Category: TOP STORIES

Ahmedabad, Aug 3 (IANS) BJP leader Rohan Gupta on Monday said that the entire country is closely watching the developments in Jharkhand over the paper leak, claiming that the situation has exposed the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

He alleged that their “selective activism” is being observed by both the public and students across the nation, adding that the whole country is watching what is happening in Jharkhand, and it is exposing these parties.

“They were actively doing politics in Delhi, but I want to ask the Congress, AAP and CJP: is Jharkhand not a part of the country? Do students in Jharkhand not have rights? This clearly reflects political motives. If your intentions were genuine, you would have gone to Jharkhand, staged protests there and demanded accountability. But you did not. This selective activism is being watched by the people and students of the country,” Gupta told IANS.

He further alleged that several political parties have failed to address issues affecting students since Independence.

He also said that most political parties have done little for students after Independence, adding that they have not brought in strong anti-paper leak legislation.

“Wherever they are in power, they remain silent on issues concerning students,” he said.

Gupta said that look at Karnataka and Telangana; they have remained quiet over incidents related to paper leaks.

“We have also seen how students faced police action in Kerala. Now, the same silence is visible in Jharkhand. On all these issues, they remain silent. This proves that their primary concern is politics, not students,” he said.

Commenting on the Congress, Gupta claimed that internal power struggles often begin even before the party assumes office.

“Wherever the Congress is in power, the fight for power-sharing begins even before it comes to power. Punjab has witnessed this in the past, including five years ago, and that is one of the reasons people rejected the Congress,” he said.

He also pointed out that the party is driven by internal court politics and is disconnected from ground realities.

“For its leaders, power and the benefits associated with it take precedence, while public issues are pushed aside. Punjab has once again seen evidence of this,” he said.

Gupta also accused the Congress of failing to match its rhetoric with its actions on women’s issues.

“This is the reality of the Congress. They make tall claims in Parliament about women’s rights and empowerment, but wherever they are in power, women continue to face injustice. That is why people do not trust the Congress,” he said.

Gupta further added that there is a clear gap between what they say and what they do.

“On the other hand, the BJP-led NDA government has consistently remained committed to women’s development and empowerment,” he added.

–IANS

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Chennai, Aug 3 (IANS) AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday called upon the Tamil Nadu government to convene an all-party meeting to deliberate on the Cauvery water dispute and Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project, asserting that a united political and legal strategy was essential to safeguard the State’s interests.

Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai at Guindy on his 221st death anniversary, Palaniswami said the ruling TVK government should consult all political parties, legal experts and farmers before taking any major decision on the long-pending inter-State river dispute.

The former Chief Minister alleged that the present government lacked adequate experience in handling a complex and sensitive issue such as the Cauvery dispute. He said that although the party had come to power in a relatively short span after its formation, the administration should adopt a broader consultative approach instead of making unilateral decisions.

Palaniswami questioned the steps taken by the government to secure Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of Cauvery water and claimed that it had not effectively pursued the implementation of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the dispute. He maintained that protecting the State’s water rights required sustained legal and administrative efforts backed by political consensus.

Emphasising the legal dimension of the issue, the AIADMK leader said the Cauvery dispute and the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project should be pursued only after extensive consultations with senior legal experts. A well-prepared legal strategy, he said, would strengthen Tamil Nadu’s case before the appropriate judicial and statutory forums.

Palaniswami also criticised the government for allegedly ignoring suggestions made by leaders of various political parties on the Cauvery issue. Referring to developments in neighbouring Karnataka, he noted that the Karnataka government had convened an all-party meeting and sought the opinions of political leaders and farmers before deciding its course of action on the Mekedatu project.

Recalling past precedents, Palaniswami said both AIADMK and DMK governments had previously convened all-party meetings whenever the Cauvery issue assumed significance. He urged the present government to follow the same tradition by inviting all recognised political parties and representatives of farmers’ organisations to formulate a common stand.

Responding to another question, Palaniswami said the AIADMK General Council meeting would be convened shortly, though he did not disclose the date or agenda of the proposed meeting.

–IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 3 (IANS) A special four-member team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from its New Delhi headquarters arrived in Kolkata on Monday to accelerate the agency’s fresh investigation into the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024.

The fresh investigation is being conducted following an order of the Calcutta High Court earlier this year, directing the CBI to revisit the case from the beginning. The team’s arrival comes just five days before the second anniversary of the victim’s death on August 8.

After reaching Kolkata, the special four-member team held an extensive review meeting with officers of the CBI’s Kolkata unit to assess the progress of the investigation. Subsequently, the officers visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and inspected the suspected crime scene, a seminar room within the hospital premises.

The development follows recent changes in the probe team. Acting on concerns raised by the victim’s parents over the pace of the investigation, the CBI replaced its earlier investigating officer, Seema Pahuja, with Sandipani Garg. The victim’s family had alleged lapses in the earlier probe.

Last week, the CBI submitted its 11th status report on the progress of the fresh investigation before a court in Sealdah, Kolkata.

The body of the young doctor was discovered inside a seminar hall on the hospital campus on August 9, 2024. Investigators concluded that she had been raped and murdered the previous night while on duty. The incident triggered widespread protests across West Bengal and other parts of the country, sparking national outrage and demands for justice.

The Kolkata police initially investigated the case before it was transferred to the CBI following court intervention. Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer attached to Kolkata Police, remains the sole convict in the case and is currently serving a life sentence.

The Calcutta High Court’s directive for a fresh investigation and the induction of a new probe team have once again brought national attention to one of the most high-profile crimes involving a medical professional in recent years.

–IANS

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Datia (MP), Aug 3 (IANS) The Congress retained the Datia Assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh on Monday as its candidate, Ghanshyam Singh, defeated the BJP’s Ashutosh Tiwari by 6,016 votes in the bypoll, according to the Election Commission of India.

Ghanshyam Singh polled 66,757 votes (42.39 per cent), while Tiwari secured 60,741 votes (38.57 per cent). Azad Samaj Party’s candidate Damodar Yadav finished a distant third with 22,527 votes (14.30 per cent).

The Congress maintained its lead through most of the counting process. By the ninth round, Singh had opened a lead of 9,519 votes. Although the BJP narrowed the gap in the later rounds, the Congress candidate maintained his advantage to seal the victory.

Reacting to the verdict, Ghanshyam Singh described it as a mandate in favour of the Congress and expressed confidence that it would pave the way for the party’s return to power in the state.

“This is a victory of the people, a victory of trust and a victory of the Congress party. It reflects the people’s desire for change in Madhya Pradesh. The process has begun today, and the Congress will form the government in 2028,” Singh told reporters after the results were declared.

After the defeat, BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari said the party would review the outcome and identify the reasons behind the result.

“We will analyse the reasons for the defeat. Those who call the BJP their ‘mother’ have betrayed the party,” Tiwari told reporters at the counting centre, in an apparent reference to internal dissidence during the campaign.

The bye-election witnessed political developments in both the BJP and the Congress. While the BJP fielded Tiwari in place of senior leader Narottam Mishra, the Congress suspended former MLA Rajendra Bharti from the party’s primary membership a day before counting over alleged anti-party activities.

Congress Media Department Chairman, Mukesh Nayak, credited the victory to the leadership of state Congress President Jitu Patwari and the party’s organisational campaign.

“Under the leadership of Jitu Patwari, the Congress won this election. The party selected the right candidate, and Patwari united workers at every level. He visited nearly 250 polling booths, worked tirelessly, met people and mobilised party workers throughout the campaign,” Nayak said talking to IANS in Bhopal.

The victory enabled the Congress to retain the Datia seat despite the political turbulence surrounding the bye-election, while the BJP failed to reclaim a constituency it had lost in the 2023 Assembly polls.

The bypoll was necessitated after the Datia Assembly seat fell vacant following the disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti after his conviction in a cooperative rural development bank fraud case. Bharti had defeated then Home Minister Narottam Mishra by 7,742 votes in the 2023 Assembly elections, giving the Congress the seat after a gap.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 3 (IANS) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to interact with representatives of Generation Z and Generation Alpha on August 6 in Mumbai.

The interactive session will serve as the inaugural ceremony for the 15th Annual Championship Conference of India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.).

The event will assemble more than 2,000 high school students aged 15 to 19, hailing from over 100 cities across India. Centred on the theme “The Role of Youth in Uniting the World, the Indian Way,” the conference provides a platform for young leaders to deliberate on pressing local, national, and international affairs, said a press release.

Bhagwat’s address marks the formal commencement of the Annual Championship Conference, kicking off multi-day student-led debates and policy discussions. I.I.M.U.N.

Founder Rishabh Shah stressed the importance of mutual engagement, stating that the leadership is not only about guiding the next generation, but also listening to it.

“At this critical juncture in India’s journey, we need this dialogue more than ever before,” he said.

RSS chief’s interaction is proposed against the backdrop of the recent nationwide protests by the Cockroach Janata Party against the NEET paper leaks while demanding reforms in the education sector.

The agitation concluded following government assurances, the passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the resignation of the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In his recent address, Bhagwat described Gen Z as inherently good, adaptable, and emotional, but noted they often react without thinking with a “calm mind.”

He emphasised that young people are easily drawn to causes or trends that appear “visibly authentic”, which strongly shapes their participation in social and political movements.

He highlighted the need for open family dialogue over top-down authority, noting that the “era of obedience” is over.

He advised families to engage in discussion rather than giving dictations, building consensus through real conversation. He expressed serious concern over screen addiction while making a strong case for mobile discipline.

RSS chief suggested that parents should model this behaviour first by reducing their own social media use rather than relying solely on laws or government regulations to manage digital lifestyle habits.

Bhagwat’s interaction with Gen Z is also important when Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video message addressing the “abusive remarks” directed at him and his late mother by young protesters during the recent NEET paper leak agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Calling for guidance over retribution, the Prime Minister appealed to the public to move past anger and guide the misguided youth rather than pursue legal battles or social ostracisation.

PM Modi explicitly stated, “I want to forgive those who abused me. I request society to accept my decision.”

He acknowledged that while the crude language was a “cultural shock” to society, young people make mistakes and deserve a chance to learn from them.

–IANS

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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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