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Kolkata, May 15 (IANS) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday observed that the communal violence over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad district of West Bengal flared up last month and the situation went totally out of control because of inadequate deployment of police forces at the venues of protests in that minority-dominated district.To recall, the communal violence and riot-like situation in different pockets of Murshidabad broke out on April 8 and for the next few days vandalism over protests continued till a special division bench of the Calcutta High Court headed by Justice Soumen Sen, on April 12, ordered the deployment of central armed police forces (CAPF) personnel in the district to keep the situation under control.As the matter came up for hearing again on Thursday, the division bench observed that the inadequate deployment of police personnel is not just in Murshidabad but in every district of West Bengal, which are hurdles for keeping situation under control during moments of crises.The division bench also sought to know whether the state government has paid compensation to the victims of communal violence at Murshidabad as per the legal provisions.Senior advocate of Calcutta High Court and Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee, who was pleading on behalf of the state government, argued that the problem of lesser police personnel than requirement is not just a problem for West Bengal but the entire country.To one of his arguments, Justice Sen observed that in this particular case, his concern was the situation in West Bengal.To Banerjee’s submission that the state government had given adequate compensation to the victims of communal violence in Murshidabad, Justice Sen observed that it is not necessary that what the state government feels to be “adequate” might be so in reality for the family members of the victims.On Thursday, the division bench also directed that the CAPF deployment at the sensitive pockets in Murshidabad would continue till further order. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled on July 31.On Thursday, the Union Government counsel informed the division bench that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is ready to take up the charge of investigation on the Murshidabad violence if the court gives permission on this count.–IANSsrc/pgh

Patna, May 15 (IANS) Two FIRs have been registered against the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for holding an event allegedly without the permission from administration in Bihar’s Darbhanga on Thursday.

LoP Rahul Gandhi, who was in Bihar for approximately nine hours, visited Darbhanga, where he participated in the NSUI’s ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ program held at the Ambedkar Kalyan Hostel, allegedly without the required permission from the district administration.Despite the administration granting permission for the event at Town Hall, Rahul Gandhi went ahead with the program at the Ambedkar hostel, where he addressed Dalit students for about 15 minutes.The move triggered an immediate response from the authorities.Following the event, two separate FIRs were filed against Rahul Gandhi and several Congress leaders.The first FIR was registered at Laheriyasarai police station by Duty Magistrate Khurshid Alam, who was present at the scene. This complaint cites a violation of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaces the earlier Section 144 of the IPC.The second FIR was lodged by District Welfare Officer Alok Kumar, accusing LoP Rahul Gandhi, and others of forcibly organising an event at the Ambedkar Welfare Hostel without permission from the authorities.The police have named 20 Congress leaders, including LoP Rahul Gandhi, in the FIRs, along with 100 unidentified individuals.Senior officials, including Darbhanga Sadar SDPO Amit Kumar and Sadar SDM Vikas Kumar, confirmed the registration of both cases.Rahul Gandhi later left for Patna, where he attended a screening of the film Phule at City Centre Mall, before heading back to Delhi.–IANSajk/dan

Chandigarh, May 15 (IANS) In a step aimed at saving 15-20 per cent groundwater, the Punjab government on Thursday started the direct sowing of rice (DSR) to check the depletion of groundwater besides supplementing the income of farmers in a big way.This time, the government aims to bring five lakh acres under this technique.In a statement issued here on Thursday, the Chief Minister said the government has taken several initiatives to safeguard the interests of the farmers.He said as a part of this endeavour only, the state government has encouraged DSR technique of paddy cultivation as a part of which sowing under the scheme has been started from Thursday.Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the government has set a target of bringing five lakh acres under the DSR technique during this kharif season.Urging the farmers to make maximum use of this scheme, the Chief Minister said that this initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture on one hand and conserving the groundwater on the other.Mann said the government is giving a financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per acre to the farmers adopting DSR.He said the government has also kept a budgetary allocation of Rs 40 crore for this purpose in 2025-26, adding the farmers interested in it can register for the DSR scheme at online portal agrimachinerypb.com till June 30.The Chief Minister said this scheme will save 15-20 per cent of the groundwater, besides saving the additional expenses on agriculture.The DSR technique is a big boon as it will help checking the depleting groundwater levels besides reducing labour costs of approximately Rs 3,500 per acre.He said the farmers should come forward and adopt this scheme and discharge their duty towards their motherland in a befitting manner.The Chief Minister said the government has always been sensitive towards steering the farmers out of the prevailing agrarian crisis and for saving the precious groundwater of the state.–IANSvg/pgh

Bengaluru, May 15 (IANS) In a significant push to strengthen rail infrastructure in Karnataka, the Railway Board has approved Final Location Surveys (FLS) for two important new railway lines under the South Western Railway (SWR) zone, the official statement said on Thursday.

The first proposed line spans 162 km between Almatti and Yadgir, with a sanctioned survey cost of Rs 4.05 crore.The second survey, costing Rs 1.825 crore, will cover a 73-kilometre stretch between Bhadravathi and Chikjajur via Channagiri.Together, these surveys amount to a total estimated cost of Rs 5.875 crore.This initiative marks the crucial first step in the planning and development of key railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity across the central and northern parts of the state.The proposed Almatti-Yadgir line is strategically significant as it aims to enhance connectivity between northern Karnataka and major economic corridors, the statement said.Almatti, known for its dam and hydroelectric power generation, plays a key role in the region’s agriculture and energy sectors, while Yadgir serves as a crucial junction in the Hyderabad-Mumbai rail corridor.Improved rail connectivity between these points will boost regional trade, mobility, and access to resources.Similarly, the Bhadravathi-Chikjajur line will strengthen intra-state connectivity in central Karnataka.Bhadravathi, an industrial town housing steel and paper industries, will benefit from direct access to Chikjajur, a major railway junction that connects several parts of Karnataka. This line is expected to support freight movement, industrial growth, and better passenger connectivity in the region.Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna has inaugurated the Gadag-Wadi Railway project in Koppal on Thursday.The project will provide railway connectivity between the Mumbai, Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka regions.Union Minister Somanna stated that the hard work of the Congress MLA and CM’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy has paid off, and this happened because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.This railway project began when the Rajya Sabha Member and JD (S) National President H. D. Deve Gowda was the Prime Minister. During the tenure of former PM late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the National Highways were extended all across the nation. During the tenure of PM Narendra Modi, the Indian Railways had made great achievements, he underlined.–IANSmka/dan

Pune, May 15 (IANS) The Maharashtra Animal Husbandry department on Thursday launched the counselling-based transfers for Livestock Development Officers and Assistant Commissioners in the department in the presence of Minister Pankaja Munde. The counselling-based transfer system aims to ensure equitable distribution of manpower across the state and to conduct transfers transparently. This was mooted by the minister herself recently and it was launched on Thursday.On Thursday, 118 officials from tribal and LWE-affected areas and 444 officers from other regions received transfers to locations of their choice.“I am extremely happy to witness yet another historic moment being created. To boost officers’ morale and to implement a corruption-free policy, I decided to conduct transfers in the Animal Husbandry Department through counseling. This decision will remain in effect in the future as well. The happiness on the faces of the common people working hard at the village level is important to me. Your transfers have been done as per your wishes… now work with a fresh and positive mindset,” said Pankaja Munde.“When I was the Minister of Rural Development, I had implemented the decision for online transfers of teachers, which benefited many who previously could not get their desired postings. I have a passion for taking out-of-the-box decisions, and thus I have taken this step for the Animal Husbandry Department. Once a decision is made, I do not change it — this will remain in effect permanently.”I have countless people who love me, and since you serve them, I have taken this decision. The joy on the faces of the common people is what matters most to me,” said the minister.She further said that the decision will benefit officers who have served in remote tribal areas for years, away from their families.”Now, they are getting their preferred postings. The happiness on your faces today is truly satisfying,” she added.Department Secretary N. Ramaswamy said that veterinarians who join government service after completing their education get an excellent opportunity to serve as public servants.“It is our collective responsibility to uphold the department’s proud legacy and further enhance its reputation. To achieve this, it is essential to make veterinary services easily accessible at the regional level. Everyone should contribute to this mission with dedication,” he added.Meanwhile, the department on Thursday launched a digital e-magazine titled ‘Mahapashudhan Varta’ to create awareness about veterinary services, policy decisions, and the implementation of various schemes.The aim is to provide livestock owners with easy access to information about animal husbandry and help them increase their income through modern business management techniques.The department has also developed a QR code for the magazine, making it available to livestock owners with a single click. The QR code was officially launched by the dignitaries present, said the department release.–IANSsj/pgh

Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) Actress Rashmika Mandanna has disclosed the one thing that can brighten up her whole day.According to…

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday held discussions with senior representatives of the electronics industry to further enhance the safety of electrical appliances for consumers.“Had a productive interaction with key stakeholders from the electronics industry with discussions centred on the implementation of horizontal Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to further enhance the safety of electrical appliances in the interest of consumers,” the Minister said.“Also, explored opportunities for enhancing the industry’s growth and global competitiveness,” he added in a note on social media platform X.Horizontal Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are government regulations that mandate Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for specific products. They aim to ensure quality and safety by preventing substandard imports and promoting domestic manufacturing.Products falling under a QCO must bear the BIS Standard Mark to be produced, sold, traded, imported, or stocked. QCOs aim to protect consumers, promote fair trade, and support domestic industries by curbing substandard imports and ensuring quality standards.BIS acts as the enforcement and certification authority for products covered under QCOs.So far, a total of 187 Quality Control Orders covering 769 products have been notified for compulsory certification of BIS by various regulators and ministries of the Government of India,Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2024 was issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.Through the QCO, all electrical appliances intended for household, commercial or similar applications with rated voltage not exceeding 250V single phase alternating current or 415V three-phase alternating current and which do not fall under the scope of any other Quality Control Order issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act are covered under compulsory certification of BIS.Bringing products under the ambit of mandatory quality control order and the implementation of QCO depends on the requirements of line Ministries/Departments, as and when the need arises.The Ministries/Departments, in consultation with BIS, publish QCOs in exercise of the powers conferred by the BIS Act, 2016, thereby bringing the products under BIS Mandatory Certification.–IANSsps/pgh

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Adani Airport Holdings has scrapped its agreement with Turkish company DragonPass to provide the latter’s customers access to its airport lounges. The move comes in the wake of Turkey’s support to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attacks and Operation Sindoor launched by India to avenge the killings of 26 tourists.

“Our association with DragonPass, which provided access to airport lounges, has been terminated with immediate effect. DragonPass customers will no longer have access to lounges at Adani-managed airports. This change will have no impact on the airport lounge and travel experience for other customers,” the Adani Airport Holdings spokesperson said on Thursday.Meanwhile, the government has revoked the security clearance for Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi Airport Services at the Indian airports, as calls grew to ban Turkish businesses in the wake of their country supporting Pakistan.In a notification, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that “in the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security.”The Turkish company handles around 70 per cent of the ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses and bridge operations.Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, said in a post on X that we have received requests from across India to ban Celebi NAS Airport Services India Ltd, a Turkish company operating ground handling services at Indian airports.“Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognisance of these requests and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked the security clearance of the said company. Ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains our top priority,” the minister posted.Since its entry in 2008, Celebi has expanded its presence in India’s aviation sector.As per reports, the firm is partly owned by Sumeyye Erdogan, daughter of Tayyip Erdogan.Sumeyye Erdogan is married to Selcuk Bayraktar, the man who produces Bayraktar military drones, which Pakistan used against India.This suggests that support to Pakistan is not just a matter of Turkish state policy, but one in which Erdogan’s own family is directly involved, according to reports.–IANSsps/dan

Imphal, May 15 (IANS) Manipur Police have refuted the existence of a group calling itself the ‘Kuki Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone’, which recently reportedly circulated a statement warning members of the Meitei community against entering Kuki-dominated areas during the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal community, also did not support the ‘Kuki Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone’ reported warning to the Meitei community.The Manipur Police clarified that the purported press release dated May 11 was being shared on social media platforms and in some local publications.“It has come to the notice of Manipur Police that a press communique issued by an unknown organisation Kuki Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone, is being circulated on social media and local newspapers. The unknown organisation has warned members of the Meitei community against entering or crossing Kuki-inhabited areas for the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival,” the police said.It said that the district police enquired about the organisation. However, no such organisation was found.The police also said that, as such, the general public is requested not to believe such unfounded and baseless press notes issued by unknown organisations. The district police will make adequate security arrangements to ensure the movement of the public for the Shirui Lily Festival.The public is requested to cooperate with the Police Department in the security arrangement relating to the Shirui Lily Festival, police said.Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) in a statement clarified its position in regard to a recent statement allegedly issued by certain individuals or groups identifying themselves as “Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers, Eastern Zone” concerning the Shiroy Lili festival.The KZC said that as a political platform committed to representing the democratic and collective interests of the Kuki-Zo people, the council does not engage in or endorse unsolicited communications issued by individuals or organisations acting independently.Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla recently chaired the organising committee meeting of the Shirui Lily Festival, 2025 to be held in Ukhrul district. The meeting, held at the Raj Bhavan, extensively discussed to ensure the seamless organisation of the festival, addressing aspects such as budget allocation, event scheduling, security measures, transportation, crowd management, infrastructure development, accommodation arrangements, cultural programming, promotional strategies, and interdepartmental coordination.Shirui Lily Festival, mostly organised by the Meitei community, is celebrated in honour of the state flower, Shirui Lily. The celebration is during the peak blooming season of the Shirui Lily, a rare and endangered flower that can only be found in Manipur. Shirui lily grows on top of the Shirui hills in Ukhrul district and cannot be replanted anywhere else in the world.The state flower of Manipur fills the air with its pleasant fragrance during the blooming season. The festival is observed primarily with an aim to spread awareness and conserve the endangered state flower.The festival provides an opportunity for people from various communities and tribes to come together, explore the highest hill-station of Manipur, the picturesque Ukhrul district and get deeper insights about the Tangkhul Naga tribe dwelling here.–IANSsc/dan

Patna, May 15 (IANS) Having won the team championship in Madhya Pradesh (2023) and Tamil Nadu (2024), Maharashtra completed a hat-trick of titles when they finished on top of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 medal tally. The seventh edition of KIYG, which began on May 4, ended on Thursday at Patna’s Patliputra Sports Complex.The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, congratulated Bihar for hosting the Games.”I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the state of Bihar for successfully hosting the Khelo India Youth Games 2025. The impeccable organisation and vibrant energy witnessed throughout the event have truly showcased Bihar’s emerging role in India’s sporting journey,” he said.Dr. Mandaviya added: “My special congratulations to Maharashtra for securing the top position, followed by Haryana in second place and Karnataka in third. Each of these states has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to nurturing sporting talent and fostering a culture of excellence.”In these under-18 Games, Maharashtra won gold medals across 14 sports, with the bulk of them coming from athletics (10), swimming (7), gymnastics (7), archery (6), and weightlifting (5). Maharashtra won a total of 158 medals, which included 47 silver and 53 bronze.Several athletes who excelled for Maharashtra, particularly the weightlifters, archers, and fencers, train at Khelo India centres or National Centres of Excellence of the Sports Authority of India in Aurangabad, Patiala, and Sonepat. “But beyond the medal tally, it is important to remember that in sports, no one truly loses — you either win or you learn. Every athlete who competed at KIYG 2025 is a champion in their own right, contributing to the spirit of healthy competition and national pride,” said Dr. Mandaviya.The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, were among the dignitaries present at the closing ceremony. Two hundred and eighty-five gold medals across 27 disciplines were decided during the 12-day Games, and Maharashtra accounted for 58 of them.Haryana, which was third in the Tamil Nadu edition last year, finished runners-up in Bihar with 39 gold medals, a bulk of them coming from wrestling (8), boxing (8), fencing (7), and athletics (6). Karnataka finished third with 17 gold medals, one more than Delhi (finishing fourth) and two more than last year’s hosts, Tamil Nadu (finishing sixth).BIHAR BAG 36 MEDALSHost Bihar showed massive improvement in these Games. Events were staged in five cities spread across the state and Delhi. Bihar’s athletes won 36 medals, seven of them gold, to finish a creditable 15th, up from 21st in Tamil Nadu. In terms of medals won, Bihar showed a 620% jump, an eloquent statement of the work that the state is doing on sports. Rugby (2), Athletics (2), Thank-ta (2), and Sepak-takraw (1) produced the gold medals. All these sports have athletes coming through Khelo India’s various talent spotting and development programmes, like the ASMITA women’s league.Dr. Mandaviya said, “Over the past decade, Indian sports have undergone a remarkable transformation. Under the Khelo India initiative, we have created a dynamic and inclusive sporting ecosystem with regular national-level competitions. Taking this vision forward, we will soon introduce a series of Khelo India Games throughout the year, including formats like the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) and others.”These events will further strengthen our domestic sports structure and serve as a vital talent pipeline as we gear up for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036. India is on the move, and the youth are at the heart of this sporting revolution,” Dr. Mandaviya said.Srimati Khadse also lauded Bihar for hosting KIYG 2025. “With the grand success of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Bihar has showcased its capability to host national sporting events with excellence and enthusiasm, setting a new benchmark for the future,” said Srimati Khadse,“I am confident that numerous youngsters in Bihar and across India will feel inspired by the efforts of the athletes in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar and will take up some sport or the other to contribute to India’s sporting ecosystem,” she added.One of the primary objectives of the Khelo India Youth Games is to spot and develop talent that can serve India in global events in the future. With India keen to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, several athletes have already been spotted by SAI’s talent development team. One hundred and eighty-six Khelo India athletes were among the 5071 – 50% of them being girls – who took part in these Games.Out of the 26 records created in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, eight were created by girls. Out of the eight, five were national youth records in weightlifting, an event where Indian girls have huge potential to win international medals.–IANSbsk/