Tripura CM urges students, youths to embrace sports & studies

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Agartala, Feb 23 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has urged students and youths to actively take up sports alongside their studies, saying that the state government is giving top priority to the development of sports infrastructure to improve the overall quality of sports in the state.

“The state government has taken several new initiatives to strengthen the sports ecosystem in Tripura. Among these, the highest priority has been accorded to the development of modern sports infrastructure. Many advanced sports facilities have already been developed, creating new opportunities for nurturing sports talent,” the Chief Minister said on Sunday, while inaugurating the Tripura State Games-2026.

Inaugurating the games organised by the Tripura Olympic Association, CM Saha added that sports play an indispensable role in keeping both the body and mind healthy.

Referring to the Centre’s initiatives, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid special emphasis on connecting students and youth — one of the largest segments of the country’s human resources — with sports along with academics.

“Various sports competitions, including ‘Khelo India’, are being organised with the objective of building a stronger and healthier India. The Tripura government has also launched several programmes to build a better Tripura through sports,” he added.

The Chief Minister noted that State Games have been introduced in Tripura for the first time and said the initiative would play a crucial role in identifying and developing sporting talent across the state.

“The Tripura State Games is a brilliant platform for showcasing the skills of young athletes. It will not only strengthen the spirit of healthy competition but also inspire a culture of discipline and excellence in sports,” he said.

Expressing hope that the games would motivate students and youth to actively participate in sports, CM Saha said such initiatives would help shape a healthier and more confident generation.

State Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Bishwajit Shil, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and BJP MLA Dipak Majumdar, renowned gymnast Dipa Karmakar, Sports Department Secretary P.K. Chakraborty, Tripura Olympic Association President Ratan Saha, and General Secretary Sujit Roy were present on the occasion.

–IANS

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Hearing on Asaram’s interim bail scheduled in Jodhpur HC today

Jaipur, April 7 (IANS) The Rajasthan High Court’s main bench in Jodhpur will hear the interim bail extension plea of Asaram today. Asaram is currently serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting a minor.

The matter will be taken up by a division bench comprising Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Vineet Kumar. The court will decide whether to extend the interim bail granted to Asaram earlier.

During the last hearing on April 2, the victim’s counsel, P.C. Solanki, alleged that Asaram had violated a Supreme Court directive prohibiting him from delivering sermons during his interim bail. In response, the High Court had directed both parties to submit affidavits clarifying their positions. Asaram’s lawyer is expected to present his affidavit in court today.

Asaram had surrendered at Jodhpur Central Jail on April 1 around 1.30 p.m. after the expiry of his interim bail. However, later that night, at around 11.30 p.m., he was admitted to a private hospital, Arogyaam. No official statement has been released on the reasons for his hospitalization.

Earlier, Asaram had been granted three months’ interim bail by the Gujarat High Court. Following the reopening of the Rajasthan High Court after the Holi vacation, his lawyer, Nishant Borda, sought an urgent hearing on a previously filed application seeking an extension of the bail.

A petition for regular bail had also been filed in the Rajasthan High Court but was later withdrawn due to slim chances of success. A fresh plea was then filed for an extension of interim bail. The High Court had directed Asaram to first approach the Gujarat High Court.

The Jodhpur hearing was initially scheduled for March 27 but was deferred as the Gujarat High Court had not yet delivered its verdict. In Gujarat, the hearing was held on March 25, and the verdict was reserved. On March 28, a split decision emerged — one judge supported the bail, the other opposed. The matter was then referred to a third judge, who ruled in Asaram’s favour, resulting in a 2:1 decision granting him interim bail.

–IANS

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Andhra Pradesh to establish research centre AP FIRST in Tirupati

Amaravati, Jan 16 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to establish AP Futuristic Innovation and Research in Science and Technology (AP FIRST) in Tirupati of Tirumala district.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Friday, approved the proposal to establish the largest research centre.

At a meeting with advisors from the aerospace–defence and IT–digital transformation sectors, he said the institution should work comprehensively to meet the future needs and support the youth of the state.

AP FIRST will be set up through a combination of two premier national institutions in Tirupati — Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER).

This must be developed as a highly prestigious institution, the Chief Minister said.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu asked the state government officials to hold consultations with the Central government to manage AP FIRST effectively.

He said the research centre should coordinate with universities and leading companies across various sectors.

“Students in government and private universities are already working on innovative ideas, and these must be harnessed. To enhance skills among youth in different domains, constant engagement with industries and companies is essential,” he added.

The Chief Minister also suggested that emerging technologies and sectors witnessing rapid development must be identified and incorporated into academic curricula in consultation with educational institutions.

He called for strengthening Drone Corporation and underlined the need to expand the use of drones in agriculture and medical emergencies.

He asked the Drone Corporation to form an expert advisory group.

“By the next International Drone Day, the state government’s efforts in delivering services through drones should be showcased vividly to the public.”

The Chief Minister asked the government officials to conduct in-depth studies on concepts such as drone taxis and drone ambulances.

“Coordinate with the Centre and examine the feasibility of establishing a Drone Traffic Control Management System, similar to air traffic control management,” he told officials.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to shape the future of the younger generation and that it is fully prepared to extend all necessary support in that direction.

He emphasised the need to identify sectors that will offer opportunities in future and on enhancing skills among youth.

The Chief Minister said the state government is drafting plans to ensure the state’s all-round development.

“Companies across various sectors are also coming forward to invest. In the future, aerospace, defence, space technology, AI and cyber security, semiconductor devices and sensors, quantum technology, healthcare, biotechnology, green energy, and rural area technologies will play a crucial role. The state government is framing policies accordingly and encouraging companies to invest in these sectors.”

“For the first time in the country, we are setting up a green ammonia plant in Kakinada as part of the green energy sector. In a similar manner, the state must emerge as a hub for new innovations and start-up companies. It is the responsibility of the state government to provide skilled youth to the companies and industries that come forward,” he added.

Aerospace and Defence Advisor Satish Reddy, IT–Digital Transformation Advisor Amit Duggar, IIT Tirupati Director K.N. Satyanarayana, Senthil Kumar, DMTI Director Colonel P.S. Reddy and other senior officials participated.

–IANS

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PM Modi, HM Shah wish Sikkim on statehood day; praise its beauty, rich culture and sustainable development

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) On the occasion of Sikkim’s Statehood Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, extended his greetings to the people of the state, praising its serene beauty, rich cultural traditions and industrious people.

“Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day! This year, the occasion is even more special as we mark the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood! Sikkim is associated with serene beauty, rich cultural traditions and industrious people. It has made strides in diverse sectors. May the people of this beautiful state continue to prosper,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of Sikkim.

Taking to social media platform X, Shah wrote, “On Sikkim Day, extending my best wishes to sisters and brothers of Sikkim. Cradled in the Himalayas, Sikkim has set benchmarks of excellence in organic agriculture and tourism with the hard work and hospitality of its people. Praying for the state’s continued prosperity.”

Sikkim, India’s second smallest state, was granted full statehood on May 16, 1975, and has since emerged as a leader in sustainable development and eco-friendly initiatives.

Joining in the celebration, Union Minister and BJP National President J.P. Nadda also conveyed his greetings through a post on X. “My heartfelt greetings to all my brothers and sisters of Sikkim on their Statehood Day. Sikkim is not only gifted with breathtaking scenic beauty but also home to hardworking and dedicated people who are contributing to the nation’s progress. May Sikkim continue to script new chapters of success, and may its people be blessed with good health, happiness and prosperity,” he wrote.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, also shared his warm wishes. He highlighted Sikkim’s achievements in sustainable development and tourism, stating, “Warm greetings to my sisters and brothers from Sikkim on their Statehood Day. Known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism sector, Sikkim has made remarkable strides in sustainable development initiatives over the years. Wishing the people of Sikkim continued progress and prosperity.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma marked the occasion with a message emphasising the state’s environmental and social progress. “To our sisters and brothers in Sikkim, I send my best wishes on the golden jubilee of your Statehood. Nestled amidst lush greenery and affectionate people, the State has positioned itself as a model of sustainable development. Prayers for its continued growth and prosperity,” he posted on X.

As Sikkim celebrates its 50th year of statehood, leaders across the nation have applauded its path-breaking achievements in sustainability, eco-tourism, and organic farming reaffirming its status as a model state in India’s developmental journey.

–IANS

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