Author: Vividh Bharathi

Raipur, Nov 8 (IANS) Raipur, Bilaspur and Bilha in Chhattisgarh have been selected for national awards under the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, officials said.

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the awards on these three cities at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on November 11, officials added on Saturday.

Special recognition will also be given to ‘Safai Mitras’ (sanitation workers) during the ceremony.

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has formally informed the state government about the selection.

Officials said the achievement is the result of sustained cleanliness drives, the dedication of sanitation workers and active participation by citizens.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed happiness over the recognition.

He congratulated the citizens, public representatives, officials and staff of the urban local bodies, and the Safai Mitras of Raipur, Bilaspur and Bilha.

The Chief Minister said being honoured by the President is a matter of pride for the entire state.

He described the recognition as the fruit of hard work by thousands of “Safai Mitras” and the involvement of aware citizens.

Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a true mass movement, CM Sai affirmed that the state government remains committed to strengthening sanitation systems in all cities of the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also congratulated the teams and residents of the three urban local bodies.

He said the national honour would inspire other municipal bodies in the state to improve their performance.

He noted that the selection of three cities from the state at the national level reflects the success of collective efforts.

This is the tenth edition of the Swachh Survekshan.

The theme of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 is ‘New Initiatives for Cleanliness – Join Hands, Clean Together’.

It underlines the importance of collective responsibility, public awareness and civic participation.

Officials said the recognition of Raipur, Bilaspur and Bilha shows that cooperation between citizens and the administration is essential for clean cities.

At the awards ceremony, special emphasis will be placed on the contribution of sanitation workers.

The Ministry has invited Safai Mitras to be part of the state and city delegations.

Four representatives from each of the three cities will receive recognition on stage.

Union Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu will also attend the event.

–IANS

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Mumbai, November 7 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday secured the conviction of Adnanali Sarkar in the Maharashtra ISIS terror module case, officials said.

The Special Court (NIA) in Mumbai held him guilty under Sections 13, 18, 20, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sections 201 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.

The court sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for a maximum period of six years and imposed a total fine of Rs 65,000.

Sarkar was the fifth accused in the case registered by NIA Mumbai.

The central agency had taken up the investigation suo motu on June 28, 2023, after receiving information from the Ministry of Home Affairs about a conspiracy by ISIS members aimed at threatening the unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of India.

During the probe, investigators uncovered a wider conspiracy that had international linkages and involved foreign-based ISIS handlers.

The accused were found to be actively propagating the extremist ideology of the banned terror outfit, recruiting new members, raising funds for terrorist activities and circulating ISIS propaganda material.

This included magazines such as ‘Voice of Hind’ and ‘Voice of Khurasan’, which were used to radicalise and motivate supporters.

A total of six persons were chargesheeted in the case. They are Tabish Nasser Siddiqui, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala alias Lalabhai, Sharjeel Shaikh, Aakif Ateeque Nachan, Zubair Noor Mohammad Shaikh alias Abu Nusaiba, and Adnanali Sarkar.

The Special Court had earlier framed charges against all six arrested accused as per the provisions mentioned in the charge-sheet.

All of them continue to remain in judicial custody.

While Sarkar has been convicted and sentenced, the trial against the remaining five accused will continue.

The NIA has described the case as an important step in its ongoing efforts to dismantle ISIS-linked terror modules operating within the country and to disrupt their networks of radicalisation, recruitment and funding.

Officials said the conviction underscores the agency’s resolve to take strict action against those involved in spreading terrorist ideology and supporting banned organisations that pose a threat to national security.

–IANS

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Guwahati, Nov 7 (IANS) In a significant boost to the conservation and recovery of the critically endangered Black Softshell Turtle (BST), locally known as Bormuria Kaso (Nilssonia nigricans), 240 hatchlings were released on Saturday into a protected waterbody under the Biswanath Wildlife Division in Assam.

A senior forest official said that the release was jointly organised by the Wildlife Survival Alliance Foundation India (WSAFI) and the Biswanath Wildlife Division, in collaboration with Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and the Assam Forest Department, as part of the ongoing project titled ‘Conservation and Recovery of Black Softshell Turtle in Assam’.

The conservation initiative has been underway for nearly a decade.

The Black Softshell Turtle, which was once declared ‘Extinct in the Wild’ in the early 2000s, has shown encouraging signs of recovery due to sustained conservation efforts, the official said.

The species now has a stable population in the Brahmaputra-Kaziranga landscape, although it continues to be classified as ‘Critically Endangered’.

The historic Nagshankar Temple has played a significant role in the conservation programme.

During the annual nesting season in March and April, eggs are collected from the temple pond premises and transported for artificial incubation at Biswanath Ghat under controlled conditions.

This process helps minimise egg losses caused by predators, particularly mongooses, and improves hatching success.

The hatchlings emerge during July and August and are subsequently shifted to a grow-out facility, where they are reared for around three months.

During this period, they are fed fresh small fish to improve their body weight and strengthen their chances of survival after being released into their natural habitat.

According to the official, since 2021, WSAFI, formerly known as TSA Foundation India, has released more than 1,000 Black Softshell Turtle hatchlings into the wild as part of its sustained efforts to rebuild the population of the threatened species in Assam.

The release programme was attended by Naduar MLA Padma Hazarika, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Biswanath Wildlife Division, the concerned Range Officer, Nagshankar Temple Committee Secretary Rajib Barua, WSAFI Northeast Project Coordinator Upamanyu Chakraborty, Aditya Dey and Krishna Das.

As part of the programme, the guests were felicitated with handwoven gamosas featuring turtle motifs.

The gamosas were crafted by members of Kaso Sakhi, a local women’s alternative livelihood group supported by WSAFI under its community livelihood initiative.

The initiative seeks to promote sustainable alternative sources of income for local communities and reduce their dependence on river-based livelihoods, thereby linking biodiversity conservation with community participation and economic empowerment.

Often referred to as the ‘water vultures’, softshell turtles play an important ecological role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems.

As scavengers, they help remove organic waste and maintain the cleanliness of waterbodies, contributing to ecological balance.

The latest release represents another important milestone in the long-running efforts to revive the Black Softshell Turtle population in Assam.

It also highlights the importance of sustained conservation measures, scientific breeding and rearing practices, and community participation in protecting threatened aquatic species.

With more hatchlings being successfully raised and released into protected habitats, the initiative has renewed hopes for the long-term survival and recovery of the species in its natural environment.

–IANS

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Ahmedabad, Nov 7 (IANS) Gujarat has deported 2,412 illegal foreign nationals and filed charge sheets within 60 days in 92 per cent of cases following the implementation of the new criminal laws, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday.

In a post on social media platform X after chairing a high-level review meeting on law and order and internal security in Ahmedabad, Union Minister Shah described the state’s performance as “excellent”.

He said that Gujarat had achieved the figures after the implementation of the new criminal laws.

“After the implementation of the new laws in the state, Gujarat has performed excellently by filing charge sheets within 60 days in 92 per cent of cases and deporting 2,412 illegal foreign nationals,” Union Minister Shah added.

He also called for Central and state agencies to work together to strengthen coastal surveillance, target drug networks and realise the goal of a “drug-free Gujarat”.

Union Minister Shah chaired the review meeting in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and senior officials.

The meeting reviewed the state’s law and order situation, internal security, border and coastal security, narcotics control, cybercrime and counter-terrorism measures.

The Union Home Minister called for intensified action against narcotics networks, better coordination among enforcement agencies and wider public awareness campaigns against drug abuse.

He also directed officials to expand the ‘1933’ control room and step up enforcement drives as part of the broader target of achieving a drug-free India by 2029.

The meeting also reviewed the presence of illegal Bangladeshi nationals in Gujarat, enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and measures to prevent infiltration.

Other issues discussed included alleged ‘love jihad’, economic offences, police modernisation, cyber fraud, counter-terrorism preparedness, prison administration and the functioning of the criminal justice system.

Officials also reviewed coastal security arrangements, suspicious activities along the state’s borders and the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme.

Disaster management, urban flood prevention in Ahmedabad, mangrove conservation and forensic infrastructure were among the other issues on the agenda.

Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik briefed Union Minister Shah on border management, the quadrilateral security grid, anti-radicalisation measures, Operation Mule Hunt, the 112 Janrakshak service and Mission Prabodh, which focuses on tackling cyber fraud.

Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das and Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary and Home Department Principal Secretary Sanjeev Kumar also presented updates on the implementation of measures discussed during previous meetings with the Union Home Ministry.

–IANS

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Itanagar, Nov 7 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday inaugurated Utkarsh Bhawan, state Training and Development Centre, along with a multipurpose hall and academic block of the Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti (ASVS), at Kamak Nagar in Pachin Colony in Naharlagun.

On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister also flagged off a bus for Saraswati Vidya Niketan at Mahadevpur in Namsai district to support the institution’s educational activities.

The newly inaugurated facilities are expected to strengthen teacher training, professional development and academic activities in the state.

Utkarsh Bhawan will provide a platform for capacity-building programmes, academic workshops and leadership development.

The centre is equipped with residential facilities, smart classrooms and a conference hall, while the academic block houses classrooms, a library and a science laboratory.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy CM Mein recalled the contributions and sacrifices of educationists and pioneers who laid the foundation of educational development in Arunachal Pradesh despite limited infrastructure and connectivity in the past.

Emphasising the need to expand quality education in remote and border areas, he said such regions should receive priority in development, describing them as the state’s first line of opportunity rather than its last frontier.

He also stressed the importance of integrating vocational education and skill development with conventional academics to make young people self-reliant.

Skills such as electrical work, plumbing and painting, he said, could open up livelihood opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship among the youth.

Deputy CM Mein also called for preserving the state’s rich indigenous culture, traditions, folk dances, traditional games and historical heritage.

He said that development should not be confined to infrastructure and connectivity but should also focus on protecting cultural identity and ensuring the progress of women, youth and society.

Highlighting the need to safeguard the state’s historical legacy, he advocated systematic documentation and digitisation of old manuscripts, oral traditions and folk culture.

He said museums and digital archives could play an important role in preserving the heritage for future generations.

Congratulating ASVS and Vidya Bharati on the new facilities, Deputy CM Mein expressed confidence that Utkarsh Bhawan would emerge as a significant centre for teacher development, academic excellence and capacity-building, contributing to the overall improvement of education in the state.

The programme was attended by Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak, Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu, and Vidya Bharati Purvottar Kshetra Organising Secretary Pawan Tiwari, among other dignitaries, educationists and members of the organisation.

–IANS

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Agartala, Nov 7 (IANS) With the arrest of three more accused including a woman, the total number of people arrested so far in connection with the brutal attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Tripura’s Sepahijala district has risen to 21, including four women, police officials said on Saturday.

A police official said that a middle-aged woman, identified as Hasina Khatun, was arrested from Kalapania in Sepahijala district on Saturday in connection with the November 2 incident at Ashabari village, under Kalamchaura police station, along the India-Bangladesh international border.

In a separate incident, the BSF detained two prime accused, identified as Rabiul Hossain and Mahabul Hossain, on Saturday and later handed them over to the Kalamchaura Police Station during the night.

According to investigators, the video footage purportedly shows Rabiul snatching the service rifle of a BSF jawan during the attack, while Mahabul is seen assaulting BSF personnel with a stick.

“An intensive search operation, launched immediately after the attack on BSF personnel on November 2, is still underway to apprehend the remaining accused,” the official told IANS.

All 21 accused, including four women, have been booked under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

The official said that police were identifying and arresting those involved in the attack on the basis of electronic evidence, CCTV footage, and intelligence inputs.

He added that no accused would be spared.

“Police and the BSF are jointly conducting searches at suspected locations, including residences and shops, to apprehend the accused and seize contraband and illegally stored goods,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manik Saha, who had condemned the attack and directed the authorities to take stringent action against those involved, held a series of meetings with senior security officials to review the incident and assess the overall law and order situation in the state.

According to the police, the incident took place on November 2 when BSF personnel intercepted a group of alleged smugglers who were attempting to smuggle ganja (cannabis) across the India-Bangladesh international border.

Following the interception, the BSF personnel were reportedly surrounded and attacked by a mob comprising around 50 men and women, leaving three personnel, including a Company Commander, grievously injured.

The attackers also allegedly snatched a pump-action gun (PAG) from one of the BSF personnel and damaged a BSF vehicle during the assault.

One of the alleged attackers was also injured in the incident.

There have been several instances of attacks on BSF and police personnel by suspected cross-border smugglers in Tripura, particularly in the smuggling-prone Sepahijala district.

These recurring incidents highlight the serious risks faced by security forces and law-enforcement personnel while carrying out operations against organised cross-border smuggling networks in the district.

Tripura shares an 856-km-long international border with Bangladesh and is surrounded by the neighbouring country on three sides.

The state’s geographical location makes it particularly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling, illegal movement of people and other transnational criminal activities.

Except for a few stretches, most parts of the international border have been fenced to prevent smuggling, illegal crossings and the movement of criminals and other inimical elements.

–IANS

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Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) The Bihar Police on Saturday busted an alleged heroin trafficking network by an operation in Kaimur district, arresting three people, including a woman, and recovering 52.58 grams of heroin worth around Rs 35 lakh.

The seizure was made during a raid at a house in the Babu Mohalla area under Kudra police station following a tip-off that heroin was being packaged into smaller quantities for distribution.

Mohania Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gopal Krishna said the Kudra police received confidential information about the illegal activity and immediately formed a team to conduct a raid.

The operation was carried out at the residence of local resident Kiran Devi in the presence of a Magistrate, who also serves as the Circle Officer.

During the search, police recovered 52.58 grams of heroin and Rs 19,48,012 in cash, suspected to be linked to the illegal drug trade.

Three people were arrested from the premises. They have been identified as Kiran Devi, a resident of Ward No. 11 in Kudra, and Mintu Singh and Rajesh Singh, both residents of Karampura Pipra village under Durgawati police station.

According to police, three other suspects managed to escape after noticing the arrival of the police team.

They have been identified as Gular Singh alias Anchal Singh, Shibu Singh and Jitendra Singh, all residents of the Kudra area.

Police said Gular Singh has a criminal history and efforts are underway to trace and arrest all three absconding suspects.

The recovery of a substantial amount of cash alongside the narcotics has raised questions about the scale of the alleged trafficking operation and its financial network.

Investigators are now examining the source of the seized money, the supply chain of the heroin and the possible involvement of other people in the illegal trade.

Mohania SDPO Gopal Krishna said further legal proceedings were underway in connection with the recovery and arrests.

Police teams are also conducting raids at suspected locations to apprehend the remaining accused.

The investigation is expected to establish the extent of the network, its links with other drug suppliers and the number of people involved in the alleged trafficking operation.

The seizure comes amid ongoing efforts by Bihar Police to enforce prohibition laws and curb the illegal narcotics trade in the state.

–IANS

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