New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) Congress leader Udit Raj on Thursday stepped up the attack on party MP Shashi Tharoor, currently leading India’s diplomatic outreach on ‘Operation Sindoor’, to the US and other neighbouring nations, and demanded that he must admit his mistake and express regret for projecting the grand old party in bad light on foreign soil.He stated that the Thiruvananthapuram MP has not only ignored and undermined the Congress party’s historic achievements in India’s war against terror but also insulted the forces as well as previous Congress governments.Raj claimed, “Shashi Tharoor stated in Panama that our security forces never crossed the Line of Control or International Border (IB). By making such false statements, you have insulted the forces as well as previous Congress governments.”“In the 1965 war, our forces penetrated deep inside Pakistan to teach it a lesson for its misadventures. In 1971, it was the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi-led government which bifurcated Pakistan into two parts. During Dr Manmohan Singh’s government, six surgical strikes were conducted by our forces. You have insulted them all in your eulogy for the Modi government.” Raj said.“We have no issue with you singing paeans of the Modi government. But, you have no right to insult the Congress party and belittle its historic contributions,” he added.Further, in a searing jibe, Udit Raj said that the Congress MP can’t get away by writing complex English terminology, as everybody understands his intentions and insinuations.”You have no other option than to regret your ignorance of the achievements during the Congress’ rule. You must admit your mistake and express regret,” he said.In a further warning of sorts, the Dalit leader said that if there were any attempts to paint the Congress in a bad light, party warriors like him won’t sit silent and give a befitting reply.Raj, a bureaucrat-turned-politician, when questioned on possible action against Shashi Tharoor for crossing the line, said it was up to the party high command to take a call on this.–IANSmr/rad

Athens, May 29 (IANS) The Indian all-party parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi in Athens, Greece held a constructive dialogue with the editorial board of Greece’s leading newspaper ‘Kathimerini’ on Thursday, conveying India’s ‘new normal policy’ on terrorism and sharing the principled and calibrated response through ‘Operation Sindoor’ following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The visit marks a continuation of India’s strategic outreach to garner international support against cross-border terrorism.The Kanimozhi-led parliamentarians include Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.); RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal; and former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri.“Terrorism knows no borders, and neither should our resolve to defeat it! In Athens, we held a constructive dialogue with the editorial board of ‘Kathimerini’ sharing India’s principled and calibrated response through ‘Operation Sindoor’ following the horrific Pahalgam attack,” Ashok Mittal posted on ‘X’ on Thursday“We conveyed India’s ‘new normal’, a resolute doctrine of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms, and a call for global unity in holding both perpetrators and their enablers accountable. India’s message is clear: Calibrated justice is essential, and the international community must act in solidarity against this shared threat,” the post addedEarlier the delegation interacted with members of the Indian community in Greece where the diaspora expressed their full support for India’s efforts and solidarity with the nation in the wake of the recent tragic events.“A Bond Beyond Borders. Concluded our day in Athens, Greece, with heartfelt interactions with the Indian diaspora. Their solidarity and support reaffirm the unbreakable bond between India and its people worldwide,” Mittal posted on X.As a demonstration of India’s steadfast dedication to eradicating terrorism, the delegation on Wednesday engaged in high-level discussions. They met with senior officials from Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Deputy Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou, key members of the Greek Parliament, leading policy experts, and the media.The delegation also provided a comprehensive briefing on the brutal terrorist strike in Pahalgam, detailing India’s proportionate and restrained reaction during the meeting with Deputy Minister Chatzivasileiou. They emphasised India’s unwavering determination to eliminate the scourge of terrorism through strategic and deliberate measures.“Addressing prominent media outlets, the delegation reiterated India’s firm anti-terrorism doctrine. They highlighted that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was a justified and deliberate act in response to the attack, aligning with India’s principles of calibrated justice. It was stressed that terrorism is a global menace and that the international community must unite in facing this common threat,” said the Indian Embassy in Greece in a statement.“The delegation also convened with leaders and representatives from leading Greek think tanks. These dialogues centered around India’s recalibrated counter-terrorism stance — characterised by prompt and resolute action that holds both terrorists and their enablers equally responsible,” the statement added.The delegation, a part of India’s global diplomatic outreach campaign to highlight the significance of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and India’s continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, reached Greece following successful engagements in Slovenia and Russia, reaffirming India’s firm stance on combating terrorism.–IANSint/scor/jk/rad

New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) Amid criticism from senior Congress leaders including Udit Raj, Pawan Khera, and Jairam Ramesh directed at party MP Shashi Tharoor for his recent remarks in Panama — where he praised the Narendra Modi government’s handling of terrorism — senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday claimed that the Congress wants delegations to speak against the country while abroad.

Naqvi stated that parliamentary delegations represent the country, not individual political parties, and any attempt to politicise such platforms was deeply harmful to national interests.Speaking to IANS, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi professed, “I can understand their obstinacy toward PM Modi’s success. But what we’re seeing now is a phase where the Congress has turned its prejudice against Modi Ji into propaganda against national security. If their hatred for Modi transforms into hostility towards the nation’s interests, no good can come to the Congress party.”Naqvi further slammed the Congress for questioning India’s military actions and criticised its reaction to key security operations. He mentioned significant milestones like the Kargil war, the Balakot airstrikes, and ‘Operation Sindoor’, asserting that the Congress had consistently failed to stand by the armed forces.“When our military has displayed its courage — destroying terrorist bases across the border— the entire nation saluted their bravery. But while Pakistan asked for proof, Congress echoed the same demands here. This mindset — this ‘jugalbandi’ of doubt and denial — is dangerous. Instead of standing with the nation, Congress chooses to question its own,” he said.Naqvi emphasised that delegations travelling abroad should speak for the country, not for political agendas.“Whatever delegation has gone abroad, it is a delegation of the nation, not of any political party. The representatives speak in the interest of the country, not in the interest of their party. But the Congress wants these delegations to criticise India internationally. If they begin to parrot the language of those who shelter terrorists in Pakistan, that is unacceptable,” he told IANS.He warned that if the Congress continued on what he termed a “self-destructive” path, its political future would be in jeopardy.“If Congress has become the gatekeeper of a political suicide squad, no one can save them. They seem determined to destroy whatever remains of their credibility.”Naqvi further reacted on the Modi government approaching the completion of 11 years in office and defended the administration’s track record. He characterised it as a government free from dynastic or party-based influence.“This is the first government after Independence that is free from the Congress’ influence and from any political dynasty. All previous governments, even non-Congress ones, were often run through the Congress’ remote control or confined by political dynasties,” he said.He described previous administrations as either “hostage governments” or “remote-controlled by powerful families,” but claimed the current BJP-led government is different.“This government is not a dynasty government, not a deputation government, and certainly not one that takes dictation from the elite. It is a people-driven government focussed on good governance. That is why it has earned the trust of the people and is now moving confidently into its third term,” Naqvi stated.Looking ahead, he predicted a continued mandate for Prime Minister Modi.“The path for a fourth term is being paved. The public will once again put their faith in Modi Ji and the NDA. The Congress’ frustration, stemming from repeated defeats, is driving them towards political recklessness,” he said.Naqvi concluded by urging the Opposition to prioritise the nation’s interests over partisan politics.“Disagreeing with the government is a democratic right, but speaking against the country, especially on international platforms, is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous,” he said.–IANSjk/rad

Bengaluru, May 29 (IANS) The Karnataka BJP has accused the Congress-led government of “aiding and abetting” communal strife in the state’s coastal region of Mangaluru.Speaking to reporters at the BJP headquarters in Bengaluru on Thursday, state President B.Y. Vijayendra commented on the ongoing unrest in Mangaluru, stating, “This Congress-led government headed by CM Siddaramaiah finds happiness in appeasing the minority community. There is not an iota of concern for maintaining law and order in the state.”“The developments are clearly aimed at deepening communal divides, and the state government is aiding and abetting the strife and encouraging them,” Vijayendra alleged.Further commenting on the situation in Mangaluru, he said, “When Home Minister G. Parameshwara visited Mangaluru, members of a particular community confronted him upon learning that he intended to visit the family of murdered Hindu activist Suhas Shetty. They gheraoed the minister and threatened him not to visit Shetty’s residence. As a result, the Home Minister left without meeting the family.”Mangaluru has witnessed a mob lynching, two murders, and multiple stabbing incidents linked to communal tensions recently. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders across the Mangaluru region until the evening of May 30.Vijayendra warned the Congress government about filing cases against BJP leaders and workers. “The state government must stop threatening our leaders and filing cases against our party workers. This is a warning to them,” he said.Referring to a recent protest in Kalaburagi, Vijayendra said, “We staged a successful protest in Kalaburagi against the state government and in-charge Minister Priyank Kharge. The protest was held to condemn the illegal detention of the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, who was held at a guest house in Chittapur. Local Congress leaders also allegedly attempted to assault him.”He continued, “During the protest, our MLC N. Ravikumar made a comment about the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner. He later expressed regret, clarifying that the comment was unintentional. Despite his apology, a police complaint was filed and an FIR registered against him, allegedly with the tacit support of the Congress party.”“They are trying to defame Ravikumar and intimidate him. This will not bring dignity to the Congress government. If they were honest, the government should have filed an FIR against the Congress leaders who illegally detained Dalit leader Narayanaswamy,” he said.“They should also investigate why concerned officials turned a blind eye to the incident. Instead, the Congress is targeting the Backward Class and Dalit leaders of the BJP. But BJP leaders will not be cowed by these tactics,” Vijayendra declared.“I want to warn the state government that they will not remain in power forever. The opposition deserves respect. It is the duty of the ruling party to treat opposition leaders with dignity. Their days in power are numbered; they will receive a fitting response soon,” he added.When asked about actor Kamal Haasan’s controversial remark, Vijayendra responded, “I understand Kamal Haasan’s love for the Tamil language. But it is inappropriate to belittle the Kannada language while expressing such sentiments.”“Tamil has a rich history spanning thousands of years, and so does Kannada. His remarks have hurt the sentiments of the Kannada-speaking people. Moreover, his refusal to apologise even after facing objections shows arrogance,” he said.“Kamal Haasan should be more careful. He is a well-known actor across the country. He should not sow seeds of hatred between Tamil and Kannada communities,” Vijayendra cautioned. Kamal Haasan had stated that the Kannada language descended from Tamil.–IANSmka/dpb

Jaipur, May 29 (IANS) Security agencies have arrested a government employee in Jaisalmer on charges of espionage. The accused, Shakoor Khan, currently employed as a clerk at the Mangalia District Employment Office had recently travelled to Pakistan without obtaining departmental permission.He was formerly the personal secretary of ex-minister Saleh Mohammad in 2008, during his tenure as the MLA from Pokhran.According to reports, the authorities discovered several Pakistani phone numbers in his phone which Shakoor Khan couldn’t explain. He also confessed that he had travelled to Pakistan at least seven times in recent years.Officials revealed that acting on Intelligence inputs, security personnel detained Shakoor Khan from the employment office and began questioning him regarding his visit.Sources confirmed that Shakoor, a resident of Mangalia Ki Dhani in Baroda village, is being interrogated by the Joint Investigation Committee.Multiple agencies are collaborating to probe the matter further as Shakoor Khan was found to have phone numbers associated with Pakistan stored on his device, officials said.The arrest comes amid heightened security across India following ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly civilians, were killed.Given the strategic sensitivity of Jaisalmer due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border, agencies are closely monitoring all suspicious activities. As of now, no official statement has been released by authorities regarding the case.The Joint Investigation Committee is questioning Shakoor Khan, who was caught from the employment office on Wednesday night.Various investigation agencies are working together to get to the bottom of this matter, said officials, adding, “Shakoor is being questioned for travelling to Pakistan without informing the department despite being a government employee.””There were inputs about Shakoor Khan that he could be involved in spying for Pakistan. He was on surveillance following inputs and was detained last night,” media reports quoted an official as saying.A joint interrogation was conducted in Jaisalmer following which the team left for Jaipur with Shakoor Khan.–IANSarc/rad

Kolkata, May 29 (IANS) At least five people were killed and four others severely injured in a road accident at Contai in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district on Thursday.They were all travelling by auto-rickshaw from Tamluk Railway Station to their respective residences in Contai in the morning. As the auto-rickshaw reached a bridge under Marishda Police Station, East Midnapore district, a speeding truck hit it from behind.The auto-rickshaw overturned and was hit again by another speeding truck coming from the opposite direction. Because of the impacts of the two successive collisions, the auto-rickshaw crumpled totally, and the passengers travelling in it got stuck inside.The local people started the initial rescue work, and were later joined by the personnel from the local Marishda Police Station.After a lot of effort, the bodies of the passengers were brought out from the mangled auto-rickshaw. By then, five passengers, including the driver of the auto-rickshaw, had died. Four others, who were severely injured in the accident, are currently undergoing treatment at Tamralipta Medical College and Hospital. The condition of the two of them is extremely critical, said the officials.The truck, which had first hit the auto-rickshaw at full speed from behind, has been seized by police, confirmed an official of the Marishda Police Station. However, the driver of the truck and his helper are missing.The five deceased persons have already been identified. They are Sheikh Jahangir Ali (32), Sheikh Moti (46), Munmun Khatun (19), Fasana Bibi (29) and Humera Bibi (35). Jahangir Ali was the auto-rickshaw driver. Their bodies had been sent to the Contai Sub-divisional Hospital for post-mortem purposes.It is learned that the deceased and injured passengers reached Tamluk Railway Station by a train coming from New Delhi. After reaching Tamluk Railway Station, they boarded the auto-rickshaw, which they had hired in advance, and started for their residence at Contai. However, during the journey, they met with a horrific accident.–IANSsrc/dpb

Kochi, May 29 (IANS) The scientists of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have embarked on a two-week-long outreach programme to directly engage with fish farmers and fishermen across the country as part of the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ programme of the Central government.

‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ is a nationwide campaign by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in association with state governments.Around 2,000 teams, comprising scientists and experts from 113 ICAR institutes and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) along with field officers from state- level departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, as well as innovative farmers, will be part of this campaign, which is aimed to reach around 1.5 crore farmers in the country.CMFRI will leverage this campaign to popularise its cutting-edge technologies with an aim to enhance India’s mariculture production through wider adoption.CMFRI scientists will now visit villages, demonstrating and explaining advanced practices such as cage fish farming, marine ornamental fish farming, mussel farming, oyster farming, seaweed cultivation, innovative fish breeding technologies, and scientific coastal aquaculture.CMFRI Director Grinson George said the community will be given awareness on a range of technologies and the prospects of seaweed farming and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA).”CMFRI envisions increased productivity with a target of 2.5 million tonnes of fish production from mariculture by 2047 against the current estimate of a meagre 1.5 lakh tonnes. To a great extent, effective adoption of innovative technologies will help to achieve this target. We would also focus on boosting start-up enterprises in the sector by offering guidance and technical support,” said George.In Kerala, CMFRI’s outreach teams, comprising 36 scientists, will visit all districts, collaborating closely with the respective KVKs.Similarly, all the Centres of the Institute located in various coastal states will take part in the campaign in their respective regions.”A landmark initiative in connecting scientists and farmers, this direct engagement will greatly help fishery scientists tailor their research work and development efforts to fulfil the community’s demands more effectively,” said George.Beyond technology awareness, the CMFRI teams will also collect crucial feedback, remarks, and responses from the farming and fishing communities to understand the specific issues and challenges faced by farmers.”The scientists will listen to the issues of the stakeholders and foster a strong connection with them.’Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ is a significant effort to ensure that scientific advancements translate into tangible benefits for the grassroots, added George.–IANSsg/svn

New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two accused, including an Office Assistant/ Verification Officer working at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), Lower Parel in Mumbai and an agent in a case related to issuing passports based on fake documents in lieu of a bribe. The CBI registered a case against the Office Assistant/VO, PSK, Lower Parel, Mumbai and other private persons working as passport agents.According to a statement issued by the CBI’s office in Delhi, during the years 2023-2024, the said accused officer entered into a criminal conspiracy with other private persons. In furtherance of the said criminal conspiracy, he was obtaining an undue advantage by doing passport-related work.Along with the agent and other unknown persons, the accused official issued fake passports to applicants based on forged documents.It was further revealed that seven unknown persons purporting as applicants had submitted forged documents such as Aadhaar card copy, Pan card copy, Bank Account Statement and Birth Certificates as their address and identity proofs to the Passport Office.During the investigation, all the documents provided were found to be forged.Further, chats between the accused public servant and the agent revealed discussion about the payment of undue advantage from these fake passport applicants.The CBI press note said that the investigation also revealed that mobile numbers provided by applicants in the passport applications were not in service.The ‘Police Verification’ was carried out after issuance of those passports under the Tatkaal Scheme (earlier waived during the issuance of passports), and the findings were adverse, as the addresses provided on the passport applications were fake.”As the accused were evasive and did not cooperate during the investigation, both were arrested,” the press note mentioned.The two accused were produced before the Special CBI Court, Mumbai and were sent to police custody for five days till June 2.The CBI said that the investigation is continuing in the case.–IANSdpb/svn

Chennai, May 29 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has proposed a revision in bus fares across the state and has initiated a process to gather public opinion before finalising the move.The proposed fare hike comes as part of a larger effort to address rising operational costs and modernise the public transport system. The public has been encouraged to submit their suggestions and objections regarding the fare hike either in person or by post to the office of the Transport and Road Safety Commissioner at Guindy, Chennai, said the officials.The government has assured that feedback from commuters will be taken into serious consideration before a final decision is made.The move to seek public opinion underscores the significance of bus transport in Tamil Nadu, where state-run buses remain the primary mode of travel for a vast majority of people, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.With lakhs of commuters depending on government buses for their daily travel, any change in fare structure is expected to have a direct impact on household expenses and overall cost of living.Transport department officials stated that the fare revision was long overdue, with the last fare hike implemented in 2018. Over the years, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation has faced growing financial burdens due to rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and employee wages.Officials argue that a moderate hike in fares is essential to keep the transport system running efficiently without compromising service quality or frequency.While the government has not disclosed the exact percentage of the proposed increase, sources indicate that the hike will be implemented in a phased manner to minimise the burden on regular commuters.Special categories such as students, senior citizens, and differently-abled passengers are likely to continue receiving concessions even after the fare revision.Public responses will be accepted for a limited period, after which the feedback will be compiled and reviewed by a designated committee. Based on the findings, the final decision on fare revision will be taken and announced officially.The government has urged citizens to actively participate in the feedback process, emphasising that an inclusive decision-making approach will ensure the best outcome for both the public and the transport system.–IANSaal/dpb

Thiruvananthapuram, May 29 (IANS) The P.V. Anvar issue continues to simmer within the Congress party in Kerala, but unlike in the past, the grand old party appears to be holding firm despite veiled threats and political overtures.Anvar, who won the Nilambur Assembly seat in 2016 and 2021 with the support of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), resigned from the post in January.On both occasions, he had defeated Congress candidates. His resignation, however, was welcomed by the Congress, which saw an opportunity to reclaim a seat that has long been considered a party stronghold — having lost it only thrice since 1965.The Nilambur bypoll is scheduled for June 19, and the Congress has named Aryadan Shoukath as its candidate, who has already hit the campaign trail. The LDF and the BJP-led NDA are yet to announce their candidates.Initially, Anvar’s pledge to support the Congress — even declaring he would back “even a stick” fielded by the party — was met with enthusiasm. But the mood soured recently when Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan made it clear that any decision to induct Anvar’s party, the All India Trinamool Congress, into the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) would be deferred.A visibly upset Anvar expressed hope of meeting AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal during the latter’s visit to Malappuram. However, Venugopal declined the meeting, reportedly advising Anvar to resolve the matter with the state leadership first.State Congress president Sunny Joseph on Thursday said he remains hopeful that Anvar will introspect and that a positive resolution is still possible.Senior Congress leader and former party president Ramesh Chennithala stated that discussions were ongoing and the situation was improving.However, not everyone in the party is as conciliatory.Senior Lok Sabha MP Rajmohan Unnithan drew a sharp comparison between Anvar and P.C. George, the former government Chief Whip during the Oommen Chandy tenure, who was eventually ousted for repeatedly disrupting the administration.”Anvar is attempting to replicate the P.C. George playbook. He has already said several things against the Congress, and under no circumstances will the party yield to his tactics. It is Anvar who needs the Congress, not the other way around,” Unnithan said.Anvar is expected to reveal his plans in the next few days. But as things stand, a misstep now could prove politically costly — more for him than for anyone else.–IANSsg/skp