Hyderabad, June 13 (IANS) The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has summoned Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and former minister K.T. Rama Rao for questioning in the Formula E case on June 16.The ACB has issued notice to Rama Rao, directing him to appear before it at 10 a.m. on Monday.The anti-graft agency had earlier given him a notice to appear on May 28. The BRS leader, however, informed the agency that as he planned to leave for a foreign tour, he would appear before them after he returned.”As a law-abiding citizen, will definitely cooperate with the agencies even though the case is nothing but pure political harassment. As I have planned to leave for the UK & USA for multiple events much in advance, will appear in front of them the moment I come back. Informed the same to ACB Officials in writing,” he had said in his statement on May 26.KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, returned from the US in the first week of this month.The former minister had appeared before the ACB on January 9 in the case relating to the conduct of the Formula E race in Hyderabad in January 2023, when the BRS was in power.The ACB in December last year booked a case against KTR, former Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD), Arvind Kumar and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority’s (HMDA) former Chief Engineer B.L.N. Reddy for alleged Rs. 54.88 crore irregularities in the Formula-E deal.The FIR was registered on a complaint by Principal Secretary, MA&UD, M. Dana Kishore, who stated that foreign remittances were made without prior approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities, which resulted in additional tax burden to the HMDA to the tune of Rs. 8.06 crore.The complainant also alleged that the payment was made while the Model Code of Conduct was in effect for the elections to the state Legislative Assembly without any prior approval of the Election Commission of India.The FIR was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act as well as under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).–IANSms/vd

Guwahati, June 13 (IANS) Assam unit Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Friday took a potshot at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, claiming that people of the state are all set to oust the BJP from power in the next year’s Assembly polls. Speaking to reporters here, Gogoi said: “Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to lose his CM post in the next year’s Assembly polls. This is absolutely clear from the response we are getting from the general public in the state. Thus, Sarma has become very much sceptical and his recent actions have shown that he will not be able to retain power next year.”According to the Congress leader, people have been coming out in large numbers to attend the programmes of the grand old party.“I was not expecting large gatherings of public in block level meetings that were held recently across the state. However, there have been good presence of party supporters far from our expectations. This shows that people want Congress to be back in power in the state,” Gogoi said, adding that the civil society plays a very important role in determining the result of any election.The Congress MP said: “The Congress party workers will reach out to every section of the society in the upcoming days. They will convey the message of Congress to the ordinary people in the state.”In a significant political transition ahead of next year’s Assam Assembly elections, Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi formally assumed office as the new president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) couple of weeks ago.Gogoi’s appointment comes at a politically sensitive time, amid allegations from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma linking his wife to Pakistan’s ISI, claims the Congress leader has categorically rejected. As Gogoi assumes leadership, the Congress is expected to recalibrate its strategy and organisation in the run-up to the high-stakes 2026 state elections.–IANStdr/pgh

Ahmedabad, June 13 (IANS) The British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising that the United Kingdom and India continue to work together to establish the facts behind Thursday’s devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad.

The meeting took place as Prime Minister Modi visited the crash site in Ahmedabad and also chaired a review meeting with top authorities to assess the ongoing relief and recovery efforts.”I met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning. We shared condolences in the face of this tragic accident, and I offered my thanks for the work of tireless first responders here in Ahmedabad. The UK and India are working together to establish the facts. We stand ready to support the families and friends of affected British Nationals – please consult our Travel Advice for updates and contact us on the 24/7 consular helpline,” Cameron posted on X.The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick, crashed shortly after the take-off on June 12, plummeting into a densely populated area near B J Medical College.The crash led to the death of 241 of the 242 people on board. The sole survivor, a British national of Indian origin, is currently under medical care.Among the deceased were 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian national. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been coordinating with affected countries, offering full assistance with identification, repatriation, and communication with bereaved families.Cameron, who rushed to Ahmedabad immediately after the accident, said that the British agencies continue to work with the local authorities and the airline in the aftermath of the tragic air crash.”My team and I have visited the crash site and hospital in Ahmedabad. Colleagues in UK and India are working around the clock to gather information and support British nationals affected. Please consult our Travel Advice for updates and contact us on the 24/7 consular helpline,” the High Commissioner posted on X on Thursday night.External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar also remains in close contact with his counterparts from the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada.The United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the United States’ Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) on Thursday had offered assistance in the investigation that is being carried out by the Indian authorities following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171.”The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India. In addition, the UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation. This is in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 because UK citizens were on board the aircraft,” read a statement issued by the AAIB.”We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident,” it added.UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should contact the helpline numbers immediately.”As part of the UK’s ongoing support in relation to today’s tragic incident, the AAIB will deploy a team to India to support the Indian Authorities in their investigation. I continue to receive regular updates on developments, and my thoughts remain with everyone involved,” Heidi Alexander, UK’s Secretary of State for Transport, posted on X.The country’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK, its overseas territories and crown dependencies.AAIB inspectors are from four main disciplines: operations, engineering, recorded data and human factors. For a field investigation, the branch sends a small team of inspectors (at least two) selected from these disciplines to the accident site or to the location of the aircraft following a serious incident.–IANSint/as

Bhubaneswar, June 13 (IANS) Odisha Police on Friday arrested two dreaded cadres of the proscribed Communist Party of India (Maoist), each carrying a reward of Rs 3 lakh on their heads, an official said.The arrests took place in the Mathili area of Malkangiri district during the early hours of Friday.The arrested Maoist ultras were identified as Kesa Kawasi of Darba police limits in Bastar district and Sanu Kunjam alias Rakesh, (ACM, AOB military platoon section-01) of Ganglur police station area in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.Kesa is the Area Committee Member (ACM) of Kanger Ghati Area Committee of Bastar region while Rakesh works as the ACM in Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) Military platoon Section-01 of the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit.“Based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of a group of banned CPI (Maoist) cadres in the forest area near villages Sodiguda and Tentuliguda under Mathili Police Station, a special operation was launched by Malkangiri District Police on the intervening night of June 12 and 13,” the Malkangiri police said in a press note on Friday.The police personnel during the early hours on Friday noticed a group of Maoists were fleeing into the jungle.The police chased the ultras, warning them to surrender.Meanwhile, the Maoists opened fire at the police team in a bid to escape by fleeing into the jungle.“In response, the police team exercised controlled fire in self-defence. During the subsequent area search, the two above noted Maoist cadres were apprehended successfully after a tussle while attempting to hide in the nearby bushes while others managed to escape into the jungle,” the Malkangiri police statement read.The police have also seized one Pistol, six rounds of ammunition, ten Electric Detonators, ten Codex wire, Gun Powder, Motorola Walkie-Talkie, Maoist literature, etc.During questioning, the ultras confessed to police about their involvement in many incidents of Exchange of Fire, ambush on security forces and other Maoist activities in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh area.Police are verifying the information elicited during the interrogation. The CPI(Maoist) cadre Rakesh was involved in the aerial ambush by the Maoists in February 2017 in which two security personnel were killed.He further confessed his role in the 2018 Maoist assault at Boilathila, which resulted in the death of five security personnel. Both Rakesh and Kesa were involved in the attack on Dharmavaram CRPF Camp by over 400 armed Maoists on January 16,2024.–IANSgyan/pgh

Jaipur, June 13 (IANS) In a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, is on a two-day official visit to the Sapta Shakti Command headquartered in Jaipur from June 12 to 13.Upon his arrival, Lt Gen Rodrigo was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command.The visit underlined the deep-rooted defence ties and mutual respect shared between the two neighbouring nations.During his stay, Lt Gen Rodrigo held comprehensive discussions with Lt Gen Manjinder Singh and other senior officers of the South Western Command.The dialogue focused on a wide range of strategic and operational issues, including regional security dynamics, joint training programs, capability enhancement, and the sharing of best practices. These discussions aimed to foster greater interoperability and understanding between the two armies.A highlight of the visit was a dynamic display of military equipment and a live combat demonstration centered on counter-terrorism operations. The demonstration showcased the Indian Army’s tactical acumen, operational readiness, and technological capabilities in dealing with modern security threats.In addition to the military engagements, Lt Gen Rodrigo also explored Rajasthan’s rich cultural and martial heritage. He visited key military landmarks and heritage sites, gaining insights into India’s historical military traditions and the valour of its armed forces.Officials emphasized that the visit reflects the enduring commitment of India and Sri Lanka to deepen their defence cooperation. Rooted in decades of shared history and mutual trust, the partnership aims to promote regional peace, stability, and a collaborative approach to emerging security challenges.This high-level military engagement is expected to further strengthen the camaraderie between the two armies, enhance capacity-building efforts, and expand avenues for future military exchanges and joint initiatives.–IANSarc/skp

New Delhi, June 13 (IANS) Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju will lay the foundation stone for the launch of e-Vidhan (paperless Delhi Assembly) on Saturday, an official said.Reaffirming his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Nation, One Application’ initiative, Speaker Vijender Gupta stated: “Delhi Assembly is committed to playing a leading role in this digital transformation. The shift to e-Vidhan will not only enhance operational efficiency but also promote environmental sustainability. It will bring greater speed and transparency to legislative processes.”Gupta earlier announced that the Monsoon Session, scheduled to be held in July, will be conducted in a completely paperless mode.He had also undertaken a three-day study tour to Bhubaneswar to study the modalities linked to the implementation of cutting-edge software and mobile applications.Delhi Assembly’s Press Secretary Kaanchan Azad said that Speaker Gupta and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will also be present at the launch event chaired by Rijiju.NeVA is a workflow system deployed on NIC Cloud, MeghRaj, which helps the Chair of the House to conduct the proceedings of the House smoothly, Members to carry out their duties in the House efficiently and to conduct Legislative Business of the House in a paperless manner.NeVA is a device-neutral and member centric application created to equip them to handle diverse House Business smartly by putting entire information regarding member contact details, rules of procedure, list of business, notices, bulletins, bills, starred/unstarred questions and answers, papers laid, committee reports, etc in their hand held devices/tablets and equip all Legislatures/Departments to handle it efficiently.NeVA will eliminate the process of sending out a notice/request for the collection of data. The aim of the project is to bring all the legislatures of the country together on one platform, thereby creating a massive data depository without having the complexity of multiple applications.–IANSrch/uk

Jaipur, June 13 (IANS) Jaiprakash Choudhary (20), a second-year MBBS student from Bor Charanan village in Barmer district’s Dhorimanna sub-division of Rajasthan, was among those tragically killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash on Thursday.Jaiprakash’s body, which suffered nearly 30 per cent burns, was recovered from the debris near the kitchen area of the BJ Medical College hostel, where he was at the time of the incident.According to his nephew Mangalaram, Jaiprakash had spoken to the family just minutes before the crash. “He called around 1 p.m. to say he was heading to the mess for lunch. His phone battery was low, and shortly after, the phone got switched off,” he said.The grieving family reached Ahmedabad late Thursday night. His body was handed over to them on Friday afternoon. The mortal remains are expected to reach Barmer by the evening, and the cremation will take place today in his native village.Jaiprakash was pursuing his MBBS from BJ Medical College and was staying at the hostel. The Air India flight, bound for Gatwick Airport in London, crashed just two minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, near the City Civil Hospital and BJ Medical College hostel in Meghaninagar.Omji Poonia, a neighbour from the village, said, “Around 1 p.m. on Thursday, I was speaking to his family when Jaiprakash mentioned he was going to the mess. That was the last time we heard from him,” he said.Sunita Choudhary, daughter of former minister Hemaram Choudhary, also expressed her condolences on Facebook. “As soon as I heard the news, I contacted doctors at the Ahmedabad hospital and requested immediate attention for Jaiprakash. I am in Ahmedabad personally monitoring the situation,” she wrote.Jaiprakash’s father, Dharmaram, is a farmer. The family, including his brother and sister, lives in Bor Charanan village. His success in clearing the NEET exam had been a matter of pride for the entire village. News of his sudden and tragic death has plunged the community into mourning.–IANSarc/skp

Ahmedabad, June 13 (IANS) The last rites of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who…

Kolkata, June 13 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Friday concluded the hearing on a petition challenging the West Bengal government notification for a monthly stipend to be paid to non-teaching staff, under Group-C and Group-D categories, who lost their jobs in state-run schools in the state following a Supreme Court order, and reserved its verdict.The counsels for both the petitioners and the state government submitted their closing remarks before the single-judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha, who then reserved the judgment.The state government counsel, in his closing remarks, questioned the interest of the petitioners in blocking the stipend for the job-losing non-teaching staff. The counsel for the petitioner, in his counter-argument, claimed that since the stipend is being paid from the state government exchequer constituted by public money, anyone has the right to seek justification behind how that money is spent.During the previous hearing in the matter on June 9, Justice Sinha raised questions on the basis of the calculations on which stipend amounts for Group-C and Group-D staff were determined.At the same time, she also questioned whether there had been instances in the past of the state government paying stipends to job-losing state government employees. She also questioned what the state government would get in return from those job-losing non-teaching staff against the stipend paid to them.Last month, the West Bengal government issued a notification announcing the new scheme under the state Labour Department. Under the “West Bengal Livelihood and Special Security Interim Scheme”, the job-losing Group-C staff would be entitled to a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000, while those in the Group D category would be entitled to Rs 20,000 monthly.Announcing the launch of the scheme, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the scheme was planned under the state Labour Department because of the tendencies of some people and vested interests to file public interest litigations at the Calcutta High Court against any decision of the state government.However, with three successive petitions being filed at the Calcutta High Court, the state government’s desire to avoid a legal battle over the scheme was not fulfilled.On April 3, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court order that annulled 25,753 school appointments made through the WBSSC, observing that the panel had to be scrapped entirely due to the authorities’ failure to distinguish between “tainted” and “untainted” candidates.The state government and the WBSSC have since filed review petitions in the Supreme Court seeking reconsideration of the order.–IANSsrc/vd

Kolkata, June 13 (IANS) The disciplinary committee of the Trinamool Congress legislative party in the West Bengal Assembly on Friday issued a final warning to Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir, cautioning him against making public statements that continue to embarrass the party leadership.Kabir, known for his frequent controversial remarks, was summoned to the office of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay within the Assembly premises. According to party sources, Chattopadhyay personally handed over the caution notice and conveyed that this would be treated as the “last and final warning.”The move follows Kabir’s latest comments that stirred fresh controversy. Without naming anyone, he alleged that a section of the party leadership was in covert communication with the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari. “The leadership should investigate how many elected representatives are in regular touch with Adhikari,” Kabir said, prompting backlash from fellow TMC legislators who demanded he furnish evidence to support his claims.This is not the first time Kabir has drawn the ire of the party. In March this year, the disciplinary committee had issued him a show-cause notice for similar anti-party remarks but refrained from taking stronger disciplinary action at the time, instead issuing a formal warning.Kabir has repeatedly courted controversy with remarks that have embarrassed the Trinamool Congress. Last year, he came under fire for allegedly saying that Hindus in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district would be “cut and thrown into the Bhagirathi River.” In November, he was again served a show-cause notice for making statements critical of the party.More recently, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Kabir publicly questioned the party’s decision to field cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan from the Baharampur constituency, deriding him as an “outsider.”Despite multiple warnings, Kabir has continued to speak out in ways that undermine the party’s image, leaving the leadership with little patience.–IANSsrc/skp