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New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated the ‘Arpan Kendra ’, an old clothes donation centre, at Punjabi Bagh West Metro Station, an official said on Monday.

The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation to promote the collection of usable old garments, along with their reuse, recycling and upcycling.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also observed the QR code-based digital system for the clothing donation process.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that building a Viksit Delhi is not just about constructing roads, bridges and Metro lines, but also about responsible citizens, respect for resources and a collective commitment to protecting the environment.

She said a truly developed society is built when waste is transformed into a resource and development goes hand in hand with nature conservation.

The event was attended by Madipur MLA Kailash Gangwal, DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar, Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation president Shalini Singh, senior officials and other dignitaries, said an official statement.

The Chief Minister said that recycling old clothes is not merely a way to reduce waste but also an effective means of conserving water, energy and natural resources.

Every garment donated by a citizen, she said, can contribute to environmental protection while also bringing a positive change in the life of someone in need.

The concept for the initiative was introduced on May 3, under which Arpan Kendras are being established at 10 major Delhi Metro stations.

As part of the first phase, Arpan Kendras were launched on Monday at five major stations: Shalimar Bagh, Punjabi Bagh West, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Shahdara and Rohini West.

A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the concerned organisations, said the statement.

Textile collection-cum-sale kiosks are being set up at all the selected Metro stations, where citizens can donate their usable old clothes. To make the process convenient, the entire donation system has been made digital and transparent, said the statement.

Donors will be able to contribute their garments through a QR code-based system and will receive a digital receipt, helping ensure wider public participation.

The Chief Minister said one of the most significant aspects of the initiative is the active involvement of women’s self-help groups. Women will participate in the operation of the centres as well as the collection, segregation, recycling and upcycling of garments, creating new opportunities for dignified livelihoods and self-employment.

She said this integrated model of environmental conservation and women’s empowerment marks an important step towards Delhi’s sustainable development.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 3 (IANS) In a bid to give residents better access to green public spaces, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) will place the rejuvenation of the Mithi River at the centre of a new green-blue network — designed to improve the environment and create healthier spaces across one of Mumbai’s most densely-populated neighbourhoods, it was announced on Monday.

As part of this vision, around 40,000 trees will be rejuvenated in phases within Dharavi. In addition, nearly two lakh compensatory trees will be planted across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

A key feature of Dharavi’s redevelopment is the creation of a 3.3-km public promenade along the rejuvenated Mithi River, stretching from the Matunga culvert to the Mithi riverfront.

The promenade will be open to all Mumbaikars and will include viewing decks, cafes and cultural spaces while protecting and enhancing the river’s ecological character.

“The riverfront will be lined with native trees and pollution-absorbing vegetation. Permeable paving and bioswales have also been planned to improve stormwater management, increase groundwater recharge and support the long-term health of the river ecosystem,” said an Adani Navbharat Developers Private Limited (ANDPL) official.

ANDPL is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established for the implementation of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), with the Government of Maharashtra and the Adani Group as shareholders.

The riverfront will connect seamlessly with the project’s wider network of green spaces, including the 15-metre-wide Green Spine for pedestrians and cyclists, a large Central Park and several neighbourhood parks spread across Dharavi.

“These green spaces have been planned as one connected network. Together with the rejuvenated Mithi River, they will improve air circulation, reduce the urban heat island effect and create cleaner, healthier and more accessible public spaces for residents,” the official added.

Environmental consultancy Terracon has been appointed to carry out the plantation and maintain the trees for five years. The agency will oversee scientific planting, irrigation, protection, and maintenance to improve survival rates.

It will also submit mandatory survival reports every six months under the afforestation programme. The entire cost of plantation and maintenance will be borne by ANDPL.

“We have already planted 30,000 trees at Chahade village in Palghar as sufficient land was not available within BMC limits,” the official said. The project aims to plant nearly 75,000 trees during this monsoon.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) The newly launched Delhi Laxmi Yojana continued to receive a good response from city women, with 1.54 lakh registering on the official portal and 10,723 submitting their final applications till 7.48 am on Monday, an official said.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday officially launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana. She also inaugurated the scheme’s online registration portal, www.dly.delhi.gov.in.

Within 12 hours of the portal going live, 33,730-plus registrations were done by city women. During this period, 1,940 final applications were submitted, said an official.

Under the scheme, eligible women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 every month. Going beyond direct financial support, the scheme aims to connect women with savings, digital financial inclusion, social security and long-term financial stability, making it an innovative model in the country, said the Chief Minister.

Addressing the gathering at the launch event, the Chief Minister said the Delhi government has fulfilled the commitment it made during the Assembly elections to strengthen the economic empowerment of women.

She said the Delhi Cabinet had originally approved the scheme as the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, but it was later renamed Delhi Laxmi Yojana to better reflect the broader vision of women’s dignity, prosperity and economic empowerment.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the scheme will initially be implemented for a period of three years and is expected to benefit nearly 17 lakh women.

She said the scheme has been designed differently from conventional cash assistance programmes. Beneficiaries will be able to choose between two financial options based on their individual needs. Under the first option, Rs 1,000 every month will be credited to a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallet for meeting day-to-day expenses, while the remaining Rs 1,500 will be deposited in an RD/FD account.

Under the second option, the entire Rs 2,500 will be deposited in an RD/FD every month, allowing beneficiaries to build substantial savings over time along with interest. In this way, the scheme seeks to provide immediate financial assistance as well as long-term financial security, she said.

The Chief Minister said a digital negative list will be implemented for the CBDC wallet to ensure that government assistance is used only for essential household needs. The amount credited to the wallet cannot be spent on alcohol, tobacco, narcotic substances, lottery tickets, gambling, betting or any other goods and services prohibited by the government from time to time. This will ensure that the financial assistance is utilised for the welfare of families.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Laxmi Yojana will operate entirely through a technology-driven and digital platform. The newly-launched DLY portal will integrate the entire process, including applications, document verification, eligibility assessment, approvals, PFMS integration, banking services, CBDC transfers and SMS services. This will make the process faster, more transparent and accountable.

Every application will go through a four-stage verification and approval process before sanction. The District Programme Management Unit will first scrutinise the application, followed by verification by the District Women and Child Development Officer. The application will then be reviewed and approved by the District-Level Approval, Monitoring and Grievance Redressal Committee.

The Chief Minister said detailed verification will be carried out to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive assistance. This will include Aadhaar authentication, Delhi voter registration, annual family income, family details, electricity consumption, vehicle ownership, pension status, government service records and other prescribed eligibility criteria.

Any false information or fraudulent claim will invite recovery of the assistance amount along with appropriate legal and administrative action, she said.

The Chief Minister said the eldest eligible woman in the family will be allowed to apply under the scheme. The applicant must be between 21 and 60 years of age, the family’s annual income should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh, the applicant or her parents/husband must have been residents of Delhi for at least 10 years, and the beneficiary must be a registered voter in Delhi.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday underlined the need to deepen integration between the military and civil components of the Ministry to foster greater synergy within the defence ecosystem.

Addressing the 85th Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day celebrations in Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised that both the uniformed and civil services share the same commitment of ‘Nation First’.

He said that when the objective of both the military and civil components of the Ministry is singular, every element of the system transforms into national strength.

He said deeper integration between the military and civil components of the Ministry of Defence will help to tackle evolving security and technological challenges, while ensuring institutional memory, stability, and the effective application of rules and regulations.

He said that military and administrative integration cannot proceed along separate paths as there will be a need for continuity and expertise across all areas – policy, administration, human resource management, financial processes, logistics, and institutional knowledge.

Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of further enhancing structured cross-exposure between civilian and military officers, suggesting joint training programmes and developmental assignments for both sides to learn from each other’s experiences.

“Military officers bring operational experience, a command perspective, and an understanding of warfare, while civilian officers contribute through administrative continuity, policy experience, an understanding of government processes, and institutional memory. When these strengths combine, decision-making becomes more informed, balanced, and effective,” stated Rajnath Singh.

Explaining with the example of ‘cyber warfare’, the Defence Minister stated that if officers of the AFHQ Civilian Services develop defence-specific common cyber tools leveraging their expertise, it could prove beneficial to the Defence Forces.

Rajnath Singh called upon the AFHQ Civilian Services to evolve into the “strategic brain” of India’s defence management architecture by developing a comprehensive understanding of the defence sector.

The Defence Minister also launched several digital initiatives of the office of Joint Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer (JS & CAO) and its Revised Vision & Mission Statement.

He also released the 34th issue of the ‘Samvad’ magazine that contains travelogues, essays, articles, and poems written by employees of various ranks posted in Service Headquarters and Inter-Service Organisations.

Rajnath Singh also presented awards to AFHQ personnel for their achievements in various fields, such as sports, and to some of the employees’ children who excelled in academics.

–IANS

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Bengaluru, Aug 3 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday appealed to disgruntled Congress leaders to remain patient after the long-awaited Cabinet expansion triggered protests, resignation threats and widespread disappointment among legislators who failed to secure ministerial berths.

Reacting to the growing dissent, Shivakumar said many deserving and senior legislators could not be accommodated in the ministry and urged them not to lose hope.

“I am now heading to Lok Bhavan after sending the final list there. There are many deserving and senior leaders. I do not deny that. However, the party has to take decisions based on various considerations,” the Chief Minister told reporters.

Shivakumar said he too had been overlooked for ministerial positions in the past.

“I was not inducted into the Cabinet in 2004. Even during former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tenure, I remained out of the Cabinet for a long time. I remained patient, and it is because of that patience that I am in this position today,” he said.

Appealing to disappointed legislators to exercise restraint, Shivakumar said the party would create opportunities for everyone in due course.

“I request everyone to remain patient. We will create opportunities for everyone in one way or another. I sincerely appeal to all our leaders to have patience,” he said.

Despite the Chief Minister’s appeal, discontent continued to surface from several parts of the state.

Six-time MLA Tanveer Sait, who was overlooked for a Cabinet berth, said he was deeply moved by the support extended by his party workers.

“Ever since I was attacked, my party workers have stood firmly behind me. They have been offering prayers for me. They are my strength. I will decide after consulting my supporters,” Sait said.

Five-time MLA Hampanagouda Badarli expressed disappointment over the lack of representation to Raichur district in the expanded ministry, saying the district had once again been ignored despite senior leaders from the region.

In Bengaluru, supporters of Govindarajanagar MLA Priya Krishna staged protests after he failed to secure a Cabinet berth. Priya Krishna and his father, senior Congress MLA M. Krishnappa, were both in the race for a ministerial berth, with the expectation that at least one of them would be accommodated. However, neither found a place in the expanded Cabinet.

The Cabinet expansion has also sparked resentment among legislators from Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts, who are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the issue of inadequate regional representation in the ministry.

Similarly, Congress legislators from Gadag and Vijayanagar districts have also expressed dissatisfaction over the Cabinet formation, alleging that their districts were overlooked despite repeated demands for representation.

Bringing an end to months of speculation and prolonged political suspense, the Congress government on Monday finally decided to expand the Karnataka Cabinet, with the party high command approving the induction of 20 legislators as ministers.

The Congress party is believed to balance experience and fresh faces in the expanded Karnataka Cabinet. However, the inclusion of senior Congress leader and MLA B. Nagendra has emerged as one of the most surprising decisions of the leadership, with the Opposition expected to target the government over the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.

The Congress leadership’s last-minute changes to the Karnataka Cabinet expansion list sparked widespread resentment within the party on Monday, with several disappointed legislators threatening to resign from their Assembly memberships, supporters staging protests and one party worker allegedly consuming poison in protest.

In a dramatic development ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, the Congress high command reportedly dropped Mankal S. Vaidya from the final list of ministers and instead inducted former minister S.S. Mallikarjun.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 3 (IANS) Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam on Monday condemned a viral video showing Congress leader Nana Patole being honoured on the occasion of Guru Purnima, in which two men were seen washing his feet.

Nirupam described the incident as ‘extremely shameful’.

The controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing two men washing the feet of senior Congress leader Nana Patole during a Guru Purnima event.

The BJP has ridiculed the episode, calling it a reflection of ‘Congress culture.’ Patole, however, defended the incident, stating that the individuals seen touching his feet were young members of his ‘family.’

In the viral video, Patole is seen seated on a sofa while two men wash his feet and shower flowers on him. Fruits were also placed near his feet as part of the ceremony.

“This video of Nana Patole is extremely shameful. On the occasion of Guru Purnima, his so-called disciples are seen washing his feet with milk. Nana Patole, like Baba Ram Rahim and Baba Rampal, is sitting there scrolling through his mobile phone with an attitude that reflects arrogance. First of all, getting one’s feet washed with milk is not appropriate even for a spiritual guru, let alone a politician. On Guru Purnima, one may pay respect to a guru, but what is the meaning of washing someone’s feet with milk in this manner?” Nirupam told IANS.

He also reacted to the FIR registered against Independent MP Pappu Yadav and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Commenting on the matter, he said, “This is a very good decision. In my view, both Rahul Gandhi and Pappu Yadav are political ‘pappus’. The way they staged a protest over the alleged theft of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was nothing more than a drama.”

He further alleged that the protest was offensive to followers of Sanatan Dharma.

“According to me, that performance was an insult to the entire Sanatan Dharma. Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron robes, portrayed a sadhu and acted as though he was stealing donation money. Rahul Gandhi, who, in my opinion, rarely visits temples and has never visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, also became part of the performance. He played the role of a devotee making a donation, which was then shown as being stolen by Pappu Yadav’s character,” Nirupam said.

–IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 3 (IANS) A single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Sumit Roy, the absconding Personal Assistant of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party’s Lok Sabha MP, Abhishek Banerjee.

West Bengal Police had registered an FIR against Roy in a case related to land-grabbing in West Midnapore district of West Bengal. Roy, although remaining absconding since then, moved an anticipatory bail plea through his counsel at the Calcutta High Court.

However, on Monday, the Calcutta High Court’s single-judge Bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh rejected that anticipatory bail.

Roy was accused of grabbing and selling government-vested land in Salboni in West Midnapore, using fake documents.

Based on a complaint filed against Roy in the matter, the police launched an investigation. A search began for him. But when Roy could not be traced at any of his addresses, the police approached the district court in West Midnapore, which issued an arrest warrant against him.

On the same day, Roy’s counsel approached the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail through his counsel.

Roy’s counsel had earlier requested an urgent hearing in the matter and also pleaded for a change of Bench for hearing. However, that request was rejected. The matter came up for hearing on Monday at the regular Bench of Justice Ghosh, which finally rejected the anticipatory bail plea.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police in June this year issued a ‘lookout notice’ against Roy. On June 13, officers from the Salboni police station arrived at Trinamool MP Abhishek’s residence in Kalighat in south Kolkata early in the morning in search of Roy.

The police were accompanied by central forces and after waiting for a considerable time, the police broke open the lock and entered the premises.

According to sources, the last tower location trace for Roy’s mobile phone had been detected at Abhishek’s house. Acting on this lead, the police raided the residence. However, the PA was not found there.

On the same day, the police also conducted a search at his in-laws’ house in Serampore in Hooghly district, but failed to locate him there as well.

–IANS

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