Bhubaneswar, May 13 (IANS) The Odisha Vigilance arrested five Forest Department officials for misappropriation of funds to the tune of around Rs 80 lakhs under the ‘Compensatory Afforestation Scheme’ in Kalahandi South Forest Division during the 2023-2024 financial year, an official said on Tuesday.

The accused officials were identified as Sairendri Bag, Deputy Ranger, In-charge of Jaypatana Range, Umesh Rout (Forester), Debraj Sunani (Forester), Ashok Kumar Sahu (Forest Guard) and Lalit Naik (Forest Guard) of the Jaypatana Range of Kalahandi South Forest Division.“Based on credible inputs regarding large-scale misappropriation of government funds under ‘Compensatory Afforestation Scheme’ in Jaypatana Range of Kalahandi, South Forest Division, a Vigilance enquiry was taken up for verification of plantation under the above scheme, by four teams comprising 25 Officers of Odisha Vigilance,” the official further added.The vigilance sources also claimed that the sleuths, during a thorough analysis of different plantation sites at Champachuan and Khamarpadar under Jaypatana Range, have found a huge shortfall in plantation and embezzlement of government funds worth several lakhs under the scheme.“Enquiry also revealed that the plantation funds were diverted to a number of fictitious labour accounts and withdrawn shortly thereafter, and misappropriated,” stated the vigilance.The anti-corruption wing of the Odisha government also noted that, prima facie, the accusation against the five accused Forest Department officials was well-founded on the basis of the evidence that came to light during the inquiry.On Monday, a case was registered against the accused officials under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act for misappropriating huge public money amounting to Rs 79,54,635 by not carrying out plantation and fabricating official records related to the said plantation work during the financial year 2023-24.Subsequently, the accused were arrested on Tuesday and forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna.–IANSgyan/dan

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) India on Tuesday declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, as persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).”The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours. Charge d’ Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today,” read a short statement issued by the MEA.Earlier in the day, the Punjab Police announced that, in a significant breakthrough, the Malerkotla Police had apprehended two individuals for their alleged involvement in espionage activities linked to a Pakistani official posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.”Acting on credible intelligence, one suspect was arrested for leaking sensitive information regarding Indian Army movements to a Pakistan-based handler. Based on disclosures made during interrogation, a second conduit was also identified and taken into custody,” read a statement issued by the Director General of Punjab Police, Gaurav Yadav.”Preliminary investigation reveals that the accused had been receiving payments through online transactions in exchange for classified information. They were in frequent contact with the handler and were involved in channeling funds to other local operatives as per his instructions. Two mobile phones have been recovered, and an FIR has been registered,” it added.The operation by Punjab Police marked a significant step in dismantling cross-border espionage networks.”Further investigation will be undertaken as per established protocol, with a focus on tracing the financial trail and identifying additional operatives and linkages within the network,” the Punjab DGP stated.Last month, immediately after the heinous Pahalgam attack which resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had announced several measures to punish Pakistan, including declaring the Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. They were given a week to leave India as New Delhi also withdrew its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Five support staff of the Service Advisors were also withdrawn from both High Commissions.India then launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting at least nine terrorist base camps across the Line of Control (LoC) and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), to avenge the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.On Monday, for the first time since the understanding of the ceasefire, Indian and Pakistani military operations chiefs spoke to each other on a hotline to discuss ways to restore calm on the border.According to official information, Pakistan affirmed that it will not take this conflict forward and also indicated its willingness not to violate the ceasefire.The talks between Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) revolved around stopping military actions and firing on the lines of understanding reached after India’s anti-terror Operation Sindoor was halted at Pakistan’s request on May 10.The DGMOs’ hotline discussion also featured measures for observing restraint and respecting the consensus to stop firing and review the current situation.–IANS/as

Jaipur, May 13 (IANS) Joraram Kumawat, Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Devasthan Department and Minister-in-Charge of Barmer district, conducted a detailed visit to several border villages on Tuesday to assess the prevailing situation and review security arrangements.

Addressing the media, Kumawat stated, “The border remains peaceful, but any provocation from across the border will receive a strong response.” He affirmed that the situation is under constant surveillance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that all three branches of the armed forces are united in countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.During his visit, Kumawat also met families of soldiers serving in the Indian Army, praising their courage and dedication. He highlighted India’s growing self-reliance and technological strength in defence, noting that the effectiveness of indigenous weapons has gained global recognition.Referring to the recent tense situation, the Minister noted that despite blackouts and air raid sirens, not a single family abandoned their homes in the border villages. “Villagers remained fearless, sitting outside their homes even during moments of tension. Their bravery is commendable,” he said.Minister Kumawat visited Jasai, Sedwa, Deepla, Khara, and Paru villages, where he interacted with locals and listened to their concerns. He held a strategic review meeting with Colonel Vikramjit Singh and Colonel Shivaji Warghade at Jasai Military Station to evaluate the security preparedness along the India-Pakistan border. Bhilwara MP Damodar Agarwal, BJP State Minister Ajit Mundan, District Minister Devi Lal Kumawat, Anantaram Bishnoi, and Army officials were also present during the meeting. In Khara village, Minister Kumawat commended the resilience of the residents amid recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He assured the villagers of comprehensive support from the administration during emergencies. Local leaders, including Sarpanch Chetanram and villagers Devi Singh and Revant Singh, expressed their gratitude for the government’s ongoing assistance. Emphasising solidarity, he stated, “The state government stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of border areas.”Kumawat also met the families of the youth of the region serving in the army. He said that India is now self-reliant and technically strong. The world has seen the capability of Made in India weapons. He also said that for the last several days, there were war-like situations between the two countries, due to which there was a lot of tension on both sides. Despite the blackout and air raid sirens, the people of the villages settled on the Pakistan border adjoining Barmer fought bravely, and no family left the border village.After a comprehensive five-hour tour of the border villages and review of the situation in Balotra and Barmer districts, Minister Kumawat concluded his two-day visit and returned to Jaipur. –IANSarc/dan

Gurugram, May 13 (IANS) Six locations on the busy Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH-48) are prone to road accidents, Traffic police officials said on Tuesday.

In 2024, there has been a 41 per cent increase in the accidents.This has been revealed in the report of the traffic police.The report revealed that the cause of the accident is heavy vehicles hitting mostly two-wheeler vehicles and four-wheeler vehicles from behind.The traffic officials said they have prepared a plan to reduce such accidents.Along with installing signage boards on the highway, drivers will also get alerts about accident-prone areas in Google Maps so that accidents can be avoided in Gurugram.Apart from this, strictness will also be taken by the traffic police so that accidents do not occur.According to the report, six places on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway are the most unsafe.These include 32 Avenue, Rajiv Chowk, Hero Honda Chowk, Kherki Daula Chowk, IMT Manesar and Bilaspur Chowk along the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway.The data also disclosed that 108 road accidents took place at these six places in 2023, and 45 people lost their lives.At the same time, 184 road accidents took place in 2024, and 99 people died.There was an increase of 41.3 per cent in the number of road accidents in the year 2024 as compared to the year 2023.Expressing concern by the district administration and traffic police, a plan is being prepared to reduce the number of accidents and deaths.To reduce fatal accidents, instructions were given by Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar to take action against heavy vehicle drivers who violate traffic rules.Along with the traffic police, other departments have also been asked to take strict action.”The traffic police are making efforts to reduce accidents on the highway. A letter has also been written to National Highways Authority of India to install boards to alert drivers at accident-prone places. Signage boards will be installed at these spots on the highway where most accidents occur, so that the drivers can be careful while passing through those intersections. Apart from this, action will be taken against heavy vehicle drivers who do not drive in the lane,” Rajesh Kumar Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, said.–IANSstr/khz

Jaipur, May 13 (IANS) Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde emphasised that all development works and welfare schemes of the Central and state governments must be completed within their stipulated timelines, ensuring that benefits reach every eligible person without delay.

Governor Bagde chaired a departmental review meeting with district-level officers at the Collectorate Auditorium in the Mini Secretariat of Alwar on Tuesday.He urged officials to work sensitively and responsibly to ensure effective implementation of public welfare schemes, so that the benefits seamlessly reach those entitled to them. Reviewing progress across various departments, Governor Bagde directed the Education Department to train teachers in the provisions of the New Education Policy (NEP). He stressed the importance of enhancing students’ intellectual abilities alongside academic learning.He also advised enrolling children aged three and above in educational institutions as per the NEP and asked about efforts to reintegrate school dropouts into the education system. Highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage, he said, “Our ancient texts and history are treasure troves of knowledge, and today’s youth can learn immensely from them.”While assessing the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Governor instructed officials to draft an action plan for villages and settlements not currently covered under the scheme. He called for increased focus on water conservation, pasture development, and plantation efforts through MNREGA to retain village water resources at the local level. Regarding the PM Awas Yojana, Governor Bagde emphasised the need to provide housing with toilets to tribal, nomadic, and semi-nomadic communities based on eligibility. He also urged officials to connect remote and smaller settlements with roads under the PM Gram Sadak Yojana and to promote the use of renewable energy through the PM Kusum Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Yojana by encouraging the installation of solar panels.“The goal should be not just awareness, but empowerment,” he said. “Farmers and cattle rearers must be linked to development by increasing their incomes through these schemes.” Governor Bagde directed the Agriculture Department to promote the Soil Health Card Scheme and encourage farmers to send soil samples for testing. He also called for a review of key schemes, including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana, National Health Mission, and programs under the Women and Child Development, Mining, Industries, and Dairy Departments. He further emphasised the need to support women’s self-help groups (SHGs), especially in the areas of product development, branding, and marketing, to ensure their active participation in economic progress. –IANSarc/dan

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) India on Tuesday declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, as persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

“The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours. Charge d’ Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today,” read a short statement issued by the MEA.Last month, immediately after the heinous Pahalgam attack which resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had announced several measures to punish Pakistan, including declaring the Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. They were given a week to leave India as New Delhi also withdrew its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Five support staff of the Service Advisors were also withdrawn from both High Commissions.India then launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting at least nine terrorist base camps across the Line of Control (LoC) and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), to avenge the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.On Monday, for the first time since the understanding of the ceasefire, Indian and Pakistani military operations chiefs spoke to each other on a hotline to discuss ways to restore calm on the border.According to official information, Pakistan affirmed that it will not take this conflict forward and also indicated its willingness not to violate the ceasefire.The talks between Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) revolved around stopping military actions and firing on the lines of understanding reached after India’s anti-terror Operation Sindoor was halted at Pakistan’s request on May 10.The DGMOs’ hotline discussion also featured measures for observing restraint and respecting the consensus to stop firing and review the current situation.–IANS/as

Guwahati, May 13 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stirred a political debate on Tuesday with sharp remarks aimed at the Congress party, questioning its past handling of national security and strategic diplomacy. Speaking critically of historical decisions made by the Congress leadership, Sarma pointedly referenced the 1971 India-Pakistan war, challenging the party to clarify its stance on war and peace.He asked whether Congress believes India should have continued military action even after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) surrendered. His comments appeared to take aim at what he perceives as inconsistencies in the opposition’s current rhetoric on national security.Sarma also criticised the Congress party’s handling of post-war diplomacy, particularly in relation to the creation of Bangladesh. While Congress leaders have often lauded Indira Gandhi’s leadership during the 1971 war, Sarma questioned why, despite a clear military victory, the Indian government did not leverage its position more strategically.He argued that India missed a historic opportunity to negotiate control over the “chicken neck”—a narrow strip of land connecting mainland India to the Northeast — suggesting that a land corridor could have been secured to better integrate the region with the rest of the country.Taking the critique further, Sarma questioned the long-term consequences of allowing the establishment of an Islamic republic — Bangladesh — next door. He implied that India should have considered the ideological and geopolitical implications of its wartime decisions more thoroughly. These provocative statements reflect Sarma’s assertive political style and underline the BJP’s broader narrative of contrasting its national security posture with that of the Congress. They also come at a time when debates around borders, regional integration, and historical legacies are becoming increasingly central to Indian political discourse.Shortly after US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement of an India-Pakistan understanding on ceasefire, Congress leaders swiftly invoked Indira Gandhi, drawing parallels between her leadership during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.By highlighting her legacy of what the party describes as assertively upholding India’s interests and resisting US pressure to halt military operations, the Congress sought to criticise the government’s handling of the ‘understanding’ reached with Pakistan and the perceived role of the United States in the process.–IANStdr/uk

Amreli (Gujarat), May 13 (IANS) A large-scale Asiatic lion population estimation is currently underway across 11 districts in Gujarat, covering an estimated 35,000 square km of forests and surrounding regions, officials said on Tuesday.

The four-day operation, which began on May 10, is being carried out in two phases and concludes on Tuesday (May 13), as per official report.In the Gir East forest division in Dhari, 511 personnel — including regional and zonal officers, enumerators, observers, and volunteers — have been deployed to collect data as part of the 16th lion census.Statewide, more than 2,900 individuals are engaged in the effort, coordinated through eight regions, 32 zones, and 112 sub-zones, spread across 58 talukas of districts such as Amreli, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Botad.The census involves 24-hour direct observation, covering both forested beats and surrounding village clusters.Data is being recorded meticulously, including time of sighting, GPS location, physical signs, photographs, and direction of movement.All information is being processed using geographic information system mapping and statistical software to ensure accurate analysis and visualisation.The final population data will be released after thorough verification and data integration.First conducted in 1936, the lion census has become a critical conservation tool, held every five years by the Gujarat Forest Department.The current survey is notable for its use of modern technologies and direct beat verification, a method known for its near 100 per cent accuracy and minimal margin of error.This method has proven effective in diverse terrains — from forests to coastal areas and revenue lands — for more than three decades.According to past data, the lion population stood at 304 in 1995, increasing to 327 in 2001, 359 in 2005, 411 in 2010, 523 in 2015, and a remarkable 674 lions in 2020.Gujarat is the only state in the world that is home to the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), a majestic and endangered species that once roamed from the Middle East to India.Today, these lions are found exclusively in and around the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.Over the years, the lions have expanded their territory beyond the protected forest, spreading across parts of Amreli, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, and even into the coastal regions of Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka.–IANSjanvi/khz

Chandigarh, May 13 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Tuesday that the…

Majitha (Amritsar), May 13 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the state government would not spare anyone, however affluent he may be, involved in the heinous crime of sale of spurious liquor that led to the hooch tragedy in Amritsar district.

Interacting with the media after sharing condolences with families of the tragedy, which claimed 17 lives, the Chief Minister said these deaths are not merely accidents but they are murders, which have been caused due to the greed of certain individuals, who are involved in this crime. He said that this is a clear murder and the state government will not allow the culprits to escape the severest of punishment. Mann said 17 lives have been lost due to the spurious liquor, and the people responsible for it deserve no mercy as they did this crime deliberately. The Chief Minister said this crime cannot be carried out without political patronage by the powerful politicians, adding that this angle is being probed by the police. Mann said 10 people, including the kingpin, have been arrested. The police have also identified the forward and backward linkages of the nexus involved in this crime. “Let me tell one thing very clearly, my government is firmly committed to ensure justice to the hapless families by ensuring exemplary punishment to the accused,” he said. The Chief Minister said the connections of this nexus have been traced up to Delhi, and every person involved in this crime will be put behind bars by the government. He said it has come into light that 600 litres of online methanol were ordered by the perpetrators of the tragedy, which was probably used for making spurious liquor. Mann said the police are looking into all the aspects of this tragedy to nail down the culprits and ensure exemplary punishment for them. The Chief Minister said the government has already suspended four officers, including one DSP, Station House Officer and two officers of the Excise Department, for their complacency in checking the sale and supply of spurious liquor. He said that though this deep-rooted nexus is very strong and has flexed its muscles due to open patronisation by the previous regimes, this liquor mafia will be eliminated from the state. Mann said that no one, whether a politician or a government servant, will be spared if they are found complicit in the hooch deaths. The Chief Minister said it is unfortunate that the hooch tragedy has snatched the lone breadearners of the hapless families. He said the pattern of deaths was the same as was in the hooch tragedy that took place in the year 2020 at Tarn Taran. –IANS vg/dan