bombay Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada also participated in the interactionDuring the interaction the CEOs expressed strong support towards the goal of becoming selfsufficient in AI technology They also acknowledged the efforts and resources the government is putting to put India as a leader in AI on the global stageThe Prime Minister emphasised the need to embrace new technology in all spheres and use it to contribute to national growth He also urged the use of indigenous technology across key sectorsWhile speaking about the upcoming AI Impact Summit he highlighted that all individuals and companies should leverage the summit to explore new opportunities and leapfrog on the growth path He also stated that through Unified Payments Interface UPI India has demonstrated its technical prowess and this can be replicated in the field of AI as wellThe Prime Minister highlighted that India has a unique proposition of scale diversity and democracy due to which the world trusts Indiaâs digital infrastructure In line with his vision of âAI for Allâ he stated that we need to create an impact with our technology as well as inspire the world He also urged the CEOs and experts to make India a fertile destination for all global AI efforts IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/there-should-be-no-compromise-on-ethical-use-of-ai-pm-modi-tells-ceos-660133.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/youth-drifting-away-from-politics-leaving-kerala-worrying-trends-ak-antony-660162.html Thiruvananthapuram Jan 29 Congress Working Committee member and former Defence Minister AK Antony on Thursday expressed serious concern over the growing disinterest of young people in politics and an increasing reluctance among educated youth to remain in Kerala often described as Godâs Own Country In his remarks at a function here Antony said the trend was alarming and called for urgent introspectionHe said that when the United Democratic Front UDF returns to power it should undertake a comprehensive study into why educated young people are migrating out of the state in large numbers and evolve immediate corrective measures to arrest the outflow of talentAntony said the Congress in Kerala had been enriched by two âprecious gemsâ â senior leaders KA Chandran and VC KabeerHe said the public life of Chandran marked by Gandhian values and absolute integrity should be upheld as a role model for the younger generationChandran Antony noted had lived a life of simplicity without accepting even a small personal benefit from public lifeBoth Chandran and Kabeer into their early eighties now are former legislators and the latter was a minister in the state tooAntony was speaking after presenting the 11th Gandhi Darshan Award instituted by the KPCC Gandhi Darshan Samithi to ChandranThe function was presided over by Kabeer Master State President of the Gandhi Darshan SamithiThe inaugural session of the Secular Protection Convention held in connection with the event was opened by state Congress President Sunny JosephFormer state chief Ramesh Chennithala addressing the gathering said attempts were being made to weaken the significance of Mahatma Gandhiâs martyrdom and to undermine Gandhian idealsHe alleged that the Sangh Parivar agenda aimed at erasing Gandhiâs legacy was contributing to growing communal polarisation in the countryChennithala later presented a shawl and a memento to Chandran IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/youth-drifting-away-from-politics-leaving-kerala-worrying-trends-ak-antony-660162.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/youth-drifting-away-from-politics-leaving-kerala-worrying-trends-ak-antony-660164.html Thiruvananthapuram Jan 29 Congress Working Committee member and former Defence Minister AK Antony on Thursday expressed serious concern over the growing disinterest of young people in politics and an increasing reluctance among educated youth to remain in Kerala often described as Godâs Own Country In his remarks at a function here Antony said the trend was alarming and called for urgent introspectionHe said that when the United Democratic Front UDF returns to power it should undertake a comprehensive study into why educated young people are migrating out of the state in large numbers and evolve immediate corrective measures to arrest the outflow of talentAntony said the Congress in Kerala had been enriched by two âprecious gemsâ â senior leaders KA Chandran and VC KabeerHe said the public life of Chandran marked by Gandhian values and absolute integrity should be upheld as a role model for the younger generationChandran Antony noted had lived a life of simplicity without accepting even a small personal benefit from public lifeBoth Chandran and Kabeer into their early eighties now are former legislators and the latter was a minister in the state tooAntony was speaking after presenting the 11th Gandhi Darshan Award instituted by the KPCC Gandhi Darshan Samithi to ChandranThe function was presided over by Kabeer Master State President of the Gandhi Darshan SamithiThe inaugural session of the Secular Protection Convention held in connection with the event was opened by state Congress President Sunny JosephFormer state chief Ramesh Chennithala addressing the gathering said attempts were being made to weaken the significance of Mahatma Gandhiâs martyrdom and to undermine Gandhian idealsHe alleged that the Sangh Parivar agenda aimed at erasing Gandhiâs legacy was contributing to growing communal polarisation in the countryChennithala later presented a shawl and a memento to Chandran IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/youth-drifting-away-from-politics-leaving-kerala-worrying-trends-ak-antony-660164.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kidnapping-of-newborn-case-reveals-parents-sold-out-baby-due-to-poverty-in-jharkhand-659889.html Hazaribagh Jharkhand Jan 27 The socalled kidnapping of a newborn in Jharkhands Hazaribagh district turned out to be false and fabricated officials said on Tuesday Authorities found that the infant had not been kidnapped instead her parents sold her due to severe financial hardship The police have now recovered the baby and handed it to its motherAccording to the police Baby Devi a resident of Bahimar village in the Katkamandi police station area of Hazaribagh gave birth to her sixth child on January 24 this year Due to poor economic conditions the family decided to sell the baby as raising five children had already become difficult for themFeeling that they are unable to take responsibility for the newborn the couple contacted her relative Meena Devi also known as Malti Devi through her friend Devanti Devi and sold the newborn to herSubsequently on January 26 near Laxmi Petrol Pump in the Sadar police station area a false story of the baby being kidnapped emerged It was claimed that an unknown woman had taken away a threedayold baby from the arms of a woman who had come to Hazaribagh for medical treatmentThis news caused panic in the area people became outraged blocked roads and started shouting slogans against the policeConsidering the seriousness of the matter the police took swift action and began checking CCTV footage mobile locations and family background During strict questioning Baby Devi revealed the entire conspiracyFollowing this the police arrested Meena Devi alias Malti Devi from the Chauparan area and safely recovered the newborn After recovery the baby was handed over to her motherPolice officials stated that a thorough investigation into the entire matter is ongoing All aspects related to spreading false information conspiracy theories disturbing law and order and blocking roads are being examined IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kidnapping-of-newborn-case-reveals-parents-sold-out-baby-due-to-poverty-in-jharkhand-659889.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/sc-declines-plea-against-vip-darshan-at-mahakaleshwar-temple-659891.html New Delhi Jan 27 The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a petition challenging the practice of âVIP darshanâ and selective entry into the Garbhagriha innermost sanctum of the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain A bench headed by Chief Justice of India CJI Surya Kant observed that it was not a matter for judicial interferenceSensing the courts disinclination to entertain the plea the petitionerâs counsel chose to withdraw the matter with liberty to make a representation before the authorities concernedWhether it should be allowed or should not be itâs not for the apex court to decide Ideally maybe But for that let those who are at the helm of affairs take a decision not the courts the bench also comprising Justices R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi observedThe special leave petition SLP challenged the Madhya Pradesh High Court order which had dismissed the public interest litigation PIL against alleged preferential treatment being given to VIPs to enter the Garbhagriha to offer water to the deity while denying access to the general publicThe petitioner had contended that selective access to the sanctum violated Article 14 of the Constitution and amounted to discrimination on the basis of VIP status However the MP High Court in its detailed order authored by Justice Vivek Rusia had declined to interfere noting that the VIPs can enter in the Garbhagriha with a permission of Collector and Administrator of Management Committee of Mahakaleshwar Mandir and who is VIP in the opinion of Collector and Administrator of Mahakaleshwar cannot be decided in a writ petition which is purely a discretion of the competent authorityIt further observed that the âVIPâ has not been defined in any of the statutory Acts or rules hence any person who is given permission by the competent authority to enter inside the Garbhagriha may be treated as VIP on a particular day amp time scheduleHolding that the writ court cannot decide who qualifies as a VIP the MP High Court said the petitioner appeared to be âa personal aggrieved personâ and ruled that the PIL was not maintainableAt the Supreme Court the CJI also cautioned that if courts were to apply fundamental rights inside the sanctum sanctorum it could open the door to further claims If courts start regulating who should be allowed to enter or who should not be itâs too much for the courts the apex court remarked adding that applying Article 14 could lead to claims under other fundamental rights as well IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/sc-declines-plea-against-vip-darshan-at-mahakaleshwar-temple-659891.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/medaram-jatara-stage-set-for-asias-largest-tribal-fair-in-telangana-659904.html Hyderabad Jan 27 The stage is set for the Sammakka Sarakka Jatara billed as the largest tribal fair in Asia beginning at Medaram in Telanganaâs Mulugu district on Wednesday Over two crore devotees from various parts of the country are likely to attend the fourday biennial event in Medaram village about 240 km from HyderabadAuthorities have made massive arrangements for the event often described as Telanganaâs Kumbh Mela Tribals and nontribals from various parts of Telangana Andhra Pradesh Maharashtra Karnataka Chhattisgarh Madhya Pradesh Odisha and other states will converge for the fair which marks the celebration of tribal traditionsThis year the state government has spent Rs 251 crore for the development of Medaram and creating permanent infrastructure for Jatara also known as Sammakka Saralamma Jatara or Medaram JataraAbout 10 lakh devotees have already offered prayers to the presiding tribal deities during the last few daysAdivasis living in forest fringe habitations in several states along the river Godavari congregate once in two years to celebrate the valour of legendary warriors Sammakka and SarakkaThe tribals treat them as goddesses and hail their bravery in trying to protect them Belonging to the Koya tribe the motherdaughter duo died while fighting against the Kakatiya empire about eight centuries agoThe legend is that Sammakka and her daughter Sarakka Saralamma fought against the levy of taxes on tribals during drought conditions by the then Kakatiya rulers in the 12th centuryTribal king Medaraju was ruling the tribal habitations on the banks of the river Godavari and was supposed to pay a royalty to the Kakatiya king However due to severe prolonged drought Medaraju failed to pay a royalty Treating it as defiance the Kakatiya king invaded the region Fighting with the Kakatiya army Medaraju and all kin died His daughter Sammakka and her daughter Sarakka too died in the fightAccording to local lore Sammakka who was fatigued went to the Chilukalagutta hillocks and disappeared The Adivasis who reportedly went in search of her only found a casket of vermilion under a bamboo treeOnce every two years the tribal priests offer prayers at the bamboo grove and bring a casket of vermilion and a bamboo stick wrapped in red cloth symbolising Sammakka whom they consider their deityA day before the priest performs a similar ritual at Kannepalli village four kilometres from Medaram and brings the deity Sarakka Both are installed under the Indian Elm tree at Medaram village and thus begin the Jatara After three days they take back the deities and leave them in the forest until the next JataraThe tribals offer jaggery of their weight considering it to be gold They also offer red blouse pieces vermilion and turmeric to the deities in large quantities They take a little part of the same as prasadam from the altar back to their homesDevotees also take a holy dip in Jampanna Vagu a tributary of the Godavari River Jampanna was the tribal warrior and the son of tribal Sammakka Upon hearing the news of defeat and the death of his family members in the war with the Kakatiyan Army he committed suicide by jumping into the Sampenga Vagu stream Since then the Sampenga stream has been known as Jampanna Vagu The tribals believe that a dip in the stream washes off their sinsThe state government has made elaborate arrangements for the Jatara Over 42000 officers and employees from 21 departments have been deployed to provide all amenities to the devoteesAbout 2000 Advasi volunteers will also assist the devoteesMassive security arrangements have been made for the tribal fair As many as 13000 police personnel have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the biennial eventThe police will be using an Artificial Intelligence AI based drone policing system for effective monitoring of the congregation Control rooms have been set up at various places to manage the crowdThe entire Medaram area has been divided into eight zones and 42 sectors to control the crowd For every zone a districtlevel official will be in charge while a mandallevel official will be incharge for every sectorPolice have arranged parking at 42 places spread over 1418 acresOver 200 expert swimmers will be deployed at Jampanna Vagu to prevent any untoward incidentThe Medical and Health Department has set up 30 health camps and deployed 5192 medical staffAuthorities have deployed 5000 sanitation workers and arranged 5700 makeshift toiletsThe Telangana State Road Transport Corporation TGSRTC has already announced that it will operate over 4000 buses for MedaramThe South Central Railway SCR will be operating 28 special train services to meet the pilgrim rush between January 28 and 31Special trains are being operated from different places like Secunderabad Nizamabad Adilabad Kazipet and Khammam to the Warangal station which is the nearest railway station to reach MedaramThe Tourism Department has introduced helicopter services for pilgrims from Hanamkonda to Medaram The helicopter service is operated by Thumby AviationPassengers can avail VIP darshan including a round trip at a cost of Rs 35999 per person Additionally an aerial ride over the fair is priced at Rs 4800 per individual IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/medaram-jatara-stage-set-for-asias-largest-tribal-fair-in-telangana-659904.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/andhra-pradeshs-journey-of-recovery-has-begun-governor-abdul-nazeer-659745.html Amaravati Jan 26 Andhra Pradeshâs journey of recovery and transformation has begun after the state remained without a clear direction for several years Governor S Abdul Nazeer said on Monday Addressing the historic first Republic Day celebrations in the state capital Amaravati the Governor stated that every initiative and reform is aimed at reviving growth and fulfilling the aspirations of peopleTodayâs celebration is historic For the first time the National Flag is being hoisted in Amaravati the peopleâs capital of Andhra Pradesh For several years our state remained without clear direction its capital project stalled its economic confidence shaken The absence of continuity eroded investor trust and weakened financial stabilityâ he saidDespite these challenges the government worked with quiet determination to restore stability and rebuild confidence he saidThis effort has not been easy It has demanded discipline resilience and faith in our collective purpose But the results are visible â projects are moving institutions are regaining strength and public trust is being rebuilt The journey of recovery and transformation has begun he saidTo guide this course the government has anchored its actions in the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision to build a strong inclusive and globally competitive state by the centenary of Indiaâs independence the Governor said adding that the guiding framework for this vision is the Padi Sutralu â the 10 fundamental principles of governance He listed out the initiatives taken and the progress achieved under these guiding principlesThe 10 principles are zero poverty employment and skilling Yuva Galam population management amp human resource development water security farmeragritech global best logistics amp infrastructure cost optimisation energy amp fuel product perfection Brand AP swachh Andhra amp safe Andhra and deep tech amp smart governanceThe Governor asserted that on this 77th Republic Day they are celebrating not only the democracy but also the indomitable spirit of Andhra Pradesh â a state that rises stronger from every challengeMy Government believes that governance must evolve with the times Speed and transparency are now the new yardsticks of service delivery Through technology we are ensuring that help information and justice reach citizens instantly â not in days but in moments This is what we call the Speed of Delivering Governance As we march toward Swarna Andhra we envision a state where every village is prosperous every town dynamic and every city sustainable he saidThe Governor stated that the Super Six implementation lies at the heart of the governmentâs efforts to deliver dignity pride security and happiness to every individual and empowerment to every family in Andhra PradeshVoicing concern over the widening gap between the haves and the havenots he said the government is reversing this trend by combining robust welfare measures with wealth creation and improved living standards for allUnder NTR Bharosa the monthly pension of Rs 4000 is the highest in the country The pension is Rs 6000 for persons with disabilities A total of 6312 lakh pensioners are benefiting under the schemeDeepam 20 is providing 3 free LPG cylinders a year to poor households benefiting 108 crore people The Sthree Shakti free bus travel scheme launched on August 15 2025 has enabled 3780 crore women girls and transgender persons to travel free raising womenâs share of bus journeys from 40 per cent to 65 per centA new Family Benefit Management System with a dynamic Family Score will classify households and issue Family Cards from June 2026 increasing welfare coverage from 9074 per cent to 9815 per centHe noted that the P4 Programme PublicâPrivateâPeople Partnership launched on Ugadi 2025 is advancing the goal of âZero Povertyâ by uniting government industry and communities to uplift the bottom 20 per cent of the population Over 1 lakh âMargadarsisâ have adopted 1030 lakh âBangaru Kutumbaluâ working family by family to eliminate deprivation IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/andhra-pradeshs-journey-of-recovery-has-begun-governor-abdul-nazeer-659745.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/telangana-focused-on-expanding-welfare-schemes-strengthening-agriculture-governor-659750.html Hyderabad Jan 26 The Telangana government during the last two years focused on expanding welfare schemes and strengthening agricultural support and developing infrastructure along with significant investments in digital education new universities and boosting the IT ITES sector through tech parks and innovation initiatives all while sustaining strong economic growth and improving law and order Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said on Monday During his speech at the 77th Republic Day celebrations the Governor listed various schemes implemented for welfare and developmentHe stated that the government is according the highest priority to the welfare of farmers Roundtheclock quality power supply is being provided to the agricultural sector and farm loans up to Rs 2 lakh have been waived involving an expenditure of Rs 20617 crore and benefiting around 26 lakh farmersThe Governor mentioned that the Rythu Bharosa assistance was enhanced last year from Rs 10000 to Rs 12000 per acre per annum strengthening input support to cultivators In addition every grain produced by farmers is being procured along with a bonus of 500 rupees per quintal on fine variety paddyDuring the current Kharif season around 72 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were procured from 1424 lakh farmers with payments amounting to Rs 1707950 crore till date A further Rs 1453 crore was disbursed as a bonus subsidyHe pointed out that Telangana has emerged as Indiaâs leading producer of paddy supported by robust agricultural infrastructure The state has also expanded its presence in international markets exporting rice to countries such as the PhilippinesThe Governor stated that for the first time a Farmer Commission has been constituted to enhance farmersâ economy and promote sustainable agricultural practices through modern technologies soil health management organic farming and effective implementation of welfare schemes thereby improving productivity and reducing indebtednessHe said the problemridden Dharani Portal was replaced with the farmerfriendly Bhu Bharati Act to resolve longstanding land disputesAfter a long gap the government has successfully completed the recruitment in Group I Group II Group III and Group IV categories through the Telangana Public Service Commission As many as 62749 youth have been given jobs through the Public Service Commission the Police Recruitment Board and other recruitment agencies till date he saidTo provide employment in the private sector the government had recently initiated the Digital Employment Exchange of Telangana DEET to empower the youth by enhancing their employability at zero cost A total of 122337 job seekers were enrolled and 1892 employers were onboardedGovernor Varma said the Young India Skill University was established by the government to impart employable skills among youth Major reforms in the school and higher education sectors were also introduced The government is setting up a Young India Sports University in the Future City which will be an integrated sports hubThe government has upgraded ITIs into Advanced Technology Centres to skill youth in highdemand sectors bridging the gap between industry and academia with training scholarships and job support aiming to make Telangana a global skill capitalThe government firmly believes that the future of the state is shaped in classrooms and has therefore undertaken several initiatives to strengthen the government education system enabling it to compete on par with private institutions he saidAn Education Commission was appointed to formulate effective education policies Mess charges were increased by 40 per cent and cosmetic charges by 200 per cent to improve facilities for studentsYoung India Integrated Residential Schools each on 25 acres are being established to provide equal opportunities to students Recently a Young India Police Residential School was started for the children of police personnel he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/telangana-focused-on-expanding-welfare-schemes-strengthening-agriculture-governor-659750.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/our-journey-was-rooted-in-service-padma-shri-awardees-dr-rajendra-prasad-and-kk-thakral-659807.html Lucknow Jan 26 It is a proud moment for UPs state capital Lucknow as two eminent doctors from the city have been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award for their outstanding services in the field of medicine The awardees are renowned pulmonologist and tuberculosis specialist Dr Rajendra Prasad former Head of the Department at King Georgeâs Medical University KGMU and noted Ayurveda surgeon KK Thakral Dr Rajendra Prasad who has been selected for the Padma Shri is regarded as the founder of the Pulmonary Medicine Department at KGMU He began his journey at KGMU as a student and eventually rose to become the Head of the DepartmentSpeaking to IANS Dr Prasad shared details about his family saying his late father Gopichand was a cloth merchant while his late mother Vijay Lakshmi was a homemaker His son Dr Nikhil Gupta is a faculty member in the Department of Medicine at the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute while his daughter Dr Pallavi is a dentist and is marriedDr Rajendra Prasad credited his wife Meera Gupta and his entire family for his achievement Reflecting on his nearly five decades of medical practice he said I have always maintained a warm and respectful relationship with my patients I would advise the next generation of doctors to treat patients with empathy as good behaviour helps patients recover fasterMeanwhile Thakral a distinguished practitioner of Shalya Tantra Ayurvedic surgery has also been conferred with the Padma ShriRecounting his early life Thakral told IANS Our residence was in the region that is now part of Pakistan in the Sargodha district During the Partition in 1947 we migrated to India and settled in Yamunanagar now in Haryana My father was a physician and practised medicine The initial years were difficult but despite the challenges my father paid special attention to our educationHe further said that after completing intermediate education his father sent him to study at an Ayurvedic college in Lucknow where he underwent rigorous training for five years Due to my fatherâs discipline and guidance I consistently performed well in all subjects The MS Ayurveda degree had just been introduced at that time and I was the topper of the first batch he addedThakral said he completed his education in 1964 from Lucknow and in 1968 from Banaras adding that he followed the discipline and values learned during his training throughout his life I have served as a lecturer and professor as well Around 70 to 80 per cent of my patients come from economically weaker sections such as labourers workers and lowincome groups They need good affordable and accessible healthcare If a farmer does not receive timely treatment it affects not only his health but also his livelihood he saidHighlighting the benefits of Ayurveda Thakral said it is a costeffective system of medicine that does not rely on foreign exchange Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs efforts to promote AYUSH and traditional medicine he said The system has undergone changes over time and medical treatment has become expensive in many places In this context the Prime Ministerâs initiative to promote AYUSH and traditional medicine is highly commendable in public interest and in the national interest IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/our-journey-was-rooted-in-service-padma-shri-awardees-dr-rajendra-prasad-and-kk-thakral-659807.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/mann-ki-baat-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-thanks-pm-modi-for-highlighting-anantapurs-water-conservation-efforts-659655.html Amaravati Jan 25 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting the efforts of the people of Anantapur in water conservation during his radio programme âMann Ki Baatâ âThank you Honâble Prime Minister Sir for highlighting the inspiring efforts of the people of Anantapur in water conservation during your first Mann Ki Baat of the year todayâ the Chief Minister posted on XNaidu said that water security is one of the âPadi Sutralusâ 10point principles adopted under the Swarna Andhra VisionâWe are committed to building resilient water conservation infrastructure by integrating modern technology with traditional water management practices Your message today further motivates us in this missionâ he addedDuring his address Prime Minister Modi highlighted the communityled water conservation initiative in Anantapur noting the active participation of local residentsHe pointed out that the region has long struggled with severe drought due to its red and sandy soil and erratic rainfall patternsâThe soil here is red and sandy This is the reason people face water scarcity Many regions do not witness rainfall for long periods Many a times people even compare Anantapur with the drought conditions of a desertâ the Prime Minister saidHe said that to address the problem residents took a pledge to clean reservoirs and with administrative support launched the âAnanta Neeru Samarakshanamâ projectThe Prime Minister noted that more than 10 reservoirs have been revived under the initiative and are now filled with water Over 7000 trees have also been planted leading to an increase in green coverâIn Anantapur along with water conservation greenery has also increased Children can now enjoy swimming here In a way the entire ecosystem has blossomed againâ he saidPrime Minister Modi also shared a video clip of the water conservation efforts in Anantapur on X along with a post in TeluguâI congratulate the people of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh who are working to rejuvenate water tanksâ he wrote IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/mann-ki-baat-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-thanks-pm-modi-for-highlighting-anantapurs-water-conservation-efforts-659655.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/padma-awards-tn-shines-as-states-luminaries-honoured-659676.html Chennai Jan 25 Tamil Naduâs enduring legacy of public service intellectual excellence and cultural stewardship found national recognition this year with several eminent personalities from the state figuring prominently in the Padma awards list The honours span medicine social work science arts literature and public administration underscoring decades of commitment to nationbuilding and community welfareLeading the list is Kalipatti Ramasamy Palanisamy a distinguished medical professional who was conferred the Padma Bhushan for his pioneering contributions to healthcareWidely respected for his serviceoriented approach Palanisamyâs work has had a transformative impact on community health particularly in rural and underserved regions of Tamil NaduAlso receiving the Padma Bhushan is SKM Maeilanandhan a noted social worker whose sustained efforts in education social welfare and community development have touched thousands of lives across the stateThe Padma Shri honours featured a strong representation from the arts medicine and science In the field of arts Gayatri Balasubramanian and Ranjani Balasubramanian were recognised for their creative contributions that have helped preserve and reinterpret traditional Indian art formsMedical science saw multiple awardees including HV Hande honoured for his longstanding service in healthcare and Punniamurthy Natesan recognised for his dedicated work in medical and veterinary researchIn science and engineering K Ramasamy and Veezhinathan Kamakoti the current Director of IIT Madras were awarded the Padma Shri for advancing scientific knowledge and technical educationPublic service was acknowledged through K Vijayakumar a senior IPS officer noted for his peoplecentric policing and for his role in key investigations including operations against forest brigand Veerappan Traditional and performing arts also received due recognition with Padma Shri awards to Othuvaar Thiruthani Swaminathan Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar and Thiruvarur Bhakthavathsalam for safeguarding and popularising classical and folk traditionsIn literature and education veteran writer Sivasankari was honoured for her influential contribution to Tamil literary discourse while K Pajanivel received the Padma Shri for Chilambam martial arts and social service in Puducherry Posthumous recognition was accorded to R Krishnan for his enduring artistic legacyTogether the Padma awardees from Tamil Nadu reflect excellence across disciplines and reaffirm the Stateâs profound and continuing contribution to Indiaâs cultural intellectual and public life IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/padma-awards-tn-shines-as-states-luminaries-honoured-659676.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/hyderabad-police-to-deal-firmly-with-digital-blackmail-cyberstalking-659688.html Hyderabad Jan 25 Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar said on Sunday that harassment of women particularly digital blackmail and cyberstalking will be dealt with firmly and without compromise No offender should assume anonymity or technology will shield them from the law We will pursue every complaint with seriousness and ensure strict legal action the Commissioner saidSHE Teams of Hyderabad police resolved over 1100 complaints and apprehended over 3800 miscreants in a yearUsing a combination of undercover surveillance decoy operations and technical expertise the specialised wing of the city police apprehended 3826 individuals caught redhanded for various forms of harassment in 2025Sajjanar reiterated that womenâs safety remains a nonnegotiable priority for the Hyderabad policeUrging women not to suffer in silence he stated that fear of stigma or exposure should never deter victims from seeking helpYour identity and dignity will be protected Confidentiality is our responsibility and the police will stand with every woman who approaches us he added assuring a swift response and victimcentric handling of complaintsSajjanar said that an analysis of cases registered during the year pointed to a worrying rise in cyberrelated offences Blackmail emerged as the most common complaint with 366 victims seeking assistanceOffenders typically befriended women on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram gained their trust and later misused recorded video calls or private photographs to extort money or sexual favours In several cases former partners used old images to threaten victims often attempting to disrupt their future marriages or personal livesPolice also observed a rise in what they termed psychological voyeurism where offenders exploit the anonymity of digital platforms to harass women The SHE Teams resolved 121 cases of midnight harassment through internet calls and 82 cases involving fake profiles and the circulation of obscene content on WhatsAppAt least 50 women reported severe mental distress due to repeated abusive calls from untraceable numbers which were later identified using forensic analysis The teams further handled 98 cases of breach of promise to marry where men allegedly exploited women emotionally physically or financially under the pretext of marriage before abandoning themPsychological counselling was provided to the victims and criminal proceedings were initiated against the accusedApart from complaintbased action the SHE Teams maintained a strong preventive presence on the ground Fifteen teams operating in plain clothes conducted surveillance and decoy operations at bus stations colleges and other crowded public places Of the 3826 individuals apprehended most were counselled along with their family members while serious cases led to FIRs arrests and judicial custody IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/hyderabad-police-to-deal-firmly-with-digital-blackmail-cyberstalking-659688.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kashmiri-linguist-prof-shafi-shauq-conferred-with-padma-shri-award-659692.html Srinagar Jan 25 Kashmiri poet writer linguist and critic Shafi Shauq was conferred on Sunday with the Padma Shri award on the eve of the countryâs 77th Republic Day celebrations When he learnt about his nomination for the award this year Shafi Shauq told IANS âIn addition to recognition of my humble contribution to Kashmiri literature it is more an award for the recognition of the literary richness of KashmirâI am humbled by learning that I have been nominated to join the group of persons recognised for their contribution to literature in public lifeâ Shauq saidThe Padma Shri is the fourthhighest civilian award of the Republic of India after the Bharat Ratna the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma BhushanInstituted on 2 January 1954 the award is conferred in recognition of distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the arts education industry literature science acting medicine social service and public affairs It is awarded by the Government of India every year on Indias Republic DayShafi Shauq was born in 1950 in the state of Jammu and Kashmir He completed his PhD in English and is an acclaimed poet fiction writer linguist and criticBorn in Kaprin village of Shopian district Shafi Shauq is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices in Kashmiri studies Over a distinguished academic career spanning more than three decades at the University of Kashmir he authored edited and translated over 100 books across Kashmiri Urdu Hindi and English His seminal worksâincluding âKeeshur Lugaatâ Kashmiri Dictionary âKeeshryuk Grammarâ and âKaeshir Zaban ti Adibuk Tawaariekhâ History of the Kashmiri Language and Literature are considered foundational texts and remain indispensable to scholars students and researchersAfter serving for thirty three years in the University of Kashmir Prof Shauq retired as Dean Faculty of Arts in 2010Interestingly Shafi Shauq passed his postgraduate exam in English literature and did his PhD in English literature But finally chose Kashmiri as his medium of communicationHe has written scores of books and has proficiency in Kashmiri Urdu English and Hindi languages IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kashmiri-linguist-prof-shafi-shauq-conferred-with-padma-shri-award-659692.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kerala-bets-on-responsible-ai-to-power-its-next-growth-phase-659576.html Thiruvananthapuram Jan 24 As Artificial Intelligence moves rapidly from buzzword to backbone Kerala is positioning itself to make AI a key driver of governance reform and economic strategy The Stateâs emerging approach reflects a deliberate shift from building digital infrastructure to generating measurable public and economic outcomes from advanced technologiesChief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said âArtificial Intelligence has the potential to transform governance and public service delivery but it must be developed and deployed in alignment with democratic values ethical principles and data protectionâKerala enters this phase with several structural advantages Initiatives such as KFON aimed at universal broadband access the Kerala Startup Mission and the Digital University have already created a strong base of connectivity talent and innovationThe challenge now lies in translating this readiness into scalable AI applications across governance healthcare education agriculture and digital public infrastructureThe Stateâs policy narrative is also closely aligned with national priorities under the India AI MissionWith the India AI Summit 2026 approaching Kerala is seeking to position itself as an implementation hub for AIdriven public systems while simultaneously attracting startups investors and global partnerships focused on digital services and platformsWhile the State has historically been cautious about large private capital inflows its strengths lie in skilled human capital credible public institutions and rising demand for AIled solutions in areas such as health technology governance platforms and cybersecurityThese segments offer scope for pilots that can be scaled into exportable service modelsConverting policy intent into outcomes will require agile procurement frameworks regulatory clarity and deeper collaboration between government academia and startupsThere is also the risk that excessive caution could slow innovation in a sector defined by speedEven so Keralaâs AI strategy is beginning to stand out not as a race to deploy technology but as an effort to define how AI can serve public interest while opening new economic pathwaysIf successful this approach could give the State a distinctive position in Indiaâs evolving AI economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kerala-bets-on-responsible-ai-to-power-its-next-growth-phase-659576.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ahead-of-2026-tn-assembly-polls-mnm-pitches-for-15-seats-dmk-may-concede-3-659591.html Chennai Jan 24 The executive and working committees of Makkal Needhi Maiam MNM held a meeting at the partyâs headquarters in Alwarpet with party founder and leader Kamal Haasan presiding over the deliberations The meeting focused on MNMs electoral strategy particularly seatsharing negotiations with its ally the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam DMK ahead of the next Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for 2026Founded in 2018 by Kamal Haasan MNM has had a limited electoral record so farThe party contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections independently in all 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu but failed to win a single seat securing around 040 per cent of the total vote share In the 2021 Assembly elections MNM again went solo fielding candidates in 180 constituenciesWhile it did not register any victories its vote share increased to 262 per cent indicating a modest expansion of its support base particularly in urban pocketsIn a strategic shift MNM joined hands with the DMKled alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections Although the party was not allotted any constituencies to contest the alliance accommodated MNM by facilitating a Rajya Sabha seat making Kamal Haasan a Member of ParliamentAgainst this backdrop the meeting assumes significance According to sources MNM leaders discussed the number of Assembly seats the DMK might be willing to concede to its ally and assessed constituencies where the party believes it has realistic winning prospects MNM is said to have prepared a tentative list of 15 constituencies it would prefer to contestThese reportedly include Coimbatore South Coimbatore North Singanallur Velachery Mylapore Maduravoyal Ambattur Tambaram Sholinganallur Koundampalayam Srirangam Tiruchirappalli East Madurai Central Alandur and Thyagarayanagar mostly urban and semiurban seats where MNM has previously recorded relatively better vote sharesHowever alliancelevel discussions suggest that the DMK leadership may be inclined to allocate only three Assembly seats to MNM As part of the broader campaign strategy it has also been decided that Kamal Haasan will be deployed extensively across Tamil Nadu as a star campaigner for the alliance leveraging his statewide recognition and appeal Formal seatsharing talks between the DMK and MNM are expected to intensify in the coming months IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ahead-of-2026-tn-assembly-polls-mnm-pitches-for-15-seats-dmk-may-concede-3-659591.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/agreement-signed-to-provide-drone-based-healthcare-services-in-nagaland-659490.html Kohima Jan 23 In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in Nagaland a Memorandum of Agreement MoA has been signed to integrate drone technology into the stateâs healthcare service framework officials said here on Friday A senior Health and Family Welfare Department official said that the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre NGISRSC under the Planning and Transformation Department and the department signed the MoA in Kohima on Thursday to incorporate drone technology into the stateâs healthcare delivery system The official said that the collaboration aims to address critical challenges posed by Nagalandâs difficult terrain remoteness and limited accessibility by deploying drone technology for the delivery of emergency medical supplies as well as for response during disease outbreaks and natural calamities The drone technology will also provide aerial support for vector control operations and enable geospatial mapping to facilitate informed planning and decisionmaking he added Under the agreement the NGISRSC will undertake drone operations capacity building data analysis and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks while the Department of Health amp Family Welfare will provide the necessary logistical support coordination and deployment planning Senior Project Director NGISRSC Mhathung Kithan emphasised the importance of integrating emerging technologies into public health systems stating that the adoption of drone technology would significantly enhance the efficiency of healthcare service delivery across the mountainous state Principal Director Health amp Family Welfare Mereninla Senlem highlighted that the collaboration would strengthen the stateâs preparedness and response mechanisms during emergencies and disasters She noted that the initiative would play a crucial role in ensuring the timely delivery of essential medical supplies during emergency health operations and disaster situations The MoA marks an important milestone in Nagalandâs journey towards resilient technologyenabled healthcare and sets a model for interdepartmental collaboration in leveraging emerging technologies for public welfare the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/agreement-signed-to-provide-drone-based-healthcare-services-in-nagaland-659490.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-cm-announces-foreign-language-communication-skills-school-in-jaipur-on-basant-panchami-659492.html Jaipur Jan 23 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday said youth power is the greatest asset of any nation and plays a decisive role in the progress of the country and the state Youth are both the present and the future of the nation and the state government stands with students and youth at every step he said He urged students to study with dedication innovate and realise their dreams by making full use of government schemes The Chief Minister announced the opening of a Foreign Language Communication Skills School in Jaipur for students of government collegesHe was addressing the Saraswati Vandana Youth Dialogue and Mega PTM organised at Commerce College on the occasion of Basant Panchami and the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Friday Extending greetings on Basant Panchami he said the festival symbolises new consciousness creativity and resolveOn this occasion 75 lakh students across the state offered collective Saraswati Vandana paying homage to Goddess Saraswati He also recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Boseâs immense contribution to Indiaâs freedom struggle through the formation of the Azad Hind FaujThe Chief Minister said the state government is implementing several initiatives for youth education skill development employment and selfemploymentMore than one lakh appointments have already been made recruitment is underway for 143 lakh posts and a recruitment examination calendar has been released for one lakh government posts Around 25 lakh youth have gained employment in the private sectorHe highlighted major initiatives such as the establishment of 71 new government colleges Youth Partner Centres at the divisional level and organisation of the Khelo India University GamesPolicies and schemes like the Rajasthan Youth Policy Chief Ministerâs Youth SelfEmployment Scheme skill training programmes internships 65 iStartup Launchpad Nests and financial assistance of approximately Rs 225 crore to 658 startups are promoting holistic youth developmentThe Chief Minister said the government is continuously introducing new policies schemes and innovations to improve the education sectorThe Mega PTM will provide a new direction to education in Rajasthan and strengthen trust and cooperation among teachers parents and students he saidHe said that Krishna Bhog was organised in all government schools fostering collective participation and a positive environmentUnder the Nipun Rajasthan Programme the reading writing and arithmetic skills of students from Classes 1 to 5 are being enhanced through activitybased learningCM Sharma said daughters are excelling in every field today The state government is supporting girls from birth through education to ensure a dignified safe and independent lifeSchemes such as the Lado Protsahan Yojana free bicycles for girls free basic computer education for 164 lakh women and girls training in accounting and spoken English and the Chief Ministerâs Women Empowerment Skill Development Scheme are empowering women across the stateThe Chief Minister said every student has extraordinary potential and should move forward with hard work discipline and values Parents and teachers form the strongest support system for studentsWhile discipline may sometimes seem challenging it strengthens the foundation for future success True competition he said should be with oneselfTeachers are not just educators but guides motivators and mentors who play a vital role in nationbuildingReferring to the previous government CM Sharma said the dreams of youth were shattered due to issues like paper leaks but his government has taken strict action and will not spare those who undermine students futuresGuided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the state government is committed to the welfare of farmers women youth and the poorDeputy Chief Minister Dr Premchand Bairwa said the Chief Ministerâs interaction with students parents and teachers during the Mega PTM was inspiring and would further strengthen Rajasthanâs education system He described Netaji Subhas Chandra Boseâs life as a lasting inspiration for the youthEarlier the Chief Minister paid floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the occasion of Parakram Diwas Valour Day IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-cm-announces-foreign-language-communication-skills-school-in-jaipur-on-basant-panchami-659492.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/palaniswami-slams-dmk-at-nda-rally-says-right-moment-has-arrived-659493.html Chennai Jan 23 Launching a sharp political attack on the ruling DMK AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday declared that the National Democratic Alliance NDA had reached the right moment right place and right leadership to reclaim power in Tamil Nadu Speaking at the NDAs election campaign rally at Madurantakam near Chennai Palaniswami exuded confidence and predicted a decisive victory for the alliance in the upcoming Assembly electionsThe rally which marked the formal launch of the NDAâs campaign in the state was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose presence added considerable political weight to the eventSenior alliance leaders including PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran Tamil Maanila Congress Moopanar president GK Vasan and other NDA constituents also shared the stageReferring to the Prime Ministers arrival Palaniswami used a symbolic metaphor saying âWhen Prime Minister Modi set foot on this land even nature responded and the sun hid itself When we stand together with the right people at the right time victory is assured That moment has arrived nowâTargeting the DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin Palaniswami alleged that the past fourandahalf years had brought only suffering to the peopleâWhat has Stalin given Tamil Nadu other than hardship Is it fair to exploit eight crore people for the survival of one familyâ he asked accusing the Karunanidhi family of looting the state and promoting dynastic politicsClaiming that corruption was the DMK governmentâs only achievement the AIADMK leader said the ruling party had elevated Udhayanidhi Stalin to key positions of power without meritDescribing the forthcoming election as the DMKâs âlastâ Palaniswami asserted that the NDA would defeat the ruling party decisively and form the next government by winning 210 seatsHighlighting the AIADMKâs tenure in power Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu had benefited immensely from a cooperative relationship with the CentreHe cited approvals for major infrastructure projects including new bridges national highways Chennai Metro Rail Phase II and Central funding worth Rs 63000 croreHe also referred to key irrigation and water projects stating that the Centre extended full support during the AIADMK regimeâTamil Nadu developed rapidly when the AIADMK was in power because we worked in coordination with the Union government That development will return once againâ Palaniswami said setting the tone for an aggressive NDA campaign in the runup to the elections IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/palaniswami-slams-dmk-at-nda-rally-says-right-moment-has-arrived-659493.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ncp-veteran-chhagan-bhujbal-acquitted-in-maharashtra-sadan-scam-case-659497.html Mumbai Jan 23 Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and NCP Ajit Pawar faction veteran Chhagan Bhujbal has been acquitted by a special PMLA court in Mumbai in the Maharashtra Sadan scam a money laundering case The order also clears his son Pankaj Bhujbal and nephew Sameer Bhujbal bringing to an end a legal battle that began nearly a decade ago When contacted Bhujbal said he would give his reaction after receiving the court orderThe courtâs decision follows a 2021 ruling in which Bhujbal was discharged by an AntiCorruption Bureau ACB court in the predicate offence â the base corruption case His legal team argued that since the primary corruption case had resulted in a discharge that was never challenged by the state the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate ED could not legally standSpecial Judge RN Rokade accepted the defence plea observing that under legal principles laid down by the Supreme Court if an individual is acquitted or discharged in the scheduled offence the money laundering proceedings cannot continueThe case dates back to 200506 when Bhujbal as Public Works Department PWD Minister in the then CongressNCP government allegedly awarded a contract for the construction of the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi to KS Chamankar Enterprises without inviting competitive tendersInvestigators alleged that the contract was worth over Rs 100 crore and that the Bhujbal family received kickbacks in return for favouring the firm The ACB claimed contractors earned an 80 per cent profit far exceeding the permitted 20 per centFollowing a public interest litigation PIL and allegations raised by activists including Anjali Damania the ACB registered an FIR in 2015 against the Bhujbals for cheating forgery and corruptionThe ED later initiated a probe into the money laundering angle In March 2016 Bhujbal was arrested and spent over two years in Arthur Road Jail eventually securing bail in May 2018 on medical groundsA special ACB court discharged Bhujbal Pankaj and Sameer from the original corruption case in 2021 stating there was insufficient evidence to prove the allegations of kickbacks or procedural irregularitiesFollowing the discharge the Bhujbals moved the court to quash the EDâs money laundering caseAccording to political observers the ruling effectively clears the family of the most serious legal shadow looming over their political careersThis acquittal is a major political victory for Chhagan Bhujbal who is a prominent OBC leader in Maharashtra Coming at a time when he is a key part of the Mahayuti government the verdict silences longstanding scamtainted allegations used by the opposition Bhujbal has consistently maintained that the cases were politically motivated and a result of vendetta politics IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ncp-veteran-chhagan-bhujbal-acquitted-in-maharashtra-sadan-scam-case-659497.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/four-men-vandalise-suv-in-late-night-road-rage-incident-in-ahmedabad-659560.html Ahmedabad Jan 24 Police on Saturday launched an investigation after a private SUV was vandalised by a group of men in a latenight road rage incident in the Vasna area of Ahmedabad causing extensive damage to the vehicle According to police and local sources the incident occurred around midnight near Pravin Nagar CCTV footage shows a white vehicle pulling up behind a black Mahindra Thar and forcing it to stop on the roadFour men then emerged from the white vehicle armed with metal pipes and sticks and without any apparent provocation began attacking the Thar The footage shows the assailants smashing the windscreen windows and body panels before fleeing the scene in the same vehicleVasna police confirmed that a case has been registered and that CCTV footage is being examined to identify the attackers and ascertain the motive behind the assaultâWe are treating the matter on priority Preliminary inquiries are underway to trace the vehicleâs registration and establish the identities of those involved through forensic analysis of the CCTV footageâ a police official saidNo arrests have been made so far and investigators are yet to determine whether the attack was triggered by a personal dispute criminal intent or another causeWitnesses claimed that a police constable was present in the vicinity when the incident occurred though officers intervened only after receiving formal information about the attack Police however denied any lapse stating that patrol units were deployed immediately after the complaint was receivedLocal residents said the incident was particularly disturbing given that Vasna is usually busy and wellpopulated at night âIt was chaotic and frightening to watch the vehicle being attacked so violentlyâ a resident said adding that bystanders were too shocked to interveneThe incident adds to a series of recent cases involving public disorder and vehicle vandalism in Ahmedabad In April last year police investigated a vandalism case in Vejalpur after a man was caught on camera damaging vehicles following a rental disputeIn March 2025 a mob in the Vastral area allegedly attacked multiple vehicles and assaulted commuters with sticks and swords leading to the arrest of at least 14 peopleAnother incident in June 2025 involved a taxi driver allegedly vandalising a car during a dispute with passengers near the CTM Express Highway prompting a police probe IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/four-men-vandalise-suv-in-late-night-road-rage-incident-in-ahmedabad-659560.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 14:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/marina-beach-blue-flag-push-gcc-clears-120-shops-plans-next-phase-of-evictions-659569.html Chennai Jan 24 The Greater Chennai Corporation GCC has cleared around 120 shops from Marina Beach over the past month as part of its ambitious Blue Flag beach development programme officials said With Phases I and II nearing completion civic authorities have now begun preparatory work for Phase III marking boundaries behind the Anna Memorial an indication that the next round of evictions is imminentAccording to civic officials the ongoing exercise aims to bring Marina Beach in line with Blue Flag norms which emphasise environmental protection safety and regulated commercial activity along the shoreline Shops that encroach upon the designated Blue Flag area will be identified and dismantled in the coming daysGCC executive engineer Muthaiah said the boundarymarking work is being carried out strictly in accordance with directions issued by the Madras High Court âWe are marking the boundaries as per the courtâs orders Over the last month at least 120 shops were relocated from the seashore under Phases I and II of the Blue Flag projectâ he saidHe added that the court has clearly stated that commercial establishments cannot operate within the Blue Flag beach zone permitting only 300 shops in the designated areaIn parallel GCCâs revenue department has initiated a comprehensive survey to compile details of all 1417 shops currently located along Marina Beach These details will be submitted to the High Court after which shop allotments within the Blue Flag zone will be finalisedOfficials said the allotment process will be carried out in four phases ensuring compliance with court directives while accommodating eligible vendors Once the boundary marking is completed officials will identify shops falling within the Phase III project area At least 50 additional shops are expected to be removed in the coming daysPhase III of the redevelopment is proposed to cover around 23 acres though the project cost is yet to be finalisedMeanwhile redevelopment work under Phase II is progressing opposite Vivekananda House at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore Under Phase I the corporation introduced several publicfriendly amenities including recliner chairs childrenâs play areas and designated selfie pointsPhase II expanded on this with the addition of meditation halls and reading rooms aimed at enhancing the beachâs recreational and cultural appealCivic officials maintain that the phased redevelopment will strike a balance between environmental conservation and public access while transforming Marina into a globally recognised Blue Flag beach IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/marina-beach-blue-flag-push-gcc-clears-120-shops-plans-next-phase-of-evictions-659569.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/mother-and-infant-found-dead-in-well-in-mps-damoh-probe-underway-659572.html Damoh Jan 24 In a tragic incident the bodies of a woman and her infant son were recovered from a well in Madhya Pradeshâs Damoh district on Saturday officials said The district administration and police have launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding their deathsAccording to police officials the incident occurred in municipal ward number 1 of the Tendukheda area The well which falls under the jurisdiction of the local civic body was where the bodies were found floatingThe incident is believed to have taken place late on Friday night but came to light on Saturday morning after a municipal employee noticed the bodies in the well and alerted the policeActing on the information police rushed to the spot and with the assistance of local residents recovered the bodies and sent them for postmortem examinationThe deceased have been identified as Jayanti Kewat 35 and her sixmonthold son Devansh KewatPreliminary investigations revealed that Jayanti had earlier lost two children following which she was reportedly suffering from healthrelated issues for the past few yearsJayanti a resident of Jharoli village in Damoh had recently come to her parental home in Tendukheda to attend the âterahviâ afterdeath ritual of her brother who had passed away a few days agoDamoh SubDivisional Police Officer SDOP Archana Ahir told IANS that according to local residents Jayanti was last seen at her home on Friday evening When she could not be located later a search was conducted leading to the discovery of the bodies in the wellâThe matter is under investigation The bodies have been recovered and postmortem examinations have been conducted Further inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of deathâ the SDOP said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/mother-and-infant-found-dead-in-well-in-mps-damoh-probe-underway-659572.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/fierce-encounter-breaks-out-between-maoists-and-security-forces-in-jharkhands-saranda-forest-659279.html Chaibasa Jharkhand Jan 22 A fierce encounter has been going on since Thursday morning between security forces and Maoists in the Saranda forest region of Jharkhandâs West Singhbhum district While reports suggest that several Maoists have been killed official confirmation on the exact number of casualties is still awaitedSearch operations are currently underway in the area and intermittent gunfire could still be heardKolhan Division DIG Anuranjan Kispotta confirmed the encounter saying the operation is ongoing and detailed information will be shared laterAs a precautionary measure the entire area has been cordoned off and additional forces deployedSenior police and security officials have reached the spot to oversee the operationJharkhand Police spokesperson and IG Operations Michaelraj S said the exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists has been continuing since morning in the Saranda forest adding that the Maoists have suffered heavy lossesAccording to police the joint operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoists near Kumbhdih village under the Chotanagara police station limitsDuring the operation Maoists allegedly lying in ambush opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces prompting a strong and effective retaliatory responseThe encounter continued for several hours during which security forces reportedly gained the upper handSources claim that a top Maoist carrying a bounty of Rs 50 lakh along with several of his associates has been killed though official confirmation is still awaitedSeveral bodies of Maoists have been recovered from the encounter site along with weapons ammunition and dailyuse items Those killed are believed to be active and wanted members of the outfit many of whom were carrying cash rewards in multiple casesAntiNaxalite operations have intensified in Chaibasa and adjoining areas in recent months In June 2025 four Naxalites including senior commanders were killed in separate encounters in the Tonto and Goilkera areas of Chaibasa This marks the first encounter between security forces and Naxalites in 2026In 2025 alone police and security forces killed over 25 Naxalites across Jharkhand IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/fierce-encounter-breaks-out-between-maoists-and-security-forces-in-jharkhands-saranda-forest-659279.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-woman-stranded-in-belarus-to-return-home-after-job-scam-659326.html Navsari Gujarat Jan 22 Meena Joshi a widow and mother of three from Gujaratâs Navsari district who was stranded in Belarus after being duped by a fake overseas job offer is set to return to India on January 24 officials said on Thursday According to those facilitating her return Joshi will depart from Minsk International Airport at 920 pm on January 23 and arrive at Delhiâs Indira Gandhi International Airport at 640 am the next day She will proceed to her hometown thereafterJoshi had travelled to Belarus after being promised a fruitpacking job with a monthly salary of Rs 90000 along with overtime benefits The job was arranged through Vadodarabased agents for which she allegedly paid around Rs 55 lakh using her savings and borrowed moneyHowever on reaching Belarus she discovered that the promised job did not exist Instead of fruitpacking work she was reportedly made to tend to animals at a stable With no income and no money to return home she was left strandedIn distress Joshi recorded a video accusing the agents of abandoning her The video went viral on social media drawing public attention and prompting intervention by the agent who had processed her visaPiyush Chauhan owner of Gajanand Overseas said arrangements were made for her safe return after the issue came to light âAfter receiving information about the matter we immediately contacted the company concerned The company sought a day after which Meena was traced and shifted to a safe placeâ Chauhan saidHe added that he had spoken to Joshi earlier and claimed that some individuals had influenced her to release the video instead of approaching the agency directlyThe incident once again highlights the growing number of cases in which Indian workers are lured abroad with false job promises Authorities have reiterated the need for prospective migrants to verify job offers and recruitment agents before travelling overseas IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-woman-stranded-in-belarus-to-return-home-after-job-scam-659326.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/shaktisinh-gohils-nephew-wife-found-dead-police-probing-murder-or-accident--659357.html Ahmedabad Jan 22 Authorities on Thursday intensified their probe into the deaths of Yashrajsinh Gohil nephew of senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil and his wife Rajeshwariba The couple was found dead with gunshot wounds at their residence in the Bodakdev area of Ahmedabad late Wednesday nightPolice said the bodies have been sent for forensic postmortem examinations to determine the sequence of events and establish whether the shooting was accidental or deliberateACP A Division Jayesh Brahmbhatt said preliminary findings supported by the statement of Yashrajsinhâs mother indicate a possible accidental discharge of the firearmâAlthough the initial probe and the motherâs statement suggest the bullet was fired by mistake and not intentionally the forensic postmortem will help ascertain the truthâ Brahmbhatt saidAccording to police and emergency services the 108 ambulance service received a call at around 1142 pm on Wednesday A medical team reached the coupleâs apartment at NRI Tower on Judges Bungalow Road within minutesYashrajsinh met the paramedics downstairs and led them to Flat No 502 Block A Inside the bedroom paramedics found Rajeshwariba lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to her head a revolver placed nearby After checking her pulse she was declared dead on the spotAs ambulance staff were informing senior officials Yashrajsinh allegedly used the same licensed revolver to shoot himself inside the flat His mother and the medical team were present in the apartment at the time The ambulance team remained at the spot for about 15 minutes until the police arrivedPolice said Yashrajsinh a ClassI officer with the Gujarat Maritime Board had married Rajeshwariba only two months ago The couple lived with his motherACP Brahmbhatt noted that the couple had returned home after attending a social gathering and appeared normalâThe security guard told us both looked happy when they returned and went straight to their flatâ he saidGujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said Yashrajsinh was checking his licensed revolver in the bedroom when it accidentally discharged fatally injuring Rajeshwariba near her neckâAfter the 108 staff declared her dead Yashrajsinh shot himself in a state of shockâ Doshi saidPolice added that no prior complaints involving the couple had been registered and all angles including accident murder and suicide are being examined pending forensic results IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/shaktisinh-gohils-nephew-wife-found-dead-police-probing-murder-or-accident--659357.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-cm-transfers-rs-1-590cr-to-farmers-women-and-labourers-announces-gram-utthan-camps-659368.html Jaipur Jan 22 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday said that farmers are the soul of India and that when farmers are empowered villages states and the nation progress together He said the state government is continuously fulfilling the promises made in its manifesto and remains fully committed to the welfare and prosperity of farmers The Chief Minister announced that from January 23 on the occasion of Basant Panchami Gram Utthan Camps will be organised in every Girdawar circle across the state He appealed to farmers and livestock owners to participate in large numbers and take advantage of various government welfare schemesCM Sharma was addressing a programme in Sirohi for the transfer of Kisan Samman Nidhi and the launch of Gram Utthan Camps He recalled that on this day two years ago under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the consecration of Ramlala in Ayodhya was performed fulfilling a cultural legacy awaited for decades He also noted that on this very day the Prime Minister had launched the Beti BachaoBeti Padhao campaign from Panipat Haryana marking a milestone for womenâs empowermentThe Chief Minister said the state government is working with dedication for the welfare of all sections of society including the poor women youth and farmers Gram Utthan Camps are being organised to ensure that government schemes reach the grassroots In these camps approvals will be granted for welfare schemes such as fencing water tanks pipelines farm ponds sprinkler and drip irrigation systems plastic mulch and solar pumpsApplications under the Chief Minister Kisan Sathi Sahayata Yojana will also be processed He added that the camps will facilitate applications for solar pumps Kisan Credit Cards new custom hiring centres registration of animals under the Chief Minister Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana and animal vaccination Other services will include registration of primary dairy cooperative societies distribution of ownership cards repair of canals and water channels registration under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and water conservation works under the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan AbhiyanDuring the programme Chief Minister Sharma transferred over Rs 1590 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than one crore farmers women and labourers across the state This included over Rs 653 crore to more than 65 lakh farmers as the fifth instalment of the Chief Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana through DBT and Rs 327 crore as crop damage compensation to five lakh farmers Additionally Rs 240 crore was transferred to over 10000 farmers for procurement at Minimum Support Price MSP while Rs 50 crore was disbursed to four lakh livestock farmers under the Chief Minister Milk Producer Support Scheme More than Rs 75 crore was transferred to 30 lakh beneficiaries of the Chief Minister LPG Subsidy Scheme and Rs 100 crore was given to 20000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana The Chief Minister also transferred Rs 100 crore to one lakh construction workers through DBTAgricultural equipment worth Rs 40 crore was distributed on the occasion The Chief Minister said that economic empowerment of farmers is a top priority of the state government Under the doubleengine government an additional Rs 3000 has been added to the Rs 6000 provided under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi raising the total annual assistance to Rs 9000 He said bonuses of Rs 125 and Rs 150 per quintal have been given on wheat procurement over the last two years and interestfree crop loans worth Rs 50000 crore have been provided during the same period To promote energy selfreliance a subsidy of Rs 822 crore has been provided for installing 52000 solar pump sets under the PM KUSUM scheme Farmers in 22 districts are now receiving electricity during daytime hours He also highlighted welfare measures for livestock rearers including a 25 per cent increase in grants for cow shelters interestfree loans worth Rs 653 crore and veterinary treatment through mobile veterinary units âThe previous government held an investment summit in its final year while we organised a Rising Summit immediately after taking officeâ the Chief Minister saidHe added that MoUs worth Rs 8 lakh crore have already been implemented Emphasising employment generation he said that over one lakh government appointments have been made so far recruitment is underway for 143 lakh posts and a recruitment calendar has been issued for an additional one lakh positionsMinister of State for Cooperatives Independent Charge Gautam Kumar Dak said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strengthened farmers financially and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has further enhanced farmersâ honorarium in line with the manifesto promisesHe said the state government is working decisively to ensure daytime electricity supply for farmers Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Ota Ram Dewasi said that the state government has provided several development initiatives to the Sirohi district over the past two years IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-cm-transfers-rs-1-590cr-to-farmers-women-and-labourers-announces-gram-utthan-camps-659368.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/youth-dies-by-suicide-fearing-digital-arrest-in-bengals-ashoknagar-659386.html Kolkata Jan 22 Tension erupted in Rajberia village under Beraberi panchayat in Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas district after the hanging body of a young man was recovered on Thursday The deceased was identified as Monirul Goldar 37 His body was found hanging from a mango tree near his house The family alleged that the incident was triggered by fear of âdigital arrestâAlthough no phone calls or social media contact were involved in this case the family said a notice was sent to his home alleging that he had committed a crime using a SIM card According to them Monirul was worried about the notice and they claimed this was the reason he took the extreme stepA complaint has already been filed at the local Ashoknagar police station Police have started an investigation based on the complaint The officers are trying to ascertain who sent the noticeAccording to local and family sources Monirul a resident of Rajberia village in Ashoknagar was a honey trader by profession He reportedly received the notice at his home on January 8Monirulâs neighbour Mokkadesh Mandal told local reporters âThe notice came through the post office supposedly from the Pune City Cyber Police Station in Maharashtra It stated that a SIM card had been registered in Monirulâs name and used for criminal activities He was instructed to contact them within seven days After that Monirul was very frightened He had also informed the police about the incidentâIt was learnt that Monirul left home on Wednesday night packing his clothes in a bag saying he was going elsewhere for honey collection On Thursday morning his hanging body was found on a mango tree behind a tea stall near the Suria playground a short distance from his houseFollowing this his family alleged that the man died by suicide due to fear of âdigital arrestâ triggered by the noticeOn this Gupi Majumdar a Trinamool Congress member of the Habra II Panchayat Samiti said âThe young man became terrified after receiving the notice His family members said that Monirul had been using the same mobile number from the beginning A complaint has been filed at the police station detailing everything The truth will come out through the police investigationâThe incident has cast a shadow of grief over the family IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/youth-dies-by-suicide-fearing-digital-arrest-in-bengals-ashoknagar-659386.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/bomb-threat-emails-trigger-panic-across-ahmedabad-schools-police-on-high-alert-659423.html Ahmedabad Jan 23 Several schools in Ahmedabad were placed on high alert on Thursday January 23 after bomb threats were received through emails sent from an unidentified source The threats which targeted educational institutions across different parts of the city prompted immediate action from law enforcement agencies According to police officials the threatening emails named St Xavierâs School in Memnagar Calorex School in Ghatlodia DPS School in Bopal Swayam School in Vastrapur three branches of Sant Kabir School Mahatma Gandhi International School in Mithakali Geneva Liberal School on SP Ring Road Army School in Shahibaug JD High School in Naroda Red Bricks School in Satellite Vidyanagar School in Usmanpura Kendriya Vidyalaya in Shahibaug and Apple Global SchoolEarlier in the day bomb threats were also reported at St Xavierâs Loyola in Navrangpura and Swayam School in Vastrapur further heightening concerns School authorities immediately informed the police control room upon receiving the emailsTaking the threats seriously teams from the city police bomb disposal squad dog squad and crime branch were deployed to the affected campuses where thorough security checks were carried outAs a precaution school managements alerted parents through messages and phone calls asking them to take their children home This led to a large number of parents rushing to the school premises causing temporary panic in several areas Police said the emails were sent from an unknown email ID and the cybercrime department has launched an investigation to trace the senderAuthorities have urged citizens to remain calm avoid spreading rumours and report any suspicious activity to the police Authorities noted that Ahmedabad has witnessed similar emailbased bomb threats in the past targeting schools and courts most of which later turned out to be hoaxes Security agencies remain on alert as investigations continue IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/bomb-threat-emails-trigger-panic-across-ahmedabad-schools-police-on-high-alert-659423.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/woman-maoist-killed-in-fresh-encounter-in-jharkhands-saranda-forest-659427.html ChaibasaRanchi Jan 23 Security forces scored another success in the ongoing antiNaxal operation in Jharkhandâs Saranda forest as a woman Maoist was killed in a fresh encounter on Friday morning officials said The exchange of fire took place between the remote villages of Kumdi and Hinjodiri under the Kiriburu police station area in Naxalaffected West Singhbhum districtWith this the total number of Maoists killed in the operation has risen to 16On Thursday 15 Maoists including Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da a Central Committee member of the CPI Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 1 crore were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in the dense Saranda forests Five of those killed were womenCRPF Inspector General Saket Kumar Singh said the encounter occurred during Operation Medha Buru launched at around 630 am on Thursday by a joint team of 209 CoBRA Jharkhand Jaguar CRPF and district police He said Anal Daâs armed squad opened indiscriminate fire on the forces who retaliated in selfdefenceAfter multiple phases of exchange the bodies of 15 Maoists were recovered along with a large cache of weapons ammunition and dailyuse items from the spot on ThursdayThose killed included Anmol alias Sushant BJSA Amit Munda RCM Pintu Lohra Laljit alias Lalu Rajesh Munda Bulbul Alda Babita Purnima Surajmuni and JongaSeveral of them carried rewards of lakhs of rupees announced by Jharkhand and Odisha governments as well as the NIA and were wanted in dozens of serious Naxaliterelated casesAnal alias Patiram Manjhi a resident of the Pirtand police station area in Giridih district carried rewards of Rs 1 crore in Jharkhand Rs 12 crore in Odisha and Rs 15 lakh announced by the NIA A total of 149 criminal cases were registered against himSecurity agencies said his squad was involved in several IED blasts and violent incidents in the Kolhan and Saranda regions of Chaibasa since 2022 IG Singh said the killing of Anal Da would have a decisive impact on Maoist activities along the JharkhandOdisha borderFollowing the encounter security agencies estimate that the number of active Maoists in Jharkhand has come down to between 50 and 60 The Jharkhand Police have appealed to the remaining cadres to surrender under the state governmentâs surrender and rehabilitation policyAn intensive search operation is currently underway across the Saranda region with additional forces deployed IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/woman-maoist-killed-in-fresh-encounter-in-jharkhands-saranda-forest-659427.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/rajkots-atal-sarovar-emerges-as-major-urban-attraction-draws-over-14-million-visitors-659438.html Gandhinagar Jan 23 Gujaratâs steady progress in urban development over the past two decades is increasingly reflected in largescale public infrastructure projects with Atal Sarovar in Rajkot emerging as a standout example Developed under the Rajkot Smart City project the lake has attracted over 14 million visitors since it was opened to the public underscoring its growing popularity as a recreational and cultural hubGujaratâs planned urban development journey began in 2005 when then Chief Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation by declaring the year as Urban Development YearContinuing this legacy the state government under Bhupendra Patel declared 2025 as Urban Development Year marking two decades of sustained growth driven by structured planning forwardlooking policies and effective implementationCities such as Ahmedabad Surat Vadodara and Rajkot have witnessed significant expansion in infrastructure and civic amenities during this period Atal Sarovar was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in March 2024 and opened to the public on May 1 2024 coinciding with Gujarat Foundation DaySince then more than 14 lakh visitors have explored the lake precinct which has been developed as a modern recreational and cultural destination The lake complex offers a wide range of attractions including landscaped gardens a dedicated childrenâs park a Ferris wheel boating facilities and a toy trainFor fitness enthusiasts walking and cycling tracks have been developed while parking facilities with solar panel roofing have been created for around 600 fourwheelers and 1000 twowheelers The project also features two amphitheatres an entrance plaza a party plot an open food court with 16 shops a closed food court with 12 shops and a Gram Haat comprising 42 shops under the Rajkot Municipal Corporation ensuring steady revenue generationA large flag mast lightandsound shows and other public amenities further enhance its appealSpread across 75 acres Atal Sarovar has been developed on the principles of Reduce Reuse and Recycle 3R placing environmental sustainability at the core of the projectUnder the Rajkot Smart City plan three lakes are being developed in a 930acre greenfield area to promote water conservation through an integrated stormwater network Of the total area at Atal Sarovar 25 acres are dedicated to water storage with a capacity of 477 million litres while the remaining 50 acres house landscaped green zones recreational spaces and public facilitiesThe project has been executed at a total cost of Rs 136 crore including operations and maintenance for 15 yearsDuring the monsoon the lake naturally collects rainwater while in summer recycled water from the Smart City projectâs TTP system is suppliedOfficials noted that this is the first project in the Saurashtra region where the 3R principles have been implemented on such a scale in urban development With its blend of sustainability recreation and civic infrastructure Atal Sarovar is fast emerging as a landmark destination in Rajkot and a model for future urban projects in Gujarat IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/rajkots-atal-sarovar-emerges-as-major-urban-attraction-draws-over-14-million-visitors-659438.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/revenue-officer-among-five-found-shot-dead-inside-locked-house-in-saharanpur-659167.html Saharanpur Uttar Pradesh Jan 20 Panic and shock gripped the Sarsawa area in Uttar Pradeshâs Saharanpur district on Tuesday after the bulletriddled bodies of a revenue officer and four members of his family were found inside their locked residence in Kaushik Vihar Colony Police and district administration officials rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident They cordoned off the area and launched a detailed investigationThe news of the gruesome discovery spread rapidly creating an atmosphere of fear and mourning in the localitySenior Superintendent of Police Ashish Tiwari said the police were alerted that five bodies were lying inside a house in the colonyâA police team immediately reached the spot and conducted a preliminary inspectionâ he saidDuring the investigation the deceased was identified as Ashok Rathi a revenue officer The bodies of his mother wife and two sons were found in the same room and all had gunshot wounds on their heads Three pistols were also recovered from the sceneAccording to police the preliminary inquiry has confirmed that all five deaths were caused by gunshot injuries Investigators are also examining the medical history of the revenue officer to ascertain whether healthrelated or psychological factors could have played a role in the incidentA forensic team has been deployed to collect evidence and the bodies have been sent for postmortem examinationPolice said the case is being probed from all possible angles including the possibility of murdersuicide though no conclusion has been drawn yet Further legal formalities are underwayNeighbours described the family as peaceloving and said they had never been involved in any disputes âTheir behaviour was normal and they mixed well with everyoneâ a local resident saidWith no immediate clues emerging police officials said the motive behind the killing of five members of the same family remains unclear and will only be established after the postmortem reports and forensic analysis are received IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/revenue-officer-among-five-found-shot-dead-inside-locked-house-in-saharanpur-659167.html Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/revenue-officer-among-five-found-shot-dead-inside-locked-house-in-ups-saharanpur-659168.html Saharanpur Uttar Pradesh Jan 20 Panic and shock gripped the Sarsawa area in Uttar Pradeshâs Saharanpur district on Tuesday after the bulletriddled bodies of a revenue officer and four members of his family were found inside their locked residence in Kaushik Vihar Colony Police and district administration officials rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident They cordoned off the area and launched a detailed investigationThe news of the gruesome discovery spread rapidly creating an atmosphere of fear and mourning in the localitySenior Superintendent of Police Ashish Tiwari said the police were alerted that five bodies were lying inside a house in the colonyâA police team immediately reached the spot and conducted a preliminary inspectionâ he saidDuring the investigation the deceased was identified as Ashok Rathi a revenue officer The bodies of his mother wife and two sons were found in the same room and all had gunshot wounds on their heads Three pistols were also recovered from the sceneAccording to police the preliminary inquiry has confirmed that all five deaths were caused by gunshot injuries Investigators are also examining the medical history of the revenue officer to ascertain whether healthrelated or psychological factors could have played a role in the incidentA forensic team has been deployed to collect evidence and the bodies have been sent for postmortem examinationPolice said the case is being probed from all possible angles including the possibility of murdersuicide though no conclusion has been drawn yet Further legal formalities are underwayNeighbours described the family as peaceloving and said they had never been involved in any disputes âTheir behaviour was normal and they mixed well with everyoneâ a local resident saidWith no immediate clues emerging police officials said the motive behind the killing of five members of the same family remains unclear and will only be established after the postmortem reports and forensic analysis are received IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/revenue-officer-among-five-found-shot-dead-inside-locked-house-in-ups-saharanpur-659168.html Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/abhishek-banerjee-counters-pm-modi-by-calling-for-a-change-of-govt-at-centre-658991.html Kolkata Jan 18 Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday slammed the BJP and said a change of government is needed at the Centre The Diamond Harbour MPs clear message was that it is not Bengal that needs to change but the landlords of Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi has targeted the West Bengal government with a new slogan Change is needed we need a BJP governmentAbhishek Banerjee used this statement as a weapon to launch a counterattackAddressing a road show in Nadia districts Chapra area Banerjee said Modi ji says change is needed In reality you want to change the people of Bengal You thought that by withholding Bengals rightful funds by starving and harassing the people you would force them to bow down So that they surrender to you But know this Trinamool Congress or the people of Bengal do not know how to sell their spine We will not bow down to the landlords or outsiders of DelhiAt the same time Banerjee sharply criticised the BJP leaders desperate attempts to adapt to Bengali culture He said You yourselves have started the change The leaders who previously came to Bengal and started their speeches only with Jai Shri Ram are now saying Jai Ma Kali They had to change their slogans Now just wait and see after the Assembly polls PM Modi will also chant the Joy Bangla slogan when he comes to Bengal In fact the soil of Bengal is changing youMeanwhile the Trinamool Congress leader once again raised his voice against central deprivation and misuse of agencies against his party leadersHe alleged that the central government has subjected the people of Bengal to brutal oppression for the past five years Leaders have been harassed using the ED and CBINo matter how many agencies you deploy the people of Bengal will give you a fitting reply In the upcoming Assembly elections the people will respond to this deprivation by bringing the BJP down to below 50 seats he saidReferring to the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal Abhishek Banerjee said You couldnt defeat me even by tapping my phone Bengal has understood what kind of players you are He added that the fight is no longer against any political party but a battle between Bengals rights and Delhis authoritarianism IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/abhishek-banerjee-counters-pm-modi-by-calling-for-a-change-of-govt-at-centre-658991.html Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/pre-trial-detention-cannot-be-treated-as-punishment-ex-cji-dy-chandrachud-658994.html Jaipur Jan 18 Former Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud on Sunday shared frank and wideranging reflections on law democracy the bail system and the functioning of the judiciary during a session at the Jaipur Literature Festival offering rare personal and institutional insights drawn from his years on the Bench Speaking candidly Chandrachud said that although he belongs to the Baby Boomer generation his two daughters are from Generation Z and have special needs âIf I want to remain connected to their lives I must understand how Gen Z thinks and worksâ he said underlining the importance of empathy and adaptation across generationsReferring to his recent book he clarified that it is not a conventional legal text but a compilation of his speeches As a result it naturally draws from diverse sources including judgments of the Indian and American Supreme Courts and the ideas of thinkers such as John Stuart Mill and Immanuel KantRecalling the landmark judgment decriminalising homosexuality he said he had drawn inspiration from a line by poetsinger Leonard Cohen reflecting both the fragility of democracy and the hope that sustains it âSome judgments are simple while others require a flourish of thought and sensitivityâ he observedResponding to a question on the Umar Khalid case Chandrachud emphasised that he was speaking as a citizen not as a judge He reiterated that the foundation of Indian criminal law is the presumption of innocence and that pretrial detention cannot be treated as punishmentHe questioned how the state could compensate someone who spends five to seven years in jail as an undertrial and is later acquitted He explained that bail may be denied only in limited circumstances if the accused poses a serious threat to society is likely to abscond or may tamper with evidence Absent these conditions âbail should be the ruleâ he saidExpressing concern over national security laws he noted that courts must carefully assess whether detention is necessary and proportionate warning that prolonged trials violate the right to a speedy trial under Article 21Former CJI Chandrachud also voiced concern about a growing culture of fear in district and High Courts where judges hesitate to grant bail due to apprehensions about scrutiny and career repercussions This he said shifts an excessive burden to higher courts with the Supreme Court alone handling nearly 70000 cases annuallyOn corruption he stressed the need for strong accountability mechanisms cautioning against the tendency to label every adverse decision as corrupt Strengthening institutions he concluded is the real path to justice IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/pre-trial-detention-cannot-be-treated-as-punishment-ex-cji-dy-chandrachud-658994.html Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/indias-first-guava-festival-opens-tomorrow-in-sawai-madhopur-speaker-om-birla-to-inaugurate-658819.html Jaipur Jan 17 On the occasion of Sawai Madhopurâs 263rd Foundation Day the district is poised to create history by hosting the countryâs firstever Guava Festival on January 18 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the festival on Sunday at 11 am This year the Foundation Day festivities are being organised as a combined Tiger Festival and Guava Festival giving the event a unique and vibrant identity that reflects both the regionâs rich wildlife heritage and its renowned guavaAgriculture and Horticulture Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena said it is a moment of pride for Sawai Madhopur and the entire state that such a festival is being organised for the first time in the countryHe said the Guava Festival is not merely a ceremonial event but a serious effort to provide a national platform to farmers showcase their hard work and highlight the agricultural strength of the districtDr Meena informed that guava cultivation in Sawai Madhopur currently spans more than 15000 hectares with an annual production of around 4 lakh metric tonnes This has created a robust agricultural economy generating business worth Rs 67 billion every yearHe expressed confidence that the festival will help establish Sawai Madhopur as a major hub for guava production and export The event aims to connect farmers with markets technology and policy support making it a convergence of knowledge innovation and opportunityThe festival will feature sessions and demonstrations on modern and smart farming practices agricultural mechanisation drone technology hightech horticulture processing and value additionFarmers will also receive information on the latest innovations in agriculture A major attraction of the festival will be the exhibition of valueadded guava products including juice jelly squash pulp barfi chutney and picklesAn exhibition of different guava varieties fruit and flower competitions and live demonstrations of agricultural equipment will also be organisedMore than 20 nurseries from different states will participate while around 200 stalls will showcase organic and natural farming horticulture techniques animal husbandry and dairyrelated activities making the festival a comprehensive agricultural showcase IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/indias-first-guava-festival-opens-tomorrow-in-sawai-madhopur-speaker-om-birla-to-inaugurate-658819.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/delhi-families-with-rs-120-lakh-annual-income-to-get-ration-cards-cm-rekha-gupta-658826.html New Delhi Jan 17 Delhi families with an annual household income of up to Rs 120 lakh will now be eligible for a ration card up from the earlier cap of Rs 1 lakh Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Saturday while sharing a recent Delhi Cabinet decision She said the decision has been taken to make Delhiâs food security system more equitable and focused on the poorUnder the new rules families will not be eligible if they own property in A to E category colonies in Delhi pay income tax own a fourwheeler excluding one commercial vehicle used for livelihood have any family member in government service or have an electricity connection exceeding 2 kilowatts according to an official statementThe Chief Minister made it clear that food security is not an act of charity but a right of the poor The governmentâs resolve is that no needy person should go hungry merely because of shortcomings in the system the statement saidAccording to official data due to the absence of clear rules for several years more than 389883 applications have remained pending in Delhi and over 1165965 people are still waiting for food security benefits These individuals will now be included in a transparent needbased systemThe Chief Minister stated that under the new rules the income limit for identifying priority households has been made more realisticFamilies with an annual household income of up to Rs 120 lakh will now fall within the ambit of food security compared to the earlier limit of Rs 1 lakh An income certificate issued by the Revenue Department has been made mandatory thereby ending the system of selfcertification she saidThe Chief Minister said that the âfirstcome firstservedâ system will now be discontinued Applications will be examined approved and prioritised through districtlevel committees This will ensure that those who need the food subsidy the most are placed higher on the listShe explained that the districtlevel committee has been designated as the central unit for priority determination It will be chaired by the District Magistrate DM or Additional District Magistrate ADM and will include the local MLA and officialsThe committee will scrutinise applications and arrange them in order of priority so that the most deserving families receive benefits first Additionally a 20 per cent waiting list will also be prepared to ensure that vacancies are filled in a timely mannerThe Chief Minister said that a huge backlog had accumulated over the years due to the lack of clear rules The government conducted a review of food security system data which revealed several irregularities Based on this verification those who were not genuinely eligible were removed from the listData verification revealed around 646123 beneficiaries whose income details did not match the prescribed norms About 95682 individuals had remained in the system for a long time without availing any benefits Nearly 23394 duplicate names were found while in 6185 cases benefits were recorded in the names of deceased persons Around 56372 people had themselves requested to opt out of the system Owing to all these reasons a total of more than 827756 vacancies were created IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/delhi-families-with-rs-120-lakh-annual-income-to-get-ration-cards-cm-rekha-gupta-658826.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/delhi-ncr-tightens-curbs-as-aqi-nears-severe-mark-658862.html New Delhi Jan 17 The National Capital Region NCR has once again come under the harshest antipollution restrictions as the Air Quality Index AQI surged dangerously close to the âSevereâ category on Saturday The Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM announced the reimplementation of StageIV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP citing rapidly worsening conditions At 4 pm Delhiâs AQI was recorded at 400 already in the âVery Poorâ range Within four hours it climbed to 428 approaching the threshold of 450 that marks âSevereâ Officials attributed the spike to a western disturbance unfavorable meteorological conditions and the lack of pollutant dispersal In its notification the CAQM SubCommittee said the decision to invoke StageIV was taken unanimously as a proactive step to prevent further deterioration Under GRAP air quality is classified into four stages Poor 201â300 Very Poor 301â400 Severe 401â450 and Severe above 450 StageIV restrictions first introduced in December 2025 include a ban on vehicles entering Delhi that are not BSVI compliant and do not carry Delhi registration Nonessential trucks are barred from entry with exceptions for those carrying essential goods or running on cleaner fuels such as CNG LNG electric or BSVI diesel Construction and demolition activities including public infrastructure projects like highways flyovers and pipelines are completely halted To protect vulnerable groups state governments in NCR and the Delhi administration may shift classes VI to IX and XI to online mode while Classes X and XII are generally exempted to avoid disruption to board exam preparations Officesâpublic municipal and privateâare advised to operate with at least 50 per cent staff working from home and staggered timings may be introduced to ease peakhour traffic Authorities also retain the option of discretionary emergency measures such as closing colleges suspending nonessential commercial activities or implementing oddeven vehicle rationing schemes The central government may extend workfromhome directives to its employees if conditions worsen further With Delhiâs AQI inching closer to the âSevereâ mark the reimposition of GRAP4 reflects the urgency of tackling the capitalâs recurring pollution crisis which continues to pose grave risks to public health and daily life IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/delhi-ncr-tightens-curbs-as-aqi-nears-severe-mark-658862.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/speaker-om-birla-to-inaugurate-indias-first-guava-festival-today-in-sawai-madhopur-658866.html Jaipur Jan 18 On the occasion of Sawai Madhopurâs 263rd Foundation Day the district is poised to create history by hosting the countryâs firstever Guava Festival on Sunday Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the festival at 11 am This year the Foundation Day festivities are being organised as a combined Tiger Festival and Guava Festival giving the event a unique and vibrant identity that reflects both the regionâs rich wildlife heritage and its renowned guavaAgriculture and Horticulture Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena said it is a moment of pride for Sawai Madhopur and the entire state that such a festival is being organised for the first time in the countryHe said the Guava Festival is not merely a ceremonial event but a serious effort to provide a national platform to farmers showcase their hard work and highlight the agricultural strength of the districtDr Meena informed that guava cultivation in Sawai Madhopur currently spans more than 15000 hectares with an annual production of around 4 lakh metric tonnes This has created a robust agricultural economy generating business worth Rs 67 billion every yearHe expressed confidence that the festival will help establish Sawai Madhopur as a major hub for guava production and export The event aims to connect farmers with markets technology and policy support making it a convergence of knowledge innovation and opportunityThe festival will feature sessions and demonstrations on modern and smart farming practices agricultural mechanisation drone technology hightech horticulture processing and value additionFarmers will also receive information on the latest innovations in agriculture A major attraction of the festival will be the exhibition of valueadded guava products including juice jelly squash pulp barfi chutney and picklesAn exhibition of different guava varieties fruit and flower competitions and live demonstrations of agricultural equipment will also be organisedMore than 20 nurseries from different states will participate while around 200 stalls will showcase organic and natural farming horticulture techniques animal husbandry and dairyrelated activities making the festival a comprehensive agricultural showcase IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/speaker-om-birla-to-inaugurate-indias-first-guava-festival-today-in-sawai-madhopur-658866.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 06:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/fairpoint-azadi-or-erasure-the-truth-behind-the-kashmiri-panditsexodus-658929.html New Delhi Jan 18 Thirtyfive years is a long time in the life of a nation It is long enough for governments to change for narratives to be rewritten and for uncomfortable truths to be buried under layers of convenient silence But for a community driven out of its homeland solely because it was Hindu time has not softened the pain it has only deepened the wound Threeandahalf decades after the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits the questions remain unanswered Not because the answers are unknown everyone in Kashmir knows them but because the hush around them is deliberate and the coverup systemicNearly seven lakh people were forced out of their native land in a short span and conditions were created so decisively that their return was rendered impossible This was not an accident of history it was the outcome of a slow calculated process that began soon after Jammu and Kashmirâs accession to India in 1947 and gathered brutal momentum in the late 1980sAt the heart of this design was a simple sinister objective to overwhelm Kashmir demographically and ideologically so that Muhammad Ali Jinnahs twonation theory would come to fruition without a formal war Pakistan lost every war it fought against India but in Kashmir it succeeded where armies failed A Muslimmajority valley was achieved not by ballots or persuasion but by terror by emptying the land of its Hindu inhabitantsThe Kashmiri Pandits who constituted barely two per cent of the valleys population were uniquely vulnerable A nonmartial community mostly into education administration and spiritual traditions they neither possessed the means to retaliate with violence Faced with targeted killings public threats and systematic intimidation they chose survival with dignity over futile resistance against a terrible monster In doing so they were forced to abandon a civilisation that traced its roots back over 5000 yearsThe exodus did not occur overnight It unfolded in waves of terror First came those whose relatives were assassinated Then those whose homes were marked for elimination Those whose names were on the hit lists prepared in mosques and circulated openly Finally those who fled to protect their daughters and wives from what had become inevitable This was not chaos it was orchestrationAnd so the question must be asked where was the muchcelebrated spirit of azadi in this If the movement was truly about freedom why was its rage directed at a defenceless two per cent minority Why were unarmed men women and children hunted down The answer is stark and inescapable The terrorism in Kashmir was not a liberation struggle it was a campaign for religious homogenisation Its success lay in making the valley nearly free of HindusThe reality of that success was visible in the refugee camps of Jammu and Delhi where families accustomed to large ancestral homes were herded into tattered tents under 45degree heat Water food and medicine were scarce Many died not by the gun but from shock disease heatstroke and snake bitesEvery year January 19 is observed by the Kashmiri Pandit community as Exodus Day or Holocaust Day a day to remember the terror unleashed upon them and to mourn the denial of justice that followed Hundreds were killed homes looted and burned women raped and murdered Yet accountability remains absent Barely a hundred cases were ever registered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and not a single investigation has reached a meaningful conclusion No arrests no convictions no closureIn these 35 years many direct victims and eyewitnesses have passed away taking crucial evidence with them Successive governments both at the Centre and in the erstwhile state and now union territory have failed to institute even a commission of inquiry or a Special Investigation Team Courts have remained unmoved Human rights organisations vocal on conflicts thousands of miles away have found the suffering of Kashmiri Hindus insufficiently compelling There has been a Gaza in Indiaâs backyard all this time but it never made the right kind of headlinePart of the tragedy lies in political expediency The Kashmiri Pandit community is neither large enough nor influential enough to command electoral attention Their pain does not translate into street protests or international pressure And so their suffering is quietly sidelinedAdding to the misery of the Kashmiri Hindus is the political rehabilitation of those who were in positions of power when the persecution occurred Valleybased Muslim leaders are today courted across the political spectrum yet not one of them has acknowledged let alone championed the cause of the Kashmiri Hindus The silence of the valleyâs leadership and intelligentsia at best complicit at worst supportive of the separatist narrative has never been examined or questionedThe bitter truth today is this the original inhabitants of Kashmir live as refugees in their own country Their homes have been usurped their return systematically blocked and their dignity deferred indefinitelyJanuary 19 is not merely a day of mourning for the Kashmiri Pandits It is a day of national introspection It marks not only the exodus of a people but the collapse of Indiaâs moral courage and the selective application of its secular conscience Until justice is served and truth acknowledged the exodus will not remain history it will continue as an indictmentDeepika Bhan can be contacted at deepikabiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/fairpoint-azadi-or-erasure-the-truth-behind-the-kashmiri-panditsexodus-658929.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/back-to-back-national-honours-for-kite-reinforces-keralas-lead-in-ai-driven-education-658736.html Thiruvananthapuram Jan 17 Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education KITE the state governmentâs nodal agency spearheading digital initiatives in the general education sector has once again earned national recognition underscoring Keralaâs growing stature in technologyenabled public education KITEâs flagship artificial intelligence platform Samagra Plus has been honoured at the 6th Governance Now Digital Transformation Summit The award presented in the category of âExcellence in elearning Assessment and Digital Education Platformâ was conferred in DelhiThe recognition places Samagra Plus among the countryâs most impactful digital governance initiatives particularly in the education domain Samagra Plus is an AIpowered learning platform designed to personalise education based on the academic level learning pace and individual needs of studentsThe system brings together a suite of advanced tools including AIenabled chatbots interactive quizzes English language learning games speech assistants and specialised assessment modules Together these components aim to move classrooms away from a onesizefitsall approach and towards adaptive studentcentric learningKITE CEO K Anvar Sadath said the platform was developed strictly within the boundaries of the prescribed curriculum addressing a key concern often associated with artificial intelligence in education âBy aligning AI tools closely with the curriculum framework Samagra Plus effectively eliminates the risk of algorithmic bias while ensuring pedagogical integrityâ he notedThe latest honour marks the second major national award for Samagra Plus in quick succession In December 2025 the platform received the Education Technology Transformation Award at the 19th Digital Transformation Conclave held in Bhubaneswar highlighting its growing acceptance at the national levelEducation experts view the consecutive awards as validation of Keralaâs longterm investments in public digital infrastructure for schooling At a time when states across India are experimenting with AI in classrooms Samagra Plus stands out for embedding innovation within a robust public education frameworkWith national attention now firmly on Keralaâs model KITEâs achievement reinforces the stateâs reputation as a frontrunner in leveraging technology to enhance equity quality and access in school education IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/back-to-back-national-honours-for-kite-reinforces-keralas-lead-in-ai-driven-education-658736.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/indias-unemployment-rate-remains-largely-stable-in-december-658467.html New Delhi Jan 15 Indiaâs unemployment rate UR for persons aged 15 years and above remained largely stable in December estimated at 48 per cent compared to 47 per cent observed in November according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Statistics on Thursday The rural UR remained stagnant at 39 per cent while the urban UR stood at 67 per cent Among rural males aged 15 years and above the UR remained low and stable at 41 per cent in December 2025Further the urban female UR moderated to 91 per cent last month compared to 93 per cent in November 2025The overall Labour Force Participation Rate LFPR among persons aged 15 years and above showed an upward trend at 561 per cent in December compared to 558 per cent in NovemberAccording to the official statement in rural areas the LFPR was estimated at 590 per cent in December 2025 in comparison to 586 per cent in November 2025 The urban LFPR experienced a slight dip to 502 per cent from 504 per cent during this periodOverall labour force participation for females aged 15 years and above edged up to 353 per cent from 351 per cent in November 2025In rural areas it witnessed an increase to 401 per cent during December 2025 from 397 per cent in the previous month and in urban areas it slipped slightly to 253 per cent in December from 255 per cent in November 2025Moreover the Worker Population Ratio WPR in the age group 15 years and above showed a gradual improvement in December 2025Among rural males WPR edged up to 760 per cent in December 2025 from 754 per cent in November 2025 while urban male WPR observed a decline from 709 per cent in November 2025 to 704 per cent in December 2025 pushing overall male WPR to 741 per cent according to the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/indias-unemployment-rate-remains-largely-stable-in-december-658467.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 04:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kidnappers-of-jharkhand-industrialists-son-demand-rs-5-crore-ransom-police-raid-multiple-states-658475.html Jamshedpur Jan 15 Even 48 hours after the abduction of Kairav Gandhi the 24yearold son of prominent Jamshedpurbased entrepreneur Devang Gandhi Jharkhand Police are yet to achieve any major breakthrough in the case The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore from the family using a foreign mobile number Police investigations have revealed that the number from which the ransom demand was made belongs to IndonesiaThe Jharkhand Police have constituted seven special teams to ensure the safe recovery of Kairav Gandhi These teams are conducting raids at suspected locations across Jharkhand Bihar West Bengal and OdishaAccording to police Kairav Gandhi left his home in his car around 1130 am on Tuesday He informed his family that he would first visit the SBI branch in Bistupur then proceed to his company in Adityapur and would return home for lunchHowever when he did not return home by 145 pm and his mobile phone was found switched off his family grew concernedKairavs father Devang Gandhi told police that he was attending an important meeting in Adityapur on Tuesday when he received 8 to 10 calls from an unknown foreign number 6283194765544 on his WhatsApp which he was unable to answerLater a message from the same number informed him about his sons abduction and demanded ransomPolice sprang into action following the information Later that evening Kairavs car was found abandoned near a resort on NH33 in the Kanderbera area of Chandil police station limits in East Singhbhum Jamshedpur The keys were still in the ignition while his mobile phone was found lying on the ground beneath the vehiclePolice said Kairavs last mobile location was recorded near the Sonari Adarsh Nagar area of Jamshedpur It is suspected that the kidnappers intercepted his car and forcibly abducted him into another vehicleInvestigators have also identified a suspicious vehicle that was repeatedly seen circling around Kairavs car Although the vehicle bore the police insignia the registration number was later found to belong to a different vehicle Police are now actively searching for the vehicleThe abandoned car is undergoing forensic examination while the technical evidence is being gathered through call detail records and electronic surveillanceJoint teams from Jamshedpur and Seraikela police are scanning CCTV footage from toll plazas and all exit points of the cityMeanwhile a police team remains in constant contact with the family and the cyber cell is working to trace the source of the Indonesian phone number used by the kidnappers IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kidnappers-of-jharkhand-industrialists-son-demand-rs-5-crore-ransom-police-raid-multiple-states-658475.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 04:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/telugu-states-celebrates-makar-sankranti-with-gaiety-658483.html Vijayawada Jan 15 The Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Thursday celebrated Makar Sankranti the colourful harvest festival with pomp and gaiety The countryside in both the states wore a festive look with decorated houses kite flying cockfights bull fights and other sports on Thursday the second day of the threeday festivalVillages in both states came alive on Sankranti considered the biggest festival The day began with men women and children attired in their best offering prayers at templesThe houses were decorated with marigold flowers and mango leaves Women decked the front yard of their houses with Rangoli They made cow dung balls called Gobbemma and placed them among the Rangoli patterns and also put portions of the fresh harvest of rice turmeric and sugarcaneThe womenfolk prepared chakkara pongal or rice kheer a special dish made of new rice jaggery and milk The dish is allowed to boil over which symbolises abundanceHaridasus and Basvannas the uniquely attired almseekers with ornately decorated oxen made the rounds of villages to seek almsThe farmers decorated their bullocks and worshipped them for their contribution to the harvestIt was time for the families to take a break and come together in their native towns and villages People from different parts of the country and even abroad joined their near and dear ones for the festivalLakhs of people from Hyderabad left for their homes in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for the celebrations leaving the city roads almost desertedAuthorities operated hundreds of special buses and special trains from Hyderabad to various destinations in the two states over the last few days to clear the festival rushFor the children of those settled in cities and abroad it is an occasion to have a feel of life in the countryside They visit the fields and participate in various rural sportsIn Hyderabad and other towns in both states the sky was dotted with colourful kites Popular Hindi and Telugu chartbusters blared from speakers as youngsters flew kites from rooftopsFor the second consecutive day cockfights were organised at several places in the two states despite court orders banning themThese were organised openly on a large scale at many places in coastal Andhra Pradesh where punters bet crores of rupees on roostersPoliticians including legislators inaugurated the cockfights at a few places They claimed that it is part of Telugu culture and Sankranti is incomplete without the cock fightsPolice said they were acting against those tying knives to roosters for the fight and those resorting to betting or other illegal activitiesAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu celebrated Sankranti with his family at his native Naravaripalle village in Tirupati district He along with his wife Bhuvaneswari son Nara Lokesh daughterinlaw Brahmani grandson Devansh and other family members worshipped village deity NagalammaThe Chief Minister greeted people on the occasion of Makar Sankranti He hoped that the festival would fill their lives with happiness and joy I wish that our villages adorned with crops shine even more vibrantly and even as we embrace modernity that we continue to uphold our traditions without forgetting them On this Sankranti festival I assure that farmers will be joyful labourers will receive the fruits befitting their hard work and the government will act with greater responsibility through appropriate schemes to support this he said in his messageTelangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also greeted people on Sankranti He stated that this Sankranti Telangana under âpeopleâs governmentâ created a new record by procuring 7082 lakh tonnes of paddy from farmers by paying them Minimum Support Price MSP IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/telugu-states-celebrates-makar-sankranti-with-gaiety-658483.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/sir-exercise-in-bengal-another-bdo-office-vandalised-fir-filed-658488.html Kolkata Jan 15 After Farakka in Murshidabad another BDO office has been vandalised this time in the Chakulia area of North Dinajpur district On Thursday allegations of vandalism and arson at the Gorakhpur II BDO office in Chakulia surfaced during protests against the Special Intensive Revision SIR of the voter list in the state According to police sources several people blocked the state highway and staged a demonstration Those who were summoned for the SIR hearing were primarily involved in the protestSources said that an officerincharge IC present during the vandalism at the BDO office was injured The Election Commission has taken a strong stance on the incident The BDO filed a written complaint at the Chakulia police station which has been converted into an FIRAccording to police sources on Thursday morning several people blocked the state highway in the Kahata area of ChakuliaThose who had received summons for the SIR hearing were mainly among the protesters This disrupted traffic causing a severe traffic snarl Amid this allegations of vandalism at the BDOs office arosePolice arrived at the scene after receiving the information According to the complaint filed by the BDO at the Chakulia police station around 300 people tried to forcibly enter the BDOâs office at around 930 am Police tried to stop them but failed to control the situationIt is alleged that they entered the office and destroyed everything from electronic equipment to chairs and tables and also damaged documentsIn its complaint the BDO office said that property worth approximately Rs 20 lakh was destroyed at the office in ChakuliaIt is also alleged that the police were attacked when they tried to stop the protesters The officerincharge of Chakulia police station was injured in the incident Several people from the office have been taken to the hospital for treatmentA police officer told media persons that a high alert has been issued in the Islampur police districtOn the other hand following Wednesdayâs Farakka incident the Chief Electoral Officer CEO of the state has issued strict instructions to the District Magistrates and District Election Officers DEOs The instructions sent via WhatsApp stated that no hearing centres will be changedThe CEO also reminded the DEOs that priority must be given to resolving âunmappedâ and âlogical discrepancyâ cases The DEOs must take the final decision in this regardThe EROs and AEROs will make decisions on âotherâ matters on their own initiative However they must not under any circumstances take any decision regarding the relocation of the hearing centres specified by the Commission If they do the Commission will view the matter very seriouslyThe move from the Election Commission came a day after a mob led by Trinamool Congress MLA Monirul Islam went on a rampage at the BDO office and vandalised the premises protesting against the alleged harassment of common people in the name of calling them for SIR hearing for the simplest of errors in their voter information IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/sir-exercise-in-bengal-another-bdo-office-vandalised-fir-filed-658488.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/manipur-govt-rolls-out-rs-523-crore-package-to-rehabilitate-violence-hit-60-000-people-658495.html Imphal Jan 15 The Manipur government has undertaken a Rs 523 crore rehabilitation package for around 60000 violencehit Internally Displaced People IDPs who have been living in relief camps since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023 officials said here on Thursday A senior Home Department official said that the government has initiated phased resettlement under the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package of Rs 523 crore as announced in the Manipur budget 202526 As Manipur is under the Presidentâs Rule since February 13 last year the Lok Sabha on August 7 last year passed the Manipur Budget for 202526 authorising an amount of Rs 3096944 Rs 3510390 crore presented in March 2025 Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget under Article 356 The official said that under the first phase those families would be resettle whose houses have been partially damaged and under the second phase resettlement of families provided housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas YojanaGramin PMAYG Special Package within their respective districts In the third phase resettlement of families requiring interdistrict relocation between Valley and Hill districts involving enhanced coordination infrastructure development and security arrangements In a letter addressed to representatives of IDPs and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity COCOMI an apex body of the Meitei community Special Secretary Home A Subhash Singh said the state government reiterates that the rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs remains the highest humanitarian priority âIt is clarified that resettlement is necessarily contingent upon multiple critical factors such as security situation site readiness land availability fund flow climatic conditions and livelihood feasibility Accordingly the process is being implemented in a phased dynamic and pragmatic manner rather than as a rigid onetime deadlinedriven exerciseâ the letter said Meanwhile hundreds of violencehit IDP on January 12 staged a protest rally in Imphal demanding a positive response from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on their resettlement Backed by the COCOMI the IDPs organised the rally and demanded that displaced families be allowed to return to their original places with adequate security arrangements A team led by COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba held a meeting with Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and later met the Governor after which the agitators dispersed A Lok Bhavan official had said the COCOMIIDPs joint delegation called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan Imphal where they shared broad concerns related to the situation of displaced people and raised various issues requiring attention âDiscussions also touched upon matters linked to arrangements in certain areas adjoining the Valley and Hill regionsâ the official had said He had said the Governor listened to the delegation and noted that steps related to resettlement and rehabilitation are already underway âGovernor Bhalla reiterated that efforts are being made to facilitate the safe and gradual return of IDPsâ the Lok Bhavan official added The state government has established over 300 relief camps across the Imphal Valley and hilly regions to provide shelter to over 60000 men women and children displaced since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023 IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/manipur-govt-rolls-out-rs-523-crore-package-to-rehabilitate-violence-hit-60-000-people-658495.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/andhra-man-wins-rs-153-crore-in-a-cockfight-during-sankranti-658502.html Amaravati Jan 15 In what is believed to be a record of sorts a man reportedly won a staggering Rs 153 crore in a cockfight held during Sankranti in Andhra Pradeshâs West Godavari district on Thursday The man identified as Rajahmundry Ramesh won the huge bet on a cockfight at Tadepalligudem townRamesh and Gudivada Prabhakar had bet a huge amount on their roosters with knives tied to their feet Ramesh won the bet as his rooster emerged the winner in the fightThis is said to be the highest bet during this Sankranti season Videos on local television channels show Ramesh and his friends erupting in celebrations on winning the massive betRamesh was elated as his rooster made him a millionaire He said he had fed dry fruits to his specialbred rooster for six months to keep it fit and strong for the fightMeanwhile cockfights were organised on a large scale at several places in Andhra Pradesh for the second consecutive day on ThursdayA court ban and the warnings by authorities had no impact as crores changed hands on cockfights seen by many as an integral part of Sankranti celebrationsOrganisers backed by politicians set up special arenas for cockfights and other activities in East Godavari West Godavari Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema Eluru Polavaram and Krishna districtsThe activity which began with Bhogi on the first day continued throughout Wednesday night under flood lights at many places Similar scenes were witnessed on Thursday nightProminent personalities from various parts of Andhra Pradesh Telangana and neighbouring states were among hundreds of spectators and punters They included politicians of all hues businessmen and celebritiesThe warnings by police and district authorities against organising cockfights and gambling activities had no impact with public representatives coming out in support of the organisers by personally attending the eventsOrganisers have made arrangements to continue the cockfights for the third day on FridayWelltrained cocks with small knives attached to their legs fought amid cheers from the spectators The fight often ends with the death of one of the two birdsCockfighting and associated gambling are prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming ActAnimal rights groups say it is illegal to incite animal fights under Section 111mii of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960The act of organising managing or even offering a space for such fights is also a cognisable offence under Section 111nOrganisers at a few places justified their action claiming that the cockfights did not involve betting They say that cockfights are part of Sankranti traditionsThey also pointed out that courts have banned only those cockfights where roosters have knives tied to them IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/andhra-man-wins-rs-153-crore-in-a-cockfight-during-sankranti-658502.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 07:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-navsari-municipal-corporation-rolls-out-rs-112-crore-water-and-drainage-network-project-658604.html Gandhinagar Jan 16 The Navsari Municipal Corporation on Friday announced infusing Rs 112 crore for setting up a new drainage system and water supply network to solve longpending issues of clogged drains and erratic water supply The Rs 112 crore water and drainage network project comes as one of the first bigticket projects from the Navsari Municipal Corporation as it was formed on January 1 2025 following the inclusion of the former Navsari Vijalpore Municipality area along with four adjoining villages Eru Dharagiri Dantej and HansaporeThese outer areas have long been facing persistent challenges related to clean drinking water and a lack of proper drainage infrastructureTo address these concerns once and for all the Navsari Municipal Corporation initiated the construction of the new water supply and drainage network in these areas at an estimated cost of Rs 112 croreThe Municipal Corporation will develop modern infrastructure in a phased manner including new water supply and drainage pipelines overhead tanks underground sumps drainage pumping stations sewage treatment plants and new water treatment plantsThese initiatives will bring relief to over 25000 residents by addressing longstanding challenges related to drinking water availability and sewage disposal This is expected to bring a drastic reduction in healthrelated concerns in the area particularly among childrenThe new water supply and drainage network in Navsari will not only strengthen civic infrastructure but will also be an important step towards making the city cleaner safer and more modernThe four villages integrated into the Navsari Municipal Corporation area will also have better roads street lighting new drainage networks gardens ponds a vihar dham a civic centre and dustbin distribution to strengthen cleanliness effortsNavsari Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dev Chaudhary said that In the new year Navsari Municipal Corporation is focusing on improving basic civic facilities including drainage roads storm water systems and water supply For this a plan has been prepared to lay complete drainage water and stormwater networks in the four villages recently merged into the cityâIn the first phase drainage and water supply works will be carried out The project is being implemented on schedule and will provide relief to residents while improving their overall wellbeing he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-navsari-municipal-corporation-rolls-out-rs-112-crore-water-and-drainage-network-project-658604.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/will-abide-by-sikh-clergys-verdict-says-punjab-cm-after-meeting-akal-takht-jathedar-658412.html Amritsar Jan 15 IANS Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said that he had submitted his clarification to Akal Takhts acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj over his alleged remarks on the Sikh code of conduct and an objectionable video and would abide by the verdict pronounced by the Sikh clergynbspAfter the nearly hourlong meeting with Giani Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula here Mann in a media interaction said They said they would go through the explanation and take a decision accordingly I will abide by the verdict pronounced by the Sikh clergyCM Mann who arrived barefoot appeared before Giani Gargaj at the Akal Takht Secretariat after being summonednbspHe was handed over the Sikh Rehat Maryada book by the Jathedar of the highest temporal seat of SikhsGiani Gargaj told the media that CM Mann admitted at the meeting that he shouldnt have to say certain things onnbsp religious affairs of the Sikhs and assured him that he would desist from making any such statements in the futurenbspThe explanation given by CM Mann on the charges of religious misconduct would be taken up in the next meeting of the five Sikh high priests he saidnbspAccepting that punishment for an apostate Sikh could not be pronounced from the Akal Takht Giani Gargaj said the punishment could be in the form of a direction to the Sikh sangatnbspWithout mincing words he said a forensic examination would be conducted of the viral video purportedly showing the CMEarlier citing objectionable videos circulating on social media Giani Gargaj had claimed that Manns actions towards images of the Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were disrespectfulnbspHe had said the Chief Ministers antiSikh statements reflected the arrogance of powernbspCM Mann was the third Chief Minister summoned by the Akal Takht after Parkash Singh Badal and Surjit Singh BarnalanbspBadal was summoned in 1979 by then Jathedar Sadhu Singh Bhaura over his role in the SikhNirankari clash that claimed 13 lives in Amritsar Barnala was declared tankhaiya guilty of religious misconduct in 1986 and excommunicated for ordering police action inside the Golden Temple Later he sought atonement in 1988A day earlier CM Mann in a statement to the media had said I will appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a devout Sikh and there is no question whatsoever of seeking any change in the timingnbspHe said January 15 has been fully dedicated to Akal Takht Sahib in accordance with the orders of the Jathedar and that he has no other programme scheduled for the daynbspEmphasising the sanctity of the institution he had said Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh and is regarded as the highest temporal seat of our communityReiterating his complete reverence for the authority of the Takht CM Mann had said Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahibji is acceptable to me with full reverence and will be obeyed Sri Akal Takht Sahibji is above everything for me Any order received from that sacred Takht will be followed in true letter and spirit The command of Sri Akal Takht Sahibji is was and will always remain supreme for me and my family https://dailyworld.in/society/will-abide-by-sikh-clergys-verdict-says-punjab-cm-after-meeting-akal-takht-jathedar-658412.html Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/myntra-cares-launches-mobility-led-livelihood-initiative-education-programmes-for-underserved-communities-658241.html Bengaluru Jan 13 Myntra one of Indiaâs leading fashion beauty and lifestyle platforms on Tuesday announced the launch of four initiatives under its CSR and Sustainability arm Myntra Cares covering two core focus areas including mobilityenabled livelihoods and education under MynVidya One of the initiatives Livelihoods on Wheels focuses on enabling employment and independence for persons with disabilities through mobility support other programmes under the MynVidya umbrella are aimed at contributing to Myntra Caresâ commitment towards strengthening education pathways at different stagesLivelihoods on Wheels in partnership with Alamba Charitable Trust aims to enable sustainable livelihoods for 20 mobilityimpaired individuals Under the programme each beneficiary will be provided with NeoMotion mobility equipment valued at Rs 110000 enabling independent mobility Beneficiaries identified and onboarded by the Trust will be recruited as delivery agents creating access to stable income opportunities Through this support participants are expected to earn Rs 25000â30000 per monthSpeaking about the initiative Rita Antony FounderPresident Alamba Charitable Trust said âMobility should never be a barrier to opportunity With Myntra Cares we are providing tools training and sustainable livelihood options to differentlyabled individuals enabling them to earn independently while regaining confidence and dignity This is a step toward truly inclusive empowermentâMyntra Cares continues to drive educationfocused programmes that support learners at different stages of their academic journeyMyntra has partnered with Links Educational and Charitable Trust to provide primary education to 90 children from migrant worker families who have been historically excluded from formal schooling The programme operates from a dedicated learning centre near Myntraâs Bengaluru headquarters and supports students through the National Open School System covering Levels 1 2 and 3 equivalent to Grades 3 5 and 7Myntra Cares is undertaking a school infrastructure transformation initiative at BKMS School a governmentaided institution near Commercial Street Bangalore in partnership with CommuniTree The phased renovation scheduled between October 2025 and March 2026 includes classroom upgrades sanitation facilities lighting wiring and digital learning infrastructureTo support access to higher education Myntra Cares has partnered with Buddy4Study to provide scholarships to 175 students including 75 from traditional artisan families and 100 from lowincome garment worker families Eligible students will receive Rs 20000 on a reimbursement basis and will be supported for three years of graduation in STEAM disciplinesSpeaking on the initiatives Govindraj MK Chief Human Resources Officer Myntra said âThrough Myntra Cares we are addressing the distinct needs of the community We are enabling livelihoods through mobility while continuing to invest in education under MynVidya Together these initiatives reflect our commitment to structured longterm community engagementâSpeaking about the school transformation initiative Hafiz Khan Founder CommuniTree said âThe BKMS school transformation project is about more than infrastructure itâs about creating a nurturing environment where children from underserved backgrounds can learn grow and aspire We are excited to work with Myntra to give this heritage building a new life and a brighter future for its studentsâSpeaking on the collaboration Urvi Jariwala FounderTrustee Links Educational and Charitable Trust mentioned âAt Links Trust we believe every child regardless of where they come from deserves a fair chance at a brighter future Children of migrant labourers often bear the weight of displacement and economic hardship but with this collaboration with Myntra Cares we are turning hope into opportunity Together weâre enabling 90 children to access quality education giving them not just books and classrooms but a pathway to dream learn and grow with dignityâSpeaking on the scholarship initiative Ashutosh Burnwal Founder Buddy4Study Foundation said âThrough our collaboration with Myntra were able to reach deserving students from families of artisans and garment workers who often lack access to financial support for higher education By combining our operational platform with Myntraâs strong community networks we aim to empower the next generation with the education and skills they need to thriveâThese initiatives mark the expansion of Myntraâs voluntary CSR efforts reflecting a holistic approach to community development By bringing together dedicated partners and focusing on measurable impact Myntra aims to foster longterm change that creates pathways to education skills and sustainable livelihoods IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/myntra-cares-launches-mobility-led-livelihood-initiative-education-programmes-for-underserved-communities-658241.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/mp-govt-orders-premature-release-of-87-life-convicts-on-republic-day-658111.html Bhopal Jan 12 In a major decision ahead of the 77th Republic Day the Madhya Pradesh government has approved the premature release of 87 lifeterm convicts from prisons across the state The Jail Department issued the order in line with guidelines under a directive dated May 27 2025 after a detailed review of 481 casesAccording to an official statement districtlevel committees examined each case based on legal provisions case background and relevant facts Of the total reviewed 394 convicts were found ineligible for early releaseThe decision has been taken under Sections 432 433 and 433A of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 which empower the state to remit or commute sentences under specific conditionsAuthorities clarified that the releases will be subject to strict safeguardsPrisoners with pending appeals in the High Court or the Supreme Court will only be eligible if their cases are resolved by January 26 2026Those with fines must pay them or serve additional time while convicts with sentences remaining in other cases will have to complete those before releaseIndividuals facing pending trials will continue as undertrials and interstate cases may involve transfers before release is grantedIn addition to the life convicts seven nonlife term prisoners have been granted remission of sentence also conditional on fine payments and resolution of appeals by the same dateOfficials said rejections were primarily in cases where convicts had not completed 20 years of imprisonment including remissions as required under state policyThe move timed with Republic Day is part of an annual gesture aimed at promoting rehabilitation and reducing prison overcrowding while ensuring public safety through casebycase scrutinyPrison reform advocates have welcomed the decision describing it as consistent with humanitarian principles However they stressed the importance of monitoring postrelease behaviour to ensure reintegration into societyWith Madhya Pradeshâs prisons housing thousands of inmates such initiatives reflect the governmentâs effort to balance justice with mercyThe releases are scheduled to take place on January 26 symbolising hope renewal and the spirit of freedom on Republic Day IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/mp-govt-orders-premature-release-of-87-life-convicts-on-republic-day-658111.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/illegal-mining-crackdown-in-rajasthan-rs-713-cr-recovered-in-two-weeks-90-arrested-658125.html Jaipur Jan 12 Under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharmas zerotolerance policy against illegal mining Rajasthan has intensified enforcement through a coordinated crackdown that has yielded significant results In just two weeks 1132 actions were taken across the state leading to the recovery of over Rs 713 crore in penalties credited to the state treasuryPrincipal Secretary Mines and Petroleum T Ravikant reviewed the ongoing campaign on Monday in a hybrid meeting at the Secretariat with Director Mines Mahaveer Prasad Meena and senior officialsHe directed field officers to step up groundlevel vigilance conduct frequent surprise inspections and prepare a clear roadmap for the timely auction of seized mineralsHe also instructed that if penalties are not deposited within the stipulated timeframe formalities for the immediate confiscation of seized vehicles and machinery must be completedEmphasising strict enforcement he made it clear that no laxity will be tolerated in action against illegal miningMahaveer Prasad Meena said that during the campaign 264 FIRs have been registered with the police and 90 individuals arrestedAuthorities seized more than 61800 tonnes of illegally mined and stored mineralsIn addition 55 excavators including JCBs and Poclain machines and 983 vehicles such as dumpers and tractortrolleys involved in illegal mining were confiscatedBhilwara district recorded the highest number of actions with Mining Engineers from Bhilwara and Bijoliya jointly carrying out 120 operations resulting in the seizure of 12 machines and 120 vehicles and the registration of 54 FIRsIn Jaipur the Mining Engineer conducted 85 actions seizing two excavators and 79 vehicles while also recovering the highest penalty amount of Rs 8617 lakhAjmer saw 83 operations with the seizure of 71 vehicles and machinesThe largest quantity of minerals 38893 tonnes was seized in Sawai Madhopur while Nagaur collected penalties exceeding Rs 41 lakhThe highlevel review meeting was attended by Joint Secretary Arvind Saraswat Special Officer Krishna Sharma Superintending Geologist Aerial Survey Sunil Kumar Verma Finance Officer Suresh Chandra Jain and other departmental officers from Additional Director to Assistant Mining Engineer level IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/illegal-mining-crackdown-in-rajasthan-rs-713-cr-recovered-in-two-weeks-90-arrested-658125.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/president-murmu-extends-greetings-for-lohri-makar-sankranti-pongal-magh-bihu-658135.html New Delhi Jan 12 President Droupadi Murmu on Monday greeted citizens on the eve of Lohri Makar Sankranti Pongal and Magh Bihu which fall on January 13 and 14 respectively a statement said In a message the President has said âOn the auspicious occasion of Lohri Makar Sankranti Pongal and Magh Bihu festivals I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indians residing within India and abroadâThese festivals are a symbol of our rich agricultural traditions and national unity They are a reflection of our vibrant and diverse cultural heritage she saidThese festivals are an occasion to salute the hard work of our farmers who work tirelessly to feed the nation Through these festivals celebrated across the country we express our gratitude towards Mother Nature she saidââOn this auspicious occasion I wish the spirit of love and solidarity in our society grows stronger and we work together to build a prosperous nationâ she saidEarlier in the day PM Modi paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary also marked as National Youth Day and said that this day brings new strength and selfconfidence for younger generationsThe government proclaimed January 12 as National Youth Day in 1984 with the aim of motivating young individuals by connecting them to the principles and teachings of Swami Vivekananda while also promoting their involvement in the development of the nationIn a post on X PM Modi said My respectful tribute to Swami Vivekananda the powerful source of inspiration for Indias youth power on his birth anniversary His personality and works continuously infuse new energy into the resolve for a Viksit Bharat My wish is that this divine occasion of National Youth Day brings new strength and new selfconfidence for all fellow citizens especially our young companionsHe said that the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda serves as an inspiration for societyIn a video message the Prime Minister said What Swami Vivekananda gave to the country and society transcends time and place inspiring every generation He showed us the way It was Swami Vivekananda who in that era said that fearless selfless purehearted courageous and ambitious youth are the foundation upon which the nations future is built He had immense faith in the youth and their powerCalling on the younger generation PM Modi said Now you have to live up to his faith Today as the world looks to India with great hope it is because of all of you my young friends Today be it a village a city or a town the enthusiasm of the youth is everywhere I extend my best wishes to all of you on National Youth DaySwami Vivekananda was born on January 12 1863 in Kolkata He is widely praised for introducing Indian philosophies including Vedanta and Yoga to the WestSwami Vivekanandas famous speech at the 1893 Worlds Parliament of Religions in Chicago sparked interfaith dialogue and revitalised Hinduism as a world religionHe promoted Indian nationalism social reform and unity urging youth to serve humanity and established the Ramakrishna Mission for education and service IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/president-murmu-extends-greetings-for-lohri-makar-sankranti-pongal-magh-bihu-658135.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/more-special-trains-announced-from-hyderabad-to-clear-sankranti-rush-657941.html Hyderabad Jan 11 The South Central Railway SCR on Sunday announced three more special trains between Hyderabad and Anakapalle in Andhra Pradesh in view of the extra rush of passengers on account of the ensuing Sankranti festival These trains will be operated between Charlapalli station and Anakapalle the SCR announced on SundayTrain number 07479 AnakapalleCharalapalli will depart from Anakapalle at 1030 pm on January 18 and reach Charalapalli at 1130 am the next day Train number 07477 CharalapalliAnakapalle will depart from Charalapalli at 1240 am on January 19 and will arrive at Anakapalle at 9 pm the same dayThe third train 07478 will depart from Anakapalle at 1030 pm on January 19 and reach Charalapalli at 1130 am the next dayEarlier the SCR announced four special trains between Hyderabad and Sirpur Kagazhnagar and 10 special trains between Hyderabad and VijayawadaThe SCR has so far announced more than 170 special trains across key routes including Vijayawada Kakinada Machilipatnam Visakhapatnam and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh Another 130 special trains will be operated through Andhra Pradesh to clear the extra rushMeanwhile in view of the surge in passenger footfall during the Sankranti festival season the SCR has taken up several measures to mitigate the ensuing passenger rushThe expected average daily footfall during the festival period is approximately 220 lakh passengers at Secunderabad 50000 at Lingampalli and 35000 at Charlapalli stationsTo manage the surge in passengers the ground operations team consisting of TTEs and Railway Protection Force RPF personnel have been deployed at Secunderabad station Additional TTEs and RPF personnel have been deployed at all entry and exit pointsA robust CCTV surveillance control room has been setup and the war room is operational 24x7 in the divisional Headquarters Construction sites have been fully barricaded as a safety measure and all obstructions at entry and exit points have been cleared to ensure free movement of passengersDue to redevelopment works at Secunderabad Railway Station parking is temporarily suspended and limited pickupdropoff at Platform No 1 is available At Secunderabad station parking the access control system at the Bhoiguda entrance Platform No10 side has been temporarily lifted off to facilitate faster passenger movement IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/more-special-trains-announced-from-hyderabad-to-clear-sankranti-rush-657941.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/bihar-babarchak-in-banka-set-to-become-states-first-smart-village-657960.html Patna Jan 11 Babarchak village in Biharâs Banka district is carving a unique identity of its own and now on its way to becoming states first smart village This village was completely devastated in the 1989 communal riots After years of suffering displacement insecurity and hardships the villages revival has become a model of development rehabilitation and hopeThe displaced population have found a platform to return to their roots while many landless farmers are also being rehabilitated to their ancestral villages under special government programPermanent houses have been built for 164 landless families in Babarchak providing hundreds of people with safe secure and dignified lifeThe houses provided under this scheme have transformed the lives of families who were forced to live in temporary shelters and dilapidated houses for decadesBeneficiary Geeta Devi expressed her happiness upon receiving the keys to her new home and thanked the state government and PM ModiSpeaking to IANS she said that her mud house was completely destroyed in 1989 riots Now under PM Awas Yojana she got a house of her own She added that her family has six members and she supports her family by selling fruits from a cartThe new house has not only provided her with security but has also increased her confidence in the futureThe Babarchak rehabilitation project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during his Pragati Yatra Progress Journey in February 2025 On this occasion he also laid the foundation stone for several other schemes related to the overall development of the village These include infrastructure development education expansion of health facilities and livelihoodrelated activitiesThe Chief Minister had said that this project is not limited to providing housing but is a concrete step towards making people selfreliant and improving their standard of livingThis entire rehabilitation model has been developed on the lines of the PURA Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas model of former President Bharat Ratna late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Under this initiative urban amenities are provided in rural areas including better roads electricity and water supply digital connectivity social innovation and economic opportunitiesToday Babarchak village is more than just a rehabilitation project it demonstrates that with the right policies and determination villages that were devastated years ago can be revitalized This village has emerged as a new beacon of hope for families who had lost everything and are now moving towards a secure and dignified future IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/bihar-babarchak-in-banka-set-to-become-states-first-smart-village-657960.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 01:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/assam-police-arrest-fake-doctor-in-cachar-district-658051.html Guwahati Jan 12 Continuing its crackdown on illegal medical practice the Assam Police in Cachar district have arrested another individual for allegedly practising medicine using forged qualifications officials said on Monday The accused has been identified as Shamim Ahmed Laskar a resident of the Bhaga area under the Dholai police station limits He was apprehended following a complaint alleging that he had been running a medical chamber without valid medical credentialsAccording to police the arrest was made after a written complaint was submitted by Dr Abhijit Neog AntiQuackery and Vigilance Officer of the Assam Council of Medical Registration ACMRActing on the complaint a police team conducted a raid at the accusedâs medical chamber on Saturday and detained him on the spot During the search operation police recovered several forged MBBS certificates and other related documents from the premisesPreliminary investigation indicated that Shamim Ahmed Laskar had been illegally practising medicine for a considerable period allegedly misleading patients and posing a serious threat to public health and safetyPolice officials said the accused failed to produce any valid registration or authorisation to practise medicine The seized documents have been sent for further verification and a detailed probe has been launched to determine the duration of his illegal activities and whether any patients suffered harm due to his unauthorised treatmentInvestigators are also examining the possibility of a wider network involved in the fabrication or circulation of fake medical certificates Further arrests cannot be ruled out officials addedNotably the Assam Police in Cachar district have intensified their drive against quackery and unqualified medical practitioners over the past few months As part of the sustained campaign around 20 individuals posing as doctors have been arrested from different parts of the districtAuthorities have reiterated their appeal to the public to verify the credentials of medical practitioners and report suspicious activities to the police or the ACMR to prevent endangering lives through unqualified medical practice IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/assam-police-arrest-fake-doctor-in-cachar-district-658051.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/belur-math-celebrates-swami-vivekanandas-163rd-birth-anniversary-with-traditional-rituals-658061.html Kolkata Jan 12 The 163rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated on Monday at Belur Math the international headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in Howrah district adjacent to Kolkata The daylong observance followed traditional rituals and cultural practices blending devotion reverence and reflection on Swamijiâs message of service to God through service to humanityThe celebrations of Swamijis birth anniversary at Belur Math began early Monday with the morning prayer of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa the spiritual mentor of SwamijiThe enthusiasm and devotion of thousands of followers of Swamiji Shri Ramakrishna and the latterâs wife and spiritual consort Maa Sarada assembled at Belur Math over the auspicious occasion perfectly reflected Swamijiâs statement after its foundation Ekhane Udvinno Chota Jogotke Plabito Korbe Manusher Jibangoti Palte Debe From here shall emanate such unpolluted streams of thought as shall inundate the whole world and change the course of human lifeSpecial rituals were performed throughout the day at Belur Math to celebrate the auspicious occasion The rituals performed on the occasion were not just spiritual but also marked by a strong intellectual and contemplative spiritAs Swamjiâs birthday is observed as the National Youth Day members of various organisations and institutions inspired by his teachings organised processions that culminated at Belur Math Students from several educational institutions also took out morning processions to the monastery Vedic recitations and discourses were held as part of the programmeThe entire observance at Belur Math was conducted in a nonpolitical manner in keeping with the institutionâs spiritual ethosMeanwhile Swami Vivekanandaâs birth anniversary was also commemorated at his ancestral house on Simla Street in north Kolkata Unlike Belur Math the event there was marked by political overtones with leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties visiting the site from Monday morning to pay their respects IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/belur-math-celebrates-swami-vivekanandas-163rd-birth-anniversary-with-traditional-rituals-658061.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kuppai-thiruvizha-50-tn-launches-12-day-statewide-drive-toward-zero-waste-landfill-658079.html Chennai Jan 12 Tamil Nadu on Monday rolled out Kuppai Thiruvizha 50 a 12day statewide waste collection and management campaign aimed at accelerating the transition towards a zerowastetolandfill model The initiative jointly announced by the governments Clean Tamil Nadu Company Limited CTCL and the Thooimai Mission will be held from January 12 to January 23 and will involve coordinated action across urban and rural local bodiesThe campaign is built around four strategic objectives with a strong emphasis on behavioural and cultural changeAuthorities aim to foster public responsibility for source segregation and organised waste management making citizens active participants in the cleanliness mission rather than passive beneficiariesA major focus of the drive is the elimination of Garbage Vulnerable Points GVPs Chronic littering spots across cities towns and villages will be identified cleared and continuously monitored to prevent redumping These areas are intended to be converted into socially useful public spaces reinforcing the message that clean surroundings are a shared civic responsibilityResource recovery is another core pillar of Kuppai Thiruvizha 50Dedicated collection points for recyclable and reusable materials will be established to ensure that waste is diverted back into the economy through authorised aggregatorsThe integration of SelfHelp Groups SHGs under the Mahalir Thooimai Iyakkam will play a key role with SHGs coordinating closely with local bodies and waste aggregators to regularise collection and recovery processesCoinciding with the harvest festival season the state government has integrated the âPugai Illa Bhogiâ smokefree Bhogi campaign into the drive On Bhogi traditionally associated with the burning of old household items departments such as Rural Development and Municipal Administration have been instructed to actively discourage the burning of waste Instead discarded materials will be collected at designated locations and channelled through authorised systems to ensure zero waste reaches landfillsThe initiative requires highlevel coordination among departments including the Greater Chennai Corporation Rural Development and Town PanchayatsTo support effective implementation the CTCL has developed a dedicated digital dashboard for realtime monitoring while districtlevel nodal officers have been mandated to undergo training Standard Operating Procedures waste calendars tool kits and a Thooimai pledge have been distributed to all local bodiesCitizens are urged to participate by handing over dry and recyclable waste to collection centres reinforcing the stateâs vision of turning waste into a valuable community resource IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kuppai-thiruvizha-50-tn-launches-12-day-statewide-drive-toward-zero-waste-landfill-658079.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cong-targets-bjp-over-indore-water-tragedy-mnrega-changes-nyay-yatra-tomorrow-657794.html Bhopal Jan 10 The Madhya Pradesh Congress strongly criticised the BJP government on Saturday A joint press conference was held at the Rajiv Gandhi Auditorium in the State Congress Office in Bhopal Former Minister PC Sharma Bhopal City District Congress Committee President Praveen Saxena and State Spokesperson Rahul Raj addressed the media Praveen Saxena termed the Bhagirathpura incident âgovernmentsponsored murdersâ He blamed criminal negligence and administrative failure by the BJP government and alleged that twenty people died and more than one thousand citizens fell ill due to poisonous waterIn protest the Madhya Pradesh Congress will hold a statelevel Nyay Yatra march for justice on Sunday January 11 2026 at 11 am The march will start from Bada Ganpati Temple and proceed to Rajwada Chowk near the statue of Maa Ahilyabai Holkar in Indore Saxena said Senior leaders elected representatives officebearers party workers and many common citizens will join the protest he addedThe Congress leaders said their main demands include immediate removal of the Indore mayor resignation of Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya for his insensitive statements to the press and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of the deceased instead of Rs 2 lakh The Congress leaders also called for a judicial inquiry into the matter and registration of culpable homicide cases against those responsible They said the struggle will continue from the streets to Parliament until justice is served to the victimsTargeting the ruling BJP government and former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan PC Sharma said Madhya Pradesh already carries a debt of Rs 4 lakh crore from the time of Shivraj Singh Chouhanâs tenure He added that the new 6040 ratio in MNREGA expenditure will put an extra burden of Rs 5000 crore on the state every year He pointed out that eKYC verification is pending for 905 per cent of active MNREGA workers the highest in the country He described these policies as antilabour and said the poor are being deliberately deprived of their rightsThe Congress opposes this law and demands its immediate withdrawal by the Modi government It will intensify the Save MNREGA campaign from every panchayat to the streetsRahul Raj accused Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of being the main architect behind replacing MNREGA with the new act He called it a direct attack on the right to work for the poor and âa murder of Gandhiâs ideals of Gram Swarajâ He said the new law will add an annual burden of Rs 5000 crore to the stateâs existing debt of Rs 45 lakh crore He criticised the provision to suspend work for 60 days during the harvest season alleging that it is a conspiracy to force labourers into migration and cheap labourHe questioned whether MNREGA workersâ wages will now face delays similar to crop insurance payments He accused Shivraj Singh Chouhan of speaking of Ram while acting against the rights of labourers and farmers IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cong-targets-bjp-over-indore-water-tragedy-mnrega-changes-nyay-yatra-tomorrow-657794.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kerala-cpi-m-blames-media-for-twisting-anti-communal-stand-as-religious-attack-657807.html Thiruvananthapuram Jan 10 CPIM Kerala secretary MV Govindan on Saturday accused the media of misrepresenting the partyâs stand against communalism in the wake of the controversy triggered by senior leader AK Balanâs remarks on the Marad riots Govindan said criticism of communal forces was being deliberately portrayed as criticism against religionHe alleged that attacks on the RSS were being projected as attacks on Hinduism while criticism of JamaateIslami was being portrayed as being directed against MuslimsCommunal forces he warned pose a serious threat to democracy and must be confronted without distortion or fearThe controversy erupted following remarks by former minister and veteran CPIM leader AK Balan who on Saturday said he would not apologise to JamaateIslami for his reference to the Marad riotsBalan dismissed as baseless the legal notice sent to him by JamaateIslami seeking Rs 1 crore in damages and said he was prepared to face jailHe clarified that his remarks were intended to underline that communal harmony would be preserved only when governments resist the influence of sectarian forcesState Local Self Government Minister MB Rajesh came out strongly in support of Balan stating that communal riots in Kerala had occurred during UDF rule while Left governments had prevented communal forces from gaining groundThe issue also drew a sharp response from AICC general secretary KC Venugopal who criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and alleged that JamaateIslami had aligned with the CPIM during the time of the Marad riotsHe further claimed that statements being made by the Chief Minister echoed positions that even the Sangh Parivar hesitated to voice openlyWith leaders across parties trading sharp accusations the controversy has intensified political tensions ahead of upcoming electoral battles in the StateGovindan also responded to questions on the Sabarimala gold theft case stating that the arrest of the tantri was purely an action taken by the Special Investigation Team SITâIs there a rule that the tantri should not be arrestedâ he asked adding that decisions on arrests rest solely with the SIT and not with the political leadership IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kerala-cpi-m-blames-media-for-twisting-anti-communal-stand-as-religious-attack-657807.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/police-file-chargesheet-against-six-for-threats-to-kannada-actor-darshans-wife-657813.html Bengaluru Jan 10 Police in Karnataka on Saturday submitted a chargesheet against six accused in connection with sending vulgar and threatening messages to Vijayalaxmi the wife of jailed Kannada superstar Darshan In the chargesheet police stated that the investigation is still in progress and that efforts are underway to trace the remaining accused who are abscondingPolice said the chargesheet was filed as investigating officers were required to submit it within 60 days of the registration of the case The FIR was registered at the Cyber Crime Police StationPolice had arrested six accused including fans of Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep Among those arrested are a software professional and a petrol bunk managerVijayalaxmi filed a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station against several social media accounts for posting abusive comments against her She submitted a complaint along with photographs against 15 Instagram IDs and more than 150 offensive commentsShe also filed a complaint at the Bengaluru Police Commissionerâs office submitting screenshots of the hate comments she received along with details of the respective accounts and urged the authorities to take actionIt may be recalled that Vijayalaxmi had alleged inaction on the part of Bengaluru Police regarding her complaint against several social media accounts for posting âabusive commentsâ against her However Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh had rejected the allegation and clarified that the investigation was underwayVijayalaxmi wrote a social media post on the issue âMy complaint has been completely neglected I believe that the law is the same for everyone but this experience has made me question that belief This has come as a surprise to meâ she wroteâAction was initiated within a day in another womanâs complaint When I lodged a complaint there has been no action and I have been neglectedâ she statedKannada actress and former Congress MP Ramya also known as Divya Spandana had lodged a complaint against Darshanâs fans for issuing rape threats to her after she stood with the family of the victim in the fan murder case Police had acted swiftly in that case and made arrestsOn social media Vijayalaxmi stated âI have always believed that the system and the law are the same for everyone in our country But honestly this experience has made me question that belief Even after followup by my lawyers there has been no action Today I had to personally go and remind them that I am still waiting for my complaint even to be looked intoâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/police-file-chargesheet-against-six-for-threats-to-kannada-actor-darshans-wife-657813.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-writes-to-pm-modi-welcomes-centres-decision-to-conduct-caste-based-census-657817.html Chennai Jan 10 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming the Union governments decision to conduct a castebased census alongside the upcoming national population census and urging the formation of a highlevel advisory council comprising chief ministers and representatives of states and Union Territories In his letter dated January 10 2026 CM Stalin said the decision to include a caste census with the national enumeration would help generate comprehensive and credible data which is essential for addressing social inequalities and ensuring that welfare schemes reach their intended beneficiariesHe described the move as being in line with Tamil Naduâs longstanding demand and noted that the state had already passed resolutions in the Assembly urging the Centre to undertake a castebased census along with the population censusThe Chief Minister said the Centreâs decision reaffirmed Tamil Naduâs commitment to evidencebased social justice and policymakingHowever he cautioned that a caste census is an extremely sensitive exercise given the deeply rooted and varied social dynamics and caste structures across different states If not handled with care he warned the process could lead to unintended social tensionsStalin emphasised that public trust in the census would depend on the clarity and precision of its design including the framing of questions classification of categories and subcategories and the methodology of data collectionAny lack of clarity inaccuracies or ambiguity he said could result in disputes and divergent interpretations of the dataPointing out that the census is a Central subject and that its outcomes would have farreaching implications for statelevel policies in areas such as education employment reservations and welfare schemes the Chief Minister underlined the need for extensive consultation with all states before finalising the questionnaire and proceduresSuch consultations he said would help incorporate diverse perspectives from states and Union Territories account for regional sensitivities and strengthen the spirit of federalismTo this end CM Stalin formally proposed the creation of an advisory council consisting of chief ministers and representatives of Union Territories to deliberate on and develop clear guidelines for conducting the castebased censusHe also urged the Centre to devote particular attention to safeguarding the sensitivity of the process and ensuring the reliability of the data including by conducting pilot studies wherever necessaryConcluding his letter the Chief Minister expressed confidence that this historic initiative under the Prime Ministerâs leadership would reinforce Indias commitment to equality inclusion and the core principles of federalism IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-writes-to-pm-modi-welcomes-centres-decision-to-conduct-caste-based-census-657817.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kumaraswamy-dares-karnataka-congress-leaders-to-open-debate-on-vb-g-ram-g-657819.html Bengaluru Jan 10 Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused the Congress of creating a false narrative about the VB GRAMG scheme and challenged Congress leaders in Karnataka to an open public debate with documents to expose what he called their lies It may be noted that Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President DK Shivakumar had challenged BJP and JDS leaders over the scrapping of MGNREGA and the introduction of GRAMG by the CentreResponding to Union Minister HD Kumaraswamyâs invitation to discuss the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act MGNREGA Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said âWe are ready for the discussion and if needed will launch a major agitationâThe Union Minister addressed a joint press conference in Bengaluru along with Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka and BJP state President BY Vijayendra on the GRAMG schemeExpressing strong anger over what he termed misinformation being spread by the Congress about the scheme conceptualised under PM Modiâs leadership Kumaraswamy said âThe time when people blindly believed Congressâ lies is overâKumaraswamy said the Congress ruled the country for decades âDid they ever name any major scheme after Mahatma Gandhi They named everything after members of the Nehru family and betrayed Gandhiji They have no moral right to speak about Gandhiâ he saidKumaraswamy demanded an open debate on GRAMG âWe are not running away You claim Panchayats are being wronged but you are postponing elections Shame on you You are trying to destroy the good atmosphere in the Stateâ he saidHe recalled that when he was Chief Minister Rs 800 crore in MGNREGA funds was delayed and he paid wages from the state treasury first âThe present Revenue Minister was Rural Development Minister in my Cabinet This government doesnât even know how to deal with the Centreâ he criticisedâWe invoke Lord Ramâs name to establish Ram Rajya The state government must take responsibility and contribute 40 per cent for this scheme Siddaramaiah must own this responsibilityâ he assertedCriticising the Congress sharply he said âAs if spreading propaganda outside wasnât enough they are now calling Assembly sessions and even planning padayatras For what heroism Was looting public money by creating fake bills under MGNREGA not enoughâHe questioned whether poor dailywage workers ever received justice under Congress rule âWhy did they fail to stop fake bills and identify fake job cards What were they doing all these yearsâ he askedKumaraswamy clarified that MGNREGA has not been stopped âThe Modi government has corrected longpending irregularities and introduced major reforms Congress leaders now claim that fixing loopholes is wrong How absurdâ he saidHe stressed that the GRAMG scheme will not reduce the powers of Gram Panchayats or state governmentsKumaraswamy stated that the entire funding comes from the Central government but the state government has failed to utilise it properly âThere is no transparency Fake bills were created and money was looted That is why we corrected old mistakes and brought a new structureâ he explainedHe accused the Congress of using Gandhijiâs name only for elections and votes âWhen Congress was in power they reduced the budget of this very scheme and even stopped workersâ wages Today under PM Modi every rupee reaches workersâ bank accounts directly and Congress cannot tolerate itâ he saidHe added that the new scheme gives more power to Gram Panchayats where local bodies will design projects and Gram Sabhas will decide priorities monitor implementation and conduct mandatory social audits to ensure transparency âThis level of transparency is what Congress does not wantâ he allegedKumaraswamy said the scheme follows a 6040 funding pattern âTo ensure accountability of state governments 40 per cent contribution is mandated We have not taken away their powers The state must understand its responsibilityâ he assertedHe dismissed KPCC President Shivakumarâs claim that Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said Rs 11 lakh crore was misappropriated âWhat Joshi actually referred to was irregularities in social audit units Rs 11 lakh crore is total expenditure not misappropriation Our Deputy CM may be confusedâ Kumaraswamy saidKumaraswamy said MGNREGA was introduced by the Congress in 2005 with good intent âI never said the scheme is wrong It helped rural workers But later Congress ruined it through massive corruption They failed to fix errors when they were in power Now PM Modi has corrected everything Congress should accept this honestlyâ he saidReferring to an incident in Koppal when Siddaramaiah was Chief Minister Kumaraswamy said âWorkers demanding wages were lathicharged They were taken in tractors promising payment which met with an accident killing some labourers Later it was found many had no job cards and cards were issued even to people aged 6580 Despite such fraud Congress says fixing it is wrongâYouth JDS President Nikhil Kumaraswamy JDS Legislature Party Leader CB Suresh Babu Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy former Minister Venkatarava Nadagouda former MLCs KA Tippeswamy Ashwath Narayan Chowda Reddy Thupalli and others were present at the press conference IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kumaraswamy-dares-karnataka-congress-leaders-to-open-debate-on-vb-g-ram-g-657819.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/delhi-ndmc-vice-chairperson-lays-foundation-stone-for-khan-market-upgrade-657829.html New Delhi Jan 10 New Delhi Municipal Council NDMC Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a Rs 121 crore project for the improvement of the Middle Lane at the cityâs highend Khan Market Addressing the gathering Chahal said NDMC has recently presented its Budget 202627 which includes several development initiatives aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a developed and modern IndiaHe emphasised that redevelopment and upgradation of prominent markets are a key focus area of the NDMC Budget and Khan Market being one of the most iconic commercial hubs of the national capital is receiving special and sustained attentionChahal said that under the vision of Developed India Developed Delhi and Developed NDMC a new beginning has been made at Khan Market with renewed energy in the new yearHe said that there were longpending demands related to the Middle LaneBack Lane and these are being addressed through a comprehensive project involving granite flooring and the creation of integrated service ducts for civil and electrical utilitiesHe said the foundation stone laid on Saturday pertains to the project âUpgradation and Improvement of Environs of Khan Market PhaseIIâ under which the Middle Lane is being upgraded with the provision of a comprehensive drainage system new pavement and modern flooringThe project has a stipulated time period of three months with an estimated cost of Rs 121 crore and is scheduled for completion by April 2026He appreciated the efforts of NDMCâs engineering team and thanked the Khan Market Tradersâ Association for its active cooperation in the development processChahal said NDMC has already upgraded public toilets and is working on improving parking facilities including the proposal for a new parking block announced in the Budget along with better traffic management and the creation of a trafficfree zoneEmphasising that Khan Market is a globally renowned destination frequently visited by foreign tourists he said NDMC is committed to making it more worldclass while preserving its existing characterHe added that with the collective efforts of NDMC traders residents and market associations Khan Market has taken a significant step towards setting new benchmarks in cleanliness infrastructure and urban developmentChahal said multiple development and improvement projects are already underway at Khan Market to strengthen infrastructure enhance civic amenities and improve overall aestheticsExpressing satisfaction on the occasion he said the Middle Lane improvement project will significantly enhance convenience for visitors traders and residents while also giving the market a refreshed and modern appearance IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/delhi-ndmc-vice-chairperson-lays-foundation-stone-for-khan-market-upgrade-657829.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 01:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/mp-cm-mohan-yadav-assures-financial-help-for-tribal-girl-anamika-baiga-657785.html BhopalSidhi Jan 10 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured financial assistance to Anamika Baiga a young tribal girl from Sidhi district to help her pursue her dream of becoming a doctor The assurance came after the Chief Minister learned that Anamika who is preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test NEET had sought financial support for her coaching and hostel expenses She is yet to appear for the examinationIn a post on the social media platform X Chief Minister Yadav said that Anamika had requested assistance for her studies âAfter obtaining the necessary information it was found that she is preparing for NEET and requires support for coaching and hostel fees Instructions have been issued to make appropriate arrangements for the daughter Every possible assistance will be provided by the state government upon her admission to a medical collegeâ he wroteThe Chief Minister also encouraged Anamika expressing confidence in her success âI am fully confident that Anamika will become a doctor and will bring glory to Madhya Pradeshâ he saidEarlier on Friday Anamika had attempted to meet Chief Minister Yadav during a public programme in Sidhi district to convey her grievances but was stopped by police personnel She was seen pleading with folded hands and in tears requesting permission to meet the Chief Minister but was not allowedSpeaking to the media later Anamika said she aspired to become a doctor but her parents who work as dailywage labourers were unable to bear the expenses She alleged that despite approaching the Sidhi district collector and local MLA Kunar Singh Tekam twice for help her pleas were ignored prompting her to seek an audience with the Chief MinisterNotably during his visit to the Sihawal Assembly constituency in Sidhi district on Friday Chief Minister Yadav laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 209 development projects worth Rs 20164 crore IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/mp-cm-mohan-yadav-assures-financial-help-for-tribal-girl-anamika-baiga-657785.html Sat, 10 Jan 2026 23:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cbi-arrests-cpri-official-in-bribery-case-recovers-over-rs-37-crore-cash-657696.html Bengaluru Jan 9 The Central Bureau of Investigation CBI has arrested a Joint Director of the Central Power Research Institute CPRI Bengaluru in a bribery case involving Rs 95 lakh an official statement issued by the agency said on Friday The arrest followed the registration of an FIR on January 8 against the senior CPRI official and other private individuals on charges of collusive corruption According to the CBI the accused were allegedly involved in demanding and accepting bribes for issuing favourable test reports for electrical equipment manufactured by a private firm Ms Sudhir Group of CompaniesAfter registering the case the CBI laid a trap and caught the Joint Director along with an executive of the private company redhanded while allegedly transacting the bribe amount of Rs 95 lakh on January 9 in BengaluruSubsequent searches conducted at the residence of the public servant led to the recovery of a substantial amount of suspected unaccounted wealth The CBI seized cash amounting to Rs 359 crore along with foreign currency in multiple denominations including US Dollars Hong Kong Dollars Singapore Dollars Indonesian Rupiah Malaysian Ringgit Euros Chinese Yuan Renminbi Swedish Krona and UAE Dirhams The foreign currency seized is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 405 lakhIn addition to the cash and foreign currency officials also recovered jewellery and other incriminating documents and articles during the searches The total recovery so far stands at approximately Rs 376 crore including the foreign currency the agency saidCBI officials stated that search operations are still under way and further recoveries cannot be ruled out The investigation into the case is continuing to ascertain the full extent of the alleged corruption and the role of other individuals involvedThe Central Power Research Institute is a premier institution under the Union Ministry of Power and is involved in the testing and certification of electrical equipment used across the countryMore details are awaited IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cbi-arrests-cpri-official-in-bribery-case-recovers-over-rs-37-crore-cash-657696.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/pakistan-facing-food-crisis-urban-areas-or-middle-classes-not-exempt-657528.html New Delhi Jan 8 Pakistanâs Household Integrated Economic Survey HIES 202425 released on January 2 this year indicates a significant increase in household food insecurity with roughly one in four persons experiencing moderatetosevere food insecurity in 202425 compared to about one in six in 201819 according to an article in the Pakistani media Moderatetosevere food insecurity rose by 843 per cent during this period going from 1592 per cent in 201819 to 2435 per cent in 202425 according to an article in The News PakistanThis represents a relative increase of a mammoth 530 per cent in just six years Severe food insecurity specifically increased from 237 per cent to 504 per cent As such the country appears to have a fullblown hunger crisis on its hands Interestingly while hunger and poverty are problems usually associated with rural areas the spike in food insecurity has actually been sharper in Pakistanâs urban centres Moderatetosevere food insecurity has more than doubled in the urban areas to 2058 per cent as compared to a 390 per cent increase in the rural areas Severe food insecurity is now more prevalent in urban areas 512 per cent than in rural areas 499 per cent High inflation and eroding purchasing power are thought to be the main reasons behind this difference the article statedAmong provinces Balochistan has the highest rate of hightomoderate or severe food insecurity followed by Sindh Surprisingly Punjab has the thirdhighest rate despite its muchtouted Rs14 roti rate ahead of Khyber PakhtunkhwaThe figures show that the bottom 200 per cent of households in terms of income unsurprisingly experience the highest rate of moderate or severe food insecurity at 4597 per cent However what is truly shocking is that even among the top 200 per cent of households a category that includes much of the middle class the rate is at 895 per cent One could reasonably argue that Pakistan is a very poor country and that even the top 20 per cent in terms of income are not really rich But the fact that hunger is rising even among this group indicates just how hard it has become to make a living in this country the article lamentedThe report cites factors like Covid19 the 2022 floods and high inflation as contributing to the problem While inflation has moderated significantly the cost of living is still far too high for the majority and severe monsoon flooding appears to be becoming the norm the article statesNo one knows when the next pandemic or similar global crisis could strike but it is clear that our fragile food supply systems will likely not be able to cope Add in the fact that under IMF tutelage agricultural taxes could rise and the governmentâs support for the sector may well decline and the situation becomes even more worrying If this is what economic stability has to offer to the people things might not stay stable for very long the article concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/pakistan-facing-food-crisis-urban-areas-or-middle-classes-not-exempt-657528.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 01:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/preparing-a-people-centric-manifesto-for-assam-assembly-polls-akhil-gogoi-657554.html Guwahati Jan 8 The regional outfit in Assam Raijor Dal has initiated preparations for its manifesto for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections party president Akhil Gogoi announced on Thursday The draft manifesto was adopted at an extended executive committee meeting of the party and is likely to be released to the public by January 15Akhil Gogoi said the final manifesto after consultations would be a peoplecentric document aimed at reshaping Assamâs futureParty leaders said the draft document will undergo detailed discussions with experts from various fields before being finalisedAccording to Raijor Dal the manifesto is being framed as a comprehensive roadmap for governance and development in Assam reflecting the aspirations of farmers workers and ordinary citizensAddressing reporters here Gogoi said that if Raijor Dal comes to power it will work towards building a âNew Assamâ by taking along all indigenous communities as well as all lawful Indian citizens residing in the stateAgriculture he said would be a core focus area with plans to transform Assam into a multicrop state enabling yearround farmingAccording to Sivasagar MLA the party also aims to ensure that local people gain greater control over local interstate and international markets so that Assamese producers can compete beyond the stateIt further proposed developing Assam as the gateway to SouthEast Asian trade by opening international markets for local products and encouraging participation in online platforms and digital tradeIndustrial growth is another key pillar of the draft manifestoRaijor Dal has promised to set up one or two industries in every village and urban area to generate employment and make Assam unemploymentfreeTourism development has also been prioritised with plans to project Assam as a major tourism destination in India Gogoi said the âNew Assamâ model rests on five pillars leadership by indigenous people while including all communities a new agricultural system a new trade structure a new industrial policy and the transformation of Assam into a leading tourism hubTerming the manifesto ârevolutionaryâ Akhil Gogoi said it aims to secure justice and prosperity for farmers workers and common peopleAmong the guarantees listed are justice for late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg through a fresh chargesheet minimum support price for farmers and yearround farming facilitiesThe party has also promised a monthly assistance of Rs 3000 each for women farmers above 60 years of age differentlyabled persons and thirdgender individuals along with interestfree loans for local entrepreneursOther assurances include restoration of the Old Pension Scheme free skill training quality healthcare on AIIMS standards opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act completion of the National Register of Citizens process and permanent solutions to flood control and the Dvoter issue IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/preparing-a-people-centric-manifesto-for-assam-assembly-polls-akhil-gogoi-657554.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/telangana-plans-breakfast-lunch-scheme-for-all-government-schools-657557.html Hyderabad Jan 8 The Telangana government plans to roll out a scheme for breakfast and lunch for students in all government schools Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday reviewed the breakfast and lunch facility run by an NGO in government schools in the Kodangal Assembly constituency which he represents and instructed the officials to examine the feasibility of implementing the scheme across the stateRepresentatives of NGO informed the Chief Minister that they are ready to implement the scheme statewide if the government provides sufficient space and necessary supportThe Chief Minister directed the officials to formulate plans to ensure timely delivery of meals to all students by setting up one centralized kitchen for every two constituenciesHe asked State Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao to hold a meeting with district collectors and take a decision to allot two acres of land or take the land on a 99year lease for the establishment of the centralized kitchensThe Chief Minister also directed the officials to allocate more number of schools to the girls in the first phase of the Young India Integrated Residential Schools YIIRC project and set a deadline of three years to complete the construction of one YIIRC each for boys and girls in every constituencyAt a highlevel review of the Education department he said boysâ schools should be allocated in the next phase in the constituencies where the schools for girls have already been establishedThe Chief minister also instructed the authorities to explore the possibility of undertaking the construction of solar kitchens in integrated residential schools under the PMKUSUM scheme and clear the bills related to the construction of integrated schools promptlyInstructing the officials of the Education department to complete 23 new school buildings in the Greater Hyderabad by the next academic year the Chief Minister stressed that every school should be developed in at least 150 acres of landThe proposal to revise the syllabus was also discussed in the meeting The CM asked officials to change the curriculum from first standard to 10th standard to suit the future needsThe officials were also ordered to expedite the construction of Veeranaari Chakali Ilamma Womens University IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/telangana-plans-breakfast-lunch-scheme-for-all-government-schools-657557.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-stalin-inaugurates-distribution-of-rs-3-000-cash-pongal-gift-hampers-in-chennai-657410.html Chennai Jan 8 Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday inaugurated the statewide distribution of Pongal gift hampers and Rs 3000 cash assistance for more than 222 crore rice ration card holders and eligible Sri Lankan Tamil families in Tamil Nadu The Chief Minister formally launched the scheme at a fair price shop in Alandur near Nazarathpet in Chennai in the presence of ministers and senior officials from the Cooperation Department Food and Civil Supplies Department and district administrationUnder the scheme each beneficiary family will receive a Pongal gift hamper containing one kilogram of raw rice one kilogram of sugar and one full sugarcane along with a cash assistance of Rs 3000Officials said that following the inauguration beneficiaries can collect cash and gift hampers from all ration shops as per the timeslots allotted to themAuthorities stated that elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure smooth and timely distribution across the State Officials from the Cooperation Department and the Food Distribution and Consumer Protection Department have overseen the preparatory workAccording to them 100 per cent of the required rice and sugar for the Pongal gift hampers has already been dispatched to ration shops across Tamil NaduReferring to stocks from previous years officials said that while around 80 per cent of dhotis and sarees distributed during earlier Pongal festivals were utilised by beneficiaries all ration shops have accounted for their suppliesOn sugarcane distribution officials said that between 50 and 80 per cent of the required quantity has already reached individual ration shopsThe government aims to distribute fresh green sugarcane and district administrations are coordinating procurement and supply to ensure adequate availability at each outletPolice security has been arranged in areas where multiple ration shops function from the same premises to manage crowds Ration shop staff have been instructed to count and hand over the Rs 3000 cash assistance openly in front of beneficiaries Employees have also been directed not to take leave until the Pongal festival is overConsidering the needs of people in hilly regions who leave early for work ration shops in such areas will open at 6 amOfficials said all steps have been taken to prevent inconvenience to the public during distribution Token distribution for collecting Pongal gifts was completed on WednesdayBeneficiaries who have not yet received tokens have been advised to contact their respective ration shops and collect the Pongal gift hampers and cash on the dates specified by officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-stalin-inaugurates-distribution-of-rs-3-000-cash-pongal-gift-hampers-in-chennai-657410.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/massive-protest-in-jharkhands-khunti-over-killing-of-tribal-leader-657450.html Khunti Jharkhand Jan 8 Jharkhandâs Khunti district witnessed a complete shutdown on Thursday following the killing of prominent tribal leader and Padha Raja Som Munda The districtwide bandh was called by various tribal organisations severely disrupting normal life From early morning protesters and villagers took to the streets blocking major intersections across the district Markets shops and educational institutions remained shut while public transport services were completely suspendedNormal life in Khunti came to a standstill as bandh supporters staged sitin demonstrations and blocked roads by burning tyresRaising slogans members of tribal organisations and local residents demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved in Som Mundaâs murder and swift justice for his family There is widespread anger and tension in the region among the people following the incidentSenior police and administrative officials were deployed at sensitive locations to monitor the situation and engage with protesters in an effort to maintain law and orderSom Munda was shot dead by unknown assailants late Wednesday evening in the Khunti police station areaAccording to police he was returning to his village Chalangi from Khunti with his wife on a motorcycle when the attack took place near a pond in Jamuadag Two assailants on another motorcycle overtook them and fired multiple shots one of which hit Som Munda in the chestDespite being critically injured Som Munda attempted to ride towards Khunti but collapsed on the way as his condition deteriorated The attackers fled towards Mandarutoli after the incidentSom Mundaâs wife informed the police that she travelled part of the way with the help of a passing tractor and later reached the Khunti police station by autorickshaw to report the incident Police rushed to the spot and shifted Som Munda to a hospital where doctors declared him deadDSP Varun Rajak said a Special Investigation Team SIT has been constituted considering the gravity of the case Raids are being conducted at suspected hideouts to identify and apprehend the culpritsThe administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace assuring that the case is being investigated from all angles and the perpetrators will be arrested soonSom Munda was a highly influential figure in the tribal community and was widely recognised as a Padha Raja traditional tribal chief He was also a leader of the Jharkhand Party an educationist and the convener of the Tribal Coordination Committee in Khunti districtThe Tribal Coordination Committee has termed his killing a âsocial and political conspiracyâAs a precautionary measure additional police forces have been deployed across the district and the administration is closely monitoring the situation Further investigation is underway IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/massive-protest-in-jharkhands-khunti-over-killing-of-tribal-leader-657450.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/bengal-minor-detained-for-beating-grandmother-to-death-over-witchcraft-suspicion-657235.html Kolkata Jan 5 A minor grandson has been detained on charges of murdering his elderly grandmother on suspicion of practising witchcraft police said on Monday The incident took place in the Mahmudpur area of Ramkrishnapur Gram Panchayat under the jurisdiction of Kumarganj Police Station in South Dinajpur districtUpon receiving information police recovered the elderly womanâs body and sent it for postmortem examination The accused minor has been detainedAccording to police the deceased has been identified as Lakshmi Soren She was living with her son daughterinlaw grandson and granddaughterFor some time her granddaughter had been unwell The accused allegedly claimed that his sisterâs illness was due to Lakshmi Soren practising witchcraftIt is alleged that the minor had been verbally abusing his grandmother for a long time over this accusation He reportedly also threatened her with dire consequences on several occasions On Sunday night the accused allegedly dragged Lakshmi Soren out of her house onto the street and assaulted herThe elderly womanâs son Monglu Tudu and daughterinlaw Latika Hansda tried to intervene but failed to save her Having no other option they approached local panchayat member Ranjita BarmanFollowing this the panchayat memberâs husband Kanak Sarkar informed the police However the woman reportedly died before police could reach the spotLater that night personnel from Kumarganj police station detained the accused grandson Police also recovered the body and sent it to Balurghat District Hospital for postmortem examination on MondayâThe accused minor has been detained and an investigation has been launched into the matter Prima facie it appears that the grandmother was beaten to death by the grandson after he suspected her of practising witchcraftâ a South Dinajpur district police officer saidAccording to the officer family members are being questioned as part of the investigation The incident has created a sensation in the area Local residents expressed shock over the incident stating that it was difficult to believe that a minor grandson could be involved in the killing of his grandmother IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/bengal-minor-detained-for-beating-grandmother-to-death-over-witchcraft-suspicion-657235.html Tue, 06 Jan 2026 01:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/minor-detained-after-filming-incident-in-womens-washroom-at-bluru-cinema-hall-657164.html Bengaluru Jan 5 An incident involving a minor boy allegedly filming women inside a washroom has been reported from the Madiwala police station limits in Bengaluru police said on Monday The accused juvenile has been detained in connection with the case while efforts are on to trace another juvenile suspected to be involved The incident was reported from Sandhya Cinema Theatre in Bengaluru on January 4 at around 930 pmAccording to a police statement released on Monday âOn January 4 at around 930 pm based on information received from the âNamma 112â helpline regarding a disturbance at Sandhya Cinema Theatre located within the limits of Madiwala Police Station the Hoysala patrol vehicle officer and staff of Madiwala Police Station immediately rushed to the spot and brought the situation under controlââIt was reported that a juvenile boy allegedly recording videos inside the womenâs washroom of Sandhya Cinema Theatre was surrounded by female patrons The police safely rescued the juvenile in conflict with law from the crowd and brought him to the police stationâThe police said another suspect was also taken in for inquiry The gathered crowd was pacified and dispersed Based on a complaint lodged by female patrons the juvenile in conflict with law and his mobile phone were taken into custody for investigation In connection with the incident the management committee of Sandhya Cinema Theatre is also being questionedEfforts are underway to trace the other accused who is currently absconding and further investigation is in progress the police saidEarlier a series of disturbing incidents in Bengaluru have sparked public outrage In one such case a 19yearold man Hussain from Kothanur was arrested for allegedly secretly recording women at public places such as MG Road and Brigade Road and posting the videos on an Instagram page named âDilbar Jaani64â under the pretext of showcasing nightlife The videos were allegedly recorded without the womenâs consentIn another case Maroof Sharif was arrested by Govindapura police for allegedly sexually harassing a woman in broad daylight while she was heading to a nearby shop The victim managed to escape and later reported the incident to the policeIn yet another incident a sweet shop staffer was arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly recording a video of a woman inside a washroom The 25yearold victim a private firm employee had gone to a reputed sweets shop on Koramangala 60 Feet Road to use the washroom at around 8 pm on April 25 2025 The incident was reported from the Koramangala police station limitsIn a separate case Swapnil Nagesh Mali a 30yearold senior associate consultant at Infosys was arrested on June 30 2025 for allegedly secretly filming one of his female colleagues inside their office washroom During interrogation he reportedly confessed that he derived satisfaction from watching such videos and had more than 50 such clips downloaded on his phoneThe victim stated to police that on June 30 2025 at around 11 am she went to the washroom While using the toilet she noticed a reflection on the cubicle door and saw someone attempting to pull something from the adjacent stallShe stepped out and noticed another woman exiting one of the cubicles When she returned to the same stall climbed onto the commode and looked over she allegedly saw the accused standing on the commode in the nearby cubicle and recording her She confronted him which led to his arrest IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/minor-detained-after-filming-incident-in-womens-washroom-at-bluru-cinema-hall-657164.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/schools-in-jharkhand-to-remain-closed-till-jan-8-amid-severe-cold-conditions-657166.html Ranchi Jan 5 In view of the intensifying cold wave and dense fog conditions across Jharkhand the state government has ordered the closure of all schools until January 8 According to an official notification issued by the School Education and Literacy Department on Monday all government governmentaided unaided including minority and private schools across the state will remain closed from January 6 to January 8 2026The directive applies to students from prenursery to Class 12 and no regular academic activities will be conducted during this periodHowever the department clarified that teachers and nonteaching staff of government schools will be required to report to their respective institutions and carry out nonacademic duties as assignedRegarding preBoard examinations scheduled during the closure period the department stated that the competent authority of the concerned schools may take an appropriate decision on their conduct after assessing the prevailing weather conditionsThe decision was taken following the latest forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi which warned of cold wave and âcold dayâ conditions in several parts of the state over the next two daysThe India Meteorological Department IMD has predicted that minimum temperatures may dip to around 5 degrees Celsius particularly in districts such as Palamu Garhwa Chatra Koderma Latehar Lohardaga Gumla and HazaribaghIn addition to this dense fog is likely to persist during morning hours in northern and western Jharkhand potentially reducing visibility to between 50 and 200 metresDistricts including Ranchi Jamshedpur Dhanbad Deoghar and Palamu are also expected to witness a further drop of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hoursWeather experts have cautioned that prolonged exposure to such extreme cold conditions could adversely affect the health of young children This has prompted the state government to take precautionary measures in the interest of the safety of the studentsThe administration has also appealed to parents not to send their children out of the house unnecessarily and take all necessary precautions in view of the intense cold IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/schools-in-jharkhand-to-remain-closed-till-jan-8-amid-severe-cold-conditions-657166.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ballari-shootout-cong-govt-trying-to-cover-up-killing-of-its-own-worker-alleges-kumaraswamy-657168.html Bengaluru Jan 5 Alleging a conspiracy by the Congressled government to cover up the Ballari shootout case Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Monday made serious charges against the Chief Minister Deputy Chief Minister and the Home Minister accusing the ruling party of attempting to cover up the killing of its own party worker Addressing a press conference at the partyâs state office JP Bhavan in Bengaluru Kumaraswamy said explosive information had emerged regarding the shooting incident involving the gunman of a close associate of Ballari MLA Nara Bharat Reddy He alleged that the postmortem of slain Congress worker Rajashekar was conducted illegally twiceHe demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI for a thorough probeâThe murder of Congress party worker Rajashekar is one issue but what is shameful is the desperate attempt by the Congressled government to cover up the killing of its own worker As part of this the victimâs body was subjected to postmortem twiceâ Kumaraswamy allegedHe questioned what findings emerged from the first postmortem and what new information surfaced in the second and demanded that the government clarify the matter âAs per the information available with me Rajashekarâs body was subjected to postmortem twiceâ he saidWhy was a second postmortem conducted Who pressured the authorities to carry it out Who ordered it Was it because the first postmortem report was unfavourable that a second examination was ordered he askedâYou claim to stand for truth and keep repeating âSatyameva Jayateâ in advertisements Then speak the truth now Tell the people of the state what is in the second postmortem report The Chief Minister must explain the truth to the publicâ Kumaraswamy demandedHe alleged that the first postmortem report indicated the presence of small metal fragments in the body By conducting a second postmortem a conspiracy was hatched to falsely implicate BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy in the firing incident he claimedHowever he said the second postmortem instead exposed the governmentâs attempt to suppress factsCalling the governmentâs investigation meaningless Kumaraswamy said the Chief Minister had claimed the firing occurred in the air while the Deputy Chief Minister publicly stated that the party stood with Ballari city MLA Nara Bharat Reddy He pointed out that the Chief Minister himself had admitted that the firing took place from the gunman of Bharat Reddyâs aide Satish Reddy yet the Home Minister had not ordered the gunmanâs arrest and was instead delaying action through statementsAccusing the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of attempting to bury the Ballari shootout case Kumaraswamy said the Deputy Chief Minister mocked Gali Janardhana Reddyâs request for security even suggesting that he seek protection from the US or Iran or deploy BJP workers for security âIs this the language expected from a Deputy Chief Ministerâ he askedQuestioning why action was taken only against the Ballari Superintendent of Police Kumaraswamy said if dereliction of duty was the reason then the Additional SP and Inspector General were equally responsible He pointed out that during the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede incident several senior officers were suspended but in the Ballari case only the SP was targeted He asked whether officers who had been stationed in the district for years were faultlessResponding to claims that disturbances increased after Janardhana Reddy returned to Ballari Kumaraswamy said Reddy had returned with Supreme Court permission a year and a half ago He demanded data on how many incidents had occurred since then and how many cases had been registered âStanding with criminals is disgracefulâ he saidHe lashed out at the Home Minister calling him ineffective and alleged that law and order in Karnataka had collapsed âWhere did so many guns in Ballari come from Did they come from Pakistanâ he asked sarcastically demanding answers from Deputy Chief Minister DK ShivakumarKumaraswamy alleged that the government was protecting those responsible for the murder and accused the Congress of standing firmly in defence of the accused He said the Congress had come to power through padyatras seeking peopleâs support and warned that the same people would bring about its downfallHe questioned why Satish Reddy the close associate of MLA Bharat Reddy accused in the killing had not been arrested so far and alleged that instead of taking action the government was extending hospitality and providing treatment at public expenseRaising questions over Rs 25 lakh compensation allegedly paid in cash to the victimâs family by Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan Kumaraswamy asked from which account the money was released whether income tax norms were followed and whether the amount was government or private money âThe Income Tax Department should clarify thisâ he saidKumaraswamy concluded by claiming that Siddaramaiah would be the last Congress Chief Minister of Karnataka âLaw and order has completely collapsed in the state Jungle raj has begun This government treats officers like slaves DK Shivakumar speaks in favour of Bharat Reddy only because he does not want to miss even a single vote in his ambition to become Chief Ministerâ he alleged IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ballari-shootout-cong-govt-trying-to-cover-up-killing-of-its-own-worker-alleges-kumaraswamy-657168.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/fresh-polls-likely-if-irregularities-found-in-wards-with-unopposed-victories-maha-sec-657204.html Mumbai Jan 5 Amid the controversy over unopposed elections in municipal corporations the Maharashtra State Election Commission SEC on Monday said it may cancel the poll process and announce fresh elections in wards where irregularities are found based on reports submitted by municipal commissioners of the respective civic bodies Sources in the SEC said that following a surge in formal complaints the Commission has directed municipal commissioners to conduct independent inquiries into every ward where a candidate was elected without contest The issue of unopposed victories has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the ruling alliance and the oppositionâThe inquiry will focus on several critical aspects to ensure the integrity of the democratic process It will examine whether opposition candidates were pressured threatened or bribed into withdrawing their nominations It will also assess whether returning officers or other election officials committed any misconduct or procedural lapses to favour specific candidatesâ SEC sources saidThey added that if any evidence of wrongdoing is found during the probe the results will be nullified immediately and fresh elections will be announced in the concerned wardsThe sources further said that even in wards where no immediate irregularities are detected the formal declaration of âunopposedâ winners will not be made immediately To maintain uniformity across all 29 municipal corporations the SEC has decided that such results will be declared on June 16 along with the general counting of votes for all other contested seatsThe SECâs move comes amid protests by opposition parties over the unopposed victories of more than 70 candidates most of whom are reportedly from the ruling Mahayuti allianceThe Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Monday accused the ruling Mahayuti of pushing Maharashtra towards a moral and democratic decline alleging that the ongoing municipal elections had turned into a âfarceâ marked by the âmafiaisationâ of democratic processes through money power and intimidation of opposition candidatesThe party said the unopposed election of around 70 corporators had exposed fierce competition within the ruling alliance particularly between the BJP and the Eknath Shindeled faction to secure uncontested seats which it described as a distortion of democracyIn a scathing editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana the Thackeray camp claimed that the current political situation in Maharashtra reflected growing authoritarianism and institutional arrogance It argued that if electoral victories are effectively purchased before polling the Election Commission itself stands underminedShiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also criticised the trend of unopposed victories particularly involving Mahayuti candidates saying that even some of the countryâs tallest leaders were never elected unopposedMeanwhile Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged that the BJPled Mahayutiâs pursuit of power had reached a point of âswallowing democracyâ He accused the Devendra Fadnavis government of undermining democratic processes by using pressure threats and money power to engineer uncontested victories in municipal elections IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/fresh-polls-likely-if-irregularities-found-in-wards-with-unopposed-victories-maha-sec-657204.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/narendra-modi-first-indian-pm-to-show-deep-faith-in-temples-says-swami-ravindra-puri-657220.html Prayagraj Jan 5 With the beginning of the month of Magh the Magh Mela has started and the Panchkosi Parikrama which awakens Sanatan tradition faith and cultural consciousness has also commenced Pilgrims including saints and sadhus from various akharas were seen performing rituals along the Triveni Sangam here In this context the saints of the Akhara Parishad expressed their views on the completion of 1000 years since the attack on Somnath Temple and thanked the Uttar Pradesh government for making convenient arrangementsIn an exclusive conversation with IANS Mahant Ravindra Puri president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad ABAP said that the Juna Akhara has come with thousands of saints âWe have also come for the holy bath and we will perform it today We intend to follow the ritual throughout this monthlong event Earlier we all came to this place for the Kumbh bath and now it feels like a mini Kumbh The administration has fully prepared for the fair and the Panchkosi Parikrama and every arrangement has been made for the devoteesâ he saidCommenting on the 1000 years since the attack on Somnath Temple he said âOur Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first Indian PM whose devotion to temples is so evident He regards Lord Shiva as his Ishta Devata His faith is not only in Somnath but also in Kedarnath Regarding the incidents affecting Hindus in Bangladesh our Home Minister has been very active and is monitoring the situation closely What is happening to Hindus there is tragic and we condemn itâShankaracharya Swami Narendranand Saraswati Shankaracharya of Kashi Sumeru Peeth said âFrom Paush Purnima to the next Magh Purnima this fair continues for a month sometimes even until Shivratri Traditionally saints come here to worship at the Triveni Sangam of the Ganga This journey began in Satya Yuga and continues today It is not just a parikrama but a symbol of the faith of HindusâHe further added âBathing in the Narmada and Ganga purifies the mind and body and paves the way to attain Bhagwat On the completion of 1000 years since the attack on Somnath Temple it is a reminder that while some miscreants looted temples and attacked them some temples remain in a state of neglectâHari Giri the custodian of Juna Akhara said âTodayâs Panchkosi Parikrama is an ancient tradition believed to be hundreds of thousands of years old As you know it was originally performed by Lord Ganesha followed by other divine incarnationsâ He also thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh adding âThanks to their efforts Prayag remains sacred today Earlier meat and eggs used to be sold here but after CM Yogiâs decision all such sales have stoppedâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/narendra-modi-first-indian-pm-to-show-deep-faith-in-temples-says-swami-ravindra-puri-657220.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/siddaramaiahs-longest-serving-cm-record-doesnt-deserve-celebration-657227.html Bengaluru Jan 5 Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Monday launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah saying his claim of breaking the longestserving Chief Minister record does not deserve celebration but should instead be âburiedâ Reacting to Siddaramaiahâs statement that he would break the record of former Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs Kumaraswamy said âWhat merit does he have for all this Looking at the condition of the state his record deserves to be buried rather than celebratedâAddressing a press conference at the JDS state office JP Bhavan in Bengaluru the Union Minister said Siddaramaiah who boasts of having administered the state for a long period had in fact presided over what he described as a textbook example of bad governanceExpressing anguish Kumaraswamy said Siddaramaiahâs administrative record deserved to be consigned to history as a failureâKarnataka which once stood as a model of good governance has today become an example of inefficiency and poor administration Where is Devaraj Urs and where are these people Forget about breaking Ursâ record Siddaramaiah himself will be the last Chief Minister of the Congress party in this state Voters will teach Congress a lessonâ he saidHe alleged that the last twoandahalf years of governance would go down in history as one of the worst administrations claiming that corruption murder extortion drug mafia activities and honour killings had continued unabatedâUnable to curb any of this it appears that the government is functioning merely for the sake of setting records Officers have been reduced to slaves Under this administration officials are working like bonded labourers with no freedom whatsoeverâ Kumaraswamy allegedOn the law and order situation in the state the Union Minister accused the Chief Minister and the Home Minister of behaving irresponsibly He alleged that whenever an incident occurs the government attempts to deflect responsibility by forming special investigation teams and issuing statements instead of taking decisive actionKumaraswamy also demanded strict action against those involved in stonepelting incidents targeting devotees wearing Om Shakti garlands during a procession in JJ Nagar in Bengaluru Condemning the incident he said that stonepelting at women devotees undertaking an Om Shakti yatra reflected a serious deterioration in law and order in the state holding the government responsible for such incidentsIt may be noted that amid the ongoing leadership debate within the Congress Siddaramaiah is set to equal the record of the longestserving Chief Minister of Karnataka held by D Devaraj Urs on TuesdayDevaraj Urs served as Chief Minister during two tenures â from 1972 to 1977 and from 1978 to 1980 â while Siddaramaiah has held the post since May 2023 after completing a full term between 2013 and 2018Urs served continuously for over sevenandahalf years completing a total of 7 years and 239 days in office Siddaramaiah has now equalled that record across his two terms IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/siddaramaiahs-longest-serving-cm-record-doesnt-deserve-celebration-657227.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/pongal-gift-tn-announces-rs-3-000-cash-for-rice-ration-card-holders-657005.html Chennai Jan 4 The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday announced a cash assistance of Rs 3000 for all rice ration cardâholding families as part of the Pongal festival celebrations Chief Minister MK Stalins decision aims to make the harvest festival more inclusive and celebratory for households across the State according to an official government statementDescribing Pongal as an ancient and noble Tamil festival celebrated for thousands of years with strong family bonds the government said the occasion is marked to express gratitude to the Sun cattle that support agricultural labour and farmers who nourish the world and relieve hungerPongal symbolises humanitys deep connection with nature agriculture and collective wellbeing the statement saidEarlier the State government had announced a comprehensive Pongal gift package for all rice family cardholders and families residing in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation campsThe package includes one kilogram of raw rice one kilogram of sugar and one whole sugarcane to be distributed through fair price shops across Tamil NaduThe initiative is intended to ensure that every eligible household can celebrate Pongal with dignity and joyThe scheme will benefit around 222 crore rice ration card holders including families living in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation campsIn addition to the food items and cash assistance the government has also arranged for the distribution of dhotis and sarees as part of the festive welfare measuresOfficials confirmed that consignments of dhotis and sarees have already been dispatched to all districtsIn order to further enhance the festive spirit Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed that Rs 3000 be provided as a Pongal cash gift to all eligible familiesWith the inclusion of the Pongal gift hampers clothing and cash assistance the total expenditure for the scheme is estimated at Rs 693617 croreThe Chief Minister has instructed officials to ensure that all arrangements are completed well in advance of the festivalCash assistance Pongal gift hampers and dhotis and sarees are to be distributed through fair price shops before the commencement of the Pongal celebrations so that beneficiaries can receive the assistance on timeThe government said the initiative reflects its commitment to social welfare and its resolve to support families during important cultural occasions reaffirming Pongal as a festival of gratitude prosperity and shared happiness for the people of Tamil Nadu IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/pongal-gift-tn-announces-rs-3-000-cash-for-rice-ration-card-holders-657005.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/mother-dies-of-shock-after-sons-death-in-jampks-udhampur-657013.html Jammu Jan 4 A woman died of shock on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district after hearing about the death of her son officials said According to officials the tragic incident occurred in Udhampur district when a woman went into shock on learning about the death of her son who had earlier fallen from a tree in a forest areaThe deceased youth has been identified as Irshad Ahmed a resident of Larana village in Ramnagar Panchayat of Udhampur districtOfficials said Irshad had gone to a nearby forest area to collect firewood when he accidentally fell from a tree resulting in his death on the spotSoon after the incident the news of Irshad Ahmedâs death was conveyed to his family On hearing the tragic news his mother identified as Zaitoon Begum reportedly went into shockShe collapsed at her home and was rushed for medical assistance However she passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospitalThe incident left the entire village in grief with locals describing the deaths as deeply heartbreaking and tragicPolice have completed the required legal formalities and no foul play is suspected in either of the deaths officials saidResidents of Larana village expressed profound sorrow over the incident stating that the family has been devastated by the loss of both the mother and her son within a short span of timePeople living in foothill villages like Larana in Udhampur district and in other hilly districts of Jammu and Kashmir depend on firewood collected from pine and conifer forests to light their hearthsThese firewoodlit hearths also serve to keep families warm during the harsh winter monthsMost families in such hilly areas belong to the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities These families lead a seminomadic life and migrate to the meadows of the Kashmir Valley during the summer months along with their livestockAfter the end of autumn they return to their original homes in districts such as Poonch Rajouri Reasi Udhampur and other parts of the Jammu division IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/mother-dies-of-shock-after-sons-death-in-jampks-udhampur-657013.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/indian-army-organises-eco-tourism-exposure-tour-for-college-students-from-arunachals-border-areas-657040.html Itanagar Jan 4 To promote youth empowerment and sustainable development the Indian Army has facilitated an ecotourism exposure tour for college students from border areas of Arunachal Pradeshs West Siang district an official said on Sunday Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the Indian Army under the aegis of Spear Corps on Sunday flagged off an 11day ecotourism exposure tour from Along Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh marking a significant step towards youth empowerment and sustainable development in the stateâs border regionsHe said the initiative was undertaken for students of NEFTU College at Aalo in West Siang district with the objective of enhancing practical skills and creating livelihood opportunities linked to ecotourismLt Col Rawat said that prior to the exposure tour a comprehensive threeday homestay and ecotourism training capsule was conducted at Aalo during which 30 students and two instructors were familiarised with the fundamentals of communitybased tourism responsible travel practices and the economic potential of ecotourism in Arunachal PradeshThe training programme focused on preparing the students to act as future stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism models in their home districts he statedFollowing the training the students were flagged off for an exposure visit to West Bengalâs Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions which are well known for successful ecotourism and homestay initiativesDuring the 11day tour scheduled from January 4 to 14 participants will gain firsthand exposure to homestay management tour guiding trek leading visitor interaction and ecotourism operations enabling them to understand best practices that can be adapted to local conditions in West Siang districtAccording to the defence spokesman the initiative reflects the Indian Armyâs continued commitment to nation building beyond its core security role by empowering local youth encouraging selfreliance and promoting sustainable livelihoods in remote and border areasBy investing in education skill development and exposure the Indian Army continues to strengthen civilmilitary bonds and support the socioeconomic progress of Arunachal Pradesh ensuring that development and opportunity reach even the most remote corners of the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/indian-army-organises-eco-tourism-exposure-tour-for-college-students-from-arunachals-border-areas-657040.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/pakistan-reeling-under-mounting-unemployment-657042.html New Delhi Jan 4 The Pakistan government continues to peddle a comforting unemployment rate of 7 per cent yet according to prominent economist Dr Hafeez Pasha the real figure is closer to 22 per cent according to an article in the Pakistani media The ground reality is far grimmer 8â9 million Pakistanis are openly unemployed 15â18 million are underemployed trapped in lowproductivity informal work Over 22 million youth enter the labour force every year GDP growth of 25â35per cent absorbs barely half of them This is not a temporary mismatch It is a permanent and expanding backlog of wasted human potential wilfully ignored by the state the article in the Karachiheadquartered Business Recorder saidAfter two decades Pakistanâs export basket remains trapped in lowvalue textiles and commodities Engineering electronics chemicals and IT services remain marginal Without valuechain migration scalable job creation is a mirage it observedThe article highlighted that tariffs and subsidies protect rentseeking incumbents instead of driving productivity Pakistan does not lack factories it lacks competitive factories Labourintensive manufacturing is sacrificed to monopoliesThe article also pointed out that the countryâs universities massproduce degrees disconnected from market needs while technical and vocational education is starved of funding and prestige The outcome is educated unemployment the most volatile and politically dangerous formPakistanâs unemployment crisis is no accident of fate It is not the result of global headwinds or temporary shocks It is a direct predictable and manufactured outcome the consequence of deliberate policy choices made year after year the article lamentedThe article painted a grim outlook ahead Five years from now if this blueprint remains unchanged by 2029 Pakistan will be a country with 20 million unemployed with an economy where 60 per cent of labour is informal and insecure It would simultaneously face skilled labour shortages and mass joblessness trapped in low exports low productivity and stagnant percapita income In other words it will be a permanent tinderbox of social unrest and at that stage reform will no longer be policydriven It will be panicdriven in the middle of systemic collapse it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/pakistan-reeling-under-mounting-unemployment-657042.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/bengal-guv-ananda-bose-targets-keralas-nss-leadership-over-mannam-samadhi-tribute-row-657126.html Thiruvananthapuram Jan 5 West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose launched a scathing attack on the leadership of the Nair Service Society NSS in Kerala alleging that he was prevented from offering floral tributes at the Mannam Samadhi the memorial of NSS founder Mannathu Padmanabhan in the state a few years ago Speaking at an event linked to the Mannam Jayanti in New Delhi on Sunday Bose a former IAS officer from Kerala questioned whether the communityâs legacy had become the monopoly of a single individualIs offering floral tributes at Mannam Samadhi not a right of every member of the Nair community Does one person hold a monopoly over it the Governor asked expressing his deep resentment over an incident he claimed occurred during a visit to the NSS headquarters at Changanasseryâs Perunna in southern KeralaBose who identified himself as a Karayogam Nair a member of the local units of the NSS stated that the memorial belongs to the entire community and not to any specific leaderTaking a direct swipe at the current administration of the NSS he remarked I do not go to Perunna to meet gatekeepersThe incident reportedly took place in November 2022 when Bose visited the Mannam Samadhi before assuming office as the West Bengal Governor Responding to the allegation NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair on Monday said he was unaware of any such incidentThe Bengal Governor further revealed that the negligence and disrespect he faced occurred shortly before he assumed his constitutional office He described the turn of events at Perunna as saddening and unbefitting of the organisationâs valuesIn a move seen as a symbolic challenge to the Perunnabased leadership Governor Bose announced his intention to establish a memorial for Mannathu Padmanabhan in New DelhiTo initiate the project he pledged to donate one month of his official salaryMannamâs legacy should be celebrated globally A memorial in the national capital will ensure his contributions to social reform are recognized at a higher level Bose addedThe NSS in Kerala claims to maintain an equal distance from all political parties though it is often perceived as leaning towards the CongressThe friction between the Bengal Governor and the NSS leadership marks a rare public confrontation involving a highranking constitutional dignitary and one of Keralaâs most powerful community organisations IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/bengal-guv-ananda-bose-targets-keralas-nss-leadership-over-mannam-samadhi-tribute-row-657126.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/army-organises-national-integration-tour-for-students-from-arunachals-border-areas-657135.html Itanagar Jan 5 The Indian Army has organised a 15daylong National Integration Tour for students from the border areas of Arunachal Pradeshâs ShiYomi district defence officials said on Monday Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the tour is being organised for students of the Government Higher Secondary School Mechuka located in the remote border region of the ShiYomi districtCommencing on Monday the initiative aims to provide meaningful national exposure to students from this farflung frontier area by connecting them with Indiaâs cultural historical and institutional landscapeAs part of the tour scheduled from January 5 to 19 the students will be visiting Delhi Pune Mumbai besides the state capital Itanagar gaining firsthand exposure to Indiaâs democratic institutions national heritage and diverse sociocultural fabricThe itinerary Lt Col Rawat said includes visits to prominent landmarks such as Teen Murti Bhawan Rashtrapati Bhavan and the National War Memorial along with interactions at premier educational and defence institutionsThese engagements are designed to enhance the studentsâ understanding of the nationâs history values and governance while also providing insight into avenues in higher education public service and the Indian Armed Forces he saidAccording to the spokesman the tour offers a balanced blend of education exposure and experiential learning enabling students to witness everyday India beyond classrooms and textbooks Interaction with people from different regions exposure to metropolitan environments and participation in structured educational visits are expected to broaden horizons build confidence and instil a deep sense of national prideThe tour is expected to leave a lasting impression on the students fostering lifelong memories and a strengthened sense of belonging to the nation he statedThe initiative reflects the armyâs sustained commitment towards nationbuilding by empowering youth and strengthening emotional integration with the national mainstream he addedMeanwhile to promote youth empowerment and sustainable development the Indian Army has facilitated an ecotourism exposure tour for college students from the border areas of Arunachal Pradeshs West Siang districtLt Col Rawat said that the army under the aegis of Spear Corps on Sunday flagged off the 11day from January 4 to 14 ecotourism exposure tour from Along Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh marking a significant step towards youth empowerment and sustainable development in the stateâs border regions As part of the ecotourism exposure tour the students will visit West Bengalâs Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions which are well known for successful ecotourism and homestay initiativesThe official said that through such initiatives the army continues to bridge geographical and cultural distances reinforce trust with border communities and nurture informed inspired and responsible citizens IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/army-organises-national-integration-tour-for-students-from-arunachals-border-areas-657135.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/offensive-remark-on-women-from-bihar-sparks-political-storm-mla-announces-rs-10-lakh-reward-656896.html Patna Jan 3 An offensive remark allegedly made by Girdhari Lal Sahu husband of Uttarakhand Minister Rekha Arya regarding women from Bihar has triggered a major political uproar in the eastern state In a viral video Sahu is purportedly heard saying that women from Bihar are easily available for marriage for Rs 20000â25000 a statement that has drawn sharp condemnation across political linesFollowing the circulation of the video political activity intensified in Bihar IP Gupta MLA from Saharsa and president of the Indian Inclusive Party announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for anyone who apprehends Girdhari Lal Sahu if he enters BiharHis announcement further escalated the controversyLeaders from both the ruling alliance and the opposition strongly condemned the remarkPurnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav reacted sharply expressing outrage over the commentHe said âThe tongues of such people should be cut off and thrown away These people are worthless This is the real character of BJP leaders They do not want to give respect to anyone outside their family and partyâEven leaders of the NDA in Bihar distanced themselves from the remarkBihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal also strongly criticised Girdhari Lal Sahuâs commentHe said âJust because he is a ministerâs husband does that mean he can say anything This statement is completely wrong and we condemn it unequivocallyâUnion MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also condemned the remark saying that putting a price on a womanâs marriage is shameful and unacceptable and demanded that the Uttarakhand BJP government take strict action in the matterLeader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav who is currently abroad on a family vacation reacted via social media on Friday targeting the BJP and stating that such a mindset reflects the true thinking of BJP leaders towards women and people from BiharThe controversy has now taken on a crossstate political dimension with growing pressure on the Uttarakhand government to respond decisivelyThe incident has reignited the debate on womenâs dignity responsible speech and political accountability especially by those associated with people holding public office IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/offensive-remark-on-women-from-bihar-sparks-political-storm-mla-announces-rs-10-lakh-reward-656896.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/for-establishing-ram-rajya-one-will-have-to-behave-like-lord-ram-ami-ganatra-656897.html New Delhi 3 Jan The second day of Delhi Shabdostav 2026 being organised at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium witnessed a wideranging discussion including one centred around âhistory of Hinduismâ Several writers as well as historians presented their views on Indian literature and cultureAmi Ganatra a management professional and also noted writer shared her views on the concept of âRam Rajyaâ and elaborated on what it would entail for societyâIf the society wants to establish Ram Rajya then one should start acting and behaving like Lord Ramâ she saidShe also flayed the critics and doubters of Lord Ram as an imaginary figure and said that his life serves as a guiding principle for every person even todayâLord Ram is a historical figure for us He has always been there upholding and strengthening the values for societyâ he remarkedâI donât think that anyone has ever raised questions on Lord Ramâs existence till the countryâs Independence The questions whenever raised were merely for scoring political points The courts also demanded testimonials regarding Lordâs existence This shows the extent of the Hindu communityâs tolerance that they provided the courts with evidenceâ she elaboratedRSS Delhi general secretary Anil Gupta another prominent guest on the panel discussion said that earlier it was difficult for people to understand religion and culture but in the present times it has been simplifiedâIt has become easy even for the âGenZâ to comprehend Today the youth are actively taking part in religious programs There used to be a time when bhajan singers used to be in the age group of 4050 but today they are much younger in the bracket of 2025 years of ageâ he addedAnil Gupta further said that the current generation is doing a tremendous job realising the importance of bhajan and religion IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/for-establishing-ram-rajya-one-will-have-to-behave-like-lord-ram-ami-ganatra-656897.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-two-juvenile-inmates-escape-from-detention-centre-in-kota-656900.html Jaipur Jan 3 Two juvenile inmates escaped from the Kota Juvenile Detention Centre in Rajasthan on Saturday after allegedly tricking a guard on the pretext of making tea the police said The incident occurred at around 730 am at the detention centre located in Nayagaon According to preliminary information the guard on duty allowed the two juveniles to step out of their barracks to prepare teaTaking advantage of the situation the minors misled the guard and fled the premisesThe escape came to light shortly thereafter leaving the guard in a distressed condition sources saidOne of the escaped juveniles is 16yearold while the other is 17 Both were lodged at the detention centre in connection with separate criminal casesFollowing the incident personnel from RK Puram police station reached the spot registered a case and launched a search operation CCTV footage from the detention centre and surrounding areas is being scanned to trace the juveniles while questioning of the detention centre staff is also underwayDeputy Superintendent of Police Manish Sharma said that special police teams have been formed to locate the escaped juvenilesHe said the 16yearold was lodged in connection with a knifepoint robbery case registered at Udyog Nagar police station while the 17yearold was detained in a child kidnapping case registered at Gumanpura police stationPolice officials said search operations are ongoing and efforts are being made to apprehend the juveniles at the earliest An investigation has also been initiated to ascertain lapses or negligence that led to the escapeSources citing officials said that searches are likely to be intensified to trace the juvenilesEscapes from detention centres continue to pose a challenge for authorities exposing gaps in supervision and security arrangementsSuch incidents divert policing resources trigger largescale manhunts and raise public safety concerns while prompting questions over accountability and preparedness within custodial institutions IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/rajasthan-two-juvenile-inmates-escape-from-detention-centre-in-kota-656900.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/magh-mela-opens-grandly-in-prayagraj-amid-tight-security-and-devotion-656916.html Prayagraj Jan 3 The countryâs largest annual spiritual and cultural congregation Magh Mela 2026 commenced on Saturday at Prayagraj with the auspicious Paush Purnima bathing festival From the early hours of dawn an overwhelming wave of faith was witnessed at the Sangam and other ghats as lakhs of devotees gathered to take the holy dip Despite severe cold conditions the enthusiasm of pilgrims remained undiminished By 700 PM more than 31 million devotees had performed the ritual bath at the SangamOn the occasion of Paush Purnima devotees continued bathing throughout the day at the confluence of the Ganga Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati rivers as well as at various other ghatsPilgrims from across the country described the experience as deeply divine Nisha who travelled from Rewari in Haryana said that taking a dip in the sacred waters of the Triveni had spiritually fulfilled her life She also praised the governmentâs arrangements for smooth movement and safe bathingSimilarly Kalpana Tomar from Sehore Madhya Pradesh said that her longcherished wish of bathing at the Triveni which remained unfulfilled during the Mahakumbh was finally realised this time She appreciated the cleanliness and efficient management of the fairSaints and seers from various Sanatan traditions also participated in the first holy dip of the Magh Mela adding to the spiritual grandeur of the occasionWith the start of the Magh Mela the entire religious area resonated with an atmosphere of celebration and devotion According to officials more than 22 million devotees had completed the sacred bath by 500 PM They also informed that the flow of pilgrims was continuingExtensive security measures were put in place following the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Over 1500 CCTV cameras have been installed across the city and the mela area with roundtheclock monitoring from a centralised command centre officials said Modern equipment public address systems watchtowers and active water police patrols ensured effective crowd management and safety at the ghatsThe traditional Kalpavas observed every year during the month of Magh on the banks of the holy Ganga also began with the first bathing festival More than 400000 Kalpavasi devotees took the holy dip and formally took vows of austerity prayer and selfdiscipline which will continue until Maghi PurnimaThe newly developed Prayagwal Nagar established for Kalpavasis for the first time came alive with spiritual activities and devotion transforming the mela area into a vibrant tent cityWith a massive turnout elaborate arrangements and deep spiritual fervour the grand beginning of Magh Melaâ2026 has once again reaffirmed Prayagrajâs status as a timeless centre of faith and culture IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/magh-mela-opens-grandly-in-prayagraj-amid-tight-security-and-devotion-656916.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/indore-water-crisis-residents-of-bakery-gali-claim-using-contaminated-insect-infested-water-656980.html New Delhi Jan 4 Residents of Bakery Gali near Malwa Mill in Madhya Pradeshs Indore are grappling with a severe drinking water crisis alleging that black foulsmelling and insectinfested water is being supplied through municipal taps posing serious health risks particularly to children According to residents the water supplied is unsafe even after filtering and boiling Many households report frequent illnesses including vomiting diarrhoea and stomach infections which they attribute to consuming the contaminated waterOne resident described the ordeal saying âThe water is very dirty When the tap runs initially the water is filthy which cannot be used at all but after some time it becomes better Another problem is that the tap stops running quickly and the water doesnât flow for long Even though the water line is active dirty water still comes out Red worms also come in the water and nothing is done about itââAnother resident highlighted the impact on daily life and childrenâs health âChildren are falling ill and washing utensils is also causing a lot of problems Children are getting sick from drinking the water Water is essential for life but this water is unsafe You can see the conditions in the homes here no proper arrangements have been made Only the normal tap water the water from Narmada is available The first issue is that the water here is dirty If the water is dirty how can we drink it There is no system for filtration or purification here at allââMeanwhile in response to the broader water contamination crisis Indoreâs Additional Commissioners Ashish Pathak and Akash Singh recently conducted a doortodoor survey in Bhagirathpura where several deaths were reported The inspection focused on monitoring public health conditions ensuring the supply of safe drinking water through tankers and verifying proper water usageOfficials said the exercise was aimed at restoring safety and public confidence even as residents of Bakery Gali continue to demand urgent and lasting solutions to their water woesResidents said the problem is most acute in the early morning hours âEarly in the morning the water is always dirty After some time the water clears a little but it is still not fully clean Sometimes during the rainy season it remains dirty throughout Drinking this water makes people fall sick If the water is dirty children can suffer from vomiting and diarrhoea and everyone faces health problemsâ another resident saidSome accounts are even more alarming âMany worms come in the water including small red worms The water is dirty and pieces of small dead animals also come in it This is the water that comes from our taps We try to filter the water through four layers yet even after filtering these problems persist It causes a lot of difficulties sometimes water doesnât come at all and sometimes it is completely blackâ said a resident IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/indore-water-crisis-residents-of-bakery-gali-claim-using-contaminated-insect-infested-water-656980.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/govt-busts-fake-claim-on-rbi-withdrawing-rs-500-notes-from-atms-by-march-2026-656715.html New Delhi Jan 2 The Central government on Friday rebutted fake information being circulated on social media platforms claiming that the Reserve Bank of India RBI would stop Rs 500 currency notes from ATMs by March 2026 PIB Fact Check a factchecking arm of Press Information Bureau PIB posted on X that such posts are completely fakeRBI to stop Rs 500 notes from ATMs by March 2026 Some social media posts claim that the Reserve Bank of India will discontinue the circulation of Rs 500 notes by March 2026 This claim is fake according to the X handleIt further stated that the Central Bank has made NO such announcementRs 500 notes have NOT been discontinued and remain legal tender Donât fall for such misinformation Always verify news from official sources before believing or sharing it PIB Fact Check saidIn August last year the government termed untrue a WhatsApp message that claimed the RBI had ordered banks to cease issuing Rs 500 notes via ATMs by September 30 saying no such instruction had been issued The deceptive message also claimed that 90 per cent of ATMs will cease issuing Rs 500 notes by March 31 2026 and 75 per cent will do so by September 30The PIB Fact Check unit had then said that the RBI has not issued any such instructions and Rs 500 notes are still legal tender In a post on X it clarified that the widely shared claim is untrue and advised people not to believe such false informationThe Fact Check Unit stressed the significance of confirming any financial updates from official sources and cautioned that such messages are intended to deceiveA similar claim went viral on social media in July claiming that the RBI had a phased plan to stop issuing Rs 500 notes to ATMs by 2026 PIB Fact Check had denied the allegation at that time as well claiming that no such directive had been issued IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/govt-busts-fake-claim-on-rbi-withdrawing-rs-500-notes-from-atms-by-march-2026-656715.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-govt-mulls-menstrual-leave-for-college-students-656755.html Bengaluru Jan 2 Karnataka Minister for Higher Education MC Sudhakar on Friday said that an announcement on granting menstrual leave for college students would be made if directions are issued by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah The Minister made the statement in Bengaluru while responding to a media query on the issue He said that if the Chief Minister issues directions the government would announce menstrual leave for female students studying in colleges as well as postgraduate programmes in universitiesâOnce directions come from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah a decision will be taken and his word will be finalâ Sudhakar saidIt may be recalled that the Karnataka government recently announced oneday menstrual leave for working women under which women aged between 18 and 52 years are entitled to one day of paid leave every monthThe policy provides for a paid holiday to allow women to rest during menstruation and applies to permanent contractual and outsourced employeesThe government order in this regard was issued on November 12 2025 directing employers to provide a total of 12 paid menstrual leaves annuallyHowever the Karnataka High Court on December 9 issued an interim order staying the government notification directing registered industrial establishments to provide oneday menstrual leave for working womenThe interim order was passed while hearing petitions filed by the Bangalore Hotels Association and the management of Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems Limited challenging the government notificationLater the same day the High Court recalled its interim stay on the State governmentâs notification The matter is scheduled to be relisted after the winter vacation with the High Court resuming work from January 5The government notification issued on November 20 2025 mandated industrial establishments to provide paid menstrual leave to women employeesThe petition seeking to quash the government order stated that the establishments are registered under various labour laws including the Factories Act the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act the Plantations Labour Act the Beedi and Cigar Workers Conditions of Employment Act and the Motor Transport Workers Act under which employees are entitled to only 12 days of leave per yearThe Karnataka Cabinet had approved the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025 in October last year granting women one paid leave per month IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-govt-mulls-menstrual-leave-for-college-students-656755.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/centre-cracks-down-on-x-over-ai-driven-obscene-nude-amp-indecent-content-656763.html New Delhi Jan 2 The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology MeitY on Friday cracked down on X Corp for failing to prevent the generation and circulation of obscene nude and indecent content on its platform The government has directed X Corp to send an action taken report ATR towards immediate compliance for prevention of hosting generation publication or transmission sharing or uploading of obscene nude indecent and explicit content through the misuse of Albased services like Grok and xAlâs other services within 72 hoursThe directive states that noncompliance with these requirements shall be viewed seriously and may result in strict legal consequences against your platform its responsible officers and the users on the platform who violate the law without any further notice under the IT Act the IT Rules the BNSS the BNS and other applicable lawsThe ministry directed X to conduct a comprehensive review of Groks technical and governance frameworks to prevent the generation of unlawful contentIt said Grok must enforce strict user policies including suspension and termination of violators All offending content should be immediately removed without tampering with evidence it saidThe MeitY said noncompliance could lead to loss of safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act and trigger penal action under multiple laws including the BNS the Indecent Representation of Women Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences ActIn the letter to X the ministry said that it is of the view that the regulatory provisions under the Information Technology Act are not adequately adhered to by its platform in relation to obscene indecent vulgar pornographic paedophilic or otherwise unlawful or harmful content which are potentially violative of extant lawsThe aforesaid acts and omissions are viewed with grave concern as they have the effect of violating the dignity privacy and safety of women and children normalising sexual harassment and exploitation in digital spaces and undermining the statutory due diligence framework applicable to intermediaries operating in India the letter pointed outThe letter also states that it has especially been observed that the service Grok AI developed by X and integrated and made available on the X platform is being misused by users to create accounts to host generate publish or share obscene images or videos of women in a derogatory or vulgar manner in order to indecently denigrate them Importantly this is not limited to the creation of fake accounts but also targets women who host or publish their images or videos through prompts image manipulation and synthetic outputs Such conduct reflects a serious failure of platformlevel safeguards and enforcement mechanisms and amounts to gross misuse of artificial intelligence technologies in violation of applicable laws the letter statesA copy of the notice has also been sent to key ministries commissions and state authorities signalling coordinated action on obscenity that is being promoted through AI IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/centre-cracks-down-on-x-over-ai-driven-obscene-nude-amp-indecent-content-656763.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/dispute-over-music-turns-fatal-in-jharkhands-hazaribagh-one-killed-656697.html Hazaribagh Jan 2 A latenight dispute between a group of young men turned violent in Hazaribagh Jharkhand resulting in the brutal murder of a 30yearold man on Thursday January 1 police officials said on Friday The incident occurred around 9 pm at Indrapuri Chowk a busy locality of the city The deceased has been identified as Suraj Kumar Rana a resident of Madai Khurd who worked as a tiles and marble masonAccording to family members and eyewitnesses an argument broke out between some youths returning from a picnic over playing music The dispute quickly escalated following which Suraj was forcibly dragged to an area near the Red Cross building and assaultedEyewitnesses said the attackers brutally beat Suraj and dragged him towards Lal Kothi Chowk where he was allegedly attacked with a sword leaving him critically injuredLocal residents alerted by the commotion immediately informed the police On reaching the spot the police rushed the profusely bleeding victim to Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 11 pmThe incident triggered panic and anger in Indrapuri Chowk and nearby areas with a large number of people gathering both at the crime scene and the hospitalPolice have secured the area collected evidence and sent the body for postmortem examination Preliminary investigation indicates that the murder stemmed from a personal dispute though all angles are being thoroughly probedPolice officials said several suspects have been detained for questioning and raids are underway at suspected hideouts to trace and arrest the accused Additional police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and orderSuraj Kumar Rana who was married five years ago was the sole breadwinner of his family He is survived by his wife and two young children The incident has left his family shattered IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/dispute-over-music-turns-fatal-in-jharkhands-hazaribagh-one-killed-656697.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kharsawan-firing-anniversary-jharkhand-cm-announces-judicial-panel-to-honour-martyrs-656551.html Ranchi Jan 1 While January 1 is celebrated across the world as the beginning of a new year the day remains a symbol of grief and sacrifice for Jharkhands Kharsawan Seventyseven years ago on January 1 1948 a few months after India attained independence the soil of Kharsawan was soaked in blood during a brutal firing on tribal protesters an incident often compared to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre On that fateful day thousands of tribals had gathered to oppose the proposal to merge the princely states of Kharsawan and Seraikela with the then Orissa The protest was triggered by the demand for a separate state and was met with indiscriminate police firing leaving scores deadAs every year large numbers of people assembled at the Martyrsâ Memorial in Kharsawan on Thursday to pay homage to those who laid down their livesJharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren former Chief Minister Arjun Munda Minister Deepak Birua Singhbhum MP Joba Majhi Chakradharpur MLA Sukhram Oraon Kharsawan MLA Dashrath Gagrai and Ichagarh MLA Sabita Mahato were among the leaders who visited the memorial on Thursday morning and paid floral tributes The Chief Minister announced the formation of a judicial panel to identify and honour those martyred during the massacreAfter paying tribute Soren said Today is Martyrsâ Day as well as the first day of the year For the world it is New Yearâs Day a day of celebration But for the tribals indigenous people farmers and labourers of Jharkhand January 1 is Martyrsâ Day Jharkhand is steeped in the history of sacrifice perhaps no other state has witnessed so many martyrsA draft has been prepared for this purpose A judicial inquiry commission will be constituted with retired judges as its members The martyrs of this firing will be honoured before the next Martyrsâ Day he saidThe firing was linked to the reorganisation of princely states following Independence A proposal to merge Kharsawan and Seraikela with Orissa had triggered strong opposition from the local tribal population who instead demanded a separate state To press their demand a massive public meeting was organised at the Kharsawan Haat ground on January 1 1948 under the leadership of renowned tribal leader Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh MundaTribal activists from Jamshedpur Ranchi Chaibasa Simdega Khunti Tamar and other areas had gathered in Kharsawan to participate in the meeting However Jaipal Singh Munda could not reach the venue for some reasonSubsequently the gathering decided to proceed towards the Kharsawan royal palace to convey their demands to the king Anticipating unrest the Orissa government had deployed a heavy police forceAs the crowd moved towards the palace police issued warnings to stop When these warnings went unheeded the police opened fire indiscriminately on the unarmed protestersThe Kharsawan firing is remembered as one of the most brutal episodes of repression in the history of Indiaâs tribal movementsIn a speech delivered on January 11 1948 Jaipal Singh Munda recounted that bodies were strewn across the Kharsawan market area while the wounded cried out for help and waterHe alleged that the administration sealed off the area preventing entry or exit and that by evening bodies were loaded onto trucks and disposed of in forests and riversEven after more than seven decades the exact number of those killed in the firing remains unknown The report of the tribunal constituted to investigate the massacre has also not been made public to date IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kharsawan-firing-anniversary-jharkhand-cm-announces-judicial-panel-to-honour-martyrs-656551.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 03:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/senior-officials-in-rajasthan-arrested-in-separate-bribery-cases-656553.html Jaipur Jan 1 Acting on the instructions of the AntiCorruption Bureau ACB Headquarters the ACBs Sawai Madhopur unit on Thursday arrested Suryaprakash Nama Senior Assistant posted at the District Industries Centre redhanded while accepting a bribe of Rs 25000 from a complainant Director General of Police ACB Govind Gupta informed that the Sawai Madhopur outpost had received a complaint alleging that the accused was harassing the complainant by demanding a bribe of Rs 30000 in exchange for depositing subsidy and interest subsidy amounts for three shops under the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Dalit Incentive Scheme in the name of the complainantâs father and brothersFollowing the complaint a confidential verification was conducted on December 24 2025 which confirmed that Senior Assistant Nama had demanded a bribe of Rs 30000 and had later agreed to accept Rs 25000Subsequently under the supervision of Rajesh Singh Inspector General of Police ACB Bharatpur Range and Gyan Singh Chaudhary Additional Superintendent of Police ACB Sawai Madhopur a trap was laid The accused was caught redhanded while accepting the bribe amountInterrogation and further investigation in the case are being carried out under the supervision of Smita Shrivastava Additional Director General of Police ACB A case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act and further investigation is underwayIn another incident following directions from the ACB Headquarters the Sikar unit of the AntiCorruption Bureau also arrested Rajesh Kumar Head Constable No 171 posted at Police Station Sadar Neemkathana redhanded while accepting a bribe of Rs 10000 from a complainant on ThursdayDGP ACB Govind Gupta said that the ACB Sikar outpost had received a complaint alleging that the accused had already taken Rs 10000 as a bribe on December 31 2025 and had subsequently demanded an additional Rs 10000The bribe was allegedly demanded in exchange for not naming the complainantâs brothers as accused in case number 4062025After verification of the complaint a trap was arranged on ThursdayUnder the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of PoliceIII ACB Jaipur and Vijay Kumar Additional Superintendent of Police ACB Sikar unit the team caught Head Constable Rajesh Kumar redhanded while accepting the remaining bribe amount of Rs 10000Interrogation and legal proceedings against the accused are being conducted under the supervision of Smita Shrivastava Additional Director General of Police ACB A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and further investigation is in progress IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/senior-officials-in-rajasthan-arrested-in-separate-bribery-cases-656553.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 03:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/emotional-farewell-in-mps-rewa-students-break-down-as-their-beloved-teacher-retires-656561.html Rewa Madhya Pradesh Jan 1 The bond between a teacher and a student is built not merely in classrooms but through years of care guidance and silent sacrifices Such a bond was clearly visible in Rewa where the retirement farewell of a teacher turned into an overwhelming emotional moment leaving students teachers and villagers in tearsA deeply moving farewell ceremony was held at Kararia Upper Primary School in the Sirmaur Assembly constituency around 37 km from the district headquarters What was meant to be a formal goodbye soon transformed into a poignant scene of love and gratitudeAs Ganga Prasad Pandey a respected teacher who dedicated 42 years 10 months and 4 days to the education department prepared to leave the school premises on December 30 emotions spilled over Students clung to him hugged him tightly and broke down crying uncontrollably The sight was so powerful that the retiring teacher himself could not hold back his tearsWitnessing the studentsâ grief and affection fellow teachers and villagers present at the ceremony also became emotional turning the entire atmosphere solemn and tearfulWe may have heard countless stories about the sacred teacherstudent relationship but this incident from a government school in Rewa stood as a living example of that tradition It reflected how a dedicated teacher can shape lives far beyond classrooms and textbooksThough words failed him at the moment of farewell Ganga Prasad Pandey gently consoled his students saying âDonât worry Be a good citizenâ Holding the children in his arms he showered them with affection one last time a gesture that spoke louder than any speechAs he walked away from the school gates eyes moist and heart heavy it was clear that while a chapter had ended the values discipline and love he imparted would continue to live on in the lives of his students IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/emotional-farewell-in-mps-rewa-students-break-down-as-their-beloved-teacher-retires-656561.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 04:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/jal-shakti-ministry-expands-odf-net-in-rural-india-during-2025-656595.html New Delhi Jan 1 The Jal Shakti Ministry made significant strides in 2025 under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen Phase II with over 83 per cent of villages declared as ODF Plus Model more than 527 lakh villages having arrangements for solid waste management and 541 lakh villages having arrangements for liquid waste management an official said on Thursday The Swachhata Hi Seva SHS 2025 campaign conducted during September and October witnessed mass participation and Jan Bhagidari from over 18 crore people including more than 13 crore individuals from rural IndiaInspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs nationwide call Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil led a Shramdaan programme at Kalindi Kunj under Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 as part of the âEk Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saathâ initiativeThe Minister of State for Jal Shakti also engaged in a dialogue with more than 150 sarpanches ahead of the 79th Independence Day celebrations in 2025According to the official the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitationâs DDWS âHamara Shauchalay Hamara Bhavishyaâ campaign led to the repair and beautification of over one lakh Individual Household Latrines IHHLs and more than 550 Community Sanitary Complexes CSCsThe campaign also recorded over 49000 information education and communication IEC and behaviour change communication BCC events which saw participation from more than 32 lakh individuals the official saidSharing details on the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen the official said it is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2 2014âThe mission aimed to make India Open Defecation Free ODF by October 2 2019 the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi The focus of SBMG Phase I was to provide access to toilets for all rural households across the countryâ the official said in a statementAs a result by October 2019 all villages nationwide had declared themselves ODF with rural sanitation coverage increasing from 39 per cent in 2014 to 100 per cent in 2019SBMG Phase II was launched in 2020 after India was declared ODF with the objective of achieving Sampoorna Swachhata and ensuring that no one is left behind in gaining access to individual household toilets and proper waste management systems while progressing towards ODF Plus Model village statusThe key objective of SBMG Phase II is to ensure that all villages sustain their ODF status and move towards becoming ODF Plus Model villages The programme focuses on ODF sustainability solid waste management liquid waste management and visual cleanlinessIn 2025 the total programme outlay for SBMG Phase II stood at over Rs 140 lakh crore As per the SBMG IMIS portal as of December 16 2025 more than 12 crore Individual Household Latrines and 267 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes have been constructed since October 2 2014Over 489 lakh villages have been declared ODF Plus Model of which more than 415 lakh villages have been verified as ODF Plus Model More than 527 lakh villages have arrangements for solid waste management over 5300 blocks have arrangements for plastic waste management and more than 541 lakh villages have arrangements for liquid waste management the statement saidUnder the GOBARdhan initiative more than 970 community biogas plants are currently functional As many as 21306 training programmes have been conducted covering 115274 gram panchayats the official added IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/jal-shakti-ministry-expands-odf-net-in-rural-india-during-2025-656595.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/grand-celebration-marks-fifth-sannyasa-initiation-birth-anniversary-of-swami-kailashanand-giri-in-haridwar-656616.html Haridwar Jan 1 The spiritual city of Haridwar witnessed a magnificent celebration as the fifth Sannyasa initiation and birth anniversary of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Niranjan Peethadheeshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara unfolded with profound devotion and grandeur at âShri Dakshin Kali Templeâ The ceremony presided over by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Rajrajeshwarashram Maharaj brought together an illustrious gathering of spiritual luminaries including Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindrapuri Juna Peethadheeshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Patanjali Yogpeeth General Secretary Acharya Balkrishna Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Balakanand Giri Acharya Lokesh Muni Parmarth Niketan head Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Swami Brahmaswaroop BrahmachariProminent figures from politics administration education and social service joined thousands of devotees from across India and abroad creating an atmosphere charged with reverence and unityTributes poured in for Swami Kailashanand Giri with Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Rajrajeshwarashram describing him as a profoundly learned saint whose life inspires all and whose efforts significantly advance the propagation of Sanatan Dharma and culture globallyShri Mahant Ravindrapuri emphasised the resurgence of Sanatan Dharma in the modern era crediting great saints for raising its flag worldwide and highlighting Swami Kailashanand Giris pivotal role in this movementAcharya Balkrishna praised his leadership in spreading spiritual knowledge guiding devotees toward welfare and upholding religious traditionsEchoing these sentiments Swami Avdheshanand Giri Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Swami Balakanand Giri lauded his extraordinary penance and spiritual discipline as a miraculous example noting that only dedicated disciples like him truly perpetuate a gurus legacyUttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri extended warm congratulations affirming that the companionship of saints illuminates the path to true welfare and humbly sought their blessingsIn a heartfelt response Swami Kailashanand Giri expressed deep gratitude to the assembled saints and guests proclaiming that the Guru represents the second form of GodHe shared his immense fortune in receiving guidance from his revered guru Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Rajrajeshwarashram and pledged to dedicate his life to preserving Niranjani Akharas traditions while leading society toward righteousness and spiritualityAdding to the occasions prestige Bharatiya Janata Party National General Secretary BL Santosh and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari personally called to offer congratulations and seek the revered Gurudevs blessingsThe events gracious touches included garlanding of honoured guests by Swami Kailashanand Giris disciple Swami Avantikanand Brahmachari and former MLA Sangeet Som with Acharya Pawandutt Mishra skillfully managing the stage proceedingsAmong the distinguished attendees were Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vedavyasanand from America various mahants and swamis Uttar Pradesh ministers media incharge Shantanu Shukla and countless devoted followersThe celebration not only honoured Swami Kailashanand Giris milestones but also symbolised the vibrant enduring spirit of Sanatan Dharma inspiring all present with its message of devotion unity and spiritual upliftment IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/grand-celebration-marks-fifth-sannyasa-initiation-birth-anniversary-of-swami-kailashanand-giri-in-haridwar-656616.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/iskp-emerges-as-pakistans-new-deniable-proxy-against-india-656416.html New Delhi Dec 31 The alliance that the ISI stitched between the Islamic State Khorasan Province ISKP and the LashkareTaiba could turn out to be a security headache for India Intelligence agencies have warned The primary aim of the ISI was to have these two groups fight together against the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and Balochistan Nationalist Army BLA The Pakistan army has been facing severe losses at the hands of these two outfits The alliance with the ISKP was also formed in the wake of the rising tensions with the Afghan Taliban While the ISKP is still in the process of setting up the squads to target Baloch nationals Indian Intelligence agencies have warned of a spillover which could affect the security situation in Jammu and KashmirAn Intelligence Bureau official said that plans are already afoot to expand the footprint of the ISKP into India with the main focus being Jammu and Kashmir This is a dangerous game that Pakistan is playing as the final goal is to infiltrate India While the ISKP has immense capabilities for carrying out largescale strikes the benefit Pakistan would gain is the deniability factor The ISKP is not a Pakistanbased group It is headquartered in Afghanistan and hence if an attack is carried out in India the trail would not lead back to Islamabad officials sayWhen the ISKP was formed the main intention was to control Afghanistan and then gradually infiltrate into India At that time the outfit was at loggerheads with Pakistan as it considered the nation to be unIslamic and a slave of the Western powers Now the two appear to have ironed out their differences as they share a common enemy in the Afghan Taliban The ISI would help the ISKP with the logistics as well as the finances The ISI would also create channels whereby the ISKP can receive the arms and ammunition that it requiresOfficials say that the ISI got the LashkareTaiba and ISKP together only to fight against the TTP and BLA The Kashmir battle would be handled alone by the ISKP as it would offer Pakistan the deniability factor This is important for Pakistan since it is being closely watched by international organisations such as the Financial Action Task Force FATFThe ISKP also made its Kashmir plans clear in an article that was published in its propaganda magazine Yalgaar The outfit speaks extensively about its expansion plan into India and this is a disturbing trend officials sayIntelligence Bureau officials say that the ISKP would be backed by Pakistans deep state It would also coordinate and encourage attacks to be carried out by the ISKP The expansion attempts are just around the corner another official saidFor now the focus would be entirely on Balochistan as the Pakistan army wants the BLA and TTP out of its way Bringing in the ISKP and setting aside differences of the past is a clear sign that the Pakistan army is unable to fight against groups such as the TTP and BLAThe ISKP which is in alliance with the LashkareTaiba in Balochistan is currently setting up death squads The idea is to target the Baloch nationals and also those groups that defy Pakistan One could expect increased violence in the region as the fights between these groups would be bloody in natureWhen leaders of the two outfits met recently they formalised their alliance by gifting each other pistols They even pledged to eliminate everyone who is opposed to Pakistan and that includes India as well While Indian agencies are closely watching the developments in Balochistan they are also keeping a very close eye on the ambitious expansion plans by the ISKP IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/iskp-emerges-as-pakistans-new-deniable-proxy-against-india-656416.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kolkata-police-tighten-security-for-new-year-celebrations-656426.html Kolkata Dec 31 A day after recovering arms and ammunition from two locations in the city Kolkata Police have stepped up security and surveillance ahead of New Yearâs celebrations A Kolkata Police official said on Wednesday that officers will remain extra vigilant throughout the day as well as for the midnight celebrations The Standard Operating Procedure SOP which was issued ahead of Christmas celebrations will remain in place till SundayAccording to police this has been done to ensure the festivities conclude without any untoward incident Special focus will be laid on checking drunk and rash driving especially by motorbikesApproximately 2000 police personnel will be deployed on the streets of Kolkata during the New Year celebrations Senior officers including Deputy Commissioner Assistant Commissioner and Inspector rank officials will be stationed at various locationsPark Street in central Kolkata is beautifully decorated with lights during the New Year celebrations It draws a huge crowd every year The city police are taking precautions to prevent any disorder during the celebrations this year tooIn addition to plainclothes police officers a special team of women police officers called Winners will be on duty there Four to five watchtowers have been installed in the Park Street area Quick Response Teams QRT and Heavy Radio Flying Squads HRFS will also be present at Park StreetSecurity will also be reinforced at the Zoological Garden in Alipore Victoria Memorial Indian Museum Maidan Prinsep Ghat and Millennium Park Surveillance will be monitored from Lalbazar and Naka checks will be conducted at various places to prevent drunk driving Surveillance will also be maintained in the metro servicesOn Tuesday the Kolkata Polices Special Task Force STF recovered multiple firearms and arrested two persons in this connection According to the police acting on a tipoff STF officers detained two young men from Strand Road in Central Kolkata The recovered firearms included a singleshot pistol a 7mm pistol and improvised firearmsAdditionally 20 to 22 rounds of ammunition were recovered Meanwhile another person was arrested in connection with a similar incident in the Alipore area in south Kolkata Around 11 firearms were recovered from him IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kolkata-police-tighten-security-for-new-year-celebrations-656426.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/education-key-to-tribal-and-regional-development-prez-murmu-in-gumla-656292.html Gumla Jharkhand Dec 30 President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday called upon the tribal community especially the youth to remain rooted in their cultural heritage while embracing modern education science and technology for overall development Addressing the interstate sociocultural gathering âKartik Jatraâ at Raidih block in Jharkhandâs Gumla district the President emphasised that preserving tribal identity and traditions is essential even as society progressesEducation is the greatest asset for development The holistic progress of society and the state is possible only through its expansion and dissemination she saidPaying tributes to eminent tribal leader Pankhraj Saheb Kartik Oraon a native of Gumla President Murmu described him as a source of inspirationDespite receiving education abroad he devoted his life and thoughts to his land and people viewing education as the most powerful instrument of social change she said adding that the Kartik Jatra reflects the same spirit even todayShe noted that Kartik Oraonâs dream of establishing a university in Gumla would soon be realisedHighlighting the regionâs significance the President said the area connecting Jharkhand Chhattisgarh and Odisha is rich in rivers forests plateaus and mountains and has preserved some of the countryâs oldest traditionsCalling her visit to Jharkhand a pilgrimage she said it was the birthplace and workplace of Lord Birsa Munda who is revered nationwide as a symbol of social justice and tribal prideShe also recalled renowned social reformer and freedom fighter Jatra Tana Bhagat who was born in Gumla and led a nonviolent movement against British rule inspired by Mahatma Gandhiâs idealsRemembering Param Vir Chakra awardee Shaheed Albert Ekka she said his unparalleled bravery during the 1971 IndiaPakistan war remains a matter of national pridePresident Murmu praised the rich cultural heritage of the tribal community noting that its music dance drama and art traditions are exceptionally vibrantThis richness is reflected in the fact that more than 100 tribal artistes from across the country have been honoured with the Padma Shri she saidThe programme featured colourful performances by tribal dance troupes from various states creating a festive atmosphereA large gathering attended the event held at Pankhraj Saheb Kartik Oraon Chowk Barrier Bagicha Manjhatoli in GumlaThe event was attended by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on SCST Affairs Faggan Singh Kulaste and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar among others IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/education-key-to-tribal-and-regional-development-prez-murmu-in-gumla-656292.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/as-new-year-dawns-hope-of-snow-in-himachal-brings-cheers-656302.html ShimlaManali Dec 30 After an extremely wet southwest monsoon in Himachal Pradesh that claimed several lives and damaged infrastructures this winter has been bereft of precipitation since October 9 turning mountains brown due to the lack of a âblanket of snowâ and rains As the New Year dawns a hope of widespread snow and rain has cheered both the tourists and local farmers As per the India Meteorological Department IMD Himachal Pradesh may receive rain and snow on December 31 âLight rain or snow likely at isolated places on December 30 and January 2 with light to moderate rain and snow likely at many places on December 31 and at a few places on January 1 over the stateâ said the IMDâDry weather is likely to prevail during the remaining days of the weekâ it addedMembers of the hospitality industry say the long spell of snowless days has so far spoiled the plans of tourists to holiday in the hills âNow with the IMD predicting snow just ahead of the New Year dawn we expect a good footfall of the holidaymakersâ a Shimlabased hotelier told IANSHe said they were getting so many queries from tourists about the possibility of snow in and around Shimla âWe are asking them to visit hill destinations to enjoy a snowy landscapeâ he addedNarkanda the heart of the apple belt some 65 km from the state capital and the popular tourist resorts Manali and Dalhousie are bereft of snow cover However hills overlooking Manali have plenty of snow âWe are really enjoying basking in the sun for the past many days in Shimla We are desperately awaiting the onset of snow the seasonâs first hereâ Jagdeep Ghuman a tourist from Delhi told IANSExperts at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni in Solan district say traditionally October to December are dry months in the state and longterm observations 19802024 indicate that November receives belownormal rainfall in nearly 682 per cent of the years In subhumid midhill regions nearly 3050 per cent of soil moisture is lost through evaporation a figure likely to increase under the current conditions The recurrence of drought during these months has become common and with nearly 70 per cent of the stateâs area being rainfed the adoption of moistureconservation agronomic practices has become essential they sayInsufficient soil moisture during the dry spell may adversely affect fruit plant saplings by hampering root development restricting nutrient uptake and increasing susceptibility to diseases The experts advised that new plantations of deciduous fruit crops such as apple peach plum apricot persimmon walnut and kiwifruit should be postponed until moisture conditions improveFor a small pea grower Jeet Singh Negi in mountainous Lahaul Valley it has been an almost snowless NovemberDecember âOur fields are totally devoid of snow cover We are worried as winter precipitation ensures water security in these remote villages during summer when we sow the crop of peas and barleyâ he saidIn the state capital around 7000 feet above sea level the minimum temperature on Tuesday was 10 degrees Celsius six degrees above normal Tabo an ancient seat of Buddhist religion and culture in picturesque Spiti Valley was the coldest habitat in the state with bonechilling cold wind of 39 km per hourThe police have been advising the public not to go to high mountains as these places can be risky due to black ice formation early morning where motorists canât see it their tyres canât grip it and their brakes donât work properly on it Keeping in mind to set cash registers ringing several private hoteliers in prominent destinations have hiked room tariffsInformation suggests a room fetching Rs 3000 from October to midDecember is sold off at Rs 8000 a day in most of the hotels in Shimla Kufri Chail Narkanda and Kasauli Also government officials warned to get an advance booking of a hotel or a homestay unit before travelling as most of the hotels in the state capital Shimla Manali Kasauli and Dharamsala have 90 to 98 per cent occupancy till January 4âThe occupancy in most of our properties is close to 80 per cent We are expecting to do good business this weekâ the HPTDC official told IANSHimachal Pradesh has no highend hotels and restaurants in faroff areas The trend of rural homestays that was started in 2008 has been driving tourists to the interiors and they are the best option to stay and enjoy the pristine nature and snowy landscapeThe stateâs economy is highly dependent on tourism besides hydroelectric power and horticultureVishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgianscom IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/as-new-year-dawns-hope-of-snow-in-himachal-brings-cheers-656302.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ians-year-ender-2025-tribal-politics-shapes-tripura-as-bjp-consolidates-indigenous-base-656317.html Agartala Dec 30 Tribal politics which has traditionally played a decisive role in Tripuraâs electoral process continued to shape the stateâs political landscape in the outgoing year with the ruling BJP focusing on consolidating its organisational base among indigenous communities while gradually reducing its dependence on tribalbased allies particularly the Tipra Motha Party TMP Ahead of early next yearâs elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council TTAADC the most important constitutional body after the Tripura Legislative Assembly tribalbased politics has intensified across the stateSince 2021 the TMP has been governing the politically significant 30member TTAADC which covers nearly twothirds of Tripuraâs 10491 sq km geographical area and is home to over 1216 lakh people about 84 per cent of whom belong to indigenous communitiesIn the runup to the TTAADC polls all major political parties including the ruling BJP its allies TMP and the Indigenous Peopleâs Front of Tripura IPFT and opposition CPI M and Congress have intensified efforts to consolidate their support among tribals who constitute nearly onethird of Tripuras 42 million populationTo lessen its reliance on tribalbased parties TMP and IPFT the BJP has since early this year stepped up organisational activities in tribaldominated areas Both TMP and IPFT are currently allies of the BJPAs part of this strategy the BJP on July 17 organised a key meeting titled Janajati Chintan Shivir bringing together elected representatives and organisational leaders from indigenous communitiesChief Minister Manik Saha state BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma former MP Rebati Tripura all tribal MLAs TTAADC members and other tribal leaders attended the daylong conclaveSenior tribal leader and BJP state general secretary Bipin Debbarma claimed that around 14000 people mostly from indigenous communities had joined the BJP over the past three to four monthsHowever as the BJP intensified public outreach programmes tensions escalated between the party and its ally TMP BJP leaders alleged that TMP workers attacked BJP karyakartas functionaries in several areasAt least 23 BJP karyakartas were injured in more than 10 attacks by TMP activists across different districts Debbarma told IANSIn one of the major incidents on July 27 at least seven BJP Janajati Morcha members were seriously injured when TMP supporters allegedly attacked them at Asharambari in Khowai district while they were gathered at a residence to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs monthly radio programme âMann Ki BaatâSimilar incidents were reported later at Takarjala in Sepahijala district and other parts of the state resulting in injuries to several BJP workersMeanwhile the TMP Congress and CPI M also claimed that several thousand people had joined their respective parties during the yearAfter prolonged negotiations the tribalbased TMP then in the opposition signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Tripura government on March 2 last year 2024 in the presence of Home Minister Amit ShahSubsequently the party which has 13 MLAs joined the BJPled coalition government on March 7 adding a new dimension to the states political dynamicsTwo TMP MLAs Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma were inducted into the Chief Minister Manik Sahaled ministryDespite being part of the government the TMP led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma continued to press its demands organising demonstrations in Delhi on September 9 and staging a series of agitations in TripuraThe party has been demanding âGreater Tipralandâ a separate state for tribals under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution early conduct of the longpending Village Committee elections in TTAADC areas deportation of illegal migrants implementation of the Inner Line Permit ILP and execution of the tripartite agreementAmid what observers describe as a âsweetandsourâ relationship between the BJP and TMP the opposition Congress announced its willingness to support all âlegitimate demandsâ of the tribalbased party if it withdrew from the ruling coalitionThe TMP however did not respond to the appealPradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma a former state Congress President had quit the party in September 2019 primarily over differences related to filing a petition in the Supreme Court seeking implementation of the National Register of Citizens NRC in Tripura to safeguard indigenous rightsIn a surprising political turn Chief Minister Manik Saha launched sharp attacks on the BJPâs ally TMP warning that politics based on blackmail and threats would no longer be tolerated in TripuraAddressing a party programme at Baijal Bari in Khowai district last week CM Saha asserted that no force could prevent the BJP from working in tribal areasâOur guardians are Prime Minister Narendra Modi BJP national president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah We believe in dialogue and peace not unrest Law and order will be maintained strictly through constitutional meansâ the Chief Minister had saidReferring to TMPâs demands CM Saha remarked âFirst it was Tipraland then Greater Tipraland and now One Northeast Anyone can raise demands but they must follow democratic processesâHe also highlighted increased budgetary allocations and infrastructure development in TTAADC areas under the BJP governmentOn the Kokborok language script issue Saha accused parties of hypocrisy saying earlier committees had discussed multiple script options but failed to reach a decisionâNow they selectively raise the issue to create confusion and provoke peopleâ he allegedCiting examples of the BJPâs tribal affinity the Chief Minister said that seven eminent personalities mostly tribal scholars and artists from Tripura received Padma Shri awards while senior tribal leader Jishnu Dev Varma was appointed Governor of TelanganaDevelopments in neighbouring Bangladesh also impacted TripuraPolitical turmoil and violence there triggered heightened security along the international border with the Border Security Force BSF intensifying vigil since JuneâJuly last year particularly after the fall of the Sheikh Hasinaled Awami League government on August 5 2024Reports of attacks on minorities especially Hindus in Bangladesh prompted widespread protests across Tripura by political parties civil society and nongovernment organisationsIn a major boost to religious tourism Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 22 inaugurated the redeveloped 524yearold Mata Tripura Sundari temple at Udaipur 54 km south of AgartalaThe redevelopment carried out under the PRASHAD Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive scheme at a cost of over Rs 54 crore enhanced facilities at one of the 51 Hindu Shakti PeethasAdditionally replicas of all 51 Shakti Peethas are being constructed at the underconstruction 51 Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar in Gomati district at a cost of Rs 9770 croreThe original 51 Shakti Peethas are spread across various states in India and also in Pakistan Nepal and BangladeshChief Minister Manik Saha laid the foundation stone for the park project on July 13Like other northeastern states Tripura intensified its war against drugs during the yearThe Tripura Police in coordination with central forces and intelligence agencies including Assam Rifles seized narcotics worth over Rs 500 crore mostly smuggled from Myanmar and arrested around 200 drug peddlersChief Minister Saha who also holds the Home portfolio reiterated the governments zerotolerance policy towards drugs stating that the administration remains committed to securing a drugfree future for Tripuraâs youthSujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortynegmailcom IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ians-year-ender-2025-tribal-politics-shapes-tripura-as-bjp-consolidates-indigenous-base-656317.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/l-g-sinha-unveils-jampk-bank-wall-and-table-calendars-for-2026-656329.html Jammu Dec 30 JampK Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday unveiled the JampK Bank wall and table calendars for the year 2026 at the Lok Bhawan The Wall Calendar for 2026 is themed âRivers of JampK and Ladakhâ while the Table Calendar showcases the regionâs âHistoric Placesâ reflecting the diversity of human heritage and natural wonders of Jammu amp Kashmir and of LadakhThe Lieutenant Governor appreciated the JampK Bank for selecting unique themes which will raise awareness about preserving ancient monuments archaeological sites and traditions for future generationsHe said society must come together to safeguard these priceless treasures The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised protecting Earthâs vital ecosystemsHe said rivers in JampK are a source of fresh water and they are also ensuring food security and supporting biodiversity conservationThe Lieutenant Governor called for community efforts to protect rivers and water bodies to build resilience against climate impacts in the futureAmitava Chatterjee Managing Director and CEO Jammu amp Kashmir Bank Limited said that the 2026 edition of JampK Bankâs calendars honours the rivers that sustain life across the regions and the historic sites that define their shared legacyThe calendar also features important public welfare initiatives such as Mission YUVA and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana alongside JampK Bankâs key products including Housing Loan Car Loan Personal Consumption Loan and Online Account Opening reinforcing the Bankâs role as a development partner and facilitator of peopleâs aspirations IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/l-g-sinha-unveils-jampk-bank-wall-and-table-calendars-for-2026-656329.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/undeterred-by-protests-eci-special-roll-observer-murugan-vows-to-complete-assigned-task-656165.html Kolkata Dec 29 Election Commission of Indiaâs ECI Special Roll Observer SRO C Murugan on Monday appeared undeterred by repeated attacks on his vehicle and vowed to complete the task entrusted to him by the poll panel Speaking to media persons after facing another round of protests in South 24 Parganas district the Special Roll Observer said âThe Election Commission has entrusted me with a specific responsibility I came here to work and I will finish that work regardless of these actionsâThe statement from the senior ECI officer came after his vehicle was attacked when an agitating crowd gheraoed him during his visit to a Special Intensive Revision SIR hearing centre at Magrahat in South 24 Parganas districtThe protesters mostly women blocked the exit route of the SROâs vehicle and banged on the car bonnet and window panes while police personnel attempted to clear the mob During the protest the door handle on the driverâs side of the vehicle was damagedMurugan was first gheraoed when he reached Shirakol High School the venue for the ongoing hearing where protesters alleged improper planning in the implementation of the SIR exercise claiming that sick elderly and pregnant voters were being asked to appear in person for hearing sessionsIt was learnt that a group of local protesters led by Trinamool Congressrun Zilla Parishad president Mujibar Rahaman Mollah gheraoed the Special Roll Observer and demanded that the partyâs Booth Level Agents2 BLA2 be allowed entry into the hearing sessions Subsequently Murugan faced further protests during which his vehicle was damaged while he was attempting to leave the venueâI am here to do a job assigned to me by the Election Commission and I will complete that task no matter the attempted disruptionsâ the IAS officer saidThis was not the first time that the Special Roll Observer faced public anger while overseeing the ongoing SIR exercise On two earlier occasions in Falta in South 24 Parganas district and at Haldarpara in Howrah district he encountered protests from local residentsA senior official at the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer CEO said a detailed report on Mondayâs incident would be sought from the SRO and forwarded to the Election Commission IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/undeterred-by-protests-eci-special-roll-observer-murugan-vows-to-complete-assigned-task-656165.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/daily-wage-workers-porters-in-pakistan-facing-financial-problems-due-to-torkham-border-closure-656282.html Islamabad Dec 30 Hundreds of dailywage workers and porters in Pakistan are facing financial problems due to the continued closure of the Torkham border as they have lost their parttime jobs local media reported on Monday As the Torkham border remains shut due to tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan the majority of these labourers are looking for jobs in Punjab and Sindh while others have borrowed money from relatives and friends to manage their daily expenses They have even stopped sending children to schools as they do not have money to pay fees the Dawn reported Reportedly some jobless dailywagers and porters have started taking drugs as they are facing mental stressSpeaking to Dawn Mansoor Ali stated that he abandoned his FSc computer science course midway due to poverty and started carrying the luggage of Afghan and Pakistani nationals between the border point and the taxi stand for little moneyThe 24yearold who has been married for only eight months said he was having sleepless nights due to mental stress after losing his job following the border closure He said he has already borrowed money from his relatives to manage the expenses of his familyTorkham Labourers and Porters Association leader Ali Shinwari expressed fear that the young jobless labourers could join proscribed terrorist groups which want to exploit the distressing conditions of such frustrated youth We also fear that some young tribesmen will be employed as drug peddlers as narcotics dealers offer them good wages he saidThe problems for these daily wagers the majority of them unskilled people started in 2016 when Pakistan announced a visa policy for Afghan and Pakistani nationals commuting between Afghanistan and Pakistan via the Torkham borderEarlier in October Pakistan shut all trade routes with Afghanistan after Pakistani forces conducted attacks near the Durand Line In response to Pakistans attacks Afghan forces also carried out attacks After the closure of the trade route Afghanistans Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund urged industrialists and traders to use alternative trade routes instead of Pakistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/daily-wage-workers-porters-in-pakistan-facing-financial-problems-due-to-torkham-border-closure-656282.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-residentsrejoicepm-modis-praise-for-kannadalanguage-655981.html New Delhi Dec 28 Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 129th radio programme Mann Ki Baat spoke at length about importance of preserving Indias linguistic and cultural heritage and praised efforts to promote the Kannada language PM Modi said that the efforts to remain rooted in culture is not confined to India alone and that Indians living abroad are also playing an active role in preserving their heritageCiting the example of Kannadaspeaking families living in Dubai he said The families living there asked themselves an important question Our children are moving ahead in the tech world but arent they moving away from their language This is where Kannada Pathshale was born An initiative where children are taught to read write learn and speak Kannada Today more than a thousand children are associated with it Truly Kannada Nadu Nudi Namma Hemme roughly translated as The land and language of Kannada are our prideThe Prime Ministers praise for Kannada and Kannadigas in preserving their heritage has left the residents of state ecstatic and overjoyed who called it a moraleboosterBidarbased professor Siddarampappa Mahashimade and former President of Kannada Sahitya Parishat said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat address spoke about the richness and heritage of the Kannada language which is a matter of great pride for all Kannadigas His emphasis on giving international recognition to a regional language like Kannada reflects his respect for Indias linguistic and cultural diversityKannada was accorded Classical Language status in 2008 and has a literary history of more than 2000 years The language has been nurtured by great poets saints and scholars and has received the highest number of Jnanpith Awards The Prime Ministerâs reference to Kannada education and cultural activities among Kannadigas living abroad further highlights its global presence His practice of beginning speeches in Kannada during visits to Karnataka reflects his commitment to promoting the language the retired professor of Kannada at Bomaradi College addedMG Deshpande a resident of Karnatakas Bidar district said I felt proud and happy listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak about the Kannada language in DubaiWith a history of nearly 2000 years and eight Jnanpith Awards Kannada is one of the finest languages in the world When Prime Minister highlights Kannada on an international platform it brings great pride and confidence to all Kannadigas he addedPrime Minister Narendra Modis appreciation for Karnataka brought happiness to the people of the state said Vidyananda a research student at Karnataka UniversityHe also told IANS there was a feeling among the people that regional languages were not getting priority in Central governments administrative system and there was a concern among the people about whether Kannada language would get a chance or not but Prime Minister has dispelled this concernSaadhvi Amma reacting to PM Modis praise for Kannada language said Its really a honour that where PM Modi mentioned our Kannada languageIn Karnatakaâs Kalaburagi BJP leader Ambaray Ashtagi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his happiness about Karnataka and our Kannada language I congratulate him and also thank him for his praise of Kannada language and Kannada culture IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-residentsrejoicepm-modis-praise-for-kannadalanguage-655981.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/beekeeping-promises-stable-income-to-unemployed-youth-in-haryanas-nuh-655986.html New Delhi Dec 28 Beekeeping the practice of managing honeybee colonies in manmade hives for honey and wax is turning out to be good source of employment as well as incomegeneration opportunity for the unemployed youth in Haryanas Nuh district Many youths devoid of education and adequate skills for white collar jobs are turning to the beekeeping businessWith adequate training and government assistance they are getting engaged in the business leading to their selfsustenance and also adding to the honey outputDistrict Horticulture Officer Abdul Razzaq speaking to IANS explained how beekeeping can become a good source of income for unemployed youth and also how the landless farmers can benefit from the horticulture departments schemeRazzaq told that 13 training centres have been opened across the state including institutions like KVK Mandkola and KVK Bhupani where accommodation food and transportation are provided free of cost to the youth participating in this fiveday training programmeAssistance with bank loans is also available after the training Each young person is given 50 wooden boxes with an 85 per cent subsidy provided by the department The farmer only has to pay Rs 21600 he addedThose interested can receive the boxes by going to Ramnagar with their Family ID Aadhaar card and training certificateEach box contains eight to 10 framesThe Horticulture department also provides assistance of nearly Rs 85000 for thisHe mentioned that nearly 50 kg of honey is produced from one box a yearFurther sharing information about current output District Horticulture Officer Razzaq told that five farmers in the district have nearly 800 beekeeping boxes producing 26000 kg of honey annuallyHe said that if the honey is of good quality and sells for more than 110 rupees per kilogram in the market the youth engaged in beekeeping can sell itIf they dont find a buyer they can pack it in drums and buckets and take it to Ramnagar where they are paid Rs 110 per kgUnemployed youth can easily earn nearly 3 lakh rupees per year from beekeeping he opined IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/beekeeping-promises-stable-income-to-unemployed-youth-in-haryanas-nuh-655986.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ians-year-ender-2025-pm-modis-guarantee-at-work-as-chhattisgarh-nears-maoist-eradication-655991.html New Delhi Dec 25 Proud of our forces for this remarkable success Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on his official social media account in May 2025 praising security forces after the neutralisation of 27 Maoists including CPIMaoist General Secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju This sentiment captured the years momentum as PM Modi repeatedly emphasised the nearing end of the insurgencyThe roots of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh trace back to the 1967 Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal inspiring armed MarxistLeninist rebellion against exploitation After Chhattisgarhs formation in 2000 the dense forests of Dandakaranya became a stronghold for the Communist Party of India Maoist formed in 2004 through mergers of various groupsMaoists exploited grievances over land rights displacement due to mining and lack of development to recruit from indigenous communities establishing liberated zones with parallel governance The Jhiram Ghati ambush on May 25 2013 in Sukma epitomised the violence Maoists killed 32 including Congress leaders Nand Kumar Patel and VC Shukla and Salwa Judum founder Mahendra Karma intensifying national antiNaxal resolveOne of the most brutal incidents highlighting early Naxalite audacity in central India was the murder of Likhiram Kavre also spelled Kanware or Kawre the then Transport Minister in the erstwhile undivided Madhya Pradeshs Congress government under Digvijaya SinghOn the night of December 1516 1999 or February 16 in some reports a group of 1012 armed Peoples War Group PWG Naxalites stormed Kavres native Sonpuri village in Balaghat district After reconnaissance the previous day and confirming his identity by calling villagers they hacked him to death in a planned retaliation for a police encounter in Andhra Pradesh that killed four PWG cadresThe killers left a poster claiming revenge marking one of the most gruesome political assassinations in the regions history and underscoring the spread of Maoist violence into Madhya Pradeshs border areasThe year 2025 began grimly with a Maoist IED attack on January 6 in Bijapur killing eight DRG personnel and a civilian driver the largest such assault in two years However security forces quickly gained momentum On February 9 a major clash in Bijapurs Indravati National Park eliminated 31 Maoists with two security personnel also losing their livesSpring brought landmark victories Operation Black Forest or Operation Kagar launched on April 21 2025 along the ChhattisgarhTelangana border in Karreguttalu Hills lasted until May 11 and neutralized 31 Maoists including key PLGA battalion members carrying bounties totalling Rs 172 crore Forces destroyed arms factories and dismantled infrastructure in this erstwhile impregnable strongholdThe biggest blow came on May 21 in the Abujhmarh forests of Narayanpur where 27 Maoists including Basavaraju with a Rs 153 crore bounty were killed This decapitation strike involving DRG units shattered the Maoist central leadership and was hailed as a turning point Operations continued relentlessly In December alone encounters in Bijapur on December 3 killed 12 Maoists while ongoing gunfights in the BhairamgarhIndravati region further weakened cadresOverall 2025 saw over 280 Maoists neutralised statewide predominantly in Bastar with Bijapur accounting for 144 eliminations Surrenders surged to record levels over 10001300 cadres laid down arms including senior leaders driven by rehabilitation policies and mounting pressure Arrests exceeded 500680 with hundreds of weapons seizedThese gains reflect enhanced intelligence forward operating bases drone surveillance and coordinated multiforce deployments by central forces CRPF CoBRA BSF and state police under the March 2026 eradication target Civilian and security force casualties declined sharply compared to previous decades while Maoist violence waned amid internal disillusionmentI guarantee that the day is not far when every corner of Chhattisgarh and India will be completely free from Maoist terror PM Modi declared in November at Chhattisgarhs silver jubilee celebrations in Nava Raipur He noted Maoist influence shrinking from 125 to three districts adding The day is not far when India will be totally free from Naxalism and Maoist violence this too is Modiâs guaranteeUnion Home Minister Amit Shah reinforced this in December at the Bastar Olympics closing He said Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership we have resolved to make Bastar and India Maoistfree By Bastar Olympics 2026 Red terror will be eradicatedHe said We are on the cusp of fulfilling the resolve to eliminate Left Wing Extremism before March 31 2026PM Modi blamed past Congress policies for fueling Naxalism through neglect stating in March Over the decades Naxalism got encouragement due to policies of Congress while praising development bringing peace Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai echoed The backbone of Naxalism is broken with Deputy CM Vijay Sharma declaring 80 per cent of the state MaoistfreeEnhanced intelligence camps drones and rehabilitation drove success Violence plummeted opening areas for roads schools and electricity As PM Modi affirmed Chhattisgarh is steadily freeing itself from the grip of Maoist terrorism 2025 positioned the state and India on the brink of a Maoistfree era honouring decades of sacrificesAs 2025 ends Chhattisgarh stands on the cusp of becoming Maoistfree with officials confident of meeting the 2026 deadline ahead of schedule The years operations have not only decimated ranks but also opened remote areas for development indicating the insurgencys twilight after decades of conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ians-year-ender-2025-pm-modis-guarantee-at-work-as-chhattisgarh-nears-maoist-eradication-655991.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/aiadmk-will-protect-people-restore-tns-pride-palaniswami-at-tiruporur-campaign-655993.html Chennai Dec 28 As part of the AIADMKâs statewide campaign titled âLet Us Protect the People Let Us Save Tamil Naduâ party General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami EPS on Sunday campaigned in the Tiruporur and Sholinganallur Assembly constituencies launching a sharp attack on the ruling DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin Addressing a public meeting in Tiruporur Palaniswami referred to Chief Minister Stalinâs earlier challenge questioning whether the AIADMK had achieved even âfive per centâ of its promises while in powerâIt was the AIADMK government that created Kallakurichi district We did not fulfil just five per cent â we fulfilled 95 per cent of the promises made to the peopleâ he saidIn contrast he alleged that the DMK government had failed to implement even five per cent of its own election promises The AIADMK leader also criticised the ruling partyâs handling of employment schemesHe recalled that the DMK had promised to increase the number of workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme MGNREGS from 100 to 150 after coming to powerâNot only did they fail to keep that promise but today they are projecting the continuation of the 100day scheme itself as a major achievementâ he saidPalaniswami asserted that it was the AIADMK government that persuaded the Centre to increase the guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125âWhen we return to power we will further raise it to 150 days ensure uninterrupted employment and increase wagesâ he saidReferring to the Covid19 pandemic Palaniswami said the AIADMK government had efficiently managed the crisis and safeguarded the peopleâDuring the pandemic we ensured that every ration card holder received Rs 2500 so families could celebrate Pongal with dignity Under the present government not even a single rupee was given during the last Pongalâ he allegedOutlining future welfare measures the AIADMK leader promised that his party would provide Rs 5000 to all ration card holders during Pongal Rs 25000 as financial assistance to women subsidised twowheelers Rs 50000 as marriage assistance and free silk sarees for women during DeepavaliConcluding his address Palaniswami said the AIADMKâs mission was to protect the people of Tamil Nadu restore good governance and bring the state back onto the path of development and stability IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/aiadmk-will-protect-people-restore-tns-pride-palaniswami-at-tiruporur-campaign-655993.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/night-temperature-rises-above-freezing-point-throughout-kashmir-valley-save-gulmarg-656014.html Srinagar Dec 29 Due to heavy nightlong cloud cover night temperatures rose above the freezing point throughout the Kashmir Valley on Monday except the ski resort of Gulmarg weather officials said Met Department officials said the minimum temperature rose above the freezing point in the Valley except Gulmarg where it was minus 2 degrees CelsiusSrinagar city logged a minimum of 3 and Pahalgam 02 degrees CelsiusJammu city was at 91 degrees Celsius Katra town at 92 Batote at 73 Banihal at 48 and Bhaderwah at 33 degreesThe Met Department has forecast cloudy weather on Monday and Tuesday On December 31 and January 1 there is a forecast for rainsnow at many places with the middle and higher reaches likely to receive moderate snowfall in the central and northern parts of the Valley during this periodTravellers and transporters have been advised to follow the Traffic Departments and administrative departments advisoriesThe plains of Kashmir Valley are yet to witness this seasonâs first snowfall as the people are eagerly waiting for the sameThe 40daylong period of harsh winter cold called the âChillai Kalanâ started on December 21 and will end on January 30All the major snow accumulation traditionally occurs in Kashmir during the Chillai KalanThe perennial water reservoirs high in the mountains get replenished by heavy snowfall during these 40 days and these reservoirs sustain all the rivers streams springs and lakes of JampK during the hot summer monthsA snowless Chillai Kalan would spell disaster in the summer months as both drinking water and irrigation for agriculture would become hard to come byIt is precisely because of this reason that the first snowfall of winter has become an occasion to celebrate in KashmirPeople greet each other on the first snowfall calling it âNau Sheen MubarakâFriends and relatives invite each other to feasts to celebrate the event One of the most relished local dishes on first snowfall is fish cooked with tomatoes radish slices and lotus stems which are called NadruThis heavily spiced dish is so mouthwatering that people often lick their fingers after savouring its taste IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/night-temperature-rises-above-freezing-point-throughout-kashmir-valley-save-gulmarg-656014.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/up-cleric-again-issues-fatwa-asking-muslims-not-to-celebrate-new-year-656081.html Bareilly Dec 29 All India Muslim Jamaat AIMJ President Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi has again issued a fatwa urging Muslims in India not to celebrate the New Year as this goes against the tenets of the Sharia Sharia is the system of Islamic moral and legal guidance derived from the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet and it governs both religious obligations and aspects of daily lifeIn the fatwa Maulana Razvi stated that activities such as singing and dancing are completely haram in Islam and therefore New Year celebrations are also considered haramHe said that such acts are deemed criminal under the Shariat and advised Muslim youth to stay away from these celebrationsSpeaking to IANS Razvi said Celebrating the New Year is not permissible according to Sharia On the night of December 31 New Year celebrations take place which involve many inappropriate activities such as dancing singing shows alcohol consumption chaos misbehaviour and other immoral acts Islam forbids all of these actionsHe further said that the New Year is essentially a festival associated with Christians and that it is strictly prohibited for Muslims to celebrate itThe fatwa noted that the New Year begins in January marking the start of the English calendar year and therefore it is considered a religious observance of Christians to celebrate the first day of their yearI would like to request all the young men and women not to celebrate the New Year nor attend any such event If they do then they will be considered a culprit This is European not Islamic or Indian culture For Muslims the New Year is marked by Muharram and for Hindus it is marked by Chaitra That is why I would like to urge everyone not to adopt European traditions he addedThis is not the first time that the AIMJ chief has issued such a fatwa Last year as well Razvi had cautioned Muslim youth against participating in New Year celebrations IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/up-cleric-again-issues-fatwa-asking-muslims-not-to-celebrate-new-year-656081.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/jharkhand-prez-murmu-sings-in-santhali-at-ol-chiki-centenary-stresses-preservation-of-language-and-culture-656085.html Jamshedpur Dec 29 IANS President Droupadi Murmu on Monday called for the preservation of traditional knowledge language culture and tribal identity at the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script of Santhali at the Dishom Jaherthan place of worship complex in Karandih in Jharkhands East Singhbhum districtnbspPaying tribute to Pandit Raghunath Murmu the creator of the Ol Chiki script the President described his work as foundational to the cultural selfrespect and identity of the Santhali communitynbspBefore beginning her address President Murmu sang a traditional Santhali Nehor prayer song for nearly three minutes She said she had learned the song in her childhood and that it invokes Jaher Ayo Mother Nature to guide society on the path of lightThe President delivered her entire speech in the Santhali language at the event jointly organised by the All India Santhali Writers Association and the Dishom Jaherthan CommitteenbspShe described her visit to the sacred site as an emotional moment saying she felt the love of her people and the blessings of the deitiesnbspAppreciating the role of Santhali writers and social workers the President said they have been relentlessly working to preserve the Ol Chiki script and the Santhali language carrying forward the unfinished vision of Pandit MurmunbspShe termed the publication of the Constitution in the Ol Chiki script by the Union government on the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayees birth centenary as a landmark step towards empowering the Santhali communityStressing the importance of linguistic inclusion President Murmu said that after Santhalis inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution it is essential that information related to laws governance and administrative systems reaches the community in their own languagenbspAt the ceremony the President honoured 12 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Santhali language and the Ol Chiki scriptnbspGovernor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren also addressed the gathering The Governor said Raj Bhavans doors are always open to the people and assured full cooperation in initiatives for tribal developmentnbspThe Chief Minister reiterated the state governments commitment to preserving the Santhali language culture and tribal identity https://dailyworld.in/society/jharkhand-prez-murmu-sings-in-santhali-at-ol-chiki-centenary-stresses-preservation-of-language-and-culture-656085.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/two-female-students-from-telangana-die-in-us-road-accident-656099.html Hyderabad Dec 29 Two female students from Telangana were killed in a road accident in the United States as per information from their families here The students hailing from the Mahabubabad district of Telangana died when a car in which they were travelling plunged into a gorge in CaliforniaThe deceased have been identified as Pulakhandam Meghana Rani 25 and Kadiyala Bhavana 24They had gone to the US in 2023 to pursue a Masters in computers and were on a job hunt after completing their studiesAccording to information from their families the car met with an accident on Alabama Hills road at around 4 pm local time on Sunday while they were on a pleasure trip along with their friends A group of eight friends had gone to California in two carsThe car in which Rani and Bhavana were travelling with two others failed to navigate a curve veered off the road and plunged into a valley While Rani and Bhavana died on the spot two others were injuredRani was from Garla village while Bhavana was from Mulkanoor village in Mahabubabad Raniâs father Nageshwara Rao runs a MeeSeva centre at Garla while Bhavanaâs father is the deputy sarpanch of Mulkanoor villageThe news of the deaths came as a huge shock to their families The family members said they were waiting for them to settle downBoth students had completed an MS from the University of Dayton OhioThe families have urged the Centre and also the state government to help in bringing the mortal remains for the last ritesA GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the repatriation of Meghanas remains as her family is struggling to cover the expensesMeghana fondly known as Chikki had moved to the US with dreams and a heart full of love To those who knew her she was a kind vibrant soul who always put others first it saidHer sudden departure has left a void in our lives that can never be filled She was an Indian national unmarried and belonged to a lower middleclass family from Garla village Telangana India the page readsAny contribution no matter how small will help us give my sister a dignified farewell and will mean more to us than words can express it adds IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/two-female-students-from-telangana-die-in-us-road-accident-656099.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/new-year-celebrations-bluru-police-issue-guidelines-with-special-focus-on-women-656100.html Bengaluru Dec 29 The Bengaluru Police Department on Monday issued detailed guidelines for New Year celebrations in the city with special focus on the safety of women and young adults Addressing a press conference here Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the city police had put in place comprehensive security arrangements as Bengaluru prepares to welcome the New YearHe said security measures have already been initiated in Central Business District CBD areas including MG Road Koramangala Indiranagar Electronic City and other mall zones which are expected to witness heavy footfall during New Yearâs Eve celebrationsThe Police Commissioner stressed that public peace should not be disturbed under any circumstances and warned that strict legal action would be initiated against those attempting to create law and order problems He said hotels pubs clubs and resorts would be allowed to operate only within prescribed time limits on New Yearâs Day Permission for DJ music and the use of loudspeakers has been granted with specific time restrictionsSingh further said traffic movement on MG Road would be restricted from 10 pm on December 31Warning against nuisance in an inebriated state he said strict action would be taken against offenders and pubs could be closed if verbal duels or altercations are reported AIenabled cameras will be deployed at key locations to prevent untoward incidents he addedThe Police Commissioner said that arrangements have been made to ensure safe travel for people after midnight Additional BMTC bus services will operate across the city and discussions have been held with operators of tempo travellers to address the expected shortage of cabs and autorickshaws during late hours He said sufficient buses would be deployed from locations witnessing large gatherings noting that such an arrangement was being implemented for the first timeHe said around 20000 personnel will be deployed on New Yearâs Day The deployment will include four police control rooms 78 watch towers 164 women help desks 46 âumbrellasâ or visual safe zones equipped to handle weather contingencies 55 ambulances 37 fire tenders 10122 civil police personnel 2436 traffic police personnel 88 Karnataka State Reserve Police KSRP platoons comprising 1936 personnel 21 platoons of City Armed Reserve CAR with 168 personnel 3341 home guards 916 civil defence personnel 400 traffic wardens four CSWAT teams three Quick Response Teams two water jets 246 Hoysala patrolling vehicles and 249 Cobra patrolling teamsSingh said traffic diversions would be in place from 9 pm onwards on MG Road and Queens Road with commuters required to use alternate routes through the Halasuru area He also said that vehicular entry on 50 flyovers would not be permitted after 10 pm on December 31He added that watch towers would be deployed at strategic locations for enhanced surveillance and women help desks would assist citizens and facilitate reporting of grievances Metro timings have been optimised to manage crowd flow and reduce congestion He warned that nuisance at pubs would be dealt with immediately and operations could be halted at the concerned premises if requiredThe Police Commissioner advised the public to use designated transit points if intoxicated and urged cooperation with security personnel during checks and inspections He said exclusive meetings have been held with security personnel and bouncers to ensure smooth coordinationMeanwhile popular tourist destinations around Bengaluru including Nandi Hills will remain closed from December 31 till January 1 Tourist spots in the hilly Chikkamagaluru district have also been shut with restrictions in force from 6 pm on December 31 till the morning of January 1 IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/new-year-celebrations-bluru-police-issue-guidelines-with-special-focus-on-women-656100.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/draft-notification-on-minimum-wages-for-pvt-hospital-staff-within-a-month-kerala-minister-656116.html Thiruvananthapuram Dec 29 The Kerala government will issue a draft notification revising the minimum wages of employees in the private hospital sector within a month State Labour and Education Minister V Sivankutty said on Monday signalling a decisive move to ensure wage security for thousands of healthcare workers across the state Chairing a review meeting on the issue the Minister said officials of the Labour Department have been directed to complete all formalities for issuing the draft notification under the Minimum Wages Act 1948The proposed revision is aimed at protecting the interests of nearly 113 lakh employees working in around 2200 private hospitals across KeralaSivankutty said the move had become necessary as most private hospitals are currently paying wages based on the 2013 minimum wage notification after the Kerala High Court struck down the 2018 notificationThe continuation of outdated wage rates he said has adversely affected the livelihood security of healthcare workers at a time when the cost of living has risen sharplyTo address the issue a Minimum Wages Committee headed by the Labour Commissioner held multiple rounds of discussions between December 2023 and May 2025However the Minister said no consensus could be reached due to what the government described as the uncooperative stance of representatives of private hospital managementsWhile management representatives proposed only a marginal increase over the 2013 wage rates the Labour Department recommended a 60 per cent hike based on the same notificationThe proposal was welcomed by trade unions but rejected by management representativesSivankutty pointed out that even a meeting of the Industrial Relations Committee convened on December 27 2025 under his chairmanship failed to make any progress as management representatives stayed awayThe government he said was of the firm view that the wage structure suggested by hospital managements was inadequate to meet the basic living requirements of workers and their families in the present economic climateâIn these circumstances the government has decided to proceed under Section 51b of the Minimum Wages Act 1948â Sivankutty said adding that the department secretary had been given clear instructions to publish the draft notification in the official gazette within a monthThe Minister reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring fair periodic and sustainable wages for workers and would take all necessary steps to safeguard the rights of employees in the private healthcare sector IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/draft-notification-on-minimum-wages-for-pvt-hospital-staff-within-a-month-kerala-minister-656116.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-chandrababu-naidu-jagan-condole-demise-of-eminent-islamic-scholar-656121.html Amaravati Dec 29 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his predecessor YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have expressed grief over the demise of eminent Islamic scholar Maulana Mufti Abdul Wahab The Chief Minister took to X to pay his tributes to Mufti Abdul Wahab who passed away on SundayI am deeply shocked to learn that the renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Islamic jurist and esteemed guide to society Hazrat Maulana Mufti Abdul Wahab Saheb Qasimi Rashadi from Nellore has departed from us He dedicated over 60 years of his life to Islamic education teaching the Qurâan and Hadith and serving Jamia NoorulHuda Madrasa he postedHe noted that for 50 years Mufti Abdul Wahab served as the President of the Andhra Pradesh State TabligheJamaat and from 2008 onward as the honorary President of the Andhra Pradesh State JamiatulUlama He attained mastery in Arabic literature Fiqh Hadith and other Islamic sciences A jurist of complete understanding in numerous Islamic educational fields he devoted himself to religious and social services I pray to the Almighty that his soul finds eternal peace he addedLaw and Minorities Welfare Minister NMD Farooq also condoled the passing away of the prominent Islamic scholar recalling Mufti Abdul Wahabs distinguished services in the fields of Islamic religion and education and his valuable teachings that contributed to the development of society He stated that the death of Abdul Wahab who trained many people across the state with discipline and moral values is an irreparable loss to the Muslim communityExpressing his condolences he said that he prayed to Allah to grant him a high place in heaven and to give strength to his family membersYSRCP President and former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed deep grief over the passing away of eminent Islamic scholar and spiritual leaderIn a condolence message he said the death of Maulana Abdul Wahab is an irreparable loss to the Muslim community and the field of Islamic spiritual service He noted that the Maulana had been unwell for some time and breathed his last on Sunday evening in NelloreMaulana Abdul Wahab was a highly respected Islamic scholar and jurist who dedicated more than six decades to Islamic education and the teaching of the Quran and Hadith He served for many years at Jamia Noorul Huda Madrasa and played a key role in shaping thousands of students Jagan Mohan Reddy saidHe also pointed out that the Maulana served as the state president of Tablighi Jamaat for nearly 50 years and later as the honorary president of the State JamiatulUlama from 2008 Remembering him as the first Mufti of Nellore district he said his services to Islam and education will always be rememberedHe conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family followers and students and prayed for strength for them to bear the loss IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-chandrababu-naidu-jagan-condole-demise-of-eminent-islamic-scholar-656121.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 18:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/indias-youth-must-lead-age-of-intelligence-gautam-adani-655914.html Ahmedabad Dec 28 Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Sunday said that India is entering a decisive phase where technology talent and national purpose must move together and urged the next generation to rise and lead the age of artificial intelligence Indiaâs enduring strength lies in its ability to align people institutions and longterm vision That same clarity must now guide how young Indians approach artificial intelligence AI not as passive users but as builders and leaders of capability Gautam Adani said in his address at the inauguration of Vidya Pratishthanâs Sharad Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence CoEAI in Maharashtras BaramatiAcknowledging anxieties around AI he reminded the audience that history offers reassuranceEvery major technological shift from the industrial revolutions to Indiaâs own digital transformation has expanded human potential the Adani Group Chairman saidAI will take this further by placing intelligence and productivity directly in the hands of ordinary citizens opening pathways for youth from every background to participate in growth he addedGautam Adani also cautioned that leadership in AI cannot be outsourced In a world where intelligence increasingly shapes economic power and national influence dependence on foreign algorithms carries risk he notedData decisionmaking and capability must remain anchored in national interest Building indigenous AI models strong compute capacity and resilient intelligence ecosystems is essential to Indiaâs economic security cultural confidence and strategic freedom the billionaire industrialist statedPlacing this vision in context Gautam Adani pointed to the growing role of the Adani Group in the global AI ecosystemThe diversified conglomerate is investing significantly in data centres digital infrastructure and clean energy that powers compute at scale drawing sustained engagement from global technology leaders such as Google and Microsoft as India emerges as a serious hub for AIled growthThe centre of excellence has been established under Baramatibased educational trust Vidya Pratishthan with a Rs 25 crore contribution from Gautam Adani in 2023The initiative is designed to promote advanced research skill development and industryoriented training in emerging technologiesAccording to those associated with the project it will focus on AI applications across agriculture healthcare governance and industry with a strong emphasis on collaboration between academia and the private sector IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/indias-youth-must-lead-age-of-intelligence-gautam-adani-655914.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/indias-youth-must-lead-age-of-artificial-intelligence-gautam-adani-655918.html Ahmedabad Dec 28 Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Sunday said that India is entering a decisive phase where technology talent and national purpose must move together and urged the next generation to rise and lead the age of artificial intelligence Indiaâs enduring strength lies in its ability to align people institutions and longterm vision That same clarity must now guide how young Indians approach artificial intelligence AI not as passive users but as builders and leaders of capability Gautam Adani said in his address at the inauguration of Vidya Pratishthanâs Sharad Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence CoEAI in Maharashtras BaramatiAcknowledging anxieties around AI he reminded the audience that history offers reassuranceEvery major technological shift from the industrial revolutions to Indiaâs own digital transformation has expanded human potential the Adani Group Chairman saidAI will take this further by placing intelligence and productivity directly in the hands of ordinary citizens opening pathways for youth from every background to participate in growth he addedGautam Adani also cautioned that leadership in AI cannot be outsourced In a world where intelligence increasingly shapes economic power and national influence dependence on foreign algorithms carries risk he notedData decisionmaking and capability must remain anchored in national interest Building indigenous AI models strong compute capacity and resilient intelligence ecosystems is essential to Indiaâs economic security cultural confidence and strategic freedom the billionaire industrialist statedPlacing this vision in context Gautam Adani pointed to the growing role of the Adani Group in the global AI ecosystemThe diversified conglomerate is investing significantly in data centres digital infrastructure and clean energy that powers compute at scale drawing sustained engagement from global technology leaders such as Google and Microsoft as India emerges as a serious hub for AIled growthThe centre of excellence has been established under Baramatibased educational trust Vidya Pratishthan with a Rs 25 crore contribution from Gautam Adani in 2023The initiative is designed to promote advanced research skill development and industryoriented training in emerging technologiesAccording to those associated with the project it will focus on AI applications across agriculture healthcare governance and industry with a strong emphasis on collaboration between academia and the private sector IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/indias-youth-must-lead-age-of-artificial-intelligence-gautam-adani-655918.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-offers-prayers-at-ayodhya-temple-655949.html AmaravatiAyodhya Dec 28 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday offered prayers at Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya Taking to X Naidu shared his thoughts saying Today I was blessed to have darshan and offer prayers at the divine and magnificent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya It was a peaceful and spiritually uplifting experience to be here once again Lord Shri Ramâs values and ideals are timeless lessons for us all May they continue to guide and inspire us alwaysOn his arrival in Ayodhya officials of the Uttar Pradesh government welcomed the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Temple officials received him at Ram MandirTemple authorities also briefed Chandrababu Naidu on various architectural and spiritual features of Ram MandirLater speaking to media persons the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said that in another two years the Ayodhya temple would emerge as a major spiritual hub of the country He said the temple would play a significant role in strengthening spiritual valuesHe stated that governance is always measured by the ideals of Ram Rajya âRam Rajya is the best way of governance That is the benchmark for any governmentâ he saidThe Chief Minister said that many people worked towards the construction of the temple following reconciliation and consensus achieved through the judicial process âI appreciate all those who contributed to building this great and historic templeâ he saidNaidu also appreciated the performance of the Uttar Pradesh government and Chief Minister Yogi AdityanathThis was Chandrababu Naiduâs first visit to the temple in his personal capacity after assuming office as Chief MinisterThe Telugu Desam Party TDP had attended the inauguration Pran Pratishtha of the temple on January 22 2024Naidu was among the few prominent nonBJP political leaders who attended the event after receiving an official invitation from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra TrustHe later joined the BJPled National Democratic Alliance NDA and contested the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the BJP and Pawan Kalyanled Jana Sena Party JSPFollowing the massive victory of the alliance in Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu became the Chief MinisterNaiduâs TDP also emerged as a key partner in the BJPled government at the Centre IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-offers-prayers-at-ayodhya-temple-655949.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 17:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/congress-government-destroyed-golden-telangana-claims-brs-655953.html Hyderabad Dec 28 Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Sunday accused the Congress government and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of destroying a âgolden Telanganaâ built during ten years of BRS governance He said it was due to BRS policies that land values in Hyderabad had risen to as high as Rs 150 crore per acreHe also accused the Congress government of reversing the development achieved in Palamuru Mahabubnagar district and pushing it back into distress and largescale migrationAddressing a meeting of newly elected sarpanches in Nagarkurnool he said the Congress government had failed to carry forward key irrigation and development projects undoing years of progress made during the BRS regime He alleged that despite being in power for two years the Congress government had not completed even 10 per cent of the works initiated earlierâPalamuru was made green and prosperous under KCRâs leadership Today without even lifting a handful of soil the Chief Minister is indulging in irresponsible and abusive rhetoric Congress has once again turned Palamuru into a migration district by stalling projects and drying up irrigationâ said KTR as the BRS leader is popularly knownHe stated that nearly 90 per cent of the PalamuruRangareddy Lift Irrigation Project works were completed during the KCR government However after coming to power the Congress government cancelled approved tenders and crippled the project KTR also alleged that the Revanth Reddy government had compromised Telanganaâs rightful water allocations severely impacting farmersKTR announced that former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao KCR is preparing for another phase of struggle to protect the PalamuruâRangareddy project safeguard Telanganaâs water interests and stand with farmers He said KCR would soon visit Palamuru and appealed to the people of the region to support the movementHighlighting the agrarian crisis KTR said the Congress government had replaced the âRythu Bandhuâ era with what he termed âRaBandhuâ Vulture rule He alleged that farmers were being forced to plead for urea fertiliser standing in long queues even during cold conditions âRevanth Reddy has no concern for farmers During KCRâs tenure there was never a shortage of urea and farmers received fertilisers as per their needsâ he saidKTR accused the Congress of coming to power with unrealistic promises and cheating the public after assuming office He said the Chief Minister resorted to abusive language whenever questioned about the implementation of poll promises even after completing two years in powerStating that Revanth Reddy was obsessed with criticising KCR wherever he went KTR remarked that the Chief Ministerâs frustration was evident He challenged Revanth Reddy to publicly take an oath assuring uninterrupted supply of urea to farmers and implementation of the promised Rs 4000 pension schemeReiterating that âwherever Congress is in power there is no progressâ KTR said Telangana was witnessing the same reality He expressed confidence that the Congress government had only two more years left and that BRS would return to power thereafter âOnly a KCRled government can restore development prosperity and dignity to villagesâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/congress-government-destroyed-golden-telangana-claims-brs-655953.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ians-year-ender-2025-manipur-edges-toward-normalcy-under-prez-rule-after-prolonged-ethnic-unrest-655958.html Imphal Dec 28 After months of prolonged ethnic violence Manipur has shown signs of a gradual return to normalcy following the promulgation of Presidents Rule nearly 11 months ago The Northeastern state has been under Presidents Rule since February 13 four days after N Biren Singh resigned as the Chief Minister Since then no major violent incident has been reported indicating an improvement in the law and order situationIn a bid to promote peace and development Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on September 13 and unveiled 31 development projects worth about Rs 8500 croreFrom the Peace Ground in the tribalinhabited Churachandpur district the Prime Minister laid foundation stones for 19 projects worth Rs 7300 crore and stressed that peace is essential for developmentOn the same day September 13 from the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 17 infrastructure projects worth Rs 1200 crore asserting that a Viksit Bharat would be strengthened by a Viksit ManipurThe Prime Minister described violence in Manipur as unfortunate given the states rich historical traditions of fighting injustice and called for united efforts to restore peace prosperity and development noting that Manipur had witnessed accelerated development over the past 11 yearsWithin three months of the Prime Ministers visit President Droupadi Murmu undertook a twoday visit to Manipur on December 11 and 12During President Murmus visit she participated in the 86th Nupi Lal Day observance in Imphal and laid foundation stones as well as inaugurated several development projects in Imphal and in the Naga tribalinhabited Senapati districtThe KukiZo Council KZC the apex body of the KukiZo tribals welcomed the Prime Minister as well as the Presidents visitPresident Murmu also witnessed a polo exhibition match at the historic Imphal Polo Ground Mapal Kangjeibung regarded as one of the oldest polo grounds in the world underlining the Centres focus on cultural heritage and development in the regionOn December 12 she visited the Senapati district addressed a public gathering and inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various projectsThe recovery and surrender of a large cache of arms and ammunition has been a significant development during the Presidents RuleTill March 6 around 1000 looted and illegally held weapons including sophisticated arms along with large quantities of ammunition were returned to security forces following appeals by Governor Ajay Kumar BhallaOfficials estimate that more than 6000 arms and lakhs of rounds of ammunition were looted from police stations and outposts during the violence that erupted on May 3 2023Before former Chief Minister Biren Singhs resignation 3422 firearms were voluntarily surrenderedSince the imposition of Presidents Rule more than 3000 arms mostly sophisticated and more than 22000 rounds of ammunition have been surrendered or recovered by joint security forces so farBetween June 14 and July 28 alone more than 870 arms and 12820 rounds of ammunition were recovered from both valley and hill districtsJoint teams of Manipur Police Commando Army Assam Rifles Border Security Force BSF the Central Reserve Police Force CRPF and the IndoTibetan Border Police ITBP continued their search and counterinsurgency operations both in the valley and mountainous regionsA senior police official said that the Army Assam Rifles CRPF BSF Narcotics Control Bureau NCB and Manipur Police in separate joint operations have destroyed more than 1000 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Manipurs mountainous districts in November and December effectively foiling an attempt to manufacture opium worth several croresThe illegal poppy cultivation was destroyed mostly in Manipurs six mountainous districts Kangpokpi Ukhrul Tamenglong Chandel Tengnoupal and SenapatiThe police official said that 1000 acres of destroyed illegal poppy cultivation had the potential to yield around 9000 kg of opium worth several hundred crores of rupeesA Defence Spokesman said the intensive operation against the unlawful poppy farming was conducted under challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions and the crackdown highlights the unwavering efforts of Assam Rifles and other forces to curb illicit narcotics cultivation and dismantle the financial networks that fuel insurgency and other antinational activitiesManipur Director General of Police Rajiv Singh said that the reduction of weaponisation of society is crucial for restoring peace stressing that dialogue between communities would further help normalise the situationMeanwhile Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs held a series of meetings with civil society organisations including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity COCOMI and the KukiZo Council KZC the apex bodies of the Meitei community and KukiZo tribal communities respectively to address the crisisA significant step was the signing of a tripartite agreement on September 4 in New Delhi between the Centre the state government and KukiZo armed groups under Suspension of Operations SoOManipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said the governments priority remains the restoration of peace and normalcy adding that the September 4 agreement would be implemented in letter and spirit including steps such as reopening the ImphalDimapur National Highway NH2 a key lifeline of the stateThe Centre has also virtually rejected demands for the creation of a separate Union Territory with a legislature for the KukiZo communityNearly all organisations of KukiZo tribals and the apex body KukiZo Council KZC 10 tribals MLAs belonging to the KukiZo community since the ethnic violence broke out have been demanding a separate administration or a Union Territory for the tribals in ManipurTo revive public life and boost confidence the state government after twoyear break resumed major cultural and sporting events including the Shirui Lily Festival May 2024 in Ukhrul district 10day long November 21 to 30 Sangai Tourism Festival fiveday long Sangai Film Festival November 2428 and 134th edition of Durand Cup tournament Asias oldest football tournament from July 30National Socialist Council of Nagalim NSCNIM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah visited his birthplace at Somdal village in Manipurs Ukhrul district for the first time in 50 yearsDuring his weeklong stay in Manipur nonagenarian Naga leader Muivah also the Ato Kilonser Prime Minister of the NSCNIM visited the Naga tribaldominated Senapati district and addressed a public gatheringFormer Chief Minister Biren Singh has said that the law and order situation in Manipur has improved under Presidents Rule Political activity has also intensified with BJP MLAs holding meetings with Central leaders in New Delhi even as the opposition Congress criticised the move calling it a âcrash courseâ amid the ongoing crisisBiren Singh who along with other 33 MLAs recently went to Delhi on the invitation of the BJP Central leaders said that they discussed various issues of Manipur during the meeting on December 14Manipur BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi also attended the crucial meeting where two senior Union BJP leaders National General Secretary Organisation BL Santhosh and the partys Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra were presentManipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh in a post on X said Instead of restoring law and order in Manipur the BJP has reduced its MLAs to students attending crash courses in Delhi on how to justify administrative failures back homeThe nontribal Meiteis account for around 53 per cent of Manipurs about 32 million population and live mostly in the valley regions while the tribal Nagas Kuki Zo and Hmar constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts which cover around 90 per cent of the geographical areas of ManipurThe ethnic violence which began on May 3 2023 left over 260 people dead around 1500 injured and more than 70000 displacedMore than 300 relief camps continue to shelter nearly 59000 displaced people across the valley and hill districtsDespite lingering challenges officials and political leaders agree that Manipur is slowly moving towards stability with sustained efforts underway to restore peace rebuild trust and revive development in the violencehit stateSujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortynegmailcom IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ians-year-ender-2025-manipur-edges-toward-normalcy-under-prez-rule-after-prolonged-ethnic-unrest-655958.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/four-of-family-die-from-toxic-fumes-in-bihars-chhapra-three-critical-655847.html Patna Dec 27 Four members of a family including three infants died after inhaling toxic fumes from a charcoal brazier in Chhapra city of Bihar while three others are battling for their lives police said on Saturday Three other family members are battling for their lives and remain in critical condition the police addedAccording to information the family had lit a charcoal brazier inside their room to protect themselves from the severe cold on Friday night As the room was closed carbon monoxide gas accumulated causing all the occupants to lose consciousnessThe incident remained unnoticed throughout the night In the morning when other family members opened the door they found several people unconscious while four had already diedThe deceased have been identified as 70yearold Kamalawati Devi threeyearold Tejansh sevenmonthold Adhya and ninemonthold Gudiya The deaths of the elderly woman and three infants have left the family and local residents in deep shock and mourningOn receiving information neighbours gathered at the spot and the police and ambulance services were immediately alerted Some family members had come from Varanasi after medical treatment and were also affected by the fumesAnjali Amisha Amit Kumar and the wife of Sanjay Sharma were rushed to Chhapra Sadar Hospital Hospital authorities confirmed that three of the injured are in critical condition and a team of doctors is closely monitoring their treatmentThe Bhagwan Bazar police reached the scene conducted preliminary investigations and sent the bodies for postmortem examination Legal formalities are underwayThis heartbreaking incident has once again highlighted the serious dangers of using charcoal braziers or lighting fires inside closed rooms during winter as such practices can lead to fatal carbon monoxide poisoningAccording to an official when coal or other fuels burn in an enclosed space carbon monoxide CO gas is released which is colourless and odourlessThis gas replaces oxygen in the lungs leading to a lack of oxygen in the body and the person can become unconscious and die IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/four-of-family-die-from-toxic-fumes-in-bihars-chhapra-three-critical-655847.html Sat, 27 Dec 2025 12:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cold-wave-grips-rajasthan-jaipur-remains-under-cloud-cover-655747.html Jaipur Dec 26 A severe cold wave accompanied by chilly winds has tightened its grip over Rajasthan causing a sharp dip in temperatures across the state The Meteorological Department on Friday forecast intensified cold conditions over the next three to four days and issued a yellow alert for 11 districts in northeastern Rajasthan Karauli in eastern Rajasthan recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 36 degrees Celsius while Pali in the western region registered 52 degrees C Other districts also witnessed biting cold with Churu at 64 degrees C Nagaur at 66 degrees C Jalore at 69 degrees C Dausa at 50 degrees C AntaBaran at 52 degrees C and Alwar at 60 degrees CelsiusSeveral parts of the state reported minimum temperatures below 10 degrees C intensifying winter conditionsIn Sikar cold winds have significantly increased the chill and despite intermittent sunshine temperatures remained low throughout the morning Jaipur and Nagaur have experienced a sharp drop of nearly 8 degrees Celsius over the past two days adding to the severity of the cold waveThursday night marked the coldest night of the season in several cities In rural areas of Kota dense fog blanketed farmlands on Friday morning with dew freezing on crops raising concerns for agricultureThe cold wave has been most pronounced in the Shekhawati region including Sikar Churu and Jhunjhunu along with Nagaur Alwar Karauli Dholpur and BharatpurFrost formation has begun in rural pockets while mornings and evenings have turned particularly harsh In many rural areas temperatures are hovering around 5 degrees Celsius and cold winds are also suppressing daytime temperaturesDespite clear skies the maximum temperature has struggled to rise with Barmer recording the highest at 284 degrees C on Thursday while Jaipur remained cooler at 24 degrees CThe Meteorological Department has warned of further intensification of the cold wave in the coming days and advised residents to exercise caution especially during early morning and late evening hours IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cold-wave-grips-rajasthan-jaipur-remains-under-cloud-cover-655747.html Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/jharkhand-18-local-trains-cancelled-road-traffic-disrupted-due-to-elephant-movement-655683.html Ranchi Dec 25 Rail and road traffic across parts of Jharkhand continue to be severely affected due to frequent movement of wild elephants Owing to repeated elephant crossings on the ManoharapurâJharsuguda rail section under the Chakradharpur railway division as many as 18 local passenger trains have been cancelled for four days from December 25 to 28 railway officials saidThe cancelled services include TatanagarRourkelaTatanagar MEMU ChakradharpurâRourkelaChakradharpur MEMU TataBarbilTata MEMU TataGuaTata MEMU TataChakradharpurTata MEMU and TataKharagpurTata MEMU among other local trainsThe prolonged cancellations have caused immense hardship to daily commuters particularly those travelling from smaller stationsMeanwhile a positive example of wildlife conservation was recently witnessed in the same railway division A herd of 22 elephants was spotted crossing railway tracks between Bisra and Bandamunda Cabin âAâ on the HowrahMumbai main linePrioritising animal safety railway authorities temporarily halted 12 longdistance trains preventing any mishap probably amid heightened caution after seven elephants were killed in Assam on December 20 when a herd was hit by the Rajdhani ExpressThe timely intervention in Jharkhand averted an accident and the Wildlife Trust of India later honoured the Chakradharpur railway division for the initiativeElephant movement also disrupted road traffic on National Highway33 which connects Ranchi and Ramgarh on Wednesday evening A herd of 18 wild elephants suddenly appeared near the highway triggering panic among motoristsAs a precaution police and district authorities halted vehicular movement from both directions Vehicles coming from Ramgarh were stopped near Mayatungri hill while traffic from Ranchi was halted in the Kharabera area of the Chutupalu valleyTraffic on NH33 remained completely suspended for nearly an hourUpon receiving information the forest departmentâs quick response team reached the spot and safely drove the elephants back into the forest using torches flashlights and sirens Traffic was later restoredOfficials said the situation remains serious noting that six people have died in elephant attacks in Jharkhand over the past week IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/jharkhand-18-local-trains-cancelled-road-traffic-disrupted-due-to-elephant-movement-655683.html Thu, 25 Dec 2025 18:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/pm-modi-pays-homage-to-jnanpith-awardee-vinod-kumar-shukla-655399.html New DelhiRaipur Dec 23 Renowned Hindi litterateur and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Raipur Shukla celebrated for his experimental yet simple style of writing breathed his last at 448 PM after battling multiple organ infectionsHe had been admitted to AIIMS on December 2 due to breathing difficulties and was placed on oxygen support with a ventilatorHis last rites will be performed on Wednesday at 11 AM at Marwari Muktidham in Raipur He is survived by his wife son Shashwat and a daughterPrime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Shuklaâs demise In a heartfelt tribute posted on his X handle the Prime Minister wrote âDeeply saddened by the demise of the renowned writer Vinod Kumar Shukla ji a recipient of the Jnanpith Award He will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to the world of Hindi literature My condolences are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief Om ShantiâBorn on January 1 1937 in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh Shukla chose teaching as his profession but dedicated his life to literary creationHis first poem âLagbhag Jaihindâ was published in 1971 marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in Hindi literatureHis notable novels include âDeewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thiâ âNaukar Ki Kameezâ and âKhilega To DekhengeâFilmmaker Mani Kaul adapted âNaukar Ki Kameezâ into a Bollywood film in 1979 while âDeewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thiâ earned him the Sahitya Akademi AwardShuklaâs writing was distinguished by its natural simplicity and unique style often weaving everyday life into profound narrativesHis works brought recognition to Indian literature on the international stage instilling a new consciousness among readersIn 2024 he was honoured with the 59th Jnanpith Award becoming the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive this prestigious accoladeHe is the 12th Hindi writer to be conferred with the awardVinod Kumar Shuklaâs unparalleled contribution to Hindi literature his creativity and his distinctive voice will remain etched in golden letters in literary historyHis passing marks the end of an era but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of readers and writers IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/pm-modi-pays-homage-to-jnanpith-awardee-vinod-kumar-shukla-655399.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/jharkhand-cabinet-clears-pesa-rules-paving-way-for-tribal-self-governance-in-scheduled-areas-655410.html Ranchi Dec 23 The path for restoring traditional selfgovernance in Jharkhandâs scheduled areas has been cleared The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the rules for the implementation of the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas PESA Act 1996 The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren ending a long delay in operationalising the central law in the stateWith the approval of the rules the effective implementation of the PESA Act pending in Jharkhand for several years can now move forwardSpeaking after the cabinet meeting Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the rules were framed after extensive consultations and interdepartmental discussionsâWe have formulated the rules for the PESA law after consultations at several levels and after seeking opinions from various departments Today the cabinet has dedicated it to the people of Jharkhand We hope this law will greatly benefit the people living in the scheduled areasâ Soren saidCabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel said the new rules significantly expand the role and powers of Gram Sabhas aiming to ensure meaningful participation of tribal communities in governance and the conservation of local resourcesUnder the rules Gram Sabhas will have the authority to monitor and grant consent for mining activities within their jurisdiction and will play a decisive role in land acquisition matters They have also been vested with legal rights in decisions related to the conservation use and management of forest landThese provisions are expected to strengthen the control of local communities over their traditional systems cultural practices and natural resourcesThe government clarified that the law will come into force immediately after the PESA rules are formally notified Gram Sabhas will be given priority in the formulation and implementation of development schemes while traditional Gram Sabhas have been recognised and allowed to formally notify their customs and practicesThe PESA Act will be implemented in 15 scheduled districts of Jharkhand where there has been a longstanding demand for its enforcement The cabinetâs decision is being seen as a significant step towards tribal selfgovernance and democratic decentralisation in the stateThe Jharkhand High Court in September this year had stayed the allocation of leases for sand quarries and other minor minerals citing the nonimplementation of the PESA ActThe matter was also heard by the High Court on Tuesday during which the state government informed the court that the draft PESA rules were being placed before the cabinet the same day IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/jharkhand-cabinet-clears-pesa-rules-paving-way-for-tribal-self-governance-in-scheduled-areas-655410.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/basic-home-loan-partners-with-udchalo-to-offer-specialised-home-loans-for-defence-personnel-655552.html New Delhi Dec 24 BASIC Home Loan Read BASIC Indiaâs fastestgrowing mortgagefocused fintech platform has partnered with udChalo Housing to offer tailored home loan solutions for serving and retired defence personnel and their families The partnership aims to simplify home ownership for defence and CAPF families by bringing together BASICâs access to 150 plus lenders and udChaloâs deep understanding of defence housing needs Together the two companies will enable defence buyers to discover verified defencefriendly residential projects and secure competitive home loans through a single streamlined journeyUnder the collaboration BASIC Home Loan will facilitate home financing for RERAregistered readytomove and nearpossession residential projects primarily in the Rs 20 lakh and above price range including 15 2 and compact 3 BHK homes plotted developments and row housesThe focus is on affordable and midincome housing with projects selected to align with defence household income profiles and enduse requirements The partnership will initially roll out in Chandigarh and Pune and will gradually expand to key defence hubs across IndiaOver the next three years BASIC Home Loan expects loan disbursals of up to Rs 1000 crore through this partnership This partnership comes amid strong momentum in the affordable housing segment valued at about 317 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to 946 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of nearly 198 per cent with North India currently the largest marketâDefence personnel represent a strong borrower segment with stable incomes and disciplined credit behaviour yet their housing finance needs are often underserved The partnership with udChalo allows us to deliver customised loan options that account for defencespecific income structures postings and longterm planningâ said Atul Monga CEO amp CoFounder BASIC Home LoanRahul Singh Sirohi Business Head â Builder Business BASIC Home Loan added âThrough this partnership we are enabling access to competitive financing that suits the lifestyle budget and longterm needs of defence families By aligning builders lenders and platforms like udChalo we are creating a more reliable and transparent homebuying ecosystemâudChalo brings to this partnership a large captive base of serving armed forces personnel veterans defence civilians and their families The platform curates projects located near strategic and defencepreferred locations ensuring clear titles bankacceptable documentation and realistic pricing aligned with defence household incomesShivam Arren CEO udChalo said âHousing is one of the most important yet complex decisions for defence families By partnering with BASIC Home Loan we are extending our support beyond property discovery to financing ensuring our users get access to multiple lenders competitive rates and guidance at every stage of their homebuying journeyâOver the next 35 years BASIC Home Loan and udChalo aim to formalise and scale defencefocused housing finance across major cantonments and Tier2 and Tier3 cities creating a structured ecosystem for firsttime buyers serving personnel and retirees alikeBASIC Home Loan operates a phygital home loan model with a proprietary lendermatching technology stack and access to 150 plus lending partners The company has serviced over 350 lakh customers and achieved cumulative approvals of around 45000 crore across 650 plus districts nationwide IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/basic-home-loan-partners-with-udchalo-to-offer-specialised-home-loans-for-defence-personnel-655552.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/digital-off-ktaka-village-witnesses-daily-two-hour-blackout-to-boost-childrens-education-655224.html Belagavi Dec 22 In a bold grassroots initiative villagers in Halaga village of Belagavi taluk in Karnataka have launched a daily âDigital Offâ experiment to keep children away from excessive screen time as an antidote to remain focused during study hours Inspired by a similar movement in Maharashtra the campaign is targeted at breaking the growing addiction to mobile phones and television across age groupsAt 7 PM every evening a siren from the Gram Panchayat office announces the start of a twohour blackout of all digital devicesThe villagers voluntarily turn off the TVs and mobile phones from 7 PM to 9 PM shifting that time to education and household involvementThe move is timely especially for students who are preparing to write SSLC exams Parents have also been encouraged to ensure that their children are not distracted during this time and that they studyThe women of the village have also taken well to the shift moving away from the TV serials they were regularly exposed to beforeA former Gram Panchayat President speaking to IANS reiterated the educational purpose behind this experiment âThis is one of the steps that has been taken for the education of children We want to create a disciplined environment for themâ he saidHe added that it is not safe for the children to get exposed to too much screen time A local Rohit Yallurkar said that turning off TVs and mobile phones for two hours every day has allowed the children to focus better on their educationThe âDigital Offâ campaign has received immense support from the villagers and is now a beacon that serves as a launching pad for other communities that struggle with the issue of overuse of technology The initiative is also a reminder to others to carry out similar initiatives in their respective city so that children focus more on their studies IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/digital-off-ktaka-village-witnesses-daily-two-hour-blackout-to-boost-childrens-education-655224.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/minor-girl-allegedly-abducted-and-raped-in-howrahs-domjur-accused-on-the-run-655297.html Kolkata Dec 23 A sevenyearold girl was allegedly abducted and raped in Howrah districtâs Domjur area police said on Tuesday The incident sparked outrage among locals leading to protests and vandalism Police forces rushed to control the situation The Rapid Action Force RAF was deployed in the area The main accused is absconding However no written complaint has been filed so farAccording to the police the incident took place in Raghabhpur an area under the Domjur police station on Monday evening Road construction work is underway in the area under the initiative of the local panchayat This has led to an increase in workers from outsideLocal residents alleged that a worker involved in the road construction work first molested a minor girl and then took her to an underconstruction building and raped herA resident told media persons The minor girls uncle called me at 8 pm last night He told me that such an incident had occurred The child was molested and then raped There are multiple complaints against the worker who committed this crimeLocals also raised complaints about the polices response They claimed that the family members were hesitant to call the police But we came and called the police Even then the police took a long time to arrive they saidBy the time the police arrived the situation was out of control The enraged crowd became furious and started a protest The angry mob vandalised four small Matador vans and a motorcycleAccording to police no written complaint has been filed yet However based on the verbal complaints of the local residents the police are searching for the accused He has not yet been apprehended It is also known that the child may undergo a medical examinationThe family needs to lodge a formal complaint against the accused Still we have started a search for the accused person The situation is under control right now said a senior officer of Howrah Rural district police IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/minor-girl-allegedly-abducted-and-raped-in-howrahs-domjur-accused-on-the-run-655297.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/amayra-suicide-case-jaipurs-neerja-modi-school-acts-after-50-days-two-teachers-suspended-655314.html Jaipur Dec 23 The management of Neerja Modi School in Jaipur has finally taken action in the suicide case of Amayra a Class 4 student after nearly 50 days The school has suspended Class Teacher Punita Sharma and Mathematics Teacher Rachna This decision is believed to have come following sustained pressure from the CBSE and the Rajasthan Education Department On November 20 the Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE issued a notice to the school seeking a reply within 30 days The school later submitted its response which is now under review by a CBSE committeeFurther action will be decided after the committee completes its assessmentMeanwhile the Rajasthan Education Department has submitted its inquiry report to senior officials and Education Minister Madan Dilawar Official sources say that while the state education departmentâs role is limited to issuing NOCs to CBSEaffiliated schools it sought an explanation from the school management after serious lapses were found during the investigationIt is believed that action at multiple levels led the school to finally suspend the two teachersOn November 1 Amayra allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the fourth floor of the school buildingFollowing the tragic incident her family levelled serious allegations against the school claiming that the child had been subjected to prolonged bullying by fellow students and that repeated complaints were ignored by teachers and the administrationThe CBSE inquiry report later confirmed instances of bullying The detailed inquiry report highlighted several grave shortcomings on the part of the school management It noted that the incident occurred at 122811 pm and that the area from where the child fell was washed by the school administration before a forensic investigation could be conducted raising concerns about the destruction of evidenceThe report also revealed that bullying complaints had been raised by the family for nearly 18 months but were not taken seriously On May 2 2024 Amayraâs mother complained about inappropriate behaviour by another student but no action was takenFurther complaints including audio recordings of the child crying and distressed were sent to the school on July 2425 2024 Based on CCTV footage and teachersâ statements the inquiry committee concluded that Amayra was under severe mental stress on the day of the incident In the 45 minutes before her death she reportedly sought help from her class teacher five times but was allegedly scolded instead of being supportedThe teacher later admitted receiving complaints about the use of âbad wordsâ among students The inquiry also pointed out poor security and administrative lapses including malfunctioning CCTV cameras in a school with over 5000 students and the absence of ID cards for several students and staff membersThe case continues to raise serious questions about student safety bullying and accountability in private schools as authorities consider further action based on the ongoing reviews IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/amayra-suicide-case-jaipurs-neerja-modi-school-acts-after-50-days-two-teachers-suspended-655314.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cold-wave-conditions-grip-parts-of-telangana-655122.html Hyderabad Dec 22 Telangana remained under the grip of cold wave conditions with some places recording the minimum temperature in single digits on Monday Kohir in Sangareddy district was the coldest place with a minimum of 5 degrees Celsius Reddy Palle in Moinabad mandal of Ranga Reddy district was the second coldest place with a minimum temperature of 69 degrees CelsiusOut of 33 districts 17 recorded the lowest temperature of less than 10 degrees CelsiusThe minimum temperature in Sirpur U in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district was 7 degrees Celsius Arili in Adilabad district 83 degrees Nawabpet in Vikarabad district 87 degrees Pothareddipet in Siddipet 95 degrees Damarancha in Medak district 95 degrees and Gandhari in Kamareddy 97 degrees CelsiusThere was a significant drop in night temperatures at many places including the state capital Hyderabad and its suburbsDense fog enveloped a few areas on the outskirts of Hyderabad Ranga Reddy Sanga Reddy Vikarabad Medak Adilabad and Komaram Bheem Asifabad districtsThe India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a cold wave alert for seven districtsAccording to the IMD bulletin cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated pockets in Adilabad Kumaram Bheem Asifabad Mancherial Nirmal Sangareddy Medak and Kamareddy districtsOrange alert has been issued for these districts which are likely to record a minimum temperature of 510 degrees Celsius till December 26For districts like Hanumakonda Hyderabad Jagtial Jangaon Karimnagar Mahabubabad Medchal Malkajgiri Nizamabad Peddapalle Rajanna Sircilla Ranga Reddy Siddipet Vikarabad Warangal and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri the IMD has issued a yellow alert These districts may see the lowest temperature between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius for the next five daysThe remaining 11 districts are likely to record a minimum temperature of above 15 degrees CelsiusAccording to the IMD bulletin dry weather is very likely to prevail over Telangana over the next two days Minimum temperatures are likely to be below normal by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius at isolated placesHyderabad and its surrounding areas for the next 24 hours will see a partly cloudy sky Fog or misty conditions are very likely to prevail during morning hours Mist or hazy conditions are very likely to prevail during night hours The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 28 degrees Celsius and 13 degrees Celsius respectively the bulletin said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cold-wave-conditions-grip-parts-of-telangana-655122.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/police-attach-rs-120-crore-property-of-drug-peddler-in-jampks-udhampur-655164.html Jammu Dec 22 The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday said it has attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 120 crore belonging to an interdistrict drug peddler in Udhampur district In a statement issued here the police said that in a major crackdown on drug trafficking Udhampur Police attached properties worth approximately Rs 120 crore under Section 68F of the NDPS Act in connection with FIR No 1172025 registered under Sections 8 21 and 22 of the NDPS Act at Police Station RehambalThe attached properties belong to Wahid Maqbool Mir son of Mohd Maqbool Mir a resident of Shilvet area of Sumbal in Bandipora districtThe properties attached include a doublestorey residential house constructed on eight marlas of land falling under Survey No 344 Abadi Deh at Shilvet Sumbal Bandipora district Two tipper vehicles bearing registration numbers JK191061 and JK01N7343 have also been attachedThe police said that during the course of investigation detailed financial scrutiny and backward linkage analysis revealed that the accused had acquired the properties through proceeds generated from narcotics traffickingâBased on these findings the competent authority passed the attachment order today and further legal proceedings under the NDPS Act are underwayâ the statement saidWith this action Udhampur Policeâs NDPS property attachment tally for the current year has reached Rs 1885 crore reflecting its sustained offensive against drug peddlers the police addedThe JampK Police and security forces are carrying out aggressive operations across the Union Territory against drug smugglers drug peddlers and those involved in hawala transactions and other unlawful financial activitiesSuch actions include detention of accused persons under stringent laws and attachment of assets created from funds generated through these illegal activitiesThe police believe that proceeds from drug smuggling drug peddling and hawala rackets are ultimately used to sustain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/police-attach-rs-120-crore-property-of-drug-peddler-in-jampks-udhampur-655164.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/jharkhand-cm-hemant-soren-launches-free-residential-medical-engineering-coaching-for-tribal-students-655183.html Ranchi Dec 22 The Jharkhand government on Monday launched a free residential coaching programme for medical and engineering entrance examinations for Scheduled Tribe ST students of the state Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the âDishom Guru Shibu Soren Engineering and Medical Coaching Instituteâ at Hindpiri in Ranchi The institute will be operated in collaboration with a reputed coaching institution from Rajasthans KotaThe Chief Minister said the initiative reflected a strong and farsighted vision to shape the future of tribal students of Jharkhand He urged the selected students to maintain discipline and remain focused on their goals reiterating that the state government was committed to the educational and social upliftment of the tribal communityCM Soren also directed officials to ensure the development of adequate sports and recreational facilities within the coaching complex alongside academic infrastructure to promote the overall development of studentsIn the first phase 300 meritorious Scheduled Tribe students have been selected for admission to the institute which is being run under the supervision of the Welfare DepartmentThe students will receive highquality coaching from expert faculty along with study materials tablets loaded with econtent library access and digital learning facilities for medical and engineering entrance examinationsThe programme is completely free and residential with separate hostel facilities for boys and girlsOfficials said the initiative has been launched under the Jharkhand Scheduled Tribe Educational Upliftment Programme aimed at providing opportunities to talented tribal students who are unable to pursue professional courses such as medicine and engineering due to financial constraintsThe benefits of the scheme will be available only to Scheduled Tribe students who are permanent residents of Jharkhand and whose parents are not in regular government serviceWelfare Minister Chamra Linda Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh senior departmental officials and other dignitaries were also present at the inaugurationThe Welfare Department is already extending support to Scheduled Tribe candidates who have qualified for the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination and interviews and also provides coaching for JPSC and JSSC examinationsMeanwhile the state government is preparing to roll out a similar free coaching scheme for meritorious students from the Scheduled Castes Other Backward Classes and minority communities aspiring to pursue medical and engineering educationThe scheme is expected to be implemented from the next academic session with budgetary provisions likely to be made in the upcoming state budget IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/jharkhand-cm-hemant-soren-launches-free-residential-medical-engineering-coaching-for-tribal-students-655183.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/chhattisgarh-additional-advocate-general-ranveer-singh-marhas-resigns-654998.html RaipurBilaspur Dec 21 Chhattisgarh Additional Advocate General Ranveer Singh Marhas has resigned from his post The resignation of the senior law officer has fuelled speculation that the state government is moving towards comprehensive reforms in the Advocate Generalâs office Marhas was serving at the Advocate Generalâs office at the Bilaspur bench of the Chhattisgarh High CourtFollowing his resignation significant changes are expected in the Advocate Generalâs office which handles the state governmentâs legal representation in the Chhattisgarh High CourtLast month Advocate General Praphulla Bharat had resigned a development that surprised many lawyers associated with the High CourtHowever the move was not entirely unexpected for the Law and Legislative Department and senior government officials Now approximately a month after the Advocate Generalâs resignation Additional Advocate General Ranveer Singh Marhas has also submitted his resignation to the Secretary of the Law and Legislative DepartmentInterestingly neither Advocate General Praphulla Bharat nor Additional Advocate General Ranveer Singh Marhas cited any specific reason for their resignations The content of both resignation letters is said to be almost identical suggesting that the decisions may be linked more to institutional changes than to personal reasonsIn his letter Ranveer Singh Marhas wrote that it was an honour for him to serve as Additional Advocate General for the past two yearsDuring this period he had the opportunity to contribute to the stateâs legal matters and represent the government in various courts He expressed gratitude for the trust and cooperation extended by the government stating that he discharged his responsibilities to the best of his ability and that it was now an appropriate time to step down from the postAfter Praphulla Bharatâs resignation the state government appointed Vivek Sharma as Advocate General of Chhattisgarh on November 21 2025Vivek Sharma is the youngest Advocate General in the history of Chhattisgarh He had earlier served as an Additional Advocate General and has extensive experience practising in the Chhattisgarh High Court IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/chhattisgarh-additional-advocate-general-ranveer-singh-marhas-resigns-654998.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/explainer-no-threat-no-new-definition-given-for-aravalli-655004.html New Delhi Dec 21 Dismissing alarmist claims the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change on Sunday reiterated that there is no imminent threat to the Aravallis ecology Indiaâs resolve is clear the Aravallis will be safeguarded for present and future generations while balancing conservation with responsible development the Ministry said No new definitionThe Ministry said it is important to note that no new definition has been given for the Aravalli The current debate is linked to a development in the Supreme Court which accepted the recommendations of a Committee formed by the Ministry for protecting the hills and regulating miningThe Committee was constituted on May 9 2024 for a uniform policylevel definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges specifically in the context of regulating mining and to incorporate the views of four state governmentsAccording to the policylevel definition an âAravalli Hillâ is any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief and an âAravalli Rangeâ is a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each otherThe Ministry said it is wrong to conclude that mining is permitted in all landforms below the 100metre heightThe Committee was formed during a hearing related to alleged illegal mining in the Aravalli Hills and Mountain Ranges in the MC Mehta versus Union of India and others matterThe Aravalli Hills and Ranges are among Indiaâs oldest geological formations stretching from Delhi through Haryana and Rajasthan and into Gujarat Historically they have been recognised across 37 districts by state governments with their ecological role noted as a natural barrier against northern desertification and a protector of biodiversity and water rechargeAnxious activistsContrary to alarmist claims that the new development will encourage commercial activities in the range the Ministry said there is no imminent threat to the Aravallisâ ecologyOngoing afforestation ecosensitive zone notifications and strict monitoring of mining and urban activities ensure that the Aravallis continue to serve as a natural heritage and ecological shield for the nation it saidThe Committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change pursuant to Supreme Court directions had extensive consultations with state governments during which it emerged that only Rajasthan has a formally established definition for regulating mining in the Aravalli it saidThis definition was based on the 2002 Committee report of the state government relying on the Richard Murphy landform classification which identified all landforms rising 100 metres above local relief as hills and based on that prohibited mining on both the hills and their supporting slopesUnanimous decisionThe Ministry said that during the Committeeâs deliberations all states agreed to adopt the uniform criterion of â100 metres above local reliefâ for regulating mining in the Aravalli region as had been in force in Rajasthan since January 9 2006 while unanimously agreeing to make it more objective and transparentAll landforms enclosed within the lowest binding contour encircling hills of height 100 metres or more irrespective of their height and slopes are excluded for the purposes of grant of mining lease the Ministry saidSimilarly the Aravalli range has been explained as all landforms that exist within 500 metres of two adjoining hills of height 100 metres or more All landforms existing within this 500metre zone irrespective of their height and slopes are excluded for the purposes of grant of mining lease It is therefore wrong to conclude that mining is permitted in all landforms below the 100metre heightMaps to curb illegal miningThe Committee also suggested measures to ensure a clear mapverifiable operational definition of âAravalli Hillsâ and âAravalli Rangeâ and a regulatory framework that protects core and inviolate areas restricts new mining and strengthens safeguards and enforcement against illegal miningThe Ministry said that in its final judgment on November 20 2025 the Supreme Court commended the Committeeâs work including the assistance of the Technical Committee and also appreciated its recommendations regarding the prevention of illegal mining and permitting only sustainable mining in the Aravalli Hills and RangesPM Modiâs projectIn June Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the âAravalli Green Wallâ project a special drive aimed at reforesting the Aravalli range one of the biggest forest covers spanning four states â Gujarat Rajasthan Haryana and DelhiAs part of the major drive 1000 permanent nurseries will be set up to revive the countryâs oldest mountain range Technologies such as satellite mapping will also be deployed to facilitate speed and transparency in the projectNotably the Aravalli range is home to 22 wildlife sanctuaries and four tiger reserves â Ranthambore Sariska RamgarhVishdhari and Mukunda Hills IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/explainer-no-threat-no-new-definition-given-for-aravalli-655004.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/stalin-slams-centre-over-adichanallur-museum-delay-vows-statewide-agitation-again-mgnrega-funding-cut-655013.html Chennai Dec 21 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Union government for keeping the Adichanallur archaeological museum project on hold urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to visit the Keeladi and Porunai museums to understand the antiquity and richness of Tamil civilisation Addressing a public programme in Tirunelveli Stalin said he took immense pride in being a Tamil adding that the inauguration of the Porunai Archaeological Museum at Reddiarpatti on Saturday night was a milestone in taking ancient Tamil culture to the global stageHe said the BJPled Centreâs apathy towards Adichanallur stood in stark contrast to Tamil Naduâs efforts to preserve and promote its heritageThe Chief Minister also strongly criticised the Union government for what he described as a systematic dismantling of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act MGNREGAHe alleged that the scheme a vital source of livelihood for rural families was being undermined by reducing central funding and pushing states to bear the burdenFrom full central funding Tamil Nadu is now forced to shoulder 40 per cent of the cost This is a historic blunder he said announcing that the DMK would launch statewide protests against the move on December 24Taking on AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami Stalin questioned the Opposition leaderâs silence on the issueHe calls himself a genuine farmer yet he stands with the NDA and has no concern for farmers affected by this decision he saidHighlighting achievements of the DMK government Stalin said welfare schemes such as the Rs 1000 monthly assistance to women heads of households and the free bus travel initiative had significantly improved lives across Tamil NaduIn Tirunelveli district alone 183 lakh women have benefitted from the free bus travel scheme since its launch in 2021 he noted Despite political hostility from the Centre Stalin asserted that Tamil Nadu continued to excel and remains a model for other states The DMK chief expressed confidence that the partyled front would secure victory in the 2026 Assembly elections Earlier in the day Stalin inaugurated 33 development works worth Rs 23595 crore and laid the foundation stone for 11 projects costing Rs 35659 crore He also distributed welfare assistance of Rs 10149 crore to 45477 beneficiaries and flagged off 15 new bus services Speaker M Appavu Ministers KN Nehru Thangam Thennarasu and EV Velu Palayamkottai MLA M Abdul Wahab and District Collector R Sukumar were among those present IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/stalin-slams-centre-over-adichanallur-museum-delay-vows-statewide-agitation-again-mgnrega-funding-cut-655013.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 02:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/chains-of-commerce-how-britains-need-for-gold-forced-circuitous-route-that-crushed-indias-trade--655021.html New Delhi Dec 21 The early 19th century in India was not an era of equitable administration but a period defined by the unrelenting political despotism of the British East India Company EIC Despite the Companyâs selfserving claims that the welfare and happiness of the inhabitants was its chief object and that it had replaced a chaotic system with courts of justice the reality for the seventy to eighty millions of souls under its command was subjugation They were ruled as critics in Britain conceded as those whom the British were despots over This despotic control was made necessary by a simple terrifying fact the EIC was drowning in debt The immense territorial revenues extracted from India were largely consumed by the costs of the British administration and its military activities The interestbearing debt had ballooned to approximately 26 million pounds by 1813 having absorbed 6289405 pounds of surplus trade profits and requiring frequent public loans to cover obligations This financial precipice necessitated a constant search for revenue and political mechanisms to transfer the burdens of empire onto its subjectsâand ironically onto its own British merchantsThe debate over the East India Circuitous Trade Bill in late 1813 a direct consequence of the 1813 Charter Act laid bare this financial desperation and the profound hypocrisy of the colonial economic system Ostensibly opening trade the Bill was in truth a complex legal mechanism designed to coerce British merchants into shouldering the EICâs financial burden of procuring bullion while simultaneously ensuring that Indian commerce remained shackled by restrictions designed purely to protect domestic British interestsThe Problem of Bullion A Desperate Imperial NeedThe renewal of the EICâs Charter in 1813 marked a pivotal transition Under immense pressure from British manufacturers and merchants across the United Kingdomâfrom Glasgow and Liverpool to Bristol and Birminghamâwho demanded access to the vast Eastern market amidst European trade closures caused by Frances anticommercial system the EICâs monopoly over trade to India was fractured This however was not an act of benevolence toward India but a calculated move to benefit the broader British merchant class and the stateLord Castlereagh in moving for the East India Circuitous Trade Bill in November 1813 immediately exposed the governments central concern the logistics of imperial finance The Bill was considered essential for providing bullion for Indian trade a requirement of the previous sessions Charter ActIndias traditional trade pattern favored hard currency Due to protectionist British policies that restricted the sale of competitive Indian manufactured goods like textiles in Britain via bans and high tariffs 70â80 India had a limited ability to exchange its finished products directly for British manufactures The British had actively dismantled Indias industrial capacity and transformed it into a supplier of raw materials and a captive market for British goods Yet even with British goods flooding the Indian market the system still required specie bullion to balance accounts particularly for internal EIC expenditures and debt servicingThe Circuitous Trade Bill was thus not truly about opening new channels it was about forcing the newly admitted private British merchant to solve the EICs perennial cash flow problem The goal was to ensure that if British private traders could not sell enough British manufactures in India to cover their purchases of Indian produce they would somehow arrange to transfer bullion through the sale of Indian goods elsewhereThe Circuitous Chokehold Inequality in the Name of EmpireWhile the 1813 Act allowed British merchants direct trade to India the Circuitous Trade Bill sought to regulate how they brought Indian produce out of Asia thereby imposing a crucial debilitating restriction British merchants were generally prohibited from carrying Indian produce to European marketsThe measure was debated with Mr Finlay lamenting that it seemed extraordinary that British merchants were excluded from equality with foreigners only in territories acquired and maintained by British arms He noted that the Bill continued to sanction this exclusion forcing British merchants to be at a decided advantage compared to foreign competitorsThe restriction forced British merchants onto a circuitous trade route that funnelled all products through the metropolis They were compelled to bring East India sugar coffee and other articles of India produce to the Port of LondonMeanwhile foreign merchantsâspecifically subjects of foreign nations in amity with Britain who were allowed to trade to India by the Act of the 37th year of âhis Majestyââwere entirely free from such restrictions These foreign traders were at liberty to take their East Indian cargo for sale to any market in Europe or elsewhere This meant they could take the direct route to lucrative continental markets like Amsterdam and Rotterdam or even other global markets while British merchants could notFrom the Indian perspective this policy was doubly damaging1Stifling Indian Trade It meant Indian produce was barred from reaching its most profitable European destination directly suppressing potential gains and market expansion2Affirming Foreign Privilege It provided a massive governmentsanctioned advantage to foreign nations over Britains own citizens confirming the belief that the monopoly operated directly in favour of foreign nationsThis situation was not merely unfair it was structurally designed to ensure that the principal part of the East India trade was likely to fall into the hands of foreigners who possessed the advantage of being able to deliver goods more cheaply and directly to the continental marketsThe American Indictment Proof of Unjust RestrictionThe clearest proof of the harm inflicted by the circuitous route was the glaring success of nations that faced no such restrictions particularly the United States of AmericaPetitions from merchants across the UK like those from Greenock Glasgow and Manchester repeatedly cited the extensive and flourishing commerce of the United States of America with India and the Chinese empire as irrefutable evidence that private enterprise could handle the trade successfullyïThe Glasgow Chamber of Commerce stated that American merchants availing themselves of the liberty at the expense of our own people had prosecuted the East India trade to a degree that had supplied as far as was possible not only the continent of Europe but had also enriched American individuals and increased their national wealthïAmerican merchants being unfettered were able to undersell the EIC itself in many European markets Their commerce had increased with unexampled rapidity and had supplied the British West India colonies the Mediterranean and other parts of Europe with East India and Chinese productsïMr Finlay pointed out that the profits yielded by the unrestricted American trade might in a great measure be attributed as the means by which America was waging her present unnatural war with this countryThe conclusion for the Indian populace was inescapable the EICs monopoly and the continuing circuitous trade restrictions were not necessary for national stability or security but were deliberate political mechanisms that infringed the privileges of others and restricted Indiaâs potential forcing it to see its produce carried under every flag but that of their natural and legitimate protector The ability of foreigners to trade more freely than British subjects with territories maintained by British taxes was considered unnatural and extremely hard if not an unjust arrangementThe Protectionist Paradox Manufacturers Over MerchantsIf the exclusion of British merchants from the direct European route was economically illogical and financially burdensome what was the parliamentary justification for this rigidityThe governmentâs primary stated objective was to make Britain the emporium of trade By compelling British merchants to stop in England they were expected to reexport the Indian produce to the continent with an assortment of other articles of our produce and manufacture thereby stimulating British commerce generallyHowever the real deeper justification for the restrictionsâand the most injurious aspect from the Indian economic perspectiveâwas raw protectionismDuring the debates Mr Fawcett raised serious concerns about the implications of relaxing the circuitous route warning that allowing British merchants to carry Indian produce to places like the Havannah and the Brazils colonies the EIC sought to protect would harm British manufacturersWhy Because the cheapness of Indian produce due to cheaper labour and materials in the East would enable the India trader to easily undersell the British manufacturers in those marketsThis argument revealed the core tension The EIC empire was structured so that Indian production was only tolerated when it served Britains needs supplying raw materials or paying debts but was immediately suppressed when it threatened British domestic industry The British economy demanded a circuitous route to protect their manufacturers from the superior costefficiency of Indian labor and productionThis same protectionist fear was visible in the related debate over Indiabuilt ships Although Lord Castlereagh postponed the discussion on Indiabuilt shipping the issue was fundamentally tied to the circuitous trade British shipbuilders in London fiercely opposed Indiabuilt ships arguing they would ruin their industry and undermine the British Navy They claimed Indian ships and labor were too cheap constituting an act of injustice and oppression against British industry that denied India the benefit of its great natural advantages like durable teak wood This opposition which sought to prohibit Indiabuilt ships entirely shows that the principle behind the circuitous route was pervasive stifle any Indian advantage that threatens British domestic employmentThe Circuitous Trade Bill therefore acted as a gatekeeper It ensured that the profits derived from India were managed in London benefiting London ports which feared ruin if trade extended to outports and that cheap Indian goods did not bypass Britain to contaminate protected colonial marketsThe Legacy of Shackled TradeThe passage of the East India Circuitous Trade Bill cemented a policy of controlled constrained liberty for British subjects operating within India It affirmed that Indias vast economic potentialâacknowledged by petitioners from all UK ports who believed free trade would alleviate national distress and create new marketsâwould remain subservient to the imperial debt structure and the protectionist demands of the metropoleThe Indian perspective on this legislation is one of profound calculated injustice1Financial Coercion The bill forced private merchants to manage the EICâs dire need for bullion a financial problem created by the EICâs costly military expansion and misgovernance2Commercial Disadvantage It institutionalized an unequal trade system that placed foreigners in a superior commercial position ensuring that the fruits of Indian production were suppressed by unnecessary detentions and high expenses3Endorsement of Despotism This regulation like the denial of judicial transparency and the enforcement of the fettered press underscored the belief that India was ruled as a dependency where economic and political rights were suspended whenever they threatened the stability of a government founded upon blood and supported by injusticeIn essence the Circuitous Trade Bill was not a route to freedom but a carefully measured leash The British subjects who were permitted to trade were burdened with the EICâs debts and Indiaâs commerce was constrained to ensure it never became competitive enough to truly enrich its own inhabitants or threaten the established economic order of the sovereign power The cost of Indian trade was thus deliberately inflated and diverted perpetuating the process of colonial underdevelopmentThe author is a researcher specialising in Indian history and contemporary Geopolitical Affairs IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/chains-of-commerce-how-britains-need-for-gold-forced-circuitous-route-that-crushed-indias-trade--655021.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ncw-launches-shakti-scholars-fellowship-for-young-researchers-655083.html New Delhi Dec 22 The National Commission for Women NCW has announced the launch of SHAKTI Scholars NCWs Young Research Fellowship inviting applications from young students and researchers for policyoriented research on issues concerning women across India According to the Commission the fellowship has been designed to promote multidisciplinary research on a wide range of subjects including womens safety and dignity genderbased violence legal rights and access to justice and cyber safetyAdditionally it will also promote the research on implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment POSH framework womens leadership and political participation health and nutrition education and skill development economic empowerment labour force participation sociocultural practices and worklife balanceThe fellowship is open to Indian citizens between the ages of 21 and 30 years who hold at least a graduation degree from a recognised institutionAnnouncing the scheme the Commission said Preference will be given to candidates pursuing or having completed postgraduation or higher research Independent researchers with demonstrated research capacity may also applyAs part of the programme selected candidates will receive a research grant of Rs 1 lakh to undertake a sixmonth research studyThe NCW clarified that the funds will be released in phases linked to the progress of the research work during the fellowship periodApplications for the SHAKTI Scholars fellowship can be submitted via email to NCW until December 31 up to 530 pmThe Commission said that the applications will be assessed by an Expert Committee constituted by the NCW and shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interaction as part of the selection processLast month the NCW launched a new 24Ã7 shortcode helpline 14490 to ensure faster support for women in distressIt had urged citizens community organisations and educational institutions to widely disseminate the new helpline number so that more women are aware of the support services available to them round the clock IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ncw-launches-shakti-scholars-fellowship-for-young-researchers-655083.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/woman-brutally-attacked-with-boiling-oil-for-resisting-molestation-in-jharkhands-giridih-one-held-655086.html Giridih Jharkhand Dec 22 In a shocking and gruesome incident a woman was brutally attacked with boiling oil after she resisted an alleged molestation attempt by two youths in Gadi village under Leda Panchayat in the Mufassil police station area of Giridih district Jharkhand police officials said on Monday According to police two youths allegedly poured boiling oil on the woman on late Sunday evening after she resisted a molestation bidThe victim who sustained severe burn injuries was rushed to Sadar Hospital where her condition remains critical Doctors have said that her hands and legs suffered extensive burnsAccording to reports the womanâs husband is physically disabled and she runs a small fastfood stall in the village to support her familyOn Sunday evening the police said a group of youths visited her stall and began harassing her with lewd gestures When she protested the situation escalatedDuring the altercation one of the accused allegedly grabbed a container of boiling oil used for frying samosas and poured it on the woman causing grievous injuries Both attackers fled the scene immediately after committing the crimeHearing her screams local residents rushed to help and along with her family took her to the hospital Police promptly launched an investigation after they were informedOne accused identified as Uday Chaudhary has been arrested while efforts are underway to nab the second suspect Manish Chaudhary who is currently at largeAuthorities have registered an FIR based on the victimâs statement and further legal proceedings are in progressSenior police officials said that strict action will be taken against those responsible and assured that the case will be pursued with utmost seriousnessMeanwhile anger and outrage prevailed in the village with residents demanding strict and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/woman-brutally-attacked-with-boiling-oil-for-resisting-molestation-in-jharkhands-giridih-one-held-655086.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/young-congress-leader-sumit-tigga-shot-dead-in-jharkhands-khunti-655095.html Ranchi Dec 22 In a shocking incident 25yearold Sumit Tigga general secretary of the Tribal Congressâs Karra block unit was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Guyu village under the Karra police station area of Khunti district Jharkhand officials said on Monday The sensational killing which took place on Sunday evening has triggered panic and anger among local residentsSumit Tigga the son of Temba Tigga of Guyu village was unmarried and widely known as an energetic and socially active young tribal leader He was actively involved in the organisational work of the Tribal Congress as well as various social initiatives earning him considerable goodwill in his village and nearby areasAccording to preliminary reports Sumit was at his residence on Sunday evening when two persons known to him called him out around 630 pm He later joined a group of friends who were sitting near a bonfire in the villageAt around 8 pm an unidentified assailant allegedly approached from behind and fired at him causing him to collapse on the spot in a pool of bloodAfter opening fire the attacker fled the scene Hearing the gunshot villagers rushed to the spot and alerted Sumitâs family He was immediately taken to a hospital in Ranchi for emergency treatment but doctors declared him dead on arrivalOn receiving information Karra police rushed to the village inspected the crime scene and initiated an investigation Several people present in the vicinity at the time of the incident were questioned The body was later taken into police custody and sent to RIMS Ranchi for postmortem examinationPolice officials said the motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained and that all possible angles including personal rivalry and political enmity are being examinedâWe are investigating the case from all aspects and have formed teams to identify and arrest the culprits at the earliestâ a senior police officer saidMeanwhile local Congress leaders tribal activists and residents strongly condemned the killing and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible They warned that such incidents threaten peace and security in the tribaldominated regionPolice have assured that the case will be cracked soon and the accused will be brought to justice IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/young-congress-leader-sumit-tigga-shot-dead-in-jharkhands-khunti-655095.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/india-engine-of-global-workforce-shaping-new-era-of-mobility-eam-jaishankar-654874.html Pune Dec 20 External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Saturday said that as developed nations grapple with ageing populations and economic stagnation India is surging ahead with a growing pool of trained human resources positioning itself as the engine of a global workforce and ushering in a new era of crossborder mobility Addressing the 22nd Convocation of Symbiosis International Deemed University EAM Jaishankar said old stereotypes about India are steadily fading with the country now being defined by its talent and skill baseHe said the world increasingly views India through its strong work ethic technological aptitude and familycentric cultureCiting recent achievements such as the indigenous 5G stack Digital Public Infrastructure DPI and the countrys lunar landing the External Affairs Minister said these milestones have laid a solid foundation for the next generation to build uponEAM Jaishankar said the world is undergoing a phase of ârebalancingâ noting that the global order established after World War II is clearly unravelling and giving way to a more complex multipolar system He urged graduating students to engage with the world with greater confidence and capabilityHe pointed out that the global economic and political pecking order has changed significantly with no single country regardless of power able to impose its will on all issues To remain competitive he said India must double down on the âMake in Indiaâ initiative and develop contemporary manufacturing capabilities to keep pace with rapid technological shiftsA large economy like India must develop substantial manufacturing capacities to match fastchanging technologies he saidThe External Affairs Minister identified globalisation rebalancing and multipolarity as the three key forces shaping the current transition marked by new centres of influence beyond the traditional West and a world no longer dominated by a single powerIn a post on X EAM Jaishankar said he was delighted to participate in the convocation and encouraged students from over 40 countries to step forward confidently into the global workplace as India assumes a larger role internationallyLater in the day Jaishankar took part in a session titled âDiplomacy to Discourseâ at the Pune International Literature Festival PILF 2025 where he drew parallels between coalition politics in Indiaâs past and the current global orderThe world today is like coalition politicsâ no coalition enjoys a majority he said adding that combinations are constantly forming and shiftingHe reiterated that India would align with different partners on different issues based on national interest stressing âWhatever helps my country that would be my choiceâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/india-engine-of-global-workforce-shaping-new-era-of-mobility-eam-jaishankar-654874.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-vijayan-satheesan-and-others-mourn-sreenivasan-hail-his-enduring-legacy-in-malayalam-cinema-654815.html Kochi Dec 20 The demise of veteran actor screenwriter and filmmaker Sreenivasan has drawn heartfelt tributes from across the political and cultural spectrum with Keralaâs top leadership describing his passing as an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema and to society at large The 69yearold multifaceted film personality breathed his last at a government hospital on Saturday morningChief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his condolence message said Sreenivasan was a rare filmmaker who left his imprint across every sphere of cinema by breaking longstanding conventionsHe noted that very few artistes had succeeded like Sreenivasan in portraying the life of the common man on screen and in leading audiences through humour and reflection to deeper levels of social awarenessEven while fully aware that his ideas would invite sharp criticism Sreenivasan presented them with wit and grace earning the respect of admirers and critics alike he notedThe Chief Minister also recalled his personal interactions with the filmmaker describing him as a symbol of affection and friendship and said Sreenivasanâs life was a lesson in perseverance for generationsLeader of the Opposition VD Satheesan described Sreenivasan as an unparalleled talent who captured in an extraordinary style the lives of ordinary people in a vast world and great individuals in small intimate settingsHe said Sreenivasan rewrote the very idea of the conventional hero in Malayalam cinema creating characters rooted deeply in Malayali societyThrough biting satire sharp criticism and unvarnished truths his works delivered powerful messages to Kerala society Satheesan said adding that there would hardly be a Malayali who does not recall at least once a day something Sreenivasan wrote said or portrayed on screenCultural Affairs and Films Minister Saji Cherian hailed Sreenivasan as a multifaceted genius who astonished the Malayalam film world for nearly five decadesHe said films penned and directed by Sreenivasan elevated the artistic stature of Malayalam cinema while his characters became beloved presences in Malayali householdsBy using humour not merely for laughter but as a tool for thought Sreenivasan profoundly influenced the social consciousness of the people the Minister notedAssembly Speaker AN Shamseer said Sreenivasanâs passing had created a void that even time could not fillHe described the filmmaker as a rare talent who presented socially conscious themes through simple yet deeply touching narratives portraying the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people with great sensitivityLeaders across party lines joined the bereaved family colleagues and countless admirers in mourning the loss of a creative giant whose legacy will continue to shape Malayalam cinema and society for years to come IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-vijayan-satheesan-and-others-mourn-sreenivasan-hail-his-enduring-legacy-in-malayalam-cinema-654815.html Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-hc-order-scrapping-1-600-supernumerary-upper-primary-teachers-posts-challenged-654658.html Kolkata Dec 19 A group of aspirants for primary teacher jobs in staterun schools of West Bengal on Friday approached a division bench of the Calcutta High Court challenging an earlier order of a singlejudge bench of the same court that scrapped the state Education Departments decision to create 1600 supernumerary posts for upper primary teachers On December 4 a singlejudge bench of Justice Biswajit Basu had struck down the decision of the state government to create the supernumerary posts and observed that such posts could not be created for regular appointments of primary teachersJustice Basu had also held that supernumerary posts could be created only under special circumstances and for exceptional requirementsThe division bench comprising Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Reetobroto Kumar Mitra admitted the appeal challenging the singlejudge order The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing next weekThe West Bengal Education Department had issued two notifications first on May 19 2022 and subsequently on October 14 the same year for recruitment of upper primary teachers in physical education and work education from waiting lists through the creation of 1600 supernumerary postsThese notifications were challenged before the Calcutta High Court After prolonged hearings Justice Basuâs bench eventually scrapped both notifications ruling that the creation of supernumerary posts for such appointments was not legally permissibleIt may be recalled that in 2022 the Calcutta High Court had imposed an interim stay on the creation of the 1600 supernumerary posts The matter was subsequently taken to the Supreme CourtHowever the apex court declined to interfere following which the West Bengal government again approached the Calcutta High Court seeking lifting of the interim stayOn May 7 this year Justice Basu maintained the interim stay on the creation of the supernumerary postsThe state government then moved a division bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das De against the order continuing the interim stay That division bench also declined to interfere thereby maintaining the stay and referring the matter back to Justice Basus singlejudge benchFinally on December 4 Justice Basu scrapped the state governments decision to create 1600 supernumerary posts for upper primary teachers in staterun schools across West Bengal IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-hc-order-scrapping-1-600-supernumerary-upper-primary-teachers-posts-challenged-654658.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/hyderabad-man-loses-rs-59-lakh-in-digital-arrest-two-held-654692.html Hyderabad Dec 19 Hyderabad police have arrested two accused in digital arrest case in which a senior citizen lost Rs 59 lakh Cybercrime police arrested the accused who had supplied accounts to cheat the retired employee Surampudi Chandrasekhar 31 and Emandi Venkat Naveen 25 both residents of Kakinada Andhra Pradesh have been arrestedAccording to police on December 4 the victim received WhatsApp calls from unknown persons impersonating police and government officials The fraudsters falsely alleged his involvement in human trafficking overseas job fraud and money laundering and sent forged arrest warrants via WhatsApp to intimidate him Under continuous threats of arrest the victim transferred Rs 5900300 through RTGS from his Union Bank of India account between December 4 and 6Deputy Commissioner of Police Cybercrimes V Arvind Babu said the accused impersonated as policegovernment officials used WhatsApp calls and sent forged arrest warrants to create fear forced victims to transfer money to multiple bank accounts used malicious APK files to gain access to internet banking and SMS services routed funds through shell firm accounts converted them into cryptocurrency USDT and withdrew money via Binance P2P transactions into personal accountsThe accused are part of an interstate cyber fraud racket They procured and shared bank accounts for routing cheated funds So far 15 current bank accounts have been facilitated to the prime accused They received proceeds in cryptocurrency later converted to Indian rupees They assisted the prime accused by providing accounts and technical accessThe accused are involved in 65 cyber fraud cases nationwide including Karnataka Maharashtra Delhi Tamil Nadu Uttar Pradesh Gujarat and other states The amount involved in these cases is Rs 8 croreFive of the cases related to Telangana â two each in Hyderabad and Cyberabad and one in SangareddyOther accused are absconding The arrested accused have been remanded to judicial custody and further investigation is in progressMeanwhile in a case of sextortion fraud a man lost Rs341 lakh According to police the victim received an unknown call from a woman identifying herself as Jyothi Gupta who attempted to seduce him during the call Subsequently he received a video call from a person identifying himself as Vikram Goswami wearing a uniform who threatened to circulate the victimâs video on social media and damage his reputationOut of fear the victim was coerced into making multiple payments on different occasions through Google Pay to one Manjeet Singh on the assurance that the case would be closed and the amount refunded Later the accused also hacked the victimâs bank accounts causing additional losses The accused further intimidated him by falsely claiming the woman had died and demanded more money to avoid legal troubleDue to fear social stigma and helplessness the victim suffered a total financial loss of Rs 341950 police said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/hyderabad-man-loses-rs-59-lakh-in-digital-arrest-two-held-654692.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/vbsa-bill-to-unify-higher-education-regulation-ex-ugc-chairman-jagadesh-kumar-654467.html New Delhi Dec 18 Former University Grants Commission UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar has hailed the governments move to introduce the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan VBSA Bill as a historic transformation for Indiaâs higher education sector In an exclusive interaction with IANS Kumar explained that the UGC established in 1953 and accorded statutory status in 1956 along with the All India Council for Technical Education AICTE and the National Council for Teacher Education NCTE will be merged into a single integrated regulator under the proposed frameworkKumar noted that Indias higher education landscape has expanded rapidly with more than 1200 universities and thousands of colleges currently operating across the countryHe stressed that outdated regulatory mechanisms are inadequate for managing such a vast and complex system which is why the National Education Policy NEP 2020 explicitly called for a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory architectureThe former UGC chairman pointed out that institutions at present have to navigate multiple regulators including the Council of Architecture creating significant operational challenges A single university offering diverse programmes such as general degrees like BSc or BCom engineering courses teacher education programmes like BEd and architecture is required to comply with separate applications rules and processes laid down by different bodiesThis he said not only results in administrative burdens but also leads to overlapping and sometimes conflicting regulations Addressing these issues was a key objective of the NEP 2020 which recommended a single harmonised regulatory system that is simpler less bureaucratic and more predictableThe newly introduced VBSA Bill reflects this vision and will first be examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee before being taken up for passage and implementationKumar said that once the legislation comes into force an apex body the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan VBSA will be established functioning through three distinct verticals to prevent conflicts of interest while ensuring coordinated governanceThe Regulatory Council will consolidate the powers currently exercised by the UGC AICTE NCTE and the Council of Architecture thereby eliminating confusion and establishing uniform and transparent norms for all higher education institutionsThe Accreditation Council will bring together existing frameworks such as NAAC NBA and NIRF under a single umbrella streamlining accreditation processes and reducing duplication in data submissionMeanwhile the Standards Council will work towards introducing consistent academic benchmarks nationwide facilitating smoother mobility for students pursuing multidisciplinary programmes or transferring across states he saidKumar emphasised that teachers are central to the success of the higher education system and this council will also focus on developing new teacher training programmes and promoting contemporary teaching and learning practicesHe highlighted that for the first time premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology IITs and Indian Institutes of Management IIMs which earlier remained outside the direct regulatory ambit of the UGC or AICTE will be brought under a common regulatory framework ensuring uniform quality standards across the sectorKumar further said that student interests are a core focus of the proposed systemAll institutions will be required to establish effective grievance redressal mechanisms recognising the stress and anxiety faced by many students and the importance of timely resolution of complaintsStudent feedback on courses faculty infrastructure and welfare initiatives will play a significant role in accreditation and ranking outcomesPerhaps the most consequential change he noted will be the emphasis on transparency Institutions will be mandated to place comprehensive information on a digital platform including details of academic programmes infrastructure student support systems faculty qualifications and audited financial accountsThis Kumar said would empower students and parents enhance public trust and strengthen institutional accountability across Indiaâs higher education ecosystem IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/vbsa-bill-to-unify-higher-education-regulation-ex-ugc-chairman-jagadesh-kumar-654467.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/shaped-my-journey-stalin-credits-wife-durga-for-his-success-654346.html Chennai Dec 18 In a heartfelt remark that resonated with the gathering Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday said that just as many men attribute their success to the women behind them he owed his success to his wife Durga Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed Anna Marriage Hall in Kolathur he recalled how her unwavering support during his most challenging years shaped his journey and helped him reach his present stature The Chief Minister inaugurated the stateoftheart marriage hall built at a cost of Rs 2572 crore and took part in the wedding ceremonies of 15 couples Ahead of the event he led a roadshow through Kolathur where enthusiastic crowds lined the streets to welcome him Addressing thousands gathered at the venue Stalin said the inauguration symbolised a milestone for Kolathur bringing enhanced facilities and new opportunities to the constituency Expressing deep affection for the region he noted that Kolathur had been a defining part of his political career and personal bond with the people He remarked that Kolathurâs identity has become intertwined with his own with many associating the constituency directly with his name Yet Stalin stressed that development is not confined to Kolathur alone The state government he said views all constituencies across Tamil Nadu as its own and works with equal dedication in each Stalin highlighted that visiting Kolathur brings him incomparable satisfaction sometimes greater than what he experiences during statewide government programmes or political tours The constituency continues to inspire him he said with its loyalty and the emotional connection he shares with its residents Returning to the theme of personal support Stalin reiterated his gratitude to his wife noting that had she abandoned him during his difficult times his life and career might have taken a vastly different turn He used this example to remind newlyweds of the importance of mutual support patience and respect in marriage Addressing the bridegrooms in particular he urged them to treat their wives with dignity and to recognise the role their partners play in building a stable and successful life The event concluded with Stalin personally blessing and solemnising the marriages of 15 couples adding a personal touch to the ceremony and marking a memorable day for Kolathur IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/shaped-my-journey-stalin-credits-wife-durga-for-his-success-654346.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-nitish-kumar-flags-off-34-mobile-forensic-lab-vehicles-boosts-bihar-police-investigation-capacity-654394.html Patna Dec 18 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday gave a major boost to the states policing and criminal investigation system by flagging off 34 mobile forensic laboratory vehicles The initiative aims to ensure faster scientific and more effective investigation of criminal cases across Bihar an official said Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary and another Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha were also present at the event along with senior officials of the Home Department and Bihar PoliceThe mobile forensic lab vehicles have been deployed to various districts and departments across the state Until now forensic teams depended on police station vehicles or other arrangements to reach crime scenes often leading to delays that adversely affected investigations and the quality of evidenceWith the introduction of these stateoftheart mobile forensic vans forensic experts will now be able to reach crime scenes promptly and conduct scientific examinations on the spotAddressing the gathering Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Since 2005 maintaining law and order has been our top priority and we have established the rule of law in the state A zerotolerance policy has been adopted against crime and corruption To further expedite criminal investigations 34 mobile forensic vehicles have been launched These vehicles are equipped with modern investigation equipment allowing forensic teams to begin work immediately upon reaching the crime sceneHe added that earlier evidence collected from crime scenes had to be sent to forensic laboratories which caused significant delays and often led to dissatisfaction among victimsâ familiesNow investigations will begin directly at the crime scene ensuring speed accuracy and convenience the Chief Minister saidAccording to official information regional forensic science laboratories FSLs are currently operational in Patna Muzaffarpur Bhagalpur and RajgirThe newly inaugurated mobile forensic vans will be deployed in the remaining districts ensuring statewide coverage These mobile units will play a crucial role in the investigation of serious criminal cases punishable with seven years or more of imprisonment enabling timely evidence collection and faster case resolutionThe government believes this step will significantly strengthen the criminal justice system and improve conviction rates an official notedOn the occasion Additional Chief Secretary Home Arvind Kumar Chaudhary Director General of Police Vinay Kumar ADG CID Paras Nath ADG Modernisation Sudhanshu Kumar and several other senior officers were also present IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-nitish-kumar-flags-off-34-mobile-forensic-lab-vehicles-boosts-bihar-police-investigation-capacity-654394.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/attack-on-freedom-of-expression-lop-ashoka-on-hate-speech-bill-654423.html Belagavi Dec 18 Taking strong objection to the controversial Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention and Control Bill 2025 moved by the Congressled government in Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka said on Thursday that bringing such legislation amounts to an attack on freedom of expression Speaking on the floor of the House Ashoka said the government had granted itself sweeping powers under the new Bill to block any content at any point in time âAll principles of law have been thrown to the winds The offence is nonbailable and persons will be sent to jail directlyâ he saidWhat can be expected from people who imposed the Emergency in the country Ashoka askedIn my opinion even 75 years after Independence no legal expert has ever thought of bringing such a law I wonder why Home Minister G Parameshwara got this illconceived sorry wellconceived idea he said sarcasticallyWe thought Parameshwara was a man of compassion This move is heartbreaking The proposed Bill will turn police officers into Hitlers They will become Hitlers 100 per cent Words like âmental tortureâ are used but no one knows what constitutes mental torture Feelings of hatred is another vague term There are many such ambiguous words in this Bill Ashoka pointed outHe said the Bill was a complete violation of Article 191a of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech and expression âIt even refers to drawings No one can draw cartoons anymore Newspapers that have published cartoons for 75 years will no longer be able to do soâ he saidThey have also included news reports If the media publish articles on corruption they would need to obtain bail in advance or else they will be arrested If one person makes a statement a case can be filed against the entire organisation If a son commits murder can his parents be jailed What kind of law is this Ashoka askedQuestioning the intent behind the legislation he said that by giving such powers to the police the government was allowing them to act arbitrarily âCorruption is already rampant and now you are empowering them with even more authorityâ he objectedReferring to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS Act brought by the Centre Ashoka said there were already provisions to deal with such issues with punishments prescribed The BNS Act provides for up to five yearsâ imprisonment with a fine for inciting violence at religious places or gatherings he notedIn my opinion this Bill is a weapon to pursue political vendetta The Congress at the Centre is protesting claiming its liberties are being taken away What are you doing here You are bringing laws similar to those during the Emergency From now on media persons should be prepared to go to jail and we will stand with you he saidUltimately this is votebank politics To please certain sections people will be jailed Under this law a person would have undergone punishment even if he is later found innocent he addedAshoka further alleged that the government had resorted to poor translations using words that do not even exist in Kannada You will lose all dignity and honour by doing this he saidHe pointed out that Sections 196 299 and 353 of the BNS Act already deal with hate speech By bringing a new law they are targeting the media and the Opposition This is not good This law will eventually become a weapon in the hands of ruling governments in the future he warnedAshoka also criticised the Home Minister for not filling even 50 per cent of vacant posts in the police department Wherever protests or dramas are staged police personnel have to be deployed This law is only about targeting people and it will come back to haunt you he saidHome Minister G Parameshwara made his statement while explaining the Bill in the Legislative Assembly after the House passed it He said he believes the legislation will bring significant change in societyThe punishment for hate crimes prescribed in the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention and Control Bill 2025 has been reduced from 10 years to seven years for repeat offences following criticism IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/attack-on-freedom-of-expression-lop-ashoka-on-hate-speech-bill-654423.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/andhra-pradesh-ageing-faster-mulls-second-child-onwards-incentive-654424.html Amaravati Dec 18 With Andhra Pradesh ageing faster than India the state government is considering a second child onwards incentive similar to models implemented in France and Hungary to avoid future demographic collapse a top official said on Thursday Andhra Pradesh is ageing faster than India with a median age of 325 years compared to the national average of 284 yearsThe states Total Fertility Rate TFR has declined to 15 well below the replacement level of 21 placing Andhra Pradesh on a trajectory similar to developed economies facing a demographic crisisThe state has only a demographic window until 2040 before the dependency ratio skews heavily towards the elderly populationThe alarming demographic trends were highlighted by state Health Medical amp Family Welfare Secretary Sourabh Gaur at the 5th Collectors Conference hereHe presented Andhra Pradeshs transformative approach to Population Management and Human Resource Development as the third âsutraâ in âPadi Sutraluâ 10 points under Swarna Andhra Vision 2047 and underlined the need to shift from population control to population sustainabilityChief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the urgent need to address the states declining fertility rate and improve overall health outcomesOnce a champion of family planning initiatives he underlined the dramatic shift in policy priorities required to address current demographic challengesWe are now facing the same problem that developed nations are experiencing a growing nonworkingaged population Our focus must shift to enabling and incentivising families to have children Saurabh Gaur stated suggesting a second child onwards incentive principle similar to models implemented in France and Hungary to arrest the TFR decline and avoid future demographic collapseIn a groundbreaking initiative he presented the plans for the establishment of Fertility Colleges as Centres of Excellence for Reproductive Medicine This firstofitskind public sector initiative will train professionals and provide statesupported IVF treatment for couples facing infertility challenges addressing a critical barrier to sustainable population growthGaur also outlined a comprehensive lifecycle approach to population management encompassing five strategic pillars Supportive Fertility Ecosystem Preventive Healthcare through the Sanchara Chikitsa concept Augmenting Lifelong Skilling through a Skill Passport System starting from Grade 6 Incentivising Women Workforce Participation through safe mobility and mandatory crÃches and Active Ageing amp Community through the establishment of Elderly Clubs at the Mandal levelThe Secretary told the Collectors that closing the female workforce participation gap from the current 31 per cent to match the male participation rate of 59 per cent can boost the states GSDP by 15 per cent To achieve this the government will implement womenfriendly transport systems and mandatory crÃches in major workplaces to reduce the motherhood penalty on careersOn healthcare outcomes the Secretary set ambitious targets to reduce Maternal Mortality Ratio from the current 30 to global best standards below 5 matching Norway Poland and Belarus and Infant Mortality Rate from approximately 17 to below 2 matching Singapore and Iceland IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/andhra-pradesh-ageing-faster-mulls-second-child-onwards-incentive-654424.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/tn-delta-farmers-seek-urgent-pre-procurement-meet-ahead-of-samba-harvest-654441.html Chennai Dec 18 With the Samba harvest set to begin in early January farmers across the Cauvery Delta are urging the Tamil Nadu government to immediately convene a preprocurement meeting and release the procurement policy emphasising that any further delay could expose them to the same challenges faced during this years Kuruvai procurement Farmers recalled how the Kuruvai season witnessed poor planning and severe losses with harvested paddy remaining stacked at Direct Procurement Centres during heavy monsoon rains The lack of adequate vehicles gunny bags manpower and a centralised transport system caused delays leading to damage and financial setbacksThey believe lessons from that experience must guide this years Samba procurement to prevent similar disruptionsDespite the impact of monsoon rains and the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah Samba cultivation in the Delta region is estimated to cross 1050 lakh acresTiruvarur and Thanjavur alone account for 362 lakh acres and 340 lakh acres respectively Early Samba crops are expected to reach procurement centres in the first week of January necessitating swift government actionFarmers argue that a preprocurement meeting chaired by the State Chief Secretary would allow agricultural and revenue departments procurement agencies and transport officials to coordinate effectivelySuch a meeting they say would address bottlenecks in advance particularly transport logistics storage arrangements and the availability of gunny bags to avoid piling of produce at procurement centresThey also point out that other major riceproducing states such as Karnataka Odisha Chhattisgarh Telangana Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal mandate preprocurement meetings annually helping them prepare betterTamil Nadu however has not held such consultations since 2022 and farmers believe the absence of this mechanism contributed to last seasonâs setbacksThe farmers are urging that the meeting be held in Thanjavur where key stakeholders from across the Delta can participate voice their concerns and align expectationsWith only a few weeks left before Samba procurement begins they insist that the government issue the procurement policy and announce incentives without delayThey argue that proactive planning is vital to protect harvested paddy from climatic risks ensure efficient collection at procurement centres and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of farming families dependent on the seasonâs yield IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/tn-delta-farmers-seek-urgent-pre-procurement-meet-ahead-of-samba-harvest-654441.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/assam-after-33-years-in-makeshift-camps-30-flood-displaced-families-get-land-654453.html Guwahati Dec 18 Bringing longawaited relief to families displaced for over three decades 30 floodaffected households from Kaitiya village were on Thursday allotted land in Assamâs Tinsukia district ending 33 years of uncertainty following the catastrophic Brahmaputra floods and erosion of 1992 Sadiya MLA Bolin Chetia distributed official land allotment papers to the beneficiary families many of whom had been living in makeshift camps since losing their homes and agricultural land to river erosion The families had been residing in extremely difficult conditions on a small patch of land at Kordoiguri struggling with limited access to basic amenities and livelihood opportunitiesAddressing the gathering Chetia said the land distribution marked a new chapter for the displaced familiesFor 33 years these families lived without security or certainty Today they finally have land they can call their own This is not just land allotment it is the restoration of dignity and hope he saidOf the beneficiaries 25 families were residing at No 3 Kordoiguri Garigaon village four at Darjijan Muaribasti and one family at Tipuk Simaluguri Bajraput Satra Each family received legal land documents ensuring permanent ownership and protection from future displacementThe rehabilitation initiative was facilitated with support from local tea estate owners Kesaguri Tea Estate owner Ghanashyam Lahoti contributed 20 bighas of land while Brindaban Tea Estate owner Kishore Agarwal donated four bighas for the resettlement of the families Chetia expressed gratitude to the donors describing their contribution as a âcommendable humanitarian gestureâThe MLA said the government remains committed to rehabilitating flood and erosionaffected people in the regionHe recalled that in August this year 101 landless families from Kaitiya village displaced by the same 1992 floods were rehabilitated at Sadiya Each of those families was allotted five bighas of agricultural land and one bigha of residential land at Ghurmura GaneshbariOne beneficiary Rupali Gogoi said the land allotment had restored hopeFor decades we survived in temporary shelters Owning land today gives us security and a future for our children she said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/assam-after-33-years-in-makeshift-camps-30-flood-displaced-families-get-land-654453.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 23:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/after-36-days-mortal-remains-of-rajasthan-youth-to-return-from-saudi-arabia-654320.html Jaipur Dec 18 The mortal remains of 19yearold Ramesh Kumar Meghwal a resident of Meghwalon ki Dhani in Rajasthanâs Balotra district who died under suspicious circumstances in Saudi Arabia will return home on Thursday 36 days after his death The body is scheduled to arrive in Jaipur from Saudi Arabia on Thursday afternoon A hearing in the case was held at the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur on Wednesday with the next hearing slated for ThursdayCharmesh Sharma former director of the Rajasthan Seed Corporation who had moved a petition before the Presidentâs Secretariat said the mortal remains would reach Jaipur in the second half of the day The body was flown from Saudi Arabia to New Delhi at 1205 am on December 18 and will be transported onward to JaipurLok Sabha MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal has arranged an ambulance to carry the body from Jaipur to Meghwalon ki Dhani in Balotra Rameshâs cousin Gajaram said that his brother Gainaram Meghwal along with family members Motaram Meghwal Devaram and Sukhdev left Balotra on Wednesday evening with Sharma to receive the body at Jaipur AirportRamesh had travelled to Saudi Arabia for employment on October 11 and died there on November 13 2025 under suspicious circumstances As the body was not repatriated to India his mother Tiju Devi filed a petition in the Rajasthan High Court on December 10Taking note of the matter Justice Nupur Bhati on December 11 issued a notice to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi and sought responses from the Governments of India and RajasthanFollowing the High Courtâs intervention Saudi authorities handed over the body to the Indian Embassy after which a No Objection Certificate NOC was issued clearing the way for its repatriation IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/after-36-days-mortal-remains-of-rajasthan-youth-to-return-from-saudi-arabia-654320.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/overnight-protest-in-dungarpur-after-minor-girls-suicide-over-alleged-harassment-654335.html Dungarpur Dec 18 An overnight sitin protest was staged outside the Peeth police outpost in Dungarpur district of Rajasthan after a 16yearold girl allegedly died by suicide following harassment by a youth in the Dhambola police station area The protesters demanded action after the girl died after consuming poison The incident led to protests by family members and local residentsAccording to the complaint lodged by the victimâs mother Geeta Devi Patidar on December 14 had gone with her daughter to an eMitra centre in Kalalwada to fill a BSTC form During this time Javed alias Mustaq a resident of Peeth allegedly followed them on a motorcycle and later reached the eMitra centreThe complainant alleged that the accused followed them again near the Patwar building and verbally abused and threatened themThe complaint further states that later the same day Javed along with Mustaq Titoria Khatija Suhana and others allegedly assaulted and molested the minor girl The mother also alleged she was assaulted when she intervenedFamily members said they approached the Peeth police outpost to file a complaint but no immediate action was taken The girl reportedly consumed poison on December 16 She was taken to CSC Seemalwara and later referred to hospitals in Dungarpur and Udaipur where she died during treatment on December 17Following the death family members and people from various communities staged a protest outside the Dhambola police station and later outside the Peeth police outpostProtesters demanded the arrest of the accused compensation and a government job for a family memberSuperintendent of Police Manish Kumar said six people have been detained in the case so far He added that the incharge of the Peeth police outpost SI Manilal has been suspended Police personnel have been deployed and the situation is under control he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/overnight-protest-in-dungarpur-after-minor-girls-suicide-over-alleged-harassment-654335.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/hanumangarh-on-edge-over-ethanol-plant-as-raj-govt-forms-panel-farmers-hold-mahapanchayat-654145.html Jaipur Dec 17 Amid escalating protests against a proposed ethanol factory in Tibbi the Rajasthan government has constituted a fivemember committee to examine concerns related to groundwater depletion and environmental pollution at the project site in Hanumangarh district The committee chaired by the Divisional Commissioner Bikaner includes senior officials from the state environment pollution control and groundwater departments and will submit its report to the Additional Chief Secretary Environment and Climate Change Department said CMO officials The committee will submit its report to the Additional Chief Secretary Environment and Climate Change Department Government of RajasthanAs farmers remain firm on their demands and the administration maintains tight security all eyes are now on the Mahapanchayat which is expected to shape the future course of the agitation Prominent farmer leaders from across the country are expected to attendIn view of the gathering the district administration has enforced unprecedented security measures creating a tense atmosphere across the regionThe agitating farmers have raised two key demands First the Immediate cancellation of the MoU signed for setting up the ethanol factory in Tibbi and second withdrawal of all cases registered against farmers during earlier protestsAnticipating large crowds the administration had suspended internet services across the district until 12 pm on Wednesday Section 163 has been imposed throughout Hanumangarh More than 1400 police personnel have been deployed including forces from other districts and police headquartersSuperintendent of Police Harishankar is personally monitoring the lawandorder situation Heavy barricading has been put up near the District Collector and SP offices while the Dhanmandi complex and adjoining areas are under drone surveillanceDistrict Collector Khushal Yadav has banned the entry of tractors at the Mahapanchayat venue citing the risk of disturbances Farmer leaders however have said they will arrive with tractors raising the possibility of a confrontation with the administration IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/hanumangarh-on-edge-over-ethanol-plant-as-raj-govt-forms-panel-farmers-hold-mahapanchayat-654145.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/people-take-to-streets-in-jharkhands-ramgarh-after-elephants-kill-four-in-a-day-654182.html Ramgarh Jharkhand Dec 17 Anger and panic gripped Jharkhandâs Ramgarh district on Wednesday after four people were killed in separate wild elephant attacks within a single day prompting residents to take to the streets in protest Enraged villagers blocked the Number Four Chowk in Ghato for several hours raising slogans against the district administration and the Forest Department and accusing them of negligenceThe road blockade disrupted traffic on the RamgarhâKedla main road and adjoining routes causing severe inconvenience to commutersThe four deaths occurred between Tuesday evening and late at night in the Ghato police station area The victims have been identified as Amit Rajwar 33 Amul Mahto 35 Parvati Devi 40 and Savitri Devi 45News of the multiple fatalities spread quickly triggering fear across the region and forcing many villagers to remain indoors overnightThe first incident took place around 4 pm on Tuesday near the Ara Number Four Feeder Breaker in West BokaroAccording to locals a herd of elephants was resting by the roadside when residents from nearby areas gathered to see them Some villagers allegedly tried to chase the elephants away which angered one of the animals which then attacked the crowdRajwar who was returning home to Ichakdih after his shift at Sarubera Colliery was trampled to deathThe incident caused chaos with traffic coming to a halt on the RamgarhKedla road as several heavy vehicle drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled to safetyA few hours later Mahto a resident of Giddi was also killed in an elephant attack The situation worsened late at night when the herd trampled to death Parvati Devi wife of Mahavir Manjhi and Savitri Devi wife of the late Lakhan KarmaliThe backtoback incidents have shaken the entire region Protesters alleged that the forest department and district administration have failed to take concrete and longterm measures to prevent elephants from straying into human settlementsVillagers demanded immediate steps to confine elephants to forest areas strengthen earlywarning mechanisms and provide prompt and adequate compensation to the families of those killed IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/people-take-to-streets-in-jharkhands-ramgarh-after-elephants-kill-four-in-a-day-654182.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/substantial-progress-in-rail-infrastructure-projects-says-haryana-chief-secretary-654183.html Chandigarh Dec 17 Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi who is also the Chairman of the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation HRIDC on Wednesday said substantial progress has been achieved across several flagship rail infrastructure projects of the state He was reviewing the status of ongoing works during the 33rd meeting of the Board of Directors of the HRIDCThe meeting was informed that the Kurukshetra Elevated Track project has reached an advanced stage of execution All civil track signalling and telecommunication and overhead electrification works of the viaduct have been completed The construction of the elevated platform is also in advance stage of completionThe completed works will thereafter be offered for technical inspection by Northern Railways followed by the inspection of Commissioner Railway SafetyChief Secretary Rastogi directed officials to expedite the work of the project Considering the expertise developed by HRIDC he suggested the HRIDC must expand its operations and aim for a national footprintOn the Eastern Orbital Rail Corridor from Sonipat to Palwal via Baghpat Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar it was informed at the meeting that the alignment for the study has already been approved by a steering committee headed by the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh and the feasibility study is now in an advance stageReviewing the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Chief Secretary Rastogi said significant progress has been made on several fronts The ManesarPatli section of the project along with Maruti railway yard has been commissioned in June 2025 and till date 372 rakes have been loaded from the Maruti plant in ManesarThis is a significant milestone for the company and the revenue has also started accruing to the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Inprinciple forest clearance for the Stage I has also been secured and the application for Aravalli clearance been also been submitted for approvalAlso substantial progress has been achieved in land compensation with disbursement of Rs 1533 crore against land awards amounting to Rs 1878 crore In addition Rs 99 crore has been disbursed against arbitration awards IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/substantial-progress-in-rail-infrastructure-projects-says-haryana-chief-secretary-654183.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/maha-state-level-committee-formed-to-clear-encroachments-from-protected-monuments-654194.html Mumbai Dec 17 In a significant move to preserve the historical integrity of Maharashtras heritage the State Cabinet on Wednesday decided to establish a StateLevel Committee chaired by the Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar The primary objective of the committee is to ensure that stateprotected monuments including forts remain free from encroachments Maharashtra currently has 390 stateprotected monuments In addition there are 145 temples including Tulja Bhavani and JejuriThe project covers diverse sites ranging from the August Kranti Maidan St George Fort Dharavi Fort and Khandeshwari Caves in the Konkan region the ancient petroglyphs in Ratnagiri and the birthplaces of national heroes such as Vasudev Balwant Phadke and Senapati Bapat In Western Maharashtra the project also includes the birthplaces of Yashwantrao Chavan and Baji Prabhu DeshpandeRemoval of unauthorised constructions is not merely an administrative task but a necessity for the scientific conservation of our history the Cabinet notedThe decision is expected to preserve the historical authenticity of ancient sites accelerate the district development agenda by promoting tourism and improve the stateâs standing in heritage conservation rankingsThe committee comprises a highlevel panel of ministers and secretaries to ensure interdepartmental coordination including the Ministers of Revenue Rural Development Tourism Public Works Department PWD Forests and Ports Development It also includes the Secretaries of Finance Planning Cultural Affairs Urban Development 1 Home Revenue Rural Development Tourism PWD Forests and Ports DevelopmentWhile a previous Government Resolution GR dated January 20 2025 focused specifically on clearing encroachments from forts central state and unprotected the new decision expands the scope to include all stateprotected monuments according to a release issued by the office of the Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish ShelarThe StateLevel Committee will oversee the functioning of DistrictLevel Committees formulate strategic policies and provide necessary guidance The government noted that removing unauthorised structures is essential for monument conservationFurthermore developing these sites as tourist hubs will boost district economies and accelerate regional development To expedite the removal of encroachments and facilitate conservation the Planning Department has been authorised to provide funds directly to District Collectors IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/maha-state-level-committee-formed-to-clear-encroachments-from-protected-monuments-654194.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-hc-cancels-jobs-of-313-teachers-in-gorkhaland-territorial-administration-run-schools-654207.html Kolkata Dec 17 A singlejudge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday cancelled the jobs of 313 teachers attached to Gorkhaland Territorial Administration GTArun schools spread across the hill regions of Darjeeling Kurseong and Kalimpong in the northern sector of West Bengal While ordering the cancellation of the jobs of the 313 teachers the singlejudge bench of Justice Biswajit Basu observed that all these recruitments were made illegally At the same time the bench also directed the Criminal Investigation Department CID of the West Bengal Police to continue its investigation in the matterJustice Basu further observed that the salaries of the 313 teachers should be stopped immediately He questioned why expenditure for paying salaries to illegally appointed teachers should be borne by the state exchequer He also raised questions over the academic qualifications of the 313 teachers whose appointments were found to be illegalThere were allegations of illegal recruitment of teachers in GTAcontrolled schools in the hill regions It was further alleged that these appointments were made unilaterally without issuing any notificationA case was filed seeking the intervention of the Calcutta High Court in the matter During the hearing the singlejudge bench of Justice Basu had initially ordered an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation CBIHowever the state government approached a division bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Madhuresh Prasad challenging the order directing a CBI probe The division bench subsequently upheld the order of the singlejudge benchThe state government then challenged the division bench order before the Supreme Court The apex court however set aside the direction for a CBI probe and ruled that the investigation would instead be conducted by the CID of the state policeMeanwhile the hearing on the main matter relating to the alleged irregular appointments continued before the singlejudge bench of Justice Basu Finally on Wednesday Justice Basu ordered the cancellation of the appointments IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-hc-cancels-jobs-of-313-teachers-in-gorkhaland-territorial-administration-run-schools-654207.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/draft-electoral-roll-for-tn-to-be-published-on-dec-19-voters-urged-to-verify-details-654225.html Chennai Dec 17 The Election Commission of India ECI is set to publish the draft electoral roll for Tamil Nadu on Friday December 19 marking a crucial milestone in the states election preparedness The release follows two earlier extensions and signals the beginning of an important verification phase that allows voters to confirm their registration details and seek corrections if requiredElection officials have urged all eligible citizens to carefully check the draft list to ensure their names are included and that personal details such as age address and polling station information are accurateThe exercise is aimed at improving the accuracy and inclusiveness of the electoral roll ahead of future elections Voters will be able to verify their details through both online and offline modes making the process accessible across urban and rural areasFor online verification electors can log on to the official website of the Election Commission of India at ecigovin or the Tamil Nadu State Election Departmentâs portal at tnelectionstngovinUsing either their name or Electors Photo Identity Card EPIC number voters can search the database and confirm their registration status For those who prefer offline verification the draft electoral roll will be made available at local polling stations through Booth Level Officers BLOsBLOs have been instructed to assist voters in checking the list guiding them through the verification process and helping them understand the procedure for filing claims or objectionsThis offline mechanism is expected to be particularly helpful for senior citizens firsttime voters and residents in areas with limited internet accessFollowing its publication the draft roll will be open for public scrutiny for a stipulated period during which electors can submit claims for inclusion of names corrections to existing entries or objections to inaccurate or duplicate entries Applications can be filed both online and through designated forms submitted to BLOs or election officesElection authorities have emphasised that this stage is vital to ensuring that every eligible voter is able to participate in the democratic process without hindranceCitizens have been encouraged not to delay verification and to take advantage of the claims and objections window to address any discrepanciesThe final electoral roll will be prepared after considering all valid claims and objections received during this period forming the basis for upcoming elections in the state IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/draft-electoral-roll-for-tn-to-be-published-on-dec-19-voters-urged-to-verify-details-654225.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ktaka-minister-krishna-byregowda-accused-of-corruption-land-encroachment-bjp-demands-resignation-654229.html Belagavi Dec 17 The Karnataka BJP on Wednesday accused Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda of land encroachment and corruption and demanded his resignation The party also released documents and videos in support of its allegations BJP workers staged protests at the Byatarayanapura Assembly constituency in Bengaluru against Minister Byregowda alleging that he had grabbed 21 acres of land in Kolar district that originally belonged to a lake and a burial groundIt may be noted that Minister Byregowda represents the Byatarayanapura Assembly segment while Kolar is his native districtPolice detained BJP workers for protesting without permission loaded them into buses and took them to an undisclosed locationMeanwhile the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy demanded the immediate resignation of Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda accusing him of corruption and of illegally transferring cemetery land and tank land into his nameAddressing the media in Belagavi Narayanaswamy released documents alleging that the minister had manipulated records to transfer one acre of cemetery land Survey No 47 and 20 acres and 16 guntas of tank land Survey No 46 in Garudanapalya village of Narsapura hobli in Kolar district into his nameThe total value of the land is estimated to be around Rs 100â120 crore he saidâThis is a clear case of corruption and misuse of powerâ Narayanaswamy said âThe ministerâs actions are a shame and an insult to the people of Karnataka He should immediately resign and face an investigationâNarayanaswamy questioned how the minister had managed to transfer the land into his name despite it being cemetery and tank land which are protected under lawHe alleged that the ministerâs father late C Byregowda had manipulated documents to transfer the land into their namesThe opposition leader demanded that the government conduct an investigation into the matter and reclaim the land âThe people of Karnataka will not tolerate such corruption and misuse of powerâ he warnedNarayanaswamy also announced that the opposition would take legal action if the minister does not resign immediately âWe will fight this case in court and ensure that the minister is brought to justiceâ he saidThe allegations have sparked political outrage in the state The incident has also raised questions about the governmentâs commitment to fighting corruption and protecting public land he saidMinister Krishna Byregowda however refuted all the charges against him and maintained that the allegations are politically motivated He stated that he is ready to face any investigation into the matter IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ktaka-minister-krishna-byregowda-accused-of-corruption-land-encroachment-bjp-demands-resignation-654229.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/adani-foundation-adani-electricityobservenational-energy-conservation-day-with-students-in-mumbai--653853.html New Delhi Dec 16 The Adani Foundation supported by Adani Electricity recently observed National Energy Conservation Day with students from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC schools in Mumbai Under its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR programme Project âUtthanâ Adani Foundation and Adani Electricity celebrated the day on December 14 with students engaging in several educational and fun activitiesâA massive success for National Energy Conservation Day Adani Electricity and Adani Foundations CSR project Utthan aimed at enhancing learning outcomes in BMC schools across Mumbai in collaboration with BMC and the dedication of BMC school teachers and Utthan Sahayaks engaged students in vital energy awarenessâ according to an official statementâFrom the fun Switch Off Game and innovative science models to the Energy Pledge this partnership is actively fostering a culture of energy efficiency among the younger generationâ it addedA variety of interactive and educational activities were conducted under the guidance of BMC school teachers and Utthan Sahayakâs throughout the day to drive home essential energysaving conceptsThese included interactive games like an Ice Breaker Activity and a fun Switch Off Game similar to RedGreen LightThe Adani Electricity team spearheaded a short talk using reallife examples to illustrate the importance of energy conservation and the benefits of adopting energysaving habitsThe students participated in a postermaking competition on the theme Energy Conservation for a Greener Planet while teachers performed an energy conservation skit or role playFurther a dedicated exhibition showcased innovative studentmade models focused on energy conservation including solar energy models wind energy demonstrations biogas plant models and comparisons of energyefficient appliances LED vs CFLThe students also took a solemn energy pledge to adopt energysaving habits at home and schoolSince 2021 Project Utthan has been successfully run under a publicprivate partnership between BMC Adani Foundation and Adani Electricity focusing on fundamentally enhancing the quality and learning outcomes in BMC schools across MumbaiThe project prioritises strengthening Foundational Literacy and Numeracy FLN for primary students This is achieved through activitybased learning the creation of robust learning resources like reading corners and targeted personalised support provided by dedicated Utthan Sahayaks who work alongside BMC teachers to ensure student retention and academic improvementIt has made significant strides in transforming foundational learning across BMC schools across Mumbai The initiative has already shown measurable improvements in learning outcomes student engagement and the creation of more joyful inclusive classrooms The initiative also fosters holistic development by empowering teachers and engaging the communityBeyond academic metrics Project Utthan aims to fundamentally transform Mumbais public education system by building strong foundational learning environmentsThe initiative is strategically aligned to improve the citys performance in the National Achievement Survey NAS 202728 with a focus on ensuring that no child is left behind in acquiring essential literacy and numeracy skills IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/adani-foundation-adani-electricityobservenational-energy-conservation-day-with-students-in-mumbai--653853.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/jd-s-seeks-withdrawal-of-greater-bengaluru-governance-bill-calls-it-unconstitutional-653685.html Bengaluru Dec 15 The Janata Dal Secular on Monday demanded that the Congressled state government immediately withdraw the Greater Bengaluru Governance Amendment Bill terming it an insult to democracy and contrary to the Constitution JDS Bengaluru City Unit President HM Ramesh Gowda in a statement alleged that the proposed ward demarcation under the bill was politically motivated and designed to benefit the Congress party and warned that such flawed restructuring would adversely affect Bengaluruâs developmentThe governments move to table this bill is condemnable It is an attempt to push the legislation at the last minute to gain undue political advantage Gowda saidHe cited Article 243R of the Constitution which mandates that all seats in a municipality shall be filled by persons chosen through direct elections from territorial constituencies within the municipal area commonly referred to as wardsGowda further pointed out that while the Constitution provides for nominated members under Article 243R2 such members do not enjoy voting rights He alleged that the governmentâs proposal to nominate corporators to newly created wards violates constitutional provisionsThe bill allows the nomination of members at the rate of one per 20000 population This is nothing but an insult to democracy The government must withdraw this bill immediately he demandedIt may be noted that the Greater Bengaluru Governance Amendment Bill 2025 was tabled in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly with the stated objective of providing clarity on the functioning of the Greater Bengaluru Authority GBA and its relationship with existing civic bodiesAs per the provisions of the bill all elected Members of Parliament and Members of the State Legislative Assembly whose constituencies or parts of constituencies fall within the jurisdiction of the Greater Bengaluru Authority will be included as members of the AuthorityThe government has maintained that the proposed amendments are aimed at decentralising governance improving service delivery and enhancing transparency in Bengaluruâs urban administrationThe amendment also clarifies that mayors and elected corporation members will continue to enjoy full powers as guaranteed under the Constitution thereby safeguarding the spirit of the 74th Constitutional Amendment the government has said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/jd-s-seeks-withdrawal-of-greater-bengaluru-governance-bill-calls-it-unconstitutional-653685.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ceased-to-exist-in-reality-sc-dissolves-25-year-old-marriage-653943.html New Delhi Dec 16 The Supreme Court has dissolved a 25yearold marriage holding that it had ceased to exist in reality and that there was no possibility of reconciliation Allowing a petition filed by the husband a bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Joymalya Bagchi invoked its extraordinary powers to do complete justice between the parties and granted divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown The Justice Manmohanheaded Bench set aside a 2011 Gauhati High Court judgment that had overturned a divorce decree granted by a trial court in Shillong The parties have lived separately for far too long a period of time and there is no sanctity left in the marriage Also rapprochement is not in the realm of possibility the apex court observed noting that the couple had been living apart since November 2001 and had no children from the wedlock The marriage between the parties was solemnised in August 2000 However matrimonial litigation began as early as 2003 and has continued for over 22 years the judgment observed adding that despite mediation efforts ordered by the Supreme Court in 2012 no settlement was reached The bench said that prolonged separation without any hope of reunion itself amounts to cruelty Referring to a series of earlier decisions the apex court said that where parties have been living separately for decades the marriage becomes only on paper An unworkable marriage which has ceased to be effective is futile and bound to be a source of great misery to the parties the judgment said adding that refusal to sever such a legal tie does not serve the sanctity of marriage but may lead to mental cruelty Rejecting the Gauhati High Courtâs view that the wife had not deserted the husband the Supreme Court stressed that the case was not about fixing fault or blame but about recognising the reality of a dead marriage No spouse can be compelled to resume life with a consort and as such nothing is gained by keeping the parties tied forever to a marriage which has in fact ceased to exist the Justice Manmohanled Bench reiterated The Supreme Court upheld the 2010 decree of divorce passed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Judicial Shillong and set aside the Gauhati High Courtâs judgment formally dissolving the marriage Accordingly the order of the Additional Deputy Commissioner Judicial Shillong insofar as it grants a decree of divorce to the parties is upheld and the impugned order of the High Court is set aside With the aforesaid observations the appeal stands allowedâ the apex court said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ceased-to-exist-in-reality-sc-dissolves-25-year-old-marriage-653943.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/bjp-seeks-nia-probe-into-schools-receiving-bomb-threats-in-punjab-653688.html Chandigarh Dec 15 With 11 schools in Jalandhar city received bomb threat emails that led to panic as parents started gathering outside schools to pick their wards BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Monday took exception to the manner in which a sense of terror is being spread among school children in Punjab by forces that the AAP government has failed to control Demanding an investigation by the NIA Chugh said it appeared to be a deliberate and calculated design by subversive forces to intimidate children and their parents reflecting the complete collapse of the law and order machinery in the border state He questioned whether the Bhagwant Mann government was playing into the hands of the ISI or had simply failed to control disruptive forces Chugh said the entire state already âknows that gangsters and mafias are enjoying a free run spreading an atmosphere of terror and panic across the state Everyone is aware of how bullets are fired almost daily and how extortion calls are made to paralyse every section of society But it is extremely alarming that schoolgoing children are now being subjected to terrorism and panic at a time when the Bhagwant Mann government continues to make deceptive claims about improving standards of school educationâ Chugh said in a statement Calling it an inhuman and criminal failure on the part of the Mann government Chugh said the matter needs a thorough investigation A message from St Josephs Convent School to the parents after the threatening email read This is to inform you that the school has announced a half day today December 15 The dispersal time for all students will be 1155 am Please do not pay attention to any rumours The school premises have been thoroughly inspected by the authorities concerned and no threat or danger has been detectedâ Responding to bomb threat emails Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur said 11 schools have reported having received threatening emails âSo far the emails do not seem genuine as they are in the same format Our teams are checking their origin These are on the same lines as received in Amritsarâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/bjp-seeks-nia-probe-into-schools-receiving-bomb-threats-in-punjab-653688.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/attempt-to-rename-mnrega-an-insult-to-mahatma-gandhi-ashok-gehlot-653695.html Jaipur Dec 15 Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday strongly criticised the NDA governments reported move to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act MNREGA calling it a reflection of a petty mindset and a serious insult to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi In a statement Gehlot said the NDA government had initially floated the idea of removing the name of Revered Bapu from the employment guarantee scheme and after facing widespread criticism was now attempting to introduce a new name Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission abbreviated as âVB G RAM Gâ He said this repeated eagerness to change the name only exposed the guilt insecurity and narrow thinking of the BJPled NDA governmentGehlot alleged that the attempt to alter the identity of MNREGA was not merely an administrative decision but a deliberate effort to erase Mahatma Gandhiâs legacy from a landmark welfare programme that has provided livelihood security to millions of rural households across the countryHighlighting Mahatma Gandhis global stature Gehlot recalled that during the recent G20 Summit Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other world leaders paid homage to Gandhiji at Rajghat He said that since Independence every visiting head of state has traditionally paid tribute at Rajghat underlining Gandhijiâs unparalleled respect and moral authority across the worldOn one hand the entire world bows to Bapu On the other there appears to be a conspiracy to erase his legacy in his own country the former Chief Minister said describing the move as deeply disturbingCalling the proposed renaming emotionally and morally wrong the former Chief Minister stressed that Mahatma Gandhi was a lifelong devotee of Lord Rama and that Hey Ram were his final wordsThe current governments deplorable attempt to sideline Gandhiji under the pretext of including the name âRamâ in the schemeâs title is highly reprehensible he said adding that invoking Lord Ramaâs name to justify removing Mahatma Gandhis name amounted to a distortion of both spiritual and moral valuesGehlot demanded that the Centre immediately reconsider and withdraw the move warning that such actions would send an extremely negative message to the international community about Indiaâs commitment to Gandhian idealsHe further pointed out that October 2 Mahatma Gandhis birth anniversary is observed by the United Nations as the International Day of NonViolence reflecting the global reverence and relevance of Gandhijis philosophy even todaySuch steps clearly indicate that the BJP does not truly believe in the values of nonviolence truth and inclusiveness that Mahatma Gandhi stood for Gehlot said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/attempt-to-rename-mnrega-an-insult-to-mahatma-gandhi-ashok-gehlot-653695.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/stalin-slams-centres-move-to-rename-and-restructure-mgnregs-warns-bjp-of-public-backlash-653697.html Chennai Dec 15 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJPled Central government accusing it of systematically dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme MGNREGS a flagship programme that has played a key role in rural poverty alleviation across India In a strongly worded statement posted on social media platform X the Chief Minister condemned the Centreâs proposed move to rename and restructure the scheme calling it an ideological assault on both Mahatma Gandhiâs legacy and the rights of rural workersStalin alleged that the BJP government driven by what he described as âdeepseated hostilityâ towards the Father of the Nation is attempting to remove Mahatma Gandhiâs name from the scheme and replace it with what he termed an unpronounceable Sanskritised North Indian name â reportedly the Viksit Bharat Rojgar and Awas Yojana He said this renaming exercise was not merely symbolic but reflected a broader attempt to dilute the spirit of the programmeThe Chief Minister also expressed serious concern over proposed changes to the funding pattern He pointed out that MGNREGS was originally implemented with 100 per cent financial support from the Union government but under the new proposal the Centre intends to limit its contribution to just 60 per cent Such a move Stalin warned would severely weaken the scheme and burden states that are already investing heavily in social welfare Another major issue highlighted by Stalin was what he called the punishment of success He said Tamil Nadu which has made significant strides in reducing rural poverty is now being penalised for its achievements As a state categorised as having lower poverty levels Tamil Nadu is likely to receive reduced benefits under the revised framework depriving eligible rural workers of muchneeded employment opportunities The MGNREGS introduced in 2005 has been instrumental in providing guaranteed employment through works related to water conservation land development rural roads and livestockrelated infrastructure Stalin stressed that the scheme had helped lift crores of people out of poverty and enabled them to live with dignity Drawing a parallel with earlier policy reversals the Chief Minister warned the Centre that public resistance would once again prevail Just as you were forced to retreat on the three farm laws and the castebased census the people will certainly compel you to step back from this attempt to destroy MGNREGS he said Stalin urged the Union government to immediately withdraw the proposed Viksit Bharat â Guarantee Scheme for Employment and Livelihood cautioning that failure to do so would invite the wrath of the people across the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/stalin-slams-centres-move-to-rename-and-restructure-mgnregs-warns-bjp-of-public-backlash-653697.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/adani-foundation-adani-electricityobservenational-energy-conservation-day-with-students-in-mumbai-653820.html New Delhi Dec 16 The Adani Foundation supported by Adani Electricity recently observed National Energy Conservation Day with 15 lakh students from schools in Mumbai Under its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR programme Project âUtthanâ Adani Foundation and Adani Electricity celebrated the day on December 14 with students from 947 schools that are part of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC across the cityâA massive success for National Energy Conservation Day Adani Electricity and Adani Foundations CSR project Utthan aimed at enhancing learning outcomes in BMC schools across Mumbai in collaboration with BMC and the dedication of BMC school teachers and Utthan Sahayaks engaged students in vital energy awarenessâ according to an official statementâFrom the fun Switch Off Game and innovative science models to the Energy Pledge this partnership is actively fostering a culture of energy efficiency among the younger generationâ it addedSince 2021 Project Utthan has been successfully run under a publicprivate partnership between BMC Adani Foundation and Adani Electricity focusing on fundamentally enhancing the quality and learning outcomes in BMC schools across MumbaiThe project prioritises strengthening Foundational Literacy and Numeracy FLN for primary students This is achieved through activitybased learning the creation of robust learning resources like Reading Corners and targeted personalised support provided by dedicated Utthan Sahayaks who work alongside BMC teachers to ensure student retention and academic improvementIt has made significant strides in transforming foundational learning across 83 BMC schools in Malad Dahisar Borivali Chembur and Kurla directly benefiting over 25000 studentsThe initiative has already shown measurable improvements in learning outcomes student engagement and the creation of more joyful inclusive classroomsThe initiative also fosters holistic development by empowering teachers and engaging the communityBeyond academic metrics Project Utthan aims to fundamentally transform Mumbaiâs public education system by building strong foundational learning environmentsThe initiative is strategically aligned to improve the cityâs performance in the National Achievement Survey NAS 202728 with a focus on ensuring that no child is left behind in acquiring essential literacy and numeracy skillsBuilding on that success the project is now being expanded from academic years 202526 to 202728 to cover Grades 1 to 4 across 947 municipal schools reaching more than 15 lakh students IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/adani-foundation-adani-electricityobservenational-energy-conservation-day-with-students-in-mumbai-653820.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/bengal-man-hacks-to-death-accused-who-killed-his-brother-a-decade-ago-653584.html Kolkata Dec 15 In a suspected case of revenge killing a man has been accused of hacking to death the person who allegedly murdered his brother nearly 10 years ago police said on Monday The incident took place around midnight on Sunday at the Kendua ash pond of National Thermal Power Corporation NTPC Ltd under the Farakka police station in Murshidabad districtThe deceased has been identified as 48yearold Alam Sheikh who worked as a night watchman at the ash pondPolice said he was attacked with sharp weapons while on his way to work The prime accused has been identified as Panna Sheikh No arrests had been made till Monday morningAccording to the police a murder took place in Jorapukuria village in 2015 following a village dispute Alam Sheikh along with several others was accused of dragging Toufiq Sheikh Panna Sheikhâs brother out of his house and beating him to death A case was registered at the Farakka police station and Alam Sheikh was arrested He was later released on bail after spending a considerable period in jailAfter Toufiq Sheikhâs killing his elder brother Panna Sheikh reportedly fled the village fearing retaliation Police said he returned to Jorapukuria a couple of months ago after years of absence and had been living there sinceOn Sunday night when Alam Sheikh was heading to his workplace he was allegedly intercepted by Panna Sheikh and a few others who hacked him to death before fleeing the spot Alam Sheikh died on the spot Police later recovered the body and sent it to Jangipur SubDivisional Hospital for postmortem examinationâThe body has been recovered and sent for autopsy A murder case has been registered Prima facie it appears to be a case of revenge killing We have launched a search operation to nab the accusedâ a senior Jangipur police officer saidAlam Sheikhâs elder brother Nabi Sheikh also a local leader of the Trinamool Congress said the family had apprehensions after Panna Sheikh returned to the village âWe feared trouble after his return but we never imagined he would brutally murder my brotherâ he saidFollowing the killing tension prevailed in the area Police personnel have been deployed and security has been tightened to prevent any untoward incident IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/bengal-man-hacks-to-death-accused-who-killed-his-brother-a-decade-ago-653584.html Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-hc-asks-authorities-to-consider-student-bodys-plea-to-meet-cm-over-284-lakh-vacant-posts-653644.html Dharwad Karnataka Dec 15 The Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the authorities to consider the representation of the Akhila Karnataka Students Association AKSA which has sought permission to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the issue of filling 284 lakh vacant government posts in the state The direction was issued after AKSA approached the court challenging the police decision to deny permission for a largescale protest in Dharwad demanding immediate recruitment to vacant posts across government departmentsA Bench headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna disposed of the petition and directed the petitioners to approach HubballiDharwad Police Commissioner N Shashikumar who has been asked to facilitate consideration of permission for a meeting with Chief Minister SiddaramaiahThe issue arose after nearly 30000 job aspirants staged a protest in Dharwad on December 1 seeking urgent action on government recruitment The police had denied permission for the protest citing past incidents that occurred during similar agitations Aggrieved by the denial AKSA moved the High Court seeking relief and permission to raise the issue through a peaceful demonstration and direct interaction with the governmentIn its petition AKSA stated that as per available data around 284 lakh government posts are lying vacant across various departments in Karnataka This includes 9536 vacant posts in the State Finance Department alone The association also pointed to the shortage of personnel in the police force and claimed that prolonged delays and uncertainty in the recruitment process had allegedly driven several job aspirants to take their own livesThe association contended that repeated representations to the government had failed to yield tangible results forcing students and job seekers to resort to protests to draw attention to their demands It argued that denying permission for peaceful protest or dialogue amounted to an infringement of democratic rightsThe matter of vacant posts was also taken up in the Legislature on December 11 Replying to a question raised by BJP MLC Nirani Hanamant Rudrappa in the Legislative Council Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged the scale of vacancies and outlined the governmentâs plan to address the issueThe question sought details on the steps taken by the government to fill approximately 284881 vacant posts including those in staterun corporations and boardsSiddaramaiah informed the House that there are a total of 284881 vacant posts in the state Of these 101420 vacancies are in corporations and boards while 14677 posts are vacant in universities The remaining vacancies are spread across various state government departments and local bodiesHe said approval has already been obtained from the Finance Department to fill 24300 posts Additionally under the provisions of Article 371J applicable to the HyderabadKarnataka region 32132 posts are required to be filled Taken together the government has initiated the process to fill 56432 posts and implementation is currently underwayThe Chief Minister also acknowledged that the recruitment process had been delayed due to issues related to internal reservation but clarified that the matter has since been resolvedHe assured the Legislature that the remaining vacant posts would be filled in a phased manner after securing the necessary approvals from the Finance Department IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-hc-asks-authorities-to-consider-student-bodys-plea-to-meet-cm-over-284-lakh-vacant-posts-653644.html Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/messi-event-chaos-bengal-guv-to-send-separate-report-to-centre-on-lapses-at-salt-lake-stadium-653667.html Kolkata Dec 15 West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Monday said he will send a separate report to the Central government outlining his observations on the lapses in management at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata during the December 13 event featuring Argentine football star Lionel Messi I will submit a report on this count to the Union government At the same time I will also give some suggestions to the West Bengal government on the precautions that should be adopted in case of similar mega events in the future Till now only one of the organisers has been arrested for this mismanagement But that is just the tip of the iceberg All those responsible for this utter mismanagement should be arrested the Governor told mediapersons at the end of a programme at Lok BhavanThe Governor also said that the state administration and police personnel present at the stadium on that day could not evade responsibility for what happened and were equally accountable for the lapsesThere was a total failure of the management system Surprisingly there were no advance guidelines in place for such a mega event The stadium is public property and it was the duty of the administration to protect that property from vandalism The administrative and police officers present at the stadium on that day failed to perform their duties Necessary action should be initiated against them as wellâ he saidThe event had witnessed chaos and disorder with allegations of poor crowd control damage to public property and lack of proper arrangements triggering widespread criticism from spectators and civil society groupsState Sports Minister Aroop Biswas was present at the stadium alongside Lionel Messi during the event Several spectators members of civil society and leaders of opposition parties have alleged that as Biswas and his family members surrounded the football star on the stadium ground spectators who had purchased tickets at high prices were denied adequate access to MessiThese allegations have added to the political controversy surrounding the event with opposition parties accusing the state government of gross mismanagement and preferential treatmentWhen asked whether his report to the Union Government would specifically mention the role of Sports Minister Aroop Biswas in the matter the Governor declined to give a direct responseI will report everything related to the matter to my constitutional superiors Till then I will not make any separate public statement Governor Ananda Bose saidThe Governors remarks come amid growing pressure on the state government to fix accountability for the lapses during the highprofile event which had attracted massive public attention and expectations IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/messi-event-chaos-bengal-guv-to-send-separate-report-to-centre-on-lapses-at-salt-lake-stadium-653667.html Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/if-attacks-continue-brs-will-be-forced-to-respond-ktr-warns-congress-653489.html Hyderabad Dec 14 Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS Working President KT Rama Rao on Sunday warned ruling Congress party that if attacks on BRS workers continue the party would be forced to respond He visited Lingampally village in Tungaturthi constituency of Suryapet district and paid tributes to BRS worker Uppala Mallaiah who was killed in an alleged attack by Congress activists recentlyKTR offered floral tributes to Mallaiahs portrait and extended his condolences to the bereaved family He handed over Rs 5 lakh as immediate financial assistance and assured the family of the partyâs full support in all aspectsAddressing a gathering KTR stated that BRS ruled the state for 10 years but never resorted to such violent politics He warned Congress leaders that days do not remain the same forever and advised them to abandon irresponsible politics and focus on peopleâs welfareHe cautioned that if attacks on BRS workers continue the party would be forced to respond and such a situation could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state Telangana he said never had a culture of political violence and such practices must stopKTR ridiculed the Congress government for being so scared even of Sarpanch and Panchayat elections He questioned that if Congress had truly delivered wonders in the last two years including loan waivers houses and ration cards as claimed why was it so afraid of elections KTR said that if the 420 promises made by Congress had been fulfilled people themselves would have celebrated the government Instead fear of failures has pushed Congress leaders towards attacks and intimidation he allegedHe said that despite intimidation and attacks by the ruling Congress party BRS has won nearly 50 percent of Sarpanch and Ward Member seats in the Panchayat electionsHe claimed that that people of Telangana are eagerly waiting for the return of K Chandrasekhar Rao KCR as the chief ministerKTR explained that although he wanted to visit the family immediately after the incident he waited to avoid further tensions He assured that BRS would stand by its word and expressed confidence that BRS would return to power Once the party forms the government again one member of Mallaiahs family will be provided a government job he promised IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/if-attacks-continue-brs-will-be-forced-to-respond-ktr-warns-congress-653489.html Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/sc-advises-hybrid-hearings-as-delhi-ncr-air-quality-turns-very-poor-653492.html New Delhi Dec 14 In view of prevailing weather conditions and deteriorating air quality in the national capital the Supreme Court has advised members of the Bar and partiesinperson to avail the hybrid mode of appearance wherever convenient for matters listed before the apex court A circular issued by the Supreme Court Registry said that the advisory was issued on the directions of the Chief Justice of India CJI Surya Kant urging the use of videoconferencing facilities in appropriate cases if convenient The circular has been circulated to the Supreme Court Bar Association the Supreme Court AdvocatesonRecord Association all notice boards and other concerned authorities for wider dissemination Earlier this month the CJI Kantled Bench had expressed strong concern over Delhiâs toxic air making it clear that it could not remain a mute spectator while millions of the national capitals residents continue to breathe polluted airWhile hearing a public interest litigation PIL on controlling air pollution in Delhi the Bench also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM to submit an actionable report addressing the recurring air crisis The CJI Kantled bench had also cautioned against oversimplifying the causes of pollution by singling out stubble burning alone stressing that multiple factors including construction activity and vehicular emissions contribute to the problem We do not want to comment on stubble burning as it would be incorrect to burden the people who are hardly represented in the court the apex court had observed In an earlier hearing the apex court had emphasised the need for a longterm strategy to tackle DelhiNCRs recurring air pollution crisis instead of shortterm responses every winter You can give suggestions but they cannot be for two days one week or three weeks We need a longterm solution so that this problem reduces gradually every year CJI Kantled Bench had told the Centre Last month Justice PS Narasimha had urged lawyers to shift to virtual hearings in view of Delhiâs very very serious pollution levels and cautioned that the situation could cause permanent damage Situation is very very serious Why are you all appearing here Justice Narasimha had remarked We have the virtual hearing facility Please avail it This pollution will cause permanent damage he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/sc-advises-hybrid-hearings-as-delhi-ncr-air-quality-turns-very-poor-653492.html Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/sc-shields-kerala-martial-arts-teacher-from-arrest-in-pocso-case-653313.html New Delhi Dec 13 The Supreme Court has directed that no coercive action be taken against a Keralabased karate instructor accused under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences POCSO Act While issuing notice on his special leave petition SLP challenging the denial of anticipatory bail a Bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe sought a response from the state of Kerala and the complainantMaking the notice returnable on February 18 2026 the apex court granted interim protection from arrest to the petitionerSubject to the petitioner Sunil Kumar joining and cooperating with the investigation he shall not be arrested till the next hearing it saidAs per the top courts order the interim relief is linked to the FIR registered at Vadakara Police Station in Kozhikode Rural district for offences punishable under Sections 354A1i 354B and 354D of the IPC and Sections 9l read with Sections 10 and 9o of the POCSO ActThe Justice Kumarled Bench further directed the petitioner to strictly abide by the conditions stipulated under Section 4822 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023The SLP filed before the Supreme Court through advocate Vipin Nair challenged the Kerala High Courts order dated November 4 2025 which had dismissed the petitioners anticipatory bail plea holding that a prima facie case was made out against himThe petitioner a 46yearold karate instructor and National Secretary of Kenyuryu Karate India has alleged that the POCSO provisions have been misused in a âmotivated and belatedâ complaint lodged by a former student He claimed that the complaint was filed nearly five years after the alleged incidents that occurred between 2018 and 2020The SLP contended that despite the alleged period of incidents the complainant continued to maintain cordial relations with the petitioner and even publicly praised him in 2022 describing him as a âfather figureâIt further argued that professional rivalry and personal animosity arose after the complainant left the petitionerâs karate centre and joined a rival club Relying on past Supreme Court rulings to underline the impact of criminal accusations on the reputation of teachers the petitioner argued that custodial interrogation was not necessary given his cooperation with the investigation and absence of criminal antecedents IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/sc-shields-kerala-martial-arts-teacher-from-arrest-in-pocso-case-653313.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/75-pc-students-women-a-reflection-of-empowerment-at-pu-punjab-governor-653316.html Chandigarh Dec 13 Saying 75 per cent of graduating students are women Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday presided over and delivered the convocation address at the 73rd convocation of Panjab University PU here Medals prizes and degrees to the students passing examinations in 2025 were awarded at the convocation At the convocation Doctor of Science Honoris Causa degrees were conferred upon Prof KN Pathak and Dr Vijay P Bhatkar while Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel was conferred the Doctor of Laws The PU Vigyan Ratna Award was presented to Prof Pradeep Thalappil the PU Khel Ratna Award was conferred upon Sarabjot Singh and the PU Sahitya Ratna Award was presented to Amarjit GrewalAddressing the gathering the Governor appreciated achievements of the graduating students and awardees The fact that nearly 75 per cent of graduating students today are women is a powerful reflection of women empowerment through educationâ He further linked it to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for increasing womens participation in higher education Appreciating Panjab Universityâs number of achievements in national and international rankings the Governor said that while the university has a strong national standing it also has the potential to emerge as a globally leading institution Mentioning the illustrious alumni of the university like former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and IK Gujral former President Shankar Dayal Sharma Olympian Neeraj Chopra cricketer Kapil Dev Nobel laureate Dr Har Gobind Khorana actors Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj he said their achievements continue to inspire future generations Referring to the conferment of 350 PhDs in a span of less than a year the Governor described the achievement as a testament to the dedication of students parents and faculty members In her address ViceChancellor Renu Vig said the university continues to strengthen its academic and research profile in alignment with national priorities Highlighting recent achievements she mentioned 33 patents major research grants expansion of national and international collaborations strong alumni support and an impressive performance at the Khelo India 2025 events Earlier the ceremony commenced with a group photograph of gold medallists followed by the donning of robes by dignitaries and an academic procession led by the ViceChancellor Deans of University Instruction and senior functionaries Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains DUI Prof Yojna Rawat PU Registrar Prof YP Verma along with senior officers of the university faculty members students and their family members were also present on the occasion IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/75-pc-students-women-a-reflection-of-empowerment-at-pu-punjab-governor-653316.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 01:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/delhi-minister-kapil-mishra-joins-deliberations-on-sanatan-consciousness-653347.html New Delhi Dec 13 Delhi Art Culture and Language Minister Kapil Mishra said on Saturday that it is a historic moment that the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnaad Mahotsav is being held in the national capital Speaking at the twoday Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam Mishra said that a decade ago the very idea of such open ideological discourse would have seemed unimaginableHighlighting the even being held with the support of both the government of India and the government of Delhi he said the festival provided a platform for discussion on Indias civilisational heritage Sanatan consciousness cultural renaissance and contemporary national issuesAddressing the gathering Mishra said The resonance of Jai Shri Ram itself becomes the shankhnaad the proclamation of the Sanatan NationReferring to the Ram Temple movement the Somnath Jyotirlinga and the play of time he said that the Sanatan tradition is futureoriented and that time itself eventually provides its answersCiting various cultural events held at the Red Fort he emphasised that fear is not embedded in the DNA of Indian societyHighlighting the concept of Ram Rajya Mishra said that it is realised not merely through security but through social harmony mutual responsibility and a shared sense of dharmaA special attraction of the event was an exhibition showcasing the weapons tradition from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj described as a living testimony to Indias martial heritage and valourIn the same sequence the International Janmangal Conference was organized at Bharat Mandapam on December 1213 with participation from saints ascetics yoga practitioners thinkers and women spiritual leaders from India and abroadThe objective of the conference was to strengthen the values of public welfare and nationbuilding through fasting yoga meditation selfdiscipline and spiritual practiceOn this occasion Mishra said The moment one sits in the presence of divine souls inner consciousness begins to transformHe noted that penance involving hundreds of days of fasting sensory restraint and spiritual discipline may sound impossible yet the direct presence of such divine souls is a blessing for the nationHe described the austerities of Jain saints women spiritual leaders and yoga practitioners as the foundation of societyThe conference witnessed the presence of Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shanti Gir Maharaj Sadhguru Dr Charudatt Pingale Uday Mahurkar Dr Suresh Chavhanke Shakti Swaroopa Anjali Kangil and several other saints and thinkersMishra stated that if society resolves to act in accordance with the call of Yog Guru Swami Ramdev many crises facing the nation and dharma would naturally be resolved IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/delhi-minister-kapil-mishra-joins-deliberations-on-sanatan-consciousness-653347.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 01:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/all-india-civil-services-sports-meet-begins-in-patna-over-1-000-take-part-653349.html Patna Dec 13 A large contingent of athletes from the countrys civil services has converged in Patna for the All India Civil Services Sports Championship 202526 which began on Saturday at the Patliputra Sports Complex and will continue till December 15 As many as 1084 civil servant athletes and officials from across the country are taking part in the threeday nationallevel championshipThe participants include 702 male athletes 328 female athletes and 54 officials representing all 28 states and nine Union Territories including Haryana Gujarat Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra Tamil Nadu and KeralaThe championship features a wide range of athletics events bringing together officers from diverse services to compete at a high levelOn the opening day the morning session saw keenly contested 100metre and 400metre races with participants displaying notable competitiveness discipline and sportsmanshipThe Patliputra Sports Complex which is hosting the event is equipped with a synthetic track internationalstandard field event facilities and modern infrastructure ensuring professional conduct of the championshipThe competition includes a comprehensive set of track and field events such as sprint and middledistance races high jump long jump shot put discus throw javelin throw and relay racesA special highlight of the championship is the veterans category for athletes aged between 40 and 60 years The category aims to encourage participation by senior officers and promote interaction between experienced sportspersons and younger athletes blending enthusiasm with experienceBihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit said it was a matter of pride for the state to host the All India Civil Services Athletics ChampionshipHe said it was particularly encouraging to witness government officers actively participating in sports despite the demands of their professional responsibilitiesIn Bihar the Sports Department was established as a separate department in 2024 Since then several international sporting events have been organised in the state The government is continuously working to promote sports and athletes the Chief Secretary saidPratyaya Amrit added that in the recent years special emphasis has been placed on strengthening sports infrastructure across BiharSports academies are being activated at the district level and multiple schemes are being implemented to identify and encourage young sporting talent he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/all-india-civil-services-sports-meet-begins-in-patna-over-1-000-take-part-653349.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 01:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/celebrated-artisan-mohammad-dilshad-govt-schemes-helped-us-reach-international-buyers-653356.html Saharanpur Dec 13 Saharanpur long known as the hub of exquisite wood carving in India is today witnessing its traditional craft gain global admiration One of the strongest voices of this transformation is Mohammad Dilshad a master artisan from Saharanpur who was recently honoured with the Shilp Guru Awardâ2024 by President Droupadi Murmu Dilshad believes that Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs vision of âLocal to Globalâ has played a decisive role in giving Indian handicrafts and Saharanpurâs intricate wood carving in particular a distinct global identitySpeaking about receiving the prestigious Shilp Guru Award Mohammad Dilshad expressed deep gratitude to the Ministry of Textiles the selection committee and everyone involved in recognising his work He described the honour as not just a personal achievement but a moment of pride for his entire family and community âIt is a great joy that our traditional craft has been identified and respected at such a high levelâ he said in a conversation with IANS on SaturdayDilshadâs family has a long legacy of excellenceâhe himself received a UNESCO Award in 2005 his two sons were honoured with National Awards in 2006 his third son received an award in 2008 and in 2017 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath felicitated him with the Lokmat SammanReflecting on the growing global reputation of Saharanpurâs wood carving Dilshad credited the relentless hard work and dedication of local artisans âThe fine carving on wood especially on sheesham has made Saharanpur famous across the worldâ he said adding that this recognition is the result of generations of skilled craftsmanship and perseveranceDilshad strongly believes that government support is crucial in transforming Indian handicrafts into global brands He noted that increased promotion of wood carving within India has led to greater international appreciation âThe government encourages us provides platforms and gives us opportunities to showcase our work abroad When we go overseas we receive immense respect for our artâ he saidWhen asked about initiatives like One District One Product ODOP Dilshad acknowledged their significant role in giving national visibility to traditional crafts According to him such schemes have empowered artisans by connecting them to markets resources and recognition that were previously beyond their reachHighlighting Prime Minister Modiâs âLocal to Globalâ vision Dilshad said it has opened new pathways for artisans to reach international markets âThrough various government schemes we are now able to send our products not only across India but also to foreign countries Along with business opportunities we gain dignity and respectâ he explained He also pointed out that many artisans remain unaware of these schemes and stressed the need for greater awareness to help craftspeople grow their enterprisesSharing his experience after receiving the Presidentâs award Dilshad recalled how he grew up accompanying his father to workshops and exhibitions learning the craft from a young age âThis honour shows that if we work hard and innovate within our tradition we too can be recognised at the highest levelâ he said Since the award he has noticed increased interest among people with visitors frequently coming to learn about the craft signalling a renewed enthusiasm for traditional artistry in SaharanpurOn the future of the craft Dilshad expressed optimism that government policies and initiatives would inspire the younger generation to adopt traditional arts He highlighted workshops and training programmes organised by the government where new techniques are taught helping artisans improve their skills while gaining both economic growth and social respectMohammad Dilshad praised the governmentâs efforts to uplift grassroots artisans âWhen people who work on the ground are honoured by the President and the Prime Minister on a national stage it brings immense happiness and motivation It shows that our art culture and heritage truly matterâ he said expressing heartfelt gratitude for the recognition and support extended to Indiaâs craftsmen IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/celebrated-artisan-mohammad-dilshad-govt-schemes-helped-us-reach-international-buyers-653356.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 01:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-cmrf-gives-2-106-cancer-patients-a-new-lease-of-life-in-4-years-653456.html Ahmedabad Dec 14 The Gujarat governments Chief Ministers Relief Fund CMRF has emerged as a critical safety net for citizens in moments of acute distress From natural disasters and accidents to lifethreatening illnesses and advanced medical procedures the scope of the fund has steadily expanded In the healthcare sector in particular CMRF has provided timely financial relief renewed hope and lifesaving support to thousands of families across the stateUnder the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel the CMRF has been made more sensitive swift and citizencentric ensuring that no patient is denied treatment due to financial hardshipAligned with the governments stated priority that human life and health come first the fund has increasingly become a trusted pillar of support for vulnerable citizensThe core objective of the Chief Ministerâs Relief Fund is to ensure access to lifesaving medical care for economically weaker patients who cannot afford expensive treatmentsAssistance is provided for serious conditions such as cancer heart disease kidney and liver failure and organ transplantsUnder the eligibility norms applicants must have an annual income of less than Rs 4 lakh Rs 6 lakh for senior citizens Required documents include a residence certificate detailed treatment cost estimates and relevant medical recordsApplications undergo thorough verification by the Revenue Department before being placed before the CMRF committee which includes the Relief Commissioner Additional Chief Secretary Revenue the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister himselfOnce approved the sanctioned amount is transferred directly to the hospital or the patient ensuring there is no delay in treatmentBetween 2021 and 2025 the Chief Ministers Relief Fund under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patels leadership extended crucial financial assistance to 2106 cancer patients across Gujarat effectively giving many a new lease on lifeDuring this period more than Rs 3155 crore was disbursed to support cancer treatmentAccording to diseasewise data shared by the Health Department 450 patients suffering from blood cancer including cases requiring bone marrow transplants received assistance while 1656 patients battling other forms of cancer were supported through the fundBeyond cancer care the CMRF has also played a significant role in supporting highcost and complex medical procedures such as liver kidney heart and lung transplants easing the financial burden on affected familiesSeveral leading cancer care institutions in Gujarat are integral to the CMRF assistance frameworkThese include the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute GCRI in Ahmedabad Nathalal Parikh Cancer Research Institute and BT Savani Hospital in Rajkot Bharat Cancer Hospital Kiran Multi Super Speciality Hospital and AAIHMS in Surat IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-cmrf-gives-2-106-cancer-patients-a-new-lease-of-life-in-4-years-653456.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/v-p-radhakrishnan-releases-postage-stamp-commends-govt-support-to-tamil-culture-653458.html New Delhi Dec 14 VicePresident VP C P Radhakrishnan released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II Suvaran Maran on Sunday at the VicePresidents Enclave here an official said Speaking on the occasion the VicePresident appreciated the Union government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuous support to Tamil culture and languageHe lauded initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and efforts to recognise and honour Tamil kings leaders and freedom fighters who had not received due recognition earlierThe VicePresident mentioned that the release of the commemorative postage stamp on Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar was part of this ongoing process of recognitionHe said that recognising unsung heroes is essential to revive the cultural pride of the nation as India marches towards Viksit BharatUnion Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan were present on the occasion according to a statement on VicePresidents X accountEarlier VicePresident Radhakrishnan joined the centenary birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium at Puttaparthi in Andhra PradeshAddressing the gathering the VicePresident described Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a great emissary of God of peace love and selfless service whose message and mission transcended all barriers of caste religion class and nationalityHe said that Sri Sathya Sai Babas guiding principles Love All Serve All and Help Ever Hurt Never shaped every initiative he undertook and every life he touchedQuoting the saintpoet Thiruvalluvars Kural the VicePresident noted that Sri Sathya Sai Baba epitomised this timeless truth by devoting his entire life to loving and serving humanityEmphasising Sri Sathya Sai Babas teachings rooted in Sathya truth Dharma righteousness Shanthi peace Prem love and Ahimsa nonviolence VicePresident Radhakrishnan said these eternal values remain essential for building a harmonious and progressive societyHe underscored Sri Sathya Sai Babas message urging humanity to replace discord with harmony and selfishness with sacrifice values that are especially relevant in todays world marked by uncertainty and conflictHe stressed that public life too must be guided by truth duty empathy and moral responsibility virtues that Sri Sathya Sai Baba deeply propagated IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/v-p-radhakrishnan-releases-postage-stamp-commends-govt-support-to-tamil-culture-653458.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/messi-event-chaos-bengal-guv-to-prepare-spl-report-suggest-precautions-for-mega-gatherings-653461.html Kolkata Dec 14 West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose will prepare a separate report on the management lapses witnessed at Salt Lake Stadium on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on December 13 during an event featuring Argentine football star Lionel Messi and will also suggest to the state government the precautions that need to be adopted in future while organising such mega events an official said on Sunday The Governor visited the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday to take stock of the situation following the chaos that broke out at the venue Before leaving the stadium he told newspersons that he intended to prepare a separate report on the incident and forward specific recommendations to the state government on measures required to prevent similar occurrences in the futureDuring his interaction with the media the Governor accused the state government of not taking adequate security precautions for an event of such magnitude despite advance indications of potential crowdrelated problems He said there were prior alerts about the massive gathering of people eager to catch a glimpse of the Argentine football star which should have prompted stronger preventive arrangementsThe Governor also reiterated the comments he had made on Saturday alleging that the police administration failed to put in place sufficient advance measures to anticipate and manage the chaos arising from the huge turnout at the stadiumAdvance precautions were necessary to ensure that the event proceeded smoothly the Governor said underscoring the need for better planning and coordination among the concerned authorities in such highprofile programmesMeanwhile members of the judicial committee appointed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to review the incident also visited the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday afternoon The committee has been tasked with examining the circumstances that led to the disorder and assessing responsibility for the lapsesAfter inspecting the venue the head of the committee Justice Retd Ashim Kumar Ray of the Calcutta High Court appealed to media persons to refrain from conducting what he termed a postmortem of the incident at this stageI request all of you not to go for any kind of postmortem at this moment We will conduct a detailed investigation into the matter We have taken notes on everything and our final report will contain all the details he saidHowever Justice Ray declined to respond directly when asked whether any specific authority or agency could be held responsible for the apparent mismanagement at the stadium on Saturday The investigation is at a preliminary stage now so I cannot say anything at this moment he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/messi-event-chaos-bengal-guv-to-prepare-spl-report-suggest-precautions-for-mega-gatherings-653461.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-yogi-led-up-govts-mass-marriage-scheme-brings-relief-to-over-4-lakh-underprivileged-families-653462.html New Delhi Dec 14 As the wedding season gathers pace across Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths Mass Marriage Scheme has emerged as a major social support initiative for economically weaker families particularly from the Dalit backward minority and other vulnerable sections Launched in 2017 the scheme aims to ease the financial burden of marriage for poor families while ensuring dignity and social inclusion for daughtersOver the past eight years more than four lakh marriages have been solemnised under the programme with ceremonies conducted collectively and in accordance with religious traditionsThe current financial year has witnessed an unprecedented responseAgainst a target of 57000 beneficiaries for 2025â26 the state government has received more than 120 lakh applications so farOf these more than 21000 have been approved while over 14000 marriages have already been conductedOfficials expect the numbers to rise significantly in the coming months as more applications are processedAccording to official data the scheme has benefited more than 220 lakh daughters from poor Dalit families making them the largest beneficiary group This is followed by more than 130 lakh beneficiaries from backward classes and over 40000 from minority communities Around 16000 families from the general category have also availed of assistance under the schemeEach couple receives financial support of Rs 1 lakh which includes essential marriage items a cash transfer directly credited to the brides bank account and full arrangements for the wedding ceremonyThe Uttar Pradesh government says this ensures both social dignity and economic security for the newly married coupleRP Singh Nodal Officer of the scheme said the initiative goes beyond financial assistanceIt promotes collective participation strengthens community bonds and upholds respect for women The objective is to ensure that no daughter is denied a dignified marriage due to financial constraints he addedCategorywise data for 2025â26 shows that 6556 Dalit couples and 5500 OBC couples have benefited so far along with 828 couples from minority communities and 494 from the general categorySince its inception the state government has spent more than Rs 2200 crore on the scheme with Rs 550 crore allocated for the current financial yearOfficials say the programmes inclusive nature covering Hindu Muslim Sikh and Christian marriages has helped promote social harmony while providing tangible support to underprivileged families across the state IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/cm-yogi-led-up-govts-mass-marriage-scheme-brings-relief-to-over-4-lakh-underprivileged-families-653462.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/carry-forward-ratan-thiyams-message-of-peace-amp-harmony-through-arts-manipur-guv-653465.html Imphal Dec 14 Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday urged the people to carry forward the message of peace and harmony propagated by Indias renowned theatre personality Ratan Thiyam through the medium of arts Indias one of legendary theatre personality and Padma Shri awardee Ratan Thiyam died in Manipur capital Imphal on July 23 this year leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that redefined contemporary Indian theatreAddressing a national seminar on celebrated theatre maestro Ratan Thiyam the Governor highlighted his outstanding contribution to Indian and Manipuri theatre noting that through iconic works such as Chakravyuha Uttar Priyadarshi and Nine Hills One Valley he conveyed enduring messages of peace harmony and cultural continuityHe said that over a career spanning more than five decades Ratan Thiyam placed Manipur prominently on the global cultural map and remains an ambassador of the states rich heritageGovernor Bhalla also recalled Ratan Thiyams multifaceted genius as a director playwright designer choreographer and writerExpressing confidence that the seminar deliberations would inspire young theatre practitioners the Governor called upon everyone to carry forward Ratan Thiyams message of peace and harmony through the artsHe commended the Manipur State Kala Akademi MSKA and the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy JNMDA for jointly organising the twoday seminar at the auditorium of JNMDA in ImphalGovernor Bhalla along with the First Lady Jyoti Bhalla led the gathering in paying floral tribute to the portrait of the late cultural icon Ratan Thiyam at the JNMDA campusThe Governor also felicitated the wife and other family members of Ratan ThiyamOn the occasion a half yearly journal of MSKA titled Manipuri Culture and Literature dedicated to Ratan Thiyam was releasedA nonfeature film titled Ratan Thiyam The Man of Theatre was also screened during the inaugural sessionThe film captures the life and work of the renowned Manipuri playwright and directorThe documentary delves into how Thiyam blends traditional Manipuri art forms and martial arts with contemporary social and political themes in his film productionsIt serves as a tribute to Thiyams significant impact on modern Indian theatre and his commitment to using the stage as a medium for social commentary and artistic expressionJNMDA ViceChairman Longjam Joychandra renowned Indian poet and writer Udayan Vajpeyi also spoke on the life and contributions of the late cultural icon Ratan Thiyam IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/carry-forward-ratan-thiyams-message-of-peace-amp-harmony-through-arts-manipur-guv-653465.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/over-850-caught-for-drunken-driving-in-hyderabad-cyberabad-653466.html Hyderabad Dec 14 More than people 850 people have been caught for driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol during the special weekend drive in the limits of Hyderabad and Cyberabad Police Commissionerates police said on Sunday While 460 drivers were apprehended during the twoday drive in Hyderabad the Cyberabad traffic police caught 407 offendersHyderabad traffic police conducted a twoday special drive on December 12 and 13 against drunken driving to ensure road safety During the special drive a total of 460 drivers were caught driving vehicles under the influence of alcoholOf them 350 were twowheeler riders 25 were threewheeler drivers 85 were fourwheeler and other vehicle driversOffenders were categorised based on their Blood Alcohol Concentration BAC levels A total of 98 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 35 mg100 ml to 50 mg100 mlThe police registered 185 cases for BAC levels ranging from 51 to 100 Another 91 cases booked for BAC level of 101150 and 48 cases for BAC levels ranging from 151200Sixteen offenders were found to have BAC levels ranging from 201 to 250 ten had BAC levels of 251300 and four case were booked for BAC levels above 300Police said there will be zero tolerance for drunk driving violations and this special drive will continue Commuters have been requested to cooperate with the traffic policeCyberabad traffic police conducted a special drunk driving enforcement drive over the weekend resulting in the apprehension of 407 offendersA total of 290 offenders were riding twowheelers Eighteen were threewheeler drivers Police said 90 violators were driving fourwheelers Nine others were driving heavy vehiclesPolice said 354 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 35 mg100 ml to 200 mg100 ml 31 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 201 mg100 ml to 300 mg100 ml and 22 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 301 mg100 ml to 550 mg100 mlIn the last week December 813 a total of 385 drunk driving cases were disposed in courts Sixteen persons were jailed and fined 21 persons asked to pay fine and do social service while only fine was imposed on remaining 348Cyberabad Police reiterated that driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence If anyone is found to be driving in an inebriated condition and causes a fatal accident such individuals will be booked under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder The maximum punishment under this section is 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/over-850-caught-for-drunken-driving-in-hyderabad-cyberabad-653466.html Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-hc-orders-wbssc-to-allow-2016-waiting-list-teachers-to-appear-in-fresh-interviews-653172.html Kolkata Dec 12 A singlejudge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the West Bengal School Service Commission WBSSC to allow waitinglist teaching candidates from the commissionâs 2016 panel to appear for interviews in the fresh recruitment for secondary and higher secondary teachers The order of the singlejudge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha had two operative parts and specified the limited scope of relief being granted The first states that only those waitinglist candidates from the 2016 panel who were disqualified from participating in the freshrecruitment interview because of the age criterion should get the chance to appearSimilarly only those waitinglist candidates who have approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a chance to appear in the freshrecruitment interview process should be allowed the sameJustice Sinha also directed the WBSSC to submit the marks obtained by the candidates in sealed envelopes to the court The singlejudge bench also sought the Commissionâs view on whether the interview process would be videorecordedThe fresh recruitment follows a division bench of the Supreme Court upholding an earlier order by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court that cancelled the WBSSCâs entire 2016 panel of around 26000 school jobs both teaching and nonteaching on grounds of rampant corruption in the recruitment process where money was paid for jobsEarlier this year the WBSSC conducted written examinations for the fresh recruitment of secondary and higher secondary teachers Recently the writtenexam results were declared and the list of candidates qualifying for interview was publishedThereafter some waitinglist candidates from the 2016 panel who missed a chance at interview due to crossing the age criterion approached the Calcutta High Court seeking the opportunity to appear Many of these candidates had remained on the waiting list pending appointment after the original 2016 process and they argued that denial of an interview on age grounds alone would be inequitable given the fresh recruitment exercise underwayFinally on Friday the singlejudge bench of Justice Sinha directed the WBSSC to allow waitinglist teaching candidates from the commissionâs 2016 panel to appear for the interview in the fresh recruitment for secondary and higher secondary teachers IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-hc-orders-wbssc-to-allow-2016-waiting-list-teachers-to-appear-in-fresh-interviews-653172.html Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-govt-fixes-minimum-rs-20-per-unit-payment-for-village-computer-entrepreneurs-653076.html Ahmedabad Dec 12 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has approved a minimum payment of Rs 20 per unit of work for Village Computer Entrepreneurs VCEs engaged under the stateâs eGram Vishwagram programme The decision was taken during the 12th Governing Body meeting of the eGram Vishwagram Society in Gandhinagar where the Chief Minister emphasised the need to bring parity in remuneration for VCEs who deliver essential egovernance services in villagesVCEs handle a wide range of digital tasks for rural citizens including copies of land records 712 8A and Hak Patrak farmer registrations procurement entries for agricultural produce birth and death certificates income certificates ration card updates and various online applications They are also entrusted with dataentry work for multiple government schemes Until now payments to VCEs varied widely because each government department set its own commission rates for different tasks This often resulted in inconsistent and unequal compensation for the same amount of effort across departmentsTaking cognisance of the issue the Chief Minister directed officials to standardise the payment structure to ensure that every VCE receives at least Rs 20 per unit of work regardless of the department assigning the task Following his instructions the Panchayat Department has issued an official circular mandating all state departments to comply with the revised minimum payment rulenbspDepartments have also been asked to inform both the Panchayat Department and the eGram Vishwagram Society before assigning any work to VCEs The move is expected to provide more stable and equitable earnings for thousands of young digital entrepreneurs who form the backbone of lastmile service delivery in rural GujaratGujaratâs villages are a blend of rich heritage vibrant culture and strong grassroots development spread across diverse regions like Kutch Saurashtra North and Central Gujarat Each village has its own identity whether itâs the craft clusters of Kutch known for embroidery and mudwork the lush agricultural belts of Anand and Kheda famous for dairy farming or the coastal settlements of Saurashtra shaped by fishing and maritime traditions IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarat-govt-fixes-minimum-rs-20-per-unit-payment-for-village-computer-entrepreneurs-653076.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-hc-asks-bengal-to-explain-delay-in-barbed-fencing-at-unfenced-bdesh-borders-652937.html Kolkata Dec 11 A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to file an affidavit detailing its observations on the issue of installing barbed fencing along international borders in the state with Bangladesh that remain unfenced The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen asked the West Bengal government to submit the affidavit by December 22 the next date fixed for hearing the matterThe direction followed hearing of a public interest litigation seeking immediate erection of barbed fencing at the unfenced international borders with Bangladesh in West BengalAs per the benchâs order the state government will have to explain in its affidavit why land for setting up the barbed fencing at the unfenced borders was not handed over to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs despite the latter paying the entire acquisition costThe division bench also observed that in case of objections to the state governmentâs affidavit the Union government would be given an opportunity to present its argumentsThe court further directed that the principal secretary of the West Bengal Land and Land Reforms Department be made a party to the caseLand acquisition at the stateâs international borders with Bangladesh has long been contentious with the Border Security Force BSF and the Union government accusing the state of noncooperationThe BJP has also accused the state government and the ruling Trinamool Congress of neglecting an issue that involves national security With the Calcutta High Court setting a deadline for the state government to submit its observations the matter has taken a critical legal turnIt needs to be noted that the IndiaBangladesh border in West Bengal spans varied terrain including rivers forests and densely populated enclaves making fencing and surveillance a persistent challengeSecurity agencies flag frequent cases of illegal migration smuggling and cattle trafficking while coordination between state authorities and central agencies remains crucial to tightening border management IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/calcutta-hc-asks-bengal-to-explain-delay-in-barbed-fencing-at-unfenced-bdesh-borders-652937.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/tn-may-offer-rs-3-000-cash-with-pongal-gift-package-652972.html Chennai Dec 11 In a significant preelection development the Tamil Nadu government is reportedly considering providing a Rs 3000 cash component along with the upcoming Pongal gift package for all ration card holders The move is likely to be announced after the launch of the Womenâs Rights Monthly Payment Scheme which is scheduled to begin disbursing pending payments on Friday Traditionally Pongal gifts are distributed through Tamil Naduâs ration shops ahead of the harvest festival During the previous AIADMK regime the Pongal package in 2021 included a record cash payment of Rs 2500 the highest ever distributed along with festival supplies After coming to power the DMK government reduced the amount to Rs 1000 while continuing the distribution of rice sugar and sugarcane This year however the government chose to provide only material items matta rice sugar sugarcane and other commodities without a cash component a decision that attracted strong public criticism With Assembly elections due next year senior ministers have reportedly asked officials to explore options for offering cash assistance to all ration card holders There were initial discussions about giving Rs 5000 per family but the stateâs strained finances largely due to the monthly payouts under the Womenâs Rights Scheme appear to have made this unfeasible at present As a compromise the government is reportedly preparing to offer Rs 3000 in cash along with a full Pongal kit for the upcoming festival The package is expected to cover all 225 crore ration card holders across Tamil Nadu While no official announcement has been made so far multiple sources indicate that the declaration will likely follow the initiation of pending payments under the Womenâs Rights Scheme on December 12 Interestingly Pongal packages are usually distributed only before the festival But due to logistical demands associated with distributing cash to such a large population the government is expected to allow the collection of Pongal kits throughout the month of January ensuring beneficiaries have ample time to receive both the festival commodities and the cash support If confirmed this would mark one of the largest cash distributions tied to Pongal in recent years and could significantly influence public sentiment ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/tn-may-offer-rs-3-000-cash-with-pongal-gift-package-652972.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/pm-modis-cultural-exchange-initiatives-have-strengthened-youth-unity-arunachal-guv-652973.html Itanagar Dec 11 Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General KT Parnaik Retd on Thursday said that the cultural exchange initiatives promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have significantly empowered the youth fostering a stronger sense of unity and shared identity across the country The Governor accompanied by the First Lady of the state Anagha Parnaik participated in the joint celebration of Nagaland and Assam state foundation day along with the Naga and Assamese communities of the state at the Lok Bhavan in Itanagar on Thursday A Lok Bhavan official said that the occasion was a distinguished reflection of Indias unity in diversity aligning with the Governors vision of fostering intercultural understanding among people particularly the youth as a vital foundation for an inclusive peaceful and harmonious society Lt General Parnaik Retd warmly reflected on the rich and intertwined histories of Assam and Nagaland praising the people of both states for their unwavering commitment to preserving their natural environment cultural heritage and treasured traditions of textiles and handlooms Drawing parallels with Arunachal Pradesh he said that the Assamese language once served as an important connecting dialect in the states early years symbolising the deep bonds shared among the northeastern neighbours Expressing gratitude the Governor thanked the people of Assam and Nagaland for their meaningful contribution to the progress of Arunachal Pradesh and to the collective vision of Viksit Bharat He said that the goodwill and mutual trust among the states have strengthened their interdependence and deepened the warmth and camaraderie that have long defined relations with these ageold neighbours The Governor further highlighted that the celebration of âState Foundation Dayâ magnificently embodies the Prime Ministerâs vision of âEk Bharat Shreshtha Bharatâ Such exchanges he said have greatly benefited the youth by helping them understand the lives traditions and cultures of people from other states an experience that will shape and inspire them as they lead the state and the nation in 2047 He emphasised that this initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has truly empowered young people with a stronger sense of unity and shared identity As part of the celebration Naga students of NERIST North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology presented Ahoh a soulful gospelfolkfusion song from Nagaland originally created by Jano Nyekha in 2015 Paying homage to the iconic late Zubeen Garg children of the Assamese community performed a dance set to his popular songs The women of the community offered the traditional Vaishnav devotional song Diha Nam while Bodo women captivated the audience with the graceful Bagarumba dance Children from Oju Mission Naharlagun attended the programme as special guests of the Governor The Governor and the First Lady later interacted with members of the Assamese and Naga communities They appreciated their dedication to preserving and promoting their cultural heritage in Arunachal Pradesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/pm-modis-cultural-exchange-initiatives-have-strengthened-youth-unity-arunachal-guv-652973.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/kolkata-court-grants-bail-to-3-held-for-assaulting-vendors-selling-chicken-patties-at-gita-recital-event-652976.html Kolkata Dec 11 A city court on Thursday granted bail to three persons who were arrested on charges of assaulting two vendors during a Gita recital event on December 7 Soumik Golder Swarnendu Chakraborty and Tarun Bhattacharya were released on bail on furnishing a bond of Rs 1000 each Their lawyer told the court the accused had found chicken in the vegetable patties they had ordered The public prosecutor argued that religious sentiments had been hurtMeanwhile a written complaint has been filed against one of the assaulted vendors Sheikh Riyazul at the Maidan police station alleging he sold nonvegetarian patties as vegetarian during the event at Brigade Parade GroundAfter the accused were produced in court on Thursday defence lawyers said vegetarian patties had been requested from the vendors However on breaking them open chicken was found inside the defence contended The lawyer further said one of the accused Soumik Golder is suffering from cancer and has lost a leg and he urged the court to grant bail to all threeThe public prosecutor however said the defence was giving its own version of events He maintained that two vendors were assaulted at the Maidan event and that the attack had hurt religious sentiments making the offence nonbailable He opposed bail and sought police custody but the judge granted bail to all three accusedOn Thursday Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER Sukanta Majumdar demanded the unconditional release of those arrestedâThe problem is not about selling patties The problem is about selling chicken patties while claiming them to be vegetable There is a difference between the two I eat chicken But someone else might not You cannot make them eat chicken by lying to them That is a crimeâ he saidKolkata Police had arrested the three men for publicly harassing and assaulting two vendors selling chicken patties at Brigade Parade Ground during the Gita recital on SundayThe arrested have been identified as Soumik Golder 23 Tarun Bhattacharya 51 and Swarnendu Chakraborty 32 While Golder and Chakraborty are from Gobardanga and Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas respectively Bhattacharya is from Uttarpara in Hooghly district They were arrested based on complaints lodged by two vendors at Maidan police stationThe accused had come to Kolkata on December 7 to attend the Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path Gita chanting by five lakh voices programme at Brigade Parade Ground organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad a collective of monks and spiritual leaders from various monasteries and Hindu institutionsAt the event vendors Sheikh Riyazul from Arambagh in Hooghly district and Mohammad Salauddin from Topsia in Kolkata were selling food to the large crowd According to the complaints some young men began questioning them asking how they could sell chicken patties at a religious event The questioning turned into insults and harassment The vendors were reportedly made to do situps while holding their ears and were slapped and punched by the accused A video of the harassment went viral on social media One vendor alleged food worth approximately Rs 3000 was destroyedFollowing the incident the two victims filed separate complaints at Maidan police station The police launched an investigation verified CCTV footage and videos identified the accused and made the arrests IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/kolkata-court-grants-bail-to-3-held-for-assaulting-vendors-selling-chicken-patties-at-gita-recital-event-652976.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/futureskills-prime-benefits-over-1578-lakh-candidates-in-it-sector-652676.html New Delhi Dec 10 Over 1578 lakh candidates have benefitted from the FutureSkills PRIME programme aimed at upskilling individuals in new and emerging technologies the government said on Wednesday The program implemented with the National Association of Software and Service Companies NASSCOM aims to build capacity to meet demand in Indiaâs growing technology sector an official statement saidThe program focuses on skilling reskilling and upskilling individuals in new and emerging technologies and provides premium learning content for flexible studyThe online platform of the program offers over 500 courses and more than 2000 digital fluency pathways the ministry saidAs of the end of November about 41 per cent of learners were women and 85 per cent came from tierâ2 and tierâ3 citiesThe government has also established Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence led by IISc Bangalore IIT Kanpur and IIT Ropar to address the use of AI in areas of healthcare sustainable cities and agricultureSome examples include cleanâair monitoring in Delhi AIâbased traffic and flood prediction for Surat a pilot Digital Nagar Palika platform in Kanpur AI tools for detection of chronic diseases and agricultural deployments such as Automatic Weather Stations AgriLLM and pest and cropâidentification toolsThe government said it aims to develop India as a global hub for software products boosting the domestic demand and exports of software products Export revenue from the IT sector is estimated at 2244 billion in FY25 up from 1995 billion in FY24 The total revenue from the sector is estimated at 2826 billion in FY25 up from 254 billion a year earlierIndiaâs new labour codes are expected to transform the Information Technology sectors working culture by strengthening both employer capabilities and employee welfareFor the IT sector these reforms provide clarity on wages fixedterm employment workfromhome arrangements and workplace safety standards For IT companies operating across multiple states or campuses the new codes reduce compliance duplication administrative costs and bureaucratic delays IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/futureskills-prime-benefits-over-1578-lakh-candidates-in-it-sector-652676.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/over-50pc-of-tripuras-9-lakh-electricity-consumers-defaulting-on-bills-officials--652693.html Agartala Dec 10 Despite repeated appeals more than 50 per cent of Tripuras around nine lakh electricity consumers have not been paying their monthly power bills for several years an official of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited TSECL said on Wednesday A senior official of the TSECL said that only around 432 lakh consumers mostly from the town and urban areas paid their electricity bills to the state owned corporation regularlyThis persistent nonpayment trend has resulted in pending electricity bills accumulating to over Rs 480 crore to date Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has been repeatedly urging consumers at every TSECL programme and event to pay their electricity bills on timeA section of consumers has sometimes attacked TSECL personnel including engineers and linemen when they went to disconnect the power supply of defaultersâ the TSECL official saidThe TSECL in an official statement said a troubling trend has emerged in parts of Tripura where some electricity consumers are refusing to pay their bills while continuing to demand full servicesWhats more a section of these defaulters is attempting to shift the blame onto TSECL often using select media outlets as a shield to justify their nonpaymentâ the statement saidThe issue was highlighted recently in two villages of Khowai districtAccording to TSECLâs records out of 38 consumers in these two villages only two consumers have paid their electricity bills up to September 2025The average billpayment rate in the entire subdivision stands at barely 15 per cent Despite repeated visits and requests from TSECL field staff most consumers refused to cooperate and instead chose to accuse the corporationâs employees at every opportunity the statement addedIt said that recently due to faults in two transformers in Khowai district electricity supply was disrupted for a minimum period âHowever local residents magnified the issue and falsely claimed that the area had been without power for two monthsA section of media outlets was also drawn into this misleading narrative Later it became evident that the intention behind spreading this false claim was simple if the story gained traction TSECL staff would be unable to demand pending dues for the next few months In other words the chaos was engineered to hide prolonged nonpayment of bills the statement saidMaking its position clear TSECL stated that the corporation remains committed to providing uninterrupted and quality electricity to every corner of TripuraWhether arranging alternative supply within hours reaching the field on time or taking swift decisions to install new transformers each step reflects TSECLs dedication to maintaining steady service it addedThe statement further said that strengthening the system requires active cooperation from consumers Regular bill payment not only keeps the service running but also helps TSECL upgrade and expand its networkThe corporation appealed to all consumers to clear their outstanding dues and support the system that works tirelessly for them TSECL emphasised that responsibility lies on both sides the corporation delivers power with commitment and consumers must uphold their part by paying their bills on time IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/over-50pc-of-tripuras-9-lakh-electricity-consumers-defaulting-on-bills-officials--652693.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/harnessing-indias-youth-boom-as-unemployment-rates-drop-652698.html New Delhi Dec 10 India has the worlds largest youth population where 371 million aged between 15 and 29 years constitutes about 27 per cent of the total This population often referred to as a demographic dividend presents a significant opportunity for economic growth by expanding the workforce and reducing dependency ratios However this potential needs to be realised by overcoming challenges in the job market As per the Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey PLFS report the estimated Unemployment Rate UR among youth between 1529 years of age in India has decreased from 178 per cent in 201718 to 102 per cent in 202324Incidentally official data on employment is collected through PLFS conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation where the survey period is July to June every yearEmployment generation coupled with improving employability is a priority and driven by multistakeholder initiativeBudget 202526 addressed development measures across ten broad areas focusing on the poor youth farmers and womenIndia has a dedicated Department of Youth Affairs which addresses the demography and implements programmes like the National Youth Policy to address social and economic challenges and promote personality development and nationbuildingThe National Youth Policy 2025 envisions an India where every young person is empowered healthy skilled socially responsible and actively contributes to the nationâs developmentIt puts forward the vision To synergize the hopes and aspirations of Indiaâs youth with its development imperatives enabling harmonious societal growth and harnessing youth energy for inclusive development responsible governance and the realisation of Viksit Bharat by 2047Moreover the Ministry of Labour and Employment is running the National Career Service NCS Portal â a onestop solution for providing career related servicesIt includes information on private and government sector jobs on online and offline job fairs job search and matching career counselling vocational guidance information on skill development courses employability enhancement programmesThe services are available on a digital platform Various other ministries and government departments too are implementing programmes for employment generationAmong such schemes are the Prime Ministerâs Employment Generation Programme PMEGP Deendayal Antyodaya YojanaNational Urban Livelihoods Mission DAYNULM Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana PMMY Production Linked Incentive PLI etcAdditionally the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme MGNREGS Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana DDUGKY Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes RSETIs are among other initiatives aimed at specific groups Along with increase in capital expenditure such programmes seek to boost employment creation including the youthMeanwhile Skill India Mission SIM aimed at enabling the youth to get future ready equip them with industryrelevant expertise by training through an extensive network of centres and institutes under various schemesAmong these are Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana PMKVY Jan Shikshan Sansthan JSS National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme NAPS and Craftsmen Training Scheme CTS through ITIs In the rural sector various initiatives have been taken to promote farming as a viable career option for youthThe Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR has set up 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras KVKs in rural districts for dissemination of new technologies in agriculture and allied sectors through assessment demonstration and capacity development among the extension functionaries and the farmers of the concerned districtSimultaneously 100 KVKs are implementing projects like Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture ARYA Besides Skill Training of Rural Youth STRY is being implemented while Support to State Extension Programs for Extension Reforms ATMA in 740 districts promotes decentralised and farmerfriendly extension system IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/harnessing-indias-youth-boom-as-unemployment-rates-drop-652698.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/sir-in-bengal-eci-irked-over-no-proposals-on-housing-complexes-for-polling-booths-652702.html Kolkata Dec 10 The Election Commission of India ECI had taken strong exception to not receiving any single proposal from the district magistrates as well as the district electoral officers DEOs identifying private housing complexes with multiple highrise towers which are suitable for setting up polling booths for the crucial Assembly elections in the state scheduled next year In a strongly worded communication to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer CEO West Bengal the Commission had pointed out that since no proposal of polling stations has been received in the Commission from West Bengal the ECI had taken a very serious view of the failure on the part of DEOs in performance of their statutory duty as given under Section 25 and Section 160 of the Representation of the People Act 1951The DEOs are also liable under the said provisions for any lack of sufficiency of polling stations for electors in the abovespecified residential colonies said the ECI communication a copy of which is available with IANSIn the same communication the Commission had directed that during the period after draft publication of the Electoral Roll on December 16 all DEOs should immediately conduct survey of highrise buildings group housing societies resident welfare association RWA colonies slums and gated societies having at least 250 houses or 500 voters with details of available rooms at ground floor level and identify suitable accommodation for polling stations within their premisesAdditional polling stations in slumdwelling clusters shall also be assessed Thereafter the proposals for rationalizationrearrangement of polling stations including proposals for polling stations in the high rises group housing societies slums etc based on such assessment shall be sent for the Commissions approval through your office latest by 31122025 the ECI communication readTo recall Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had been opposing the ECIs idea of setting up new polling booths within private housing complexesThe Chief Minister last month wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar objecting to the ECIâs proposal for setting up polling stations inside private housing complexes for the Assembly polls scheduled next yearThis proposal is deeply problematic Polling stations have always been and must remain located in government or semigovernment institutions preferably within a 2 km radius to ensure accessibility and neutrality Private buildings are typically avoided for clear reasons they compromise fairness violate established norms and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public the haves and havenots the Chief Ministers letter readBJPs Information Technology Cell Chief and the partys central observer for West Bengal Amit Malviya refuted the Chief Ministerâs objections on this count and pointed out that any premises can be designated a polling station as long as they ensure ease of voting for all votersSimilar booths have been set up in highrise buildings in Delhi and elsewhere So why is it suddenly troubling you that the ECI is creating additional booths to make voting more convenient No booths are being taken away from existing voters So do explain What exactly is upsetting you the increase in voting access or the collapse of the narrative youâre trying to build Malviya questioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/sir-in-bengal-eci-irked-over-no-proposals-on-housing-complexes-for-polling-booths-652702.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/pil-in-calcutta-hc-seeks-stay-on-construction-of-proposed-babri-masjid-style-mosque-in-murshidabad-652704.html Kolkata Dec 10 A Public Interest Litigation PIL was filed in the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday seeking a direction to stop the construction of a Babri Masjidstyled mosque in Murshidabad district by suspended Trinamool Congress leader and Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir The PIL has been filed before the bench of the Calcutta High Courts acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul The petition was admitted and the matter is likely to be heard next weekAccording to the petitioner the name Babri Masjid is related to the Babri MasjidRam Janmabhoomi dispute in AyodhyaAs a result the atmosphere of communal harmony in the state may be disrupted and social unrest may arise if the mosque is built Besides the petitioner also raised questions on how suspended Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir who is also an MLA is carrying out this construction work without the permission of the district administrationThe petitioner claimed the Trinamool MLAs action will violate the fundamental rights provided in Articles 14 21 and 25 of the Constitution Therefore the court should immediately order a stay on the construction of this mosqueIt may be noted that for the last one week a controversy has erupted over Kabirs decision to lay the foundation stone of a Babri Masjidstyle mosque in Murshidabad districts BeldangaOn December 4 the Trinamool Congress leadership suspended Kabir from the party for antiparty activitiesDespite his suspension Kabir went ahead with his programme on December 6 and laid the foundation stone for the mosqueHumayun Kabir said that the construction of the Babri Masjid will start in the first week of February in Beldanga Quran will be recited by one lakh voices a day before the construction of the mosque beginsNotably on December 4 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the people of Murshidabad will never accept politics of riots Her remarks came hours after her party the Trinamool Congress suspended Kabir for allegedly pursuing communal politics over his plan to lay the foundation of a mosque on the lines of the demolished Babri Masjid in the states Murshidabad districtAddressing a public meeting in Berhampore in Murshidabad district CM Banerjee said Trinamool Congress does not practise communal politics and is firmly against it We cannot forget the history of Murshidabad SirajudDaulah is revered in every home here This district is the land of the Nawabs It has holy places of all religions People remember Siraj The people of Murshidabad will not accept the politics of riots IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/pil-in-calcutta-hc-seeks-stay-on-construction-of-proposed-babri-masjid-style-mosque-in-murshidabad-652704.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/india-post-currently-operates-164-lakh-post-offices-across-the-country-minister-652712.html New Delhi Dec 10 India Post currently operates 164 lakh post offices across the country supported by a dedicated workforce of 278 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks GDS Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia told the Parliament on Wednesday Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing winter session the minister said the Gramin Dak Sevaks toil day and night not only to do business but to convey emotion from one human being to the other acknowledging their invaluable serviceHighlighting the transformation achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Scindia said the government has placed strong emphasis on strengthening India Post over the past 11 yearsHe noted that 4903 new post offices have been built in Left Wing Extremismaffected states in the last three and a half years significantly improving lastmile connectivityAdditionally 5746 post offices were sanctioned in unbanked villages of which 5657 about 97 per cent are already operationalIn total the national network has expanded by 10170 post offices during this period The minister also pointed out that Rs 405 crore has been invested in constructing and renovating post office buildings including 49 heritage post offices considered institutional treasures of India PostScindia emphasised that while substantial progress has been achieved additional funding will be required for renovating the remaining 25000 post offices owned by India PostMoving towards the future he announced that India Post is undertaking a comprehensive Business Process Reengineering BPR initiative to modernise and streamline operationsThis will enhance the firstmile middlemile and lastmile delivery systems making them faster more serviceoriented and digitally enabled for crores of citizensHe further added that India Post is bringing in automation and studying global best practices to emerge as one of the worldâs leading logistics carriers The government remains committed to strengthening the postal network enhancing service delivery and transforming India Post into a modern technologydriven logistics powerhouse for the nation IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/india-post-currently-operates-164-lakh-post-offices-across-the-country-minister-652712.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/chaos-in-rajasthans-hanumangarh-as-farmers-police-clash-vehicles-set-on-fire-652717.html Jaipur Dec 10 The police had to resort to canecharge and fire teargas shells in Rajasthans Hanumangarh on Wednesday as farmers protesting the construction of an ethanol factory in Tibbi town clashed with the security forces The confrontation turned violent as protesters used tractors to demolish the boundary wall of the underconstruction ethanol producing plant Police resorted to canecharge and fired teargas shells to disperse the crowd Enraged farmers vandalised multiple vehicles and set at least 10 of them on fire Several people including policemen were injured in the clashesCongress MLA Abhimanyu Poonia who had reached the site to support the farmers was injured in the lathicharge and later admitted to Hanumangarh District Hospital In view of the unrest the administration shut down internet services in Tibbi and nearby villages Schools and shops were also ordered closedThe confrontation began earlier in the day when farmers gathered outside the SDM office demanding an immediate halt to construction at the ethanol plant After talks with the administration failed largely due to the authorities refusal to issue a written assurance to stop the work the protesters marched towards Rathi Kheda village around 4 pm Within minutes chaos unfolded at the factory siteFarmers breached the wall with tractors and entered the premises leading to stonepelting arson and a forceful police response Dune Ethanol Private Limited registered in Chandigarh and established in 2020 plans to set up a 40MW grainbased ethanol plant in HanumangarhThe project is part of Indiaâs ongoing Ethanol Blended Petrol EBP programme The companyâs directors are Jatinder Arora and Robin Jindal Protesters set fire to one JCB seven cars and two motorcycles One was a government police vehicle the rest were privately owned including reportedly some belonging to policemenThe police have not issued an official statement yet A fivemember farmer committee including Shabnam Godara Nitin Dhaka Sukhjit Chattha Jagjit Jaggi and Indrajit then held talks with DSP Meenakshi in the eveningThe committee demanded a written order halting construction however the administration declinedProtesters then gathered at Gurudwara Sahib to plan further action Congress leader Shabnam Godara CPIM leader Jagjit Jaggi and others continued to camp at the factory gate insisting on written assurance that construction would be stoppedEarlier farmer leaders had summoned the District Collector by 2 pm to demand a written halt to construction The administrationâs refusal triggered the march toward the factoryEthanol Factory Hatao Sangharsh Samiti members used tractors to pull down the factory wall When police attempted to disperse them protesters hurled stones injuring nearly a dozen policemen The injured were taken to the Tibbi Community Health Centre Farmers broke the boundary wall and entered the site Police fired teargas shells and some police vehicles were also set on fireSeveral opposition leaders â MP Kuldeep Indora MLA Abhimanyu Poonia former MLA Balwan Poonia CPIMâs Mangej Chaudhary and farmer leaders from Haryana and Punjab â attended the protest meeting Congress leaders like former CM Ashok Gehlot Deputy CM Sachin Pilot and LoP Tika Ram Jully condemned the policeâs lathicharge on farmers âWhy does the BJP government have so much hatred for farmersâ questioned Gehlot IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/chaos-in-rajasthans-hanumangarh-as-farmers-police-clash-vehicles-set-on-fire-652717.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/haryana-notifies-provision-of-contractual-jobs-for-1984-riot-hit-families-652589.html Chandigarh Dec 10 The Haryana government has notified amendments to the Deployment of Contractual Persons Policy of 2022 providing compassionate deployment to families of persons from the state who were killed during the 1984 antiSikh riots Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi has issued a notification in this regardUnder the amended provisions notwithstanding the existing definition of family under relevant government rules one unanimously identified current family member of a person killed in the 1984 antiSikh riots whether the incident occurred in Haryana or outside the state shall be eligible for deployment or engagement through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited HKRNLSuch deployment shall be made against a suitable job role under LevelI LevelII or LevelIII strictly as per the educational qualifications and eligibility criteria prescribed by HKRN an official statement said here on WednesdayThe notification further provides that if in future the job role in the department where such a contractual employee is deployed gets filled the employee shall be considered for adjustment in any other department from which a demand indent for similar job roles has been receivedHKRNL will carry out this adjustment in consultation with the departments concerned In case no such demand is available HKRNL shall adjust the employee within its own establishments against a suitable job roleThe amendment has been issued in partial modification of earlier notifications dated June 30 2022 October 26 2023 and May 13 2025 and aims to further strengthen the compassionate framework of the policyAll Administrative Secretaries heads of departments Managing Directors Chief Administrators CEOs of Boards Corporations and Public Undertakings Divisional Commissioners Deputy Commissioners SubDivisional Officers Civil universities and other authorities concerned have been directed to take necessary action and ensure strict compliance with the amended policy in letter and spirit IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/haryana-notifies-provision-of-contractual-jobs-for-1984-riot-hit-families-652589.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/deodars-in-himachal-see-shift-from-wetter-spring-to-drier-conditions-study-652635.html Shimla Dec 10 Deodhar trees in Batseri a scenic village in Sangla valley on the Baspa river in Himachal Pradesh have revealed a story of shift from wetter spring conditions during the Little Ice Age to the progressively drier conditions since 1757 CE with increased spring drought years in recent decades buried in their rings says a study The study analyses the factors responsible for the geohazard activities enabling better prediction of future hazard events to support early warning systemsThe increasing frequency of extreme climatic events such as droughts and floods and their strong association with geohazards like landslides glacial lake outburst floods rockfalls and snow avalanches especially in the Himalayan region underscored the need for robust reconstructions of past hydroclimatic variability and related geohazard episodesTreerings which are layers of new wood that form each year providing a record of the trees age and past environmental conditions act as natural archives to such climatic and geohazard events offering the potential to bridge this knowledge gapThe idea was further motivated by the absence of longterm highresolution records and the need to understand the interactions between moisture variability and geohazard dynamics from the Himalayan regionA rockfall episode in July 2021 near Batseri village in Kinnaur district led the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences BSIP an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology DST to explore past climates using dating of annual growth layers in trees dendroclimatology and dendrogeomorphologyThey integrated dendroclimatology and dendrogeomorphology for future risk assessments and mitigation strategiesTreering analysis of deodar Cedrus deodara trees helped reconstruct a 378year 15582021 CE spring monthsâ moisture history and a 168year 18532021 CE rockfall activity record at Batseri in the western HimalayasThe study showed that tree growth is highly sensitive to spring monthsâ February to April moisture primarily influenced by winter precipitation derived through western disturbancesA total of 53 rockfall events including eight of high intensity were linked to dry spring conditions especially after the year 1960 indicating climateinduced ground instabilityThe spring drought conditions led to slopes with poor vegetation cover exposing them to vulnerability when the dry conditions are followed by the intense summer monsoon rainfallsThe findings highlight the critical role of climate variability driven by regional and global factors in triggering the geohazards underscoring the need for forest management monitoring and early warning systemsThe study published in the journal Catena enhanced understanding by providing insights on how climate variability especially the spring and premonsoon summer droughts trigger geohazards in the vulnerable Himalayan regionsSuch findings help local communities and policymakers in planning sustainable landuse improving forest and water resource management and implementing slope stability measuresThis approach can reduce damage to infrastructure protect livelihoods and enhance disaster preparednessMoreover such an approach empowers communities to adapt to climate change and mitigate its impacts on their environment and economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/deodars-in-himachal-see-shift-from-wetter-spring-to-drier-conditions-study-652635.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/sit-and-decide-who-is-cm-bjps-stern-jab-at-cong-led-ktaka-govt-amid-leadership-tussle-652641.html Belagavi Dec 10 Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka on Wednesday criticised the Congressled government in the state over the leadership tussle stressing that the members of the grand old party should first sit down and decide who is the Chief Minister Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday Ashoka said If a king takes one step forward soldiers take two But here there is no leadership One MLA says Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is the Chief Minister There is a confusion about the leadership Eating idli vada wont solve problems Saying I am CM on streets doesnt bring dignity to the Chief Ministers post Sit properly and decide who is CMTalking about transgenders he said Society looks down on them a lot Therefore the government should consider providing at least 05 per cent reservation for transgendersAbout the plight and issues of the North Karnataka region Ashoka stated The problems of North Karnataka are mentioned in the Dr Nanjundappa report Last time in the Assembly CM Siddaramaiah said he would give a report in six months A committee was formed under Prof Govindarao but even after 12 months the report has not comeUnder KKRDB funding Rs 900 crore was to be given for building district taluk hospitals PHCs CHCs Where is the progress on that Ashoka questionedChief Minister Siddaramaiah spoke about industrial promotion But 216 factories are still in the establishment stage Under the commerce and industries department 221 factories are in the same situation Cotton factory development tourism development raising the Almatti reservoir to 224 meters by acquiring 73603 acres etc were mentioned But none of these have been implemented he saidThe senior BJP leader said that to implement the project of raising the Almatti reservoir guarantee schemes need to be suspended or 20 per cent fund cuts in all departments are required as suggested by the Finance DepartmentThis proposal has also gone to the Cabinet It proposes cuts of Rs 2176 crore in urban development Rs 874 crore in rural development and Rs 833 crore in scheduled caste welfare Now CM Siddaramaiah must act as per his word No minister has gone to North Karnataka Such ministers should be changed he saidAshoka further said that Rs 26578 crore was allocated to the rural development department of which Rs 7049 crore has been released and only 1963 per cent has been spentRs 2440 crore was given to the Forest Department Rs 1215 crore released and Rs 791 crore spent Rs 270 crore to youth empowerment Rs 145 crore released and Rs 40 crore 14 per cent spent Rs 3157 crore to planning department Rs 1081 crore 19 per cent spent Rs 26678 crore to urban development Rs 5366 crore 19 per cent spent Money is being saved in all departments he claimedHe also said that in Kalyana Karnataka in 202425 fiftythree degree colleges have had zero resultsFive Morarji Desai residential schools also have zero results The Chief Minister said he would fill 21000 teacher posts but that hasnt happened In this region 50244 children are malnourished While per capita income in Bengaluru is Rs 7 lakh in Kalaburagi it is Rs 143 lakh he saidWater from the Tungabhadra reservoir gate flowed to Andhra Pradesh This problem occurred because 33 gates were not installed When I visited the contractors said Rs 12 crore bill has not been paid Despite padayatras and bandhs the government did not take action Due to this two crops have been lost Therefore Rs 25000 per acre compensation should be provided Ashoka demanded IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/sit-and-decide-who-is-cm-bjps-stern-jab-at-cong-led-ktaka-govt-amid-leadership-tussle-652641.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/bengal-sir-exercise-man-accused-of-misusing-first-spouses-voter-card-to-register-second-bdeshi-partner-652645.html Kolkata Dec 10 A man in Nadia districts Hanskhali area of West Bengal has been accused of trying to register the name of his Bangladeshi wife by using the voter card of his first wife with whom he has separated The matter came to light on Wednesday after the first wife lodged a complaint against her husband The complaint was filed with the Hanskhali Police Station and the Subdivisional Officer SDO of Ranaghat Bharat SinghAccording to sources Ashok Roys wife Usha Roy a resident of the Shyamnagar Mathpara area of Hanskhali in Nadia district had left the house due to her husbands torture They are yet to separate legally However Ashok married another woman in between whom neighbours claimed is a Bangladeshi nationalIt has been alleged that Ashok stole the EPIC voter card of his first wife and tried to register his second wifes name using Ushas identityUsha who had left her husbands house with her child got to know about this through neighbours She also came to know that her husband had married a Bangladeshi womanSpeaking to reporters Usha said that when she went to get the enumeration form for the SIR exercise she came to know that her husband had already taken the form filled it and submitted itHearing this she went to her husband to enquire However Ashok chased her awayMy EPIC number name age and address have been used to get a Bangladeshi woman a voter card My husband has just changed the picture and put the picture of his Bangladeshi wife Today I have filed a written complaint against him at the Hanskhali Police Station and the SDO of Ranaghat said UshaIt has been learned that Ashoks second wifes name is Beauty Roy Both of them were not at home after the allegations were raisedAshoks brother Nabakumar Roy said Ashok has done something wrong He used the picture of his second wife in the EPIC number of his first wifeMeanwhile local Booth Level Officer BLO Biswajit Bar also said that the matter has come to their attentionDespite the fact that the EPIC numbers of both are the same the photographs are different The matter is being looked into said the BLO IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/bengal-sir-exercise-man-accused-of-misusing-first-spouses-voter-card-to-register-second-bdeshi-partner-652645.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-hc-terms-menstrual-leave-case-a-matter-of-public-importance-hearing-set-for-jan-2026-652654.html Bengaluru Dec 10 The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday said that it will take up in January 2026 a series of petitions opposing the state governments order requiring all registered industrial units to provide paid menstrual leave noting that the issue holds public significance The bench headed by Justice M Jyothi made the remark while passing the order in this regardAdvocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty cited Article 42 of the Constitution noting that it deals with ensuring fair and humane working conditions as well as maternity reliefHe also pointed to Article 153 and a Supreme Court directive asking states to extend such benefits The Advocate General further argued that Karnataka has a progressive legislature and that menstrual leave is provided in many countries around the worldHe added that the Law Commission has studied the issue in detail and that all stakeholders were consulted before the government issued the notificationThe court observed orally You have already filed a detailed objection Hereâs what we will do Petitioners advocate Prashanth review it and submit a rejoinder if needed We must hear both sides those supporting the order and those opposing itThe petitioners lawyer responded that arguments could proceed in the meantime and requested that the government not take further action until thenHowever the Advocate General insisted We will implement the order fullyAt that point the court noted This issue is of public significance We will take it up for hearing after the winter breakAfter the discussion the court dictated its formal order The Advocate General AG appeared and informed the court that the government has already filed its objections in the Bangalore Hotels Association case and requested that those objections be treated as applicable to the other connected cases as wellThe court said that if the petitioners want to file a rejoinder they may do so The petitioners lawyer also submitted a memo stating that certain important questions of law have been raised in the case The court acknowledged this and placed the memo on recordEarlier the Karnataka High Court issued an interim order staying the government notification directing registered industrial establishments to provide oneday menstrual leave for working women and directed the government to file objectionsThe order was passed while looking into the petition questioning the government order by the Bangalore Hotels Association and Management of Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems Limited The case will be relisted after the winter vacation The Bench has also allowed petitioners to seek modification of the order laterThe Bench asked whether the government had consulted or heard from the management before issuing the notification The counsel said it had not After that the court issued the interim orderThe government notification issued on November 20 mandated industrial establishments to provide paid menstrual leave to women employeesThe petitioners counsel argued that the government had issued an executive order directing establishments to grant menstrual leaveThe counsel pointed out that the laws governing industries already provide a complete leave policy and none of those laws contain any provision that requires employers to provide menstrual leaveThe petition seeking to quash the government order states that the establishments are registered under different labour laws such as the Factories Act the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act the Plantations Labour Act the Beedi and Cigar Workers Conditions of Employment Act and the Motor Transport Workers Act Under these laws employees are allowed only 12 days of leave per year IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-hc-terms-menstrual-leave-case-a-matter-of-public-importance-hearing-set-for-jan-2026-652654.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/bjp-demands-white-paper-from-cong-govt-on-fulfillment-of-assurances-to-north-ktaka-652660.html Belagavi Dec 10 Opposition leader R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Congressled Karnataka government of failing to fulfill its promises to North Karnataka and demanded that it release a White Paper detailing the progress made on all commitments including compensation for farmers and floodaffected families Speaking in the Assembly about the issues in North Karnataka he said that efficient leadership is needed to resolve the regionâs longpending problems He alleged that the government has not provided compensation to farmers nor to those who lost their homesHe said that during floods people stay in relief centres and require immediate financial support Under the Congress government compensation was given 9 months later in 201314 8 months later in 201415 and 7 months later in 201516In the BJPled government compensation was provided within two months after the August 201920 flood within two months for the 2022 flood within two months for the 202122 flood and within one month for the 2023 flood Such delays should not happen Ashoka saidAccording to NDRF norms Rs 95000 is given for house damage The BJP state government added Rs 4 lakh making the total compensation Rs 5 lakh The Congressled government is not providing such support in North Karnataka and is only giving the central share Ashoka allegedHe argued that it is impossible to build a house with just Rs 95000 The previous BJPled government provided Rs 665115 crore in crop damage compensation to the bank accounts of 5195 lakh farmers The Congressled government introduced the FRUITS software instead of DBT causing a fourmonth delay Now compensation is being delayed he criticisedFrom 20142022 Prime Minister Narendra Modiled NDA government provided Rs 11603 crore in relief while the erstwhile Manmohan Singh government gave Rs 3233 crore four times more he said The previous BJP state government did not wait for central assistance and disbursed funds directly from the state treasury Similarly the Congress government should also take money from the treasury and provide relief he demandedMore than 117 villages in Kalaburagi Bidar Vijayapura and Yadgir districts have been flooded Over 20000 houses have been damaged crops in 1458 lakh hectares have been affected and 2890 schools have been damaged While Dassara was being celebrated in Mysuru people in North Karnataka were in water he statedWe all went by car to visit but Chief Minister Siddaramaiah conducted an aerial survey Instead he could have come by car and met the people IAS officers always say everything is fine The Chief Minister should have visited every village Officials have not come to the villages for surveys either In many places they have given false reports saying there was no flood he saidIn the state 41 lakh tonnes of sugarcane are produced across 981 lakh hectares There are 81 sugar factories all reportedly running in loss Applications have come for starting 31 new factories Cheating is happening in weighing machines and only 50 per cent of them have been installedThere is a 6 per cent deduction in machine harvesting The government needs to pay attention to the old models of RSP and SAP In Mudhol fire broke out in 240 tractors burning 1033 tonnes of sugarcane Would this have happened if there was fear of the police department Thirtytwo sugarcane farmers have committed suicide Farmer Lakkappa Gunakar from Raibag committed suicide No ministers visited then Ashoka said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/bjp-demands-white-paper-from-cong-govt-on-fulfillment-of-assurances-to-north-ktaka-652660.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/actress-abduction-case-actor-dileeps-acquittal-triggers-divergent-reactions-652040.html Kochi Dec 8 Actor Dileeps acquittal in the 2017 highprofile actress assault case in which the verdict was announced on Monday has triggered sharp and emotionally charged reactions across Keralaâs political and cultural landscape even as the state government signalled its intent to challenge the verdict in a higher court Earlier on Monday the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court acquitted Dileep and three others holding that the prosecution had failed to establish the charge of criminal conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubtThe first six accused were found guilty in the caseAll 10 accused were present in the court as directed during the pronouncement of the judgmentLeading voices from the film fraternity and civil society expressed shock and disappointment at the judgmentActor Rima Kallingal said the survivor was in deep shock following what she described as a denial of justice adding that she would continue to stand firmly with herWriteractivist Bhagyalakshmi termed the verdict prewritten while feminist leader K Ajitha remarked that she had not expected a different outcome but noted that the period Dileep spent in jail itself was significantActor Parvathy Thiruvothu in a strongly worded Instagram post asked What kind of justice is this She added that the verdict marked the beginning of the unravelling of a âcarefully crafted and cruel scriptâResponding to the developments Law Minister P Rajeeve confirmed that the state government would file an appeal against the acquittalHe said he had discussed the judgment with Chief Minister Pinarayi VijayanEducation Minister V Sivankutty reiterated that the government has always stood with the survivor and would continue to do so adding that a clear and firm stand would be taken on pursuing legal remediesAt the same time support for Dileep has also emerged AMMA VicePresident and actor Lakshmipriya said she was personally relieved by the acquittal and maintained her firm belief that Dileep had not committed the crimeThe executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists AMMA met in Kochi on Monday with President Swetha Menon and senior members present to deliberate on the implications of the verdict and future organisational stepsParallel discussions are also underway within the Film Employees Federation of Kerala FEFKA on the possibility of reinstating DileepFEFKA General Secretary B Unnikrishnan said Dileep was expelled from the organisation within hours of his arrest and that following his acquittal he now has the right to seek reentryProducers Association President B Rajesh said now that the court has cleared Dileep of all charges he needs to give a letter and he would be reinstatedThe verdict has once again polarised public opinion reopening debates on justice accountability and institutional response in one of Keralaâs most closely watched criminal casesThe then top police official who led the investigation BSandhya said proving a conspiracy has always been a challenge This is certainly not the final verdict as there are higher courts the nowretired Sandhya said IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/actress-abduction-case-actor-dileeps-acquittal-triggers-divergent-reactions-652040.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/parkash-singh-badal-was-a-true-nationalist-says-sukhbir-on-his-98th-birth-anniversary-652042.html Chandigarh Dec 8 Shiromani Akali Dal SAD President Sukhbir Badal on Monday paid tributes to fivetime Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal by referring to him as a true nationalist and the voice of Punjab even while vowing he would follow in the footsteps of his father and never compromise on the prestige of Punjab Punjabis the Khalsa Panth and the party Speaking at a religious function at Badal village to mark the 98th birth anniversary of the late leader the SAD President said âBadal Sahab was a true âVikas Purushâ who did more during his tenures as Chief Minister as compared to all the Chief Ministers of the stateââSee all around you you will see his projects He was also responsible for singlehandedly improving the livelihood of farmers and the poor through innovative schemes This is the reason why people from all walks of life and religions used to say Badal Sahab was one of themâAsserting that the Akali Dal was committed to taking forward Badal Sahabâs legacy Sukhbir Badal said he was ready to give any sacrifice to achieve this He also appealed to Punjabis to support him in this endeavour stating âwe cannot experiment any longer We need to save Punjab The SAD has the vigour and the will power to take the state out of its current mess and put it back on the track of development and prosperityâBadal also inaugurated a 125ft statue of the late leader in the village amidst slogans of âSardar Parkash Singh Badal Amar Raheâ by his followers and Shiromani Akali Dal workers The statue has been sculpted by Gurpreet Singh DhuriA huge 70ft tall flag of the Shiromani Akali Dal had also been installed alongside the statueThe SAD President said a museum depicting the late leaders life achievements and philosophy would be established in the village and that the same architect who had envisaged the VirasateKhalsa would be commissioned for this projectThe event witnessed a number of leaders paying glowing tributes to Parkash Singh Badal Indian National Lok Dal President Abhey Singh Chautala said Badal Sahab had done his utmost for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden and appealed that his birth anniversary be commemorated as âSadbhavana DivasâBJP leaders Manpreet Singh Badal and Surjit Kumar Jyani spoke on how the late leader had won universal appreciation from one and all including serving Prime Ministers They said Parkash Singh Badal did not only dream big but also realised his dreams by working tirelessly for the betterment of Punjab IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/parkash-singh-badal-was-a-true-nationalist-says-sukhbir-on-his-98th-birth-anniversary-652042.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/haryana-cabinet-sets-age-limits-for-tourist-vehicles-clears-unified-municipal-bill-for-2025-652053.html Chandigarh Dec 8 The Haryana Cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini here on Monday accorded approval to fix the age of tourist vehicles for operation under the Haryana Motor Vehicles Rules 1993 These rules may be called the Haryana Motor Vehicles Amendment Rules 2025 As per the amendment vehicles operating with allIndia tourist permits in the NCR region will be allowed to operate for 12 years if they run on petrol or CNG whereas diesel vehicles under this permit category will be permitted for a maximum of 10 yearsFor nonNCR areas allIndia tourist permit vehicles running on petrol or CNG and diesel will also have a maximum operational age of 12 yearsFor all other permits including stage carriage contract carriage goods carriage and school buses in the NCR region their maximum permissible vehicle age has been fixed at 15 years for vehicles operating on petrol CNG electric or other clean fuelsHowever for diesel vehicles operating under these permit types the maximum age has been fixed at 10 years only in the NCR regionFor nonNCR areas all other permits including stage carriage contract carriage goods carriage and school buses running on petrol CNG electric or other clean fuels and diesel will have a maximum operational age of 15 yearsThe Cabinet also approved a major reform in urban governance by introducing the Haryana Municipal Bill 2025 aimed at replacing the existing Haryana Municipal Act 1973 and the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act 1994The new unified Act has been drafted to bring all categories of municipalities municipal corporations municipal councils and municipal committees under a single legal frameworkAt present 87 municipalities function under two separate Acts causing administrative complexities inconsistent service delivery and challenges in interpretation of rules an official statement saidThe department has undertaken extensive consultations over the past two years to prepare the draft legislation incorporating relevant provisions from the Model Municipal Law circulated by the government of IndiaThe Haryana Municipal Bill 2025 aims to streamline governance remove ambiguities modernize municipal administration and strengthen financial autonomy of urban local bodiesKey provisions include empowering municipalities to determine taxes and fees between minimum and maximum governmentfixed rates and provisions for credit rating to facilitate market borrowings etcThe Act also introduces provisions for urban transport planning urban forestry and the prohibition of illegal colonies similar to the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act 1975For municipal staff the Act proposes common service rules to reduce litigation arising from transfers and promotions under separate legal frameworks Additionally a provision has been made for the appointment of a municipal magistrate for the trial of municipal offences and penalties or fines for various violations have been enhanced The initiative marks a significant step towards establishing a modern uniform and efficient municipal governance system across Haryana aligned with current and future needs of urbanisation IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/haryana-cabinet-sets-age-limits-for-tourist-vehicles-clears-unified-municipal-bill-for-2025-652053.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-bjp-announces-massive-farmers-protest-gherao-of-suvarna-soudha-652088.html Belagavi Karnataka Dec 8 Karnataka unit BJP President and MLA BY Vijayendra announced that farmers will hold a massive protest on Tuesday December 9 morning and gherao the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi Speaking to the media after visiting the protest venue Malini City Ground on Monday Vijayendra said MLAs from Belagavi district MLCs and farmers from Belagavi and surrounding districts will participate in the protestResponding to a question he said at least 2025000 people will participate in the protestHe criticised the Congress governments antifarmer policies saying its acting like a blind and deaf person despite having eyes and earsThey blame the Centre when asked about compensation he addedVijayendra expressed disappointment that the state government has no accountability and hasnt resolved sugarcane growers issues The Centre has fixed a minimum support price of Rs 2400 for maize but farmers are selling it at Rs 15001600 due to the governments failure to open procurement centres on timeHe said they will discuss issues related to cotton and tur dal farmersThe internal conflict related to the position of the Chief Minister is having a negative impact on the state The state government continues to blame the Centre to cover up its failures he criticisedHe objected saying sugarcane growers maize farmers paddy farmers and tur dal cultivators are suffering due to the state governments neglectThe Congress party had promised to eradicate unemployment and provide jobs to lakhs of youth during the elections but it hasnt materialized he criticisedHe added that issues like weavers problems and the states development will be discussed in the assembly session Well also discuss irrigation projects in North Karnataka he saidResponding to a question he said Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are masters at deflecting attention They blame the Centre at every opportunity to cover up the state governments failures and are prolific in writing letters to the Prime Minister Meanwhile theyve forgotten theyre holding reins of governance in KarnatakaHe accused them of playing this drama to cover up their failures Well discuss all this in the assembly he saidOpposition Leader R Ashoka said they will raise their voice in support of the agitating farmersBJP and former CM B S Yediyurappa have always worked for farmers welfare BJP has grown through protests and will raise its voice in the assembly he saidOther leaders present included the Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy senior BJP leaders P Rajeev C T Ravi Vithal Halagekar Abhay Patil Anil Benake Sanjay Patil Sharannu Tallikeri Geeta Sutar Subhash Patil M B Jirali and Aravind Patil among others IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/karnataka-bjp-announces-massive-farmers-protest-gherao-of-suvarna-soudha-652088.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/investing-in-planetary-health-would-deliver-higher-gdp-less-poverty-un-652393.html Nairobi Dec 9 The most comprehensive assessment of the global environment ever undertaken has found that investing in a stable climate healthy nature and land and a pollutionfree planet can deliver trillions in additional global GDP avoid millions of deaths and lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and hunger The Global Environment Outlook Seventh Edition A Future We Choose GEO7 released during the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi is the product of 287 multidisciplinary scientists from 82 countries The United Nations Environment Programme UNEP report finds climate change biodiversity loss land degradation desertification and pollution and waste have taken a heavy toll on the planet people and economies already costing trillions of dollars each year Following current development pathways will only intensify this toll However wholeofsociety and wholeofgovernment approaches to transform the systems of economy and finance materials and waste energy food and the environment would deliver global macroeconomic benefits that could reach 20 trillion per year by 2070 and continue growing A key enabling factor of this approach is moving away from GDP to indicators that also track human and natural capital incentivising economies to move towards circularity decarbonization of the energy system sustainable agriculture ecosystem restoration and more âThe Global Environment Outlook lays out a simple choice for humanity continue down the road to a future devastated by climate change dwindling nature degraded land and polluted air or change direction to secure a healthy planet healthy people and healthy economies This is no choice at allâ said Inger Andersen UNEP Executive Director âAnd let us not forget the world has already made so much progress from global deals covering climate change nature land and biodiversity and pollution and waste to realworld change in the booming renewables industry global coverage of protected areas and the phasing out of toxic chemicalsâ she added âI call on all nations to build on this progress invest in planetary health and drive their economies towards a thriving sustainable futureâ The report presents two transformation pathways looking at behavioural changes to place less emphasis on material consumption and changes in which the world relies primarily on technological development and efficiency gains The transformation pathways predict that the global macroeconomic benefits will start to appear in 2050 grow to 20 trillion per year by 2070 and boom thereafter to 100 trillion per year The pathways project reduced exposure to climate risks reduced biodiversity loss by 2030 and increased in natural lands Nine million premature deaths can be avoided by 2050 through measures such as cutting air pollution By 2050 almost 200 million people could be lifted out of undernourishment and over 100 million people out of extreme poverty To achieve netzero emissions by 2050 and ensure adequate funding for conserving and restoring biodiversity an annual investment of about 8 trillion is needed until 2050 However the cost of inaction is far higher IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/investing-in-planetary-health-would-deliver-higher-gdp-less-poverty-un-652393.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/actress-kolla-hema-cleared-in-2024-rave-party-case-blames-media-trial-for-mothers-death-652247.html Bengaluru Dec 9 Tollywood actress Kolla Hema released an emotional video on Tuesday after the Karnataka High Court cleared her of all charges in the 2024 rave party case In the video she said that her mother had died unable to bear the distress caused by the case âCarrying that pain in my heart I want to share this good news The High Court has dismissed the caseâ she said as she broke downIn her message Hema said âHi all I am your Hema I stand before you with the grief of losing my mother The Karnataka High Court has quashed my case The verdict came on November 3 I was told not to share the news until the certified copy of the judgment was availableâShe said her mother suffered a stroke days after the verdict and did not recoverâIn the meantime my mother suffered a stroke and passed away She was my strength and source of courage Whatever I am today is because of her She could not cope with what happened to me My mother could not bear the social media posts and the media trial carried out by news channelsâ Hema saidThe actress added that she repeatedly pleaded with social media users and media outlets to stop spreading unverified allegationsâI had already shared that my mother was unwell Who gave social media users and media outlets the authority to troll me From the beginning I have been pleading with them not to broadcast false information To cover up one false report they kept spreading more incorrect news and stooped to lower levels I repeatedly said that I had done nothing wrong and would come out clean Today I stand before you with a clean image God is beside meâ she saidShe said the long legal ordeal cost her both peace and work âI won the case but lost my mother forever Will you bring my mother back How am I supposed to cope Do I have to struggle endlessly I have come out clean with the blessings of my mother and God For the past one and a half years my life has been hell I had not contacted any director or anyone from the film industry You the media carried out propaganda and continued with itâ Hema said in the videoIn a major relief the Karnataka High Court quashed the drug case registered against her in connection with the May 2024 Hebbagodi rave party The single judge bench allowed her petition seeking dismissal of the case noting the absence of standard testing methods and legally sustainable evidence The bench headed by Justice Mohammad Nawaz passed the orderHema was among the 88 people detained after the Central Crime Branch raided a rave party at GR Farms on May 19 2024 Police had alleged that MDMA pills and cocaine were used at the event and booked the group under the NDPS Act She later underwent a medical test at a private hospital but the High Court held that the report could not be considered reliable in the absence of standardised forensic parameters in the countryThe court pointed out several gaps in the process including a lack of a national nodal drug testing laboratory the absence of approved protocols for analysing blood and urine samples and the unreliability of tests conducted without uniform scientific standards Given these shortcomings the bench ruled that the proceedings against the actress could not continueThe CCB had filed a chargesheet against all 88 people arrested in the party Hema then approached the High Court seeking its dismissal IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/actress-kolla-hema-cleared-in-2024-rave-party-case-blames-media-trial-for-mothers-death-652247.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarats-gaam-no-nirdhar-sahkaare-sakar-campaign-gathers-steam-boosts-child-nutrition-652253.html Ahmedabad Dec 9 Gujaratâs Kheda district is witnessing enthusiastic community participation in its innovative nutrition initiative âGaam No Nirdhar Sahkaare Sakarâ launched on November 14 to combat child malnutrition through collective action Spearheaded by District Collector Amit Prakash Yadav and supported by Amul Dairy the campaign encourages dairy farmers to voluntarily donate small quantities of milk each day for undernourished children enrolled in anganwadisAwareness meetings have already been held with milk cooperatives in Matar Nadiad Vaso Mahemdavad and Kathlal where local MLAs and Amul officials have urged villagers to strengthen the driveAt village dairy centres contributing farmers set aside 10 ml 30 ml 50 ml or more into a dedicated container known as the âAashirwad Patraâ The collected milk is distributed daily to malnourished children by anganwadi workers providing vital nutritional support to some of the districtâs most vulnerableResidents are also being encouraged to celebrate birthdays anniversaries and festivals by donating nutritious items such as jaggery pulses peanuts and dates to their nearest anganwadiâMalnutrition is a challenge even more complex than cancerâ Collector Yadav told villagers stressing that child nutrition must be treated as a shared social responsibilityHe appealed for full cooperation with anganwadi workers and urged government employees to participate to set an exampleDistrict Development Officer Jayant Kishore added that nurturing a healthy future generation is not just the responsibility of parents but of the entire community including village leaders talatis and teachersSo far the campaign has collected 477195 litres of milk benefitting over 3000 children every day With strong backing from dairy cooperatives and villagers the administration aims to expand the initiative across all talukas moving Kheda closer to the goal of becoming a malnutritionfree districtThe district administration and Amul Dairy have expressed gratitude to villagers milk unions and livestock farmers for their overwhelming support to this humanitarian effort IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/gujarats-gaam-no-nirdhar-sahkaare-sakar-campaign-gathers-steam-boosts-child-nutrition-652253.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/mekedatu-row-kumaraswamy-says-cong-misled-people-tells-ktaka-govt-to-talk-to-tn-allies-652028.html New DelhiBengaluru Dec 8 Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy responding to the Congressled Karnataka governments demand that he secure clearances from the Centre for the controversial Mekedatu project accused the Siddaramaiahled dispensation of misleading the public by organising padayatras under slogans like our water our right to gain power while the project remains stalled The Supreme Court has asked the state to present its case before the Central Water Commission CWC Those ruling Tamil Nadu are your political partners Why dont you go and hold talks with them Kumaraswamy questionedAddressing a press conference in Delhi on Monday he further noted that about 12000 acres of forest land would be submerged in the Mekedatu region causing environmental damageNot only the Centre but the state government also has rights and responsibilities Why run away from it How long will you evade accountability It has been over 75 years since Independence For nearly 50 of those years the Congress ruled both at the Centre and in the state What did you do about Mekedatu during that time The people deserve an answer he saidKumaraswamy also criticised the state government for repeatedly blaming the Centre for lack of cooperationIf that is the excuse what exactly is the state government doing Immediately after I became a Union Minister I signed the file providing financial guarantees for the Kudremukh iron and steel plant Deodari mining project in the interest of the stateFrom the very next day the state government began creating obstacles Today one of their partys representatives is instigating daily protests in Ballari mobilising people and blocking the project purely for personal gain from NMDC If this is how things function how can development take place Is this what cooperation means he questionedKumaraswamy further launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over remarks questioning his contribution to Mandya Responding strongly Kumaraswamy challenged the CM to first list his own achievements during his tenureI will clearly enumerate what I have given to Mandya Before that let the Chief Minister explain what he delivered during his five years in office Kumaraswamy assertedThe Union Minister said I will speak about my contributions Mr Siddaramaiah tell me what have you contributed for farmers What is your contribution to Mandya During your previous fiveyear tenure 20132018 over 200 farmers in Mandya district ended their lives Is that your contribution When I came to power during that crisis I waived Rs 900 crore of farmersâ loans in the same district Is that not a contribution Under your rule farmers lost their lives under my government lives were saved Please remember thisKumaraswamy further criticised the state government for its handling of agrarian distressLook at the condition of farmers today When floods and heavy rains devastate peopleâs lives you are indulging in festivities What is the situation of red gram tur farmers in Kalyana Karnataka Prices have crashed What action have you taken You have not even opened procurement centres so far The state government should have intervened in time to support farmers Why did it not do so he questionedReferring to the delayed request for a central inspection team he added After four months they have suddenly woken up If a central team visits the state now what report will it submit IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/mekedatu-row-kumaraswamy-says-cong-misled-people-tells-ktaka-govt-to-talk-to-tn-allies-652028.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/nagaland-university-researchers-turn-pineapple-waste-into-valuable-products-652031.html Kohima Dec 8 A research team from Nagaland University the stateâs only Central university has demonstrated how pineapple processing waste can be transformed into valueadded products Varsity officials said that research findings offer practical sustainable solutions that can boost rural livelihoods while reducing the environmental impact of fruit wastePineapple is one of the worldâs most widely grown tropical fruits with India being among its major producers Within the country Nagaland has become a notable pineapplegrowing region known for fruit that is exceptionally sweet rich in juice and low in fibreThe âKewâ variety is widely cultivated with the âQueenâ variety grown in smaller pocketsAccording to the official government initiatives such as the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture MIDH the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region MOVCDNER and other organic valuechain programmes have encouraged farmers to take up pineapple cultivation on a commercial scaleNagalandâs Chumoukedima Niuland Dimapur Kiphire and Mokokchung districts are among the stateâs key pineappleproducing areasPineapple processing generates large quantities of peel pomace core and crown much of which is discarded Additional waste occurs due to rough handling and poor storage posing significant environmental concernsThese byproducts although often treated as waste are rich in fibre proteins pectin vitamins and minerals When left unmanaged they contribute to landfill accumulation contamination and higher disposal costsHowever the same waste materials can serve as suitable substrates for fermentation and other valueadded applicationsVinegar production is one such avenue as the sugarrich residues provide an ideal base for alcoholic and acetic fermentation Vinegar has long been used as a preservative and condiment and fruitbased vinegars are increasingly noted for their functional and nutritional benefitsThe cuttingedge finding demonstrates the potential to replace the highly expensive applebased vinegar thereby paving the way for sustainable waste utilisation and enhanced revenue generation in the commercial pineapplegrowing beltThe findings of this research by Nagaland University were published in a peerreviewed openaccess journal that publishes research on human nutrition and food safetyThe research paper was coauthored by Dr Sentinaro Walling Prof Akali Sema Prof CS Maiti Dr Animesh Sarkar Prof SP Kanaujia and Alemla Imchen from the varsitys Department of HorticultureElaborating on this research academic team leader Prof Sema said Our study examined whether different parts of pineapple processing waste could be turned into goodquality vinegar Using standard fermentation with yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and acetic acid bacteria we found that vinegar made from the peel consistently performed better in acidity colour and flavourHe said that a group of sensory panels also preferred the peelbased vinegar for its taste aroma and overall quality in compliance with commercial fruitbased vinegar showing that this commonly discarded material has strong potential to be transformed from waste to wealthProf Maiti said Work is also underway to reduce crown size for export suitability packaging and to identify treatments that enhance fruit quality yield and shelf lifeDr Sarkar Associate Professor Department of Horticulture added The School of Agricultural Sciences also refined and disseminated the technology for commercial cultivation where farmers plant in intervals to avoid seasonal gluts maintain a steady supply round the year through staggered planting prevent price drops and ensure more stable income and yearround employment generationResearch scholar Walling is set to register a patent under a product development category for the preparation of candy from pineapple core wasteHighlighting the impact of the universityâs research on local communities Vice Chancellor Prof Jagadish K Patnaik said I am pleased to announce a significant scientific breakthrough achieved by researchers of Nagaland University who have successfully developed highquality vinegar from pineapple peels an innovative step toward sustainable valueadded processing of agricultural byproductsThis research reflects the universityâs commitment to environmentally responsible innovation rural livelihood enhancement and scientific contributions rooted in local resources he saidTransforming these discarded peels into a commercially valuable nutritious and ecofriendly product not only reduces waste but also opens new opportunities for entrepreneurship foodprocessing industries and communitybased enterprises the VC saidThe research contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen sustainable pineapple production improve value addition and bolster rural livelihoods in Nagaland The conducive geoecological conditions ensure excellent fruit quality reflected in its blended sweetness and other desirable biochemical attributes that may once again prove its high acceptability among the pineapple lovers IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/nagaland-university-researchers-turn-pineapple-waste-into-valuable-products-652031.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/indigo-disruptions-flight-cancellations-leave-patna-passengers-stranded-railways-steps-in-651940.html Patna Dec 8 The ongoing IndiGo operational crisis continued to disrupt air travel from Patna Airport on Monday with multiple flights cancelled leaving passengers stranded for the seventh consecutive day On Sunday many travellers missed job interviews and important engagements while others were forced to wait at the airport for hours A total of 10 IndiGo flights to Chennai Bengaluru Delhi Ahmedabad Kolkata and other destinations were cancelledSeveral arrival and departure flights also experienced delays of up to 30 minutesAccording to airport officials five IndiGo flights scheduled to depart on Monday to cities including Delhi Bengaluru Chennai and Kolkata have also been cancelled Passengers affected by cancellations or delays are being contacted individuallyAs a result the footfall at IndiGo ticket counters on Sunday was noticeably lower than usual Many passengers claimed their flight tickets were renewed twice or thrice but they were unable to travel to their desired destinations due to cancellationsAirline officials have stated that operations are expected to return to normal by December 15 A help desk has also been set up at the airport and a dedicated helpline 9771449159 has been issued for travellersIn response to the ongoing disruption the East Central Railway has stepped in to assist stranded passengers A special train is being operated from Patna and an additional passenger coach has been attached to both the Sampoorna Kranti Express and the Tejas Rajdhani Express starting SundayDanapur Division Senior DCM Abhinav Siddhartha said that a special train from Patna to Anand Vihar Terminal has been arranged On Monday the 02309 PatnaAnand Vihar Terminal Special will depart Patna at 830 pm and reach Anand Vihar Terminal at 300 pm the following dayAdditionally an extra Third AC coach will be added to the Tejas Rajdhani and a Second AC coach to the Sampoorna Kranti Express increasing the number of coaches on both trains from 22 to 23 IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/indigo-disruptions-flight-cancellations-leave-patna-passengers-stranded-railways-steps-in-651940.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/actor-dileep-gets-heroic-welcome-at-home-after-acquittal-state-moves-to-challenge-verdict-651985.html Aluva Kerala Dec 8 A massive crowd gathered outside Malayalam actor Dileepâs residence âPadmasarovaramâ on Monday to give him a rousing reception hours after his acquittal in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case Dileep reached home around 115 pm but it took him several minutes to make his way through the sea of supporters who had lined up along the road and inside the compoundInside the house emotional scenes unfolded as his daughter Mahalakshmi rushed forward to hug him followed by his wife Kavya Madhavan his sister and other close relatives and friendsOutside supporters celebrated by distributing laddoos amid heightened security arrangements in the areaEven as celebrations continued the Kerala Government announced its decision to appeal against the acquittal Law Minister P Rajeeve said the State has decided to challenge the verdict âWe have always stood with the victim and hence we will go for the appealâ he saidEarlier in the day the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court acquitted Dileep and three others holding that the prosecution had failed to establish the charge of criminal conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt The first six accused were found guilty in the case All 10 accused were present in the court as directed during the pronouncement of the judgmentDileep escorted out of the courtroom by a large team of lawyers waved and smiled at supporters He launched a sharp attack on the investigation alleging he had been framed launching a sharp attack on the investigationâIn the court the cookedup story of the police failedâ he said adding âThe police took the prime accused and a few others into confidence and created a story to destroy my futureâHe alleged that the conspiracy was hatched by his former wife and was aided by a senior police official and a section of the media He also expressed deep gratitude to his counsel Raman Pillai and the legal teamAdding a sharp political reaction Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Sunny Joseph termed the verdict âunsatisfactoryâ stating that the failure to prove the conspiracy was a lapse of both the police investigation and the prosecutionThe case dates back to February 17 2017 when a prominent Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving vehicle while travelling to Kochi a crime that shocked Kerala and triggered an intense debate on womenâs safety and abuse of power in the film industryThe survivor has chosen not to react at this stage while womenâs rights groups have expressed disappointment as the legal battle now appears poised to enter a new phase IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/actor-dileep-gets-heroic-welcome-at-home-after-acquittal-state-moves-to-challenge-verdict-651985.html Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/jaipur-gears-up-for-pravasi-rajasthani-divas-with-over-8-700-registrations-651779.html Jaipur Dec 6 The preparations for the upcoming Pravasi Rajasthani Divas being organised on the initiative of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma are now in their final stage Ahead of the event scheduled for 10 December greenery decorations and cleanliness drives are being carried out across the state capital JaipurRajasthan is fully prepared to welcome its guests and there is tremendous enthusiasm among NonResident Rajasthanis and industrialists arriving from India and abroad So far more than 8700 people have registered for the programmeChief Secretary V Srinivas and Shikhar Agarwal Additional Chief Secretary ACS Industries amp Commerce Department inspected the preparations at the venue JECC Sitapura During the visit they reviewed the main ceremony area halls designated for the sectoral sessions and the âProgress Pathâ being developed to showcase the achievements of the state government The Chief Secretary directed officials to complete all remaining work within the next 48 hours He said that preparations for this historic event are being carried out in accordance with the Chief Ministerâs visionThe Chief Minister is continuously reviewing the progress and also interacting with NonResident Rajasthanis to personally invite them Shikhar Agrawal Additional Chief Secretary Industries Department Government of Rajasthan stated that the primary objective of the event is to reconnect NonResident Rajasthanis with their roots and ensure their participation in the stateâs development A new policy has also been formulated to address challenges faced in this process Suresh Kumar Ola Commissioner Bureau of Investment Promotion BIP informed that as per the Chief Ministerâs directions the venue has been designed to reflect Rajasthanâs culture and heritage so that NonResident Rajasthanis feel a sense of belonging and take back fond memories Given the possibility that guests attending the event may wish to explore Jaipurâs tourist attractions extensive arrangements have been madeThe Archaeology and Museum Department has appointed nodal officers at protected monuments for the convenience of visitors Additionally the Forest Department has appointed nodal officers to provide information on forest and wildlife tourism areas During the Pravasi Rajasthani Conclave at last yearâs Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma had announced that 10 December would be celebrated each year as Pravasi Rajasthani Divas In continuation of this announcement the first Pravasi Rajasthani Divas is being organised on 10 DecemberThe event aims to bring together the Rajasthani diaspora and strengthen their connection with their roots Anandi JDA Commissioner Shivangi Swarnkar MD RIICO Manisha Arora Commissioner Rajasthan Foundation Gaurav Saini Commissioner Municipal Corporation and Jugal Kishore Meena Additional Commissioner BIP and other senior officials were also present during the visit IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/jaipur-gears-up-for-pravasi-rajasthani-divas-with-over-8-700-registrations-651779.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 06:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/society/ahmedabad-to-host-grand-pramukh-varni-amrut-mahotsav-today-hm-amit-shah-to-attend-651798.html Ahmedabad Dec 7 Gujaratâs Ahmedabad is set to witness a major spiritual celebration on Sunday as the âPramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsavâ takes place at the Riverfront Event Centre The event marks the 104th birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the 75th year since his appointment as President of the BAPS Swaminarayan SansthaThe gathering will be graced by BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj Union Home Minister Amit Shah Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and several other dignitariesA special cultural assembly will pay tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharajâs lifelong humanitarian service followed by a unique river spectacle featuring thematic floating tableaux on the Sabarmati depicting his life values and global contributionsThe origins of Pramukh Swami Maharajâs leadership trace back to 21 May 1950 when Shastriji Maharaj appointed the 28yearold Shastri Narayanswarupdas as the lifelong President of BAPS at the mandir in Ambli Vali Pol ShahpurFrom that moment he became lovingly known as Pramukh Swami Maharaj eventually emerging as a global spiritual leaderOn that day Pramukh Swami pledged unwavering devotion to his guru and the organisation vowing to serve selflessly and work for the spiritual and material wellbeing of devoteesAmbli Vali Pol itself remains a landmark in BAPS historyâhome to the organisationâs first Ahmedabad mandir 1940 its first Gujarati magazine 1938 the young Pramukh Swamiâs parshad diksha 1939 and several key decisions that shaped BAPSâs global expansionIn the runup to the 75year milestone thousands of devotees have visited Ambli Vali Pol over the past year to commemorate Pramukh Swami Maharajâs appointmentThe main celebration on Sunday from 530 pm to 830 pm will feature multimedia presentations cultural segments and tributes capturing his message of peace service and compassionA highlight of the evening will be the themed floats on the Sabarmati River creating a visual narrative of Pramukh Swami Maharajâs life and philanthropic work Preparations for the mega event have been underway for two monthsMore than 40000 devotees are expected to attend arriving through coordinated bus arrangementsDedicated parking zones and traffic support have been organised along the Riverfront IANS https://dailyworld.in/society/ahmedabad-to-host-grand-pramukh-varni-amrut-mahotsav-today-hm-amit-shah-to-attend-651798.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:47:00 +0530