New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) In a major step toward enhancing airport security and improving passenger experience, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) hosted a high-level workshop that brought together all key stakeholders in India’s civil aviation ecosystem.The “Functional Workshop of Airport Sector,” held at the CISF Airport Sector Headquarters on Friday, saw participation from top CISF officials, security heads of 69 airports, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Delhi Police, Bureau of Immigration (BOI), Special Protection Group (SPG), National Security Guard (NSG), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), as well as major airlines such as Air India Express and IndiGo.The workshop focused on making airport security not only more robust but also smarter and more passenger-centric. Here are the key takeaways and how they will benefit different categories of air travellers.Security checks are set to become more seamless. Discussions focused on integrating biometric entry passes with facial recognition, closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and FASTag integration for vehicles. These measures aim to speed up airport entry and reduce wait times at checkpoints. Digitized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will ensure quicker, more effective responses to any security concerns.A major focus was placed on “training synergy” among all airport stakeholders. Unified training for airport personnel — from CISF to airline staff — will standardize procedures and create a smoother, more consistent experience for passengers. Plans to set up more Aviation Security Training Institutes (ASTIs) in tier-2 and tier-3 cities will also prepare for rising passenger traffic while maintaining uniform security standards nationwide.VIP security protocols are being upgraded with an emphasis on layered protection, insider threat mitigation, and advanced anti-drone technologies. These enhancements aim to ensure high-profile individuals travel safely, with minimal disruption to general airport operations.The workshop also reviewed the Passenger Grievance Redressal Mechanism, with a focus on “balancing customer expectations without compromising security.” Stakeholders agreed on the need for a prompt, humane, and proactive approach to handling complaints. Platforms like AirSewa will be leveraged for real-time feedback and faster resolution.A key theme was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in threat analysis — using predictive analytics to anticipate risks before they materialize. The goal is “mindful use of technology,” resulting in more efficient security checks without compromising safety.Praveer Ranjan, Special Director General, CISF Airport Sector, called the workshop “timely,” citing evolving global challenges in aviation security. He stressed the importance of continuous knowledge-sharing among agencies.Vijay Prakash, IG, CISF Airport Sector-I, emphasized the need for “seamless coordination, intelligence-led interventions, and technological integration” to anticipate and manage threats effectively.DGCA’s Director General, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, called for deeper collaboration among aviation regulators, operators, and security agencies to create a safe and passenger-friendly ecosystem.In his concluding remarks, Jose Mohan, IG, CISF Airport Sector-II, stated, “Standardization in aviation security can only be achieved through a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This workshop is not the conclusion, but the beginning of a coordinated push toward smarter infrastructure, enhanced cooperation, and a more secure and seamless passenger experience.”–IANSskp/

Imphal, June 28 (IANS) Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday informed that the central leaders of the BJP are assessing the situation and said that efforts are on to reinstall a popular government in the state, which has been under President’s rule for the past over four months.

“I am hopeful that a new government will be formed in Manipur soon,” Singh told the media on the sidelines of a book release programme at the BJP state headquarters.He said that the BJP is a national party, and after looking into the ground situation and assessing all other aspects, the new government would be formed at the earliest.“BJP and its ally parties all wanted a popular government in Manipur to effectively deal with the situation in the state,” said Singh, who resigned from the Chief Ministerial post on February 9, four days before the promulgation of President’s Rule on February 13.The former Chief Minister said that many leaders and organisations have approached the Central government and all stakeholders to evolve an amicable solution and restore peace and normalcy in the state.He said that the central government has been working around the clock to restore peace and normalcy in the state and added that Manipur has not witnessed any communal violence for the last seven to eight months, indicating a gradual return to peace and normalcy.“Illegal migrants and unlawful drug menaces have affected the entire northeast, including Manipur. Gradually, one and all have come to understand this vital threat,” Singh reiterated.The book “The Emergency Diaries”, which was released at the BJP office in Imphal, recounts the experiences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 1975 Emergency as a young RSS worker.Biren Singh stated that the occasion also serves to remember a time when democratic rights were suspended in India and described the Emergency as a dark chapter in the country’s political history.BJP Manipur state President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi also said that efforts are underway to restore a democratically elected government in the state.She stated that consultations are being held between the BJP’s central leadership and the state unit. Referring to the Emergency of 1975, she said it remains a reminder of the dangers of authoritarian rule and added that the BJP was officially formed in 1980.Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Singh earlier said that he and BJP’s Rajya Sabha Member from the state, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi earlier this month and urged his intervention to restore normalcy in the state.BJP’s North East In-charge Sambit Patra also last month visited the state’s Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts and met Kuki BJP MLAs Vungzagin Valte and Nemcha Kipgen and several Kuki-Zo and civil society organisations, including the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU).Patra also met Biren Singh and other leaders in Imphal. The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which, after the promulgation of President’s Rule on February 13, has been put under suspended animation, has a tenure till 2027.–IANSsc/dan

Jaipur, June 28 (IANS) In a major shake-up within the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), the…

Balod, Chhattisgarh, June 28 (IANS) Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan has evolved beyond a government initiative to become a symbol of tribal pride and identity, said Lok Sabha MP Bhojraj Nag during a special outreach camp organised in the tribal village of Bhanwarmara in Chhattisgarh’s Balod district.

Speaking at the event, MP Bhojraj Nag emphasised the emotional and cultural significance of the campaign:“Dharti Aaba is not just a scheme now. It is the voice of the tribal community and a reflection of their self-respect. It brings dignity and pride in the name of Birsa Munda, who remains an icon of tribal resistance and leadership.”The special camp was part of the Dharti Aaba Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan, which is being conducted from June 15 to July 15 across 186 tribal villages in Balod. It provided multiple services to villagers under one roof, including Ayushman health cards, Kisan Samman Nidhi, labour registration, forest rights pattas, Kisan Credit Cards, and basic healthcare.In a symbolic gesture, the MP also performed the Godbharai ceremony for pregnant women and distributed seeds to farmers, encouraging them to take advantage of the government’s agricultural support programs.Divya Umesh Mishra, Collector of Balod, explained the comprehensive nature of the campaign: “These camps are not just about service delivery; they represent the real spirit of public participation. We are ensuring that representatives and administrative officers come together to take government schemes directly to every village.” She further added: “In addition to schemes like Ayushman and forest rights, we are providing health checkups, anaemia and sickle cell testing, Aadhaar and ration card services, pension enrolments, and more — all under one roof.”Sarpanch Nirmala Thakur of Bhanwarmara Gram Panchayat, who was also present at the event, expressed her appreciation for the initiative: “This campaign is empowering our community. People are not only saving time and money, but also feeling more connected to the administration, with all services reaching us directly at the village level.”The camp was attended by people showing huge enthusiasm. Elected representatives and administrative staff, showcasing the collaborative effort behind this innovative outreach model, also attended the event. The success of the Dharti Aaba campaign is being seen as a replicable model of governance rooted in inclusivity and tribal empowerment.–IANSbrt/dan

Dehradun, June 28 (IANS) The Uttarakhand unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled former MLA Suresh Rathore from the party for six years, following a controversy over his alleged second marriage.Rathore, who previously represented the Jwalapur Assembly seat in Haridwar, was expelled after a video surfaced showing him with a woman, who was later identified as actor Urmila.The video quickly went viral and drew sharp criticism from the Opposition, prompting the BJP to issue a show cause notice to Rathore.Although Rathore submitted a written explanation, the party found it unsatisfactory.In a formal expulsion order issued by BJP State General Secretary Rajendra Bisht on Saturday, the party said: “The leadership is not satisfied with the clarification received from you in relation to the notice sent on June 23, 2025. You have consistently violated the dignity of the party and social norms.”The statement added, “As per the instructions of the Hon’ble State President, you are hereby expelled from the primary membership of the party for six years with immediate effect.”The BJP maintained that there is no room in the party for those who act inappropriately or damage its public image.Rathore had earlier claimed Urmila was his second wife, but later denied the marriage, stating that the images circulating online were part of a film he is producing. “Those are not wedding photos; they are scenes from a film,” he had said.However, the controversy only intensified after this contradiction, with the Congress slamming the BJP for its delayed response.“He first accepted the relationship and is now calling it a film scene. Is this a joke?” the Uttarakhand Congress said in a statement.The expulsion comes amid heightened scrutiny on the conduct of public representatives and their adherence to party discipline.–IANSskp/

Mumbai, June 28 (IANS) Raging controversy over the introduction of Hindi in Marathi and English schools from classes 1 to 5, the protests against the land acquisition for the Rs 86,300 crore Shaktipeeth Mahamarg, tabling of Public Security Act following the scrutiny of the joint select committee, damage caused to agriculture due to unseasonal rains and demand for from loan waiver are among the several issues which are going to be discussed during the three week monsoon session of Maharashtra Legislature starting from June 30 in Mumbai.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the government is prepared for debate in the state legislature, adding that the session will be held up to July 18 as per the agenda and time schedule fixed by the Business Advisory Committee.On the other hand, the Leader of Opposition in the state council, Ambadas Danve, said that the opposition parties will take on the government on a range of issues, exposing its inaction on all fronts.Ruling and opposition parties are set to have a noisy discussion on the inclusion of Hindi as a third language in the state curriculum. The MahaYuti government has said that the Marathi language is mandatory, while the Hindi language is optional. On the other hand, Shiv Sena UBT and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena have joined hands to take a morcha against the imposition of Hindi while appealing to other parties to participate for the protection of Marathi.Shiv Sena (Thackeray), Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) are going to take an aggressive stand on the three-language formula of the grand alliance government. Interestingly, NCP national president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has opposed the introduction of Hindi from classes 1 to 5, saying that Hindi should be taught from the fifth standard and not from classes 1 to 4.The Chief Minister is expected to further clarify the state government’s stand in his reply to the debate.The face off between ruling and opposition parties is also expected on the state Cabinet’s recent decision to clear Rs 20,000 crore for the project design and land acquisition for the 802-km six-lane Shaktipeeth Expressway connecting 18 pilgrimage sites, including three and a half Shaktipeeths, two Jyotirlingas and Pandharpur Ambejogai in the state. The project will pass through 12 districts. However, farmers have already stepped up their protests against the land acquisition, while opposition parties have alleged that the project is being pursued for the benefit of contractors. Farmers from 12 districts will hold a simultaneous protest against the Shaktipeeth Mahamarg on July 1. Opposition parties have already extended their support, asking the government not to implement the project at the cost of farmers’ interests.The opposition is accusing the MahaYuti government of dilly-dallying over its poll promise of farm loan waiver. Shiv Sena UBT, Congress and MCP (SP) have alleged that while the government is spending huge money on infrastructure and other projects, it does not have money to provide a loan waiver. However, the Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule have said that the government will take the decision at an appropriate time. Bawankule said that the government will make an announcement of a high-level committee on loan waivers during the monsoon session.Further, opposition has blamed the government for not being serious in providing help to the farmers hit hard by unseasonal rains witnessed in May in Maharashtra. They have decided to ‘grill’ Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for his recent statements on farm loan waiver and for conducting panchnamas of damaged crops. The Chief Minister said that the panchnamas are an ongoing process, and the government is committed to providing financial assistance to the farmers.The opposition is set to corner the state government on the Public Security Act as the joint select committee, chaired by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has completed its scrutiny. The committee has suggested amending the objective from ‘certain unlawful activities of individuals and organisations’ to ‘certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) organisations or similar organisations.’ The committee has dropped the urban naxal reference, which was there in the original bill presented by the state government in the winter session of the state legislature held last year. Bawankule is optimistic that the revised bill will be passed during the monsoon session, although the opposition proposes to seek further clarifications relating to its implementation.Meanwhile, state NCP (SP) chief and party legislator from Islampur in Sangli district, Jayant Patil, hoped that the Speaker would restrict the number of calling attention motions and thereby conduct the proceedings as per the rules.Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sa******@**ns.in–IANSsj/dan

Ramgarh (Jharkhand), June 28 (IANS) Once abandoned and waterlogged coal mines in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand are now buzzing with economic activity, as residents turn to cage fish farming, earning lakhs of rupees and creating employment under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Speaking to IANS, Arup Kumar Choudhary, District Fisheries Officer of Ramgarh, said, “The closed coal mines in this region were lying unused for years, filled with stagnant water. With the introduction of cage culture, which was initially limited to reservoirs, locals saw a new opportunity to earn a livelihood from fish farming. They requested that cages be installed in these mines so they could begin employment locally.”Choudhary added that many residents were already trained in fish farming.Under a government pilot project in 2013-14, one cage battery was installed in a defunct mine to test the feasibility of cage culture, he said.”The people replicated the model used in reservoirs. It worked successfully in the mine setting as well. This success prompted the state government to give them full permission to expand fish farming in the mines,” he added.With support from both district and state-level schemes, as well as initiatives from the Jharkhand government, many local families are now engaged in cage farming.The fish produced here is not only sold within Jharkhand but also supplied to neighbouring Bihar districts such as Gaya and Sasaram.”These projects are now a reliable source of income for many families, and have opened doors for employment in production, supply, and marketing,” Choudhary added.One of the key beneficiaries, Shashikant Mahato from Aara Basti village in Ramgarh, who is actively involved in cage fish farming under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, shared his story.”This mine was shut in 1999 and remained idle for years. In 2010, we began by releasing fish seed here using our own money. The results were excellent — we harvested up to 27 quintals of fish,” he said.”In 2012, we started cage culture with 68 cages in one mine. Now, another mine has also been activated, with around 20 people working there. Overall, nearly 100 families in our village are sustaining their livelihoods through this project. Our village has about 250 homes, and this fish farming supports more than 100 of them,” he added.Mahato also told about how the initiative is growing.”Every year, around four to six more households join. I believe that in the near future, our entire village will be connected to the fisheries department through this programme.”With assistance from the government scheme, they have also procured an insulated van for fish transport, improving marketing and supply.”We are producing around 40 to 60 tonnes of fish annually. Everyone earns between Rs 1.5 and Rs 2 lakh per year. Thanks to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, we are now running our work efficiently and attracting youth to the fisheries sector,” Mahato added proudly.This transformation of defunct mines into flourishing fish farms is not only boosting the local economy but also setting an example for sustainable livelihood development in resource-depleted areas.–IANSbrt/khz

Kolkata, June 28 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Saturday, announced the formation of a four-member fact-finding team to investigate the case of rape of a law student within the law college premises at Kasba in Kolkata earlier this week.

On the other hand, West Bengal Education Minister, Bratya Basu, has sought an immediate report from the college authorities over the unfortunate incident.In a statement issued by the BJP, the four members of the party’s fact-finding team in the matter have been named. They are former Union Minister as well as a former police officer Satpal Singh, former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi, current Lok Sabha member and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and current Rajya Sabha member Manan Kumar Mishra.The fact-finding team will soon visit the incident site and submit its investigation report to the BJP President J.P. Nadda,” the statement said.Meanwhile, in Kolkata, Minister Basu had also issued a statement claiming that he had directed the law college authorities to immediately convene a governing body meeting, discuss the matter, and submit a detailed report to the state Education department by next week. The Education Minister has directed the college authorities to focus on the security aspect within the college campus and also update the state Education department on whether additional security personnel would be required there or not.”I am surprised. I am shocked, such an event within the college premises is unwarranted,” Minister Basu said in the statement.Meanwhile, the National Commission of Women issued a statement on Saturday informing that the commission’s chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar had written a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant directing the latter to ensure that the police facilitate the access of NCW member Archana Mujumdar to the victim and her family members.The NCW Chief has also directed the Chief Secretary to ensure immediate and confidential internal medical examination of the victim without delay and its submission to the commission within the next three days.Chief Secretary Pant has also been directed by Rahatkar to arrange strong safety and security arrangements for the victim and her family.–IANSsrc/khz

Bengaluru, June 28 (IANS) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, said on Saturday that the Congress party deliberately ignored the Kaka Kalelkar Commission report to prevent the social and educational advancement of backward classes, despite the Constitution clearly advocating the identification and upliftment of socially and educationally backward communities.

Questioning why those who claim to carry the Constitution in their pockets failed to implement the recommendations of the Kaka Kalelkar Commission, he remarked that after India emerged from the Emergency and family-rule politics, the Janata Party came to power at the Centre and established the Mandal Commission.“It was only after Congress lost power that justice for OBCs began to be seriously discussed,” said the Union Minister while delivering the keynote address at the seminar titled ‘Caste Census: Retrospect and Prospect’, organised by the Social Justice Awareness Forum – Karnataka, at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Racecourse Road on Saturday.He further accused the Congress of neglecting the Mandal Commission’s report just as it had done with the Kalelkar Commission’s report.“It was the OBCs who helped former PM late Rajiv Gandhi win over 400 seats in Parliament, but despite receiving their votes and coming to power, the Congress failed to ensure social justice for them,” he said.Yadav also criticised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for allegedly ignoring the OBC report.He pointed out that it was only after the BJP-supported V.P. Singh government came to power that the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented and reservations for OBCs were introduced.Yadav stressed that the Constitution is the foundation of all Indian laws. “While some may carry the Constitution in their pockets, we carry it in our hearts. If they keep it in their family’s wallet, we have embraced it within our souls,” he claimed.Yadav stated that due to the neglect of backward classes, the Congress lost power in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.He expressed confidence that the Congress would not return to power in Karnataka if the backward classes became more aware of their rights.Referring to the recent remembrance of 50 years since the Emergency, he said the Emergency was born out of an authoritarian mindset and reminded the audience that such a situation should never arise again.Highlighting the 17th and 18th-century social reform movements in India, Yadav said these movements led to the reawakening of Indian society, which eventually culminated in the independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.He emphasised that the objective of the Indian Constitution is to ensure social, political, and economic justice for every citizen, and reservations were introduced to help build an egalitarian society.Yadav called untouchability a stain on humanity and said that is why reservation was necessary.Retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice K. Bhaktavatsala, who inaugurated the event, said the Constitution framed by B.R. Ambedkar upholds the idea of social justice and equality for all. The event was chaired by K. Mukudappa, a retired government officer who has been advocating for the rights of backward classes for over four decades. He accused the Congress of never implementing either the Kalelkar or Mandal Commission reports.Raghu Kautilya, President of the Backward Classes Front, delivered the introductory remarks. He recalled that the last caste census was conducted in 1931, during British rule.–IANSmka/dan

Jammu, June 28 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate has attached immovable property worth Rs 15.78 crore in Jammu and Kashmir’s Patnitop hill station linked to a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002, an official said on Saturday.“Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jammu Sub Zonal Office has provisionally attached several immovable properties worth Rs 15.78 crore (approx.) on June 27, 2025, in the case of Patni Top Development Authority (PDA) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The provisionally attached properties comprise land, building and income generated from the running of Hotel Pine Heritage, Hotel Dream Land and Hotel Shahi Santoor, all located in Patnitop,” the ED said in a statement issued on Saturday.“ED initiated investigations on the basis of FIR registered by CBI, ACB, Jammu against various owners/Directors of the Hotels/Guest House/Resorts/Cottages /Residences in the Patni Top area and officials of PDA, that such hotels/guest houses/ resorts indulged in commercial use of residential buildings, excess construction beyond approved limits, operating businesses in prohibited areas (dense forests, agricultural areas, residential areas) etc, wherein lapses of compliances were overlooked by PDA officials,” the federal agency stated.ED investigations revealed that Hotel Pine Heritage, Hotel Dream Land and Hotel Shahi Santoor were built beyond the area permitted by the PDA. The hotels had undertaken illegal construction beyond approved limits, while generating revenue from utilising the same.Earlier, in the same case, ED had provisionally attached properties comprising land and building of Hotel Trinetar Resorts, Patnitop and Hotel Green Orchid in January this year.“ED has been acting proactively against cases coming under the PMLA, as, in most of such cases, the money thus illegally laundered is used for unlawful and often anti-national interests,” the statement said.“Cases of money laundering initially brought to light by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are also finally dealt with by the ED, as powers to act under the provisions of PMLA are vested in the ED,” it added.–IANSsq/uk