Visakhapatnam, June 27 (IANS) A court in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam on Friday handed down capital punishment for a man convicted of the murder of six members of a family, including a child and a six-month-old baby, four years ago.The district court pronounced the death sentence for 53-year-old Battina Appalaraju, who had brutally hacked to death six persons over a dispute between the two families.He killed several members of the Bammidi Vijay Kiran family in their house at Juttada in Pendurthi mandal on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam on April 15, 2021.Appalaraju was arrested immediately after the murders and has since been lodged in jail.According to police, the offender had barged into the house of Bammidi Ramana and attacked him and his family members with a scythe.Ramana, 63, B. Usha Rani, 30, Alluri Ramadevi, 53, Nakettlu Aruna, 37, B. Uday, 4, and B. Urvasi (6 months) were killed in the attack.After carrying out the murders, the offender went to the local police station and surrendered.The murders had sent shock waves among the people of the village. The relatives of the victims, along with the area residents, had staged protests, demanding the immediate hanging of the accused.The accused bore a grudge against Vijay Kiran as the latter had allegedly raped his daughter after giving her soft drink and tea, mixed with intoxicants, on several occasions. He had lodged a complaint with the police on April 9, 2018.The victim had also alleged that Vijay Kiran’s wife, Usha Rani, had blackmailed her by showing her photos and demanding money from her. She had also named four others in her complaint for cooperating with the prime accused.Vijay Kiran’s wife, Usha Rani, had also filed a counter case with the Pendurthy police on April 10, 2018, alleging that Battina Appalaraju and three others abused her in obscene language and threatened to kill her husband.Police had filed charge sheets in both cases, and the trial was pending.Viay Kiran’s wife and two children were among those killed in the attack by Appalaraju.–IANSms/vd

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) A total of 4415 Indian nationals – 3597 from Iran and 818 from Israel – have been evacuated so far using 19 special evacuation flights during Operation Sindhu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

The evacuated Indian nationals included more than 1500 women and 500 children. The flights, including three C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, also brought home 14 OCI card-holders, nine Nepali nationals, four Sri Lankan nationals and one Iranian spouse of an Indian national.As tensions escalated in West Asia, the government of India had launched Operation Sindhu on June 18 to evacuate Indian nationals from conflict zones in Iran and Israel.On June 17-18, Indian Missions in Tehran, Yerevan, and Ashgabat coordinated the evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran through land border crossings to Armenia and Turkmenistan. Special evacuation flights commenced on June 18 and facilitated the return of Indian nationals to New Delhi.The majority of evacuations were carried out through Mashhad, after Iran opened its airspace for evacuation flights under Operation Sindhu on June 20 on New Delhi’s request.”We thank the Government of Iran for this gesture. A total of 3597 Indian nationals — including students, workers, professionals, pilgrims and fishermen – from more than 15 Indian states – were brought back to India from Yerevan, Ashgabat and Mashhad from June 18-26 using 15 special evacuation flights,” the MEA stated.The Israel leg of Operation Sindhu commenced on June 23 with the Indian Missions in Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Amman and Cairo facilitating the movement of Indian nationals across land borders to Jordan and Egypt.A total of 818 Indian nationals were evacuated, including students, workers and professionals. They were evacuated from Amman and Sharm al Sheikh from June 22-25 using four evacuation flights, including three IAF C-17 aircraft.”The Government of India is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. Under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance, Operation Sindhu is another demonstration of this commitment. We thank the Governments of Iran, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Armenia and Turkmenistan for their support during Operation Sindhu. Indian Missions will stay engaged with host Governments and the Indian community in Iran, Israel and the wider West Asia region,” read the statement issued by the MEA.It added that, in view of the re-opening of the airspace, evacuation operations were halted on June 25 and further actions will be taken based on the evolving situation in West Asia.–IANS/as

Jharkhand, June 27 (IANS) In the remote districts of Jharkhand once dominated by Maoist violence, a quiet revolution is underway—one driven not by ideology, but by opportunity. Former maoists and villagers alike are embracing fish farming, empowered by the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), transforming lives and restoring peace in once-troubled regions. Jyoti Lakra, 41, was once a member of a Maoist group, having joined Left Wing Extremism out of desperation. “There was no development. We had no other option. The honour of our mothers and sisters was under threat. People were killed over Rs 5,000,” he recalls.But in 2002, Lakra chose a different path. With help from the local administration, he and a few others formed an organisation called Shanti Seva, determined to fight back against extremism.“We lost 10–12 of our people in the process,” he told IANS.Yet their courage paved the way for a new future. Today, Lakra runs a fish feed mill and manages three ponds, earning a net profit of Rs 8 lakh last year under PMMSY.“Life has changed completely,” he added.“We got support to build tanks and received training. The scheme is excellent. Every person should consider fish farming. It has made our family stable.”Fish farming in Jharkhand began to take off in 2014, with local communities gradually seeing its potential.Lakra added: “Eight people work with me. We supply fish entirely to the local market and earn Rs 5–7 lakh annually. All this is possible due to government support.”Lakhan Singh, a resident of Gumla district, also credits fish farming with turning his life around.“Earlier, we only grew paddy. Now, with ponds, profits are much higher. I received training, learned techniques to increase production, and I’m seeing results. I spent around Rs 60,000–77,000 in a year and harvested 10 quintals of fish from one pond.”Singh points out that the PM’s focus on land-use regulation has helped ensure ponds are used productively, avoiding waste.“If we get more support, we can do even better. Some of us are now fully dedicated to this work. I didn’t even plan to do it commercially at first, but the training changed my mind,” he added.The scheme is also credited with restoring peace in regions once marked by fear.“Earlier, Maoists ruled. People wouldn’t leave their homes after 6 pm. Now there is calm,” Lakra said.”Through our efforts and the administration’s support, we brought many insurgents back to the mainstream. I’ve personally worked to convince five local leaders to abandon extremism. Today, hundreds are free from violence.”Lakra is now informing people about the scheme.“I tell people about it. Over 150 people in our area have taken up fish farming because of these efforts,” he added.He adds that the scheme also tackled social issues.”Earlier, many were involved in the illicit liquor trade. Now they’re fish farmers. We’ve given them Rs 12,000 under PMMSY to support this shift. Malnutrition is also being controlled—fish is an accessible protein source in these rural areas where milk and eggs aren’t always affordable.”–IANSjk/vd

Bengaluru, June 27 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said an investigation has been launched into the death of a tigress and its four cubs in the state’s Chamarajanagar district, and necessary orders have already been issued, even as two suspects have been held for questioning.Sources said that the authorities have taken two persons into custody on Friday and are questioning them in connection with the incident.Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, CM Siddaramaiah said that appropriate action would be taken once the investigation report is submitted.Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre on Friday described the incident involving the death of five tigers as deeply saddening. He stated that as soon as information about the incident was received, a team led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) was formed and given three days to submit a report.The investigation has already begun, and preliminary findings suggest poisoning as the likely cause. According to the minister, a cow left by farmers to graze in the forest was killed by the tigress. The tigress and the cubs are believed to have fed on the cow’s carcass for three to four days. It is now suspected that the cow had been poisoned.Minister Khandre assured that the investigation would be conducted seriously and with full transparency.He further stated that the responsibility of tiger conservation lies with both the state and the Central governments. While the Central government issues directions at appropriate times, it has not released funds for the Tiger Project as expected, he said.”They are supposed to provide grants. I am not trying to politicise the issue, but both the state and the Centre must make coordinated efforts to ensure tiger conservation,” he emphasised.”I have discussed this matter with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and he is committed to the protection of wildlife,” Khandre added.The post-mortem examinations of the five tigers have been completed, and their viscera samples have been sent to laboratories for analysis to confirm the cause of death, he said.The forest and police authorities have launched a search on Friday for the owner of the cow in connection with the death of the tigress and the cubs in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar.The unnatural deaths, likely due to poisoning, had come to light on Thursday.The carcasses of the tigress and the cubs were discovered in the Meenyam forest area, within the Hoogyam range of the sanctuary.According to sources, the tigress had killed a cow and dragged it into the forest. She and four of her cubs had partially consumed the meat. It is suspected that local villagers, upon finding the carcass of the cow, poisoned it. The tigress and cubs are believed to have returned to the kill and died after consuming the poisoned meat.The authorities have also recovered the carcass of the cow killed by the tigress and are working to identify its owner. Preliminary investigations suggest that local cattle owners may have poisoned the carcass.Initially, it was reported that the tigress and three cubs had died. However, authorities later confirmed that the tigress and four cubs had died under unnatural circumstances.–IANSmka/vd

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Amid the ongoing controversy over Hindi in Maharashtra, AIMIM leader and former MLA Waris Pathan has said that the North Indian language should not be imposed. On the political buzz surrounding a possible reunion of the Thackeray brothers, he remarked that they should talk about the urban mismanagement and a rise in corruption ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, due after a seven-year gapSpeaking to IANS in Maharashtra on Friday, Pathan said he welcomed the idea of the Thackeray brothers uniting, adding, “What problem would I have if they come together? There was a time, two decades ago, when they were united. Now, with BMC elections approaching, they should come together and speak on real issues like rising corruption in Mumbai, potholes and urban mismanagement.”He also addressed the recent language controversy triggered by Raj and Uddhav Thackeray’s protests against the growing use of Hindi in Maharashtra.While asserting his own multilingual abilities, he said, “I speak Hindi, English, Marathi and Gujarati”, emphasising that language should never be a source of division. “English is a universal language. Marathi is our local language, and I use it daily as a practising lawyer. Hindi is our national language, spoken across the country,” he said.Pathan criticised BJP leaders for allegedly stoking language chauvinism. “They say they will wipe out English, but in a democracy, you can’t force people to speak only one language. If I go to Tamil Nadu and don’t know Tamil, people won’t beat me. Learn every language, but don’t impose any.”Turning his guns on the BJP, Pathan accused the party of using religion to polarise voters. “Every time elections come, they start Hindu-Muslim rhetoric. They want 90 per cent of Muslim votes but stay silent when mob lynchings happen or when innocent Muslims are jailed. People with beards and Muslim caps are discriminated against. This is sheer hypocrisy,” he alleged.Pathan’s remarks come at a time when political temperatures in Mumbai are rising, with regional identity, language politics and civic issues taking centre stage ahead of the crucial BMC polls.–IANSsas/uk

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a five-nation visit starting July 2, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday.

In the first leg of his visit, PM Modi will visit Ghana (July 2-3) which will be Prime Minister’s first ever bilateral visit to Ghana. This Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana is taking place after three decades. During the visit, Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration, and development cooperation partnership.”This visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union,” the MEA stated.In the second leg of his visit, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister Modi will pay an official visit to the Caribbean nation from July 3-4. This will be his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level to T&T since 1999. During the visit, Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Bissessar on further strengthening of the India-Trinidad and Tobago relationship. Prime Minister is also expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of T&T. The visit of Prime Minister to T&T, the MEA said, will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries.Last November, while addressing the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Prime Minister Modi had underscored that India stands firmly for giving voice to the concerns of the Global South. Noting that the Global South countries were the most impacted by the challenges and conflicts of recent years, he had also reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to Caribbean countries as a reliable partner.It was on the sidelines of the Summit in Guyana that PM Modi also met with the then Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley and congratulated him for adoption of India’s flagship UPI Platform by the Caribbean nation while assuring further collaboration in the field of digital transformation.Both countries also share deep-rooted people-to-people ties since 1845, when the first ship ‘Fatel Razack’ carrying 225 Indian indentured workers reached the shores of Trinidad, then a British colony.In the third leg of his visit, at the invitation of the President of Republic of Argentina Javier Milei, Prime Minister will travel to Argentina from July 4-5. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to further enhance India-Argentina partnership in key areas including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. The bilateral visit of Prime Minister will further deepen the multifaceted Strategic Partnership between India and Argentina.The multi-faceted relations between the two countries have strengthened, especially after being elevated to the level of Strategic Partnership during the State Visit to India of the then President of Argentina in February 2019.In what was the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders, Prime Minister Modi had met Milei, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.The two leaders, the PMO stated after the meeting, had an engaging discussion and also expressed satisfaction at the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two vibrant democracies in the last few years. They had also noted the deepening of trade and economic relations with India emerging among the top five trading partners of Argentina.In the fourth leg of his visit, at the invitation of President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, PM Modi will travel to Brazil from July 5-8, to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 followed by a State Visit.The BRICS Summit will be held at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7.This will be Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro. During the Summit, Prime Minister will exchange views on key global issues including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, economic and financial matters.”Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, Prime Minister will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages,” the MEA statement mentioned.In the last Summit, held under Russia’s chairship in Kazan in October 2024, PM Modi had noted that the event was taking place at a time when the world is undergoing several uncertainties and challenges including conflicts, adverse climatic impacts, and cyber threats, placing greater expectations upon BRICS.In the final leg of his visit, at the invitation of the President of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Modi will embark on a State Visit to Namibia on July 9. This will be the first visit of Prime Minister to Namibia, and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. During his visit, Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah and will also pay homage to the Founding Father and first President of Namibia, late Dr. Sam Nujoma. He is also expected to deliver an address at the Parliament of Namibia. The visit of Prime Minister is a reiteration of India’s multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia.Consolidating India’s position as a voice of the Global South, Prime Minister Modi has been spotlighting India’s emergence as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ in a divided world.Over the last 11 years, India has also strongly established itself as an all-weather friend of Africa with PM Modi emphasising New Delhi’s commitment to the continent.–IANS/as

Ranchi, June 27 (IANS) Jharkhand’s Chatra district has secured the top position in the Delta Ranking of 112 aspirational districts across the country, as announced by NITI Aayog during an online review meeting held on Friday.The ranking reflects the progress achieved by districts during the month of March 2025 under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), which was launched by the Centre in 2018 to accelerate development in underperforming regions.The Jharkhand government stated that Chatra’s achievement is the result of coordinated efforts, innovative practices, and effective implementation of welfare schemes by the district administration and various departments.NITI Aayog lauded the district’s multidimensional progress, highlighting significant improvements in key sectors such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and infrastructure.As part of the recognition, Chatra will receive a performance-based incentive of Rs 10 crore from NITI Aayog — a monthly reward given to the top-ranked district to further boost development initiatives at the grassroots level.Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree congratulated the district’s administrative team, departmental officials, public representatives, and the local community.“This honour is a matter of pride for all of us. It reflects the collective commitment and continuous efforts of everyone involved in driving development across the district,” she said, adding, “We must remain dedicated to maintaining and improving our performance in the days to come.”In addition, the Garhwa district of Jharkhand was named the best-performing district in the education sector.The Aspirational Districts Programme identifies 112 of India’s most developmentally challenged districts and ranks them monthly based on improvements across five broad sectors — Health and Nutrition (30 per cent weightage, 31 data points); Education (30 per cent weightage, 14 data points); Agriculture and Water Resources (20 per cent weightage, 12 data points); Financial Inclusion and Skill Development (10 per cent weightage, 16 data points); and Basic Infrastructure (10 per cent weightage, 8 data points).–IANSsnc/skp/vd

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) While the Jagannath Yatra is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, the capital city of Delhi emerged as a centre of spiritual and cultural vibrancy as thousands of devotees gathered for the grand procession at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Jhilmil Colony’s Vishwakarma Nagar, North East Delhi, on Friday.

Organised by the Shri Jagannath Seva Sansthan, the Rath Yatra witnessed an overwhelming turnout. The atmosphere was filled with devotion as bhajans and kirtans echoed through the streets. The temple premises, adorned with colourful decorations and flowers, created a divine setting for the sacred event.Sanjay Goyal, MLA from Shahdara Assembly, who served as the chief host, swept the chariot of Lord Jagannath with a golden broom, performing the revered Chhera Pahanra ritual, symbolising humility and devotion.He shared, “This Rath Yatra has been an unbroken tradition since 1978. The procession began from the temple and passed through various localities of Vivek Vihar before returning to its starting point. Lord Jagannath is the Lord of the universe. The Rath Yatra will continue until July 5. It is believed that those who pull the chariot attain moksha (emancipation).”Devotees, many of whom had gathered from different parts of the city, expressed their joy and devotion.One devotee said, “We wait all year for this moment. The excitement and spiritual energy since morning are so overwhelming that we haven’t even thought about eating or drinking.”The Jagannath Yatra follows a series of sacred rituals rooted in ancient tradition. It begins with Rath Snana, a ceremonial bath of the deities with 108 pots of holy water. This is followed by Rath Pratistha, where the newly constructed chariots are sanctified with sacred chants.The grand spectacle of devotees pulling the deities’ majestic chariots towards the symbolic Gundicha Temple marks the heart of the festival. The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, and the final ritual, Niladri Vijaya, mark the conclusion of the sacred event, leaving behind the promise of divine return next year.–IANSjk/uk

Lucknow, June 27 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government is set to launch a special drive, starting next month, to widen the ambit and reach of public welfare schemes to the residents, at gram panchayat level.The move is aimed at taking financial inclusion to the grassroots level, where people of every section and category could get the benefits of public welfare schemes.Under the drive, schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Ayushman Bharat will reach every village of the state. The campaign will run for three months, starting from July 1 to September 20, focusing on last-mile delivery of key financial services to eligible citizens.During the drive, people who have been left out of the welfare schemes will be registered and also duly informed about their benefits. Alongside enrolment in financial schemes, the drive will also prioritize KYC re-verification of dormant Jan Dhan accounts, opening of new bank accounts, and registration in insurance and pension schemes.The campaign will focus on extending the benefits of Centre’s flagship central schemes including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) to every deserving individual.The state-wide campaign reflects Yogi government’s commitment to inclusive development under the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” bringing financial empowerment to every corner of rural society.The Director General of Institutional Finance, Uttar Pradesh, has issued clear instructions to all District Magistrates (DMs) and departmental officials to run the financial inclusion campaign with efficacy and accuracy.Some guidelines have also been issued for the special drive, which are as follows:- At least one camp must be organised in every Gram Panchayat.- A detailed strategy will be prepared through DLCC meetings.- Participation of all departmental officials at the block, panchayat, and public levels must be ensured.- Weekly review and monitoring will be done to regularly track progress.–IANSmr/pgh

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Union Minister of State (Independent charge) Jitendra Singh will address a symposium at the Delhi Legislative Assembly to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency (1975-77), on Saturday, an official said.The symposium titled ‘Bhartiya Loktantra aur Samvidhaan ka Sabse Andhkaarmaya Daur: Na Bhoolein, Na Shama Karen’ is being organised under the banner of #SamvidhanHatyaDiwas.Speaker Vijender Gupta emphasised that the symposium will serve not only as a tribute to those who resisted the Emergency but also as a solemn reminder to the younger generation to stay vigilant, safeguard democratic values, and ensure such a dark chapter is never repeated.The symposium will also feature an address by Satyanarayan Jatiya, former Union Cabinet Minister. Mohan Singh Bisht, Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, will also speak on the occasion.The event is envisioned as a national moment of introspection, aiming to revisit one of the most tumultuous and authoritarian phases in India’s democratic history, said a statement issued by the Assembly secretariat.The symposium will highlight the significance of upholding constitutional values, protecting civil liberties, and preserving the independence of democratic institutions.It will bring together eminent scholars, constitutional experts, senior journalists, bureaucrats, civil society members, and individuals who experienced the atrocities of the Emergency first-hand.It will include keynote speeches, reflective discussions, and personal testimonies that explore the long-lasting implications of the Emergency on India’s democratic fabric.To mark this significant milestone, a thought-provoking and informative commemorative booklet, ‘Apatkaal@50’, will also be released during the event.Earlier in the day, on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed by Congress, the Delhi BJP Yuva Morcha organised a Mock Parliament at the NDMC Convention Centre.Chief guests Dr S. Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs) and Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp.Youth and students from various colleges participated in the Mock Parliament.Before their address, Dr Jaishankar and Sachdeva visited a special exhibition commemorating 50 years of the Emergency.In his welcome address, Delhi BJP Yuva Morcha President Sagar Tyagi recalled the Emergency as a dark chapter in India’s history.Sachdeva emphasised that the purpose of organising this Mock Parliament was to educate the younger generation on how Congress strangled the Constitution to cling to power and how freedom of expression was suppressed.He said, during the Emergency, some were maimed and others were killed, purely out of lust for power. Today’s youth must understand what the Emergency really was.He credited Dr Jaishankar for showcasing India’s global strength in the last decade and highlighted India’s strong stand during the SCO meeting, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign a joint statement which did not carry any reference to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed.–IANSrch/uk