Ahmedabad, Oct 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested a man carrying a reward of Rs 30,000 in connection with the May 2023 murder of six members of a family in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district, after tracing him to a warehouse in Gurugram in Haryana, where he had allegedly been living under a concealed identity.

The accused, Ramu Singh Tomar (37), had been absconding since the killings in Lepa village, where three women and three men were shot dead during a long-running land dispute and family feud, police said on Monday.

Ahmedabad Crime Branch Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ajit Rajian told IANS that the accused had been moving between Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana while concealing his identity.

He had worked as a security guard and taken up casual labour to earn a living before joining a warehouse in Gurugram about a year ago.

“Ramu Singh Dhira Singh had been absconding since 2023. The Madhya Pradesh Police had announced a reward of Rs 30,000 for him. The Ahmedabad Crime Branch apprehended him from the Gadhi-Harsaru GIDC area of Gurugram,” Rajian said.

The Crime Branch began developing information about his whereabouts around one and a half to two months ago, when a team comprising Sub-Inspector Sisodia and Inspector Imran Ghasura received an input about the fugitive.

After preliminary verification, the team travelled to Gurugram and kept watch along Gadhi-Harsaru Road in the Gopalpur GIDC area, where he was traced to a warehouse.

He was brought to Ahmedabad for questioning and verification. Police subsequently confirmed that he was wanted in the case registered at Sihoniya police station in Morena district.

The Crime Branch has initiated proceedings to hand him over to the Madhya Pradesh Police for further legal action. According to Rajian, the killings were allegedly motivated by revenge for a double murder in 2013.

Tomar’s two uncles, Virbhan Singh Munsisingh Tomar and Shobharan Singh Munsisingh Tomar, were allegedly killed by members of the rival family in connection with the land dispute.

“Ramu Singh Dhira Singh’s two uncles were murdered in 2013. Holding a grudge over those killings, the accused carried out the 2023 incident when the family of Ranjit Singh Munnesingh had gathered for his daughter’s wedding,” Rajian said.

During the May 2023 incident, members of the rival family had gathered in Lepa village for the wedding when gunmen allegedly opened indiscriminate fire, killing six people. A video of the shooting subsequently circulated on social media.

The six deceased in the murder case were Gajendra Singh Badlu Singh Tomar, Satyaprakash Singh Gajendra Singh Tomar, Sanju Singh Gajendra Singh Tomar, Madhu Devi, wife of Sunil Singh Tomar, Babli Devi, wife of Narendra Singh Tomar, and Keshkali Devi, wife of Virendra Singh Tomar.

A case was registered against nine accused under Sections 302, 307, 294, 323, 147, 148, 149 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act. Police protection was also provided to the complainant’s family.

The Morena Superintendent of Police later constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to trace the absconding accused. Some of them have since been arrested, while further investigation is being handled by the SIT operating in the Chambal region.

Rajian said the names of some people suspected of helping Tomar while he was on the run had emerged during questioning. "The Ahmedabad Crime Branch would share the information with the Madhya Pradesh SIT," he said.

Tomar is originally from Lepa Bhidosa village in Morena district. He also has a previous criminal case registered at Gormi police station in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind district under Sections 307, 341, 147, 148 and 149 of the IPC, relating to an alleged attempt to murder, wrongful restraint and rioting.

The recovery of the weapons allegedly used in the 2023 killings falls under the Madhya Pradesh SIT’s investigation.

Source: IANS

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Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Veteran actress Saira Banu, who often shares intriguing stories from the past on her Instagram, remembered her guru, the Padma Shri awardee, Kathak dancer Roshan Kumari, who passed away recently at the age of 82.

On Friday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of throwback monochromatic pictures with her guru, as she reminisced about her time with her teacher.

She also penned a long note, as she expressed her grief, and gratitude to be trained by her. She wrote, “Some goodbyes are impossible to write. Today, I find myself trying to say goodbye to my beloved Guru, Padmashree Roshan Kumari Ji, and every word feels inadequate. Roshan Ji came into my life as my Kathak Guru, but over the years, she became so much more. She became a confidante, a friend, an elder sister-like presence, and eventually, family. I was a young girl when I went to her to learn Kathak, and little did I know that I was meeting someone who would leave an imprint on my soul forever”.

The actress further mentioned that her guru taught her that dance was not merely movement, it was discipline, devotion, expression, and revealing the heart.

She went on, “She became such an inseparable part of my life that she was also there when Dilip Sahib and I got married. To have my Guru present on such a precious day remains one of those memories I will hold close to my heart forever. What an extraordinary artist she was! A true legend of the Jaipur Gharana. Her footwork could thunder, her chakkars could mesmerise, and yet there was always an unmistakable grace and dignity about her”.

She then spoke about her performance in Satyajit Ray’s Bengali drama ‘Jalsaghar’, and her 10-minute dancing sequence.

The actress continued, “I often think of her unforgettable performance in Satyajit Ray’s Jalsaghar. That nearly 10-minute Kathak sequence remains one of the magnificent moments of Indian cinema. To watch Roshan Ji dance was to watch the entire room come alive around her. She didn’t merely occupy the frame she owned it with her charisma. And then there was the Roshan Ji I knew away from the stage. Oh, how she loved her sarees! She loved dressing up, looking beautiful, and carrying herself with that effortless elegance that was so uniquely hers. She could walk into a room without saying a word and somehow become its centre”.

She shared, “Her brilliance was never loud. She didn’t need to announce that she was a legend. Her art had already said it all. I feel deeply blessed that I was her student. Whatever little I was able to imbibe of Kathak, whatever understanding I have of its grace and discipline, has her love and teaching woven into it”.

“But perhaps what I will cherish most is not what she taught my feet, but what she taught my heart. Roshan Ji, I don’t want to say goodbye. I would rather say phir milenge because some bonds are not broken by death. They simply become memories we carry more carefully. May your ghungroos keep ringing somewhere beyond this world. And may I always remain worthy of having once been called your student. With all my love and deepest pranam, Saira”, she added.

Source: IANS

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Washington, Oct 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Trump administration unveiled more than $6 billion in science and technology initiatives, bringing together federal agencies, technology companies, universities and philanthropies to accelerate research in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, nuclear-powered space exploration and biomedical science.

Source: IANS

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Vadnagar, Oct 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday called upon the youth to take forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of “We will do it” and contribute to the goal of a developed India by 2047, as a ‘Varanasi to Vadnagar Seva Yatra’ marking PM Modi’s 25 years in public service concluded in Vadnagar.

Patel was addressing the concluding ceremony of the yatra, organised under the nationwide ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma were among those present.

Welcoming bikers and Seva Yatris who had travelled from different parts of the country, Patel said PM Modi began his public service journey as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, and had completed 25 years of public service and good governance.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always viewed power as a means to serve the people, rather than as a position,” Patel said.

He said PM Modi’s approach had focused on the welfare of the poor, middle class, farmers, women and youth while encouraging citizens to participate in the country’s development.

Referring to Gujarat’s development trajectory, Patel said: "Challenges, including the earthquake, had been converted into opportunities, while initiatives such as the Vibrant Gujarat Summit had helped position the state as a 'Global Gateway to the Future'."

He cited the Statue of Unity, Bullet Train, GIFT City and the semiconductor hub as examples of projects reflecting PM Modi’s vision for Gujarat.

Patel also referred to claims that 25 crore people had come out of poverty and that India had emerged among the world’s top-five economies.

"India has demonstrated its capabilities globally through vaccine assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting COP-21 green-energy targets, the abrogation of Article 370 and efforts towards self-reliance in space and defence," he added.

The Chief Minister congratulated PM Modi on completing 25 years in public service and said youth had a role in taking the development agenda forward.

“Gujarat’s youth power will lead the way with the resolute commitment of ‘We Will Do It’ to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047,” Patel said.

The yatra saw 500 bikers and other young participants travel through hundreds of villages and cities across 10 states, undertaking activities including cleanliness drives, tree plantation, de-addiction campaigns and public interactions.

Source: IANS

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Washington, Oct 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Trump administration has launched what it calls the largest denaturalisation effort in modern US history, moving to strip 40 naturalised Americans of their citizenship over allegations ranging from immigration fraud and concealed crimes to espionage and acting as an agent of a foreign government.

The Justice Department said that the denaturalisation complaints were filed in federal courts across the United States between Aug. 21 and Oct. 2.

The cases mark the largest volume of denaturalisation complaints filed within a single period under the Trump administration, the department said.

"Today’s announcement marks the largest denaturalization effort in modern history," Attorney General Todd Blanche said.

"From an individual convicted of espionage to others convicted of sexual offenses against minors, these defendants concealed critical facts from the U.S. government and represent serious criminal offenders. Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Justice will continue to employ the denaturalization process to maintain our national security and protect the American people."

The cases provide a sweeping picture of how the administration is using denaturalisation proceedings against people it alleges should never have obtained US citizenship.

The 40 defendants come from a wide range of countries. The allegations include immigration and identity fraud, fraudulent marriages, concealed criminal conduct, tax fraud and offences involving minors.

Some cases involve national security.

The Justice Department is seeking to revoke the citizenship of Jinchao Wei, a China-born former US Navy sailor convicted of espionage-related offences.

According to the department, Wei enlisted in the Navy in 2021 and by February 2022 had begun conspiring to sell military secrets to China. He became a US citizen in May 2022 under provisions designed to expedite naturalisation for people serving honourably in the US armed forces.

Wei was convicted in August 2025 of conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage and unlawful export of technical data related to defence articles. He was sentenced to 200 months in prison and discharged from the Navy.

The department said Li worked at the direction of officers of China's Ministry of State Security to obtain information about Chinese dissidents, pro-democracy advocates, Falun Gong members and US-based organisations.

Other complaints centre on allegations that individuals concealed crimes committed before becoming citizens or used false identities, fraudulent marriages or misleading immigration histories to obtain permanent residence and citizenship.

"Every single one of these individuals lied their way into US citizenship," Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division said.

"This administration will continue to pursue the largest denaturalization effort in department history to restore trust and integrity in U.S. citizenship. Our message is clear: the United States will not tolerate deception in the naturalization process."

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, Oct 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hindu outfits on Monday urged the School Education Department to take strict action against private schools that are allegedly conducting classes and examinations during the Dasara holidays announced by the state government and instead giving them in December during Christmas.

SriRama Sena-Karnataka and Hindu Jana Jagruti Vedike, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Director of School Education, Ramanagara and Bengaluru South district, seeking enforcement of the government’s holiday order.

According to the organisation, the government has declared a 19-day holiday for schools and colleges from October 3 to October 21 on the occasion of Dasara. However, some private schools were allegedly going ahead with regular classes and examinations in violation of the government order, despite objections and complaints from parents and the public.

The organisation said, Dasara was a historic and culturally significant festival of Karnataka and that the government declared holidays during the festival to enable students to spend time with their families and understand the state’s cultural heritage.

Conducting classes and examinations during the holiday period would create unnecessary pressure and tension among students and defeat the purpose of declaring the holidays, the organisation said.

The organisation strongly condemned the alleged violation of the government’s holiday order and urged the Education Department to initiate strict action against educational institutions that conduct classes and examinations during the Dasara holidays.

SriRama Sena-Karnataka district president Paramesh Gowda K. also alleged that the issue had been affecting Hindu religious sentiments. It claimed that some private educational institutions do not provide holidays during Dasara and instead provide a longer break during Christmas.

The organisation said it had been protesting against the practice for the past three years and urged the Education Department to ensure that private schools comply with the government’s holiday notification.

However, D. Shashikumar of the Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) opposed the demand, terming it “totally wrong.”

He said private and unaided schools had to follow the prescribed syllabus and teaching duration and were required to operate schools for the stipulated number of working days.

“Private schools will declare holidays according to their syllabus and teaching requirements. Some institutions may reduce the holidays by a week and provide them during December,” he said.

Shashikumar added that schools had some discretion in providing holidays for local festivals and that three to four days could be given for native festivals depending on the circumstances.

He also pointed out that CBSE and ICSE schools followed their own academic structures and timetables.

“The Education Department is not a dictator. Schools are required to function for 245 days as per the rules,” he said.

Source: IANS

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Ayodhya, Oct 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s scheduled visit to Ayodhya has drawn calls from local religious figures urging him to visit the Ram Temple and seek the blessings of Lord Ram.

Speaking to IANS, Peethadhishwar of Tapasvi Chhawni, Jagatguru Paramhans Acharya, commented on Yadav’s visit, and said he hoped the SP chief would visit the Ram Temple during his stay in Ayodhya.

“SP chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is visiting Ayodhya, and we hope he will visit the Ram Mandir to seek His blessings. In recent days, a financial irregularity occurred, and he tweeted about it. When asked how he found out, he claimed that Ram Ji told him. Therefore, he must touch Lord Ram’s feet. If he doesn't, it will send a message that he wants to demean Sanatan Dharma,” Paramhans Acharya said.

Devesh Acharya, a priest at Hanumangarhi, also welcomed Yadav’s proposed visit and said he should visit the Ram Temple along with his family and seek Lord Ram’s blessings.

“Former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is coming to Ayodhya on October 8, which is good news. We want him to visit the Ram Temple and seek the blessings of Lord Ram along with his family, since he is coming here to attend a religious event. He must apologise to Lord ram for coming late. If he doesn't do so, it will reflect his party's anti-Sanatan ideology. Returning without doing darshan would be highly unfortunate for Akhilesh Yadav and his party,” Devesh Acharya said.

Yadav is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on October 8 to attend the concluding session of the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, a week-long religious programme organised by former MLA and SP leader Tej Narayan Pandey.

The SP chief is expected to spend around an hour at the programme in Krishnaapur-Khanpur Rasoolabad. He is also expected to offer prayers and interact with devotees attending the gathering.

Yadav’s Ayodhya visit comes at a politically significant time for the SP, with political activity beginning to gather pace ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party has earlier announced Tej Narayan Pandey, popularly known as Pawan Pandey, as its candidate from the Ayodhya Assembly constituency for the 2027 polls.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, Oct 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday welcomed the Election Commission of India’s direction to state election authorities to conduct a special drive to identify and enrol eligible voters left out after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), terming it a “victory” for voters across the country.

The ECI has directed poll officials in states and Union Territories where SIR has been completed to undertake a special drive for left-out and first-time eligible voters. It has also directed electoral authorities to facilitate enrolment through the regular electoral roll updation process.

Talking to reporters near Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said the directive came after the Congress-led protest before the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer’s office on Thursday.

"We welcome the order issued by the Election Commission. This is not just a victory for the Congress and the government. It is a victory for Karnataka and the voters of the entire country, and a victory against attempts to deprive eligible voters of their rights," he said.

Shivakumar said the Election Commission had also taken note of complaints regarding bulk deletion applications and directed election authorities to examine such complaints.

He said the authorities had been instructed to organise special camps for the enrolment of first-time voters and ensure that Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers followed the prescribed procedures for Forms 6 and 7.

He also said booth-level camps should be organised to facilitate applications, including for people living in night shelters, labourers, homeless persons, and other vulnerable groups. The ECI has separately announced special enrolment measures for voters left out during SIR and for young and first-time eligible electors.

Shivakumar alleged that BJP representatives had submitted applications seeking deletion of votes belonging to weaker sections of society.

"It is shameful. Their intention is to create a divide among communities, castes and religions. Their objective is to get Dalit and minority votes deleted," he alleged.

On the BJP’s protest over the issue, Shivakumar said BJP leaders had themselves acknowledged submitting around 25,000 applications and accused them of admitting to what he described as a "criminal conspiracy".

He demanded that appropriate action be taken against those responsible, while saying that any complaint against him should also be investigated if there was evidence of wrongdoing.

Shivakumar said the BJP should have sought to win elections by winning the confidence of the people instead of attempting to influence electoral rolls.

"BJP leaders could have won the hearts of the people and faced elections. Instead, they have resorted to the criminal act of trying to delete votes," he said.

He said protecting the voting rights of citizens was his responsibility as Chief Minister.

"Voting rights are linked to the right of people to live with dignity. Therefore, this is not a victory of D.K. Shivakumar; it is a victory of voters across the country," he said.

Shivakumar also credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s campaign against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls for the developments.

He said Congress had been raising the issue from the beginning and that citizen groups and activists had travelled across the state, collected data and submitted reports on alleged irregularities. He added that he had independently examined some of the information.

"It is my duty as Chief Minister to protect the vote of every citizen of Karnataka and safeguard constitutional institutions," he said.

Shivakumar also urged the media to ensure that the issue received wider public attention and called for a national-level discussion on protecting voters’ rights.

The ECI’s actions come amid a controversy over bulk Form-7 applications in Karnataka. On Thursday, following Shivakumar’s protest, Karnataka CEO V. Anbukumar directed election officials to initiate action against applicants found to have knowingly furnished false information, subject to the prescribed inquiry process.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Mid-sized information technology companies are expected to outperform their larger peers in the second quarter of FY27, despite persistent challenges from geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic uncertainty and concerns over the impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI), according to a report.

According to a report by leading brokerage Nuvama, the overall demand environment remained broadly stable during the quarter, although business sentiment weakened in September amid a deterioration in geopolitical conditions.

The brokerage has expected management to highlight concerns related to global geopolitical risks, a sluggish macroeconomic backdrop and the evolving influence of Gen-AI during the upcoming earnings season.

These factors have weighed on investor sentiment toward the sector in recent months, it said.

Moreover, the IT index has fallen about 26 per cent over the past nine months because of concerns over platform-led Gen-AI disruption and uncertainties linked to developments in the Gulf region.

However, the brokerage has maintained a constructive outlook on the IT services industry, saying that advances in Gen-AI are more likely to create new opportunities than undermine the sector's business model.

“We continue to believe the IT Services model is here to stay and the Gen-AI disruption would only lead to bigger opportunities for them,” the brokerage said.

The report also anticipates margin improvement across most IT companies, supported by operational efficiencies and cost management measures.

While some companies may revise their revenue guidance, Nuvama expects margin guidance to remain broadly unchanged.

In addition, the brokerage has raised its USD/INR assumption to 95 from 93 and rolled forward its valuation framework using average FY28-FY29 price-to-earnings multiples.

While warning that near-term volatility could persist, Nuvama said it remains positive on the medium to long-term prospects of the IT services sector, citing resilient demand trends and emerging opportunities linked to artificial intelligence-driven transformation initiatives.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Change of Guard Ceremony will not take place on October 3, 2026, at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The decision has been officially conveyed through a press communique about this traditional military event held at the presidential residence.

The Change of Guard is a time-honoured ceremonial parade that showcases the precision, discipline and heritage of the Indian Armed Forces. It is usually conducted at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan and attracts a large number of visitors, including tourists, students and citizens who come to witness the colourful spectacle of marching contingents, military bands and the formal transfer of duties between units.

On this occasion, authorities have confirmed that the ceremony scheduled for October 3 will not be held. No alternative date has been announced in the available information. Members of the public who had planned to attend the event are advised to take note of the cancellation and avoid travelling to the venue on that day.

The Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan remains a significant venue for national ceremonies and state functions. The Change of Guard has long been an integral part of the official calendar, reflecting the continuity of military tradition and the dignity of the highest office of the land. Its temporary suspension on the given date is therefore of public interest.

Visitors and those interested in the ceremony are requested to check official channels of the President’s Secretariat or related authorities for any further updates or revised schedules. As of now, the only confirmed information is that the event will not be conducted on October 3, 2026.

The Change of Guard is a formal military ceremony performed at prominent sites worldwide, including Buckingham Palace in London, the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. It showcases discipline and tradition as soldiers formally hand over duties in a colourful public spectacle.

Source: IANS

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Source: IANS

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Chandigarh, Sep 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Anil Sareen on Monday condemned the unpleasant incidents that took place at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar.

Sareen held the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government responsible for the incident.

He said that people who had come from outside, carrying weapons, entered the university premises and attempted to enter the girls' hostels and misbehaved.

He questioned who these people were who vandalised and indulged in arson at the university in the presence of the police.

He added that students studying at the university could never set fire to their own classrooms and laboratories.

Sareen said the level of the Punjab government had fallen so low that if one of its Rajya Sabha members, upset over the party's policies and corruption, joined another political party, adding that such politics was played against him.

Questioning the law and order situation in the state, Sareen said that people who had come from outside were able to set the university on fire and leave, while the Punjab Police remained mere spectators.

"No steps were taken to ensure the safety of the students studying at the university, which is a matter of serious concern," he added.

Sareen demanded a high-level and impartial investigation into the matter and strict action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, Lovely Professional University blamed the entry of outsiders for the violence on its campus, which witnessed protests, vandalism and arson amid unrest among students.

The university said that it was taking steps to strengthen security and maintain peace on the campus following the incident.

The university's claim comes amid allegations by students that outsiders were involved in vandalism and arson during the unrest.

However, the role of alleged outsiders and the circumstances leading to the violence are subject to investigation.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav visited the campus amid tension following violent student protests over the past two days.

The visit comes after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed the DGP to visit the university and take stock of the situation following incidents of violence, vandalism and three police vehicles being set on fire during student protests.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, Sep 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday said that the Election Commission’s clarification that decisions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were taken unanimously by all three Election Commissioners had disproved Congress’ allegations of differences within the poll panel.

Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar, Patel said the Election Commission is an autonomous institution and that elections in the country were conducted through a transparent process.

“The fact that all three Election Commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner, have clearly stated that all decisions regarding SIR were taken unanimously proves that the allegations of differences within the Election Commission are completely baseless,” Patel said.

He said the Election Commission is working to ensure that the names of all eligible citizens were properly included in electoral rolls and that they were able to exercise their right to vote.

Referring to the enrolment of new voters, Patel said: "The Supreme Court had considered Form 6 appropriate for registration in the electoral rolls and the poll panel had stated that care is being taken to ensure that no eligible citizen was deprived of the right to vote."

CM Patel accused Congress of adopting different positions on the Election Commission depending on electoral outcomes.

“Congress has two different sets of teeth — one for chewing and another for showing,” he said, alleging that the party spoke of democracy and the impartiality of the Election Commission when it won elections, but raised allegations of “vote theft” and irregularities when the mandate went to the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said Congress, the Communist Party, the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress had approached the Supreme Court challenging the SIR process.

According to Patel, the Supreme Court heard the parties and considered the SIR process appropriate.

Referring to Kerala, Patel said Congress had itself considered SIR appropriate and had said that the exercise contributed to its victory there.

"In West Bengal, the Supreme Court had appointed a Special Observer for the elections following a demand from the TMC," he said.

Patel questioned Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi over Congress’ prolonged absence from power in West Bengal, saying the party had been out of power there for 40 years. "Congress had lost its political position in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar since 1990," he said.

Referring to the electoral rolls in West Bengal, he alleged that names that had been illegally added were removed and “fake voters” were exposed, after which the BJP won the election.

The Chief Minister also alleged that those who had curtailed the autonomy of the Election Commission during their time in government were now making baseless allegations against the institution.

Patel said the development-oriented politics pursued under PM Modi’s leadership had strengthened people’s faith in democracy. "India’s growth rate had reached 7.8 per cent and the country is moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economic power," he added.

He also referred to the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ being held to mark PM Modi’s 25 years in public life and public service.

He alleged that Opposition leaders were tarnishing India’s image globally by making serious allegations against constitutional institutions without basis.

Patel said people in a democracy had the right to question institutions, whether they were in the Opposition or in government, but maintained that discussions concerning sensitive institutions such as the Election Commission should be based on facts, law and confidence in constitutional institutions.

Source: IANS

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Madurai, Sep 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Police are stepping up security ahead of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s visit on Monday, when he is expected to launch a programme for newborns, inaugurate the renovated Gandhi Museum and offer prayers at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

The visit will be CM Vijay’s first to Madurai since assuming office. Officials are reviewing security along the route from the airport to Government Rajaji Hospital and around the temple, where a large turnout of devotees is expected during the ongoing post-consecration rituals.

According to the proposed schedule, CM Vijay will inaugurate the 'Thai Maman Gold Ring' programme at Government Rajaji Hospital at 12.30 p.m. The event, intended for babies born in government hospitals, was originally planned in Usilampatti but has been shifted to the hospital in Madurai.

Authorities have not publicly explained the reason for the change of venue.

CM Vijay is then expected to open the renovated Gandhi Museum at 1 p.m. Government sources said he also plans to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple at about 4.30 p.m, although the temple stop and its timing have yet to be formally confirmed.

Temple administrators and police have begun preparations for his possible visit. Officers from Madurai and other areas are expected to be deployed to manage crowds, regulate movement and secure the routes between the venues.

Police are also assessing arrangements near the hospital, where members of the public and workers of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam are likely to gather.

The temple held its consecration ceremony on September 17, the first such ceremony in 17 years. Lakhs of devotees attended the event and offered prayers.

Mandala pujas began the following day and are scheduled to continue until October 2, adding to the number of visitors expected at the shrine during the Chief Minister’s trip.

Preparations are also underway at the Rajaji Hospital campus. Buildings are being refurbished and painted ahead of the programme, while workers are repairing pothole-ridden stretches and laying fresh tar on roads along the expected travel route.

Local police are expected to finalise deployment and traffic arrangements once the Chief Minister’s itinerary is confirmed. Officials are preparing for crowds at both the hospital and the temple, with particular attention to access for patients, devotees and other visitors.

—IANS

aal/rad

Source: IANS

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United Nations, Sep 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) A growing group of world leaders has used the UN General Assembly to demand an overhaul of the Security Council, arguing that a power structure created in 1945 no longer represents the world it is expected to protect.

Calls during the annual debate ranged from expanding permanent and non-permanent membership to giving Africa permanent representation with the privileges held by existing permanent members. African leaders made the most forceful case, while Japan and several smaller states also sought urgent change.

Kenyan President William Ruto said the imbalance between the General Assembly and the Council had become impossible to defend.

“Every nation is sovereign and equal under the Charter. Yet on the gravest questions of war and peace, five nations possess a permanent power that the other 188 do not,” Ruto said. “The equality proclaimed in this Assembly ends at the doors of the Security Council.”

Ruto noted that Africa has 54 UN member states but no permanent voice on the body primarily responsible for international peace and security. He said reform negotiations had continued for 17 years without producing a result.

“We should not accept that reform is impossible because it is difficult,” he said.

Sierra Leone, which coordinates the African Union Committee of Ten on Council reform, pressed the continent’s common position. It called for at least two permanent seats with all the rights of existing permanent members, including the veto if it is retained, and five non-permanent seats.

“The Security Council still reflects the world of 1945. Africa, home to more than 1.6 billion people and the subject of much of the Council’s work, still has no Permanent Seat,” Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio said.

Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima made a similar demand.

“The reform of this institution must begin with the reconstitution of the Security Council, for the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945,” Shettima said.

“Africa cannot continue to fill the Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership,” he said.

South African Minister Ronald Lamola said meaningful reform of global governance must begin with the Council. He noted that African conflicts accounted for much of the body’s work while the continent remained excluded from permanent membership.

“Permanent seats for Africa in the Security Council, with all the prerogatives of permanent membership, are long overdue,” Lamola said.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama described the absence of an African permanent seat as “fundamentally unacceptable in the 21st century”.

“Security Council reform is not a favour to Africa; it is an imperative for the legitimacy, credibility, and survival of the United Nations,” Mahama said.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also called reform urgent. She said the Council’s present structure reflected international conditions in 1945 and supported increasing both permanent and non-permanent membership.

“We need to transform it without delay into a structure that truly reflects the current realities of the international community,” Takaichi said. Japan did not name individual candidates for permanent membership in its address.

Lesotho backed comprehensive reform under the Ezulwini Consensus. Saint Lucia called for expanded representation for Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. Niger questioned how the institution could command trust when Africa’s 54 countries had no permanent seat.

For India, the debate intersects with its long-running campaign for permanent membership. India, Brazil, Germany and Japan constitute the Group of Four, or G4, which supports expanding both categories of Council membership and backs each member’s candidacy. The African Union separately seeks two permanent seats under the Ezulwini Consensus.

The Security Council has 15 members. China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States hold permanent seats and veto power, while 10 members are elected for two-year terms. A Charter amendment requires approval by two-thirds of the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of UN members, including all five permanent Council members.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, Sep 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Gujarat government has launched a three-month preventive vigilance campaign to identify gaps in administrative processes and address potential corruption risks before they arise, with training in cyber security, procurement, forensic accounting, contract management and the use of artificial intelligence as key components.

The campaign, being conducted from September 10 to December 9, will cover state government departments, offices, boards, corporations, public sector undertakings and local authorities, according to a government statement issued on Thursday.

It will culminate alongside Vigilance Awareness Week, which the state said would be observed from October 31 to November 6 under the theme ‘Probity for Prosperity’.

"In Gujarat, the campaign is being undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, with the Gujarat Vigilance Commission, Anti-Corruption Bureau and various departments involved in the exercise," officials said.

Activities will include integrity pledges, public awareness programmes, essay and drawing competitions, capacity-building programmes and digital initiatives.

The government will also identify weaknesses in existing processes, expand technology-based systems, and strengthen citizen feedback and grievance redressal mechanisms.

The Home Department, the Director General of Police, and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) will collaborate on training in cyber security and cyber hygiene.

The Industries and Mines Department and the Office of the Industries Commissioner will conduct masterclasses, workshops and camps for MSMEs and vendors on government procurement.

Under the ‘Alert Supplier, Strong Gujarat’ initiative, the government will prepare a guide outlining dos and don'ts in government procurement and train more than 500 officers.

Officials of the Roads and Buildings Department and the Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar Department will receive training on the updated PWD Manual, contract management, audit and accounts and cyber security.

Training will also cover Conduct Rules, conflict of interest, preliminary and departmental inquiries and ethics in public service.

The Executive Development Programme and Common Foundation Course will incorporate Vigilance and Disciplinary Rules and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Finance Department will train accounting personnel. At the same time, Gujarat Accounts Service Class-I and Class-II officers will receive training in forensic accounting and fraud investigation in collaboration with NFSU.

The Revenue Department will organise training with SPIPA, Gujarat National Law University and the Deendayal Institute of Survey and Revenue Administration on the Prevention of Corruption Act, discipline and conduct rules, ethics, integrity and preventive vigilance.

Sessions will also cover the RTI Act, citizen charters, time-bound service delivery, cybersecurity, data protection, phishing, cyber fraud, and the use of AI in administration.

The Science and Technology Department will focus on IT procurement, GeM, technology evaluation, documentation, reasons for bid rejection and grievance redressal.

In collaboration with IIT Gandhinagar, it will also work on ‘Predictive Vigilance for Infrastructure’, involving risk mapping and a data-driven vigilance framework using data analytics, digital twins and gamification.

The campaign will additionally seek to digitise government movable properties, review lease agreements, identify and remove encroachments and dispose of old or unused government properties in accordance with rules.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, Sep 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Guwahati Zonal Office-I, has provisionally attached gold and silver-coloured metal flakes worth more than Rs 54 crore in connection with a money laundering investigation into an alleged gold smuggling network operating through Assam.

According to an ED statement issued on Wednesday, the agency has attached 37.064 kg of gold, comprising 29 big-sized gold bars and 50 small-sized pieces, along with approximately 13 grams of silver-coloured metal flakes, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The gold was earlier seized by Assam Police on June 30 from the alleged conscious possession of Akshay Parshuram Bansode at Kharguli Hatisil in Guwahati. The seized material is currently kept in safe custody at the Kamrup Metro Treasury, the agency said.

The ED initiated its investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by Latasil Police Station in Kamrup (Metro) district in connection with alleged organised illegal transportation and concealment of smuggled gold and criminal conspiracy. During the investigation, the ED found that Bansode had allegedly been involved for several years in transporting gold across India on the instructions of an unidentified person who was allegedly controlling a syndicate of couriers.

The agency said the alleged syndicate used a coded identification system and paid couriers a fixed monthly remuneration. According to the ED, the investigation indicates that the seized gold may have been smuggled into India through Myanmar and the UAE using hawala channels. The gold was allegedly intended to be introduced into the formal bullion trade through invoices generated by certain traders linked to a bullion refining company.

The agency also examined a claim of ownership over the seized gold, which was allegedly sought to be established through invoices presented as sale documents. However, the jurisdictional court reportedly found the invoices to be prima facie fabricated and rejected the claimant's application seeking release of the gold.

The ED further said that neither Bansode nor the person claiming ownership could produce customs clearance certificates, import documents or other proof establishing the lawful acquisition of the gold.

Further investigation into the alleged smuggling network and money laundering trail is underway, the agency said.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) IIT-Bombay is set to replace ceiling fans in parts of its Powai campus with wall-mounted fans, according to sources, following the death of a 22-year-old student and amid demands for stronger institutional reforms and accountability.

The move comes days after Sahil Wakode, a second-year student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering from Maharashtra's Yavatmal district, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his hostel room on Friday evening.

According to reports, the incident occurred hours after Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.

Sources said the first consignment of wall-mounted fans has already reached the campus and installation work is expected to begin shortly. Although the replacement is being described as part of an ongoing renovation exercise, the development has attracted attention in the wake of the student's death.

According to sources cited by NDTV, discussions over replacing ceiling fans had been underway for around two months and the proposal was recently approved.

Students have also confirmed that the fans have arrived on campus. However, the institute administration has so far not issued an official statement on the reported replacement plan or commented on the matter.

The development has drawn criticism from NCP(SP) spokesperson Anish Gavande, who questioned whether changing the type of fans could address the broader issue of student suicides at educational institutions.

Gavande called for greater emphasis on suicide prevention measures and mental health support for students.

"Does IIT-Bombay really think that replacing ceiling fans with wall fans will solve the suicide problem affecting IITs across the country?" he said.

Wakode's death subsequently led to protests on the IIT-Bombay campus, with students and political activists raising questions about institutional accountability and student welfare.

On Monday, IIT-Bombay removed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs following the protests. However, Doolla continues to remain a member of the institute's faculty.

Wakode's father, Ravindra Wakode, has alleged that his son was subjected to mocking, harassment and caste-based discrimination. He has sought an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son's death and the alleged role of the institute administration.

Following a complaint filed by Wakode's family, the Mumbai Police have booked Professor Suryanarayana Doolla under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to abetment of suicide.

The investigation into the student's death and the allegations raised by his family is underway.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the 3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) heads of states and Union Territories here on Tuesday, with the two-day event set to deliberate on strengthening the country’s fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

On the occasion, HM Shah will also release television commercials (TVCs) aimed at spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and the need to stay away from substance abuse. He will also lay the foundation stones for the new complexes of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zones in Lucknow and Dehradun.

The event will also witness the felicitation of the best-performing ANTF among the states and Union Territories. The revamped NCB website will also be launched during the conference.

The two-day conference is being organised by the NCB and will bring together the heads of ANTFs from all 36 states and Union Territories. Representatives from various government departments, agencies and other stakeholders are also expected to participate in the deliberations.

Officials said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, the government is working in “mission mode” to protect the country’s youth from the adverse consequences of drug abuse and to strengthen efforts against the drug menace.

"Prime Minister Modi has set the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, and realising this vision is not possible without building a drug-free India. This conference will serve as a powerful platform to safeguard future generations from the menace of drugs," an official said.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the conference, being held under the theme ‘United Resolve, Shared Responsibility’, will review the progress made towards targets assigned to state and UT ANTFs under the recently released Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-29).

The deliberations will also focus on initiatives and measures undertaken by various stakeholders to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country, the ministry said.

The conference will discuss the identification and adoption of appropriate strategies to further strengthen the Centre’s measures for supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction, according to the Home Ministry.

The technical deliberations have been structured around the four strategic pillars outlined in the Vision Document -- Enforcement, Intelligence and Operations; Precursors and Synthetic Drugs Control; Demand and Harm Reduction; and Capacity Building and Coordination.

As part of the two-day event, eight technical sessions have also been planned.

The discussions will also underline the need for a whole-of-government approach, with participating states and UTs, departments, and agencies expected to use the conference as a platform to renew their collective commitment towards tackling drug trafficking effectively across the country over the next three years.

The deliberations are expected to result in actionable strategies aimed at further strengthening drug law enforcement mechanisms and protecting the country’s youth from the harmful effects of drugs.

The national conference will also seek to deepen and strengthen a future-ready partnership between the NCB and state and UT ANTFs, to enhance coordinated action against drug abuse and work towards the vision of a Drug-Free India.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Sep 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tamil Nadu liquor retailer Tasmac is planning to make digital payments compulsory for purchases exceeding Rs 500 as part of efforts to reduce cash handling, improve transparency, and curb irregularities at its outlets across the state.

Under the proposed arrangement, customers can continue to use cash for purchases of up to Rs 500, while transactions above that limit will have to be completed through digital payment modes. Tasmac is expected to issue detailed instructions to retail outlets shortly.

The move follows concerns over the continued dominance of cash transactions despite Tasmac introducing a computerised system in 2024. The system was designed to digitise operations across the supply chain, covering liquor manufacturing units, warehouses, and retail shops. Staff now scan every bottle sold at a Tasmac outlet using a handheld device before handing it to the customer. The devices also support digital payments through QR codes. However, more than 80 per cent of liquor purchases at the outlets reportedly still settle in cash.

Tasmac records average daily sales of nearly Rs 150 crore, with the figure rising considerably during weekends, festivals, and public holidays. Retail outlets generally store the large volume of cash collected each day before transporting it to banks for deposit the following day. Officials believe this large-scale cash handling exposes employees to robbery and theft, particularly during transport. Greater use of digital payments is expected to reduce this risk while enabling the corporation to maintain a clearer record of transactions.

Tasmac already provides an online facility that lets customers select their preferred liquor brands, make digital payments, and generate a code. Customers can then use the code at a designated outlet to collect the bottles. However, the facility has drawn customer complaints about delays in receiving their purchases. Officials attributed the problem partly to some retail employees' preference for direct cash transactions.

The proposed payment restriction is also expected to help prevent outlets from charging more than the officially prescribed maximum retail price. Digital records would make it easier to verify the exact amount collected for each purchase and identify discrepancies. Officials said the measure could additionally address frequent disputes over the non-availability of change.

Tasmac is expected to assess the arrangements needed at outlets before formally implementing the Rs 500 cash-payment ceiling.

Source: IANS

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Chandigarh, Sep 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police on Sunday said it had busted a cross-border heroin smuggling network by apprehending four operatives and recovering 47.3 kg of heroin, three pistols, three magazines, 15 cartridges, and two vehicles.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused are linked to a network involved in cross-border smuggling of heroin and illegal arms into Punjab, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav wrote on X.

He said the first investigation report (FIR) was registered in Faridkot.

Further investigation is underway to uncover the wider network and establish its linkages.

A day earlier, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar busted another cross-border narcotics smuggling module with the arrest of three key operatives and recovered 17 kg of heroin from their possession. Police had identified the arrested as Prince, Malkit Singh, and Rajinder Singh, all residents of Kot Mit Singh in Amritsar.

Apart from the heroin, police teams also impounded a car used for transporting the contraband.

With this seizure on Saturday, CI Amritsar has pushed the total recovery of heroin to 54 kg in four days, having previously recovered consignments of 27 kg and 10 kg.

DGP Yadav said CI Amritsar teams had received specific input that three operatives of the smuggling module had received a drone-dropped consignment and were expected to strike a major drug deal beneath the flyover on the Amritsar-Tarn Taran road. Acting promptly, police established a checkpoint and intercepted their car near the park by the flyover. During the search, 17 kg of heroin was recovered.

On September 16, four persons were held with 27 kg of heroin and a foreign-made .30 bore PX5 pistol with three cartridges. On September 18, one person was held with 10 kg of heroin.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Salman Khan got upset with all those trolling actors for their appearance during the latest episode of 'Weekend Ka Vaar' on 'Bigg Boss 20'. He lashed out at those criticizing actresses for gaining weight after pregnancy, which is being seen as a veiled dig at the netizens who are body-shaming actress Katrina Kaif.

Recently, Katrina made a rare appearance at the Ambani family’s Ganpati celebrations with husband Vicky Kaushal, and users started commenting on her weight gain after delivering son Vihaan.

During the 'Weekend Ka Vaar' episode, Salman addressed the issue between contestants ScoutOP and Arishfa Khan. Earlier in the week, after having a fight with Arishfa during a task, ScoutOP had asked his YouTube and gaming community, “khatam kardo isko” (finish her off).

Referring to this, Salman shared how it is becoming a trend for users to hide behind their screens and troll people by commenting on their looks.

The 'Ek Tha Tiger' actor said, “Kisi ko neecha dikha ke aap paise kama rahe hain” (You are making money by putting someone down)."

“Aap apni upbringing dikha rahe ho” (you are only showing your upbringing)", he went on to add.

Salman also pointed out that celebrities are often targeted over various factors such as their weight, family, career failures and personal milestones including. motherhood.

Without taking any names, the 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' actor added, “Pregnant hone ke baad everyone puts on weight” (Everyone puts on weight after becoming pregnant).

Salman added that when she decides to return to films, she would be fit once again.

During the episode, Salman also shared that he was also targeted due to aging.

“Budha hogya, of course 60 saal ka hogaya. You can’t be Maine Pyaar Kiya all the bloody time.”

Asking about the what is the motivation behind such trolling, Salman said, “What do you want to troll and why do you want to troll?”.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani on Saturday urged newly appointed government employees to approach public service with integrity, empathy and a commitment to continuous learning.

Addressing the 20th edition of the Rozgar Mela in Chennai, the minister congratulated the recruits and their families and said that the occasion marked an important milestone for thousands of young Indians who had secured government employment after a rigorous selection process.

He highlighted that more than 51,000 candidates nationwide received appointment letters under the latest Rozgar Mela, taking the total number of appointments issued through the initiative to around 12.75 lakh.

A government job continues to be a major aspiration for many young people, he said and credited families for supporting candidates throughout examinations and recruitment procedures.

Drawing on his own journey from a modest family background to becoming a doctor, entrepreneur and public representative, the minister highlighted the importance of perseverance, adaptability and lifelong learning.

He encouraged recruits to learn from senior colleagues while also making effective use of digital learning platforms and artificial intelligence tools to enhance their professional capabilities.

Pemmasani also advised the new employees to remain open to postings in different regions and to embrace unfamiliar languages, cultures and work environments, saying such experiences help build confidence and deepen understanding of the country's diversity.

Stressing the human dimension of governance, he said government employees should never lose sight of the impact their decisions have on ordinary citizens.

What may appear to be a routine administrative file for an official could represent a matter of great personal significance for a citizen, he noted.

Moreover, the minister further urged recruits to question established practices, verify facts independently and avoid following procedures blindly.

Sound decision-making and integrity are essential to effective public service, according to him.

Highlighting India's development since 2014, Pemmasani pointed to expansion in mobile phone manufacturing, infrastructure development, railway electrification and the growth of indigenous defence production.

He said defence exports had risen from about Rs 600 crore in 2013-14 to nearly Rs 30,000 crore in 2025-26.

Source: IANS

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Patna, Sep 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister and senior JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, has denied speculation about factionalism within the party and clarified that he was not at the JD(U) legislative party meeting held at the party headquarters in Patna on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after arriving at Patna airport on Saturday, Singh said he was in Gujarat for an event and was unaware of the meeting.

“I was attending an event in Gujarat and was unaware of the meeting. Health Minister Nishant Kumar had called me, and I also spoke with Sanjay Jha,” he explained.

He added that several MLAs had contacted him regarding the programme. According to Singh, JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Jha later told him the gathering was an orientation programme for MLAs.

Singh dismissed suggestions of differences within the JD(U), saying the party remained united and continued to follow a tradition of internal democracy and consultation. “You people keep blowing things out of proportion unnecessarily. There are no differences within the party; the party is united,” he said.

He recalled that since Nitish Kumar founded the Samata Party in 1994, the organisation had functioned on the principles of internal democracy, consensus, and consultation.

“That tradition continues today, and everyone is in agreement,” Singh added.

Explaining his absence further, Singh said his engagement in Gujarat was already scheduled and that he was not aware of the Patna programme. “Several MLAs called me, but I told them I was in Gujarat and was not even aware of the meeting,” he said.

Singh said Nishant Kumar called him around 9 pm, after which he also spoke with Sanjay Jha. “Sanjay Jha explained that it was a routine orientation programme for the newly elected MLAs. The party functions entirely through mutual consultation. I am in regular contact with Sanjay Jha, so there is no dispute within the party,” Singh said.

During Friday’s meeting, around half a dozen MLAs reportedly raised questions about Singh’s absence and suggested that a senior party leader should have been invited. The development later sparked speculation about possible differences within the JD(U).

Sanjay Jha had earlier explained Singh’s absence, and Singh’s latest comments have now provided his own account of why he did not attend.

Mokama MLA Anant Singh had also said on Friday that he was unaware of the meeting.

When asked about Anant Singh’s opposition to JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar in the Legislative Council election and the possibility of Kumar losing his security deposit, Lalan Singh declined to comment in detail.

He said the matter concerned the two individuals and suggested they should be asked directly.

The remarks come amid an ongoing political dispute between Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar, with Singh having openly declared his opposition to Kumar in the Patna Graduate constituency election.

Source: IANS

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Wayanad (Kerala), Sep 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine, arrested in an excise case following the seizure of liquor from his ancestral house in Wayanad, will remain in judicial custody as a Kerala court on Friday rejected his bail plea.

The decision was announced by the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court at Sulthan Bathery.

Augustine was arrested by the Excise Department early on Thursday, shortly after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala completed searches at his office and properties.

The Bathery court had on Thursday sent Augustine to judicial custody for 14 days.

He was subsequently to be shifted to the District Jail at Mananthavady.

The Excise case relates to the alleged possession of liquor beyond the permissible limit.

The arrest followed the seizure of about 67 litres of liquor and wine from Augustine’s ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad during the SIT search on Wednesday.

Excise officials said the seized stock included foreign-made liquor and wine and other liquor allegedly not authorised for sale in India.

The case has been registered under Sections 55(a), 55(i) and 58 of the Kerala Abkari Act. An Excise team led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju reached the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery around 2.30 am on Thursday and arrested Augustine there.

He was subsequently taken to Wayanad and produced before the court.

The arrest came after the SIT conducted searches for several hours at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to Augustine and his brothers in Kochi and Wayanad.

Investigators were probing alleged financial irregularities connected with the proposed Messi-Argentina event.

The police action is separate from the excise case.

The SIT searches had led to the seizure of documents and other records, including material relating to the Kaloor stadium, while investigators also examined financial transactions linked to the proposed event.

A separate tax-related inquiry has also flagged alleged financial irregularities involving Reporter Broadcasting Company.

The timing of Augustine’s arrest, coming hours after the SIT searches, triggered criticism and questions over the action against the head of a news organisation.

Augustine had denied the liquor allegations and said he had cooperated with the investigation into the Messi episode, handing over the documents sought by the investigators.

The Kerala Police SIT is investigating alleged cheating and financial irregularities surrounding the proposed football event, while the Excise case before the Bathery court concerns the alleged possession of liquor beyond the legally permissible quantity.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actress Amy Jackson celebrated her son Andreas’ seventh birthday with a note, calling him the “funniest, kindest, most brilliant little boy” and saying that watching him grow has been the “greatest privilege” of her life.

Amy took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures of her with Andreas, whom she shares with her former partner George Panayiotou. The pictures are a mix from their holidays together to her wedding with Ed Westwick.

Taking to the caption section, Amy wrote: “7 today From birthday cake for breakfast to seven years of the funniest, kindest, most brilliant little boy. How has it gone this fast!?! Watching you grow is the greatest privilege of my life.”

“You make us laugh every single day, keep us firmly on our toes and have the biggest heart. Never stop being completely and unapologetically you, my Dre Dre. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Happy 7th birthday baby boy.”

English star Ed Westwick took to the comment section and wrote: “Happy Birthday slugger.”

Amy dated Panayiotou and got engaged in 2019. Their son was born in September 2019. The couple later broke up at an unknown date in 2021. She began dating Westwick in 2022.

In 2024, they announced that they had gotten engaged in Gstaad, and got married in August of that year in Rocca Cilento, Campania. The same year, Jackson announced she was pregnant with her second child and first with Westwick. In 2025, they revealed that their son, Oscar Alexander, had been born.

Amy works in Tamil films, along with a few Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and English films. Her most notable roles include Amy Wilkinson in Madrasapattinam, Sarah in Singh Is Bliing, Annie in Theri and Nila in 2.0.

She made her Hindi debut in Ekk Deewana Tha in 2012, and Telugu debut in Yevadu in 2014. She made her American debut as Imra Ardeen / Saturn Girl in the television series Supergirl, and her British debut as Nimisha in Boogie Man.

Amy was last seen in Crakk, an extreme sports action film directed by Aditya Datt. It stars Vidyut Jammwal, Arjun Rampal, Nora Fatehi, Amy Jackson, Jamie Lever, Pooja Sawant, Ankit Mohan, and Rukmini Maitra.

Source: IANS

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Mehsana (Gujarat), Sep 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's childhood Daulat Khan Pathan, greeted him on 76th birthday and extended warm wishes, while recalling memories and anecdotes from their growing up years. He also shared glimpses of the Prime Minister's life before he took the political plunge and was subsequently elected to public office.

Daulat Khan Pathan's family was PM Modi's neighbour at their village in Gujarat's Vadnagar.

Speaking to IANS, he said: "Today is Modi saab's birthday, he is our PM. His hometown is in Vadnagar where the Modi community's neighborhood and our Pathan neighborhood were right next to each other. Whether we had to go to the market, the STD booth, or the railway station, we always crossed paths, often passing in front of Modi saab's house."

Pathan shared that he and PM Modi together went to Prerna School up to the seventh grade.

"After passing the seventh grade, we both enrolled in B.N. High School in Vadnagar for our secondary education. As students, we did everything together—studying, attending tuition classes, and preparing for exams," he reminisced.

He said that during school days, Prime Minister Modi used to participate in debates and plays.

"We played and lived together. It wouldn't be wrong to say he grew up right alongside us in our neighborhood. Back then, the Modi community, the Pathan community, and others all lived like one big family; there were no issues or conflicts—we lived in harmony and always helped one another," he shared.

Back at that time, both Pathan and PM Modi's families faced severe financial hardship.

Pathan recalled: "We used to have only two pairs of clothes and used to wear those on alternate days while going to school. In fact, till 12-13 years of age we went to school barefoot. We didn't even have Re. 1 to buy rubber slippers."

A pivotal childhood moment occurred in 1961 when both boys wished to join the RSS under Dr. Vasant Parikh but lacked the Rs 1 registration fee.

"We only got one paisa from our homes at that time, not more than that, which we used to eat peanuts. So, where would we get Rs 1?"

Narendra Modi, as a young boy, personally visited Pathan’s home to persuade his mother to provide the money, while Pathan approached PM Modi’s mother, Heeraben, and convinced her to contribute the rupee, enabling both to register. Although, Pathan’s fee was returned three days later due to his religious background.

The now Prime Minister initially insisted he would not stay without his friend—until Pathan urged him to remain, so he could receive the shorts provided by the organization.

Decades later, during a 2009 meeting at the Gujarat Chief Minister's office, PM Modi fondly reminisced with Pathan about those childhood shorts and jokingly offered to give him "half of Gujarat" upon retirement, though family responsibilities ultimately prevented Pathan from entering active politics with the BJP.

Further, Daulat Khan Pathan said that due to certain family situation, the Prime Minister was compelled to leave his village in the Diwali vacation of his college in 1968.

"We don't know what he did or where he was for the next three years. His mother used to get emotional for him while speaking to me. Later on, I came to know that he spent those years in different parts of the country and during that time witnessed the extreme poverty prevalent across the nation," he mentioned.

Pathan said that PM Modi returned to his village in Vadnagar in May 1971 for two days.

"He was a changed man by then and only spoke about serving the people of India," he recalled.

After two days, PM Modi went to the RSS office at Khadia in Ahmedabad and stayed there and worked with the then Bharatiya Jana Sangh and RSS workers.

"He served opposition leaders imprisoned during the 1975 Emergency, authored his first book 'Sangharsh Ma Gujarat'. Later he took RSS workers with him during the 1977 Morbi floods and handed over every piece of recovered gold jewelry to the police. After the formation of the BJP, he took up work related to the party's functioning," Pathan shared.

He added that subsequently PM Modi started working for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and as part of it, distributed RSS newspapers related to the movement, among people travelling in cars to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc.

"PM Modi never shied away from taking up even the smallest party work including putting up BJP posters," Pathan told IANS.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended birthday greetings to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, praising his efforts to accelerate the state’s development across various sectors and his commitment to empowering the poor.

PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "Birthday greetings to Uttarakhand CM, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji. He is working hard to further Uttarakhand’s progress across diverse sectors. Equally noteworthy is his commitment towards empowering the poor. May he lead a long and healthy life."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his greetings to CM Dhami.

"Heartfelt birthday wishes to the Honourable Chief Minister of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji. Prayers from Baba Kedarnath that you attain a glorious life, excellent health, and long life," he said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav wished CM Dhami on his birthday and prayed for his continued good health and energy.

"Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the Honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji. May you always remain healthy, joyful, and energetic by the grace of Baba Kedarnath, and may your contributions to the nation's welfare continue to grow ceaselessly - this is my heartfelt prayer," he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also conveyed her birthday wishes to CM Dhami, highlighting his commitment to public service, development and cultural heritage.

"Heartfelt birthday wishes to the Honorable Chief Minister of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji. With the spirit of Nation First, unwavering devotion to Sanatan culture, and a commitment to public service, your leadership is making Uttarakhand a powerful example of the harmony between development and heritage. Under the guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Devbhoomi is steadily advancing toward new heights," CM Gupta said.

"I pray to Baba Kedarnath for your good health, long life, and unwavering energy for the service of the nation," she said.

CM Dhami, who was born on September 16, 1975, is a BJP leader and has served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand since July 4, 2021.

He has represented the Champawat Assembly constituency in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly since 2022. Before that, he represented the Khatima constituency from 2012 to 2022.

CM Dhami lost the Khatima seat in the 2022 Assembly elections but was retained as Chief Minister by the BJP leadership. He subsequently entered the Uttarakhand Assembly after winning the Champawat by-election.

He became the first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand to serve a second consecutive term.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Sep 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) BRS Working President, K.T. Rama Rao's Personal Assistant and Public Relations Officer on Monday appeared before the police for questioning in a case registered against them in connection with the scuffle with the police that took place at Telangana Legislative Assembly entrance on September 7.

Rama Rao’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Manikya Mahesh, and Personal Assistant, Kumbala Mahender Reddy, appeared before the Investigating Officer at Saifabad Police Station, in response to a notice issued to them.

A case was registered against Mahesh and Mahender Reddy on September 9 for allegedly obstructing police personnel from discharging their duties during a confrontation outside the Assembly.

A case under Sections 132, 352, 351 (2) read with 395) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was booked on a complaint by reserve Inspector B. Jangaiah.

Following this, Rama Rao’s aides had approached the Telangana High Court, which directed the police not to take any coercive step against the petitioners but permitted the Investigation Officer to proceed with the investigation.

The incident had occurred on September 7 when Rama Rao, former minister T. Harish Rao and other legislators of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) reached the Assembly wearing black shirts carrying slogans against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the state government.

Police stopped them from entering the premises over the T-Shirts carrying political slogans, following which an argument and scuffle broke out.

Two cases have already been booked against Rama Rao, Harish Rao and 12 BRS MLAs and MLCs.

They have been accused of obstructing women police personnel from discharging their duties, using abusive language and threatening them.

A woman police Constable alleged the BRS MLAs and MLCs allegedly made objectionable remarks against policewomen. They also took off their T-shirts to stand half-naked before women police officers.

The police Constable alleged that the MLAs stood semi-naked very close to the women personnel, causing extreme discomfort and embarrassment.

A separate case was registered against two MLCs of BRS for allegedly making derogatory and abusive remarks against Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar.

MLCs T. Madhusudan alias Madhu and N. Naveen Kumar Reddy were booked on a complaint filed by Pollepalli Venkatesham, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Assembly Speaker. They were arrested on September 8 but were released on bail by a court the same day.

BRS has alleged that its women legislators were manhandled by the police officers during the stand-off at Assembly gate. It complained to National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women that police did not book a case despite the complaint by the women legislators.

The BRS has also sought intervention of Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actress Sameera Reddy made some precious core memories with her family as she enjoyed a fun getaway in Goa during the weekend.

She shared a glimpse of her family holiday on her IG on Sunday.

The clip uploaded by Sameera had her soaking in the natural beauty of the Siolim backwaters with her kids during a boat ride.

During their time in the water, they ended up witnessing a crocodile, who was relaxing by the shore. The clip also had the little munchkins making the most of their time in the water, after which they all ended up seeing a beautiful sunset.

Sameera admitted that she had to force herself to put down her to-do list and live in the moment.

The 'De Dana Dan' actress shared on her official handle, "Crocodiles & Rainbows...I have remind myself to be in the present . To stop my to-do list. To be mindful . To make core memories. To be in grace. Every day thankful for moments like these...Siolim backwaters , Goa (sic)."

Sameera is known to share such light-hearted and special moments from her personal life with her Instagram family.

On August 12, Sameera provided an insight into the 93rd birthday celebration of her father, Reddy Garu.

She dropped a video on the photo-sharing app featuring her and her father.

The 'Musafir' actress also expressed gratitude for celebrating another milestone with her dad. Sameera shared that she looked forward to making many more such birthday videos with her father for years to come.

She penned, “Keep on running Papa 93 yrs Happy birthday Reddy Garu . We love you. Every year I wait to make this video . And I pray to keep doing so . #grateful.”

In the clip, her dad opened up about what keeps him feeling young and energetic at 93.

He revealed that his strength and youthful spirit stem from a young mindset, along with the love of his family.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The BRICS group of emerging economies on Saturday unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, in which it voiced serious concern over the rise of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort trade and are inconsistent with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The BRICS nations reaffirmed their "unwavering support for reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and to strengthening a non-discriminatory, open, equitable, transparent, fair, inclusive, predictable and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core".

Echoing the aspirations of the Global South to fully integrate into the multilateral trading system, the declaration strongly supports Ethiopia and Iran’s bid for accession to the WTO. It acknowledges China for expanding its zero-tariff treatment to cover 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties.

The declaration also condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, and reiterated that such measures, in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative implications for human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security, of the general population of targeted states, disproportionally affecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations, deepening the digital divide and exacerbating environmental challenges.

The BRICS countries called for the elimination of such unlawful measures.

With the growing share of EMDEs in global output and growth, reform of global economic governance remains a consistent BRICS priority, it said, adding that the bloc agreed to continue to strengthen coordination among BRICS members to make international financial institutions, including the IMF and World Bank, more representative, transparent, and accountable.

The declaration calls for the need for a strong, quota-based and adequately resourced IMF at the centre of the global financial safety net to effectively support its members, particularly the most vulnerable countries.

"We urge entry into effect of the quota increases agreed under the 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) with no further delay and call for the development of approaches to meaningful quota realignment under the 17th GRQ at the earliest," the declaration stated.

It also reaffirms the 2025 World Bank Shareholding Review as a critical tool to strengthen multilateralism and enhance the legitimacy of the World Bank Group, as a better, bigger, and more effective development finance institution.

The BRICS countries decided to continue to advocate for the increased voice and representation of developing countries, underpinned by a shareholding realignment that corrects their historic underrepresentation.

Source: IANS

BRICS slams unilateral tariffs, backs WTO rule-based global trade

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Ghaziabad, Sep 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Panic gripped the Aditya Mega City high-rise residential complex in Indirapuram on Saturday afternoon after a major fire broke out in the storeroom of a flat. As a result, the tower was filled with thick, toxic, and suffocating smoke.

The fire was brought under control after firefighters launched a challenging operation. No casualties were reported in the incident, though goods stored in the storeroom and household items in the surrounding area were damaged.

According to the Fire Department, Vaishali Fire Station received information about the fire at around 2:12 p.m. Following the alert, the station in-charge, under the direction of the Chief Fire Officer, Ghaziabad, immediately dispatched two fire tenders along with a team of firefighters to the spot.

On reaching the complex, firefighters found that the blaze had broken out in the storeroom of flat number GC-502, located on the fifth floor of the tower. The fire had intensified rapidly, and smoke had spread to adjoining portions of the flat and the tower.

Maintenance staff of the housing society initially attempted to control the fire, but the intensity of the blaze made the situation difficult to manage. Thick smoke soon filled the tower, making it challenging for firefighters to enter the building.

Despite the difficult conditions, the fire personnel began the rescue and firefighting operation using protective equipment. A hose line was taken from the ground floor to the affected area through the staircase, while the building’s existing firefighting system was also used to tackle the flames.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus sets entered the affected flat and reached the source of the fire through the dense smoke. Modern exhaust equipment was deployed to remove the accumulated smoke from the tower and the flat.

After sustained efforts, the firefighters managed to completely extinguish the blaze. The prompt response by the Fire Department, along with the automatic firefighting system already installed in the society, helped prevent the fire from spreading to other flats.

The incident could have resulted in a major tragedy in the high-rise complex, had the fire and dense smoke not been brought under control in time.

The fire damaged items kept in the storeroom as well as household belongings in the surrounding area. The exact cause of the fire is being investigated. After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters inspected the affected area to ensure that there was no possibility of the fire reigniting.

Source: IANS

Ghaziabad: Fire breaks out in storeroom of high-rise flat, firefighters bring blaze under control

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Bengaluru, Sep 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi holds nearly a 40 per cent stake in a gold mining company in Congo, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday alleged that bribe money linked to PWD contracts was used to acquire foreign assets and seized Rs 3.3 crore in unaccounted cash during searches at premises linked to him and his aides.

The official statement released in this regard said, "The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Bengaluru Zonal Office has conducted searches at 21 premises linked to Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi and his close aides in connection with an investigation into alleged undisclosed overseas investments, cross-border business links and financial irregularities."

The ED also claimed that Satish Jarkiholi had acquired nearly 40 per cent stakes in Congo-based Magnitude Star SARL, a company engaged in gold mining.

Documents relating to several other foreign entities owning mining assets in Africa were also found and seized during the searches, according to the central probe agency.

The searches were carried out on September 9 and 10 at four locations covering Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak and Kolkata under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the ED said.

According to the central agency, the premises searched included those linked to Chikkodi MP and Jarkiholi's daughter Priyanka Jarkiholi, his son Rahul Jarkiholi and his brother-in-law Y.D. Manjunath.

Properties belonging to several close aides of the Minister, including his Officer on Special Duty and Personal Assistant Malagouda Patil, Raju Daragshetti, Vittal Parasannavar and Girish Sonwalkar, were also searched.

The ED also searched the offices and residences of officials and owners of private company Bharat Vanijya Eastern Private Ltd (BVEPL).

The agency alleged that the company had paid a huge bribe to secure a tender from the PWD department and that the money was allegedly used for acquiring foreign assets.

The searches also focused on the overseas business interests of the Jarkiholi family.

The ED said it found that family members, including Priyanka Jarkiholi, Rahul Jarkiholi and Mahadevi Manjunath, who is the wife of Y.D. Manjunath, had acquired shareholdings in multiple foreign entities.

"These entities include Eldorado Mining Resources in Congo and Nava Aurum Mining Ltd in Zambia, among others," the central agency said.

The searches covered the Minister's residences in Gokak and Dollars Colony in Bengaluru, as well as his office-cum-residence on Crescent Road in the city.

Properties in Gokak and Belagavi were also searched.

During the operation, the ED said it seized unaccounted Indian currency amounting to Rs 3.3 crore.

Foreign currencies, including US dollars and euros, valued at around Rs 15 lakh were also found and seized, the ED added.

The central agency said that evidence gathered during the searches indicated that substantial investments and expenses had allegedly been made in cash in an entity in Congo through unauthorised channels, raising suspected violations under FEMA.

The searches also allegedly unearthed evidence relating to irregularities in the PWD department.

The ED said it recovered several incriminating documents and digital devices containing information relating to the alleged collection of bribe money from contractors, including BVEPL.

According to the central agency, such evidence was found in the entities and accounts of various influential persons, including accounts of an entity allegedly controlled and managed by Y.D. Manjunath, who is the brother-in-law of Satish Jarkiholi.

The ED said the search action was aimed at investigating the alleged flow of funds between domestic entities and overseas assets and examining possible violations of foreign exchange regulations.

Further investigation into the alleged overseas investments, PWD-related financial irregularities, suspected bribe payments and foreign exchange violations is under progress, the central agency added.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Bombay High Court on Wednesday raised sharp questions over the non-inclusion of Parth Pawar, son of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister late Ajit Pawar, as an accused in a high-profile government land deal case in Pune, despite his alleged connection to the purchasing firm.

During a hearing, Justice Madhav Jamdar noted that M/s. Almeida Enterprises LLP acquired 40 acres of government land in Pune's Mundhwa area at a price significantly below its market value.

Investigation records revealed that the firm had two directors: Parth Pawar and Digvijay Patil.

However, the state police chose to charge only Digvijay Patil, omitting Parth Pawar from the list of accused.

In an order released this September, Justice Jamdar highlighted allegations that Parth Pawar was spared from prosecution due to his high influence as the son of the Deputy Chief Minister.

Querying the state police on why Parth Pawar was not named alongside his aide, the Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Sadanand Vasant Date to personally file an affidavit addressing the disparity in the investigation.

The matter came to light while the court was hearing an anticipatory bail plea filed by Suryakant Yewale, a Pune Tehsildar, accused of misusing his official position to facilitate the fraudulent transaction.

Yewale has denied all charges, alleging he was falsely implicated and played no role in the deal.

The Bombay High Court has directed both the Maharashtra DGP and the Investigating Officer to submit their responses before the next scheduled hearing on September 28.

The Mundhwa land scam revolves around the alleged fraudulent sale and illegal transfer of a prime 43.3-acre (nearly 17.5-hectare) parcel of government-owned land in Pune's Mundhwa estimated to be worth nearly Rs 1,800 crore.

Pune businesswoman/builder Sheetal Tejwani, who held the Power of Attorney (PoA) on behalf of the original Watandars for nearly two decades, allegedly executed a sale deed transferring the land to Amadea Enterprises LLP for a nominal consideration of Rs 300 crore.

A seven-member high-level government committee led by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge submitted a 4,392-page inquiry report.

The committee termed the land deal "illegal and criminal".

It indicted partner Digvijay Patil, PoA holder Sheetal Tejwani, and administrative officials.

The committee did not directly blame Parth Pawar in its immediate scope, but recommended a full police investigation into Amadea Enterprises' financial records and transaction mechanics.

Source: IANS

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