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Chandigarh, May 14 (IANS) A German delegation on Wednesday called on Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini here to apprise him of the progress of an automobile component manufacturing plant in Jhajjar district. During the meeting, the delegation expressed keen interest in expanding their investment footprint in Haryana, citing the state’s industry-friendly policies and proactive support from the government. Poppe+Potthoff, which has its presence in nearly 80 countries, is also exploring the establishment of a new R&D facility in Haryana and plans to create a structured system for employing skilled manpower from the state to meet both global and domestic requirements, a statement by the government said.Chief Minister Saini, while interacting with the delegation, led by Markus Kerkhoff, Group CEO of Poppe+Potthoff GmbH, said the government is empowering the youth through world-class skill development initiatives. He said the state has been proactively aligning its training programmes with global industry standards to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the latest technical knowledge and practical expertise.The Chief Minister also urged the delegation to recognise and harness the immense potential of Haryana’s talented youth by offering them meaningful employment opportunities. He said the government is supporting efforts to build strong partnerships between industries and educational institutions, especially technical, and help create a system that trains the youth to meet both local and global job needs.Meanwhile, State Industries Minister Rao Narbir Singh said the government has started work on developing 10 new Industrial Model Townships (IMTs). Also, a new industrial policy will soon be introduced. He said CM Saini has given priority to the industrial sector in the budget. The budget for the Industries Department has been increased by 126 per cent, with a total allocation of Rs 1,848 crore for this fiscal.–IANSvg/uk

Guwahati, May 14 (IANS) In the wake of the Indian Army’s powerful response to the Pahalgam terror attack, a Guwahati-based tea entrepreneur has found a unique and deeply meaningful way to express solidarity and gratitude — through tea.Ranjit Baruah, Director of Aromica Tea, has launched a special tea blend titled “Sindoor – The Pride”, as a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces for their decisive strike in Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 7 in retaliation for the brutal killing of innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.“Sindoor is a symbol of pride in Indian society. We are proud that India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. As a tea entrepreneur, I wanted to pay homage to the Indian Army in my own way. So, I launched a tea pack named ‘SINDOOR – The Pride’ as a salute to the forces,” said Ranjit Baruah.This isn’t just another commercial product. Baruah made it clear that the tea packs are not for sale. Instead, they have been specially crafted to be gifted to the Indian soldiers, to offer a symbolic gesture of respect, appreciation, and unity.“I have created these tea packs especially as gifts for the Indian Army. We celebrate every happy occasion with a cup of tea, and this is no different. This special blend has been made by combining Assam’s finest teas — Halmari Gold Orthodox and premium CTC. Rich red is the colour of the brew, which is reminiscent of Sindoor,” Baruah explained.The tea, a blend of Halmari Gold Orthodox and CTC, is designed to capture the essence of Assam’s tea heritage and the spirit of national pride.The red hue of the tea mirrors the traditional sindoor — a powerful symbol of strength, sacrifice, and identity in Indian culture.“This tea is not launched for commercial gain. We unveiled this blend in memory of Operation Sindoor. It’s our way of celebrating the courage of our armed forces — with a meaningful cup of tea. I hope to distribute these packs to the Indian Army next week,” he added.With this kind of thoughtful initiative, Ranjit Baruah has brewed more than just tea. He has brewed a message of unity, honour, and patriotism.As the nation salutes the courage of its armed forces, this humble yet powerful gesture from Assam reminds us that tribute can take many forms — even the warm comfort of a cup of tea.–IANSbrt/pgh

Patna (Bihar), May 14 (IANS) Saket Minj of Jharkhand, Shekh Zeeshan of Uttar Pradesh and the Haryana girls 4x400m relay…

Aizawl, May 14 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday emphasised that bamboo is a valuable resource in the state,…

Chandigarh, May 14 (IANS) Kafi’s world turned dark before she even understood what light was. At just three years old, Kafi’s life was altered forever when a neighbour hurled acid at her during a family dispute. The attack left her blind, but not broken.

On Tuesday, Kafi stunned everyone by scoring an extraordinary 95.6 per cent in the CBSE Class 12 humanities examination, proving that courage, not sight, defines vision.A student at the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, Chandigarh, Kafi has been a beacon of resilience for years. But with the announcement of the CBSE results, she has not just topped her class—she has inspired a nation.“I belong to Hisar in Haryana. When I heard about my result, I was so happy, but more than that, I was proud that I could bring joy to my parents. They’ve sacrificed so much for me,” she told IANS.Kafi’s journey has been anything but ordinary. The attack happened in 2011 during the Holi festival, a time of colour and celebration.“I was only three. We didn’t understand why they did it—there was no personal rivalry. But it changed everything,” she recalled.She underwent several years of treatment at AIIMS Delhi. When it became clear that her vision would not return, her family made a bold decision—to send her back to school and let education shape her future.Kafi first stepped into a classroom in 2016, five years after the attack. Today, she stands tall among over 1.6 million students who appeared for the CBSE Class 12 exams, her name shining brighter than ever.Kafi’s ambitions soar even higher than her marks.“I want to become an IAS officer. I want to serve my country with honesty and dedication. I believe that survivors like me don’t need sympathy, we need empathy and opportunities.”Her message is simple but powerful: “We don’t have many options. So we study and we achieve.”Throughout her journey, Kafi has leaned on the unwavering support of her parents.“Like any parents, they’ve helped me through every step,” she told IANS.“They made sacrifices so I could dream, and that pushed me to give my 100 per cent. I wanted to make them proud.”On Tuesday, as CBSE announced the results, girls had once again outperformed boys. The overall pass percentage stood at 88.39 per cent, with girls recording 91.64 per cent, a lead of nearly six percentage points over boys.Among these high-achieving girls, Kafi’s name resonates as a symbol of resilience, willpower, and determination. Her story is not just about academics. It’s about transforming pain into purpose.In a world where acid attacks still rob many girls of their dignity and dreams, Kafi is a reminder that no darkness is too deep when determination lights the way. Her scars may remain, but so will her spirit—a spirit that continues to rise, learn, and lead.–IANSjk/dan

Bhopal, May 14 (IANS) In the corridors of state governance, the winds of change blow steadily, reshaping ministerial responsibilities across a few districts of Madhya Pradesh.

The political stage, already ablaze with a controversy, finds itself further unsettled following “offensive remarks” made by Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah against distinguished military officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. In response to the ensuing upheaval, the General Administration Department issued an official directive on Wednesday, effecting a strategic reassignment of district leadership. Once entrusted to the stewardship of Higher Education, Technical Education, and Skill Development Minister Inder Singh Parmar, the administration of Barwani district now falls under the charge of Gautam Tetwal. Tetwal, presently serving as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Employment, shall continue to preside over Ujjain, a district of profound significance as the home turf of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Thus, Tetwal’s responsibilities expand, spanning two critical regions. Meanwhile, Parmar, relieved of his obligations in Barwani, assumes new duties over the Damoh district while maintaining oversight of Panna. The ministerial reshuffling follows the political downfall of Ramniwas Rawat, who, having suffered defeat in the assembly elections, ceded his jurisdiction over both Mandla and Damoh districts. With his resignation formally accepted on December 5, his vacated posts had lingered in administrative limbo for six months. The void is now filled, with Dilip Jaiswal entrusted with the charge of Mandla. The reshaping of district command prompts speculation over the broader political ramifications, particularly with regard to Parmar’s reassignment. As the shifting sands of governance settle, new alignments take shape, casting the future of regional administration in a new light. Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh High Court took cognisance of remarks made by the minister and asked the state to file an FIR (First Information Report) against him at the earliest, failing to which will be considered a contempt of the court.–IANSsktr/dan

Riyadh, May 14 (IANS) In a significant moment under Indian government’s progressive ‘Lady Without Mehram’ (LWM) policy, the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Suhel Khan and his wife on Wednesday received an all women Haj pilgrim group from Kerala at the Jeddah Haj Terminal in Saudi Arabia.”Ambassador Suhel Khan, along with his spouse Rifat Khan welcomed an all-women group of pilgrims from Kerala at the Jeddah Haj Terminal today. Women are benefitting from Government of India’s progressive policy of allowing Haj without a male companion under the Lady Without Mehram’ category,” the Embassy of India in Riyadh posted on X.”Indian Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) Hajis arrive in Jeddah for Haj under India’s progressive Haj Policy. We hope their journey is filled with blessings and peace,” the Ministry of Minority Affairs also posted.A total of 4558 female pilgrims undertook the pilgrimage without a Mehram (male companion) in 2024 which was an all time high since the introduction of the Ladies without Mehram category during Haj-2018.According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, traditionally, a major deterrent for increased participation of Muslim women was their dependence on an accompanying male haji, that is Mehram, for performing this sacred religious pilgrimage. This restriction was done away by Government of India by allowing ladies of 45 years of age or above to apply without Mehram for Haj in 2018 wherein provision was made for eligible women to perform pilgrimage under LWM category in groups of four.”In Haj-2023, for the first time, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi allowed single eligible women also to apply for Haj under the LWM category. This step resulted in an all-time high participation with more than 4000 successful women applicants in Haj 2023, leading to greater confidence, personal freedom and increased social mobility. These initiatives have also acted as positive enablers for gender inclusivity and women empowerment,” the ministry stated.With the Indian government committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless Haj pilgrimage for all, Ambassador Suhel Khan on Wednesday also reviewed the arrival arrangements of Indian pilgrims during his visit to the Jeddah Haj Terminal. Accompanied by Indian Consul General in Jeddah Mohammed Hashim, the Indian diplomat met all the staff and the community volunteers.The first batch of Indian Haj pilgrims had arrived in the country on April 29. With the government according highest priority for Indian Muslims to undertake the annual pilgrimage, the country allocation for India has gradually increased to 175,025 in 2025 from 136,020 in 2014.For Haj 2025, the Indian Haj Mission is ensuring dedicated support for elderly pilgrims and persons with special needs, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) which through the Haj Committee of India manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, said on Wednesday.All the necessary arrangements including flight schedules, transportation, Mina camps, accommodation, and additional services have been taken up and completed as per the Saudi requirements, within the given timelines.–IANSint/scor/as

Tripoli, May 14 (IANS) Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) declared a ceasefire on Wednesday following intense overnight clashes…

Gaya (Bihar), May 14 (IANS) Manipur’s martial art Thang-Ta, one of the five indigenous sports contested at Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, concluded on Wednesday at Gaya’s Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD). Host Bihar made history by bagging their first gold medals, while Manipur had the biggest haul with three gold medals.The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is determined to popularise indigenous sports like Thang-Ta, Mallakhamb, Gatka, Kalarippayattu, and Yogasana. People running these sports all across the country are looking to get a berth for their respective sports in the 2036 Olympics, which India intends to host for the first time in its history.As far as Thang-Ta is concerned, Huidrom Premkumar has been the lone force in the development and growth of the sport. Now 70, Premkumar shed light on the Thang-Ta journey.“The sport was banned by the British in 1891 because it was causing them trouble. Through the efforts of a local Raja, it was brought back in 1930, and thereafter my guru Rajkumar Sanahan took charge,” he said.When Sanahan passed away in 1988, the Thang-Ta baton fell to Premkumar’s lot, and he has since tried to take it to all corners of India and abroad. South Korea and Iran have hosted Thang-Ta events, all thanks to him. The real boost for the sport came in 2021 when the Government of India decided to bring it to the KIYG. The sport has grown since.“I have devoted all my life to Thang-Ta. So very happy where we are today. But we need to do a lot more. We need to encourage our local martial arts. Not to disrespect other martial arts, like the Japanese or Chinese, but the priority should be on the local, native martial arts,” Premkumar said.Thang-Ta has two variants in the KIYG. One is Phunaba Ama, which is the traditional one in which the participants use a sword (Cheibee in Manipuri) and a shield (Chungoi in Manipuri).The other category is Phunaba Anishuba, invented by Premkumar himself. Here, there is no shield (Chungoi), but kicking is allowed. In all, 25 states and 128 athletes across four weight categories (-52kg & -56kg for girls and -56kg & -60kg for boys) participated in the sport with eight gold medals at stake. The three-day event from May 12-14 saw pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals played amid much excitement.Manipur bagged three out of eight available gold medals thanks to Thokchom Srinivas Singh, Konjengbam Pareihanba Singh, and Thangjam Lembisana Devi, while Bihar and Assam bagged two each. One gold to Madhya Pradesh. Priya Prerna and Mahika Kumari made the host state proud by winning gold in Phunaba Ama (-52kg) and Phunaba Anishuba (-56kg). These were Bihar’s first gold medals in KIYG history. They also won three bronze medals through Bhumik Raj, Lucky Kumar, and Suvakshi Sargam. Previously, they only had one bronze.Bihar coach Sarangthem Tiken Singh, who originally hails from Manipur and was appointed Bihar coach following a request from the local federation to the national federation, played a key role in the Thang-Ta success for the host state. “The kids are very talented here. We had a two-month camp in Rajgir. They worked very hard. I was surprised how fast they learned. I’m very happy for them, also extremely proud,” he said.–IANSbsk/

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) A key accused in the notorious fake currency case in Mumbra, Thane district, has been sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Mumbai.

In addition to the imprisonment, Ishak Khan has been fined Rs. 10,000 on various charges, with all sentences running concurrently, said NIA in a release on Wednesday.Ishak Khan was one of the three individuals arrested in connection with the recovery of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) worth Rs 82,000, in Rs 500 denominations, in 2019.The counterfeit currency was discovered at the residence of one of the accused, Jasim @ Wasim Salim Shaikh, who was initially apprehended by Mumbra police. His questioning led the police to arrest Karnataka-based Radhakrishna Addappa. The duo was chargesheeted by the police in August 2019, says NIA.The case, however, was later transferred to the NIA, which re-registered it under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 489B (using forged currency notes), 489C (possession of forged currency notes), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).NIA’s investigation uncovered a deeper conspiracy with significant involvement from Khan, who was already imprisoned in Kolkata for another crime at the time of the FICN operation.The investigation revealed that Khan had coordinated the delivery of fake currency to Shaikh while incarcerated, orchestrating a wide-reaching network of counterfeit currency circulation.The NIA’s probe also included a detailed and thorough examination of digital and documentary evidence. This examination included Call Detail Records (CDRs) of mobile communications that linked the accused to the counterfeit currency operation. These findings led to a supplementary chargesheet being filed in January 2021, accusing all three of the involved individuals.Following a lengthy legal process, Ishak Khan pleaded guilty before the NIA Special Court, leading to his conviction and sentencing. The trial for the other two accused, Shaikh and Addappa, is still ongoing.The conviction marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts of the NIA to curb the circulation of counterfeit currency, which remains a major concern for the Indian economy, say officials.–IANSbrt/dan