Coimbatore, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Farmers dependent on the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) have urged the Tamil Nadu government to immediately release Rs 14.98 crore for dredging and restoring irrigation channels, warning that poorly maintained canals could result in substantial water losses amid a weak southwest monsoon.

Water Users Associations under the PAP have identified 229 canal restoration works across the irrigation network. The project irrigates nearly 3.80 lakh acres of farmland spread across Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Erode districts through an extensive network supplied mainly by the Thirumoorthy and Aliyar dams.

Under the Thirumoorthy system, around 1.90 lakh acres receive irrigation annually across two zones, with approximately 95,000 acres covered in each zone. This year, water is scheduled to be supplied to agricultural lands falling under Zones 2 and 3. The Aliyar system additionally provides irrigation to about 25,000 acres every year.

Farmers said annual dredging and removal of vegetation were essential to maintain the carrying capacity of the channels and ensure that water released from the reservoirs reaches tail-end agricultural areas without avoidable losses.

The PAP has 150 Water Users Associations -- 134 under the Thirumoorthy Dam system and 16 under Aliyar. The associations say they do not have sufficient resources to undertake large-scale maintenance independently and therefore depend on government assistance.

Thirumoorthy Reservoir Project Committee chairman Medical K. Paramasivam said canal maintenance had earlier been undertaken through the Kudimaramathu scheme during the AIADMK government.

He alleged that funds were not provided for such works during the first four years of the previous DMK administration. Following repeated representations from farmers, Rs 10 crore was sanctioned last year for cleaning the channels.

The associations have now submitted proposals covering 229 works estimated at Rs 14.98 crore. Farmer representatives have also approached three ministers in the TVK government, including the ministers handling finance and water resources and the minister in charge of Tiruppur district, seeking early sanction.

They said assurances had been given that funds would be released, but the allocation was still awaited.

With the southwest monsoon failing to provide adequate rainfall, farmers fear that any delay in clearing the canals could reduce the effectiveness of water releases from the reservoirs.

A Water Resources Department official said the proposal had been forwarded to the Finance Department and was awaiting approval. Officials expect the allocation to be sanctioned shortly, following which canal restoration work can begin.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi/Bengaluru, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) As many as 72 gram panchayats in Karnataka's Dharwad district have been declared tuberculosis (TB)-free, marking significant progress towards eliminating the disease, Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday.

Joshi, who is also the MP from Dharwad, made the remarks during a consultation meeting of MPs from Karnataka and Kerala on TB elimination, held in the presence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in New Delhi.

Highlighting the progress made in Dharwad, Joshi said only two gram panchayats in the district had achieved TB-free status in 2023. The number has now risen to 72 by 2025, reflecting the sustained efforts of the district administration and health authorities.

“Dharwad district is making significant progress towards becoming completely TB-free,” Joshi said, adding that a people’s movement has been created as part of the Centre’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis from the country.

According to Joshi, the district has achieved an 88 per cent treatment success rate. As part of intensified screening efforts, 161 X-ray camps were organised over 130 days, covering more than 7,800 people.

Between January and July 2026, the district screened 43,840 people, achieving 124 per cent of the targeted screening. The minister said the progress demonstrated the impact of sustained screening, early detection and treatment efforts.

The district is also providing nutritional support to TB patients through the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative as part of efforts to improve treatment outcomes and support patients during their recovery.

Joshi said the Centre and district administration were committed to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “TB-free India” and ensuring access to quality healthcare for every citizen in the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency.

The consultation meeting in New Delhi also discussed measures to accelerate TB elimination in Karnataka and Kerala. MPs from the two states resolved to strengthen efforts in indigenous research for TB treatment, AI-based screening and access to modern treatment facilities for patients.

Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Anupriya Patel and senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were among those present at the meeting.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) A crucial hearing is scheduled before the single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday on a petition by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress challenging West Bengal Police's decision to freeze four bank accounts of the party.

The state police ordered the freezing of these four bank accounts held at the public sector Indian Bank based on an FIR related to cybercrime. However, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction has claimed in its petition that there was no evidence of any illegal transactions through these four bank accounts.

The matter will come up for hearing at the single-judge bench of Justice Sougata Bhattacharya later in the day. In the petition, the counsels for the petitioner had pleaded for permission to withdraw from the frozen accounts for essential expenses of the party.

The petitioner’s counsel has also made it clear that if the permission is given through a court-appointed special officer, as was done previously in the case of three other bank accounts held with a private sector bank, on which debit restrictions were first imposed following instructions from the state police and subsequently following similar instructions from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Incidentally, the Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to interfere with the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) freezing of three bank accounts of the Trinamool Congress in connection with an alleged money laundering probe, while allowing the existing interim arrangement for the party to meet its day-to-day expenses under the supervision of a court-appointed Special Officer.

The apex court Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale also disposed of a separate petition filed by rebel Trinamool Congress leader Biswanath Das, who had challenged the Calcutta High Court's order, contending that he represented the "real party".

The Justice Sundresh-led Bench observed that the order of the High Court was a "balanced" arrangement as it ensured that the party's day-to-day operations were not stalled while keeping the operation of the accounts under judicial supervision.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a bid to prevent examination paper leaks across Maharashtra, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has directed state universities to draft and publish comprehensive guidelines modelled on the Central government’s framework.

The Minister late Tuesday evening instructed authorities to issue an official circular fixing direct accountability on responsible officers and staff members to ensure leak-free examinations.

The directive comes amid nationwide youth protests triggered by recent paper leak incidents in NEET and other major competitive exams. In response to growing public concern, the state government has initiated a series of regulatory steps. The decisions were announced after Minister Patil chaired an online review meeting with Vice-Chancellors of all public universities across the state.

The meeting focused on reviewing key academic and administrative matters in Maharashtra's higher education sector.

Minister Patil has directed universities to adopt a uniform academic calendar to effectively implement the National Education Policy (NEP). Additionally, institutions must prepare a comprehensive framework to roll out the fourth-year Honours degree programme starting from the academic years 2026-27 and 2027-28.

To better understand and address student grievances, Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors must hold direct weekly interaction sessions with a group of at least 50 students, he said in his directive. Colleges will be categorised into clusters to facilitate the sharing of faculty, infrastructure, laboratories, libraries, and educational resources. Furthermore, a specialised workshop will be conducted for heads of examination control departments to study best practices for NEP implementation in other states, said the government release.

Drawing from existing cluster courses developed by Mumbai University and other institutions, the state aims to create an inclusive, high-quality cluster curriculum. Each university has been mandated to execute at least one cluster initiative every month.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Cabinet has cleared an overhaul of its regulatory framework for self-financed private skill universities, replacing university-specific acts with a unified legislative framework. With this decision, the previous Government Resolution dated February 5, 2021, stands repealed. Future institutions will be governed under the Maharashtra Private Skill Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2024.

According to the new guidelines, sponsoring bodies must submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) alongside a non-refundable fee of Rs 1 crore. After receiving the Letter of Intent (LoI), sponsors have one year to submit compliance reports. Up to two one-year extensions may be granted at a fee of Rs 50 lakh per year (50 per cent of the initial proposal fee). Failure to comply within the window results in automatic cancellation of the LoI. Any subsequent amendment or modification to a university's constituent act will incur a processing fee of Rs 50 lakh.

According to the Cabinet decision, the self-financed private skill universities will come up on a minimum of 25 acres of land in rural areas, 15 acres in tehsil/district headquarters, a minimum of 10 acres in urban areas excluding BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation and Thane Municipal Corporation limits and a minimum of 10 acres plus an endowment fund of Rs 10 crore in Metropolitan Region Development Authorities.

Further, in Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburbs, and Thane Municipal Limits, a standalone building with at least 15,000 sq meters of constructed space is required. Buildings (minimum 15,000 sq. meters) can be self-owned or taken on a minimum 30-year lease, but land transfer rights are prohibited.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least two people died and four to five others were feared trapped after a landslide struck a chawl in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said. Rescue and relief operations are underway, with multiple agencies engaged to locate and evacuate those trapped beneath the debris.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the incident occurred at around 3:48 a.m. at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar.

Preliminary reports indicate that a portion of a hillock collapsed onto the chawl, causing debris to fall on two to three houses. Authorities initially feared that five to six people had been trapped in the incident.

Following the landslide, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne visited the affected site to assess the situation and monitor the ongoing rescue efforts.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ganesh Shinde confirmed that two people lost their lives in the incident, while several others are still believed to be trapped under the debris.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, “Rescue operations are underway, with emergency response teams and local authorities continuing their efforts at the site. While we cannot confirm the exact number at this stage, it is suspected that three to four people may still be trapped beneath the debris.”

He added that the bodies of the deceased have been sent to a hospital for further procedures.

“The Ghatkopar Police will take the necessary legal action and conduct a detailed investigation into the incident,” he said.

Rescue operations are being carried out jointly by personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Two injured persons have been admitted to hospital. They were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari, who suffered a head injury, and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari, who sustained a back injury. Both are reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities continue to clear debris and search for survivors. Further details are awaited.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) A special one-day session of the West Bengal Assembly will be held on Wednesday to pass two crucial Amendment Bills to increase the number of wards in two municipal corporations, namely Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC).

The elections for the two municipal corporations are scheduled for the end of the current year and, in all probability, immediately after the end of the festive season starting with Durga Puja in October and ending with Diwali in November.

The new state government intends to complete the delimitation in a specific number of wards in both municipal corporations before those polls, for which two separate Amendment Bills will be tabled, discussed and passed in the House on Wednesday.

The legislators of both the ruling and opposition parties will be participating in discussions on the two Amendment Bills. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will also express his opinion on the Amendment Bills.

It is learnt that as per the proposal, the number of Wards in the KMC will be increased from the current 144 to 209, while the number of wards in the HMC will be increased to 68 from the current 50.

To recall, shortly after taking over as the Chief Minister in May this year, Adhikari promised the reorganisation of the seats of KMC and HMC before both the urban civic bodies would go for polls by the end of this year,

Last month, the West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department announced the formation of two separate high-power committees for the delimitation of the wards under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the oldest and most prestigious municipal corporation in the state.

Currently, KMC, which has a legacy of iconic Indian personalities like Subhas Chandra Bose, Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das and Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy (also former West Bengal Chief Minister) as its Mayors during the pre-independence era, has a total of 144 wards.

According to the Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department, the delimitation of the KMC wards is necessary to ensure better civic services to the people. Under the proposal, smaller wards will be merged into one, but bigger wards will be bifurcated. The area covered under the existing wards will also be changed accordingly.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday flagged off the special Bike Rally from New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, along with Members of Parliament, as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

The Ministry of Culture organises this campaign to mark Independence Day and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram'.

Speaking at the event, VP Radhakrishnan said that Vande Mataram became the driving force in the struggle to end colonial rule in India.

"I am filled with deep emotion addressing you all as we commemorate the 150 years of our national song 'Vande Mataram'. These two words 'Vande Mataram' ignited the burning patriotism in the minds of every Indian during those days that was the root cause for removing the colonial raj from our mother Bharat," the Vice President said.

"Our freedom struggle was an awakening of the Indian mind, spirit and consciousness. It united people across regions, languages, faiths and social backgrounds through a shared dream of freedom, a shared dream of one India. These expressions capture the awakening as powerfully as Vande Mataram, which no other single expression has captured the awakening among the Indians," he added.

VP Radhakrishnan also recalled his visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, when he hoisted the Tricolour at Flag Point in Sri Vijaya Puram, kicking off the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Sri Vijaya Puram's Flag Point is the site where freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the National Flag on December 30, 1943, declaring the Andaman and Nicobar Islands free from British rule.

The bike rally presented a strong display of patriotism, as participants waved the Tricolour, reaffirming their commitment to the progress and unity of the nation.

Several MPs, participating in the Bike Rally, called on the citizens to actively participate in the campaign.

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Yogender Chandolia said, "Today, there is a bike rally... In Delhi, all the Union Ministers of the Government of India, all MPs and the youth will participate in this bike rally today. This will give a message, and this message will go far. This message will reach Jharkhand that the youth of the country are united under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, speaking to IANS during the event, said that the Tricolour is not merely the national flag, but "a symbol of the resolve of 1.4 billion Indians".

"It represents our aspirations and ambitions. Through today's bike rally and Tiranga Yatra, we pay tribute to the generation on whose shoulders we stand, the freedom fighters whose supreme sacrifices made it possible for the Tricolour to fly proudly today. At the same time, we celebrate the coming generation, which is both the future and the leadership of our nation," Swaraj said.

The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign was launched under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with the objective of encouraging citizens to bring the national flag into their homes and hoist the Tiranga as part of the celebrations marking India's Independence.

The campaign was based on the idea that people's relationship with the national flag had traditionally remained more formal and institutional, rather than becoming a personal expression of national pride.

By encouraging citizens to bring the flag home, the initiative sought to transform the Tiranga into a symbol of a personal connection with the nation while also representing a collective commitment towards nation-building and national unity.

This year, 'Har Ghar Tiranga 2026' is being dedicated to the spirit of 150 Years of Vande Mataram, celebrating patriotism, pride in the Tiranga and the deep love for the motherland reflected in India's National Song.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is in Jaipur to attend the two-day meeting of BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors, being held under India’s BRICS presidency.

The two-day meeting will begin at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday at Hotel Rambagh in the state capital with finance ministers and central bank governors from the 11 BRICS member countries deliberating on key economic and financial issues.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra also arrived in Jaipur late Tuesday night.

FM Sitharaman and Malhotra are scheduled to address the inaugural session, which will focus on financial and central banking issues of importance to BRICS economies.

FM Sitharaman was welcomed in Jaipur on her arrival late Tuesday night by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and Chief Secretary V. Srinivas. BJP state president Madan Rathore was also present. The two-day meeting will discuss several issues related to the economic and financial interests of BRICS nations, including economic growth, financial liberalisation and risk management. The meeting is scheduled to conclude at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.

As part of the programme, representatives of BRICS nations will visit City Palace, Jaipur, at 5 p.m., where a special cultural programme showcasing Rajasthan’s rich heritage has been organised for the delegates. This is the second time that the annual meeting of BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors is being held in Jaipur.

The annual gathering was established 18 years ago amid the global financial crisis and has since emerged as an important platform for discussions on global economic and financial challenges.

Jaipur previously hosted the meeting in 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Discussions at that time focused on economic recovery, vaccination, policy support, digital health, social infrastructure and financial inclusion. Representatives of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa also discussed the implications of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism during the 2021 deliberations.

The current meeting comes as India holds the BRICS presidency, with participating countries expected to deliberate on strengthening economic cooperation and addressing emerging challenges facing the global economy.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) A ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Cycle Yatra’ was held at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium on Wednesday in the national capital as part of the Independence Day celebrations, with Union Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya participating in the event.

The cycle rally brought together more than 1,000 volunteers and aimed to promote fitness, healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness among the youth.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Mandaviya highlighted the importance of fitness in building a developed and healthy nation.

“In Delhi, more than 1,000 MY Bharat volunteers conveyed a message of fitness to the nation through the Har Ghar Tiranga Cycle Yatra. For any nation to become a developed nation, it is essential that its citizens remain healthy. Cycling promotes fitness. It is a solution to pollution and traffic congestion, saves fuel, and helps protect the environment,” he said.

Mandaviya stressed that cycling can contribute not only to individual health but also to wider environmental and social goals. He said that greater use of bicycles can help reduce pollution and traffic congestion, lower fuel consumption, and encourage people to adopt healthier modes of transportation. The event also sought to connect the message of physical fitness with the spirit of Independence Day.

Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu also highlighted the role of young people in the initiative and said the bicycle rally was organised to encourage youth to focus on their health and fitness. He said, “On this auspicious occasion of Independence Day, our youth have organised a bicycle rally, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Yatra, under the leadership of Union Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya. The purpose of this yatra is to encourage every young person to stay fit. When our youth are fit, our nation will also be fit.”

Asian Games medallist Ramit Tandon, who participated in the event, welcomed the enthusiasm around cycling and linked it to the broader Fit India movement. He said, “The Fit India programme was started by PM Narendra Modi, and it is encouraging to see so many people cycling here. The Sports Minister also said that cycling is very important for maintaining fitness. Nowadays, as transportation and fuel costs are increasing, cycling is the most eco-friendly mode of transportation.”

Tandon also underlined the significance of the Independence Day celebrations, saying, “There is no greater source of pride than celebrating August 15 -- the day we celebrate the freedom due to which we can live freely today.”

The cycle yatra combined the message of fitness with the patriotic spirit of Independence Day, encouraging citizens, particularly young people, to adopt healthier and more environmentally friendly practices.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has directed all public and private sector employers operating within the city limits to deduct professional tax from the salaries of eligible employees for August and remit the amount to the civic body by September 30.

The directive is mandatory for establishments covered under the professional tax provisions, and employers have been asked to ensure that deductions and payments are completed within the prescribed deadline.

Professional tax is collected on a half-yearly basis according to the gross income of employees. The levy is governed by Section 117-C of the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998, and Rule 277(2) of the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023.

Employees with a half-yearly gross income of up to Rs 21,000 are exempt from professional tax. For those earning above the exemption limit, the amount payable varies according to the income slab prescribed by the civic body.

Under the revised tax structure that came into effect from the 2024-25 financial year, the maximum professional tax payable is Rs 1,250 for a half-year.

The highest slab applies to employees whose half-yearly gross income exceeds Rs 75,000. The Corporation has also laid down the procedure to be followed by employers while transferring the amount deducted from employees.

As per the directive, the professional tax collected should be remitted through NEFT to IDFC FIRST Bank Limited in the account maintained under the name “COMMISSIONER GREATER CHENNAI CORPORATION PROFESSIONAL TAX.” For the transaction, employers should use their organisation’s Professional Tax New Assessment Number, or PT NAN, without hyphens, as the relevant account number.

This is intended to enable the Corporation to identify and reconcile payments made by individual establishments. Employers have also been instructed to submit details of professional tax deductions made from employees in Form-15 along with the Form-14 recovery return, as required under Rule 278.

The completed documents have to be sent to the designated professional tax email address, following which official receipts will be issued electronically by the Corporation.

The GCC has asked establishments to verify their employee income details, complete the deductions and submit the required returns without delay. The civic body warned that employers who fail to deduct or remit professional tax within the stipulated period could face penal action under the applicable municipal laws and rules.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will move a special resolution in the Assembly on Wednesday opposing any delimitation exercise that could reduce the state’s relative representation in Parliament and urging the Centre to retain the strength of the Lok Sabha at 543 seats.

The resolution comes days after a consultative meeting of Members of Parliament chaired by CM Vijay in Chennai on August 8 discussed the possible implications of delimitation for Tamil Nadu and other southern states.

The meeting decided to press for freezing the Lok Sabha strength at 543 and protecting the existing share of parliamentary seats among states.

According to the Assembly agenda, CM Vijay will introduce the government resolution when the House meets this morning. The proposed resolution notes that the allocation of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats among states and Union Territories has remained linked to the 1971 Census for several decades. It refers to a constitutional amendment Bill that failed in Parliament in April 2026, which had proposed ending the long-standing freeze on delimitation, undertaking a fresh exercise based on the 2011 Census and substantially increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha.

The resolution expresses concern over reports that a similar constitutional amendment could be introduced again. It argues that any redistribution of seats based on population figures recorded after 1971 could adversely affect the parliamentary representation of Tamil Nadu and other southern states that have achieved better population control.

It maintains that states which effectively implemented population-control programmes encouraged by the Union government, while recording economic growth and improving healthcare and welfare indicators, should not be disadvantaged through delimitation.

The resolution will urge the Centre to permanently retain the Lok Sabha strength at 543 and freeze the existing allocation of seats among states, thereby maintaining their current proportional representation.

It will also seek to preserve the existing Lok Sabha-Rajya Sabha representation ratio and call for implementation of the 33 per cent reservation for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha election based on the existing 543 constituencies.

The Assembly is expected to urge the Centre to ensure that one-third reservation for women is extended to subsequent state Assembly elections as well.

The House will also take up the government’s response to the general discussion on the revised Budget for 2026-27 and the revised Agriculture Budget for the financial year.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the autobiography of former President Ram Nath Kovind, titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles', on Wednesday.

The event will be held at 9:30 a.m. at New Delhi's Vigyan Bhavan. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.

"The release of the autobiography by the Prime Minister will mark a significant occasion celebrating the life and contributions of one of India's most distinguished public figures," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.

"The autobiography offers a deeply personal account of Ram Nath Kovind's remarkable life journey, tracing his experiences, struggles and achievements from his early years to his distinguished public life and eventual service as the 14th President of India," it added.

The book also provides insights into the values, experiences and circumstances that shaped his journey and public service.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote: "At 9:30 AM tomorrow, 12th August, will take part in the programme to mark the release of the book ‘Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles.’ It is the autobiography of our former President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji. The book is about his inspiring life and efforts to serve society."

Ram Nath Kovind was born in a Koli family on October 1, 1945, in Paraunkh village in the Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh.

He joined the BJP in 1991 and later became the Chief of the BJP Dalit Morcha between 1998 and 2002 and the president of the All-India Koli Samaj.

Soon after joining the BJP, Kovind contested the Ghatampur Assembly constituency, but lost and later contested Bhognipur in the 2007 Assembly elections on the BJP ticket but lost again. In April 1994, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He served a total of 12 years, two consecutive terms, until March 2006.

He served as the President of India from 2017 to 2022. He was the first person from Uttar Pradesh, as well as the first person from the BJP, to hold the top Constitutional post in the country.

Prior to his presidency, he served as the Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017 and as a Member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh for two successive terms.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and the people of the state have contributed Rs 1 crore to the Assam Chief Minister's Relief Fund to support relief and response efforts following the devastating floods in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, Chief Minister Sarma expressed his gratitude to the Manipur Chief Minister and the people of the neighbouring state for their "generous contribution" towards Assam's flood response.

"I sincerely thank Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and the people of Manipur for their generous contribution of Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund towards the #AssamFloodsResponse," CM Sarma said in a post.

The Assam Chief Minister described Assam and Manipur as "sister states", saying that the relationship between the two states extends beyond geographical proximity and is rooted in shared history and kinship.

"This act of generosity reflects the enduring spirit of oneness among the people of the North East," CM Sarma said.

He also thanked the people of Manipur who had extended their support to Assam during the flood crisis.

"To everyone in Manipur who stood with Assam in this hour -- thank you, from the bottom of my heart," CM Sarma added.

The contribution comes as Assam continues to deal with the impact of the annual floods, which have affected large areas of the state and disrupted normal life in several districts.

The Assam government has been undertaking relief and rescue operations in the affected areas, with authorities providing assistance to people forced to leave their homes due to rising water levels.

The latest gesture from Manipur underscores the support and solidarity among the Northeastern states during natural disasters and emergencies.

The two states share historical, cultural and geographical ties, and their relationship has frequently been reflected in mutual support during crises.

Meanwhile, the Assam Cabinet also took several important decisions on Tuesday, with CM Sarma sharing highlights of the meeting chaired by him in Dispur.

The state government has been mobilising resources and coordinating with various agencies to strengthen the ongoing flood response and provide relief to affected communities.

The Rs 1 crore contribution from Manipur is expected to supplement the relief efforts being undertaken by the Assam government for flood-affected people.

Source: IANS

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Samastipur, Aug 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, being organised to mark the 150th anniversary of the song Vande Mataram, has created significant livelihood opportunities for Jeevika Didis in Bihar’s Samastipur district. Women associated with the Jeevika self‑help groups (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society) have received orders for more than 80,000 Tricolours from government departments, industrial units, community organisations and the general public.

To meet the large volume of orders on time, over 1,600 Jeevika Didis are working day and night both at stitching centres across the district’s blocks and from their homes. Keeping affordability in mind, each flag has been priced at Rs 25.

Every Jeevika group in the blocks has been assigned the task of producing around 4,000 flags so that the national flag reaches as many households as possible and the campaign gains wide momentum.

Dhananjay Kumar, Jeevika Project Manager in Samastipur, said the Government of India has issued clear directives for the campaign. Following instructions from the District Magistrate, every block has been made responsible for ensuring the availability of the Tricolour.

So far, more than 10,000 flags have been dispatched to the district office and various blocks, while several thousand more are ready for delivery. At one centre alone, about 4,000 flags are prepared for the Ujiyarpur block and will be sent to other blocks as required, he said.

He added that the core objective of Jeevika is to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to rural women so that every Jeevika Didi can contribute to her family’s income.

Neetu Kumari, in‑charge of the Jeevika Women’s Cluster Federation, said around 50 women are currently engaged in flag‑making at their centre. Orders worth Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 have been received from the block level, of which work worth about Rs 10,000 has already been completed. Women who own sewing machines are also producing flags from home after receiving the necessary training.

Babita Kumari, a Jeevika Didi involved in the work, said their centre normally produces garments such as nighties, Anganwadi uniforms, masks, petticoats and salwar‑suits. At present, however, priority is being given to making the Tricolour. She added that just as the women produced masks during the COVID‑19 pandemic, they are now contributing to the national campaign with pride.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar/Surat, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Gujarat government on Tuesday transferred Surat Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, more than two months after the demolition of nearly 100 homes in the city’s Nasirnagar area triggered a probe and scrutiny from the Gujarat High Court.

According to a notification issued by the General Administration Department on Tuesday, Nagarajan, a 2009-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as State Project Director of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in Gandhinagar.

He will replace Ranjeeth Kumar J., IAS, who has been transferred and placed at the disposal of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department for appointment as Secretary of the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC).

Nagarajan’s post in Surat will be taken over on an additional-charge basis by Surat Collector Tejas Parmar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, under Section 39 of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporation Act, 1949.

The transfer comes as the Gujarat High Court continues to examine a petition filed by residents affected by the Nasirnagar demolitions.

The court has reportedly questioned why Nagarajan and senior police officials continued in their posts while a state-ordered inquiry into the demolition was pending.

It observed that the inquiry would be “nothing but a farce” if senior officers remained in office. The demolitions took place on May 30, when nearly 100 houses in Nasirnagar were razed, leaving several families without homes.

Residents have alleged that the structures were demolished without following due process. Twenty-six affected residents subsequently approached the High Court, challenging the demolition of more than 100 houses.

The controversy has also led to action against civic officials. Five SMC officials were suspended in connection with the demolition, while the role of senior officials has remained under judicial scrutiny.

The High Court has also questioned the legal basis for charging displaced residents for rehabilitation after the demolition.

In a recent development, the SMC told the High Court that it had no intention of demolishing the remaining houses in Nasirnagar “at present”.

Following court directions, the civic body also formed a three-member monitoring team to oversee the rehabilitation of displaced residents.

The transfer of Nagarajan now comes while the inquiry and court proceedings into the circumstances surrounding the demolition remain ongoing.

Source: IANS

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Kohima, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Tuesday stressed the need to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and institutional capacity to effectively tackle the challenges posed by illicit liquor and drug trafficking in the state.

The Governor said that strengthening the relevant departments and enforcement agencies was essential to ensure that they continue to contribute effectively towards protecting public health, improving governance and building a safer society.

Yadav held a review meeting with the Department of Excise and Prohibition at Lok Bhavan in Kohima to take stock of the department's functioning, enforcement activities, revenue collection and the challenges being faced by it.

During the meeting, department officials outlined its mandate under various Acts and rules, including the Nagaland Excise Act, 1967, the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Highlighting its enforcement activities from April 2021 to March 2026, the department reported cases registered under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act as well as drug-related cases. The seizures during the period included India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), country liquor, poppy straw, opium, heroin, cough syrup and other drugs in the form of capsules and tablets.

On revenue generation, the department reported a total excise revenue collection of Rs 22.51 crore during the period from April 2021 to March 2026. The annual revenue collection increased from Rs 317.36 lakh in 2021-22 to Rs 591.96 lakh in 2025-26, reflecting a substantial rise in revenue generated by the department during the period.

The review also covered infrastructure development under the Excise Housing Programme for 2025-26, including the construction of Excise Offices at Phek and Peren and an Excise Bonded Warehouse at Dimapur.

The department highlighted its drug awareness campaigns, recent seizure operations and the destruction of seized drugs and liquor as part of its ongoing enforcement and public awareness efforts.

During the meeting, the department also apprised the Governor of several major challenges affecting its functioning. These included the porous borders with Myanmar, shortage of manpower, absence of cadre review since the inception of the department, discontinuation of inter-district check-gates, outdated firearms, limited operational mobility and persistent demand-driven illicit liquor.

The department noted that its personnel-to-population ratio stands at 1:6,000, compared to 1:2,000 in neighbouring Mizoram, highlighting the need for strengthening its human resources and operational capacity. The department's future roadmap focuses on strengthening enforcement, combating organised crime, protecting public health, enhancing governance, increasing revenue, capacity building of personnel and advancing towards the goal of a drug-free Nagaland.

The Governor's review meeting assumes significance in view of the continuing challenges posed by illicit liquor and drug trafficking, particularly in a state sharing an international border with Myanmar, and the need for coordinated and effective enforcement mechanisms to address the problem.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Assam government will restore agricultural income tax for larger assessees while keeping small farmers and tea growers earning up to Rs 10 lakh a year outside the tax ambit, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters here, Sarma said the government had decided to withdraw the exemption on agricultural income tax that had remained in place for the past six years. The revenue generated through the restored tax would be utilised for the welfare and development of tea garden communities.

The Chief Minister clarified that the move would not burden small tea growers and farmers, for whom the exemption threshold has been raised substantially. “Small tea growers earning up to Rs 10 lakh as annual agricultural income will not have to pay agricultural income tax,” Sarma said, explaining that the exemption would provide relief to those operating on a relatively small scale.

The Assam Budget for 2026‑27 had proposed raising the agricultural income tax exemption threshold for small tea growers from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh annually. At the same time, the government announced restoration of agricultural income tax for larger assessees from April 1, 2026.

Sarma said the distinction was important as agricultural income can vary widely depending on the scale of operations, production, market prices and expenditure incurred by growers. According to the government’s policy, the tax exemption is aimed at ensuring that small tea growers are not adversely affected. At the same time, larger agricultural and tea‑growing entities contribute to the state’s revenue.

The Chief Minister stressed that the government’s intention was not to impose an additional burden on ordinary farmers. Instead, the restored revenue would be channelled towards improving the welfare of tea garden communities, including social and developmental initiatives.

The move comes as Assam seeks to strengthen the tea sector while simultaneously expanding welfare measures for tea garden workers and communities. The state Budget had also proposed increasing production subsidy for orthodox and speciality tea from Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg and extending support to premium tea varieties, including Matcha.

Source: IANS

No income tax for small tea growers: Assam CM

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Hyderabad, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Tuesday that the state government will organise the prestigious Khelo India Youth Games 2026 on a grand scale.

The Chief Minister held a review of the arrangements being made for the games with Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari and senior officials at the Bodhi Pavilion within the MCRHRD campus.

He instructed officials to develop the necessary infrastructure for the national‑level competitions in which sportspersons from various states will participate.

Officials were directed to assess the current condition of stadiums in Hyderabad and take the required measures to upgrade them permanently to suit the requirements of the sporting events.

Reiterating that the government is ready to provide adequate funds, CM Revanth Reddy also instructed officials to start preparations immediately to involve chief guests, renowned athletes and film personalities in the opening and closing ceremonies.

The Chief Minister emphasised the need to allocate specific responsibilities regarding infrastructure, event management and guest facilities to officials.

The role and active involvement of Arjuna awardees from Telangana, members of the Telangana Sports Hub Board, the Olympic Association and national‑level sports representatives in the event was discussed in the review. The CM stressed that plans for this should be prepared well in advance.

In view of the competitions across 20 sports disciplines to be held in the Khelo India Youth Games, the Chief Minister instructed officials to identify venues and make necessary arrangements for each sport event.

CM Revanth Reddy asserted that every event should be organised in a manner that reflects the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Government Advisor Ramakrishna Rao, Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG) Chairman Shivasena Reddy, Special Chief Secretary (Sports) Jayesh Ranjan and SATG MD Sony Bala Devi participated in the review meeting.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Amid alleged police crackdown on loudspeakers used in religious places in West Bengal, Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) Chief Humayun Kabir said on Tuesday that rules regarding the use of the sound system should be evenly applicable to both temples and mosques.

His reaction came after several mosque as well as temple committees reportedly claimed the removal of loudspeakers from the places of worship by the police.

Speaking to IANS, Humayun Kabir said: "The Pollution Control Board does not permit noise levels above 65 decibels. Everyone will agree with that. Even the Supreme Court has issued an order regarding the 65-decibel limit. So, what is the problem? However, there should be a proper notification."

"If there is no notification, the police should not forcibly remove the microphones (and loudspeakers). Everyone should follow the orders of the government and the judicial system. Everyone should follow the rules, whether it concerns a mosque or a temple because it can't be that noise only from mosque create problems and not from temples," he added.

The AJUP Chief urged the West Bengal-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to issue a notification based on the Supreme Court's directions which, he asserted, "should be followed by everyone".

Meanwhile, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed before a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Monday, seeking the withdrawal of the state government order on the removal of microphones and loudspeakers from all religious places in West Bengal.

The PIL was filed by four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member and senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee on behalf of Danish Faruqi, a lawyer himself.

The petitioner has questioned the legal sanction behind the court order to remove loudspeakers and microphones from religious places, especially mosques.

A single‑judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Monday granted conditional permission for a protest rally on Tuesday against the West Bengal government's order on the removal of microphones and loudspeakers from all religious places in the state.

Earlier, opposition parties accused the BJP-led state government of specially targeting mosques.

However, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari clarified that the action was not limited to mosques but applied to all religious places, including temples.

Source: IANS

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Agartala, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Amid several months of agitation by the opposition CPI (M) and Congress against smart electricity meters, Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Tuesday said that the decision to introduce and implement smart meters in the state was taken during the tenure of the previous Left Front government.

Nath said that the smart meter project was initiated during the Left Front regime in 2015 but was not implemented properly, while the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) had also flagged financial irregularities in the work order worth around Rs 80.7 crore.

“The CAG pointed out many irregularities of the private company, which was awarded to execute the smart meter project, initiated during the Left Front regime,” he said, quoting the CAG report.

The Power Minister, while talking to the media, said that over the past few days, power consumers have been expressing displeasure over the hike in electricity bills and asserted that the state government had no role in fixing the electricity tariff.

“The hike in electricity bills is completely done by the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC), which is an independent and autonomous body. Every year, the TERC fixes the expenditure for TSECL for purchasing power, maintenance and salaries of TSECL. TERC also creates slabs for single-phase, three-phase, commercial and industrial consumers, and the state government has no link with this,” he noted.

Nath said that after that, the Commission gives advertisements regarding power bill rates and details and gives dates for taking suggestions from all concerned as well as from the public.

“After all stipulated processes, the Commission decides the fixed charge, FPPCA (Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment) and energy bill. Then TSECL prepares the power bill and has no power to increase or decrease the bill,” the Power Minister said.

He also informed that soon after consumers started expressing their displeasure over the electricity bills, Chief Minister Manik Saha, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and other senior officials recently held a meeting and discussed the issue in detail.

“The government cannot be a silent spectator. Soon, we will sit again to solve the problem and see how to help the consumers. The BJP government is a pro-people and consumer-friendly government,” Nath said.

Targeting the opposition parties, the Minister accused them of “hatching a conspiracy” by forgetting their past and confusing the people over the smart meter issue.

“On July 9, 2017, during the Left Front tenure, the then Power Minister Manik Dey announced the installation of smart meters across the state to ensure full and timely power bill collection. Smart meters were started during the Left Front government in 2017. The then Chief Minister Manik Sarkar was a long-term Chief Minister, and he must have known that smart meters were started by them. They are confusing the people,” Nath said.

He said that in 2015, the Left Front government had given a work order of Rs 80.7 crore to a private company. In the work order, it was said that within two years, they would complete it. Even after two years, and even after 27 months, they supplied the items and symbolic work started, Nath said.

“Out of 43,000 smart meters, only 34,300 were working. However, within a period of three months, these smart meters also stopped due to technical glitches,” the Minister said.

Nath further alleged that the implementation of the project during the previous Left government had been marred by irregularities and poor execution. The Minister also referred to a report of the CAG, which, he said, pointed out financial irregularities on the part of the company and stated that these not only resulted in an infructuous expenditure of Rs 42.76 crore but also led to the extension of undue favour to the contractor.

Power Minister said the BJP-led government was committed to resolving public grievances and would soon take decisions on issues related to electricity bills. “The present state government is a government that solves problems, and soon the government will take some decisions to solve the problems related to electricity bills,” said Nath, who earlier chaired a meeting at the office of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) here.

The Power Minister's remarks came amid sustained protests and public criticism over smart electricity meters and rising power bills in the state, with opposition parties including the Congress and the CPI (M) demanding that the government review the implementation of the smart metering system and address the concerns of consumers.

Source: IANS

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Agartala, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu to intervene in the reported withdrawal and reduction of several flight services from Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, saying the move has caused considerable inconvenience to air passengers and triggered concerns over connectivity and rising airfares.

In a letter to the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Chowdhury said that in recent months, services of Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air have either been withdrawn, reduced or are proposed to be withdrawn from various sectors, adversely affecting air connectivity between Tripura and major cities across the country.

The Tripura minister said Air India has reduced its services and is likely to discontinue its operations on the Agartala–Guwahati sector from October 22. He said Air India Express has also withdrawn or reduced services on important routes, while its Agartala–Bagdogra (West Bengal)–Bengaluru service is reported to be withdrawn. Similarly, IndiGo’s direct Agartala–Hyderabad service is proposed to be withdrawn from October 1, while Akasa Air is scheduled to withdraw its service from Agartala from October 22, the minister said in his letter.

Chowdhury also pointed out that services on the Agartala–Shillong, Agartala–Aizawl and direct Agartala–Chennai sectors had earlier been withdrawn. “The reduction in the number of flights, contrary to the growing demand for increased air connectivity from Agartala, has significantly affected the availability of air services from Tripura to major cities across the country,” the minister said.

He said the reduction in flight services had also resulted in a sharp surge in airfares, particularly on important sectors such as Agartala–Kolkata, Agartala–Delhi, Agartala–Guwahati and Agartala–Bengaluru. According to the minister, the situation was causing considerable financial hardship and inconvenience to passengers, particularly those travelling for medical treatment, higher education, business, official work and other urgent purposes.

Chowdhury sought the personal intervention of the Union Civil Aviation Minister and urged him to take up the issue with the concerned airlines to safeguard the interests of passengers and maintain essential air connectivity to Tripura. “It is requested that all possible measures may kindly be explored for the restoration of withdrawn services, retention of existing services and augmentation of capacity on high‑demand routes from Agartala,” he said.

The Tripura minister also requested the Centre to take appropriate measures to curb the surge in airfares and ensure affordable air connectivity for the people of the state. He said that the withdrawal or reduction of flight services at a time when demand for air connectivity was increasing had emerged as a matter of concern for passengers and could further affect people travelling from Tripura for essential and time‑sensitive purposes.

Chowdhury urged the Union Civil Aviation Minister to ensure that essential air connectivity to the landlocked Northeastern state was maintained and passenger inconvenience and public concern over the issue were addressed.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshvardhan Sapkal on Tuesday claimed that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent organisation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), opposed the national tricolour for many years.

He said the RSS considered the Tiranga inauspicious and had no role in the freedom movement. Even after Independence, the RSS did not hoist the tricolour at its offices for 50–55 years.

Sapkal said, “If they have now developed a love for the tricolour, that is certainly welcome; better late than never. However, there should not be any ulterior motive behind this on the part of the BJP and RSS.” He was speaking to the media after the party’s core committee meeting.

He alleged that the BJP government had failed at every level and that corruption had become rampant. Inflation has increased, farmers’ issues remain unresolved, unemployment is a major concern, and there are serious questions over law and order, but the government is paying no attention. To divert public attention, hatred is being spread in the name of caste and religion, he said, adding that the BJP was following a “divide and rule” policy.

The Congress, he said, would adopt an agitational approach to hold the BJP–Mahayuti government accountable.

Asked about the protest staged by BJP MPs in the Parliament complex over student protests in Jharkhand, Sapkal said the BJP’s protest was laughable. He alleged that when young people staged major protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and across the country over paper leaks, they were subjected to brutal lathi‑charges, pellet guns were used, cases were registered against hundreds of students, and girls were treated extremely badly.

“BJP MPs should have staged such a protest at that time,” he added.

Sapkal said LoP Rahul Gandhi had clearly stated that the lathi‑charge on student protesters in Jharkhand was wrong. He described Rahul Gandhi as “not a leader who runs away, but a leader who fights.”

He said the Opposition had consistently demanded a discussion in Parliament on the lathi‑charge against students. Still, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were afraid to participate.

“A prime minister who has not held a single press conference in 12 years and Amit Shah, who shies away from debates, are the real leaders who run away,” he remarked.

Taking a jibe at BJP MP Ashok Chavan, who accused Rahul Gandhi of running away, Sapkal said that instead of facing reality, it was Chavan himself who had “run away” from the Congress party.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The state Public Service Commission (PSC) will now oversee recruitment in cooperatives and municipalities in West Bengal, a government press statement said on Tuesday.

Recently, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari chaired a review meeting with recruiting agencies. It was decided that recruitment in cooperatives and municipalities would be brought under the PSC’s purview. A notification was issued in this regard today.

According to the notification, the PSC will henceforth handle all recruitments conducted by the Municipal Service Commission and the Cooperative Service Commission. The concerned departments will take necessary steps to implement the decision.

“The Hon’ble Chief Minister on 30th July 2026 held a detailed review meeting with various recruiting agencies, including PSC, wherein certain reform measures were outlined. It was decided that the PSC would also look after the recruitment matters currently being done by the Municipal Service Commission and the Co‑operative Service Commission for which the concerned departments would take necessary steps. HCM also directed that the publication of the results and the holding of examinations which are delayed should be expedited with utmost urgency,” read the press statement issued by the state secretariat Nabanna.

There are several thousand vacancies across government departments in the state. Recruitment will be completed in a phased manner for 17,714 posts in Group A, B and C. Of these, 2,490 vacancies are in Group A across 54 departments, 2,848 vacancies in Group B, and the remainder in Group C. The PSC will issue recruitment notices soon to fill 8,006 new vacancies in the first phase.

It has also been announced that results for candidates who previously took recruitment examinations will be published promptly, as directed by the Chief Minister.

The PSC will undergo reforms modelled after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), with strict instructions to ensure annual examinations. Additionally, the government clarified that the recent notification regarding OBC reservation will not affect earlier examinations.

Source: IANS

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Washington, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has urged the Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US International Development Finance Corporation CEO Ben Black to prioritise an undersea electricity project they described as central to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Congressmen Brad Schneider and Gus Bilirakis led the initiative, asking the Trump administration to support the Great Sea Interconnector, which is planned to link the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus and Israel.

The lawmakers said the Eastern Mediterranean would serve as an important gateway for IMEC, the ambitious trade and infrastructure corridor designed to connect India with Europe through the Middle East.

"The Eastern Mediterranean will play a vitally important role as a gateway to IMEC, and the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) is a key strategic infrastructure project central to the development of the corridor," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Rubio and Black.

They said that completing the interconnector would advance US security and economic interests while strengthening key American partnerships across the region.

"The United States has a clear interest in ensuring that this transformation strengthens our partners, diversifies energy routes, deepens regional integration and advances a transparent alternative to infrastructure dominated by strategic competitors," they added.

"By linking the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus and Israel, the GSI project will connect key US partners across a strategically vital corridor."

"The proposed project would help connect Cyprus to the European electricity transmission system. It would also strengthen Israel's security of supply and support clean and reliable power flows between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean," the lawmakers said.

They described the Eastern Mediterranean as an emerging energy and infrastructure hub linking Europe, the Middle East and India.

"As strong supporters of America's partnerships with Greece, Cyprus and Israel, we urge the Department of State and the US International Development Finance Corporation to prioritise the Great Sea Interconnector," the letter said.

The lawmakers also sought a classified briefing on the difficulties confronting the project.

"The United States has a longstanding interest in promoting stability, security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean," they wrote.

"We urge you to prioritise this project and request a classified briefing to discuss geopolitical challenges to its completion."

The letter was also signed by Representatives Jake Auchincloss, Dan Goldman, Craig Goldman and Haley Stevens.

Schneider and Bilirakis introduced the bipartisan Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act in May 2025.

The measure seeks to anchor the region more firmly in US foreign policy and reinforce its role as a strategic link between India, the Middle East and Europe.

The legislation calls for greater US support for cross-border infrastructure and energy interconnectors. It also seeks stronger strategic coordination with Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Egypt and other regional partners.

The bill cleared the House Foreign Affairs Committee in January and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in June, according to the material released by Schneider’s office.

The lawmakers said the Great Sea Interconnector would directly advance the objectives of that legislation. They also presented it as an alternative to infrastructure controlled or dominated by US strategic competitors.

IMEC was announced on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023.

India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a memorandum setting out plans for rail, shipping, energy and digital links.

The proposed corridor comprises an eastern route connecting India with the Gulf and a northern route connecting the Gulf with Europe. Its supporters see it as a way to shorten trade routes, improve regional connectivity and encourage closer economic integration across three regions.

Source: IANS

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Patna, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) RJD MLA Bhai Virendra has made a strong statement about his long association with the Rashtriya Janata Dal and his loyalty to party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, saying that his political position could have been very different had he left the party during its difficult years.

Amid recent reports of internal differences within the RJD, Bhai Virendra said he was aware of the political manoeuvring against him but did not consider it necessary to respond to every allegation.

He alleged that certain individuals were targeting him in an attempt to protect their own political standing.

Recalling the RJD's difficult phase, Bhai Virendra said there was a time when the party had only 22 MLAs and several leaders left the organisation.

The RJD leader said he remained with Lalu Prasad Yadav despite the political challenges.

“Had I also left the party back then, the scenario today would have been different. It is possible that I, rather than Bijendra Prasad Yadav, would have been the Deputy Chief Minister today. However, I have made great sacrifices to remain with the party and Lalu Prasad Yadav,” he said.

Bhai Virendra emphasised that his association with the RJD has been based on his commitment to the party and its ideology rather than the pursuit of political office.

The RJD leader said his objective is to take the RJD's ideology and principles to every village in Bihar and expressed his desire to see Tejashwi Yadav become the Chief Minister of Bihar.

The MLA maintained that his political commitment was not motivated by personal ambition or the expectation of a particular post.

Political speculation surrounding Bhai Virendra had intensified recently after a photograph of him meeting Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary circulated publicly.

Addressing the speculation, Bhai Virendra said the meeting was related strictly to regional development issues and should not be interpreted as having any political significance.

He maintained that meeting the Chief Minister in connection with development-related matters did not indicate any change in his political position or allegiance.

His latest remarks come amid ongoing speculation about internal dynamics within the RJD, with Bhai Virendra once again emphasising his long-standing association with Lalu Prasad Yadav and his commitment to the party.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday urged the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led state government to oppose the proposed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill (MMDR Amendment Bill), warning that the legislation could undermine the state's authority over its mineral resources and revenue.

Gehlot said the Rajasthan government must immediately raise its voice against the proposed changes in Parliament.

He warned that continued silence could amount to a "betrayal" of Rajasthan's mineral revenue and employment opportunities.

In a post on social media platform X, Gehlot alleged that the Central government was attempting to consolidate greater control over mineral-rich land and the taxes, royalties and cesses associated with mineral resources.

He said that Rajasthan has 34,445 mines, generates around Rs 10,394 crore in revenue from the sector and provides employment to around 30 lakh people.

According to Gehlot, the proposed amendment would affect the state's financial autonomy by restricting its ability to impose or recover certain levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land.

He particularly criticised the proposed Section 9D, which he said would prevent states from recovering certain outstanding tax, cess or levy dues imposed on mineral rights or mineral-bearing land before the amended provisions came into force.

He alleged that the provision could result in revenue that would otherwise accrue to states being lost.

Gehlot also compared the proposed changes with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), saying that the promise of a uniform tax structure had previously resulted in financial losses for states.

"This is not an administrative reform," he said, alleging that the proposed changes could make states increasingly dependent on the Centre.

Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy recently introduced the MMDR Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha.

The proposed legislation seeks to regulate the imposition of taxes, royalties, cesses and other levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land.

Under the proposed framework, the Central government would have greater authority to prescribe conditions and restrictions relating to such levies.

Another significant proposed change concerns land containing common minerals.

While the existing framework primarily focuses on the development of mines and minerals, the proposed amendments would expand the regulatory framework to mineral-bearing land as well.

One of the key provisions of the proposed amendment concerns taxes, cesses or other levies imposed by state governments before the amended provisions take effect.

Under the proposed Section 9D, certain such levies that remain unpaid could be treated as having no legal requirement for payment.

At the same time, amounts that have already been deposited or collected would not be required to be refunded.

Gehlot has called on the Rajasthan government to take a clear position on the proposed legislation, stressing the importance of protecting the state's mineral revenue, economic interests and employment linked to the mining sector.

Source: IANS

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Pune, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced that the Maharashtra government is determined to make the state India's leading and most preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

Speaking at the GCCProj Leadership Summit, the Chief Minister outlined an ambitious target to establish 400 new GCCs, generate 400,000 high-skilled jobs, and attract Rs 50,000 crore in investments.

Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis highlighted how the nature of GCCs in India has fundamentally evolved from low-cost back-office assistance to high-value innovation nodes.

"By 2030, Global Capability Centres will no longer be limited to support operations. They will serve as core hubs for engineering, artificial intelligence, product development, cybersecurity, financial services, data analytics, and research & development (R&D)," CM Fadnavis said, adding that key strategic decisions for global enterprises will increasingly originate from these centres.

Fadnavis stressed that Maharashtra offers a complete, interconnected ecosystem that gives it a distinct edge over other states. Rather than relying on a single metropolitan area, the state provides a network of specialised cities including Mumbai as Financial and institutional headquarters, Pune as Engineering, automotive, technology, and product development hub, Navi Mumbai as Global business and technology centre, Nagpur as specialised technology and shared services hub, Nashik as industrial engineering and technical capability centre and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as advanced manufacturing and automotive innovation centre.

Pointing to Pune's rapid rise, the Chief Minister noted that in 2025, Pune emerged as India's second-largest office market for GCCs, doubling its centre count compared to the previous year. He expressed confidence that Pune would lead the nation in the GCC sector by the end of 2026.

While the state's GCC policy includes wage subsidies, capital/rental support, interest subvention, and R&D assistance, Fadnavis clarified that financial incentives alone do not build sustainable success.

"Subsidies can attract initial investment, but a lasting ecosystem relies on talent, infrastructure, ease of doing business, quality of life, university research, and trust between government and industry," he noted.

Key policy provisions will also offer higher Floor Space Index (FSI), flexible land use, prioritised land allotment, digital data infrastructure, and 24/7 operational support.

With rapid shifts brought on by artificial intelligence, the Chief Minister urged the industry and academia to collaborate closely to build a robust talent pipeline. Demand is rising sharply for AI engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, semiconductor engineers, quantitative finance specialists, and life sciences researchers.

"Industry must guide universities on what skills will be needed over the next five years, rather than focusing on what was required five years ago," CM Fadnavis stated. He also highlighted the state's agreement signed in Davos to set up an AI research, application, and innovation centre at BKC in Mumbai.

To support this rapid growth, CM Fadnavis committed to reforming government administrative processes to mirror corporate efficiency. The state is developing a single-point contact system for GCC investors.

"Investors shouldn't have to wait weeks or months for approvals. A single point person and unified system will handle establishment, expansion, and issue resolution," he assured.

The Chief Minister emphasised that GCCs will play a pivotal role in driving Maharashtra toward its $1 trillion economy target, bringing in not just capital, but institutional knowledge, global best practices, and high-value leadership opportunities.

Echoing this vision, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar reaffirmed the state's commitment to providing world-class infrastructure, connectivity, and digital integration. She emphasised that Pune's unique blend of IT, manufacturing, and skilled talent positions it as a natural launchpad for AI, robotics, and advanced R&D.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat Minister Jitu Vaghani on Tuesday questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his response to the student protests in Jharkhand, asking why a leader who raises students' issues at Delhi's Jantar Mantar did not "see the pain" of students protesting in Jharkhand.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP's state office in Gandhinagar, Vaghani alleged that students in Jharkhand had been subjected to "atrocities" while peacefully raising concerns over their future, competitive examinations and irregularities in recruitment, including paper leaks.

"Why does Rahul Gandhi, who politicises students' issues at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, not see the pain of students in Jharkhand?" he said.

He questioned why Rahul Gandhi had "different standards for Delhi and Jharkhand", alleging that students were being treated harshly under the Congress-JMM coalition government in Jharkhand.

Vaghani said the students had been putting forward their demands in a peaceful and disciplined manner, without indecent behaviour or abusive language.

He referred to reports of the use of barbed wire, cane charges, tear gas and water cannons against the protesters, describing such treatment as "extremely serious and condemnable".

He said the alleged treatment of students in Jharkhand raised questions about Rahul Gandhi's silence.

"The youth of the country have recognised Rahul Gandhi and Congress' double standards, selective politics and insensitivity," he said, adding that issues concerning young people's future and rights should be addressed with sensitivity and responsibility rather than "selective politics".

Vaghani also criticised the alleged mistreatment of journalists covering the student protests in Jharkhand.

"Videos had emerged showing journalists who had gone there to perform their duties being treated improperly. The media is an important pillar of democracy. Any attempt to prevent journalists from performing their duty is condemnable," he said.

On examination-related irregularities, Vaghani added that anyone compromising the future of young people should face strict action.

"The Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had introduced stringent legal provisions against serious offences such as paper leaks and provided for strict punishment for those found guilty. Congress should explain why similar stringent mechanisms had not been created during its previous governments," he said.

Vaghani also turned his criticism towards the Opposition's conduct in the ongoing Parliament session.

He said Union ministers J.P. Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal had said that the Central government was ready to respond to issues raised in Parliament.

He specifically said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to give a reply.

"When the government is ready for discussion and to give answers, why is Congress disrupting the proceedings of Parliament?" he asked.

Vaghani alleged that Congress had been disrupting Parliamentary proceedings for the past 15 days and preventing discussion on important national issues.

Parliament, he said, was a "sacred temple of democracy" where matters concerning citizens, government policies and issues of national importance should be debated.

He also accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading misinformation, referring to an alleged claim that firing had taken place at Jantar Mantar.

Vaghani said former BJP President J.P. Nadda had said that not a single gun shot had been fired there.

He alleged that Congress did not want Parliament to function or Home Minister Amit Shah to respond because a debate would expose what he described as Rahul Gandhi's "false and misleading" claims.

"If the Opposition has questions, they should raise them in Parliament according to the rules and constitutional provisions. If there is no discussion in Parliament, where will the discussion take place?" Vaghani added.

He said that people wanted to see their elected representatives discuss national issues in Parliament rather than obstruct its proceedings.

"Repeatedly changing the issue, making misleading claims and diverting public attention from the core question of the discussion has become Congress' politics," he added.

Vaghani demanded that Rahul Gandhi and Congress apologise for what he described as "brutal atrocities" against students in Jharkhand by the Congress-JMM coalition government.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) On the suggestion of advocate Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the disciplinary committee of Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party on Tuesday suspended its Pulwama District President, Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi pending inquiry against him in connection with the the FIR registered against him in an extortion case.

A BJP statement said that on the suggestion of advocate Sunil Sethi and in consultation with Sat Sharma, MP and Jammu and Kashmir BJP President, and Mohammad Anwar Khan, J&K BJP General Secretary, disciplinary proceedings have been started against Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi.

The statement also added that till completion of the inquiry against him, Er Syed Showkat Andrabi has been suspended from the BJP in view of the FIR of extortion registered against him.

The statement said that BJP reiterates its commitment of maintaining highest standards of discipline, integrity and morality in public life.

Prior to Tuesday's disciplinary action, J&K BJP unit has suspended nine local functionaries and removed them from their posts on August 7, 2026, following an unauthorised rally in Anantnag on August 5 that featured derogatory and 'anti-women' slogans regarding the abrogation of Article 370.

The BJP leadership said that the Anantnag procession was neither authorised nor organised by the Union Territory's party unit.

Party leaders, including J&K General Secretary Ashok Koul and spokesperson Altaf Thakur, publicly distanced the organisation from the objectionable remarks.

Nine local office-bearers, including district and constituency functionaries from Anantnag, Shangus, and Pahalgam had their primary memberships suspended pending further inquiry.

Mainstream political parties in the Valley heavily criticised the slogans, calling them an insult to the dignity of Kashmiri women.

National Conference leaders demanded formal police FIRs against the individuals involved.

In response, the suspended BJP members countered by issuing public apologies while alleging that their suspension was part of an internal party dispute after they raised corruption complaints against the party's local leadership.

Source: IANS

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Patna, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The controversy surrounding police action against students protesting alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks in Siwan has once again become a major political issue in Bihar.

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been requested by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to visit Bihar, as Yadav criticised the state government and announced that he will raise the matter with the Governor.

Speaking to the media, Yadav said he had not yet received a satisfactory explanation regarding the alleged firing during the police action against protesting students. He said he had already met the Director General of Police (DGP) and conveyed his concerns over the incident.

Yadav said he would now meet the Governor and present the details available to him. He added that he would seek accountability and demand an impartial investigation into the entire episode.

The RJD leader alleged that the police action could not be dismissed as routine law‑enforcement action. He claimed that the students were deliberately targeted and demanded clarity over the circumstances that led to the use of force.

Yadav questioned who authorised the alleged opening of fire on the students and specifically raised questions over the use of AK‑47 rifles. He argued that the identity and responsibility of the officials who ordered the action must be established.

According to Yadav, holding a single constable responsible would not be sufficient to determine accountability for the entire incident. He demanded that responsibility be fixed at the appropriate level, including among senior officials associated with the Home Department, and asked authorities to establish where the alleged order originated.

Yadav also said he had requested senior opposition leaders LoP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav to visit Bihar and meet students who were allegedly injured during the police action. He said opposition parties were raising the issue collectively and would continue to press for accountability and an impartial inquiry.

Apart from the Siwan incident, Yadav also criticised the state government over what he described as financial difficulties being faced by employees and other sections of society. He raised the issue of pending salaries of Sanskrit, Urdu and Persian teachers, along with outstanding payments to sanitation workers, pensions and other employee dues.

Yadav alleged that whenever questions concerning the rights of employees and the public are raised, the government cites financial constraints and an empty treasury. He demanded that the government clear pending payments and ensure that employees and beneficiaries receive their dues on time, particularly during the festive season.

With Tejashwi Yadav announcing plans to meet the Governor, political activity surrounding the Siwan student‑police confrontation is expected to intensify. The Leader of the Opposition has repeatedly demanded accountability over the incident and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police action.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue between the government and society, describing it as an effective means of ensuring efficient implementation of government policies and promoting good governance.

Addressing a dialogue with retired officials from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, Sharma said social justice is the soul of the state government’s policies and the essence of its welfare schemes.

He said the government is working in the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, resulting in unprecedented upliftment of marginalised sections of society.

The Chief Minister said retired officials had discharged diverse responsibilities during their service, taking government policies and welfare schemes to the grassroots and making significant contributions to public service.

“Officials may retire from government service, but they never retire from their social responsibilities,” Sharma said. He urged retired officials to use their administrative experience, understanding of ground realities and institutional knowledge to guide and mentor the younger generation.

The retired officials expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for improved implementation of various social security schemes, including enhanced scholarship amounts, free coaching programmes and skill‑development initiatives. They also appreciated the government’s effective investigation and prompt action in cases involving atrocities against members of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.

The retired officials said former government officers remain an important source of inspiration for society and that their experience and achievements can play a significant role in translating the vision of a developed Rajasthan into reality.

Sharma said the state government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the most disadvantaged sections of society, guided by the ideals of Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar.

He said the government is preparing a development roadmap based on local needs and potential, with special emphasis on strengthening basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads and healthcare.

The Chief Minister said initiatives such as the Ram Jal Setu Link Project and the Yamuna Water Agreement reflect the determination and political will of the state government’s “Double‑Engine” government.

“Our government has achieved a power generation capacity of 12,000 MW in just two and a half years,” Sharma said.

He added that local products are being promoted and employment opportunities created for young people through initiatives such as One District, One Product and Panch Gaurav. He said the government is moving forward with the vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi (prosperity through cooperation).

The Chief Minister further said expansion of storage and processing facilities at the local level has helped increase farmers’ incomes while creating additional employment opportunities for young people. Sharma said the state government is continuously working for the welfare of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. Under the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Adarsh Gram Vikas Yojana, development works are being undertaken in villages with populations of more than 10,000 to strengthen infrastructure and facilities, including roads, drinking water and waste management.

He said nearly 4.25 lakh students had benefited under the Scheduled Caste Post‑Matric Scholarship Scheme, while 4.30 lakh students had benefited under the Scheduled Tribe Post‑Matric Scholarship Scheme. Under the Ambedkar Teerth Sthal Yatra Yojana, beneficiaries are being facilitated to visit places associated with Babasaheb Ambedkar. Sharma said loans amounting to Rs 887 crore had been disbursed under the B.R. Ambedkar Rajasthan Dalit, Adivasi Udyam Protsahan Yojana.

In Baran district, the government has enabled 14,636 eligible families to realise their dream of owning a home under the PM‑JANMAN initiative, he said.

The Chief Minister said the monthly mess allowance for students in hostels and residential schools had been increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,250. The mess allowance for students in sports academies had also been increased from Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,000 per month. He added that the honorarium for personnel working at Maa‑Baadi Centres had been increased by 10 per cent each year for the past two years. Orders had also been issued for opening 250 new Maa‑Baadi Centres.

Retired officials from the IAS, IPS, IRS, administrative services and other government services participated in the interaction. Among those present were Lalit K. Panwar, J.P. Chandelia, Ravi Prakash Meherda, Om Prakash Bairwa and Anil Gothwal. The interaction focused on strengthening the implementation of welfare schemes, promoting social justice and utilising the experience of retired officials to support the state’s development and social welfare initiatives.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) A new initiative where Parliamentarians meet every Tuesday for open conversations and new ideas, named "Mangal Milan" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a platform where discussions were held on issues ranging from the ills of the National eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) exam-paper leak to India's young space innovators, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from New Delhi, Bansuri Swaraj said.

"We are an alliance united on nationalist ideology where the resolve for nation-building is the common cause. The Prime Minister has chosen the name 'Mangal Milan' for these meetings," she said on a video clip shared by the popular "Modi Story" platform on social media on Tuesday.

The site gives voice to people inspired by PM Modi's life, his intent, integrity, and intensity, and are keen to infuse that "can do" spirit in everyone.

On Mangal Milan, Bansuri Swaraj shared that the first such meeting took place after reports came on NEET exam-paper leak.

"And the first thing that he (PM Modi) said was that paper leak is a crisis that does not come under party-politics. That we need to rise above political ideology and counter such menace. He (PM Modi) had said that paper leak is a serious crime," the BJP MP said.

The Prime Minister also reminded the Parliamentarians about the role of youth in science.

"That day he (PM Modi) mentioned the average age of the Skyroot team is about 28. Then he spoke of Vikram-1, the first privately-built rocket, which was successfully launched in the very first attempt," Bansuri Swaraj added.

Skyroot Aerospace, based in Hyderabad, created history last month with the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately-developed orbital launch vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota.

She also recalled how PM Modi had mentioned India's Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with several nations.

"In such tough times, when the whole world is burning in the heat of war, India has signed not one, not two, but nine FTAs to secure its economic safety," she said.

The Prime Minister then exhorted the MPs present in the meeting to connect with the youth and ensure that various sections of society can benefit from these FTAs.

In her 90-minute statement, Bansuri Swaraj implied that from challenges to ideas, "Mangal Milan" is where conversations turn into action under PM Modi's leadership.

Source: IANS

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Imphal, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) A leading Kuki tribal organisation on Tuesday afternoon lifted its 16-day-long counter-economic blockade and ensuing total shutdown along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), a crucial lifeline connecting Manipur with the rest of the country.

A senior police official said that following the lifting of the blockade, more than 460 goods-carrying vehicles, mostly trucks, which had remained stranded for around two weeks due to the economic blockade, resumed their journey.

The decision to lift the economic blockade and total shutdown along NH-2 followed a meeting between a Manipur government delegation led by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh and BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam Singh and representatives of the Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSO).

The Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) are the two crucial lifelines of Manipur, connecting the landlocked state with the rest of the country.

Home Minister Govindas Singh later said in a social media post that following the lifting of the blockade and shutdown, around 460 goods-carrying vehicles, which had been stranded due to the economic blockade, resumed their journey towards Ukhrul along NH-2, bringing much-needed relief to transporters, traders and the general public.

"Under the directive of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a meeting was held with the Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSO) at Shangkai Village in Ukhrul district on Tuesday. After a long and detailed discussion, the WCKCSO finally agreed to lift the Counter Economic Blockade and Total Shutdown along National Highway-2," he said.

The minister said that the reopening of the highway was an important step towards restoring the free movement of people and essential goods and keeping the vital lifeline open for everyone.

The WCKCSO, in a statement, claimed that the counter economic blockade, enforced from July 27 and intensified into a total shutdown from August 5, was imposed in response to a selective economic blockade allegedly targeting the Kuki-Zo tribal community by certain Tangkhul Naga and Meitei groups along NH-2.

The decision to lift the measures followed the meeting held on Tuesday at Shangkai, where the Manipur government delegation, led by the Home Minister and MLA Radheshyam Singh, informed the WCKCSO that an agreement had been reached between the Tangkhul Naga and Meitei groups concerned to end the selective economic blockade along the National Highway against the Kuki-Zo tribal community.

Further, a handwritten agreement was executed between the WCKCSO and the government delegation, under which the latter undertook responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of NH-2 and preventing any blockade or disturbance by any group.

"In view of this development and the government's assurance of free and non-discriminatory movement of essential commodities, the WCKCSO lifted the counter economic blockade and total shutdown from Tuesday afternoon," the statement said. It said that the WCKCSO appreciated the government's intervention and expected the agreement to be implemented in letter and spirit, ensuring that no community was subjected to selective economic restrictions.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Madhya Pradesh Council of Ministers has approved a series of significant decisions covering road infrastructure, public health, farmers’ welfare and women’s empowerment, with total proposals valued at nearly Rs 48,000 crore.

As a special initiative during the ‘Year of the Farmer,’ the Cabinet approved the permanent lease of 20 hectares of land in Bhaukhedi village, Ichhawar tehsil of Sehore district, for the National Soybean Research Institute.

The land will be used to establish a Krishi Vigyan Kendra to strengthen soybean research and benefit farmers across the state, a press release issued here on Tuesday said.

In a major infrastructure push, the Cabinet cleared Rs 1,757.55 crore for upgrading the 44.830 km Bhopal–Vidisha road (State Highway‑28) from two lanes to four lanes with paved shoulders.

The project, to be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model, will improve connectivity between Bhopal and Vidisha districts, passing through important locations including the Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Tropic of Cancer.

It is expected to accelerate industrial investment and regional development.

Separately, the Cabinet approved the extension of toll collection on the Bhopal Bypass (being upgraded to six lanes) until December 31, 2031, with provision for a further five‑year extension, the press release said.

On the health front, the Cabinet sanctioned substantial funding, including Rs 28,083.47 crore for the National Health Mission and Rs 12,123.81 crore for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, as part of broader approvals to strengthen public healthcare.

For agricultural education, Rs 795.59 crore was approved for the continued operation of Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University over the next five years.

The Cabinet also cleared Rs 918 crore to continue the Forest Department’s scheme of distributing dividends to local labourers and residents through Joint Forest Management Committees up to 2030‑31.

In a move for women’s empowerment, the prize money for the Rani Durgavati State‑Level Award and the Rani Avanti Bai State‑Level Bravery Award was increased to Rs 2 lakh each.

The Cabinet further extended by three months the tenure of the inquiry commission probing the Dewas firecracker factory accident and approved the tabling of MPPSC’s annual reports in the Legislative Assembly, it added.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat Cabinet Minister Jitu Vaghani on Tuesday questioned Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his response to student protests in Jharkhand, asking why a leader who raises students’ issues at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar did not “see the pain” of students protesting in Jharkhand.

Addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state office in Gandhinagar, Vaghani alleged that students in Jharkhand had been subjected to “atrocities” while peacefully raising concerns over their future, competitive examinations and irregularities in recruitment, including paper leaks.

“Why does Rahul Gandhi, who politicises students’ issues at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, not see the pain of students in Jharkhand?” Vaghani asked.

He alleged Gandhi had “different standards for Delhi and Jharkhand”, claiming that students were being treated harshly under the Congress–Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) coalition government.

Vaghani said the students had been putting forward their demands in a peaceful and disciplined manner, without indecent behaviour or abusive language. He referred to reports of the use of barbed wire, lathi charges, tear gas and water cannons against the protesters, describing such treatment as “extremely serious and condemnable”.

He said the alleged treatment of students in Jharkhand raised questions about Gandhi’s silence.

“The youth of the country have recognised Rahul Gandhi and Congress’s double standards, selective politics and insensitivity,” he said, adding that issues concerning young people’s future and rights should be addressed with sensitivity and responsibility rather than “selective politics”.

Vaghani also criticised the alleged mistreatment of journalists covering the student protests in Jharkhand.

“Videos had emerged showing journalists who had gone there to perform their duties being treated improperly. The media is an important pillar of democracy. Any attempt to prevent journalists from performing their duty is condemnable,” he said.

On examination‑related irregularities, Vaghani said anyone compromising the future of young people should face strict action.

He noted that the Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had introduced stringent legal provisions against serious offences such as paper leaks and provided for strict punishment for those found guilty.

He asked why similar mechanisms had not been created during previous Congress governments.

Vaghani also turned his criticism towards the Opposition’s conduct in the ongoing Parliament session. He said Union ministers J.P. Nadda, Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal had stated that the government was ready to respond to issues raised in Parliament. He specifically said Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to give a reply.

“When the government is ready for discussion and to give answers, why is Congress disrupting the proceedings of Parliament?” he asked.

He alleged that Congress had been disrupting parliamentary proceedings for the past 15 days and preventing discussion on important national issues. Parliament, he said, was a “sacred temple of democracy” where matters concerning citizens, government policies and issues of national importance should be debated.

Vaghani accused Gandhi of spreading misinformation, referring to an alleged claim that firing had taken place at Jantar Mantar. He said BJP president J.P. Nadda had stated that not a single shot had been fired there.

He alleged Congress did not want Parliament to function or Shah to respond because a debate would expose what he described as Gandhi’s “false and misleading” claims.

“If the Opposition has questions, they should raise them in Parliament according to the rules and constitutional provisions. If there is no discussion in Parliament, where will the discussion take place?” Vaghani said.

He said people wanted to see their elected representatives discuss national issues in Parliament rather than obstruct its proceedings.

“Repeatedly changing the issue, making misleading claims and diverting public attention from the core question of the discussion has become Congress’s politics,” he said.

Vaghani demanded that Gandhi and Congress apologise for what he described as “brutal atrocities” against students in Jharkhand by the Congress–JMM coalition government.

Source: IANS

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