Category: STATE

Kolkata, Jan 10 (IANS) Amid the controversies of the Enforcement Directorate (ED)’s raid and search operations at the office of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of the entity’s co-founder Pratik Jain on Thursday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to conduct a review of the complaints received about I-PAC staff allegedly being appointed as data-entry operators in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal after being shown as contractual state government employees.

Insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that the commission had decided to conduct a random re-checking of the backgrounds of the contractual state government employees being appointed as data-entry operators in the current revision exercise.

The Commission, CEO’s office insiders said, is especially stressing the re-checking of the police verification reports that needed to be done mandatorily for these contractual state government employees before appointing them as the data-entry operators in the revision exercise as per the ECI guidelines.

The Commission had taken the complaints of the I-PAC staff being appointed as data-entry operators seriously, considering the crucial nature of the clerical work done by them in the revision exercise.

The main task of the data-entry operators is to make manual entry of the details of the enumeration forms of the voters collected by the Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) and submitted to the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) concerned.

Hence, erroneous entries, inadvertent or willful, made at this stage could impact the final decision on the fate of voters in retaining their names in the final voters’ list. Already after the enumeration stage, which was the first stage of the three-stage SIR exercise, there had been instances of wrong entries causing inconvenience for a certain section of voters.

Hence, the CEO’s office insiders said, the Commission is taking the demand of re-checking the backgrounds of the contractual state government employees appointed as data-entry operators quite seriously.

The draft voters’ list in West Bengal was published on December 16 last year. The final voters’ list will be published on February 14 next year. Soon after that, the ECI will announce the polling dates for the crucial Assembly elections in West Bengal, scheduled for next year.

–IANS

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Gwalior/Pune, Jan 10 (IANS) Maharashtra’s National Cadet Corps (NCC) cycling expedition team that is running from Pune to New Delhi based on the theme ‘Shaurya Ke Kadam, Kranti Ki Aur’ (Steps of Valour, Towards Revolution), reached Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior on Friday.

The 20-member team led by Brigadier Sachin Gawali, Group Commander of Amravati Group, received warm welcome by the 15th Madhya Pradesh Battalion NCC at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agriculture University in Gwalior.

The NCC team that retraces Peshwa Bajirao I’s route to promote discipline, nationalism, fitness, and social responsibility, interacted with the Army officials, NCC teams and local youth and shared about the purpose behind their long journey from Pune to New Delhi.

Expedition, which is the part of the ‘NCC PM Rally -2026’ cycling campaign was flagged off from Delhi Darwaza of Shaniwarwada in Pune after a ceremony on December 24.

The expedition draws inspiration from legendary Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao I, who led a historic military campaign from Pune to Delhi.

“This campaign is not just a physical activity but an attempt to recall our glorious history. When Peshwa Bajirao I had chosen this route to reach Delhi and sounded the trumpet of revolution for freedom. It teaches us about national unity, physical fitness, road safety and civic responsibility, reinforcing India’s unity in diversity,” Junior under officer Rohan said, talking to IANS upon reaching Gwalior on Friday.

Rohan said that he feels proud to be part of this cycling campaign because very few cadets get such an opportunity.

“Before the campaign was flagged-off, we were provided for three months. Brigadier Sachin Gawali, who is leading this cycling campaign, encouraged us to fulfill its vision,” he added.

The expedition draws inspiration from legendary Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao I, who led a historic military campaign from Pune to Delhi. Following a similar route through Malwa and Bundelkhand, NCC cadets are running across five states.

The expedition will cover 1,680 km in 21 days to spread awareness about this legendary warrior.

The cycling team is travelling through five states — Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and will reach Delhi on January 16, 2026, to participate in the Prime Minister Rally.

–IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 10 (IANS) Amid Trinamool Congress’ hyper-reactions over the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) simultaneous raid and search operations on Thursday at the office of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) at Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata and at the residence of I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain at Loudon Street in central Kolkata, I-PAC on Friday issued an extremely guarded statement in the matter.

At the same time, I-PAC, in its statement, assured all necessary cooperation on its part as regards to the central investigative agency probe in the matter.

“Yesterday, officials from the Enforcement Directorate carried out searches at the I-PAC office and at the residence of our Director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata. It was a difficult and unfortunate day for a professional organisation like I-PAC. We believe this raises serious concerns and sets an unsettling precedent. Regardless, we have extended full cooperation and will continue to do so as required, engaging with the process in complete accordance and respect for the law,” the statement issued by I-PAC read.

In the statement, I-PAC authorities also claimed that since the organisation had always upheld the highest standards of professional integrity, despite what transpired on Thursday, I-PAC would remain fully committed to continuing its work unfazed and unperturbed, with consistency and accountability guided by the same purpose that has shaped us from the beginning.

In the statement, I-PAC also clarified that their roles as strategists for different political parties are limited to transparent and professional political consulting, uninfluenced by differences in political ideology.

“Over the years, I-PAC has worked in a professional advisory capacity with multiple political parties across ideologies and regions, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, All India Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, YSR Congress Party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now BRS), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena, among others. We do not contest elections or hold political office. Our role is limited to transparent and professional political consulting, uninfluenced by differences in political ideology,” the statement issued by I-PAC read.

–IANS

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Shillong, Jan 10 (IANS) To promote awareness of space science and technology among students from India’s Northeastern region, around 800 meritorious science students from all eight states visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with 100 students representing each state, officials said on Friday.

An official of the North Eastern Council (NEC) said that the initiative of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the North East Students Programme for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space (NE-SPARKS) is a flagship initiative designed to promote space science and technology awareness among students in the Northeastern region.

This transformative programme provides selected students with direct exposure to India’s space research achievements through guided visits to ISRO centres in Bengaluru, effectively bridging geographical and informational gaps that have historically limited access to such opportunities.

Union Home Minister and President of the Shillong-based North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) Society, Amit Shah, during the 12th meeting of the NESAC Society held on December 21, 2024, advised to organise a visit for 800 talented science students from the all eight states of the North Eastern Region to ISRO covering 100 students from each state.

This directive underscored the Union government’s commitment to inclusive development and educational empowerment in the region.

The initiative represents a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of DoNER, the NEC, the ISRO, the NESAC, and the state governments of the Northeastern states.

The programme is jointly coordinated by NESAC and ISRO’s Capacity Building Programme Office (CBPO), with active support and participation from respective state governments ensuring effective implementation at the grassroots level.

The official said that with a total sanctioned cost of Rs 3.83 crore, the programme follows a 60:40 funding ratio, where the NEC contributes Rs 2.3 crore and the state governments collectively contribute Rs 1.53 crore.

This financial arrangement reflects the shared responsibility and commitment of both Central and state authorities toward nurturing scientific talent in the region.

The NE-SPARKS is executed in eight batches between April 2025 and December 2025, with a minimum interval of one month between consecutive batches.

According to the official, each batch comprises 90-100 students representing the eight NER states, accompanied by 10 coordinators who facilitated and guided the educational journey.

Through meaningful interactions with ISRO scientists and engineers and direct exposure to advanced space technologies, NE-SPARKS inspires young minds and promotes STEM education among Northeastern students, he added.

The programme empowers participants to envision and pursue careers in space science and technology, thereby contributing to India’s broader vision of achieving global leadership in the space sector.

By investing in the region’s youth and providing them with world-class exposure to cutting-edge space research, NE-SPARKS serves as a catalyst for scientific aspiration and technological advancement in India’s Northeastern region, the official said.

–IANS

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Patna, Jan 9 (IANS) In fresh action in the Bihar fake government job scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search operations at 16 locations across the country and seized incriminating documents and digital evidence, an official said on Friday.

The Directorate of Enforcement, Patna Zonal Office, carried out searches under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at 16 locations including Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Kolkata, Ernakulam, Pandalam, Adoor, Kodur, Chennai, Rajkot, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj and Lucknow, according to an official statement.

During the search operations, various documents and materials, including sale deeds, bank account details, handwritten notes, cheques, loan agreements, investment details, copies of fake job advertisements and digital evidence, were recovered and seized, the ED said.

The federal probe agency initiated the investigation based on an FIR registered at the Sonpur GRPS police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against Deepak Kumar Tiwari and Saksham Srivastava. They were allegedly found soliciting job seekers at Sonpur Railway Station in Bihar.

During interrogation, the accused were found to be part of a gang that defrauded people by promising government jobs, the statement said.

The gang allegedly operated a sophisticated fake job racket targeting aspirants for government positions in the Indian Railways and other departments, offering posts such as RPF personnel, TTEs and technicians, the ED said.

They allegedly forged joining letters, operated fake training centres, and created fake identity cards and email IDs resembling official government addresses, including ‘gm.eer.rail.net.gov.in@gmail.com to impersonate the Ministry of Railways while forwarding fake joining letters to candidates.

The accused also allegedly credited salaries for two to three months from government-sounding bank accounts such as “M/s Treasury Office RO”, “M/s FCI RO”, “RRB” and “By Salary” to make the job offers appear legitimate, the probe agency said.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Maharashtra BJP leader and State Coordinator of the Ayushman Bharat Mission, Satish Talekar on Friday explained how the Central government’s ambitious Ayushman Bharat scheme is being effectively implemented in the state. He also explained how the BJP is actively working to connect beneficiaries with the programme.

Speaking to IANS, Talekar said the scheme has proved to be nothing short of a lifeline for poor and middle-class families. The scheme is bringing a significant transformation to the lives of millions, he added.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Mission, eligible families are provided with health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh, which has been extremely helpful during serious illnesses or medical emergencies.

He further said that the scheme has addressed one of the biggest concerns of economically weaker families—access to affordable healthcare. As a result, people are now able to receive quality medical treatment without the burden of financial stress, he emphasised.

Talekar further stated that over the past six years, more than 20 crore Ayushman cards have been distributed in Maharashtra. According to him, when it comes to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Maharashtra ranks among the top-performing states in the country. The implementation has been effective, and efforts are continuously underway to bring more citizens under its coverage, he added.

He said that patients are receiving timely and appropriate treatment under the scheme. In cases of need, financial assistance is also provided through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and if treatment costs exceed limits, additional support is extended by the Central government, Talekar said. “The government is fully discharging its responsibility, and the system has been strengthened,” he said.

Talekar also informed that every empanelled hospital in the state has Arogya Mitras deployed to assist patients and their families with information and services related to the scheme. At the party level as well, extensive work is being done to ensure the success of the Ayushman Bharat Mission. Across Maharashtra, district-level Ayushman Bharat teams are actively working, comprising nearly 600 members.

He shared that there are instances when information is received via phone calls from villages about patients being admitted to city hospitals. In such cases, his team immediately steps in to ensure that patients receive full benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Talekar said the BJP’s objective is to ensure that no eligible person in the state is deprived of the benefits of the scheme and that government healthcare facilities reach every needy citizen.

–IANS

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Nashik, Jan 9 (IANS) The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray, on Friday, delivered a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of using “money and muscle power” to influence the democratic process.

At a joint rally with his cousin and Shiv Sena-UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray made an explosive claim regarding candidates’ horse-trading, alleging that in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections a staggering offer of Rs 15 crore was made to three members of a single family to influence their candidacy in one municipal ward.

“Where is this money coming from?” the MNS Chief asked, expressing shock at the scale of corruption.

He also criticised the trend of candidates being elected unopposed, asking, “How do 60 to 70 candidates from the ruling party get elected unopposed in Maharashtra? Is the right of the voter being snatched away through terror and cash?”

Directing his fire at the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray revisited the 2017 election promise where Fadnavis had pledged to “adopt” Nashik for development.

“Fadnavis said he would adopt Nashik. The people believed him and forgot the work we had done. But after taking ‘adoption’, the father never showed his face again,” he remarked sarcastically.

He listed several incomplete projects, including the Neo Metro, Logistics Park, and the Outer Ring Road, claiming the BJP has only used religion and caste to secure votes while neglecting actual progress.

He mocked the BJP, saying that by 2026, they have reached a point where they need to “hire” candidates from other political parties instead of fielding their own loyal party workers.

He criticised the Maharashtra government’s plan to cut trees in Tapovan for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.

He contrasted this with the 2012 Kumbh Mela held during MNS’s tenure, which he claimed was managed successfully without cutting a single tree.

Raj Thackeray highlighted his past achievements in Nashik, including making the Municipal Corporation debt-free (clearing a Rs 700 crore debt), and implementing efficient waste management systems.

In an emotional appeal, he urged citizens not to sell their votes for small sums like Rs 1,500.

“Do not let a future come where your children say their parents were sold for a few rupees while the city’s development was ignored,” he said.

He appealed the voters to elected Shiv Sena-MNS alliance for Nashik’s transformation.

–IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 9 (IANS) A female medical student allegedly died by suicide following harassment at her college. The incident was reported from Chandapura near Anekal on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Yashasvini, a third-year student at a private dental college located in the Bommanahalli area of Bengaluru. Her parents have alleged that she was insulted and harassed in class for remaining absent for a day due to an eye-related problem.

Yashasvini was studying in the Oral Medicine and Radiology division.

According to the police, she did not attend classes on January 7 due to eye pain. When she returned to college the following day, the lecturer allegedly insulted her by making sarcastic remarks about the eye drops she had used, asking how many drops she had applied and whether she had poured an entire bottle into her eye. She was also allegedly denied permission to present a seminar and was not allowed to handle a radiology case.

Parimala, the mother of the deceased, alleged that her daughter was humiliated for remaining absent for a single day. “She had sustained an eye injury and had informed the family about it. She was insulted over her eye problem in front of the entire class. She shared everything with me. Don’t they have children? The lecturer and the college management insulted my daughter, following which she took the extreme step,” she alleged.

She demanded strict action against the lecturer who allegedly insulted her daughter and also against the college principal. “My daughter was completely focused on her studies and did not waste even an hour. How could a lecturer humiliate her in front of the whole class? If she was absent, they should have called the parents. How can they target my child?” she asked.

She added that her daughter was a diligent and rank-holding student and that such humiliation deeply affected her. “She was sensitive and feared that she might get poor marks, which would upset me. I have only one daughter. Whom should I share my grief with? No other child should face such injustice,” she said.

The police have taken up further investigation. More details are awaited.

In August 2025, a postgraduate psychiatry student at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) died by suicide after reportedly consuming an overdose of medication. She had been undergoing treatment for depression.

In July 2025, a first-year MBBS student at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) died by suicide after being found hanging in his hostel room.

In June 2025, a final-year intern at Subbaiah Medical College in Shivamogga, originally from Bengaluru, was found dead in her hostel room.

–IANS

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Patna, Jan 9 (IANS) The Bihar Home Department, on Friday, transferred 71 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in a major administrative reshuffle, officials said.

The General Administration Department issued an official notification regarding the transfers.

Among the key changes, 1991-batch IPS officer Preeta Verma has been appointed as the Director General of the Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation in Patna.

She was earlier serving as the Director General (Training) of Bihar Police.

The 1994-batch IPS officer Kundan Krishnan, who was working as Additional Director General (ADG), Headquarters and Operations, has been promoted and appointed as the Director General (Operations).

He has also been given additional charge of the Special Branch of the Bihar Police.

Another 1994-batch IPS officer, R. Malar Willy, who was serving as ADG of the Bihar Police Training Institute at Rajgir, has been transferred and posted as the Bihar ADG of the Special Armed Force.

Amit Kumar Jain, who was posted as ADG of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been transferred as the ADG of the Liquor Prohibition Department.

Sunil Kumar, who was earlier the Bihar ADG Special Branch has been transferred and posted as the State ADG Headquarters.

Kamal Kishore Singh, who was serving as the ADG in the Budget and Police Welfare has been given additional charge of ADG Railways Department.

At the Inspector General (IG) level, Ranjeet Kumar Mishra, who was the IG of the Bihar Special Armed Force, has been transferred and posted as the IG of the Cyber Crime Security Unit.

Meanwhile, Manoj Kumar, IG of Saharsa Range, has been transferred to the Police Headquarters at Patna.

Along with senior IPS officers, the Bihar Home Department has also carried out a major reshuffle at the district level, transferring and appointing Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in several districts across the state.

According to the official notification, Santosh Kumar has been appointed as the Kishanganj SP, while Kantesh Kumar Mishra has been posted as the Muzaffarpur SSP.

Jitendra Kumar has been made the SP of Araria.

Vinay Tiwari has been appointed as the SP of Gopalganj, and Hridaykant has been posted as the SP of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

Sushil Kumar has taken charge as the SSP of Gaya.

In other postings, Anant Kumar has been appointed as the Railway SP, Pramod Kumar Yadav as the SSP of Bhagalpur, and Vineet Kumar as the SSP of Saran.

Sagar Kumar has been made the Patna Traffic SP, while Puran Kumar Jha has been appointed as the Siwan SP.

Navjot Simi has taken charge as the SP of Arwal, Ramanand Kaushal as the SP of Bagaha, and Awadhesh Dixit as the SP of Lakhisarai.

Meanwhile, Shubhank Mishra has been appointed as the Sheohar SP.

The reshuffle is part of the state government’s broader effort to strengthen district-level policing, improve law and order, and enhance administrative efficiency across Bihar.

–IANS

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