Pune, July 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) In order to maintain law and order in the Pune district, the police administration has imposed restrictive orders under Sections 37(1), 37(2), and 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, for a period of 14 days, from July 21 to August 3.

This order will remain in effect across the entire Pune Police Commissionerate area from 12:01 A.M. on July 21 to 12:00 A.M. (midnight) on August 3.

According to the order issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Prashant Amrutkar, these restrictions have been imposed to maintain public peace and safety.

The move comes in view of various agitations -- such as marches, sit-ins (dharnas), shutdowns (bandhs), and hunger strikes -- organised by political parties and social organisations, as well as the upcoming birth anniversary of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe and other festivals.

The order prohibits the assembly of five or more people, the holding of meetings, or the taking out of processions without prior permission from the Police Commissioner.

The restrictive order bans the carrying, collecting, or preparing of explosives, flammable or incendiary substances, as well as stones, weapons, swords, spears, lathis, sticks, guns, or any instrument capable of causing physical harm.

Furthermore, there is a ban on displaying or burning effigies of individuals, leaders, or symbolic figures; raising inflammatory, obscene, or offensive slogans; delivering provocative public speeches; and disseminating material or displaying posters, banners, and symbols that could compromise public peace, morality, or state security.

A significant provision has also been added to the order stating that action will be taken against activities such as creating and sharing social media reels that spread panic, issue threats, or glorify crime.

However, this order will not apply to employees on official duty, officers authorised to carry weapons in the discharge of their duties, or private security guards and watchmen carrying lathis (batons) up to 3.5 feet in length.

The police have clarified that legal action will be taken under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, against those who violate the order.

Furthermore, investigations, legal proceedings, and penal actions regarding violations may continue even after the order's validity period has expired.

The Pune Police have appealed to citizens to comply with the restrictive orders and cooperate with the administration in maintaining law and order.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, July 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assam Police has become the first police force in the Northeast and the third in the country to be registered as an Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a move aimed at strengthening identity verification, particularly in remote and internet-deficient areas of the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the development on Friday, describing it as a significant step towards making policing more efficient, secure and citizen-friendly.

According to the Chief Minister, the OVSE registration will enable Assam Police personnel to instantly verify an individual's identity by scanning the secure QR code embedded in Aadhaar cards without requiring an internet connection.

The facility is expected to be particularly beneficial in Assam's geographically challenging regions, including hill districts, char areas, border villages and other remote locations where internet connectivity remains unreliable.

Officials said the offline verification system uses the Aadhaar QR code, which carries a digitally signed and tamper-proof security seal issued by UIDAI.

This makes it significantly more difficult for criminals, illegal infiltrators or other offenders to use forged or photocopied Aadhaar cards to mislead law enforcement agencies during verification exercises.

The Chief Minister noted that the technology would enhance field-level policing by allowing patrol teams to authenticate credentials instantly without depending on network availability.

Apart from strengthening security measures, the initiative is also expected to improve the delivery of routine police services.

Processes such as tenant verification, character certificate verification, passport police verification and arms licence verification are likely to become faster and more streamlined through offline Aadhaar authentication.

Officials believe the new system will reduce delays caused by poor connectivity and minimise the scope for fraudulent identity documents during police verification procedures.

Highlighting the broader significance of the achievement, Chief Minister Sarma said Assam Police's registration as an OVSE reflects the state's growing emphasis on adopting technology-driven governance and modern policing practices.

The state government has in recent years undertaken several digital initiatives to improve public service delivery, law enforcement and administrative efficiency.

With the latest registration under UIDAI, Assam Police joins a select group of police organisations in the country authorised to carry out secure offline Aadhaar verification, a move expected to strengthen identity authentication while making police services more accessible and efficient for citizens across the state.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Ahmedabad City Police reunited 64 children who had gone missing during the 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra with their parents and guardians after deploying 17 public assistance centres along the procession route to help devotees and respond to emergencies, officials said on Friday.

According to the officials, the temporary 'Jan Sahayata Kendras' (Public Assistance Centres) were established at key points on the Rath Yatra route to assist the large number of devotees attending the annual procession.

Police personnel also used loudspeaker announcements at each centre to spread awareness and guide members of the public.

The centres were set up at Jamalpur near the Jagannath Temple, Khamasa crossroads, Raipur Police Outpost, Panchkuva Gate, Kalupur Circle Traffic Outpost, Saraspur Visamo, Prem Darwaza Police Outpost, Tambu Police Outpost, Delhi Chakla, Shahpur Gate, Rangila Police Outpost, opposite R.C. High School, Ghee Kanta Police Outpost, Pankor Naka crossroads, Manek Chowk Police Outpost, Danapith crossroads and Khadia crossroads.

"The assistance centres played a key role in tracing children who had become separated from their families during the day-long procession," officials said.

A total of 41 children from the Gaikwad Haveli Police Station area, 21 from the Shaherkotda Police Station area, and one child each from the Kalupur and Shahpur Police Station areas were identified, their parents or guardians were traced, and the children were safely handed back to them.

The police said all 64 children were reunited with their families after verification by officers stationed at the assistance centres.

The 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra was taken out on Thursday from the nearly 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad's Jamalpur area.

The annual procession, regarded as one of India's largest Rath Yatras outside Puri, passed through the old city before returning to the temple after covering its traditional route.

Lakhs of devotees lined the route to offer prayers as the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra moved through the city.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the 'Mangala Aarti' before the procession began, while Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the traditional 'Pahind Vidhi', symbolically sweeping the path before the chariots.

Source: IANS

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Surat, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Surat City Cyber Crime Cell on Friday arrested five members of an interstate cyber fraud network accused of cheating a resident of Rs 26.20 lakh through a fake share market trading and investment scheme, with investigators finding that the bank account used in the fraud is linked to 149 cyber crime complaints across India and suspicious transactions worth more than Rs 6.53 crore.

According to officials, the fraud began after the complainant was added to a WhatsApp group where the accused shared purported share market trading tips and claimed that trading through their application would generate high returns.

The victim was then sent a link to a fake trading website and instructed to create an account. The accused allegedly persuaded the complainant to transfer a total of Rs 26.20 lakh into multiple bank accounts for share market trading and investment.

The money was never returned, following which the complainant reported the matter through the National Cyber Crime Helpline, 1930.

Based on the complaint, the Cyber Crime Cell registered an FIR under Sections 318(4), 336(2), 338, 336(3), 340(2), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2008.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) S.E. Daniels supervised the investigation, while Police Inspector V.D. Mandora led the team that traced the accused through technical analysis, financial trail examination, digital evidence and interstate coordination.

Police arrested five accused from Odisha and West Bengal.

They have been identified as Ranjan alias Sunil, 33, of Sundargarh district, Odisha; Krishna Kumhar alias Kishan, 54, of Jharsuguda district, Odisha; Subaschandra, 52, of Gajapati district, Odisha; S.K. Alamgir, 41, of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal; and Basantsingh alias Singhsar alias Big Boss, 45, of Murshidabad district, West Bengal.

Investigators said Ranjan and Krishna jointly opened an Axis Bank current account in the name of "RRK PublicBazzar Private Limited".

According to police, they rented the account to Subaschandra and Alamgir for a commission.

The two allegedly passed the bank account kit to Basantsingh, also in exchange for commission, who then supplied it to absconding members of the network to facilitate cyber fraud.

Police said the accused, along with the account holders, transferred money obtained through cyber fraud using IMPS and RTGS through net banking to absconding conspirators.

In the present case, investigators found that Rs 50,000 from the complainant's defrauded amount had been routed through the account.

The investigation further revealed that the Axis Bank account used in the offence has been linked to 149 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) from different states.

Police also found that between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, suspicious cyber-fraud transactions totalling Rs 6,53,43,924 were carried out through the account.

Police said the accused also have criminal records in cyber fraud cases registered in Odisha, Karnataka and West Bengal.

These include cases at the Sundargarh Cyber and Economic Offences Police Station in Odisha, the North CEN Cyber Crime Police Station and the Whitefield CEN Police Station in Bengaluru, and the Badgawan Police Station, all under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

Basantsingh is also linked to an earlier case registered at Hare Street Police Station in Kolkata under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery.

Following the arrests, officials advised the public not to respond to unsolicited messages promising guaranteed profits through forex or share trading.

The police also urged people to leave and block unknown WhatsApp or Telegram groups and cautioned investors against committing larger sums merely because they initially receive small returns, warning that fraudsters often use such tactics to gain victims' confidence before carrying out larger financial frauds.

Police further appealed to members of the public who become victims of financial cyber fraud to immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline, stating that prompt reporting improves the chances of preventing further transfer of stolen funds.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) A cyber fraud network allegedly linked to 54 fraud cases involving more than Rs 2.86 crore across 18 states has been dismantled by the Cyber Centre of Excellence, with the arrest of three accused who police say operated fake companies, opened corporate bank accounts and supplied mule accounts to cyber criminals.

According to officials, investigators found that the accused had allegedly facilitated cyber frauds worth more than Rs 2.86 crore through a network of fake firms and mule bank accounts.

Police said three accused have been arrested in the case, while investigations into the wider interstate and international network are continuing.

The investigation found that the accused had allegedly created two fake business entities and established offices at Oxford Avenue on Ashram Road and Yamuna-2 Estate near CTM in Ahmedabad to operate the network.

"They identified details of 72 mule bank accounts, of which 22 accounts were linked to 54 acknowledgements registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP)," the official said.

Officials noted the linked cyber frauds include an Internet Banking Deposit Scam involving Rs 93 lakh in Bihar, an Investment Fraud of Rs 70 lakh in Karnataka and a Digital Arrest fraud of Rs 38 lakh reported in Maharashtra.

Police alleged that one of the accused, Dikshit Patel, played a key role in the Maharashtra case and described him as the alleged "mastermind" behind the digital arrest fraud.

According to investigators, the accused had entered into a criminal conspiracy to establish two fake firms, through which they opened 12 corporate bank accounts in different banks.

Police alleged that they also procured around 60 mule bank account kits and SIM cards registered to those accounts before supplying them to fraudsters carrying out cybercrimes over the internet.

The accounts were allegedly used to receive proceeds of cyber fraud, transfer funds through multiple bank accounts, and withdraw the money, with the accused receiving commissions for each account while helping move the funds through different channels to cybercriminal networks.

"Three acknowledgements were registered in Gujarat. The remaining 50 mule accounts were identified before they could allegedly be used in cyber frauds," officials said.

The accused have been identified as Nikunjkumar Patel, Dikshit Patel, and Sumit Soni. All are residents of Ahmedabad.

Police alleged that Nikunjkumar Patel, along with Dikshit Patel and another absconding accused, created fake firms and opened corporate bank accounts, then handed them over to Dikshit Patel for financial gain.

Dikshit Patel is alleged to have registered companies in the names of Nikunjkumar Patel and the absconding accused, Govind Patel, obtained corporate bank account kits, and supplied them to Sumit Soni, earning around Rs eight lakh.

Sumit Soni is alleged to have received the bank account kits from Dikshit Patel and passed them on to another absconding accused, receiving around Rs one lakh in return.

Police said the two companies allegedly created solely for the operation were "Travelflux Private Limited and Travocrest Private Limited".

According to the investigation, the firms carried out no legitimate business and were used to open corporate bank accounts whose kits were supplied to the accused for financial gain.

"The fraudsters used a variety of methods, including Digital Arrest, Investment Fraud, UPI-related Fraud, Deposit Fraud, Trading Fraud, Job Scam, Phishing through APK files, Online Shopping fraud and Internet Banking Deposit Scam," they added.

Police alleged that victims were contacted through SMS, WhatsApp and Telegram using false identities and lured with promises of higher earnings.

They further alleged that the accused persuaded victims to download a file named "dotp.apk" to obtain one-time passwords and carried out fraudulent transactions, while payments were processed through "Leo Pay".

The investigation also uncovered what police described as a new modus operandi involving merchant identification (MID) accounts.

The accused allegedly worked with payment gateway approval agents to open MID accounts in the names of fake companies by paying large sums of money.

Investigators said 38 MID accounts were opened in this manner and configured so that if a cyber fraud acknowledgement was generated against a MID account, only that account would be affected while the details of the associated mule account would not appear in the acknowledgement, making detection more difficult.

Police said they seized six mobile phones, eight cheque books, 31 debit and credit cards and one laptop during the operation.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The achievement of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited of being elevated to Navratna status was celebrated through the release of a Special Cover with Cancellation and My Stamp on Friday.

The Special Cover was released by Ashok Kumar, Chief Postmaster General of West Bengal Circle, in the presence of senior officials of GRSE and India Post.

GRSE was accorded Navratna status by the Department of Public Enterprises under the Union Ministry of Finance in June 2026 in recognition of the shipyard's consistent financial and physical performance over the years.

The conferment of Navratna status marks a defining milestone in GRSE's illustrious journey, reaffirming its operational excellence, financial strength, and strategic importance to the nation's defence ecosystem.

GRSE's financial performance over the last five years reflects its remarkable growth trajectory and operational excellence.

The company's Revenue from Operations has grown from Rs 1,754 crore in FY 2021-22 to Rs 7,002 crore in FY 2025-26.

During the same period, Profit After Tax (PAT) has risen from Rs 190 crore to Rs 748 crore.

A firm proponent of the Union government's Atmanirbharta" and "Make in India" visions, the shipyard has delivered more than 800 marine platforms over the last 66 years.

Of these, 118 were warships that went to the Navy, Coast Guard and Friendly Foreign Nations.

This is the highest number of warships delivered by any shipyard in the country.

GRSE delivered the country's first indigenous warship, INS Ajay, to the Navy in 1961, barely a year after being declared a Defence Public Sector Undertaking.

The shipyard also built the country's first ever export warship, CGS Barracuda for the Mauritius government.

GRSE delivered eight warships in 2025-26. Three of these were delivered on the same day. These three warships, the P17A Advanced Guided-missile Frigate INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, a Survey Vessel (Large) and Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft INS Agray were commissioned into the Navy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 21.

The shipyard is now building nine warships, including four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. It is also working on 30 other platforms. These include 12 multi-purpose vessels for a German client, in keeping with India's 'Make in India' and 'Make for the World' visions.

GRSE has also made a mark in the field of research vessels and is building four of them for the Naval Physical Oceanographic Laboratory, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and Geological Survey of India.

Its Navratna status will allow GRSE to make investments towards enhancing the shipyard's ability and expand operations.

It has already embarked on a mission to increase capacity through both brownfield and greenfield projects to take on more naval and commercial shipbuilding projects.

Source: IANS

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Patna, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Bihar Police have intensified its crackdown on individuals displaying firearms on social media and those involved in attacks on police personnel, officials said on Friday.

As part of a statewide campaign, the Police Headquarters has registered 102 FIRs, arrested 130 accused, and seized 40 illegal weapons in cases related to the online display of firearms between May 1 and July 14, 2026.

According to the Bihar Police Headquarters, dedicated social media cells are functioning in every district, while the state-level Social Media Centre and Cyber Crime and Security Unit are monitoring online platforms round the clock.

Officials said that many people post photos and videos with firearms to gain popularity, attract followers, or create fear in society.

Such individuals are being identified through digital surveillance and are facing legal action.

Patna recorded the highest number of cases during the campaign, with 17 FIRs registered, 29 accused arrested, and nine weapons seized.

Naugachia and Gopalganj each reported nine FIRs.

The Police arrested seven accused and recovered three weapons in Naugachia, while eight people were arrested in Gopalganj.

Sitamarhi and Motihari each registered eight cases, with nine arrests and one weapon seizure in each district.

Police Headquarters also said that action is being taken against individuals who post content that disturbs communal harmony, spreads religious or caste-based hatred, make defamatory remarks, or upload material that violates the dignity of women.

Such cases are being registered under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the POCSO Act, the Arms Act, and other relevant legal provisions.

Since January 2026, the Bihar Police has identified 514 cases involving objectionable or viral social media posts and videos.

Investigations have been completed in 251 cases, while action is continuing in the remaining cases.

In a parallel operation, the Police Headquarters conducted a statewide drive against those involved in attacks on police personnel.

The campaign, carried out between July 5 and July 10, 2026, under the supervision of Superintendents of Police and senior officers, resulted in the arrest of 348 accused linked to assaults on police teams.

Additional Director General (ADG) K.S. Anupam said all district police units have been directed to ensure swift and strict action in such incidents.

Anupam highlighted that 32 accused were arrested in Nawada district in connection with an illegal mining case involving an attack on police (Nardiganj Police Station).

Similarly, 23 accused were arrested in Banka district in connection with Katoria Police Station, which also involved an attack on law enforcement personnel.

The Police Headquarters expressed concern over repeated attacks on Dial-112 emergency response teams, which are deployed to provide assistance within 10 to 20 minutes during road accidents, crimes against women, arson incidents, and other emergencies.

Officials warned that any assault on emergency responders would invite stringent legal action.

Appealing to the people, especially young people and their guardians, the Bihar Police urged citizens not to misuse social media or take the law into their own hands.

Officials cautioned that FIRs registered in such cases are entered into the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and NATGRID databases, meaning a criminal record can affect future employment, competitive examinations, business opportunities, passport applications, and police verification processes.

Source: IANS

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Datia (Madhya Pradesh), July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Police seized Rs 36.19 lakh in cash from two vehicles during intensified checking in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district, where the Model Code of Conduct is in force for the upcoming Assembly bypoll, officials said on Friday.

The seizures were made at two separate checkpoints as police stepped up surveillance to prevent the movement of unaccounted cash and ensure strict compliance with the Election Commission's guidelines.

Datia Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayur Khandelwal said intensive vehicle checking was being carried out across the district under the Model Code of Conduct.

"Our priority is to ensure that the Assembly bypoll is conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. Vehicle checking has been intensified at inter-district borders, major routes and other sensitive locations," Khandelwal added.

According to the police, around Rs 15 lakh was recovered from a youth travelling in a car during a surprise inspection by the Datia SP at the Sevda Chungi checkpoint.

The Static Surveillance Team (SST) was immediately informed, and legal proceedings were initiated.

In another operation at the Goraghat checkpoint, police recovered Rs 21.19 lakh from a Scorpio SUV car. The vehicle owner is being questioned about the source of the cash, and further legal action is being taken in accordance with Election Commission norms.

With the two recoveries, the total cash seized by Datia Police in a single day reached Rs 36.19 lakh.

Khandelwal said police teams would continue round-the-clock checking until the completion of the election process.

"Strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the Model Code of Conduct or the Election Commission's directions. Our teams are maintaining continuous vigil across the district," he added.

The Election Commission has scheduled polling for the Datia Assembly bypoll on July 30, while counting of votes will be taken up on August 3.

The by-election was necessitated after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following his conviction in a criminal case.

Police said Static Surveillance Teams, Flying Squad Teams and local police have been deployed across the Assembly constituency to monitor the movement of cash, liquor and other inducements as part of efforts to ensure free and fair polling.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi on Friday inaugurated the National Commission for Women's (NCW) two-day programme on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, underscoring that dignified workplaces is the key to women-led development.

The Union Minister emphasised that every woman has the right to work with dignity and without fear, and that creating a safe work environment is a shared responsibility of governments, employers and institutions.

The two-day NCW's National Awareness Programme on The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, began at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital on Friday, an official statement said.

Annpurna Devi noted that strengthening workplace safety is fundamental to increasing women's participation in the workforce and achieving inclusive national development.

The Union Minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to strengthen implementation of the POSH Act.

She said that these initiatives are helping organisations better understand their legal responsibilities and establish effective institutional mechanisms for prevention and redressal of workplace sexual harassment.

The programme brought together senior government officials, legal experts, representatives of Internal and Local Committees, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen awareness and implementation of the POSH Act.

On the occasion, the Union Minister released the Booklet on Inquiry Procedures for Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) under POSH Act prepared by the NCW.

The booklet aims to serve as a practical guide for conducting fair, transparent and time-bound inquiries under the POSH Act.

In a message on social media, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said, "It's time to know your rights against sexual harassment at the workplace, understand your responsibilities, and raise your voice against injustice."

"The National Commission for Women today (July 17) organised an awareness programmme on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Awareness is the first and most important step towards prevention," she added.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The proposed demolition of 38 out of 40 buildings inside the sprawling Jauhar University in Rampur has triggered war of words, with the Congress calling it a 'diversionary tactic' and 'face saver' attempt by the state government, in light of ignominy arising out of Ram Temple donation theft.

Uttar Pradesh Congress committee (UPCC) Chief Ajay Rai speaking to media on Friday, said that the proposed plan to flatten the University, founded by the Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan, looked more political than legal.

He alleged that this was deliberately timed, at the behest of state administration, to shift public attention from the embezzlement controversy involving the Ram Temple.

The Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, founded by SP leader Azam Khan, was issued a demolition notice on Wednesday by the Rampur Development Authority (RDA), claiming that 38 of 40 buildings at the varsity were constructed without permission from the competent authority.

Addressing a press conference at the state Congress Headquarters, Ajay Rai claimed that the 17-page order by the RDA was issued within a few hours of hearing the matter and thus it raises questions on the impartiality and veracity of the entire process.

He said that the Jauhar University was set up in Singhamkheda village in 2005 and it secured necessary permits and license from Zila Panchayat that had the requisite powers to approve building sanction plans.

According to the UPCC Chief, the area was brought under the ambit of the Development Authority only in 2024 and hence the question of obtaining approval from the Development Authority at the time of the university's establishment does not arise.

He claimed that the university was developed in compliance with all necessary standards and added that it doesn't belong to any single community rather students from all faith are enrolled here.

Shifting focus on closure of schools, Ajay Rai said that the state government was weakening the educational institutions instead of expanding its scale and scope.

He claimed that the action on Azam Khan-founded university was because of Bharatiya Janata Party's political differences with the latter and advised the government to prioritise students' interests.

Instead of demolishing the university, the Uttar Pradesh government should rather consider taking over the university's operations, the UPCC Chief suggested.

Ajay Rai also alleged that the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government was engaged in politics of demolition rather than development and construction, and selective targeting of the institution was part of this plan.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) As the United States continues to hit Iran, and Tehran keeps up its retaliatory actions across the Persian Gulf on Washington’s installations, Pakistan finds itself poised precariously on an agonising geopolitical precipice.

Islamabad’s immediate priorities go beyond an effective bulwark against collateral damage. While prioritising energy imports and remittances, border security along the 900 km Iran frontier, sectarian tensions at home, and playing the potential mediator, Islamabad is getting closer to being a direct party in the war.

Such a situation upsets its stand as a neutral negotiator between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan's Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia has already resulted in the deployment of thousands of Pakistani troops and advanced fighter jets to the Kingdom.

That presence threatens to pull Islamabad directly into the crossfire as the Middle East is careening toward an all-out war. Historically, Pakistan has gone to great lengths to play the role of the regional tightrope walker, despite the political and economic volatility back home.

Sharing its western border with Iran, possessing the world’s second-largest Shi'ite population, and maintaining deep, foundational ties with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan's survival depends on avoiding regional entanglements.

However, the realities of modern warfare and binding security alliances have fundamentally altered this calculus. Following the American and allied strikes targeting Iranian coastal defences, alleged missile sites, and other infrastructure, Tehran and its proxy networks have increasingly struck back on nearby US installations.

By targeting forward-deployed American assets and commercial shipping routes, Iran’s retaliatory arc has repeatedly encroached into Gulf territory, including Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. This brings into play the highly consequential Pakistan-Saudi Arabia mutual defence pact.

Signed against a backdrop of escalating regional uncertainty, the treaty dictates that any aggression against either nation will be considered aggression against both. The pact is akin to the one among NATO signatories.

Crucially, senior Pakistani defence officials have previously signalled that this overarching security arrangement extends to providing a nuclear umbrella for Saudi Arabia. To honour these mutual defence commitments, say reports, Pakistan has already deployed over 8,000 troops, a full squadron of JF-17 fighter jets, and Chinese-made air defence systems to the Kingdom.

With Tehran intensifying projectile attacks, such as with ballistic missiles or drones, targeting Saudi Arabia with chances of hitting installations where Pakistani personnel are stationed, the excuse for Islamabad to stay off intervention anymore is over.

The dilemma for Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership is nothing short of existential. If Islamabad honours its treaty obligations and retaliates against Iranian targets, it will effectively enter the war on the side of the Washington-led axis. Such a scenario would immediately militarise Pakistan’s western border, inflaming cross-border sectarian tensions and potentially empowering Baloch insurgent groups.

Conversely, if Pakistan fails to respond to attacks on its deployed forces, the credibility of its defence guarantees with Gulf partners collapses, and it risks losing the vital financial lifeline Riyadh provides to its ailing economy.

Furthermore, joining the axis and actively fighting Iran holds dire consequences for Pakistan's domestic stability. Pakistan cannot afford to alienate its western neighbour while simultaneously continuing its battle against the Taliban regime of Afghanistan, especially at the Durand Line, and maintaining a volatile nuclear deterrent posture against India.

Islamabad’s direct involvement would inevitably draw Tehran’s retaliation, which would not merely be confined to the Gulf. It can spill across the highly porous Pakistani border, destabilising it further.

Pakistan’s civilian and military leaders are acutely aware of this precarious position. Islamabad has frequently assigned delegations to engage in frantic shuttle diplomacy with Tehran in an effort at convincing it that Saudi Arabia’s soil will not be used as a launchpad against Iran. Yet, as seen in the recent flare-ups where Iranian-backed factions struck Saudi territory in retaliation for US blockades and bombardments, diplomatic assurances are becoming increasingly fragile.

Ultimately, the escalating US-Iran conflict has transformed Pakistan's defence treaty from a theoretical deterrent into a dangerous tripwire. As long as American forces continue military operations against Iran and Tehran retaliates across sovereign Gulf borders, Pakistan's military will remain in the crosshairs.

Thus, to prevent being drawn into a devastating regional war, Pakistan is urgently leveraging its historical ties with both Riyadh and Tehran to push for a sustainable ceasefire. The cost of tripping on this delicate diplomatic balancing act will take the war beyond the Middle East border; it will inevitably engulf Pakistan.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, held a meeting with General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army's Gajraj Corps, Lieutenant General Neeraj Shukla, and discussed issues related to peace, stability and the overall security situation in the Northeast.

Sharing details of the interaction on social media, the Chief Minister described the meeting as "productive" and lauded the Indian Army's contribution towards maintaining peace and stability in the region.

"Had a productive interaction with Lieutenant General Neeraj Shukla, GOC of Gajraj Corps. The Gajraj Corps has a rich and decorated history in the region and plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability. Discussed the way ahead," Sarma wrote on X.

The meeting comes at a time when the Northeast has witnessed significant improvement in the overall law and order situation, with several insurgent groups entering into peace agreements with the Centre and the Assam government over the past few years.

The Gajraj Corps, headquartered at Tezpur in Assam, is one of the Indian Army's key operational formations responsible for safeguarding the eastern frontier.

Besides its operational responsibilities, the Corps has been actively engaged in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations and various civic action programmes across the region.

Officials said the interaction also reflected the close coordination between the Assam government and the Indian Army in addressing security challenges and supporting development initiatives in border and remote areas.

The Army has been playing an important role in assisting civil authorities during floods, natural disasters and emergency situations in Assam, apart from carrying out welfare initiatives under its outreach programmes.

Although the Chief Minister did not disclose specific details of the discussions, his remarks indicated that the deliberations focussed on strengthening cooperation and charting the future course for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the Northeast.

The meeting also underscored the longstanding partnership between the state administration and the armed forces in safeguarding the region's strategic interests while promoting development and public welfare.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Punjab is set to go to the polls in February 2027, but the political temperature in the state is already rising. While a range of issues is expected to dominate the election discourse, security is likely to remain a key concern in the run-up to the Assembly polls.

Intelligence agencies have repeatedly intercepted cross-border communications pointing to plans for targeted killings, attempts to incite communal tensions, and stepped-up drone-based smuggling operations.

An Intelligence Bureau official said the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been attempting to recruit small-time gangsters ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, allegedly to create unrest in the state. According to the official, those recruited are tasked with closely monitoring the situation on the ground and identifying even the smallest disputes.

“These disputes need not necessarily be political and could include personal conflicts, which could then be exploited to fuel tension,” the official added.

The official said the gangsters are reportedly being instructed to infiltrate such disputes and inflame them so that minor incidents escalate into major clashes involving large-scale violence and bloodshed.

“These disputes are often local in nature and can ordinarily be resolved without much difficulty. However, by exploiting these flashpoints, the recruited gangsters are expected to ensure that they spiral into much larger confrontations,” the officials added.

The objective is not necessarily to target any political leader or party, but to inflame local incidents into major episodes of violence that would strain the security apparatus during the election period, the official said.

Another official said the broader aim is to divert the security forces' attention. “By keeping the security establishment occupied with maintaining law and order, the ISI intends to step up large-scale smuggling of drugs and arms across the border,” the official added.

However, the plans are not limited to inflaming minor incidents of violence to divert the attention of the security forces. The Pakistani spy agency has also reportedly instructed its operatives to carry out targeted killings of political leaders to create an atmosphere of fear ahead of and during the elections in Punjab.

Officials said the alleged strategy is part of a broader game plan. According to them, the ISI believes that if the elections are held in an atmosphere of fear, voter turnout could be adversely affected. They also pointed out that, as a border state adjoining Pakistan, Punjab has a much larger deployment of central security agencies than most other states.

“By attempting to create fear during the election period and suppress voter participation, the ISI is also seeking to embarrass the Centre,” the officials said.

Security experts, meanwhile, say Punjab has emerged as one of India's most significant national security challenges.

The ISI is in fact focusing more on Punjab rather than Kashmir nowadays. It knows the situation is volatile in the state and hence wants to exploit it to instil the Khalistan ideology in the state. To drum up the sentiments of the people of Punjab against the establishment, the ISI has been using all sorts of tactics. It has a set of people who just focus on tarnishing the image of the Punjab police and central agencies.

This propaganda involves the use of social media and OTT platforms to defame the security agencies. There is a one-sided narrative that these elements are trying to spread in the state.

Officials said the narrative being circulated focuses only on the alleged excesses committed by the security forces against Khalistani elements, while ignoring the violence and atrocities carried out by Khalistani militants.

The official said that during the peak of militancy in Punjab, ISI-backed Khalistani terror groups had targeted minority communities and killed large numbers of police personnel. However, these acts are largely omitted from the narrative being circulated, which, according to the official, points to a deliberate attempt to build a false narrative against the state and its security agencies.

Counter-terror officials said the coming year is likely to be one of the most challenging for Punjab from a security perspective. According to them, the ISI is expected to operate on multiple fronts, ranging from attempts to trigger local disturbances to larger terror-linked activities. They also said newer methods are being adopted to infiltrate drones into Indian territory, including the use of loud music along the border to mask their movement and avoid detection.

Officials urged the youth not to fall into what they described as attempts by the ISI to lure and exploit them. They cautioned that Punjab must not be allowed to return to the dark days of militancy, when groups such as the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) had spread widespread terror across the state.

Source: IANS

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Raipur/Narayanpur, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a significant boost to anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, Narayanpur Police along with the 58th battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully recovered a concealed weapon dump belonging to Naxals during a joint search operation on Friday.

The coordinated effort was carried out in the dense forests under the Kohkameta police station area, aimed at strengthening security in the district’s Naxal-free zones and preventing the resurgence of extremist activities.

Acting on specific intelligence, the security personnel launched an intensive search in the Kachchapal forest region. After thorough combing, the teams discovered a well-hidden cache of arms and ammunition that Naxals had reportedly stashed away for future use.

The recovery marks another success in the sustained campaign to cleanse the area of leftover war material from earlier insurgent operations.

The police officials informed that items seized included one .303 rifle, one .315 rifle, and a locally made barrel launcher. Security forces also recovered 17 live cartridges of .303 bore, 10 live cartridges of 7.62 mm, and four 12-bore cartridges. Also, an empty .303 magazine, two cartridge fillers, and three .303 tracer rods were found at the site.

All the recovered materials have been carefully seized and handed over for further examination.

A formal case has been registered at the Kohkameta police station, and legal proceedings against the Naxal operatives involved are underway, the officials further said.

The police officials said the continued vigilance of Narayanpur Police and central security forces in the region will be maintained and even intensified.

For several months now, joint teams have been conducting regular and intensive search operations across the district’s vulnerable pockets. These proactive measures have led to the consistent recovery of weapons, explosives, and other contraband previously hidden by Naxal groups.

By systematically eliminating these hidden arsenals, the forces are not only disrupting potential militant activities but also reinforcing the atmosphere of peace and normalcy that residents have been experiencing in recent times.

Senior officials have praised the seamless coordination between the district police and the BSF unit, noting that such joint operations play a crucial role in maintaining law and order.

Local administration remains committed to sustaining pressure on anti-national elements while simultaneously focusing on development initiatives to win the trust of tribal communities.

The successful operation in Kachchapal forest is expected to further deter Naxal outfits from using the area as a safe haven for storing arms.

As security forces continue their pursuit, authorities have appealed to locals to share any relevant information that could help in neutralising remaining threats.

With multiple such recoveries reported in the recent past, Narayanpur district is steadily moving towards complete eradication of Naxal influence, paving the way for lasting peace and progress in the region.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a continuation of Operation Hard Ball, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Nitish Kaushal, an alleged associate of jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, in Vermont, the USA. The arrest is part of the FBI's ongoing investigation and crackdown on organised crime syndicates linked to gangsters of Indian origin.

Kaushal's arrest came just two days after the FBI placed him on its Most Wanted list.

"Nitish Kaushal is wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organisation engaged in, among other things, acts involving murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling. This organisation originated in the Punjab state of India and operated in the Central District of California and elsewhere,” the FBI said in a post on X.

The FBI said that the Bhagwanpuria syndicate is involved in several serious offences, including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons smuggling, human trafficking and human smuggling.

Kaushal was part of the organisation and was involved in carrying out serious crimes, including kidnapping and assaults on behalf of the syndicate.

On June 25, the US District Court for the Central District of California had issued an arrest warrant against him. He had been charged with the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisation (RICO) Conspiracy.

Indian officials described the arrest as a welcome development, saying it would help dismantle the gangster-terror nexus. They said both networks operate in close coordination, with their activities backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), whose primary objective is to revive the Khalistan movement in Punjab through organised criminal and terror networks.

Operation Hard Ball, which began early this month, has been a sustained action by the FBI, and the drive aims at dismantling gangster networks. As many as 24 arrests have been made across the US, Canada and Spain so far as part of the campaign. There were also 37 indictments made in this case.

At the centre of the investigation is jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. US prosecutors have accused him of orchestrating murders, extortion and international drug trafficking from prison in India through smuggled mobile phones. The FBI is also searching for Bishnoi's close aide, Goldy Brar, who carries a bounty of $50,000.

This action by the FBI and the Canadian authorities also led to a major revelation regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023.

Under then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, India was accused of being involved in the killing, an allegation New Delhi strongly denied. The row led to a sharp deterioration in diplomatic ties between the two countries. However, relations have improved significantly since Mark Carney took over as Canada's Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on several occasions on the sidelines of international events, with the two leaders agreeing to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including security. India has repeatedly warned the US, Canada and several other countries about the threat posed by the gangster-terror nexus, stressing that it endangers not only India but the wider international community as well.

An Intelligence Bureau official said Operation Hard Ball has exposed the fact that these syndicates are no longer confined to one region but have grown into a transnational security concern.

"Backed by Pakistan's ISI, these gangs have evolved into transnational criminal syndicates that pose a threat to several countries. They have expanded their drug trafficking operations and use violence and extortion to exert control over sections of the Indian diaspora," the official said.

The official said the biggest victims of these syndicates in Canada have been members of the Indian diaspora. Those who refused to support them were threatened and targeted, while more recently even Canadian nationals have come under attack. Their activities have declined following a sustained crackdown by US and Canadian authorities. The official added that India has consistently shared actionable intelligence, which has played a key role in enabling these operations.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) A policeman of the Special Operations Group (SOG) was killed and another injured in a road accident on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Police said that the accident happened at the Bailey Bridge in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Police said that the two SOG men were travelling in an official vehicle when it hit the steel girder of the Bailey Bridge, leaving both of them injured.

He said the injured personnel were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared one of them dead, while the other is undergoing treatment.

The deceased was later identified as Tariq Ahmad, a resident of Hanjura and the injured as Riyaz Ahmed.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation. More details are awaited.

The Special Operations Group is a police tactical unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) that specialises in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism, and operates in difficult-to-access terrain.

The unit's missions primarily involve anti-irregular military, apprehension of armed and dangerous criminals, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, counterinsurgency, covert operation, executive protection, high-risk tactical law enforcement situations, operating in difficult to access terrain, protecting high-level meeting areas, providing security in areas at risk of attack or terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, special reconnaissance in difficult to access and dangerous areas, support crowd control and riot control, and special operations.

This unit is approximately 4000 plus strong.

It is trained and equipped to handle high-stakes situations, and its personnel are selected from more than 1,00,000 personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The J&K Police have since been very competent on the front lines against anti-terror activities. The SOG members are also the first targets of the militant groups and local separatists alike. Since its inception, the unit has played an important role in suppressing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Source: IANS

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Jammu, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) One person was killed, and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police were injured in firing after the man reportedly tried to snatch a service rifle in Doda district, officials said on Friday.

A religious preacher has been detained in connection with the incident, which occurred late Thursday night, the police officials said.

The detained person’s link to the incident was not immediately clear. An SOG team laid an ambush on Thursday along the Jaie-Gandoh road, about 35 km from Bhaderwah town, following reports of suspicious movement in the high-altitude area, a senior officer said.

Around 11.30 p.m., the SOG team intercepted a youth who allegedly attacked the personnel and attempted to snatch a service rifle.

“During the scuffle, an SOG jawan opened fire. The youth sustained bullet injuries, while three police personnel were injured in the incident,” the officer said.

All four of them were taken to the Sub-District Hospital, Bhaderwah, from where they were referred to the Government Medical College, Doda, for specialised treatment. The youth, Aarif Hussain (30) of Cheeka village, succumbed to his injuries, the officials said.

A religious preacher has been detained, they said. As a precautionary measure, additional deployments of the Central Reserve Police Force and police have been made in Bhaderwah town.

The Army has launched a search operation in the Jaie area, the officials said.

Militancy in Doda emerged in the early 1990s as the first major theatre of armed violence outside the Kashmir Valley. Its rugged, forested terrain provided a strategic corridor for cross-border infiltration from Pakistan, leading to a protracted period of violence and significant civilian casualties.

The erstwhile Doda district, which also encompassed present-day Kishtwar and Ramban, was utilised by militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba to establish guerrilla bases. The region witnessed horrific sectarian violence, including the 1996 Barshala massacre, the 2001 Kishtwar massacres, and the 2006 Doda massacre where 57 Hindu civilians were killed.

To counter this, the government established Village Defence Committees (VDCs) to arm local villagers, resulting in a decline in terrorist attacks on unarmed civilians.

Following aggressive counter-insurgency operations by the Indian Army, Rashtriya Rifles, and paramilitary forces, active militancy in the Doda district was largely suppressed by the late 2000s, bringing a period of relative peace and normalcy to the region.

In the early 2020s, and particularly peaking around mid-2024, the wider Jammu region has experienced a significant revival of militant activity. The Doda region itself has witnessed renewed terrorist strikes and high-altitude encounters, including a major ambush in July 2024 that resulted in the deaths of four Army soldiers.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) A man, masquerading as a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) was apprehended at the Rampurhat railway station in West Bengal's Birbhum by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Eastern Railway (ER) officials are now investigating whether he was part of a larger racket involved in swindling passengers, while giving the Railways a bad name.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the RPF was patrolling Platform 1 of the Rampurhat station around 3:15 a.m. when he spotted a man acting in a suspicious manner.

"When the ASI confronted the man, he confidently claimed to be an active TTE under the Sealdah Division. He was even flashing a laminated Railway ID card. However, the sharp-eyed ASI noticed inconsistencies on the card and immediately escorted the suspect to the office of the Chief Ticket Inspector (CTI) for further checks," a senior ER official said.

The man was adamant at first, but broke down upon sustained interrogation. He was identified as Aryadeep Saha, a resident of the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. He confessed that he was not a genuine railway employee and had actually boarded the Gour Express (13153 UP) from Sealdah, posing as an on-duty TTE, before de-boarding at Rampurhat.

This was not the first time that Saha had posted as a railway employee.

A search of his belongings led to the recovery of a digital-age deception toolkit, including two counterfeit Railway ID cards, identifying him as a Ticket Collector (TC) and a TTE, a duplicate Ticket Checking Authority letter forged for his journey, two ATM cards, a money bag with cash, and one 5G smartphone that had photographs of him actively checking tickets at various stations.

"In a stunning revelation, the accused confessed that he had used advanced Gemini AI tools to design and manufacture the highly convincing fake documents and identification cards. RPF officials conducted a meticulous, videographed seizure of all these incriminating items before establishing contact with Sealdah and Howrah headquarters, which officially confirmed that no such TTE existed on their payrolls," the official added.

The accused, along with the seized articles, has since been handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Sainthia for strict legal action.

After several fake recruitment rackets -- some of them involving retired railway staff -- were busted, ER has increased vigil at stations and on trains.

A watch is maintained on all people acting in a suspicious manner and many of them are questioned.

"There used to be a time when fake recruitment rackets would issue counterfeit joining letters to unsuspecting people after collecting lakhs from them. In many cases, the people who received the counterfeit joining letters were not even aware that what they were doing was wrong and would start working at stations or other railway offices. This seems to be a different case. We will have to check whether there are others like Saha who are operating at any of the divisions," the official said.

Authorities are checking how much money Saha collected from passengers.

Officials have also urged passengers not to try and bribe railway staff to evade penalties.

People like Saha take advantage of that and the passengers are the ultimate losers.

"Our security wings are deeply committed to ensuring safe and authentic travel experiences across all networks," Shibram Majhi, ER CPRO, said, adding: "We urge passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious ticket checking activities immediately through official helpline channels."

Source: IANS

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Washington, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The White House has accused Iran of violating a memorandum of understanding with the United States by attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, saying President Donald Trump authorised renewed military strikes because Tehran had failed to honour its commitments despite continuing to express interest in negotiations.

Speaking at the White House daily briefing on Thursday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran had breached a key provision of the agreement by firing on commercial vessels, prompting the administration to respond militarily.

"I've spoken with the President about this as recently as an hour ago. Iran very much continues to talk to the United States of America and express that they want to make a deal with us, because they are suffering devastating blows on behalf of our United States military," Leavitt added.

She said the recent strikes were a direct response to Tehran's actions.

"The reason for the recent strikes over the course of the last several days is because Iran violated the memorandum of understanding that we struck with them," she added.

"Specifically in the memorandum of understanding that they signed, they were not to fire on commercial vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz."

According to Leavitt, Trump was determined not to allow attacks on international shipping to continue unchecked.

"President Trump is not going to sit by and allow these active acts of terrorism to take place in the strait without ensuring Iran pays consequences for that," she said.

Despite the renewed military action, Leavitt added that diplomatic contacts had not ended.

"The President is always open and willing to diplomacy. He is the peace through strength President," Leavitt said, adding that after Operation Epic Fury, "we did move forward into a diplomatic phase," but Iran subsequently violated the agreement.

"They (Iran) have expressed they still want to make a deal to the President. We're (US is) talking to them."

Leavitt also announced that the United States had reimposed a naval blockade on vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports.

"We know that there is a blockade of ships directed by the President (Trump) for ships entering and departing Iranian ports only. This has been fully implemented and is in full force," she said.

She added that more than 10,000 American sailors, Marines and airmen, supported by two aircraft carriers, over 20 warships and dozens of aircraft, were enforcing the blockade.

"During the first 24 hours of the blockade, US CENTCOM has redirected two compliant commercial vessels and disabled one non-compliant vessel," she said, adding that the Strait remained open for ships not trading with Iranian ports.

Responding to questions about conflicting public comments from Trump and Vice-President JD Vance on diplomacy with Iran, Leavitt rejected suggestions of divisions within the administration.

"I can tell you the President, Vice-President, are on the exact same page," she said, adding that Operation Epic Fury had left Iran's leadership fragmented and weakened.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) J&K State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday achieved a breakthrough by framing charges in a landmark narco‑terror case in the Special NIA Court.

A statement said: “In a breakthrough against narco‑terrorism and cross‑border terror financing, the Special NIA Court has ordered the framing of charges in a landmark case investigated by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, clearing the way for the trial of members of an alleged Pakistan‑backed Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) syndicate accused of funding terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through narcotics smuggling.”

The case was registered in October 2022 based on credible intelligence regarding a highly organised cross‑border conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan/PoJK‑based handlers of the proscribed terrorist organisation LeT. Investigation conducted by SIA Kashmir established that the syndicate smuggled narcotic substances across the Line of Control into J&K and channelised the illicit proceeds for financing terrorism, sustaining terrorist infrastructure, and strengthening the terror ecosystem.

During an extensive investigation, SIA Kashmir uncovered the larger conspiracy and identified the involvement of 16 accused persons, including four Pakistan/PoJK‑based terrorist handlers.

The arrested accused include Rubeena Nazir Malik, Ishfaq Ahmad Mir, Mudasir Ahmed Poswal, Safeer Ahmad Mughal, Mohammad Rashid Thakkar, Mohammad Rayaz Lohar, Javid Iqbal Thakkar alias Raja Thakkar, Abdul Rashid Mir, Abdul Rashid Bhat, and Basharat Ali Poswal. According to SIA, all the above-mentioned accused have been arrested, while Sageer Ahmad Poswal, son of Nazir Ahmad Poswal, a resident of Amrohi Arna, Kupwara, is absconding.

The Pakistan/PoJK‑based accused, who have been declared proclaimed offenders and are absconding, include Tariq Ahmad Malik Dilawar, son of Mohammad Ramzan.

The other absconding accused are Alif‑ud‑Din Badana, son of Ghulam‑ud‑Din Badana, a resident of Amrohi, Karnah, Kupwara, presently in Pakistan; Mushtaq Ahmad Naik alias Usman Bhai, son of Ghulam Nabi Naik, a resident of Kundan, Khari, Ramban, presently in Pakistan; and Firdous Ahmad Dar alias Umer Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar, a resident of Harwan, Sopore, Baramulla, presently in Pakistan.

SIA Kashmir further stated that one accused, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik alias Rahee, son of Mohammad Yousuf Malik, a resident of Panzipora, Sopore, Baramulla, was killed in an encounter. The agency has filed six comprehensive charge sheets against all sixteen accused.

The investigation also resulted in the arrest of three proclaimed offenders who had been evading arrest.

The Special Court, after hearing the prosecution in detail, has ordered framing of charges against the ten available accused under stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Indian Penal Code, including offences relating to waging war against the Government of India, conspiracy to wage war, terrorist acts, raising funds for terrorist organisations, membership and support to terrorist organisations, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and forgery.

The order framing charges marks a decisive stage in the prosecution and reflects the strength of the evidence collected by SIA Kashmir during the investigation.

The trial will now proceed with the recording of prosecution evidence before the competent Court. SIA Kashmir said it continues to pursue legal proceedings against the absconding Pakistan/PoJK‑based accused in accordance with the law.

Simultaneously, proceedings for attachment and forfeiture of properties linked to terrorist activities under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are also being pursued.

The agency said the successful investigation and the framing of charges reaffirm SIA Kashmir’s commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of terrorism by targeting the nexus between narcotics trafficking and cross‑border terrorism and ensuring that every individual involved in financing, facilitating, or supporting terrorist activities is brought to justice.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a community outreach initiative, the Indian Army organised an educational and recreational visit for specially abled children from Assam to the Golden Pagoda in Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.

The programme was organised by the Red Shield Gunners under the aegis of the Spear Corps for 15 children and eight staff members of Navarupantar Children Home at Rupai in Assam’s Tinsukia district.

Located in the Namsai district, the Golden Pagoda is one of the Northeast’s prominent Buddhist landmarks, known for its golden architecture, serene surroundings, and cultural significance.

During the visit, the children explored the pagoda complex and learned about its history, Buddhist traditions, and values of peace, compassion, and harmony. Army personnel accompanied them throughout, ensuring safety and comfort while making the visit both educational and enjoyable.

Apart from touring the monument, the children participated in recreational activities, interacted with Army personnel, clicked photographs, and spent time amid the tranquil surroundings.

Officials said the initiative aimed to provide the children with an enriching experience beyond their daily routine while promoting inclusion, confidence, and social interaction. The Army said the outing offered the children an opportunity to discover a culturally significant destination, encouraging curiosity and joyful learning.

The visit also helped strengthen social bonds and created lasting memories, reflecting the Army’s commitment towards the welfare and holistic development of specially abled children. Officials added that such programmes reaffirm the Army’s commitment to inclusive development and fostering goodwill among communities in the border areas of the Northeast.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Thursday carried out search operations at 16 premises across West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other locations in a crackdown on an alleged terror-funding and illegal-infiltration racket.

The raids, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, were led by the agency’s Lucknow Zonal Office.

The case stems from an FIR registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti‑Terrorist Squad (UP ATS) on October 11, 2023, against a syndicate accused of facilitating the illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India.

The group allegedly provided forged Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and passports, and helped rehabilitate infiltrators in different parts of the country.

Investigations revealed a network involved in document forgery, human trafficking, and illegal settlement of foreign nationals.

Authorities also identified suspected involvement of certain charitable trusts and entities that allegedly received foreign contributions through FCRA routes.

Funds were reportedly diverted via mule bank accounts and cash withdrawals to support infiltration activities, transferred in small tranches to multiple beneficiaries.

During the searches, the ED seized unaccounted cash amounting to approximately Rs 40 lakh, gold weighing around 180 grams, incriminating documents, digital devices, bank records, and other evidence.

Statements of key individuals were recorded.

The ED said further investigation is in progress, adding that the operation aims to dismantle networks misusing financial channels and charitable organisations for illegal immigration and related activities.

Officials believe the syndicate has been operating for a considerable period, exploiting loopholes to threaten internal security.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delhi Police Special Cell on Thursday apprehended a notorious gangster named Jagdish from West Bengal’s Malda district after an extensive inter-state pursuit.

The arrest is being dubbed as a key breakthrough against organised crime in the capital.

The accused, a key member of the overseas-based Harry Boxer alias Golu gang, is wanted in multiple firing cum extortion cases in the Delhi-NCR region.

Last month, his prime associate Vikas alias Chuhiya was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri by the Special Cell sleuths after a long chase.

Jagdish’s arrest comes close on the heels of a stringent crackdown on the Harry Boxer gang. Days ago, the Delhi Police arrested three suspected shooters linked to the Harry Boxer gang and foiled the plot to extort city businessmen. Three illegal pistols, including a 9-mm calibre and a Beretta, along with 26 live cartridges, the police said. The crackdown followed complaints from the city’s businessmen about extortion threats, who claimed they were receiving calls and messages from phone numbers abroad.

According to the Special Cell, both accused were wanted in two extortion threat cases in the capital.

In the first case, the complainant said that he received a WhatsApp extortion call from an international number. The caller identified himself as a gangster from the Harry Boxer gang. He demanded Rs 5 crores, failing which he warned of death threats. When the extortion demand was not met, the gang targeted the victim’s gym and fired three rounds. Later that day, fresh life threats were received under the name of Harry Boxer.

In another case lodged last month, the gang escalated action by firing several rounds at the house of another victim, reiterating the demand for money.

For nabbing Jagdish, the Special Cell team deployed extensive human surveillance. As he was hiding inside a massive, two-kilometre-wide mango orchard in Kamla Bari of Malda district, the police laid a trap around the area and nabbed him at the first opportune moment.

The police informed that Jagdish, a Delhi resident, was a fresh recruit in the gang and was lured by the fascinating lifestyle of gangsters, while his associate Vikas, also hailing from Delhi, took to robbery and murder threats, hoping to influence the gang with his antics.

Source: IANS

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Patna, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Despite the enforcement of prohibition in Bihar, the illegal liquor trade continues to pose a challenge.

Acting on a confidential tip-off, the Prohibition and Excise Department conducted a raid at Saharsa's old bus stand premises on Thursday, recovering a large consignment of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) concealed beneath a heap of soil.

During the search operation, officials excavated the area and recovered 123 litres of liquor hidden at multiple locations. The seized liquor was reportedly packed in Officer's Choice brand pouches.

The raid led to the arrest of two alleged liquor smugglers, while one minor was also taken into protective custody. Authorities have initiated proceedings in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act and other applicable legal provisions.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Arvind Sah, son of late Bahadur Sah, a resident of Mahkhar Ward No. 7 under Simri Bakhtiyarpur police station in Saharsa district, and Jeetu Kumar, son of Siyaram Sah, a resident of Garhbaruari Ward No. 6 under Lokha police station in Supaul district.

The Excise Department has seized the recovered liquor and registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act.

Officials said the accused are being interrogated to determine the source of the liquor consignment, the intended recipients of the illegal supply, and the identities of other individuals involved in the smuggling network.

According to Excise Department officials, the operation was carried out based on specific intelligence indicating that liquor was being stored beneath a mound of soil at the old bus stand before being distributed.

The department stated that its campaign against illegal liquor production, storage, transportation, and sale will continue, adding that strict legal action will be taken against those found in violation of the state's prohibition laws.

Bihar has enforced statewide prohibition since 2016, and authorities continue to conduct regular enforcement drives to curb the illegal manufacture and trafficking of alcoholic beverages.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth, who is on a visit to the Eastern Command, reviewed the operational preparedness of the Tezpur-based IV Corps, also known as the Gajraj Corps, on Thursday.

Over the last two days, he has visited the headquarters of the XXXIII Corps, or Trishakti Corps, in Sukna and the III Corps (Spear Corps) in Dimapur.

The Gajraj Corps is entrusted with the security of Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Gen Seth met top commanders and was briefed on the prevailing security situation, operational readiness, and capability development initiatives by units and formations of Eastern Command in the area.

He also reviewed the measures undertaken by the formation to maintain peace, stability, and a secure environment in the region.

This important Corps comprises three Mountain Divisions. While the 71st Mountain Division is based at Missamari in Assam, the 21st Mountain Division (Red Horn Division) is stationed at Rangia in the same state. Its 5th Mountain Division (Ball of Fire Division) is headquartered at Rupa, near Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh. This is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This Division is posted to the west of the 2nd Mountain Division that comes under the Spear Corps.

During his interactions, the COAS was apprised of the Gajraj Corps' close coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces through developmental initiatives, community outreach programmes, and sustained assistance to local authorities.

Gen Seth commended the formation for its significant contribution towards maintaining internal security in Assam and Meghalaya, as well as its prompt and effective response during disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations.

The general officer interacted with the troops and lauded their professionalism, high morale, and commitment to duty. He appreciated the formation's innovative approach and effective adoption of emerging technologies to enhance operational capability.

The Corps has acquired modern technology such as drones and takes part in airborne exercises with the Indian Air Force.

During his address, the COAS exhorted all ranks to remain mission-focused, strengthen inter-agency synergy, and maintain the highest standards of operational preparedness to effectively address emerging security challenges in an evolving multi-domain environment.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The National Security Chiefs of BIMSTEC on Thursday discussed practical and result-oriented solutions to combat terrorism and organised crime, ensure security in the cyber, maritime and energy domains; enhance connectivity; facilitate efficient disaster management; and to tackle new and emerging threats.

The discussions were held during the fifth meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs chaired by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisors/ Heads of delegations from all other Member States, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

During the meeting, the BIMSTEC Secretary General presented a comprehensive overview of the status of cooperation in the security sector and briefed the member states on the progress made across various sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.

BIMSTEC bridges South Asia and Southeast Asia, two of the most significant and vibrant regions of the Indian Ocean. Over the years, BIMSTEC has strengthened cooperation in regional security, disaster management, transport and trade connectivity, technological issues, and people-to-people ties.

"The National Security Advisers/Heads of Delegations discussed practical and result-oriented solutions to combat terrorism and organised crime, ensure security in the cyber, maritime and energy domains; enhance connectivity; facilitate efficient disaster management; and to tackle new and emerging threats. They adopted guidelines for the maritime component of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," read a statement issued by the MEA.

"These guidelines will help BIMSTEC member states to undertake relief operations in the region in an expeditious manner. They also endorsed a set of guiding principles on the conduct of maritime law enforcement agencies during interactions at sea. These principles are expected to outline reference points for increasing predictability and promoting safety during maritime engagements among member states," it added.

According to the MEA statement, as BIMSTEC approaches its 13th anniversary in 2027, the National Security Advisers/Heads of delegations reiterated their resolve to further enhance collaboration and knowledge-sharing towards strengthening regional security, building resilience, and enhancing institutional capacities to address diverse security threats, .

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established on June 6, 1997, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, according to the official statement. Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), the organisation is now known as BIMSTEC and comprises seven Member States, with the admission of inclusion in December, 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in February 2004.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra reached Saraspur area on Thursday afternoon, marking the completion of the first major leg of the annual procession as Gujarat Police continued to monitor the event through an extensive technology-driven security network.

Speaking to IANS, Ahmedabad Cyber Cell DCP, Dr Lavina Sinha, said the first segment of the procession had reached Saraspur while the second segment was on its way, with the yatra progressing as scheduled under heavy security.

"Surveillance was being carried out from the police control room, with the entire 16-km procession route covered by CCTV cameras, including high-resolution pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras that provide real-time monitoring of crowds and movement," she said.

In addition to physical deployment, police have intensified cyber surveillance to curb the spread of rumours and misinformation during the procession.

"We have police deployed and a cyber cell for media monitoring. All platforms of social media and the media are being monitored for any rumours or misinformation. We are keeping a watch," a senior police officer said.

Asked about action taken against social media accounts, Lavina said, "We are still taking action. I think the exact number we will be able to tell tomorrow."

Officials said this year's security arrangements rely heavily on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.

"We have surveillance all across. For media monitoring we have an AI-enabled tool for social media monitoring. Then we have drone surveillance from the sky and CCTV surveillance at all points. The entire route is covered. The control room is also enabled with AI and face recognition abilities," the officer said.

Explaining the facial recognition system, the officer said, "There is a database of people that we create and leverage for the recognition of miscreants, if any."

According to the Crime Branch, high-tech drones, facial recognition cameras, audio surveillance systems and social media monitoring are being used to keep a close watch on the Rath Yatra route and surrounding areas throughout the day.

The annual Rath Yatra, which began from the historic Shree Jagannath Mandir in Jamalpur earlier in the day, follows its traditional route through Ahmedabad, with Saraspur regarded as one of the most significant halts.

The locality is traditionally considered the maternal home (mamera) of Lord Jagannath, where the deities are ceremonially welcomed and offered mahaprasad before the procession resumes its onward journey.

Regarded as India's second-largest Jagannath Rath Yatra after Puri, the Ahmedabad procession is being conducted under one of the city's most extensive security operations, with more than 31,000 police personnel, Rapid Action Force units and other security agencies deployed to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the centuries-old religious event.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) With the land routes becoming extremely difficult to infiltrate, the Lashkar-e-Taiba is now planning to send its terrorists using the water routes. Latest Intelligence inputs suggest that the Lashkar-e-Taiba, with the help of the ISI, is examining the water routes that could be used to infiltrate India.

Post Operation Sindoor, multiple attempts have been made at infiltration, but all of them have failed. India has enhanced its border security, thus making it next to impossible to infiltrate through both the borders at Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Punjab.

An Intelligence Bureau official said the reason for exploring the sea route is that the Lashkar-e-Taiba feels that it would be easier to dodge the security forces. The official said that water-based infiltration is not a new phenomenon. The Lashkar-e-Taiba had used the sea to enter India earlier also. Ten of its terrorists carried out an attack in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.

However, this time, the infiltration is specific to Jammu and Kashmir as the outfit wants to resume its activities in a big way. In the Jammu sector, the Chenab and Tawi rivers are the targets, officials say. The Akhnoor sector is a critical route and terror groups have tried infiltrating using the Chenab River and the surrounding dense vegetation and water bodies.

They have used these routes to cross the International Border under the cover of both fog and darkness. Officials say that if they manage to enter using this route, then they can position their terrorists easily in Jammu and Kashmir.

Another official said that the target would be to have at least 50 to 100 active Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Once in the Valley, these terrorists would be told to take cover in the dense forests and then await instructions before the next strike could be carried out.

The other possibility that the Lashkar-e-Taiba would explore is the Sir Creek and Harami Nala. These serve as major infiltration points. Since it is extremely hard to patrol these points, terrorists try to use this route to enter Gujarat. If they manage this, then the Lashkar-e-Taiba would ensure that the terrorists reach Jammu and Kashmir using the road, the official also added.

Officials say that while these are the routes the Lashkar-e-Taiba is exploring, considering it is next to impossible to infiltrate through land routes, it would not be an easy exercise. Intelligence inputs suggest that large-scale training is being imparted to potential infiltrators. A lot of emphasis is being given to maritime training.

The official said that, like what one got to witness at the time of the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, this time too the ISI has assigned naval officials to impart maritime training. The new lot of Lashkar-e-Taiba is undergoing training at the Mangala Dam, the same place where Ajmal Kasab and the ten other terrorists trained before coming to Mumbai.

An official said that the plan is an ambitious one, but it would be extremely hard to undertake. The Ministry of Home Affairs MHA) had said that the international borders are being patrolled and dominated with the help of water crafts/speedboats and the floating border outposts of the Border Guarding Forces (BGF).

Further, the usage of hi-tech surveillance equipment along with day and night vision devices is being used to further enhance border domination, the MHA had also said. Officials say that though hard, the Lashkar-e-Taiba will go all out to execute this plan. It desperately needs some action in Jammu and Kashmir.

Further, Pakistan is being watched by the entire world owing to the chaos that has erupted in Balochistan, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A major attack in Jammu and Kashmir will not only re-commence Lashkar-e-Taiba operations, but it would also act as a major diversion from Pakistan's own mess, an official said.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) said there had been no breach of sensitive data at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP), stating that the information reportedly available in the public domain pertains only to conventional infrastructure and has no connection with nuclear safety or nuclear security systems.

In a statement issued by Executive Director (Corporate Communications) Prateek Agarwal, NPCIL said the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the project’s common service facilities, known as the Balance of Plant package, had been awarded to Reliance Infrastructure Limited through a public tender process.

According to the statement, the scope of the contract covers engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of common service facilities that are conventional in nature and are typically found in thermal power plants and other process industries.

NPCIL stressed that these systems are not related to nuclear safety or nuclear security. The corporation said that, as part of the public tendering process, it had provided indicative drawings and technical specifications to bidders. Based on these inputs and project requirements, Reliance Infrastructure prepared detailed engineering drawings in consultation with the respective original equipment manufacturers.

NPCIL said the designs submitted by Reliance Infrastructure were reviewed by the corporation and accepted only after ensuring that they met all technical specifications.

The statement came amid reports that engineering-related project files linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project had been accessed following a cyber incident involving infrastructure associated with a contractor.

NPCIL reiterated that the documents in question relate only to conventional Balance of Plant facilities and do not concern reactor operations, nuclear safety systems or any sensitive security infrastructure.

Reliance Infrastructure had secured the contract in 2018 for infrastructure works related to Kudankulam Units 3 and 4, which are currently under construction.

Investigations into the reported cyber incident are being carried out by NPCIL and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).

Kudankulam currently operates two 1,000 MW Russian-designed VVER reactors, while four additional units are under construction. Once completed, the project is expected to become India’s largest nuclear power park with a total installed capacity of 6,000 MW.

—IANS

aal/rad

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Entire Kolkata has been wrapped under blanket security coverage since early Thursday morning on the occasion of the Ratha Yatra festival, with major processions scheduled to be organised in different pockets of the city, the biggest and the most colourful of which is the one by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Since Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will himself inaugurate the ISKCON procession by pulling the rope of the Rath and also walk for some distance along the procession, special security arrangements have been made for the occasion.

An insider from the Kolkata Police said a total of 2,000 policemen have already been deployed on the streets of Kolkata since early morning, and the deployments are mainly on the roads where the Rath Yatra will start, move through and finally end.

Apart from these 2,000 policemen, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and Heavy Radio Flying Squad (HRFS) vans have been deployed at strategic locations and junctions to ensure absolute security over the processions. Apart from that, drones are also being used by the city police for aerial surveillance.

As per information available with the city police, more than 80 Ratha Yatra processions are scheduled in the city for the day, and the police administration is not taking chances in its attempts to prevent any unfortunate incident.

The main procession organised by ISKCON will start from the society’s office at Albert Road in central Kolkata and end at the Brigade Parade Ground. It will also move through various areas in both South and Central Kolkata, giving people an opportunity to join the procession.

The Chief Minister will remain present at the beginning of the procession and inaugurate the event by pulling the rope of the Rath. He is also scheduled to walk some distance along with the procession.

From there, he will rush to his native district of East Midnapore and take part in Rath Yatra functions there.

The state government this time has adopted several initiatives concerning the Rath Yatra. The government has decided to provide financial assistance to 60 Rath Yatra committees this year. Each committee is being given Rs 5 lakh. Accordingly, a total grant of Rs 3 crore has been allocated.

The state government claims that this financial assistance will play an important role in better organising the traditional Rath Yatra and related cultural activities in different parts of the state.

Source: IANS

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Lucknow, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Thursday carried out search operations at 13 locations across Uttar Pradesh under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as part of its ongoing investigation into an alleged terror funding and illegal infiltration network, officials said.

The searches were conducted in connection with Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) No. ECIR/LKZO/14/2024, which pertains to an alleged network involved in terror financing and facilitating infiltration into the country.

According to officials, the money laundering investigation stems from an FIR registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

The FIR relates to an organised syndicate allegedly engaged in helping Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals illegally enter India, arranging forged Indian identity documents for them, and facilitating their settlement and rehabilitation in different parts of the country, officials stated.

Officials said the predicate investigation has uncovered what appears to be an extensive financial network involving certain charitable trusts and other entities that allegedly received substantial foreign contributions. Investigators suspect that these funds were diverted through multiple bank accounts, mule accounts and layered financial transactions to support and facilitate the alleged illegal activities.

The investigation has further indicated that the network allegedly relied on cash withdrawals and numerous small-value financial transfers routed to suspected beneficiaries in an effort to avoid detection and conceal the movement of funds.

Officials said the searches were conducted as part of the ongoing probe to gather evidence and trace the flow of money linked to the alleged network.

The authorities said that an investigation is currently underway.

Further details are awaited.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 149th annual Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced from the historic Shree Jagannath Mandir in Ahmedabad's Jamalpur on Thursday, with thousands of devotees gathering in the early hours to witness one of Gujarat's largest religious processions.

The temple premises were illuminated with decorative lights, creating a festive atmosphere as devotees began arriving well before dawn for prayers and the ceremonial departure of the chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

Extensive security arrangements were put in place across the city, with Ahmedabad Police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and other security agencies deployed along the procession route to ensure the event passed off peacefully.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said preparations for the annual procession had been completed ahead of its commencement.

"Preparations for the 149th Rath Yatra have been completed. It is around 2:30 a.m., and as you can see, the streets of Ahmedabad are still filled with thousands of youths and elderly people chanting 'Jai Jagannath'. Preparations are underway in every lane to serve prasadi to Lord Jagannath's devotees," he said.

Devotees who gathered outside the temple spoke of their enthusiasm for the annual festival.

One devotee said, "I have come here for the first time to witness the Rath Yatra. My family, Laddu Gopal, and I have all come for the darshan." Another devotee said, "I felt immense joy. Today, for the first time, I had the opportunity to have the darshan of Lord Jagannath in this way."

A regular visitor to the procession said, "We have been here since 3:30 a.m. We come here every year in the morning for the Rath Yatra."

Earlier in the morning, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah performed the 'Mangala Aarti' and offered prayers at the temple, while Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel carried out the traditional 'Pahind Vidhi', ceremonially sweeping the path before the chariots with a golden broom before the procession began.

Held annually on Ashadhi Bij, the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is regarded as the second-largest Jagannath Rath Yatra in India after Puri.

The procession follows its traditional route through the city before returning to the temple later in the day, attracting lakhs of devotees from Gujarat and across the country.

This year's yatra is being conducted under a multi-layered security arrangement involving more than 31,000 police personnel, drones, CCTV surveillance, artificial intelligence-enabled monitoring systems and other advanced security measures.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has urged the judiciary to adopt a more survivor‑centric and sensitive approach while interpreting sexual offences, emphasising that justice must go beyond the physical act and encompass dignity, consent, fear and psychological trauma.

Reacting to a recent judgment of the Patna High Court, Rahatkar said the objective of justice should not be confined to a technical reading of the law.

She noted that if the judicial process becomes detached from the survivor’s lived experience and the spirit of the law, public confidence in the justice delivery system could be undermined.

She observed that while courts deliver judgments based on law and evidence, the absence of a sense of complete justice after an 18‑year‑long trial, and inadequate punishment for serious sexual offences, can deeply affect women’s faith in both themselves and the system.

“The dignity, bodily autonomy and constitutional rights of women must remain the highest priority of our justice system,” Rahatkar said, welcoming the “clear, sensitive and survivor‑centric approach” adopted by Chief Justice Surya Kant.

Expressing optimism, she added that India’s justice system is steadily moving towards a more gender‑just framework that upholds women’s rights and dignity.

The Patna High Court recently acquitted a man of attempted rape, ruling that pressing a woman’s breasts and trying to remove her salwar did not amount to an attempt to rape but only to outraging modesty.

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, criticised this reasoning, stressing that courts must adopt greater sensitivity in sexual offence cases and issued a handbook on survivor‑centric judicial conduct.

National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar welcomed the apex court’s intervention, saying justice must reflect dignity, consent, fear and trauma, and praised the move towards a gender‑just framework that upholds women’s rights.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Two residents of Sikkim were apprehended by a Border Intelligence Team (BIT) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the India-Nepal border on Wednesday while trying to cross into the neighbouring country with Rs 9.74 lakh in Indian currency. The seized cash was unaccounted for and had not been declared at the customs checkpost.

A senior SSB official said that around 4.25 pm, while the BIT was performing routine checking duty at New Mechi Bridge, Panitanki (in north Bengal), a Mahindra XUV300 (bearing registration no SK01PB9465), coming from India and proceeding towards Nepal, was stopped for checking.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of Indian currency notes of the Rs 500 denomination. While some of the notes were found hidden under the driver's seat, others were in concealed cavities of the vehicle.

On being questioned, Jiwan Biswakarma, who was driving the vehicle, stated that the SUV belonged to their customer. He claimed ownership of Rs 5,24,000, stating that he was carrying the amount to Nepal to provide financial assistance for his mother-in-law's treatment.

The other occupant, Rahul Nepal, claimed ownership of Rs 4,50,000 and said he was carrying the amount for his Nepal tour, the official said.

Biswakarma (49) is a resident of Upper Sichey MW P S Road, PNG School, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, in Upper Sicheygaon, East Sikkim, and Rahul Nepal (25) is from Upper Tintek PW, Rakdong Tintek GPU, Tintek, in East Sikkim.

During preliminary interrogation, the two said that they were engaged in the business of buying and selling four-wheelers and were working at True Value, Gangtok. They further stated that the vehicle belonged to their customer, Sonam Doma Bhutia.

The official added that, when asked to produce documentary evidence in support of the lawful possession, carriage, and export of the recovered Indian currency, as required under the Customs Act, 1962, and the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015, both persons failed to produce any satisfactory documents. Their explanation regarding the possession and transportation of the currency was deemed unsatisfactory.

The sum of Rs 9.74 lakh was then seized and subsequently verified using a counterfeit currency detection machine at the SSB's company headquarters in Panitanki. All the currency notes were genuine. The money and vehicle, along with the two apprehended persons, were then handed over to the Customs Office in Panitanki for further investigation and necessary action under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

According to Customs officials, Indian nationals can carry up to Rs 25,000 in cash into Nepal. Rs 500 currency notes were banned till recently, but are now allowed. A Customs official said they are not discussing these two persons as the investigation is underway, but there is a tendency among Indians to conceal large amounts of cash while travelling to Nepal. Such people normally go there for gambling at the casinos in Kathmandu. They prefer cash as digital payments often fail.

Source: IANS

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Imphal, July 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday reiterated that lasting peace is the cornerstone of development, urging people across communities to work together to preserve harmony and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood for the state's progress and prosperity.

The Chief Minister appealed during his visit to the recently violence-hit Kanto Sabal area in Imphal West district, where he interacted with residents and reviewed the situation following last week's incident of arson.

Emphasising that sustainable development is possible only in a peaceful atmosphere, Singh said that sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare can flourish only when peace and normalcy prevail.

He appealed to all sections of society to maintain communal harmony and cooperate with the government in restoring confidence among the people.

He said without peace, there can be no development, adding that infrastructure, education and healthcare can progress only in a peaceful environment.

He stated that every citizen has a responsibility to preserve peace and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood so that Manipur can move forward on the path of inclusive growth and prosperity.

On July 11, miscreants allegedly set six houses belonging to members of the Meitei community in the Kanto Sabal area ablaze, triggering widespread tension and confrontation in the locality. Additional security forces were subsequently deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation and maintain law and order.

During his interaction with local residents, the Chief Minister assured them that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen and that all necessary measures are being taken to restore normalcy.

He also directed the concerned officials to closely monitor the situation and extend all possible assistance to the affected families.

The Chief Minister reiterated that his government would continue to work towards maintaining peace, restoring public confidence and creating an environment conducive to the state's overall development.

Addressing a gathering in the area, the Chief Minister urged the people of Kanto Sabal village to uphold peace and harmony among all communities, stating that they are the foundation for the state's progress.

He called upon the people to maintain mutual trust and understanding, and to coexist peacefully, emphasising that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity and cooperation.

During his visit to Kanto Sabal, where Khemchand Singh oversaw the reconstruction of six houses that were damaged in the arson incident on July 11, the Chief Minister said that without peace, there can be no development.

He remarked that infrastructure, education and healthcare can only flourish in a peaceful environment.

The Chief Minister appealed to all sections of society to work together in preserving peace and strengthening the spirit of brotherhood so that the state can move forward on the path of inclusive growth and prosperity.

He further stated that his government is making every possible effort to ensure free movement for all communities along the National Highways passing through the state, adding that restoring normalcy remains one of the government's top priorities.

During the visit, the Village Development Committee, Kanto Sabal, along with local Meira Paibis and club representatives, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister highlighting various local issues and security-related concerns. The memorandum sought, among other matters, the strengthening of security arrangements in the area and measures to ensure the safety and free movement of residents.

Receiving the memorandum, the Chief Minister assured the people that the issues raised would be examined with due priority and that the government would take appropriate steps in consultation with the concerned departments and security agencies.

He reiterated the government's commitment to restoring normalcy, ensuring public safety, and carrying forward development initiatives for the welfare of all citizens.

Kanto Sabal is a village located in the state's lone Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved Sekmai Assembly Constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, the sitting MLA of the constituency, H. Dingo Singh, said that within a short period of assuming office, the Chief Minister has undertaken significant steps towards restoring peace in the state.

He observed that the ongoing community conflict is a complex issue and would take time to heal. The MLA appealed to the people of Kanto Sabal not to give in to emotions but to cooperate with one another and work collectively towards restoring lasting peace.

Source: IANS

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