Category: SPECIAL

Mumbai, Jan 10 (IANS) The Bureau of Naviks (BUVIK), the dedicated arm of the Indian Coast Guard responsible for the management of enrolled personnel (Naviks), organised a heartfelt farewell ceremony on January 8, 2026, for Enrolled Personnel set to superannuate or retire on January 31, 2026.

The event, held at the Bureau’s premises in Cheetah Camp, Mankhurd, Mumbai, paid glowing tributes to the retiring Tatrakshaks (Guardians of the Coast) for their unwavering dedication and exemplary service in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. These personnel have contributed significantly to coastal security, search and rescue operations, pollution response, and law enforcement across India’s vast coastline.

Deputy Director General (DDG), Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, BUVIK lauded the retirees for their commitment, discipline, and sacrifices made in the line of duty. The ceremony highlighted their role as the backbone of the Indian Coast Guard’s operational strength, ensuring the nation’s maritime borders remain secure and responsive to challenges.

In addition to the emotional tributes, the programme included specialised sessions on financial literacy and wellness. These interactive workshops aimed to equip the retiring personnel with essential knowledge and tools for a smooth transition to civilian life, promoting financial security, health management, and overall well-being in their post-retirement years. Such initiatives reflect the Indian Coast Guard’s holistic approach to supporting its veterans.

The Bureau of Naviks, headquartered in Mumbai under the Ministry of Defence, plays a pivotal role in recruitment, training, administration, and welfare of Naviks—the enlisted ranks who form the core operational force of the ICG.

Regular farewell events like this underscore the organisation’s tradition of honouring service while preparing personnel for life beyond uniform. The Indian Coast Guard continues its mission as a multi-role maritime force, and tributes to retiring Tatrakshaks serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of service that defines the force.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his excitement about addressing young leaders at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue scheduled for January 12.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister highlighted the enthusiasm and commitment of India’s youth. “Our youth, filled with incredible enthusiasm and unmatched passion, are committed to building a strong and prosperous nation,” he said.

“I am very excited to interact with my young friends from across the country at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. I will meet all of you at this event on January 12,” PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister emphasised that India’s youth, with their unparalleled energy, innovation, and dedication, are the driving force behind the nation’s progress. He said the dialogue will provide a meaningful platform for young leaders from different parts of the country to exchange ideas, share aspirations, and actively contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi also shared a post by Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, who welcomed thousands of young participants arriving in the national Capital for the event.

“Sashakt Yuva, Viksit Bharat! Three thousand energetic youth from across the country have reached Delhi for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue,” Mandaviya wrote.

Mansukh Mandaviya further said that this vibrant youth power, inspired by India’s rich cultural heritage, is prepared to present its vision for a developed India before Prime Minister Modi. The minister noted that the dialogue reflects the growing role of young Indians in shaping the country’s future.

Building on the success of its first edition, the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, being held from January 9 to 12, marks a significant step forward. New initiatives such as ‘Design for Bharat’ and ‘Tech for Viksit Bharat’ have been introduced, expanding discussions to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions. The participation of the Indian youth diaspora from abroad adds a valuable global perspective to the dialogue.

A key highlight of the event is its conclusion on January 12, which is observed as National Youth Day in honour of Swami Vivekananda. More than a forum for discussion, the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue aims to evolve into a movement, encouraging young Indians to address national challenges, lead with confidence, and channel their ambitions towards public service and nation-building.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) The Congress has launched a coordinated nationwide campaign to oppose what it terms the dilution of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), planning large-scale mobilisations across states and seeking resolutions from over 2.5 lakh gram sabhas demanding restoration of the original right-to-work law. As part of the agitation, the Congress will roll out statewide protests beginning on Saturday in several states, including Uttarakhand and Bihar.

The Congress is preparing one of its largest grassroots mobilisations in recent years as it intensifies its campaign against changes to the MGNREGA framework.

Party leaders allege that the Centre has weakened the rural employment guarantee by diluting the powers of gram panchayats, particularly their authority to determine the nature of work and allocate employment. According to the Congress, this undermines the Act’s core promise of providing rural households a legal right to demand employment when needed.

In Uttarakhand, the party has announced a statewide agitation against what it describes as the replacement of MNREGA with the Viksit Bharat G Ram G Rural Act.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Political Affairs Committee, chaired by Uttarakhand Congress incharge Kumari Selja. The meeting was held at a hotel on Rajpur Road in Dehradun.

On January 10, the party will hold district-level press conferences across Uttarakhand to highlight the implications of the new framework and contrast it with the employment guarantees provided under MNREGA. Congress leaders claim the changes will adversely affect rural livelihoods and weaken decentralised governance.

In Bihar, the Congress will launch a ‘Save MNREGA’ campaign targeting what it calls the Modi government’s anti-MNREGA policies. Party workers will undertake village-to-village outreach to raise awareness among rural communities.

Leaders said the campaign would span grassroots mobilisation as well as legislative action, with the party prepared to raise the issue from the streets to the state Assembly.

According to Congress insiders, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has instructed all state units to take the agitation deep into rural areas. A key component of the campaign is to ensure that over 2.5 lakh gram sabhas across the country pass resolutions demanding the reinstatement of the original provisions of MNREGA.

Earlier, on Friday, the Congress launched the ‘MNREGA Bachao Sangram’ in Jammu. The programme was led by AICC General Secretary and Jammu and Kashmir incharge MP Dr Syed Naseer Hussain, along with Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hameed Karra.

Held at the Kashmir Hills Resort in Jammu, the event saw participation from senior party leaders, sitting and former legislators, ex-ministers, district presidents, frontal organisation office-bearers, block presidents and party workers, signalling the party’s intent to mount a sustained nationwide protest to safeguard MNREGA.

–IANS

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Gandhinagar, Jan 9 (IANS) Somnath Temple, a vibrant centre of India’s cultural heritage and spiritual consciousness, is known the world over as a centre of faith and devotion. However, this sacred shrine is not just limited to worship and darshan alone, today, it has emerged as a powerful centre for women’s empowerment.

The Somnath Trust, the nodal body for managing temple administration, has given direct and indirect employment to thousands of people, out of which more than 350 are women – engaged in multiple services at the sacred temple.

Presently, a total of 906 employees is providing services at the Somnath Temple Trust, out of which 262 are women. Interestingly, the Bilva forest inside the temple premises is completely managed by women. The 16 women working there maintain the sanctity of temple by focusing on environmental protection, green initiatives and cleanliness. This arrangement serves as example of efficient management.

About 30 women serve in the temple’s dining hall. The women keep the temple’s tradition of selfless service alive by serving food to thousands of devotees with love and devotion.

The participation of 65 women in the sacred task of distributing prasad further reflects their discipline, dedication and reliability.

In total, 363 women are directly or indirectly employed through the Somnath Temple Trust. These women have stable income, leading to their economic independence and a positive shift in their standard of living.

These figures are not just mere numbers, but they reflect the trust’s inclusive ideology and commitment to providing equal opportunities. The active participation of women in temple management, service activities and daily operations shows at par treatment for both genders by the temple administration.

This exemplary practice of engaging women in temple services has won admiration from one and all, who see this as an appropriate model of women empowerment by blending spiritual heritage with social responsibility.

–IANS

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Patna, Jan 9 (IANS) Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit on Friday said that the state government is fully committed to the expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the adoption of advanced digital technologies across all sectors.

He was addressing an ‘Industry Dialogue’ meeting organised at the Directorate of Aviation Organisation, Bihar, near Patna Airport, under his chairmanship.

The meeting was attended by 13 prominent industry representatives. Discussions focussed on expanding AI in Bihar, strengthening digital governance, and ensuring the swift resolution of industrial issues.

Addressing the participants, the Chief Secretary emphasised that the government’s priority is to integrate modern technology and AI at every level of governance.

“The world is changing rapidly, and Bihar must also develop a strong AI ecosystem. Our aim is to ensure that knowledge about AI reaches everyone and that it is effectively used in government functioning,” he said.

Rajesh Ranjan, a representative from Google India, proposed an initiative to train Bihar’s youth in AI.

Under the proposed pilot project, around 10,000 students would be trained over the next six months. The proposal also included extending the program to colleges, which received a positive response from the Chief Secretary.

Ajay Singh and Anand Kumar expressed their willingness to collaborate with the state government to use AI for improving education, women and child welfare, and the overall standard of living of citizens.

Taking immediate note of the proposal, the Chief Secretary directed Abhay Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Information Technology Department, to examine it seriously.

Prithvi Maddirala, founder of the initiative, presented a model of ‘Smart Shelters’ and ‘Smart Poles’ equipped with AI-enabled cameras, similar to the system implemented at Sabarimala in Kerala.

The Chief Secretary suggested that the model could be launched as a pilot project in select industrial zones of Bihar.

CEO Shriya Damini made a presentation on providing 24/7 government services and information through WhatsApp.

Following this, the Chief Secretary directed the Bihar Public Service Management to take prompt action on the proposal.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary also provided on-the-spot directions to address various industrial concerns.

He instructed the department concerned to make an immediate decision on the application of AI for the revival of the Sasa Musa Sugar Mill.

Requests related to releasing start-up funding in a lump sum for the first two phases were assured due consideration, while proposals to create a conducive ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing in Bihar were also discussed in detail.

Several other distinguished entrepreneurs and senior officials from different government departments were present during the meeting.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) the Supreme Court, continuing its hearing in the suo motu case on stray dog management in public spaces, on Friday made it clear that allegations of harassment, assault, or use of derogatory language against women feeding dogs constitute criminal offences, and such issues must be addressed under the penal law and not before the apex court in individual cases.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria was hearing submissions from animal rights activists, NGOs and victims’ groups in the matter.

During the hearing, senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani, appearing for an animal rights activist, alleged that women dog feeders across the country were facing harassment, assaults, and public humiliation by so-called “anti-feeder vigilantes”, and that in several cases, the police had failed to register FIRs despite complaints.

The senior counsel cited instances where women were allegedly beaten, molested and defamed, including claims that in some housing societies in Haryana, bouncers had been hired to target dog feeders.

Pavani argued that the authorities’ inaction amounted to passive endorsement of such acts.

Responding to the submissions, the Justice Vikram Nath-led Bench advised the aggrieved individuals to approach the local police, magistrates or jurisdictional High Courts. However, it clarified that the Supreme Court could not sit in judgment over individual criminal complaints.

“If someone is harassing women, it is a crime under the Penal Code. Get FIRs registered. There are procedures available,” the apex court observed, adding that the issue raised was essentially one of law and order.

On allegations regarding derogatory and abusive remarks made against women dog feeders on social media and elsewhere, the bench observed that such statements do not fall under the protection of free speech if they infringe upon a woman’s dignity, reiterating that legal remedies are available under existing laws.

The Supreme Court clarified that the scope of the proceedings was confined to stray dog management and public safety, and would not extend to unrelated issues such as dog breeding or the import of foreign breeds.

Further, the top court also declined a request to view videos allegedly depicting cruelty to dogs, observing that the internet was full of videos showing both animal abuse and dog attacks on children and elderly persons. It said that the hearing should not be converted into a contest of such footage. The hearing in the matter will continue on January 13 (Tuesday).

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Since the Watergate scandal of the 1970s that rocked the US, there has been a tendency to name perceived wrongdoings with the suffix “gate”, thus, it did not take much time in branding the narrative of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly entering premises under a probe agency’s raid and personally retrieving documents as “I-PAC-gate”.

This was in connection with the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) Thursday raids at the political consultancy agency, Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata.

Along with several other national political parties, the Trinamool Congress, too, avails the firm’s services.

The raids were part of investigations into alleged financial irregularities linked to the I-PAC, where ED officials reportedly seized documents and digital records during the operation, citing concerns about money laundering and fund misuse.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was seen entering the ED premises even as the raid was on, where she was reported to have retrieved physical and digital records herself, against norms and rules, and unusual for a sitting Chief Minister.

Soon, some media reportage framed it as “I-PAC-gate”, drawing parallels to the 1972 burglary and planting of bugs at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, DC.

Several recent scandals in India and abroad have been popularly renamed with the suffix.

Among such examples in India are “Coalgate” (coal block allocation scam), “Vyapam-gate” (Madhya Pradesh recruitment scam), and “Choppergate” (Agusta Westland helicopter deal), among others.

Global controversies like “Dieselgate” (Volkswagen emissions scandal) and “Bridgegate” (New Jersey traffic scandal) have also kept the suffix alive.

The Watergate break-in was carried out by operatives linked to President Richard Nixon’s re-election campaign, who attempted to wiretap phones and steal documents.

Though the Nixon administration engaged in a cover-up to obstruct investigations, investigative journalism — notably by The Washington Post — exposed the scandal.

Journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein went on to become heroes, who ran a series of expose for the Washington Post, guided by a whistleblower, then known only as “Deep Throat”.

This exposed a White House political espionage programme that was illegally funded from donor contributions.

Nixon denied involvement, his administration destroyed evidence, obstructed investigators, and bribed the burglars who had broken in.

The exercise initially worked, with Nixon going in to win a poll.

However, the burglars revealing all in the 1973 trial led to a US Senate investigation.

This led to multiple indictments and convictions of Nixon’s aides, with the President himself resigning in August 1974 to avoid impeachment.

The episode was seen as serious abuse of Presidential power and a turning point in US political accountability.

There are no real parallels between the two incidents whereas in Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally retrieved documents during an ED raid while operatives broke into the Opposition’s headquarters in Washington DC to steal documents.

In the recent case, it was the action of a Chief Minister vs. a federal agency, whereas in the incident half-a-century ago, it was the President’s campaign operatives vs. the Opposition party.

The intent in Kolkata is claimed to be as defence of party interests, with critics alleging obstruction in investigations, while that in Washington, DC, was clearly espionage and sabotage of political opponents.

Public perception in the later case is reportedly divided, with Mamata Banerjee’s supporters obviously claiming bold defiance and critics terming it obstruction.

In the Watergate issue, it was overwhelmingly condemned as abuse of power.

A legal case has been initiated by both the parties involved in Thursday’s unusual episode, where the outcome will determine the future course of action.

–IANS

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