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Agartala, May 15 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said that a decision has been taken to hold consultations with industry bodies and prepare a strategic roadmap for the promotion of investments in the northeast region.

The Chief Minister held a virtual meeting with Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on ‘Investment Promotion’ in the region.Speaking about the meeting, Saha wrote on X that, as the Convener of the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on Investment Promotion in the northeastern region, constituted by the North Eastern Council (NEC), he chaired its second meeting with virtual presence of the DoNER Minister and senior officials.“It was decided to hold stakeholder consultations with industry associations, potential investors, and officials from states in the northeast region to prepare a strategic roadmap for the promotion of investments. Reputed academic institutions and expert agencies would be engaged to prepare the investment policy for the northeastern region,” the Chief Minister wrote.Earlier on March 15, to boost investment promotion in the northeast region, the DoNER Ministry formed a high-level Task Force, making the Tripura Chief Minister as the Convener.After the Thursday’s meeting, Scindia said in a post on the X: “Participated in a high-level task force on ‘Investment Promotion’ meeting chaired by Manik Saha, in the presence of Tshering T. Bhutia, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation, Sikkim, and senior officials from the Meghalaya government along with my DoNER ministry team. Together, we are driving a unified vision for a vibrant, investment-ready Northeast.”For the development of various vital sectors in eight northeastern states, several HLTFs were constituted following the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in November last year in Agartala, Tripura.Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is the chairman of the NEC, chaired the NEC plenary session.–IANSsc/dan

Doha, May 15 (IANS) India’s two-time Olympic medallist and reigning World Champion in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, will participate in his first Diamond League meet of the season in Doha, Qatar, on Friday, hoping to make a winning start in the event in which he has won the final.On the back of his mind will also be the elusive 90m mark as Neeraj, who won India’s first Olympic gold medal in track and field in Tokyo and followed it up with a silver in Paris in 2025, prepares for his first full season under his new coach Jan Zelezny—a three-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder.This shift follows a successful four-year stint with biomechanics expert Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, under whom Chopra won both his Olympic and World Championship titles.Neeraj will be hoping to give his best in Doha as he will have a break after that because of the cancellation of the NC Classic 2025, which he was organising in association with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India in Bengaluru on May 24.So, Doha will his first big meet of the month where he will face top stars like two-time world champion and 2024 Olympics bronze-winner Anderson Peters of Grenada, Jakub Vadlejch of Czechia, who won here in 2024, the German duo of Julian Weber and Max Dehning, Kenya’s Julius Yego and Roderick Genki Dean of Japan.Reigning Olympic gold medal winner Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won’t be a part of this tournament as he preparing to participate in the Asian Athletics Championships in Korea.Also participating in javelin throw will be Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Kumar Jena, while National Record holder Gulveer Singh will be in the fray in Men’s 5000m, while Parul Chaudhary will be taking part in women’s 3000m steeplechase.When and Where to Watch:What: Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event at the Doha Diamond LeagueWhen: Friday, May 16, 2025.Timing: Neeraj Chopra’s Javelin Throw event at the Doha Diamond League will begin at 10.13 PM IST.Where to watch: It will not be broadcast on television but will be streamed live on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube channel and Facebook page.–IANSbsk/

Kolkata, May 15 (IANS) Tension flared up in front of Bikash Bhavan, the West Bengal education department headquarters at Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Thursday night, as the police resorted to ruthless baton-charges to disperse the “gherao” demonstration organised by the “genuine” secondary and higher secondary teachers in state-run school in West Bengal who have lost their jobs following a Supreme Court order last month.The protesters, united under the forum of “Jogyo Shikhok-Shikkika Adhikar Mancha” (Genuine Teachers’ Rights Forum), started protesting in front of Bikash Bhavan since Thursday afternoon, cordoning off the office from all sides.Initially, the police personnel tried to convince them to call off the “gherao” demonstration, which was summarily refused by the protesters, and they said that they would continue with their agitation unless they get specific and concrete assurances from the state governments that their demands in the matter would be met.However, at around 10 p.m., a huge police contingent reached the spot and resorted to a massive baton-charge to disperse the protesters. Following the police actions, several protesters are reported to be injured severely.The police personnel claimed that they had no other option but to take action to ensure that the employees of the state education department, who were caught in the office till late hours, because of the “gherao” agitation, can ultimately come out and go back to their homes.The police also claimed that the protesters resorted to pelting stones following which some of their policemen also were severely injured.BJP’s Information Technology cell chief and the party’s central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya on Thursday night, issued a statement condemning the police action on the protesting teachers.“In a horrifying display of brutality, the state police launched a violent cane-charge. One woman teacher was beaten so severely that her leg was broken; another sustained a head injury. Both lay on the ground, crying out in pain, screaming and sobbing. But instead of offering help, the police continued the lathi-charge on others present at the scene. The conduct of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raises serious concerns about authoritarianism and abuse of power,” the statement by Malviya read.The principal demand of the protesters is that the state government and the West Bengal School Service Commission should immediately release a list segregating the “untainted” candidates from the “tainted” ones who got jobs by paying money. They contend that once the segregated list is published, the jobs of “untainted” candidates can be protected and that of tainted: ones can be terminated.Earlier, the Supreme Court had upheld a previous order by the Calcutta High Court’s division bench of Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi cancelling 25,753 school jobs in West Bengal.The apex court also accepted the observation of the Calcutta High Court that the entire panel of 25,753 candidates had to be cancelled because of the failure of the state government and the commission to segregate the “untainted” candidates from the “tainted” ones.The state government and West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) had already filed review petitions at the apex court on this issue.–IANSsrc/pgh

Jaipur, May 15 (IANS) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Thursday that India has set a new global benchmark by striking terrorism with precision while upholding the vision of peace.

He emphasised that terrorism is no longer a concern of a single nation, but a threat to global security.Speaking at the inauguration of the Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Smriti Pustakalaya in Vidyadhar Nagar, Jaipur, the Vice President said: “For the first time, India carried out precise strikes on Jaish-e-Muhammed and Lashkar-e-Toiba hideouts across international borders, and the world did not demand proof. This was a clear demonstration of India’s rising power and global standing.”Dhankhar noted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India had not only achieved a military success but also a diplomatic victory. “The decision to halt the Indus Water Treaty was historic. Until India’s concerns are addressed, there will be no reconsideration. This bold move sent a strong message both domestically and internationally,” he said. Praising Rajasthan’s rich legacy, the Vice President said, “This is the land of Maharana Pratap and Maharaja Surajmal, guardians of our identity and freedom.” He also recalled India’s demonstration of nuclear capability in Pokhran-II, stating, “India first showcased its strength on this very soil in May, when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat led the nation.” He added, “Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest power and is steadily advancing toward the third position. Our military capabilities, including BrahMos and Akash missiles, are now acknowledged globally.”Reflecting on the life and legacy of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the Vice President described him as “a banyan tree under whose shade everything flourished.” “His heart and mind were always with the common man. I recall an emotional image of him with Chandrashekhar, Nanaji Deshmukh, and Jayaprakash Narayan, explaining the vision of Antyodaya. He lived that philosophy,” said VP Dhankhar. He praised Shekhawat’s legacy of transparency in public life, stating, “As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he set a benchmark by making it mandatory for all MPs to declare their assets, a move ahead of its time.”Calling for political civility, the Vice President said, “Search any corner of the world, you won’t find an enemy of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. He proved that there are no enemies in politics, only differing views. Today’s leadership, across parties, should learn from the high standards he set – dialogue, debate, and respectful dissent are vital for a thriving democracy.” Recalling his own experience as an Opposition MLA during Shekhawat’s chief ministership, Dhankhar added, “He had empathy for every member, including the Opposition. He listened, responded, and made every MLA feel heard. He was a leader for all, not just his party.”–IANSarc/dan

Agartala, May 15 (IANS) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned another Tripura State Rifles (TSR) battalion in the state, officials said on Thursday.

An official of the Tripura Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that the decision to create another TSR battalion was taken based on Chief Minister Manik Saha’s proposal placed before Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent meeting in New Delhi.Announcing the MHA’s decision, Saha wrote on social media: “Big boost for Tripura! Union Ministry of Home Affairs sanctions raising of another India Reserve (IR) battalion for Tripura State Rifles, enhancing security and generating employment opportunities. Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji.”According to the CMO official, the government of India shall reimburse a one-time financial assistance of Rs 50 crore for raising one TSR battalion.The government of India would exercise the right of first call on the IR Battalion of the TSR and shall have full authority to ask the state to make the battalion available for deployment anywhere in the country, as and when required, the official said.For infrastructure cost (excluding cost of land), up to Ra 30 crore would be provided upon submission of expenditure details on infrastructure for the new TSR battalion.The TSR currently has 14 battalions, the majority of which are IR battalions, which can be deployed in any state of the country if the MHA so requires.Two TSR battalions, comprising around 2,000 personnel, including officers, have been posted in the national capital under the Delhi Police’s authority since 2019 and in South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) in Chhattisgarh since 2022.Apart from the two in Delhi and Chhattisgarh, one battalion is providing dedicated security to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s drilling sites in Tripura.During the Lok Sabha elections between April 19 and June 1, the TSR had been deployed for polling duties in Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha and Himachal Pradesh.Besides providing security during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the India Reserve (IR) battalions of TSR had earlier performed election duties in almost all states to provide security during the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.Trained in counter-insurgency operations, the TSR troopers have demonstrated excellent performance in Tripura in taming the four-and-a-half decades-old terrorism in the northeastern state.–IANSsc/dan

Guwahati, May 15 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, on Thursday visited the proposed site for a thermal power plant at Chirakuta Charuwa Bakra in Bilasipara Co-District of Dhubri district.

Located approximately eight kilometres from Bilasipara railway station, the project site spans a vast area of 3,300 bighas, 2 kathas and 15 lechas. During the visit, the Chief Minister, along with the Power Minister, Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath and senior officials conducted an inspection to assess the site’s feasibility for the project. Sarma directed the District Commissioner to initiate necessary developmental activities to prepare the site for the implementation of the project. He also reviewed pending infrastructural requirements, such as the construction of approach roads and other essential facilities to facilitate the setup of the power plant. Addressing concerns related to land acquisition, the Chief Minister assured that if any families require relocation due to the project, the government will provide them with suitable alternative land for rehabilitation. The Assam government has set an ambitious target of achieving energy self-sufficiency, aiming for a thermal power generation capacity of 5,000 MW by 2035. In line with this vision, the state has introduced the Assam Thermal Power Generation Product Promotion Policy 2025, which has already attracted investment proposals worth Rs 77.3 billion. The Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. will serve as the nodal agency for the implementation of the policy, with a single-window clearance system in place to fast-track approvals and project execution. The Chief Minister also visited the sites earmarked for the proposed medical college and hospital, as well as the Energy Park, in Goalpara district. At Bhandara village, under the Balijana Revenue Circle, he reviewed the site identified for the medical college and engaged in discussions with senior officials regarding a range of relevant issues, placing particular emphasis on ensuring efficient connectivity from the National Highway. He directed the relevant authorities to undertake the development of the medical college and hospital, announced in the state budget, in a systematic and planned manner. While addressing the media during the visit, Sarma affirmed that the state government intends to commence construction of the Goalpara Medical College and Hospital within the current financial year. He further observed that, in line with the government’s broader initiative to establish a medical college in each district, steps are being taken to ensure that the people of Goalpara have access to modern healthcare services in their own district. –IANS tdr/dan

Ahmedabad, May 15 (IANS) Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and city police carried out a large-scale demolition operation in Rakhiyal on Thursday, clearing encroachments from a Gujarat Housing Board plot near Morarji Chowk.

The drive removed around 20 illegally constructed business units and a makeshift structure used for offering Namaz. Assistant Commissioner of Police R.D. Oza confirmed that the demolition was initiated at the request of the Housing Board and was carried out with full police support to ensure order throughout the operation.The plot in question was originally part of a 1960 housing scheme reserved for mill workers. Despite a demolition conducted at the site in 2008, encroachments had gradually returned, prompting renewed action by the authorities. To ensure a peaceful operation, over 350 police personnel were deployed, including senior officers such as Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and Police Inspectors. The massive police presence underscored the administration’s intention to avoid any disruption during the sensitive drive.Officials said illegal commercial establishments, including shops and small factories, had mushroomed on the open land over the years. The presence of active electricity connections in many of these units raised concerns over how such services were extended to unauthorised structures. Similar irregularities were recently flagged during the Chandola Lake clearance operation. Bapunagar Ward Corporator Prakash Gurjar stated that the operation covered three illegally occupied plots spread across 2,680 square meters. Since the Housing Board lacks a dedicated estate wing, the AMC’s North Zone Estate Department stepped in to carry out the clearance. Gurjar also confirmed that the reclaimed area would be fenced off to prevent future encroachments. The cleared land is expected to be restored for community use, potentially benefiting over 5,000 residents in nearby Housing Board residences.Meanwhile, the Gujarat government initiated a large-scale demolition drive in Ahmedabad’s Chandola Lake area in late April 2025. The operation, led by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) with substantial police support, targeted illegal encroachments that had proliferated around the historic water body over the years. The drive resulted in the demolition of approximately 4,000 unauthorised structures, including both permanent and temporary dwellings, spread across 1.5 lakh square meters of government land. Authorities reported that many of these settlements were occupied by individuals suspected to be illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. In the days leading up to the demolition, over 6,500 people were detained for verification, with 450 confirmed as illegal residents.–IANSjanvi/dan

Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh made quite a splash with his grand debut at the Met Gala this year. Keeping in tune with the theme of this year, he stayed true to his Punjabi roots.Now, adding to the excitement, Diljit decided to give the netizens a glimpse of all the chaotic fun that went on behind his Met Gala debut.Diljit took to his Instagram handle and dropped a couple of behind-the-scenes footage from his experience at the Met Gala. “BEHIND THE SCENE OUT NOW ON YOUTUBE”, Diljit wrote in the caption.In the video shared by him, Diljit was asked, “Is there someone at the Met, that you’re excited to meet or looking forward to meet?”To this, the ‘Soorma’ actor gave a sassy reply, saying, “Don’t take me wrong, but I am excited that everyone is going to look at me.”In another BTS clip, the singer shared that he is not nervous at all, “We’re not nervous at all, the ones who invited us should be nervous.”The post further included a video of Diljit being greeted by the paparazzi as he stepped out of his hotel room.Diljit’s outfit for the Met was inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, the ruler of Patiala.He made a lot of heads turn in a white suit, with a white drape and an embellished turban. His outfit was accessorized with a green and white stone necklace, which was also based on Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s original Cartier necklace.Giving the outfit his own touch, Diljit had the map of Punjab in the Gurmukhi script embroidered on his drape.Treating his InstaFam with some clicks of himself from Met Gala, the ‘Jatt & Juliet’ actor wrote, “MAIN HOON Punjab #metgala…Inspired by The Theme of Black Dandyism, I Bring My Turban, My Culture & My Mother Tongue “ Punjab“ to The MET GALA. Thank You So Much..Dear @prabalgurung @theannawintour @cartier @golecha_jewels @abhilashatd.”–IANSpm/

Kolkata, May 15 (IANS) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday refused to hear a plea for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the twin murders of Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das, the father and the son killed in communal violence at Samserganj in minority-dominated Murshidabad of West Bengal last month.To recall, on May 5, the family members of the slain father and son approached Calcutta High Court’s single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh with the petition seeking a CBI probe in the twin murders.However, Justice Ghosh refused to hear the matter and said that since a matter related to communal violence was already being heard by the division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das, the petitioner should approach the same division bench with the plea.However, on Thursday, the division bench of Justice Sen and Justice Das observed that it was not always necessary that a division bench would hear any petition relating to the violence.The division bench also observed that the hearing can be conducted at the single- judge bench concerned which generally hears such matters. The family members of the slain father and son appealed to the court that since they did not have any faith on the probe by the state police in the matter of the twin murders, they wanted a CBI probe.The family members have also sought security cover from the central armed police forces personnel for them. Legal circles feel that since matters related to police excesses or police inaction are being heard by the single-judge bench of Justice Ghosh, there is a high possibility that the case might be referred back to his bench again.Earlier, the National Commission for Women (NCW) issued a statement claiming that the commission had taken urgent cognizance of a plea from the widows of the slain father and son, accusing the West Bengal Police of excesses against them.–IANSsrc/pgh

Bhubaneswar, May 15 (IANS) The Odisha Vigilance on Thursday unearthed assets worth crores during raids conducted at different places linked to a senior state government official on the charges of amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The senior officer, Asit Kumar Patra, is currently working as Additional Block Development Officer (ABDO), Dharmasala Block, Jajpur district.“On the allegation of possession of assets disproportionate to the known sources of income, simultaneous house searches were conducted on the properties of Asit Kumar Patra, Addl. BDO, Dharmasala Block, Jajpur on May 15, 2025 at seven places in Jajpur, Cuttack, Bhadrak and Bhubaneswar (Khordha) districts,” informed the state vigilance on Thursday.The anti-corruption wing of the Odisha government further stated that as many as seven teams of Odisha Vigilance, comprising eight Deputy Superintendents of Police, nine Inspectors, and other supporting staff, conducted the search on the strength of warrants issued by the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack on Thursday.The places where the raids have been carried out include Patra’s native village at Garadeswar near Sundarimuhan in Jajpur, the official residential quarter and office room at Dharamshala of Jajapur, a relative’s house in Bhandaripokhari of Bhadrak district, etc.The vigilance sleuths during the search found Patra in possession of three multi-storeyed buildings, a shopping complex in Jajpur, a two-BHK flat in Cuttack city, five high-value plots, including four plots in posh areas of Jajpur road.The Technical Wing of Vigilance is conducting the measurement and valuation of the above buildings/flats/shopping complexes/plots to ascertain their actual market value.Additionally, the officials unearthed cash of Rs 1,85,560, gold ornaments weighing 700 gms, bank and insurance deposits worth Rs 65 lakhs, two 2-wheelers and household articles worth over Rs 3.27 lakhs.As per reports, in 2024, Odisha Vigilance registered 211 cases against 345 persons including 54 Class-I officers, 46 Class-II officers, 140 Class-III employees, two Class-IV employees, 19 other public servants and 84 private persons.The 211 cases included 62 Disproportionate Assets (DA) cases, 96 trap cases and the rest of the corruption cases.–IANSgyan/dan