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

Chennai, May 13 (IANS) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President and actor-turned-politician Vijay, on Tuesday, welcomed the Coimbatore Mahila Court’s judgment sentencing all the nine accused in the Pollachi sexual assault case to life imprisonment, calling it a long-overdue yet crucial step toward justice.

In a statement issued following the court’s ruling, Vijay said, “The life sentence awarded to those convicted in the Pollachi case is a welcome move. The survivors, who have shown immense courage over the past six years, deserve our deepest respect for their resilience and unwavering pursuit of justice. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to them.”The Special women’s court in Coimbatore on Tuesday sentenced the accused to undergo life imprisonment for the remainder of their natural lives under Section 376D of the Indian Penal Code.The judgment comes six years after the case — involving the sexual assault and blackmail of multiple women — sparked widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu.Vijay used the event to reiterate his party’s call for systemic judicial reforms to prevent such delays in delivering justice.”Justice delayed is justice denied. We urge the state government to expedite the establishment of fast-track special courts to handle cases of sexual harassment and violence against women and children,” he said.”Such cases must be resolved within 90 days to reduce the prolonged trauma faced by survivors.”He also emphasised the importance of societal responsibility in ensuring women’s safety.”At a time when Indian women are achieving remarkable feats in the armed forces and beyond, it is imperative that society prioritises their safety and dignity. Let us all work collectively to create a secure and respectful environment for women,” the TVK Chief added.The Pollachi case, which came to light in 2019, involved a criminal network of sexual assault and blackmail, with the accused luring women under false pretences and filming the acts to threaten the victims.The surviving victims’ persistence and the eventual legal outcome mark a significant milestone in the fight for justice in cases of gender-based violence.–IANSaal/khz

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that an individual apex…

Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) Amid reports of fissures in the family of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), his nephew and a top party leader T. Harish Rao on Tuesday said he was ready to accept the leadership of KCR’s son K. T. Rama Rao.

The former minister dismissed speculations that he was planning to switch the party. He told media persons that he is ready to work under the leadership of K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) after KCR.“I have said this many times, and I am saying it again. My leader is KCR, and I will follow whatever KCR says,” said Harish Rao, a member of the Telangana Assembly from Siddipet.The BRS leader said that some rumours were circulating on social media, and he had already dismissed them. He pointed out that a couple of party leaders also lodged police complaints against some social media channels spreading the rumours.Harish Rao, who has been associated with the BRS since its launch by KCR 25 years ago, stated that he is a disciplined worker of the party and that there is no question of going against the party’s decision.“If KTR is entrusted with the responsibility of leading the party, I will fully support him. I will abide by KCR’s decision,” he said.Rumours of a rift within the KCR family have been doing the rounds for the last few weeks. The cracks were visible during a public meeting organised in Hanamkonda district on April 27 on the occasion of the party’s silver jubilee.The banners and other promotional materials during the mega event displayed images of only KCR and KTR, fuelling speculations that the former chief minister was endorsing his son as his successor, ignoring daughter K. Kavitha and nephew Harish Rao.There have been reports of differences between KTR and Harish Rao even when BRS was in power.The party has been struggling ever since losing power to Congress in November 2023. The crushing defeat in last year’s Lok Sabha polls, in which it drew a blank, came as another huge setback for the party.While KCR is largely confining himself to his farmhouse, it’s KTR who is running the show. Harish Rao also remained active as one of the key leaders of the party and a leading voice in the Assembly.After release from jail in the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam, Kavitha has also been taking up various issues, especially those related to the increase in reservations for backward classes.Meanwhile, Harish Rao slammed the Congress government for failing to procure the produce from farmers. He found fault with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for remaining busy with the Miss World contest instead of solving the problems of farmers.–IANSms/dan

Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) Telangana Cyber Security Bureau on Tuesday dismissed rumours of a terrorist being arrested at Hyderabad Airport.

With a video circulating on social media claiming that a terrorist was caught at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) clarified that this claim is false.“The footage is from a recent mock drill at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which was part of routine security preparedness,” the TGCSB said in a fact-check alert on social media.It has appealed to people not to believe or share unverified content. The Bureau also stated that spreading misinformation is a punishable offence. It advised citizens to always rely on official sources for updates.RGIA also issued an advisory to travellers, stating that a video circulating on social media about terrorist movements at the airport is fake and misleading. “The visuals are from a mock drill exercise conducted as part of preparedness measures due to the ongoing situation,” it said.The airport authorities also informed that operations are normal. Heightened security measures have been put in place for the safety of passengers.Meanwhile, Telangana police have made tight security arrangements at various places for the ongoing Miss World pageant in Hyderabad.The police have tightened security at the airport, hotels, historic monuments and other places where the events related to the beauty pageant are being held.A total of 115 contestants from across continents are participating in the 72nd Miss World, which began on May 10.The TGCSB had earlier warned social media users against fake news and fear-mongering around Operation Sindoor. It noted that many users on social media were spreading fake news and misinformation about Operation Sindoor.The Bureau closely monitored social media to prevent the spread of false information and fear-mongering. It warned that strict action will be taken against those responsible.–IANSms/dan

Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday, cleared the policy to make use of ‘M-Sand’ (artificial sand) mandatory in the construction sector. This has been done in order to curb the environmental problems arising from the over-extraction of natural sand and to provide alternative and sustainable resources to the construction sector.

Instead of the royalty charge of Rs 600 per brass for sand production, the meeting approved charging royalty at a discounted rate of Rs 200 per brass. The artificial sand, produced with the help of crushers from quarry waste and stones obtained from mountain excavations, can be an alternative to natural sand.According to the policy, permission will be given to set up M-Sand units after obtaining permission from the district administration and forest department, and compliance with environmental regulations will be required, said the government release.The government has instructed all government, semi-government and public institutions in the state to use M-sSand on priority in their construction projects.In addition, it has been clarified that only quality M-Sand should be used as per the norms of the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 383:2016). The Industries Department will provide concessions to 50 individuals/institutions in each district to set up M-Sand units. Also, a concession of Rs 200 per brass will be given to the unit producing M-Sand.“The government believes that M-Sand units will increase employment opportunities at the local level, reduce dependence on natural sand and contribute to environmental protection. For this, district-level committees will be formed and an independent monitoring mechanism will be created to strictly implement the policy,” said the government release.This decision is likely to bring about a major change in the construction sector and promote environmental protection, sustainable development and the local economy. The Cabinet has given its approval to provide incentives, including industrial incentive grants, interest subsidies, exemption from electricity charges, stamp duty waivers and subsidies on electricity rates for those investing in the setting up of M-Sand units.Meanwhile, the Cabinet has accepted the Mukesh Khullar committee’s report on salary discrepancies. The committee was formed to suggest recommendations for the removal of discrepancies in the salaries of government employees and officers. The committee had submitted its report to the state government on December 31, 2024, which was accepted by the Cabinet on Tuesday.The recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission of the Centre were implemented for state government and other employees from January 1, 2016. But after the implementation of the revised pay scale, some errors were found in the pay fixation and the revised pay scale.On this, teachers in the state had filed various petitions in the Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur benches. As per the order of the High Court, the government had constituted a Pay Error Committee under the chairmanship of Mukesh Khullar through a government decision dated March 16, 2024. This committee discussed with various administrative departments and 58 organisations. The committee also considered the representations received by the committee and submitted to the Finance Department, said the government release.The committee examined the proposals of various cadres and made recommendations regarding 441 cadres.“It was found that while fixing the pay, despite the increase in the pay scale as per the government decision dated February 13, 2023, taken in accordance with Clause 2 of the Bakshi Committee, the new pay of some employees was less than the previous pay. The committee has recommended fixing the pay in that pay scale at the next stage. So that the pay in the new pay scale will not be lower than the previous one. In addition, the committee has recommended relaxing the condition of the pay scale for single posts higher than S-27 in the government decision dated March 28, 2023, to implement the selection grade pay scale,” said the government release.The committee has also recommended giving a revised pay scale to those working in the same cadre but in different departments.Further, the committee has recommended that if the pay scale of the promoted post in the promotion chain is reduced due to the revision of the pay scale, then that error should be rectified. The pay recommended by this committee will be sanctioned from 1 January 2016, and the actual financial benefits will be implemented from the month in which the government orders regarding this will be issued. However, no arrears will be paid from January 1, 2016, to the month in which the government order is issued.–IANSsj/dan

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that fingerprints of all arrested criminals should be recorded under the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), so that the database can be used optimally.

Addressing a meeting in New Delhi with Puducherry Lieutenant Governor (LG) K. Kailashnathan to assess the implementation of three new criminal laws in the Union Territory (UT), HM Shah said that provisions like e-summons, e-Sakshya, Nyaya Shruti and forensics should be fully implemented as soon as possible.He said that the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of the Union Territory of Puducherry should review the progress of implementation of the new criminal laws once a week, the Home Minister every 15 days, and the Lieutenant Governor once a month.National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), a biometric system used by law enforcement to store and identify individuals based on fingerprints.Earlier, HM Shah said that only the Director of Prosecution (DoP) should have the right to give legal advice in any case.The Home Minister emphasised ensuring the early implementation of the new criminal laws.He said that FIRs in the Union Territory of Puducherry should be registered in the Tamil language only, and arrangements should be made to make it available in other languages ​​to those who require it.Earlier, while chairing a review meeting on the implementation of three new criminal laws with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), HM Shah stressed the use of biometric technology to identify unclaimed bodies.The Union Home Minister said there is a need to regularly interact with senior police formations of State/UTs to monitor the progress of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) regularly and provide impetus to the project.He said that NCRB should create a data-rich platform to benefit the Investigation Officers and other stakeholders of the Criminal Justice System.He appreciated NCRB’s efforts in the technical implementation of the New Criminal Laws and the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS).The Union Minister also reviewed the integration of CCTNS 2.0, NAFIS, Prisons, Courts, Prosecution and Forensics with ICJS 2.0 at the all-India level. Union Home Secretary, Director NCRB and several senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, NCRB and NIC were present in the meeting.During the discussions, he asked NCRB to facilitate the complete implementation of new criminal laws in ICJS 2.0, stressing on use of applications like eSakshya, Nyaya Shruti, eSign and eSummons in every state/UT.Elaborating on the need to have a generation of alerts right from registration to disposal of a case, he said alerts to investigation officers and senior officers as per pre-defined timelines, would help expedite the investigation.He emphasised that a team of the Ministry of Home Affairs and NCRB should visit the States/Union Territories to increase the adoption of technical projects and assist them in all possible ways.–IANSrch/dan

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) Calling upon the youth to dedicate themselves to the nation with patriotism, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Professor Mazhar Asif on Tuesday flagged off a Tiranga March as part of a campaign in support of Nation First.The ‘Rashtra Pratham – A Campaign in Support of Nation First’ was launched by the Higher Education Institutions, Ministry of Education.The march symbolises the JMI fraternity’s unflinching support for the Indian Armed Forces, the Government of India, and national security agencies, said a statement.Prof. Mazhar Asif and Prof. Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi (Registrar) led the march, which started from JMI’s imposing Centenary Gate and concluded at the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW) lawns of the university.Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decisive leadership, under which our armed forces and national security agencies delivered a strong message against terrorism, the VC said, “JMI salutes the Indian Armed Forces for their extraordinary courage and determination to defend our borders and safeguard national security.”He said, “The Tiranga March is being conducted today to honour our valiant soldiers and to salute the resilience and tenacity exhibited by the Government of India since the start of Operation Sindoor. Above all, we have gathered here to pledge to place the nation over all else.”Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rizvi said, “Operation Sindoor exemplifies not only the courage and conviction of our Armed Forces but is also an outstanding demonstration of every Indian’s unstinting support and love for the country.”He said, “The way in which the entire country came together to support the Government and our security forces is remarkable. JMI was among the first central universities to express its strongest condemnation of the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam and extended its deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives by planting 26 trees in their memory.”He said the march is a reaffirmation of our unconditional support to uphold the spirit and ethos of ‘Nation First,’ as we have assembled here to commit ourselves to the service and the cause of the nation.Deans, Heads of Departments, Directors of Centres, Officers of JMI, faculty members and staff, along with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) wings of JMI, participated in large numbers in the Tiranga March.–IANSrch/uk