Amaravati, June 4 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure that 15 lakh families in the state are adopted by Margadarsis (mentors) by August 15 this year under the Zero Poverty P4 mission.

At a review meeting on Wednesday, he emphasised the need to accelerate the registration of Margadarsis and the adoption process.Stating that the P4 model is a continuation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy introduced after the economic reforms, the Chief Minister directed that the Smart Andhra Pradesh Foundation be restructured as the Swarna Andhra P4 Foundation.The CM highlighted Amaravati’s land pooling model as a case study for the P4 approach, noting that wealth creation was enabled for 29,000 farmers by making them partners in capital development. In the same spirit, he urged each Margadarsi to adopt a ‘Bangaru Kutumbam’ (Golden Family) and work towards their upliftment.The Chief Minister said he would personally review the progress of the P4 initiative once every 10 days. He also reviewed the P4 logo designs prepared by officials.Officials informed the Chief Minister that several organisations such as Milaap, Project DEEP, Rang De, and Bhargo have come forward to collaborate as partners in implementing the P4 initiative effectively.Out of the 19,15,771 families registered as Bangaru Kutumbalu in the state, Margadarsis have so far adopted 70,272 families. Among these, the largest numbers are from the BC community (26,340 families), followed by SCs (14,024 families) and STs (13,115 families).Earlier, the Chief Minister presided over the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet congratulated him for conducting 25 paperless e-Cabinet meetings in one year.The Cabinet took various decisions. It approved the proposal by the Home Department to grant special remission to 17 life-convicted prisoners eligible following the issuance of permanent guidelines for premature release of life-convicted prisoners in accordance with orders of the Supreme Court.Prisoners who have undergone an actual sentence of 14 years for offences punishable with death and 7 years for offences punishable with life imprisonment are eligible for this remission.It approved the proposal by the Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Department for a one-time settlement of Rs. 575.75 lakh for providing safe drinking water through RO Plants to Uddanam area and tribal areas in Srikakulam district under NTR Sujala Pathakam, and Rs. 822.86 lakh one-time settlement for 15 water treatment plants on a cluster-based approach to cover 533 water-scarce habitations in 4 mandals of Kuppam constituency in Chittoor district.–IANSms/dan

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has found multiple safety violations in Turkish Airlines operations during surprise inspections carried out between May 29 and June 2 at four major Indian airports — Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, it was announced on Wednesday.Following the inspections, the DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to ensure full adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices as well as Indian civil aviation rules.The regulator warned that follow-up inspections will be conducted to verify ongoing compliance and urged the airline to promptly address the identified shortcomings.Cargo checks found that Turkish Airlines was carrying dangerous goods, including explosives, without mandatory permission from the DGCA. The required documents were either missing or incomplete.“The cargo contained Dangerous Goods for which permission required from DGCA for carriage of Explosives to/from over India. This was not found to be attached nor it was mentioned in the Dangerous Goods Declaration mentioned,” according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.At Bengaluru, the marshaller handling ground operations lacked proper authorisation and a valid competency card for marshalling functions.“During the arrival of the aircraft, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) was unavailable, and the arrival procedure was carried out by a technician instead. M/s Airworks is the authorised engineering service provider for Turkish Airlines,” the DGCA maintained.The aviation watchdog also found that no Service Level Agreement (SLA) was in place between Turkish Airlines and its Ground Handling Agent (GHA).“Equipment such as ladders, step ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs) lacked proper accountability and monitoring at Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where Globe Ground India was providing ground services without formal handover from Celebi,” it added.The DGCA emphasises its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of all foreign operators within Indian airspace.“Turkish Airlines has been directed to address these findings promptly and ensure full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices as well as DGCA regulations. Further follow-up inspections will be conducted as necessary to ensure continuous safety oversight,” it noted.—IANSna/

Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) Maharashtra had signed MoUs for investment proposals of Rs 16 lakh crore during the World Economic Forum in Davos, and the state’s rate of converting these MoUs into investment is a record 80-91 per cent.

Team Devendra, an official account of CM Devendra Fadnavis’ team, in a post on X uploaded a video about the outcome of CM Fadnavis’ Davos visit when the state government signed a slew of MoUs. The same video also included CM’s speech in the state legislature explaining how Maharashtra is ahead in the rate of converting these MoUs into actual investments.“The result of Devabhau’s visit to Davos. Of the companies that have signed MoUs, the actual investment by them is 80-91 per cent,” it said. More than half of this investment is in the manufacturing sector, which is noteworthy, and the direct impact of ‘Make in India’ is being seen in the state. Manufacturing and industrial development are the focal points of the state’s progress.In the same video, CM Fadnavis’s speech in the state legislature was also included. CM said, “At the national level, the rate of converting MoUs into investment is 35 to 45 per cent. But in the case of Maharashtra, during the last ten years, the rate is from 80 to 91 per cent.”It was further mentioned that CM Fadnavis handed over the allotment letters to international investors. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has earned Rs 3,840.49 crore through the lease of three prime commercial plots in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).Two plots were allotted to the Japanese firm Sumitomo Realty & Development Ltd, while one plot was allotted to Brookfield Strategic Real Estate, a global investment firm. Plots C-13 and C-19 were awarded to Goisu Realty Pvt Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of Sumitomo Realty & Development, which made the highest bids. Plot C-80 was awarded jointly to Sklose Bangalore Pvt Ltd (an Indian arm of Brookfield Strategic Real Estate Partners III), Arliga Eco Space Business Park and Sklose Chanakya Pvt Ltd, which collectively made the top bid. These leases will not only generate substantial revenue for MMRDA but are also expected to create approximately 15,000 high-tech jobs, said the release. During the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), MMRDA had signed investment agreements worth USD 5 billion with Sumitomo and USD 12 billion with Brookfield.Team Devabhau in the same post took a swipe at the former minister and Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray over his Davos visit during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, saying that, “Davos visit, unlike UBT’s Yuvraj, is not for fun but for the betterment of Maharashtra. UBT is restless after Devabhau brought a record investment in Maharashtra from his Davos visit.”–IANSsj/dan

Washington, June 4 (IANS) The team of Indian parliamentarians, headed by Congress Party leader Shashi Tharoor, began on Wednesday two days of grueling campaign in the US capital to convey India’s message of zero tolerance for terrorism and explain how it was forced to respondwith Operation Sindoor to terrorism sponsored from across the border in Pakistan. The delegation that arrived here from Brasilia on Tuesday afternoon has a very demanding schedule that includes meetings with government officials, members of Congress, think tanks, media, opinion-makers, and members of the Indian American community.Looking ahead at the visit, Tharoor told IANS in Brasilia: “We’re looking for solidarity in our struggle against terrorism”.”Washington is a particularly interesting case because it is a large country, a superpower with enormous influence in the world, and there are many crosscurrents of information, misinformation, and other narratives circulating. So, we have quite a lot of work to do there,” he said.Reflecting India’s united stand against terrorism, the team represents its political and geographic diversity and is led by Tharoor from the opposition Congress.The other members of the team are Shambhavi of the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena as welll as Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Tejasvi Surya of the BJP, and GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party, a National Democratic Alliance partner.Former Indian Ambassador to the US Tarajnit Singh Sandhu is also with the team to capitalise on his knowledge of and network in the US capital.While the Tharoor-led delegation is here, a Pakistani team led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will also be in town pushing Islamabad’s message.”In Washington, we’ll have the interesting phenomenon of the Pakistani delegation in America,” Tharoor noted in Brasilia in a talk with reporters.”So there’s going to be some perhaps, increase in interest because of the fact that our two duelling delegations, as it were,” he added.A highlight of the Indian delegation’s visit here is a news conference at the National Press Club.Tharoor will be staying on after most members of his team return to India for a series of interviews with major US media and podcasters on Friday.Two evening events are planned at the Embassy, one for Indian Americans and another for other influential opinion-makers and influencers.In the US Congress, the delegation is expected to meet with committees dealing with foreign and strategic affairs.Team Tharoor has visited New York, Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil, where they met government leaders, lawmakers, and the media to present India’s view of the terrorism crisis following the massacre of 26 people at Pahalgam by The Resistance Front, an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.”For us, in these countries, understanding our position and leaving with a sense of solidarity was important — and that we have done,” Tharoor told IANS.The delegation came to Washington from Brasilia on a roundabout route that took them to Sao Paulo in Brazil and Panama.On arrival, they were met by India’s Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and his team of diplomats, who later gave them a detailed briefing.Noting the ubiquitous presence of diaspora across the US spectrum, Tharoor posted on X that he was “pleased to be greeted at the airport by two Indian-American cops, Officers Harmanpreet Singh and Hundal”.–IANSal/vd

Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) The newly-wed couple Hina Khan and Rocky Jaiswal after announcing their union, are all set to bring their real-life chemistry, drama and emotions to the upcoming television show.
The man and the wife will be seen in the non-fiction show ‘Pati Patni Aur Panga’. Hina and Rocky initially met on the set of the popular show ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’. While Hina was the lead Akshara on the show, Rocky Jaiswal was the supervising producer.Despite falling for one another, these two remained tight-lipped about their relationship, until Hina shared a post on social media with Rocky, introducing him as her best friend.However, later on, Rocky appeared on one of the episodes of ‘Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi’, where Hina was participating. He also visited her during her ‘Bigg Boss 11’ journey.The couple went public with their union on Wednesday as they took to their Instagram, and shared a joint post.The post features several pictures from their special day including them embracing each other, close-up shots of Mehendi, them signing the marriage document. The actress shared that for the occasion, she donned a custom made wedding outfit by designer Manish Malhotra.For the occasion, the actress chose the handloom saree in opal green, with gold and silver threads tracing age-old motifs across its weave. It has a light blush border, embroidered with threadwork and zardozi, framed the drape with quiet intricacy.The saree has her and her husband’s names delicately embroidered, which serves as a personal note stitched into tradition. The look was complemented by imperial heirlooms. Rocky wore our signature kurta.The new show is set to drop on Colors channel.–IANSaa/

Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav lit up the opening day of the third season of the T20 Mumbai League 2025 with a blistering 25-ball half-century. However, his heroics weren’t enough as Sairaj Patil’s impressive cameo helped a spirited Eagle Thane Strikers claim a five-wicket win against Triumph Knights Mumbai North East at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.Suryakumar (50), ably supported by Jigar Rana (53), anchored the Knights’ innings as they posted a competitive 179/7 after being asked to bat first. The start wasn’t ideal for the Knights, but Rana and Parikshit Valsangkar steadied the innings with a crucial 88-run partnership. Once Rana fell to a slower ball and Parikshit was run out in the next over, Suryakumar took control of the proceedings.The India star found company in Jay Jain (24) as the pair added 40 runs to keep the innings steady during the middle overs. Jain’s stay ended when he was cramped for room by Amit Pandey, with keeper Anish Chaudhary whipping off the bails. Despite the quick wickets, Suryakumar remained calm and clinical at the death, unleashing a flurry of powerful strokes to lift the Knights to a strong finish and set the tone for the tournament.In response, Varun Lavande powered the Strikers’ chase with a fiery 57 off 38 balls, guiding them to a strong 89/1 at the halfway mark. His 73-run stand with Anish (37) laid a solid foundation, but the momentum briefly shifted after the Knights came up with a couple of quick wickets.However, Sairaj Patil’s entry ensured that the Strikers remained in the contest as he smoked four mammoth sixes in his 22-ball unbeaten 47 to seal the deal for his side.SoBo Mumbai Falcons, MSC Maratha Royals winEarlier, in the tournament opener at the DY Patil Stadium, SoBo Mumbai Falcons edged past ARCS Andheri in a Super Over after rain halted the match just three overs into the Falcons’ innings.Put in to bat, the Falcons were 26/1 when play was stopped, with opener Ishan Mulchandani (8 off 5) bowled by ARCS Andheri spinner Musheer Khan. Stand-in captain Angkrish Raghuvanshi (15 not out) and Amogh Bhatkal (1 not out) were at the crease when heavy showers forced an early end to the match.In the resulting Super Over, Akash Parker smashed a quickfire 27 runs for the Falcons. In response, ARCS Andheri faltered and could only manage 13, handing SoBo Mumbai Falcons a narrow win.Considered one of the best domestic T20 leagues across the country, the tournament was earlier inaugurated in the presence of MCA President Ajinkya Naik, Secretary Abhay Hadap, former MCA President Dr Vijay Patil, Chairman of League Governing Council Vihang Sarnaik, along with MCA Apex Council Members at the DY Patil Stadium.The second match of the day, played at Wankhede Stadium between Aakash Tigers MWS and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, was also affected by rain and reduced to a nine-over contest. Batting first, the Royals put up a competitive 96/4, thanks to Rohan Raje’s explosive 48 off 21 balls. In reply, the Tigers were restricted to 88/5, with Maxwell David Swaminathan starring with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets to seal an eight-run win for the Royals.Brief scores:Match 1: SoBo Mumbai Falcons: 27 (Akash Parker 27) beat ARCS Andheri 13 (Shivam Dube 12, Musheer Khan 1) via Super Over.Match 2: Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals: 96/4 (Rohan Raje 48 not out) beat Akash Tigers MWS: 88/5 (Jay Bista 23; Maxwell Swaminathan 2/15) by eight runs.Match 3: Triumph Knights Mumbai North East 179/6 (Jigar Rana 53, Suryakumar Yadav 50 not out) lose to Eagle Thane Strikers 181/5 (Varun Lavande 57, Siaraj Patil 47 not out) by five wickets.–IANSbsk/

Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) An arrest warrant has been issued against former ‘Bigg Boss’ contestant,…

Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) Actor Aayush Sharma will next entertain the movie buffs with Sohail Khan’s “My Punjabi Nikaah”, co-starring Sanjay Dutt.Using social media, he gave the netizens a glimpse of the in-between shots fun.Aayush dropped a BTS video from the set where he can be seen singing songs like “Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya Bewafa” from “Guide”, and “Pyar Hame Kis Mod Pe Le Aaya” from “Satte Pe Satta”.In another clip from the post, he was prepping his lines before the take.The post also incorporated a few BTS pictures from the shoot. Sharing the project update, director Sohail Khan revealed the film’s title – “My Punjabi Nikaah”.Divulging further details of the drama, Sohail penned, “My Journey of my next film titled “MY PUNJABI NIKAAH”, starring SANJAY DUTT, ANNU KAPOOR, AAYUSH SHARMA and introducing a beautiful mysterious girl has commenced with meeting The Hon’ble Governor Of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria Ji who was very kind and gracious while giving his blessings for the film (sic)”.He added, “Also I was very fortunate to meet The Hon’ble CM Of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini Ji who was equally warm and kind giving his support and positive response for the filming of the film in the state of Haryana. Finally I would really like to thank from the bottom of my heart to The Hon’ble CM Of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann Ji who was very kind for meeting me taking time out from his busy schedule encouraged me to film my pet project in Punjab as well. I was overwhelmed and my heartfelt thanks to all the senior politicians who are making my ambitious journey as comfortable as possible. The love, affection, support and accommodations extended to us is highly appreciated. I sincerely thank everyone from the bottom of my heart and I will always remember your kindness for the rest of my life. God Bless you All. JAI HIND @@gulabchand_kataria @@nayabsainiofficial @bhagwantmann (sic)”.–IANSpm/

Mumbai, June 4 (IANS) Popular television actress Hina Khan turned a Manish Malhotra bride as…

Kolkata, June 4 (IANS) It is for the Congress to decide whether they would like to continue with their electoral seat-sharing arrangement with the CPI-M-led Left Front in West Bengal for the crucial Assembly elections scheduled next year, CPI-M state Secretary and party Politburo member Md Salim said on Wednesday.Salim’s observation came in the wake of media queries on whether the continuance of the electoral alliance between Congress and Left Front was possible amid the former’s top leadership developing a soft corner for the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress, especially Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.”The Congress sought our support for their candidate for the forthcoming bypoll for Kaliganj Assembly constituency scheduled this month. We decided to back their candidate and refrained from fielding our candidate. They said that they wanted to continue their understanding with us that was reached for the 2021 assembly election and 2024 Lok Sabha polls in the 2025 bypoll. Now, they will have to decide what they want to do in 2026. We cannot take decisions on the Congress’s behalf,” Salim told media persons here.The electoral understanding between Congress and the Left Front started in the 2016 West Bengal assembly election. However, in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, there was no seat-sharing arrangement between the two parties.However, the arrangement again fructified for the 2021 Assembly elections and continued in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Now the question is whether the same understanding between the Congress and the Left Front would continue in the 2026 polls, considering the changed situations both in the Congress and the CPI-M.On one hand, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, known for his diehard anti-Trinamool Congress stand, has been replaced as the Congress state chief by Suvankar Sarkar, perceived to be softer as regards relations with the ruling party.Secondly, in the draft political resolution of the CPI-M’s 24th Party Congress that concluded at Madurai in April this year, the party’s central leadership focused more on independent political lines in the coming days rather than on electoral understandings.”The party should pay more attention to the independent political campaign and mass mobilisation around the political platform of the party. There should be no blurring of our independent identity or diminishing of our independent activities in the name of electoral understanding or alliances,” the excerpts of the draft political resolution had read.–IANSsrc/vd