Assam is preparing workforce for AI-driven future: CM Sarma

Mumbai, Nov 15 (IANS) In a resounding endorsement of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) landslide victory in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections, reactions from various leaders are pouring in.

Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Social Justice and Shiv Sena leader Yogesh Kadam lauded the results as a historic milestone, attributing them squarely to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on development.

Kadam’s remarks come at a time when the NDA’s victory is being analysed through the lens of PM Modi’s personal charisma and developmental policies, including infrastructure boosts, youth employment drives, and women-centric initiatives like enhanced reservations and financial aid.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Kadam emphasised how Bihar’s electorate has rejected decades of alleged mismanagement, signalling a nationwide shift toward progress and development under PM Modi’s stewardship. “The achievements of Bihar’s people in these elections stand as a record in their own right,” Kadam declared.

“Across the entire nation, we witness a robust campaign centred on development under PM Modi’s leadership.” He pointed out that the public’s overwhelming mandate reflects deep-seated frustration with the 25-30 years of governance under Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family, which he claimed led to widespread neglect and forced migration from the state.

“Earlier, the lack of developmental initiatives in Bihar drove people away in search of better opportunities,” Kadam explained. “But today, a vast state like Bihar is surging ahead on the path of rapid progress. The people have wholeheartedly embraced PM Modi’s vision, and the election outcomes are a testament to that.”

Kadam, known for his forthright commentary on national politics, dismissed notions that the NDA’s success was driven solely by women’s votes or specific schemes. “It would be incorrect to attribute our victory exclusively to women’s support,” he asserted.

“Women voted in significant numbers, but so did men and the youth. India is globally recognised as a youthful nation, and Bihar’s young voters turned out en masse, prioritising development above all,” Yogesh Kadam said.

He stressed that the NDA’s campaign was holistic, addressing broad developmental agendas rather than relying on any single community, demographic, or policy initiative. This comprehensive approach, Kadam argued, culminated in the alliance’s overwhelming triumph, paving the way for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s fifth term.

Turning his attention to the opposition, particularly the Mahagathbandhan led by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which managed only 25 seats, Kadam accused them of resorting to desperate tactics. He specifically criticised their emphasis on the Special Intensive Review (SIR) issue—widely interpreted as a veiled reference to Bihar—as a premeditated excuse for defeat.

“The opposition anticipated their loss, so they crafted narratives to deflect blame afterwards,” Kadam said. “They were essentially setting the stage for their own downfall. By pointing fingers at the Election Commission and disparaging schemes aimed at empowering women, they’ve only exposed their desperation. The electorate has delivered a fitting rebuke, and in the process, the opposition is eroding its own credibility and integrity.”

Beyond the electoral fray, Kadam extended his praise to the Modi government’s handling of national security challenges, drawing a parallel to the decisive leadership that bolstered Bihar’s turnaround. He highlighted India’s intelligence agencies as among the world’s elite, commending their proactive stance against external threats.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aggressive leadership, the government is addressing these matters with utmost resolve,” Kadam noted. “Pakistan’s attempts to sow panic in India are futile; we have no reason to fear. The people of India place trust in the Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to safeguard the nation’s interests.”

Kadam’s cross-state perspective, as a Maharashtra leader commenting on Bihar, underscores the NDA’s pan-Indian appeal, bridging regional divides. Kadam’s words resonate as a call for sustained momentum. “This isn’t just Bihar’s win; it’s India’s affirmation of progress over politics-as-usual,” he concluded.

–IANS

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Jaipur, Nov 4 (IANS) A day after the tragic dumper accident in Jaipur claimed 14 lives, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has announced strict measures to improve road safety across Rajasthan.

The CM has directed authorities to cancel the driving licenses of those caught driving under the influence of alcohol and to take strong action against anyone violating traffic rules.

A 15-day ‘Road Safety Campaign’ will be launched across Rajasthan starting Tuesday, under the joint supervision of the Transport, Police, and Public Works Departments.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by CM Bhajanlal Sharma at his residence late Monday night. He emphasised that all relevant departments must work together to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and prevent accidents.

District Collectors have been instructed to hold regular meetings of District Road Safety Committees, and disciplinary action will be taken against officials who fail to act promptly.

CM Sharma has ordered strict enforcement against speeding, drunk driving, and overloading. Encroachments and illegal crossings along highways will be removed immediately.

He stated that under a zero-tolerance policy, departmental officers failing to take timely action will face consequences.

Licenses of drivers who are repeatedly fined for overspeeding or driving under the influence will be revoked.

The Chief Minister directed authorities to promptly repair black spots and close illegal cuts on national and state highways. Land will be identified for constructing new rest stops for drivers along the Jaipur–Kota, Jaipur–Delhi, Jaipur–Ajmer, and Jaipur–Bharatpur highways.

CM Sharma also instructed the NHAI to remove illegal eateries, parking areas, and constructions along the Bharatmala and Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor. Proper signage and reflectors should be installed, especially before the foggy winter season. In addition, the medical and health Department has been directed to strengthen the emergency care system.

All accident victims must be transported in advanced life support ambulances, and eye check-ups for truck drivers will be conducted between November 15 and February 15. Transport companies will be held accountable for forcing overtime driving, and strict penalties will follow violations.

The Transport Department has also been asked to take action against vehicles travelling on the wrong side of highways.

CM Sharma instructed district collectors and police superintendents to deploy interceptors on major routes to catch rule violators and to install railings at all illegal cuts on busy highways.

Chief Minister Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment to making Rajasthan’s roads safer, stating, “Our goal is to save lives by enforcing discipline on the roads. Those who endanger others by breaking rules will face strict punishment.”

–IANS

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Hyderabad, March 6 (IANS) A two-day crucial meeting of sports ministers of all states and senior officials is beginning here on Friday to prepare India’s roadmap for the 2028 Olympics.

With a strategic vision for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a high-level Chintan Shivir.

To be organised by the Union government’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) at Kanha Shanti Vanam on the city outskirts, it will discuss the roadmap for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as the country is eyeing a double-digit medal haul.

India is also bidding to host the 2036 Olympics for which a letter of intent has been sent to the International Olympic Committee.

The two-day brainstorming session will bring together sports ministers from various States/UTs, senior sports administrators, key government officials, and domain experts to exchange ideas and craft a roadmap for India’s emergence as a global sports powerhouse.

MYAS said the deliberations will focus on enhancing sports governance, grassroots talent identification, infrastructure development, inclusivity, and fostering collaborations.

Union Minister Mandaviya, who is spearheading Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to elevate India’s sporting landscape, will engage in strategic discussions with stakeholders on India’s Olympic ambitions and strengthening the sports ecosystem. State representatives will present their best practices and innovative models during the Chintan Shivir, said an official release.

Key focus areas of the Chintan Shivir include an overview of various schemes of the Union Government and co-ordination with States/UTs, sports development and sports infrastructure partnership with corporates, talent search and nurturing of grass-root talent, promoting good governance in sports, deliberations on expanding Khelo India & Fit India, encouraging inclusivity in sports and welfare of sportspersons and coaches.

“The success of Indian athletes at the recent Uttarakhand National Games highlights our immense potential. Our goal is clear, which is, achieving Olympic excellence and making India a global sports power. By sharing ideas and best practices, we can ensure a structured and sustainable sporting framework. Hosting the Olympics is a national mission, and we must move forward together,” said the Union Minister.

A critical aspect of the discussions will be leveraging the expertise of former athletes. Mandaviya has urged states to identify top sportspersons who can transition into coaching roles, bridging gaps in the sporting ecosystem and strengthening the talent development pipeline.

This Chintan Shivir will serve as a catalyst for transformative changes in the Indian sports ecosystem, setting the stage for long-term success on the global stage, the release added.

–IANS

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