New Delhi, May 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) India is diversifying its sources of oil and gas imports to make up for the shortfall in supplies caused by the choking of the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia crisis, a senior official said on Friday.

"Energy security is very important for us. We are trying to diversify our sources from across the world, and that is our policy at present. We welcome whatever support we can receive from various markets around the world," said Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesman.

He also said that 11 Indian-flagged vessels are still stuck in the Persian Gulf region.

"As many as 14 ships that were also in the Persian Gulf have already returned; they were able to cross the Strait of Hormuz and have reached India," Jaiswal added.

Meanwhile Indian oil companies have been buying more oil from Russia and African countries such as Nigeria and Angola.

India's crude sourcing decisions were driven primarily by commercial considerations and adequate supply availability, a Petroleum Ministry official said.

There was no shortage of crude supplies and enough volumes had been tied up through long-term arrangements.

India, the world's third-largest importer of oil, sharply increased purchases of Russian oil to take advantage of lower prices, helping domestic refiners manage elevated global energy costs.

In recent months, US sanctioned certain Russian entities, including its largest crude oil suppliers -- Rosneft and Lukoil as well as ships and financial channels. This led to a brief moderation in purchases last year but the waivers led to Indian refiners stepping up purchases again.

Russian oil imports into India are expected to average close to near record levels at 1.9 million barrels per day in May, according to data from Kpler.

The purchase of Russian crude is taking place at a time when the prices of benchmark Brent crude have shot past $100 per barrel.

India's purchase of Russian oil has helped to cool down runaway prices in the global market by easing the pressure on overall demand for oil.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, May 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Adverse weather conditions in Delhi disrupted flight operations late Thursday, forcing several flights from across the country to divert to Jaipur International Airport.

Among the diverted aircraft was Karnataka's outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s charter flight.

Siddaramaiah was travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi when a sudden deterioration in the weather and poor visibility in the national capital led authorities to divert the flight to Jaipur.

The charter aircraft landed safely at Jaipur International Airport.

The outgoing Chief Minister was accompanied by nine people, including Karnataka Minister K.J. George and Congress leader Randeep Surjewala.

Following the arrival of the Chief Minister’s flight, security arrangements at Jaipur Airport were strengthened.

Siddaramaiah resigned from his post on Thursday, triggering a wave of political speculation across his home state.

Responding to these discussions soon after his resignation, he made it clear that the decision was entirely voluntary and taken without any external pressure.

The Congress Legislature Party, along with the party’s High Command, will now decide on the next Chief Minister, party sources said.

Meanwhile, after submitting his resignation to the Governor’s Secretary, Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara.

Addressing a packed press conference, he said he would stay grounded in state politics.

“I will remain in state politics. The people have elected me for five years, and two years are still left. Till then, I will work for the people of Karnataka and for the people of my constituency,” he added.

Asked about his future in politics, the Congress leader said he will remain active and fight communal forces.

Meanwhile, Jaipur Airport witnessed a surge in flight activity as multiple aircraft bound for Delhi were rerouted due to bad weather.

Air India flight AI-1837, operating from Coimbatore to Delhi, was among the first to be diverted to Jaipur.

It was followed by Air India Express flight IX-1671 from Mumbai to Delhi, Air India’s Colombo-Delhi international flight AI-278, and IndiGo flight 6E-6150 from Guwahati to Delhi.

The sudden diversions led to heightened activity at Jaipur Airport late at night.

Airport authorities and Air Traffic Control coordinated closely to ensure the safe landing and management of all diverted flights.

Officials also made arrangements to facilitate passenger safety and convenience during the unexpected diversions.

According to the Meteorological Department, strong winds, dust storms, and reduced visibility in the Delhi-NCR region disrupted air traffic, prompting airlines to use Jaipur as an alternate landing destination.

Flight operations to Delhi are expected to resume normally once weather conditions improve and visibility is restored.

Source: IANS

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Ambala, May 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 12 years in office, several leaders from the BJP and its allies on Tuesday praised his leadership and highlighted India’s economic growth, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, and rising global stature during the period.

Speaking to reporters, Haryana Minister Anil Vij said that India had witnessed remarkable progress across multiple sectors under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

“In the 12 years of leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed significant progress across multiple sectors. The country has seen growth in public trust, infrastructure development, and a major digital transformation. India’s economy has also risen from the 11th position to become the fifth-largest economy in the world,” Vij said.

He further stated that India had become stronger in dealing with terrorism and security challenges.

“In reality, India has developed and people’s mandate has strengthened. Infrastructure has expanded and the country has witnessed a digital revolution. Earlier, there were frequent reports of terrorism, and leaders would only pay tributes after attacks. Now the situation has changed. Through operations like Operation Sindoor, India has shown a strong response against Pakistan,” he added.

JD-U Chief Spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also praised the Prime Minister, saying the continued electoral success of the BJP-led government reflected the trust people had placed in Modi’s leadership.

“The respected Prime Minister assumed office in 2014, and the people continued to support him in 2019 and 2024 as well. The trust of the people and the confidence of every section of society are a major strength. India is steadily moving toward becoming one of the world’s leading economies,” Kumar said.

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma described the day as historic and said the country had gained a new identity under Modi’s leadership.

“Today is a historic day as the Prime Minister has completed 12 years of capable and globally respected leadership. During this period, India has not only witnessed a change in government but has also developed a new sense of confidence in work culture, efficiency, and global identity,” Sharma said.

He also highlighted various welfare schemes launched during the Modi government’s tenure.

“Several schemes benefiting the poor, such as Ayushman Bharat and Ujjwala Yojana, have transformed lives. The income of common people has increased, and India’s global recognition has grown significantly. We also successfully organised the G20 Summit. The government has worked strongly against terrorism. This is the model of Prime Minister Modi where development and heritage go hand in hand,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha also congratulated the Prime Minister on completing 12 years in office and praised his contribution to the country.

“It is India’s good fortune that after 75 years of independence, the atmosphere of patriotism and national confidence that the country truly needed has been created. The credit for this goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the completion of his remarkable 12 years in office, we respectfully bow to him from the heart,” Lodha said.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, May 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The AIADMK suffered another political setback on Sunday after former Lok Sabha member Dr P. Venugopal, a two-time MP from Tiruvallur constituency and one of the party’s senior Scheduled Caste leaders, announced his resignation from the party.

His exit comes at a time when the party is grappling with internal dissent, repeated electoral setbacks, and an increasingly visible leadership crisis.

Dr Venugopal, who had been associated with the AIADMK for several years and held key responsibilities in the party’s medical wing since its inception, also served as the AIADMK Parliamentary Party leader in the Lok Sabha.

In a statement, he cited a series of political and social reasons behind the party’s declining fortunes.

He pointed to the steady erosion of support among Scheduled Caste communities following the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, describing it as one of the major reasons behind the party’s poor electoral performance in recent years.

According to him, rebuilding the party would require an inclusive political approach capable of accommodating all sections and communities within the organisation.

Dr Venugopal’s departure comes amid widening cracks within the AIADMK. In recent weeks, senior leaders, including former Minister S. Semmalai and former Speaker P. Dhanapal, had also walked out of the party, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among veteran functionaries.

He also took an apparent swipe at the leadership style of AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, suggesting that better political judgment was needed in key organisational and electoral decisions. He criticised decisions regarding candidate selection and said that senior leaders were once given opportunities in the Rajya Sabha during Jayalalithaa’s leadership, whereas the current approach had raised concerns among party cadres.

The resignation also comes against the backdrop of growing rebellion within the party following its recent electoral setbacks.

AIADMK has faced consecutive defeats in major elections and has struggled to regain the political dominance it once enjoyed under Jayalalithaa.

Internal divisions deepened further after sections of party leaders openly differed on strategic decisions and leadership direction.

With senior leaders exiting and factional tensions surfacing, the AIADMK now faces mounting pressure to address organisational challenges and rebuild its support base ahead of future political battles.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The controversial statue outside Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata’s Salt Lake area was removed on Saturday following directions issued by the state Sports Department.

State Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik had earlier announced that the structure located near the VVIP gate of the stadium would be demolished.

The demolition work began on Saturday morning and was completed shortly thereafter.

The statue had been installed in 2017 during the renovation of the Yuva Bharati Stadium in Salt Lake ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted in India that year.

The structure, extending from the feet to the waist and featuring the Biswa Bangla logo, had reportedly been designed by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The installation had triggered controversy soon after it was unveiled, with many football supporters and social media users criticising the structure as bizarre and visually unappealing.

Several football fans had questioned the meaning and artistic interpretation of the installation.

Following the change of government in the state, Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik visited Yuva Bharati on May 17 to watch the Mohun Bagan-East Bengal derby.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Pramanik criticised the structure and said: “Such a strange and bizarre statue, a football on a severed leg. I think the bad days of the previous government started after installing this statue. Then the Messi scandal happened and the government is no longer in power.”

He subsequently informed the Public Works Department that the structure would be removed.

After the demolition on Saturday morning, only two boots and a football remained at the site.

There is speculation that a statue of a footballer may now be installed at the location.

On the night of the derby, Pramanik had said: “We won’t keep a statue that has no meaning. A statue of a famous footballer will be installed in its place.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) BJP National Information & Technology Department in-charge and West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya, on Saturday, hit back at TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose over her remarks on the Centre’s alleged treatment of Christian institutions and the Missionaries of Charity after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the organisation’s Mother House in Kolkata.

Reacting to Ghose’s post on X, Malviya accused her of spreading misinformation and deliberately distorting facts.

In his X post, Malviya said that Sagarika Ghosh, Mamata Banerjee’s stooge, is a habitual disinformation peddler.

He further claimed that apart from the fact that “US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited ‘Mother House’ in Kolkata,” every other statement made by Ghose was “a blatant falsehood.”

Calling the remarks “a deliberate and malicious attempt,” Malviya alleged that Ghose was trying to “spread disinformation, malign the Government of India, and mislead people through a complete distortion of facts.”

The BJP leader then listed what he described as the “hard facts” regarding the legal status of the Missionaries of Charity under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

“The Missionaries of Charity is registered under FCRA and continues to hold an active FCRA registration,” he said.

Malviya further stated, “The validity of the FCRA registration is till 31-12-2026.”

He also clarified that, “No application concerning its FCRA status is pending as on date.”

Escalating his criticism, Malviya said, “Sagarika Ghose cannot be allowed to brazenly spread falsehoods and evade scrutiny.”

He further alleged that her comments were “a deliberate attempt to tarnish Bharat’s image through misinformation.”

Calling her conduct “reprehensible,” the BJP leader said it “deserves to be called out unequivocally.”

He concluded by stating that, “As a public figure holding a tax-funded position, she must be held accountable for her statements and conduct.”

The controversy erupted after Sagarika Ghose posted on X about Marco Rubio’s visit to the Missionaries of Charity headquarters founded by Mother Teresa in Kolkata.

In her post, Ghose wrote, “Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Missionaries of Charity’s Mother House in Kolkata, saluting their exemplary globally renowned humanitarian service.”

She then accused the Narendra Modi government of hypocrisy, writing, “SHEER HYPOCRISY of @narendramodi government on display.”

Calling the Centre “anti-Christian,” Ghose alleged that the government, “through new proposed FCRA bill had barred Missionaries of Charity from receiving foreign aid.”

She further claimed that the government “is enabling seizure of Church assets,” and added that such measures were “destroying the ability of Christian institutions to do the humanitarian, massive educational and healthcare providing service they are known for.”

Ghose concluded her post by alleging that despite these actions, the government was “now show casing our revered Mother Teresa’s organisation for the international visitor.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Senior Congress leader Ajay Rai was caught on camera on Friday making highly objectionable and filthy comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The incident, in utterly bad taste, is set to snowball into a major political firestorm with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking strong offence to it.

In the video that has gone viral on social media, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Ajay Rai is seen making distasteful remarks while waving to a group of people, who apparently assembled to see him off.

BJP IT cell Amit Malviya, taking quick cognisance of the incident, shared the despicable video, capturing the moment when Congress leader blurted out disparaging remarks against the Prime Minister.

Malviya reminded the Congress leader of PM Modi’s magnanimity, as to how the latter enquired about his health and also publicly wished for his speedy recovery, when he suddenly faced a 'health scare' and compared it with that of the former’s vile conduct.

“This is the level of Congress's politics - responding to courtesy with rudeness,” wrote Malviya on X, while sharing the video.

The abusive comments against PM Modi are set to invite huge backlash from the people as well, not just for Ajay Rai but also for the Congress. Netizens have already started questioning the morality and ethics of the grand old party.

It was on May 2, 2026, that Congress leader Ajay Rai was hospitalised in a Lucknow hospital after he suddenly fainted at a public event, as his sodium levels dropped.

On the same night, PM Modi had wished him a speedy recovery, stating that he was concerned over the sudden news of Ajay Rai’s ill-health.

The Congress leader, after recovery, has been relentless in attacking the Modi government over a spate of issues, including sluggish economy, NEET paper leaks and more.

For the unversed, Ajay Rai challenged the Prime Minister from Varanasi constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and was defeated by a margin of over 1.5 lakh votes.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) A significantly high voting of 60.43 per cent was recorded till 1 p.m. in a peaceful repolling for the Falta Assembly Constituency in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Thursday.

The scorching summer heat could not dampen voters’ enthusiasm. Long queues were seen in front of the 285 polling booths, with voters waiting patiently for their turn. The atmosphere was peaceful even as the security forces were maintaining a strict vigil in Falta since polling started at 7 a.m.

According to an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, the trend of evenly high polling percentage throughout the polling period, which was witnessed in the two-phased recently concluded Assembly polls on April 23 and April 29, has also been recorded in the case of repolling in Falta.

“With 60.43 per cent of polling recorded till 1 p.m. and five hours of polling time still left, we are confident that the final polling percentage will surely cross the 90 mark, which was witnessed in the two phases of Assembly polls last month,” the source in the CEO’s office said.

Since morning, the previous ruling party in the state, Trinamool Congress, including the party candidate, Jahangir Khan, has been totally missing from the polling scene. Although Khan last week announced that he was withdrawing from the contest, his announcement was just symbolic since his name continued to be displayed at the EVM on Thursday.

However, the polling agents of major political parties, namely Bharatiya Janata Party BJP), CPI(M) and Congress, were there in all the polling booths. The repolling is being conducted under a blanket security coverage with 35 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) being deployed, which is significantly high for a single Assembly constituency.

The polling for the Falta Assembly seat was conducted once on April 29. Following massive complaints of electoral malpractices on that day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered repolling in the whole constituency. The results of the repolling will be declared on May 24.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), including Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd through State Level Coordinator (Oil Industry) for Maharashtra, Mihir Joshi, on Wednesday assured the people that the availability of essential petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), remains normal and uninterrupted across the state.

The overall fuel supply in Maharashtra continues to remain stable and adequate, with all supply channels comprising terminals, depots, LPG bottling plants and retail outlets functioning efficiently.

Fuel stocks are being continuously monitored, and replenishment activities are progressing seamlessly across all locations without any restrictions, in line with prescribed safety and operational norms, the statement said.

Adequate stocks of petroleum products are available across the supply chain and replenishment is being carried out continuously to meet genuine consumer demand efficiently.

LPG supplies to domestic consumers are also being maintained normally and deliveries are progressing smoothly across the state.

PSU OMCs have appealed to the public to avoid panic buying.

The OMCs have also advised the public to rely only on official communications issued by the companies or government authorities for accurate and verified information regarding fuel availability, the statement added.

In a bid to boost clean energy adoption, residents of newly constructed buildings can now submit applications for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections on a collective or individual basis, as applicable.

Simultaneously, City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies and their authorised distributors are launching large-scale advertising campaigns across the state to encourage citizens to opt for new PNG connections.

Since April 1, 2026, a total of 94,220 new PNG gas connections have been commissioned in Maharashtra, marking one of the highest installation rates in the country.

According to the statement, to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across Maharashtra, and to curb black marketing and hoarding, the state government has initiated strict vigilance measures.

District Collectors have been directed to set up dedicated vigilance and mobile squads to conduct district-level inspections and raids.

ndividuals involved in illegal activities such as the unauthorised use of domestic LPG, hoarding, and black marketing are facing stringent action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

As part of this statewide crackdown, a total of 9,494 raids were conducted up to May 17, 2026.

These operations resulted in the seizure of 4,449 cylinders due to distribution irregularities.

As many as 70 FIRs have been registered, and 52 individuals have been taken into custody.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday and submitted a detailed representation urging the initiation of structured national deliberations on the inclusion of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework.

In his representation, Patra emphasised that the constitutional framework under Article 279A(5) already envisages the eventual inclusion of petroleum products within GST through the recommendation of the GST Council.

He noted that while the matter had previously been deliberated upon in the GST Council following directions of the Kerala High Court, prevailing economic conditions now warrant a fresh, pragmatic and consultative reconsideration of the issue.

The BJD MP highlighted that fuel prices directly impact inflation, transportation and logistics costs, agricultural input costs, MSME operating expenditure and household consumption patterns across the country. He underlined that interstate disparities in VAT structures continue to dilute the objective of tax harmonisation and market integration envisioned under GST.

Drawing attention to Odisha’s economic profile as a major mining, industrial and logistics-intensive State, Patra observed that calibrated GST inclusion of petrol and diesel could significantly reduce freight and supply-chain costs, improve industrial competitiveness and provide substantial economic relief to ordinary citizens, farmers, transport operators and MSMEs.

At the same time, he acknowledged the legitimate concerns of States regarding revenue stability arising from petroleum taxation and therefore advocated a balanced and phased framework rather than immediate unconditional inclusion. He proposed that the GST Council may consider a calibrated GST slab structure, transitional compensation support for States, a limited revenue-protection cess mechanism and a formula-based fiscal stabilisation framework during the transition period.

Patra further requested the Finance Minister to facilitate broad-based consultations with all States and consider constituting a technical and fiscal working group to examine implementation models and build national consensus on phased integration of petroleum products within the GST architecture.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notices to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, ex-Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and other party leaders in criminal contempt proceedings initiated over alleged attempts to scandalise the judiciary in connection with the excise policy case.

In its order, a Division Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja recorded that the contempt proceedings had been initiated on the basis of an earlier order passed on May 14, in which a single-judge Bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had taken exception to material allegedly circulated against the judiciary in a “derogatory” manner.

“The proceedings have been initiated on the basis of the order dated May 14. The single judge has placed reliance on the material from social media posts and other electronic and publication records. The Registry is directed to preserve copies of the same and place them before this Court,” the Delhi High Court observed.

It issued notice to the alleged contemnors, including AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Vinay Mishra and Durgesh Pathak, granting them four weeks to file their replies.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 4. Even as no counsel appeared on behalf of the alleged contemnors during the hearing, the Justice Chawla-led Bench indicated that it would appoint an amicus curiae to assist the court in adjudicating the criminal contempt proceedings.

The contempt of court case arose from an order passed last week by a single-judge Bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who had observed that a “coordinated social media campaign” was carried out to scandalise the judiciary following her refusal to recuse from hearing the excise policy case.

In a detailed order, Justice Sharma had held that the actions of the proposed contemnors were “calculated to scandalise the Court, lower the authority of the institution of justice, interfere with the administration of justice, and intimidate the independent exercise of judicial functions”.

The Delhi High Court had observed that while criticism of judicial orders is permissible, there exists “a very thin line” between fair criticism and attempts to portray a judge as biased through organised campaigns.

“The Court cannot permit erosion of the constitutional system and the justice delivery mechanism by tolerating such assaults in the name of public discourse,” the order had said.

Justice Sharma had also clarified that the initiation of contempt proceedings was not driven by personal grievance but was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary. The judge subsequently recused from hearing the main excise policy case, observing that the matter could be heard by another Bench to avoid any perception of bias.

Following Justice Sharma’s recusal, a single-judge Bench of Justice Manoj Jain was constituted to hear the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s revision plea challenging the trial court order that had discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia and others in the alleged corruption case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy.

The trial court, in a judgment running into more than 1,100 paragraphs, had discharged all accused persons, holding that the now-scrapped excise policy was the outcome of a consultative and deliberative process and that the prosecution failed to establish an overarching conspiracy.

In its plea before the Delhi High Court, the CBI has alleged that the excise policy framed by the then AAP-led Delhi government was manipulated to favour select liquor traders in exchange for kickbacks.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi Police Crime Branch's NDR unit on Monday arrested a wanted criminal who had been absconding since 2020 in connection with a brutal robbery and assault case in which the victim’s thumbs were allegedly chopped off, a police statement said.

According to a press release issued by the Crime Branch, the accused, identified as Brahamdev Bhagat, a resident of Purnia in Bihar, was arrested on May 17 in connection with FIR No. 109/2020 registered under Sections 342, 394, 397, 506, and 34 of the IPC at Dwarka Sector-23 Police Station.

Police said the accused had earlier been declared a Proclaimed Offender by a Delhi court on December 11, 2025. He was arrested under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

According to police, the incident dates back to March 17, 2020, when complainant Surinder Nanda, an event manager, received a phone call regarding the booking of a large party. Since he already had a medical appointment at Patel Nagar, he asked his manager, Kapil Chadha, to attend the meeting on his behalf.

Chadha contacted the caller and was asked to come to Dwarka for the meeting. Upon reaching there, the persons present allegedly insisted on meeting Nanda personally and asked Chadha to call him to the location.

Following the request, Nanda left Patel Nagar with his driver, Ramesh, in his Innova car and reached Sector-23, Dwarka, around 8 p.m. As he could not locate the exact address, a Maruti car approached and guided him to the meeting spot. Due to the darkness, he could not note the registration number of the vehicle.

Upon entering the premises, Nanda allegedly found Bhagat, who was previously his vegetable supplier, along with three associates waiting there. Police said the accused immediately began assaulting him with sticks and rods.

During the attack, one of the accused allegedly snatched a diamond ring from Nanda at knifepoint and robbed Rs 27,000 from his purse. Police said Bhagat also threatened to kill him and forcibly obtained his signature on documents related to payment of Rs 11 lakh towards alleged vegetable dues, which the victim claimed were not payable.

Police further stated that Bhagat later inflicted grievous injuries on Nanda by chopping off both his thumbs with a knife.

After committing the crime, the accused allegedly released Nanda and Chadha. Nanda later reached DDU Hospital, following which a police complaint was lodged and the FIR was registered on March 18, 2020.

During the investigation, local police had arrested three accused identified as Jitender, Amardeep, and Gautam. However, the main accused, Bhagat, remained absconding and allegedly kept changing locations to evade arrest.

A dedicated Crime Branch team led by SI Dipender, along with Head Constables Rajbir, Ram Niwas, Parmanand, and Kuldeep, and woman constable Gyanwati, under the supervision of Inspectors Yogesh and Vinod Yadav and ACP Umesh Barthwal, was assigned to trace the accused.

On May 15, police received specific information that Bhagat was hiding in Purnia. Acting on the tip-off, the team reached the location, laid a trap, and successfully apprehended him after sustained surveillance.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime. Police said further legal proceedings are underway.

Source: IANS

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Centre issues public health advisory on heatwave, stresses adequate hydration

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Adequate hydration and avoiding direct exposure to sunlight are among key suggestions in a Public Health Advisory on Extreme Heat/Heatwave issued by the Ayush vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The advisory was issued, in coordination with the Ministry of Ayush, in view of the rising temperatures and prevailing heatwave conditions in several parts of the country, said a statement.

The advisory provides detailed guidance for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and participants in mass gatherings and sports events to safeguard themselves against heat stress and heat-related illnesses.

It emphasises adequate hydration, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, use of light cotton clothing, and consumption of seasonal fruits and fluids rich in electrolytes.

The advisory also highlights that infants, children, pregnant women, elderly persons, outdoor workers, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension are particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions and require special care and monitoring.

Special precautions have been advised for workplaces, public gatherings and outdoor activities, including provision of shaded rest areas, regular hydration breaks, acclimatisation measures for workers, and awareness generation regarding symptoms of heat stress, said the statement.

The advisory cautions citizens to remain alert for danger signs of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, headache, nausea, altered mental status, high body temperature, dehydration, seizures and fainting.

Heatstroke has been identified as a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention, and the advisory recommends promptly calling emergency helplines 108/102 in severe cases, said the statement.

As part of the addendum issued by the Ayush Vertical under DGHS, the advisory also incorporates traditional wellness and preventive measures from various Ayush systems including Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani and Homoeopathy for combating heatwave conditions.

The Ayurveda section recommends cooling dietary practices, intake of hydrating beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks, and use of traditional preparations including Nimbukaphala Panaka, Amra Prapanaka and Chincha Panaka to help regulate body temperature during extreme heat.

The Siddha and Yoga sections advise the adoption of cooling refreshments and breathing techniques such as Sheetali Pranayama and gentle Yoga practices for maintaining thermal comfort and reducing heat stress.

The Unani system recommends traditional cooling drinks and herbal applications to prevent sunburn and dehydration, while the Homoeopathy section suggests precautionary measures during peak heat hours.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) on Saturday expressed serious concern over the verdict of the Madhya Pradesh High Court declaring the Kamal Maula Mosque (Bhojshala) a temple, saying the judgment raises significant questions regarding the "credibility" of the judicial system, protection of minority rights, religious freedom and the secular character of the country.

The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has redefined the legal status of the Bhojshala complex in Dhar by ruling that the site is a temple and that the Hindu community possesses an inherent right to worship there, which was never lost to history. In a significant judgment delivered on Friday, the division bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi set aside decades of administrative compromises surrounding the disputed site.

JIH president Syed Sadatullah Husaini issued a statement voicing apprehension over the verdict, calling for "fairness and objectivity" in judicial proceedings involving sensitive religious matters.

Expressing concern over the ruling, Husaini said the judgment "will have grave implications for the credibility of the judicial system, minority rights, religious freedom, communal harmony and the secular fabric of the country."

He further stated that the ruling raises important constitutional concerns linked to the protection of religious rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.

He pointed out that for decades, the Bhojshala complex functioned under an arrangement that allowed both communities to exercise their respective religious practices.

"The removal of established worship rights of one community in favour of another not only disrupts a long-standing arrangement but also risks undermining the principle of equal respect for all faiths. Such developments must be approached with utmost caution, keeping in mind the delicate balance required in a plural and diverse society like India," he said.

The JIH chief also expressed concern over suggestions of allotting alternative land to the Muslim community in place of the disputed site.

"Religious rights cannot be reduced to questions of mere physical space or relocation, as places of worship are deeply connected with historical continuity, identity, and collective memory. Any approach that appears to displace one community from a historically shared or contested site leads to a sense of alienation and injustice. We are deeply concerned about the reliance on contested historical and archaeological interpretations in adjudicating such sensitive matters. Such approaches must be carefully scrutinised to ensure that they do not disproportionately privilege one set of claims over another," Husaini stated.

He further said that the matter should not be seen as an isolated dispute but as "part of a broader pattern" in which historical religious site disputes are being reopened, which, according to him, undermines the spirit of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

"The 1991 Act must be upheld in letter and spirit to prevent the reopening of historical disputes. Any dilution of this principle could have far-reaching consequences for communal harmony and social stability. The matter must be addressed with a commitment to constitutional morality, fairness, and justice for all communities," he said.

Husaini also remarked that the judiciary must maintain not only impartiality in action but also the public perception of impartiality.

"The judiciary must not only be impartial in its actions, but must also appear to be impartial. Unfortunately, recent developments are creating a perception to the contrary, which risks undermining the credibility, dignity, and public trust associated with this vital institution," he said.

The JIH president further stated that the Muslim community would continue to pursue legal remedies, including the option of filing an appeal, to ensure that all concerns are properly heard and addressed within the constitutional framework.

"Safeguarding the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially minorities, is essential for preserving the democratic and secular ethos of the nation," he added.

Source: IANS

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Patna, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Darkness descended upon Patna, the capital of Bihar, as sirens pierced the evening air, bringing the city to a sudden standstill on Thursday.​

People froze in place, and even on the bustling roads, vehicles halted exactly where they were when the alarms began.​

The civil defence blackout and mock drill exercise commenced at 7 p.m. to evaluate the government’s emergency response systems and prepare citizens for potential crises, including aerial attacks.​

Sirens were sounded at more than 100 locations across the city at 6:58 p.m., covering areas under the Patna Municipal Corporation as well as Danapur Nizamat, Khagaul, and Phulwari Sharif.​

The two-minute siren alert was followed by a complete blackout from 7 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., during which all city lights were switched off.​

The exercise was not limited to the state capital.​

Similar mock drills were simultaneously conducted in several districts, including Kishanganj, Begusarai, Purnea, Araria, and Katihar, as part of a broader preparedness initiative.​

In Kishanganj, the district administration had alerted residents about the scheduled power cut on Thursday as part of the mock drill.​

Authorities also appealed to citizens not to panic, emphasising that the exercise was purely a preparedness measure.​

Residents were urged to strictly follow the district administration's instructions during the drill and remain vigilant.​

“Stay alert, stay safe,” officials reiterated in their advisory.​

For any emergency assistance, citizens have been advised to contact the State Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Department at 0612-2294204/2294205, or dial the Emergency Assistance Number 1070.​

Authorities had been preparing for the drill for days, launching extensive awareness campaigns through multiple media platforms.​

Citizens were instructed to switch off all lights and strictly avoid using mobile phone flashlights during the blackout period.​

Notably, a similar exercise had been conducted last year following the “Sindoor Operation” against Pakistan, and the latest drill builds on those earlier preparedness efforts.

Source: IANS

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Tripura attracts Rs 35,140 crore investments through Ease of Doing Business reforms Agartala, May 14 (IANS) The sustained Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) reforms particularly simplification of approvals, self-certification mechanisms, and digitisation of services led to signing of 394 MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) attracting Rs 35,140 crore in proposed investments over the past few years in Tripura, officials said on Thursday. Tripura Industry & Commerce Department Secretary Kiran Gitte said that streamlined regulatory processes and faster clearances have enabled effective project execution, leading to 94 projects (23.8 per cent) transitioning into grounded investments worth Rs 5,352 crore. Major investments have been reported across healthcare, tourism, logistics and infrastructure sectors, he told the media. The senior IAS officer said that the Tripura government has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first state in the country to successfully complete all priority areas under Dereulation Phase–II of the national Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative led by the Union Cabinet Secretariat. With this achievement, Gitte said that Tripura has also emerged as the first State in India to complete all 51 Priority Areas under both Deregulation Phase–I (23 Priority Areas) and Phase–II (28 Priority Areas), reinforcing its position as a national frontrunner in regulatory reforms, Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and technology-driven governance. Initiated in January 2026, Deregulation Phase–II covered 28 Priority Areas across Revenue, Urban Development, Industries, Labour, Environment, Tourism, Health, Education and Digital Governance, the official noted. According to Gitte, the reforms focused on reducing compliance burdens, eliminating redundant procedures, digitising approvals and creating a more transparent, predictable and investor-friendly regulatory ecosystem. The official said sustained EoDB reforms, particularly simplification of approvals, self-certification mechanisms and digitisation of services, have significantly improved investor confidence and reduced entry barriers in the state. As part of the reform process, the state rationalised fire safety norms in line with global best practices and strengthened the Single Window System through the SWAGAAT Portal to enhance transparency and ease of access for businesses and citizens, he said. The state government also collaborated with National Law University, Tripura campus, for a principle-based review of state acts, rules and government orders aimed at regulatory simplification. Gitte said that the initiative additionally includes the creation of a centralised digital repository of state laws and regulations through the e-Gazette system. To assess the impact of reforms implemented under Deregulation Phase–I, the state government empanelled Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta to conduct a ground-level Impact Assessment Study. Citizen-centric reforms were also introduced across multiple social sectors, the official said, adding that in education, minimum land and endowment requirements for establishment of institutions were rationalised. In health sector, seamless interstate registration and practice for medical professionals were enabled through a single nodal mechanism. In tourism, homestay regulations were simplified through removal of multiple ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ requirements and introduction of online self-renewal systems to promote tourism entrepreneurship and local participation. The successful completion of all priority areas reflects Tripura’s strong political commitment, administrative coordination and sustained focus on reform-driven governance. The official believe the reforms will significantly improve investor confidence, reduce compliance costs, accelerate service delivery and strengthen Tripura’s emergence as a model state for facilitative and future-ready governance in India.

Source: IANS

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Los Angeles, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hollywood actress Amy Madigan, who received a lot of positive response to her work in ‘Weapons’, has been cast in new Western film ‘I Passed This Way’. She will be sharing the screen with Chris Cooper in the film.

The ‘Weapons’ star and ‘Adaptation’ actor will star opposite each other in ‘Passion Fish and Lone Star’ director John Sayles' first feature film in over a decade, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The production for the movie is set to get underway in the final quarter of 2026. Sayles has penned the screenplay for ‘I Passed This Way’, which is set in 1898 and focuses on cowboy Ross McEwen, who goes on the run across the New Mexico Territory after impulsively robbing a bank.

He's being chased by lawman Pat Garrett and his young deputy, but McEwen faces a tough choice after hiding out at a remote homestead which has been hit by diphtheria. He finds him having to decide between leaving the family to die but securing his escape to Mexico, or helping them but facing jail time if he's caught.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the movie is based on Eugene Manlove Rhodes' Paso Por Aqui, which was published as a novella in 1927, but first serialised in the Saturday Evening Post. Sayles, whose film will be shot in the Canary Islands and Almería, Spain, first came across the novella during Donald Trump's first administration.

He told ‘Variety’ that he turned to the book "when the president and the media forces who conspired to put him in power were appealing to our citizens’ worst characteristics, fear, racism, the idea that being a superpower justified any behaviour".

He has also long been a fan of Westerns, particularly their "moral core" as the stories are "often valuing 'justice' over 'law' and presenting their protagonists with tough decisions".

Madigan's casting in the movie comes after she delighted and terrified audiences as the enigmatic Aunt Gladys in last year's horror blockbuster, ‘Weapons’. The horror flick, which stars Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich and Benedict Wong, follows a group of strangers whose lives violently intersect after a class of children mysteriously vanish at 2:17am exactly. Madigan's performance as Aunt Gladys was a huge hit with fans, which convinced director Zach Cregger to develop an origin film for the mysterious villain.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved a scheme for the promotion of surface coal/lignite gasification projects with a financial outlay of Rs 37,500 crore.

The scheme is projected to create around 50,000 (direct and indirect) jobs across 25 projects in coal-bearing regions, according to an official statement.

In a significant accompanying reform, the government has also extended coal linkage tenure up to 30 years under the “Production of Syngas leading to Coal Gasification” sub-sector in the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) linkage auction framework, providing long-term policy certainty for investment in coal gasification projects.

The scheme marks a major step towards accelerating India’s coal/lignite gasification programme, advancing the national target of gasifying 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal by 2030, strengthening energy security, and reducing dependence on imports of key products such as LNG (more than 50 per cent imported), urea (20 per cent imported), ammonia (100 per cent imported), and methanol (80–90 per cent imported).

The scheme aims to incentivise new surface coal/lignite gasification projects for the production of syngas and its downstream products, targeting the gasification of approximately 75 million tonnes of coal/lignite.

Other features include financial incentives provided at a maximum of 20 per cent of the cost of plant and machinery; selection through a transparent and competitive bidding process, with an evaluation framework benchmarking project cost, coal input, and syngas output; and incentive disbursed in four equal instalments, linked to project milestones.

“Financial incentive for any single project capped at Rs 5,000 crore; for any single product (except Synthetic Natural Gas and Urea) capped at Rs.9,000 crore; and any single entity group capped at Rs.12,000 crore across all projects,” said the official statement.

Coal/lignite utilisation is expected to generate Rs 6,300 crore annually from 75 million tonnes of gasification envisaged under the scheme, plus downstream revenue from GST and other levies.

India holds one of the world’s largest coal reserves (401 billion tonnes) and lignite reserves (47 billion tonnes). Coal accounts for over 55 per cent of the country’s energy mix.

According to the statement, India's import bill for key substitutable products -- LNG, urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonia, coking coal, methanol, DME and others -- stood at approximately Rs 2.77 lakh crore in FY25, a vulnerability further exposed by the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia.

Building on the National Coal Gasification Mission (2021) and a Rs 8,500 crore scheme approved in January 2024 (under which eight projects worth Rs 6,233 crore are under implementation), the new Scheme builds on this momentum with significantly enhanced support.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Wednesday a plea filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA R. Seenivasa Sethupathi challenging the Madras High Court’s interim order restraining him from participating in any floor test proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly amid a dispute over his one-vote victory from the Tiruppattur Assembly constituency.

According to the details available on the official website of the apex court, a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Sethupathi was registered earlier on Tuesday and is listed before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and Vijay Bishnoi for hearing on Wednesday.

The plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi earlier on Tuesday, following which the apex court agreed to list the matter for hearing on Wednesday.

Sethupathi has moved the top court challenging the interim order passed by a vacation Bench of the Madras High Court restraining him from "voting or otherwise taking part in any floor test, including confidence motion, no-confidence motion, trust vote or any voting proceeding in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly where the numerical strength of the House is tested, until further orders".

A bench of Justices L. Victoria Gowri and N. Senthilkumar had passed the interim direction while hearing a writ petition filed by former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader K.R. Periakaruppan, who lost the Tiruppattur Assembly seat in Sivaganga district by a margin of just one vote.

According to the official results declared by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Sethupathi secured 83,365 votes, while Periakaruppan polled 83,364 votes.

Periakaruppan had alleged serious irregularities in the counting process and claimed that a postal ballot meant for Tiruppattur Assembly constituency No.185 in Sivaganga district was mistakenly sent to Tiruppattur Assembly constituency No.50 in Tiruppattur district near Vellore and was rejected there instead of being transmitted back to the correct constituency.

In its order, the Madras High Court observed that the case disclosed a "peculiar constitutional anomaly where a postal ballot admittedly relatable to a live and concluded election in one constituency was allegedly diverted to another constituency bearing a similar nomenclature and came to be rejected there".

The order said the controversy was not a routine election dispute involving recounting or rejection of votes simpliciter, but arose from "an antecedent administrative failure in preserving the integrity of the electoral chain itself".

It further observed that in an election decided by a margin of one vote, "every vote is not merely relevant; it is potentially determinative".

Referring to the alleged discrepancy of 18 EVM votes between two official sources and the disputed postal ballot, the Madras High Court held that the issues could not be brushed aside at the threshold, particularly in view of the razor-thin margin of victory.

It had also directed election authorities to preserve all records connected with the counting process, including postal ballot records, rejected postal ballot covers, EVM vote account records, videographic footage of counting and all related materials.

At the same time, the Madras High Court clarified that its interim order should not be construed as setting aside Sethupathi’s election or conferring any right upon the petitioner to be declared elected.

During the hearing before the High Court, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had opposed the writ petition and contended that once election results are declared, any dispute can only be adjudicated through an election petition under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Source: IANS

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Patna, May 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday inaugurated a newly constructed four-lane road over the Mandiri drain in Patna, marking a significant addition to the city's urban infrastructure aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving drainage.

The project has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 115.08 crore.

The newly inaugurated stretch -- now named Nabin Kishore Sinha Path after Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha -- runs approximately 1,289 meters, connecting the Income Tax Crossing to Ashok Rajpath and further linking to the Bans Ghat area.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior BJP National President Nitin Nabin, in whose father’s memory the road has been dedicated.

The road consists of a 5.5-meter-wide main carriageway (two-lane), a 3.5-meter-wide service road, and is based on an advanced RCC box drainage system beneath the road.

Other features include footpaths, street lighting, signage, utility ducts, and landscaping to enhance urban aesthetics.

This corridor is expected to provide major relief to traffic congestion in key areas such as Bailey Road, Fraser Road, Buddha Marg, and around Gandhi Maidan.

Officials have described the project as more than just a road.

According to Yashpal Meena, who serves as Municipal Commissioner of Patna Municipal Corporation, it has been developed as a “Smart Urban Corridor” integrating mobility with modern drainage infrastructure.

The foundation stone of the project was laid in December 2021 during the tenure of Nitin Nabin as Road Construction Minister. Its completion now coincides with his elevation as the BJP National President.

Urban Development Minister Nitish Mishra had inspected the site before the inauguration.

Alongside the inauguration, CM Samrat Choudhary also offered prayers at a Shiv temple in Khajpura, marking the establishment day of Somnath Temple and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Nitin Nabin, on the occasion of the 77th birth anniversary of the late Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha, paid floral tributes at his statue in 'Nabin Sinha Memorial Park' in Rajvanshi Nagar.

He said that his dedication to social service, his simple life, and his unwavering commitment to public welfare continue to inspire my public life even today, and provide the motivation to keep moving forward steadfastly on the path of duty towards the nation and the organisation.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, May 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a large public meeting while launching various development projects in Hyderabad.

There was enthusiasm among the people who attended the public meeting in large numbers.

The people present on this occasion gave their feedback while talking to IANS.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter Nageshwar Rao, who came to attend the public meeting, said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to Hyderabad today. In the coming times, the next government in Telangana will definitely be formed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)."

BJP worker Madhusudan said, "With the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the land of Telangana, our confidence has increased. The religious war has started from today. A double- engine government will soon be formed in Telangana. The BJP government will be formed in every state of India."

He added, "The people of Telangana welcomed the Prime Minister with great enthusiasm. Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can develop Telangana. Trusting PM Modi, a large number of people attended the public meeting. Both Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) are similar parties. Both the parties are family limited, parties of commission and corruption. To save Telangana, the BRS and Congress will have to be defeated and the BJP will have to be brought in power in the state."

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several infrastructural and industrial projects worth about Rs 9,400 crore in Hyderabad.

He flagged off several railway and logistics projects, including parts of the Kazipet-Vijayawada rail multi-tracking corridor, the Kazipet Rail Under Rail Bypass, and a new greenfield Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) terminal in Hyderabad.

Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Indus Hospital in Hyderabad. The hospital is a state-of-the-art multi-super specialty quaternary care non-profit institution exclusively for cancer treatment.

PM Modi called it a commendable effort to improve the healthcare infrastructure in Hyderabad and surrounding areas.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister said that our effort is to ensure that Hyderabad also progresses like developed India.

"This is the continued commitment of the Central government. For this purpose, I got the opportunity to lay the foundation stone of development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees."

Source: IANS

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Ayodhya, May 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj of Ayodhya's Saket Bhavan Temple on Saturday termed the swearing-in of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Suvendu Adhikari as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal, a "historic day". He said that Adhikari's elevation to the Chief Ministerial post marks the fulfillment of a long-standing resolve.

In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers of several BJP-ruled states and other leaders, Adhikari took oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj said that the day will remain significant for the followers of 'Sanatan Dharma'.

He added that Suvendu Adhikari taking oath as the Chief Minister in West Bengal marks the fulfillment of a "long-cherished goal".

"A target of nearly 40 years has been achieved today. The era of anarchy, misgovernance, and oppression in the state has come to an end," he said, referring to the previous Trinamool Congress government.

"The Hindu community in West Bengal, especially women and girls, had long faced incidents of harassment and oppression, and now there is hope for relief from such conditions," he added.

The Hindu seer added that 'Sanatan' traditions and faith were repeatedly targeted earlier, and even organising festivals like 'Ram Navami' in the state required intervention from the High Court.

According to Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj, there is now an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm among the 'Sanatani' community in West Bengal.

Expressing gratitude to the people of West Bengal, the Hindu seer said they had brought the BJP to power with overwhelming public support and blessings.

Praising the newly sworn-in Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj noted: "He (Suvendu Adhikari) struggled for the people and for 'Sanatan' society while facing many hardships."

Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, adding that the poll victory became possible due to the hard work of both the leaders.

Referring to West Bengal as the land of saints and the abode of 'Maa Chandi' and 'Maa Kali', the Hindu seer also remarked that the day symbolises celebration and joy and is a "proud moment" for Sanatan culture.

Source: IANS

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Paramaribo, May 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Friday spoke on the theme 'Partnership for Progress’ in Paramaribo, Suriname, and highlighted India's global role, stressing the need for partnership for progress.

EAM Jaishankar took to social media 'X' and said, "Spoke on the theme ‘Partnership for Progress’ at Paramaribo this evening. Thank FM Melvin Bouva for his presence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Suriname for organising the programme."

"Made the case that a tough world nevertheless requires progress. And that is best achieved through partnerships. Highlighted the characteristics of a trusted partner who can reconcile national interest with global good. Described India’s role in global politics in that context, focusing on our development partnerships, global workforce, first responder record, and new initiatives," he said.

"It is this India that will partner Suriname in its growth trajectory and jointly write the next chapter of the India-Suriname story," EAM Jaishankar added.

EAM Jaishankar also planted a sapling at India House in Suriname under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'.

"Very glad to plant a sapling at India House Suriname under #EkPedMaaKeNaam," EAM Jaishankar said in another post.

Earlier on Thursday, EAM S. Jaishankar handed over a fruit-processing facility in Paramaribo city of Suriname, which was established with financial assistance from India.

India provided fruit processing machinery to Suriname, funded under the USD one million Small and Medium Enterprises grant announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in 2025.

During his remarks at the event, the Minister said, “This project also serves to underline a larger message of India as a partner of Suriname and of the Global South.”

He said that India’s commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means the world as a family, is demonstrated not just in words but through particular projects and specific activities, and noted that this is a very good illustration of it.

“In the times to come, as Suriname advances in its quest for progress and prosperity, India will always be a reliable partner,” he added.

He was joined by Suriname Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva and Agriculture Minister Nike Noersalim at the event.

Source: IANS

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NHRC questions Himachal govt over 19 women nursing students ‘contracting TB’

New Delhi, May 7 (IANS) Taking a strong view, the NHRC has sought a report from Himachal Pradesh after a media report alleged that 19 women students contracted tuberculosis in the hostel of a Nursing College in Shimla, an official said.

Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report over the alleged incident, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Himachal Pradesh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

Reportedly, during two recent inspections of the premises, serious deficiencies were observed in the management of the hostel, including sanitation and overall institutional functioning. However, no corrective measures were taken by the authorities and as a result the students contracted tuberculosis.

The Commission observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights.

The media report, carried on May 2, highlighted several shortcomings based on the two inspections of the institutions held on March 31 and April 17.

The students at the hostel face overcrowded, damp, and unhygienic living conditions with severely inadequate sanitation. Food quality is poor and lacks basic nutrition. They are reportedly denied rest during illness and forced to work as “hospital staff” even on holidays, an NHRC statement said.

In a separate case, the NHRC sought a report within two weeks from Jharkhand government and district police chief over the death of a 19-year-old woman inmate of a remand home in the Charki Pahadi area of the Deoghar district earlier this month, an official said.

The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a media report about the death of a 19-year-old female inmate on May 2 allegedly under suspicious circumstances. The cause of her death is yet to be ascertained.

The NHRC observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights.

It issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand, and the Superintendent of Police, Deogarh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on May 4, when the inmate’s condition suddenly deteriorated, the Remand Home staff rushed her to the Deoghar Sadar Hospital, where she died during treatment.

Reportedly, five inmates of this Remand Home have died since January 1 2026, raising questions about its security and arrangements, said a statement.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, May 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive and future-oriented blueprint for Udaipur’s development, keeping in view projected population growth and emerging urban requirements.

He emphasised the need for detailed planning in road infrastructure, traffic management and civic amenities.

Chairing a meeting of district-level officials at the District Council Auditorium in Udaipur, the Chief Minister instructed the Udaipur Development Authority (UDA) and the Municipal Corporation to formulate a special action plan covering development possibilities within a 25-30 km radius of the city.

Highlighting Udaipur’s status as Rajasthan’s premier tourist destination, he called for structured and proactive planning to strengthen urban infrastructure.

Stressing the importance of the Dewas Project, Sharma directed officials to expedite its execution, noting that completion of its third and fourth phases would ensure that Udaipur’s lakes no longer face water shortages.

The Chief Minister instructed all departments to complete ongoing development works before the onset of the monsoon to avoid inconvenience to the public.

He emphasised prioritising sewerage and pipeline projects and called for accelerated progress on the city’s Ring Road project.

To ensure access to clean and safe drinking water across the district, Sharma directed installation of water treatment plants wherever required.

He also praised the AI-based traffic control system implemented at the Fatehpura intersection and called for its replication at other major junctions in the city.

Directing Municipal Corporation officials, the Chief Minister stressed that cleanliness and sanitation should remain top priorities.

He called for a focused action plan to improve Udaipur’s cleanliness rankings and urged collaboration among institutions, industrial bodies and citizens.

Reiterating accountability, Sharma said public servants are answerable to the people and must ensure complete transparency and efficiency in welfare works.

He directed officials to incorporate suggestions from public representatives during the planning and execution of development schemes.

Referring to the ongoing ‘Gram Rath Yatra’ campaign aimed at spreading awareness about the functioning of 13 government departments, the Chief Minister directed that Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and Tehsildars must remain present during outreach programmes to engage directly with citizens.

During the meeting, officials from various departments, including Water Resources, Power Transmission, Public Works, Medical and Health, and Water Supply, presented updates on ongoing schemes.

Divisional Commissioner Pragya Kewalramani briefed the Chief Minister on the administrative status of the division, while UDA Commissioner and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Abhishek Khanna shared details of urban development works.

Superintendent of Police Dr Amrita Duhan presented updates on traffic management measures in the city.

Those present at the meeting included Rajya Sabha member Chunnilal Garasiya, Lok Sabha member C.P. Joshi, MLAs Tarachand Jain, Phool Singh Meena, Shanta Devi and Pratap Gameti, along with senior administrative and police officials.

Source: IANS

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United Nations, May 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) The United Nations welcomes the unilateral ceasefires announced respectively by Ukraine and Russia, said a UN spokesperson.

"We welcome the unilateral ceasefire announced by Ukraine, to begin on the night of 5 to 6 May, as well as the one by the Russian Federation, to take place over 8 and 9 May," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Tuesday (local time).

The secretary-general looks forward to their successful implementation, and reiterates his call for a full, immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire, leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, Dujarric told a daily press briefing.

Russia's Defence Ministry on Monday declared a Victory Day ceasefire on May 8-9. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday night that Ukraine will start a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, on the same day, Ukrainian officials reported that at least 17 people were killed and 52 others injured on Tuesday in separate Russian aerial attacks on two Ukrainian cities.

In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, guided aerial bombs struck several enterprises, killing 12 people and wounding 39 others, regional Governor Ivan Fedorov wrote on Telegram.

The strikes also caused fires and damaged private houses, a vehicle service station and a car wash.

In the eastern city of Kramatorsk, three high-explosive aerial bombs hit the central district, killing at least five people and injuring 13 others, according to regional Governor Vadym Filashkin.

Four administrative buildings and several apartment blocks and vehicles were damaged in the attack, Filashkin wrote on Telegram, adding that the exact number of victims was being established.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, has recommended the appointment of advocates and judicial officers as judges in the High Courts of Punjab and Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the apex court Collegium said that in its meeting held on May 4, it approved the proposal for the appointment of three advocates — Pravindra Singh Chauhan, Rajesh Gaur, and Minderjeet Yadav — as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

"The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 4th May, 2026, has approved the proposal for appointment of the following Advocates as Judges of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana: (i) Shri Pravindra Singh Chauhan, (ii) Shri Rajesh Gaur, and (iii) Shri Minderjeet Yadav," the statement said.

In a separate statement, the Collegium also approved the appointment of seven more advocates as judges of the P&H High Court.

These include Monica Chhibber Sharma, Harmeet Singh Deol, Puja Chopra, Sunish Bindlish, Navdeep Singh, Divya Sharma, and Ravinder Malik.

"The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 4th May, 2026, has approved the proposal for appointment of the following Advocates as Judges of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana: (i) Ms. Monica Chhibber Sharma, (ii) Shri Harmeet Singh Deol, (iii) Ms. Puja Chopra, (iv) Shri Sunish Bindlish, (v) Shri Navdeep Singh, (vi) Ms. Divya Sharma, and (vii) Shri Ravinder Malik," it added.

Further, the Collegium approved the proposal for the appointment of three judicial officers — Sunitha Gandham, Alapati Giridhar, and Purushottam Kumar Chintalapudi (also known as Ch. Purushottama Kumar) — as judges of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

"The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on 4th May, 2026, has approved the proposal for appointment of the following Judicial Officers as Judges of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh: (i) Smt. Sunitha Gandham, (ii) Shri Alapati Giridhar, and (iii) Shri Purushottam Kumar Chintalapudi @ Ch. Purushottama Kumar," the statement said.

As per the memorandum of procedure (MoP) governing the appointment of High Court judges, the proposal for appointment is initiated by the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned. If the Chief Minister wishes to recommend any name, it must be forwarded to the Chief Justice for consideration. The Governor, acting on the advice of the Chief Minister, forwards the recommendation along with the complete set of papers to the Union Minister of Law and Justice as early as possible and preferably within six weeks from receipt of the proposal.

The proposal is then examined by the Centre along with relevant background inputs before being sent to the CJI, who consults the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court before finalising the recommendation.

Following these consultations, the CJI forwards his recommendation to the Union Minister of Law and Justice, ordinarily within four weeks. Once the warrant of appointment is signed by the President, the Secretary of the Department of Justice informs the Chief Justice, with a copy to the Chief Minister, and the appointment is subsequently notified in the Gazette of India.

Source: IANS

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Anand, May 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Harshad Parmar won the Umreth Assembly by-election in Gujarat on Monday, defeating Congress rival Bhrugurajsinh Chauhan by 30,743 votes, according to the Election Commission of India.

At the conclusion of counting after all 23 rounds, Parmar secured 85,500 votes, while Chauhan polled 54,757.

The counting process began in the morning and progressed steadily, with the BJP candidate maintaining a consistent lead throughout.

The bypoll to the Umreth Assembly constituency in Anand district was held on April 23 following the death of sitting BJP MLA Govind Parmar in March, a four-term legislator who had retained the seat in the 2022 Assembly elections.

Harshad Parmar, the son of the late MLA, is contesting his first major election. He has previously served in local governance roles, and his candidature was backed by senior BJP leaders during the campaign.

Chauhan, a senior Congress leader, has served three terms as president of the Umreth taluka panchayat and currently holds a key organisational role in the party’s central zone in Gujarat.

Polling recorded a turnout of just over 59 per cent across more than 300 polling stations, with six candidates in the fray.

However, the contest remained largely bipolar between the BJP and the Congress party after other parties played a limited role.

The Umreth seat, which comprises a mix of rural and semi-urban areas, has traditionally witnessed direct contests between the two parties.

With this result, the BJP retains the constituency, maintaining its presence in the region.

The by-election took place alongside Assembly bypolls in multiple states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tripura and Nagaland, with counting for all constituencies carried out on Monday.

The results were also announced on the same day as the outcomes of Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, where voting was held across a total of 824 seats.

These elections are being viewed as an important gauge of political strength for national parties such as the BJP and Congress, as well as for key regional parties aiming to hold on to their established bases.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sai Tamhankar, whose latest release is the series “Matka King”, feels the industry is undergoing a new shift, with talent finally taking the spotlight. Tagging it “a very good era for actors like me,” the actress says there are now "amazing opportunities."

“I think the generic norms, criteria, and set formulas are changing. You cannot place a set formula and say that, okay, this is going to be a sure-shot hit. Things have changed, and it is really nice. I think it's a very good era for actors like me. We have amazing opportunities,” Sai told IANS.

Talking about how changing norms and evolving storytelling have opened doors for performers who rely on craft over conventional stardom, Sai shared: “I think when you know your job, people also understand that you know your job. And I think that is very interesting to watch and observe.

“So yeah, I think today, in this day and age, if you know your job well and you are honest about it, the honesty reaches. And yeah, it feels good because actors like me, Vijay Varma, Jaideep Ahlawat … they all are getting their dues. They're such wonderful actors, and I feel extremely happy and proud to be a part of this era,” added the 39-year-old actress.

Talking about Matka King, the show also stars Vijay Varma, Kritika Kamra, Siddharth Jadhav, and Gulshan Grover in lead roles.

As per the synopsis, the show is set in 1960s Mumbai. The series traces the transformation of a humble, enterprising cotton trader into a powerful gambling don as he starts a new game called Matka, which takes the city by storm and democratizes a terrain previously reserved for the rich and elite.

Sai, who was in Sangli, Maharashtra, began her career in television with supporting roles in Marathi series like Tuzyavina in 2003 and gained recognition with Ya Gojirvanya Gharat.

The actress, who was a state-level Kabaddi player and holds an orange belt in karate, later appeared in the Hindi daily soaps Kasturi and Anubandh.

Sai stepped into Bollywood in 2008 with minor roles in Subhash Ghai's Black & White and Aamir Khan's Ghajini.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 03 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's sister and the daughter of Sunil and Nargis Dutt, remembered her 'biggest inspiration', her mother, on her death anniversary.

In a heartfelt post shared on X (Formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday, Priya stated that she has learned a lot of crucial life values from her mother, such as compassion, courage, and selflessness.

Priya added that it was her mother who showed her what it is like to lead with her heart.

Calling her mother, the guiding force in her life, the politician and social worker posted on the micro-blogging site, "Remembering my mother who taught me life’s most important values. Her compassion, courage and selflessness weren’t just qualities, they were a way of life she passed on to us. Mum showed me what it means to lead with heart and live with dignity. (sic)"

"Forty-five years have passed since she left us, but her light has always been the loving force guiding my way. My greatest inspiration, always," she went on to add.

Nargis tied the knot with her 'Mother India' co-star Sunil Dutt back in 1958. The couple is blessed with three children, including actor Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, and Namrata Dutt.

Nargis passed away in 1981 due to pancreatic cancer, only three days before her son Sanjay made his Bollywood debut with "Rocky".

Priya keeps on sharing some precious moments with her loved ones on social media.

On Sibling's Day this year, she treated the netizens with some lovely memories with Sanjay, sister Namrata Dutt, and their parents, Nargis and Sunil Dutt.

Priya claimed that her bond with her siblings is built on the foundation of warmth and strength provided by their parents in their childhood.

Wishing Sanjay on the Siblings Day, she wrote, "Our childhood was shaped by the warmth and strength of our parents, and that love still lives on in the bond we share as siblings. Thankful for @duttsanjay and @namrata62, today and always. #SiblingsDay."

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, April 30 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Guwahati Zonal Office, has filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court (PMLA), Kamrup (Metro), Guwahati, in connection with an alleged bank fraud involving IDBI Bank and wrongful losses amounting to Rs 8.62 crore, officials said on Thursday. According to an official statement, the complaint has been filed under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 against M/s Ottis Associates Pvt. Ltd. and its Director, Suresh Kumar Kashliwal, for the alleged commission of offences punishable under the anti-money laundering law. The ED said its probe was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Guwahati under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI has already filed a chargesheet against Suresh Kumar Kashliwal, Nirmala Devi Kashliwal and the company in the matter. Investigators found that Ottis Associates Pvt. Ltd., through its Director, had allegedly fraudulently secured a cash credit facility of Rs 3 crore from IDBI Bank’s Guwahati branch in December 2009 through a pre-planned conspiracy. The agency alleged that three properties, which had already been sold to third parties before creation of the mortgage, were offered as collateral to the bank. It further claimed that signatures of guarantors and mortgagors Rumi Jalan and Narayan Deka were forged on various bank documents, including guarantee agreements, affidavits and mortgage letters. The ED also alleged that the death of another guarantor, Muli Devi Sarawgi, who had passed away on June 23, 2009, was concealed from the bank. In addition, fabricated balance sheets for the financial years 2008-09 and 2009-10, showing inflated income figures, were allegedly submitted to obtain the loan. According to the agency, after securing the loan, the accused immediately transferred the proceeds into the company’s current account and routed the money through nearly 36 vendor payments, thereby mixing tainted funds with regular business transactions and portraying them as legitimate assets. The loan account was declared a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) on December 30, 2013. IDBI Bank later classified it as fraud on June 4, 2019, and reported the matter to the Reserve Bank of India on July 29, 2019. The ED said that although the accused later settled the gross principal outstanding amount of Rs 3.10 crore through a One Time Settlement with the bank in September-October 2024, the offence of money laundering remains a continuing offence under the PMLA.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, April 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Hundreds of local residents expressed gratitude to the government for the launch of a direct Vande Bharat train service between Jammu and Srinagar. Describing the advantages, people said they would now be able to escape the traffic on the National Highway and that the service would especially benefit students and tourists.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train service on Thursday, while regular services for the public to commence from May 2.

A passenger who was to travel on the Vande Bharat train, said that the Srinagar-Katra service is already benefitting students and locals as the land route remains closed due to traffic and flights tickets are costly.

"The launch of this train is a very good decision. It will also benefit tourism," he told IANS.

Another passenger added, "The situation in the region has also started becoming better. I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the LG and the Chief Minister for such a decision."

He was optimistic that the train service will prove to be a boon as the National Highway used to be blocked with traffic.

"Earlier we used to be stuck on the National Highway throughout the night. Tourism will also increase and our children will also greatly benefit," he said.

SSP GRP, Kashmir, Wasim Qadri mentioned that the earlier Vande Bharat train service between Srinagar to Katra has been extended with this.

Qadri emphasised that the security on the route is being enhanced.

"2000 security cameras are being used for surveillance throughout the route up till Jammu. Moreover, drone surveillance is also being used," he told reporters.

Apart from this, he said that security guards have been deployed at every 2 KM who, using the watch towers, will be covering surveillance throughout the track.

"To an extent we have made this a secure corridor," he added.

About the flagging off ceremony, Kapil Sharma, Chief Area Manager Kashmir Northern Railway, said, "The main inauguration function is being held in Jammu by our Minister. There isn’t a separate function here, but today our train will also depart from Srinagar to Jammu. So, this is a very joyful day for all Kashmiris and for people across India."

"The capacity is also more in this train. It is a great development for people across sectors. The train is comfortable as well as economical," he added.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, April 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Wednesday that the proposed AHINDA convention in Hubballi was aimed at addressing the socio-economic backwardness of marginalised communities and bringing them into the mainstream.

The event is being held amid speculation that the convention was a show of strength for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid the row over the change of guard in the state.

It can be noted that AHINDA stands for Alpasankhyataru, Hindulidavaru, and Dalitaru and refers to Minorities, Backward Classes, and Dalits.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said the AHINDA movement was initiated to uplift communities that are educationally, socially and economically backward.

He further added that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge is well aware of the prevailing political situation in the state within the ruling Congress party.

Further supporting the AHINDA convention, he said, “Such a convention should be held. Their issues must be discussed and addressed. It is important that these communities are encouraged to come into the mainstream."

Responding to questions on why a separate Dalit convention had not been held, Parameshwara said the concerns of Dalits would also be addressed within the AHINDA framework.

On the ongoing speculation over a possible change in the Chief Minister, the Home Minister said he did not have much information, and it would not be appropriate for him to comment. He said AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge was well aware of the political situation in the state.

“It is a matter of pride that Kharge is the AICC president. He has vast experience and a deep understanding of state politics. If he becomes Chief Minister, it would be a matter of great happiness,” he said.

He also clarified recent visits by senior leaders to New Delhi, stating that Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar had gone to discuss issues related to protection, while leaders such as Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Minister K.H. Muniyappa had visited to meet the SC Commission regarding internal reservation matters.

On criticism over the Speaker’s office remaining silent in the Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni case, Parameshwara said the matter was part of a process that could not be stopped. “There may be a delay of a day or two, but the process will be completed,” he said.

Regarding the issuance of a notification on internal reservation, he said it had been released in line with the government’s decision and would pave the way for recruitment to around 56,000 posts.

“All departments, including ours, will proceed with recruitment. The Finance Department has already given its approval,” he added.

It can be noted that amid the leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, intensifying following the conclusion of voting in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam, the ruling Congress party is witnessing hectic political activities.

Following a meeting of Shivakumar with the party's high command recently, cabinet ministers and staunch supporters of CM Siddaramaiah have gone to Delhi. These leaders have issued a public statement urging the high command to end the confusion over leadership in the state.

Congress insiders state that, along with this, the cabinet ministers, hailing from oppressed classes, are pressuring the high command to consent to the AHINDA convention. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar had earlier scuttled the plans of holding the AHINDA convention in the state.

Sources further state that the AHINDA convention will be used to send a strong message that CM Siddaramaiah is an unquestionable leader of the oppressed classes and minorities. The organisation of the convention also has the objective of compelling the high command to continue Siddaramaiah in the CM's position for the full term.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, April 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ahead of the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls for 142 constituencies on Wednesday, the state and Kolkata police and central paramilitary forces, in joint operations at different pockets in the state, have made a total of 1,095 preventive arrests during the last 24 hours.

According to statistics provided by the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the preventive arrest figure during the last 36 hours is 1,583.

"These arrests have been made on the basis of their past records of involvement in election-related violence, due to which such persons have been identified as trouble-makers. One of the preventive arrests had been that of Narugopal Bhakat, the Trinamool Congress Councillor of Ward 22 of Burdwan town in East Burdwan district," a CEO’s office source said.

District-wise, the maximum arrests have been made in East Burdwan district at 479, followed by North 24 Parganas at 319, South 24 Parganas at 246, the electoral district of Kolkata (Uttar) at 109, Hooghly at 49, and Nadia and Howrah at 32 each.

The total arrest figure also includes the four arrests in connection with the clash between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress activists at Jagatdal in North 24 Parganas district on Sunday night. These four are Koushik Das, 27, Sikander Prasad, 39, Gopal Routh, 40, and Shyamdev Shaw, 55.

Since the election dates were announced, the Election Commission of India (ECI had been stressing the identification of the potential trouble-makers and putting them under preventive arrests to prevent incidents of violence before, during, and after the polls.

Recently, the ruling Trinamool Congress also approached the Calcutta High Court apprehending the arrests of 200 of their party leaders and workers. However, on April 22, a division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen ruled that preventive arrests could be done in accordance with the provisions of the laws concerned.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a setback in Gujarat just 24 hours before vote counting, as its state General Secretary Sagar Rabari resigned from all party posts, adding to a series of recent exits from the organisation.

Rabari, a prominent leader with influence among grassroots workers and sections of the farming community, announced his resignation through a Facebook post.

His departure comes at a sensitive juncture for the party, which is awaiting the results of the local body elections held on Sunday.

In his statement issued on Monday, Rabari said, “I finish my journey with the Aam Aadmi Party here today. Freeing myself from party membership, position and responsibilities. Heartfelt thanks to all colleagues for their cooperation. Personal relationships and friendships will remain intact.”

His resignation follows recent political developments within the party in Gujarat, where multiple leaders have exited in the run-up to the polls.

Days earlier, he had publicly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging attempts to intimidate voters and curb the party’s outreach, including through social media restrictions.

A party source told IANS that the reasons for his decision remain unclear.

“We do not know why he has given his resignation. He was doing press conferences till two days ago for the party and targeting the BJP. He is not picking up our calls. He has not said anything wrong about the party. Likely due to personal reasons, he resigned,” the source said.

Rabari’s exit comes amid earlier high-profile defections in the state unit.

Farmer leader Raju Karpada had resigned from the AAP in February this year and subsequently joined the BJP in April, stating that working with the government would better serve farmers’ interests.

Karpada, who previously headed the party’s farmer wing in Gujarat, had cited organisational issues and his experiences following legal cases linked to farmer protests as factors behind his resignation.

At the national level, the party has also faced significant changes in the Rajya Sabha.

In recent developments, seven AAP MPs in the Upper House have shifted to the BJP, reducing the party’s strength to three MPs and increasing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s tally.

This follows internal dissent and merger requests accepted by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, marking a substantial shift in parliamentary representation.

The AAP has not yet issued an official response to Rabari’s resignation.

Source: IANS

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