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By Venkatachari Jagannathan
Chennai, Dec 23 (IANS) It was an eventful 2022 for the Indian space sector that includes the government and the private sector. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) put into the satellite launch market a heavier rocket with an order size of over Rs 1,000 crore and also launched a couple of its own satellites, said a top official of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).



The space agency transferred its operational assets to NSIL and the latter also selected a consortium to make five PSLV-XL rockets. The private space startups also flew their satellites and rockets during the year under review, S. Somanath, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO told IANS.

However, the bigger news for the government-owned space sector is the successful launch of 36 satellites of UK-based OneWeb in 2022 with ISRO's heavier rocket LVM3 earlier known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mk III.

"One more similar launch is slated for early next year. We may get launch contracts for OneWeb's next generation satellites. With enquiries coming as to the availability of LMV3 for launches, we have to see on increasing its production say five or six per year," Somanath said.

Increasing production needs investments. We can't ask the government for funds as the commercial programme needs commercial funds for the commercial arm NSIL, he said.

"Production of heavy rockets needs a lead time of a couple of years. Funding options are being studied and NSIL can even ask the customers for an advance payment so that the rocket production can be taken up," Somanath said.

Even globally the space sector business model is undergoing a change with governments moving out and allowing the private sector in as the former model is not sustainable in the long run, the ISRO Chief added.

On the technology transfer, ISRO has transferred its knowhow for Indian Mini Satellite Bus to about six players and to about 10 companies the lithium-ion battery, he said.

On the R&D side, Somanath said ISRO has ramped up activities and is working on several new technologies whose outcome will be known some time next year.

The space agency is researching additive manufacturing (3D printing) which is a tricky subject as one has to understand the material. Lot of work has gone in at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the space agency can create more professionals in this field.

"We are also working on new materials like the magnetic materials, special glasses, development of high temperature tolerant materials that would find use in the reusable launch vehicle or reusable rockets," Somanath said.

For India's human space mission Gaganyaan, ISRO has decided to develop the environmental life support systems instead of an earlier plan of importing the same.

The other major area of work is the software driven satellites - satellites whose purpose can be changed with software. The satellite is in R&D mode and may take two/three years to get ready, Somanath said.

"The ISRO is also focusing on developing electronics for its satellites and also on using the commercially available electronics with suitable upscaling and a start was made with the SSLV rocket's electronic components which will also bring down the production costs," Somanath said.

Continuing further, he added that ISRO has also developed the atomic clock that will be fitted in the navigation satellites. The first clock is ready to be fitted.

On the update on NavIC constellation, he said India has to launch only three to make the constellation complete. Out of the eight NavIC satellites that have been launched, one is not working and in some others, the atomic clock is not functioning.

"We are working to get the Indian government's permission to launch one NavIC satellite next February. We are also looking at the long term plan. We are building five more NavIC satellites as replacement for the existing ones. The five satellites will have a new frequency for civilian use. Further the communication security is beefed up for
use by the strategic sectors," Somanath said.

On the status of reusable launch vehicle (RLV), he said test landing planned for 2022 was not possible as the helicopter that would lift it and release it from the required heights was not available.

The year also saw Agnikul Cosmos building its own rocket launch pad at ISRO's facility in Sriharikota.

As per the policy, private players can build their infrastructure on ISRO's land. The Agnikul Cosmos' launch pad is only for test launches. They will have to have their own launch infrastructure or use ISRO's facility in Sriharikota.

The year 2022 also saw private rocket startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully test flying its Vikram sounding rocket from Sriharikota.

On the technology transfer, ISRO has transferred its knowhow for Indian Mini Satellite Bus to about six players and to about 10 companies the lithium-ion battery, he said.

Other major events in 2022

Somanath became ISRO's Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space.

Launch of GSAT-24 satellite for Tata Play.

ISRO tested a large human rated solid rocket booster for the Gaganyaan programme.

Successful launch of EOS-04 (RISAT) satellite by the PSLV- C52 rocket.

Launch of 200th RH200 sounding rocket.

End of life of India's Mars Orbiter announced.

INSAT-4B satellite decommissioned.

Indian satellite startup Pixxel launched its first satellite Shakuntala with SpaceX rocket.

A damage in the soft seal in a critical valve of GSLV rocket resulted in failure of GISAT mission in 2021 stated the Failure Analysis Committee.

India's PSLV-C53 rocket successfully orbited three Singaporean satellites and payloads of two Indian space start-ups- Digantara and Dhruva Aerospace.

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of India's Department of Space, has agreed to transfer 'Optical Imaging System' technology to Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd.

Maiden flight of SSLV rocket failed.

The ISRO has developed a microprocessor-controlled knee (MPK) which is ten times cheaper against imported ones.

India's defunct Radar Imaging Satellite-2 (RISAT-2) hit the Indian Ocean near Jakarta.

The Indo-French ocean observation satellite EOS 06 and eight other nano satellites were orbited by PSLV-C54 rocket.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)

--IANS
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New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) During the last five years, the Directorate of Enforcement has taken up investigation in around 87 cases under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) against MPs, MLAs and MLCs (both former and sitting).

Minister of State, Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary on Tuesday in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha said that during the last five years 59 Prosecution Complaints (PCs) have been filed before the Special Court (PMLA) which are at various stages of trial.

The provisions of PMLA came into force with effect from July 1, 2005 and till date trial has been completed only in 36 cases by the Special Court, PMLA and the remaining 1,082 cases are at various stages of trial.

The reply further said that the trial of offence of money laundering has been completed only in 21 cases on merit out of 36 decided cases which resulted in the conviction of 31 accused in 20 cases.

In the remaining 15 cases, trial of offence of money laundering could not proceed further on merit due to quashing of predicate offence on the basis of charge sheet filed by predicate agency. However, in these cases appeal has been preferred before the high courts.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) The Winter session of Parliament is likely to conclude on December 23, six days before its scheduled culmination, sources privy to developments said.

They added that the decision has been taken keeping in mind the forthcoming Christmas week.

Leaders of all parties are said to have arrived at a consensus to end the session on December 23.

The Winter session was supposed to end on December 29, 2022. It had begun on December 7.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had received representations from several opposition leaders to end the session early, keeping in mind the festival and year-end season ahead.

--IANS
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New York, Dec 20 (IANS) Young Indian-Americans, who are among more than 3.5 million South Asians living in the US, regularly face racial and ethnic discrimination as early as preschool, which influences the development of their identities, says a new study.

The second-generation Indian-American adolescents are "especially vulnerable to discrimination as they explore and form their identities", according to the study by Texas A&M University School of Public Health.

The study surveyed nine Indian-Americans between the ages of 12-17 years who talked about their experiences with peers at school, who made discriminatory comments about Indian culture, language or religion.

"This one kida found a rock and said 'look it's your God'," and "in math class we had like little dots and we would have to... put them into groups... And a white kid was saying 'is this your God?' and put it on his forehead", an Indian-American student said.

"Then sometimes they would say stuff about the food or they would mock an Indian accent like, 'I don't like Indian food' some people have said things like 'it's gross' or 'it's weird' or 'it smells really bad," he added.

Apart from reporting hate crimes, the adolescents also discussed the difficulties they faced balancing their Indian identity with their desire to be seen as American.

A few of them reported feeling angry that they did not have white skin like their friends, and their desire to be more "American" instead as early as preschool.

This balancing act often relies on code switching, where the interviewees spoke and acted differently when with family and at school, the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, said.

"The word Indian-American, it means you live between two worlds, my experience. I come home, I'm Indian. I live Indian lives, I eat Indian food. I step over my threshold, I become American. Go to school, I'm an American... Your parents don't kind of understand the western world and the western world doesn't really understand the Indian world. You live between two worlds and you've got to be knowledgeable to know how to balance them," another student said.

In some cases, these adolescents felt they were seen as fitting into neither group.

The study showed that Indian-American youth begin facing discrimination as early as preschool or elementary school.

These adolescents were all classified as second-generation, that is, they were born in the US and had parents who emigrated from India after the age of 18.

The research team was led by Jamilia Blake, PhD, School of Public Health professor, Indian-American doctoral graduate Asha K. Unni, and colleagues from Texas A&M University and Davidson College.

Asian Indians were the first South Asians to immigrate to the US in the late 1800s and are currently the largest ethnic group in America.

--IANS
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By IANSlife
New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANSlife) As the official sponsors of the twenty-third Jodhpur Polo Season 2022 and the organiser of the significant Modern Indian Art auction "Historic Masterpieces," which will feature pieces by renowned painters, AstaGuru's 2022 come to a successful conclusion.



The Jodhpur Polo season 2022, which runs from December 6 through December 31, 2022, at the Maharaja Gaj Singh Sports Foundation Polo ground, will be showing the absolute best in polo sportsmanship. The season will draw notable officials from throughout the nation to a number of exciting events, including the Army Commander's Cup and the Indian Air Force Longewala Cup Exhibition Cup.

Jodhpur Polo has a remarkable history that has contributed significantly to the growth of the game in the nation and to the promotion of the best of Indian culture. As guardians of heritage and champions of India's extraordinarily rich and extensive past, AstaGuru is thrilled to partner with this prestigious organisation.

Talking about this year's Jodhpur Polo Season, Sunny Chandiramani, Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House states, "We are very pleased to be sponsoring an event of this magnitude, to be able to interact with people from all walks of life, have a true rendezvous with royals from across the country and celebrate the ethos of Polo. This was a great opportunity for us and Jodhpur Polo to come together in our love for India's vibrant legacy and have robust exchanges surrounding culture and art. We look forward to working with Jodhpur Polo again in the near future."

On December 27 and 28, AstaGuru will also have its "Historic Masterpieces" auction of contemporary Indian art. The extraordinary collection up for auction will feature a number of exceptional, one-of-a-kind pieces from the bodies of work of prominent painters who had a significant influence on the field of Modern Indian Art. Famous artists Hemendranath Mazumdar, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, Jehangir Sabavala, M.F. Husain, Akbar Padamsee, and Bikash Bhattacharjee, among others, are responsible for the outstanding works. A few of the pieces are being offered at auction for the first time.

Highlights from the Historic Masterpieces auction

Lot no. 23 titled 'Nocturnal Flight' is an oil on canvas creation by Jehangir Sabavala and features the motif of birds he recurrently depicted in his works. Published in a book titled 'The Crucible of Painting: The Art of Jehangir Sabavala' by Sakshi Gallery, in 2005, it will be offered at an estimate of INR 3,50,00,000 -4,00,00,000.

Also in auction are three works belonging to the M.F. Husain's famed 'British Raj' series - a magnificent combination of history, satire and political commentary. Titled 'Raj Series: Princess Nisha Raje. Afternoon Tea with Lady McBull', lot no. 24 is a large-scale acrylic on oil canvas work executed in 1997 depicting an Indian princess having tea with a Lady Mcbull - 'Mcbull', a nickname Husain often used. The work will be offered at an estimate of INR 3,00,00,000-4,00,00,000.

Lot no. 4 titled 'Jemdanee 1787' is a watercolour painting from the year 1986 by the artist that makes a powerful statement about the relationship between British barrister, William Hickey, and supposed Indian wife Jemdanee. It will be offered at an estimate of INR 30,00,000-40,00,000. Another watercolour work from the series, lot no. 5, titled 'Credentials of Gwalior, Nizam and Patiala I' also comes from the first set of works from the Raj series, depicting the rulers of the princely states in audience with a British officer. This will be offered at an estimate of INR 30,00,000-40,00,000.

On offer are six impressive works by S.H. Raza showcasing the diverse styles he has experimented with over the years prominent of which is lot no. 28, titled 'L'Orage' executed in 1973, an extremely productive phase for the artist. The acrylic on canvas work is offered at an estimate of INR 2,25,00,000-2,75,00,000. Lot no. 17 titled 'Bindu' executed in 1985 is a signature for the artist and is one of the early works from the series. The acrylic on canvas work is estimated at INR 2,00,00,000-2,50,00,000. Lot no. 33 is titled 'Bhoomi' and was executed in 1987. The work is indicative of the metamorphosis of Raza's landscapes and will be offered at an estimate of INR 1,80,00,000-2,20,00,000.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
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By Armstrong Vaz
Doha, Dec 19 (IANS) After a thrilling final saw Argentina beat France on penalties, the awards for the 2022 World Cup were also announced with some of the biggest names in football were recognized, with Lionel Messi from Argentina was confirmed as the best player at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.


The Argentinian forward won the Adidas Golden Ball, which is awarded to the best player by the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG).

Kylian Mbappe from France and Luka Modric from Croatia came second and third respectively.

Golden Ball -- Lionel Messi (Argentina)

This was Messi's World Cup -- and that was rubber-stamped as he was named the player of the tournament.

The 35-year-old finally got his hands on football's biggest prize, scoring seven goals enroute to hoisting the trophy high into the Qatar night.

He became the first man to score in the last 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final of the same edition and wins the individual accolade for a second time.

The Adidas Golden Boot was won by Kylian Mbappe, with 8 goals and 2 assists. Lionel Messi collected the Silver Boot and Olivier Giroud from France the Bronze.

Emiliano Martinez from Argentina collected the Adidas Golden Glove while England took the FIFA Fair Play award

Golden Boot -- Kylian Mbappe (France)

The France forward was level with Messi on five goals heading into the showdown in Lusail. He would go on to become the first man since Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, tucking away two penalties and hitting a fine finish which took the game to extra-time.

It was not enough for France to retain the trophy but, with eight goals across the finals, he matched Ronaldo's total from 2002 and, at the age of 23, there could still be plenty more to come from Mbappe.

Young Player award -- Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

There were plenty of contenders for the best young player in Qatar. Jude Bellingham would have been in the running had England not been eliminated in the quarter-finals while France's Aurelien Tchouameni was another candidate.

Fernandez, though, was superb throughout the finals, a tenacious and determined midfielder who is also good in possession and a driving force in Lionel Scaloni's Argentina at the tender age of 21.

Golden Glove -- Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)

The Aston Villa goalkeeper provided heroics in penalty shoot-out victories for Argentina against both Netherlands, where he saved two, and against France in the final where he kept out Kingsley Coman's effort to give his side the upper hand.

His presence was also obvious for all to see and his stunning one-on-one stop from Randal Kolo Muani prevented France securing a dramatic late win.

Fair Play award -- England

England did not leave Qatar empty-handed after all.

Gareth Southgate's side went the entire group stage without picking up as much as a booking and extended that run as they beat Senegal 3-0 in the last 16.

It was only in their quarter-final defeat to France where they troubled the referee's notebook as Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was cautioned in the closing stages with England chasing the game.

--IANS
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Agartala, Dec 18 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the budget for the all-round development and welfare of the tribals has been increased to Rs 88,000 crore from the earlier 21,000 crore.

Addressing a rally at the Swami Vivekananda ground in Agartala, Modi said that over 50,000 Van Dhan Kendras is functioning across the country, providing livelihood to 9 lakh tribals.

"As the BJP governments have taken a series of welfare measures for the tribals, their first choice is the BJP. After 27 years, BJP secured a big victory in the recent Assembly elections in Gujarat. Out of 27 tribal reserved seats, BJP won 24 seats," Modi said.

To woo the tribal voters for the upcoming Assembly elections in Tripura, the Prime Minister highlighted many pro-tribal schemes and government's efforts for the welfare of the tribals.

He said that earlier there were only 100 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and now it has increased to 500 in the county.

Referring to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the Prime Minister said that over 7,000 Health and Wellness centres were set up in the northeast to provide medical treatments including critical diseases to the people. A Health services are now at the doorsteps of the people, he added.

Modi said that his government has been observing November 15 as aJanjatiya Gaurav Divasa¿ to mark the birth anniversary of the tribal leader and freedom fighter ABirsa Munda and added that 10 tribal museums are being set up across the country.

"Previous NDA government had set up a separate Tribal Affairs Ministry," Referring to the Agartala )-Akhaura (Bangladesh) new railway project, he said that Tripura would be an international gateway and trade and various economic activities would be undertaken with the neighbouring countries.

Appreciating Chief Minister Manik Saha and his government, Modi said that Tripura is a leading state in the country in providing houses to the poor people.

The Prime Minister naugurated multiple projects and laid foundation stones for a few other projects worth over Rs 4,350 crore and he launched the "Grih Pravesh" programme for beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (both urban and rural).These houses, developed at a cost of over Rs 3,400 crore, benefiting over two lakh beneficiaries.

Modi also inaugurated the first state Institute of Hotel Management at Anandnagar on the outskirts of Agartala and the first Agartala Government Dental College in the capital city.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the project for widening of the Agartala bypass (Khayerpur - Amtali) NH-08), which would help ease traffic congestion in Agartala city and laid the foundation stones for 32 roads of more than 230 km length under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and for improvement of 112 roads covering a distance of over 540 Km.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS) After Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday tweeted his photo with armymen in Arunachal Pradesh, it attracted criticism from the Congress which said the photo is three-year old.

In a series of tweets, Rijiju posted photos and videos from Arunachal Pradesh saying that "Arunachal Pradesh is fully secured"

the first tweet, sharing a video of Rahul Gandhi's press conference, Rijiji said, "Rahul Gandhi is not only insulting Indian Army but damaging nation's image. He is not only a problem for the Congress Party but he has also become a huge embarrassment the country. We are proud of our Armed Forces."

In the next tweet, Rijiju posted his photo with the Indian Army personnel and said, "Yangtse area in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh is fully secured now due to adequate deployment of the brave jawans of Indian Army."

In the third tweet, he posted a picturesque view of Chumi Gyatse, saying, "This is an amazing sight located just below Yangtse. It's known as Chumi Gyatse, 108 Holy Water Falls which originates from in-between the high mountains, considered the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava."

Reacting to this, Congress communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh shared the same photo allegedly dating back to 2019, saying, "Same Picture was put out three years ago if I recall."

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said in a tweet in Hindi, "At least photo should not be posted of 2019."

Retweeting the same, Ramesh said, "Shameless distortion."

--IANS
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By Shekhar Singh
New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS) Cannabis or ganja, 'babaji ki booti' or 'maal' (what peddlers call it) has spread its roots across the national capital, which is evident as it is being openly sold at some places across the city.


Easily available at various hotspots, which include JJ clusters and parks, at prices ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 5,000, anyone can get ganja in the quantities that they require.

An IANS team visited several places across the city, including JJ clusters and found that these drugs and illicit liquor are sold openly in these colonies without any fear of authorities.

The team first visited the JJ cluster built on both sides of the railway lines near Jal Vihar area in Lajpat Nagar. The team asked about the 'maal' from one of the men sitting outside the one of the shanties, who then said to go in third alley, and ask for 'Anna'.

The team then reached the third alley and after entering it just left, and the second single room shanty was Anna's 'office', where he was sitting on a chair watching a movie on TV. The correspondent asked him about the cannabis to which he said you can buy Rs 100, 500 and Rs 1,000 packets from here.

He kept the cannabis rolled in newspapers and all the rooms were filled with those packets. He calls it his 'office'.

The team then visited JJ cluster in Chattarpur near 100 ft road where narrow lanes led to a woman who was sitting on a cot and used to openly sell ganja and illicit liquor. The ganja is sold in packets starting from Rs 100 per pack whereas alcohol quarter is sold for Rs 50.

"We don't have any other business to do. This is easy earning and once a buyer is here, he will come again to buy the stuff," said the woman on anonymity, adding that most of the people who come to buy drugs are youngsters.

She also said that whenever there is a shortage of ganja, other peddlers in the area specifically reduce quantity and sell drugs by mixing 'Avil' tablet and other chemicals. "The salt is available easily. Some peddlers mix this salt, so that the drug can leave a positive effect on buyers that the quality is good, but I don't sell that way," she said.

The team then visited Neb Sarai, Freedom Fighter Colony, gate no-4, where the correspondent spoke to people who pointed out towards a general store which sells these drugs. Posing as a buyer, the correspondent asked the shop owner to give a packet of ganja. The shopkeeper pointed towards a street near his shop and asked to wait there.

As the peddler returned, he asked what would we like to buy - ganja or heroin, adding: "Heroin would cost you Rs 300 for 1 gram and a small packet of ganja would cost Rs 100 while a quarter of illicit liquor is sold for Rs 100."

Madan Giri, Subhash Nagar, RK Puram, INA, Khirki Extension, Malviya Nagar, Munirka and JJ clusters in Jahangirpuri, Dwarka, Uttam Nagar and Rohini are also the hotspots for drug peddlers and distributors.

Most peddlers and distributors also operate in areas close to North Campus such as Majnu Ka Tila, Kashmere Gate, Indra Vikas opposite Nirankari colony and Shastri Park.

According to a senior police official, interrogation reports of the arrested men indicate that a majority of the drug users are school and college students, apart from criminals, who are into smack and other cheap stuff.

"Most of the robbers and snatchers caught by Delhi Police are addicted to drugs and are youngsters. Just to fulfil the need for drugs, these youngsters commit crimes. They stole items and sold them at throwaway
rates to people," said the senior police official.

On December 5, Delhi Police said that they have arrested two drug peddlers and recovered over 100 kgs of cannabis from their possession. On interrogation of the accused, it was revealed that the said consignment was procured from Tripura, a North East state.

"The accused used to procure consignment from Tripura at a cost of Rs 5,000-6,000 per kg and supplied it at a cost of Rs 10,000-12,000 per kg in Delhi and its peripherals," said the official.

On December 12, with the arrest of three people, the Delhi Police claimed to have busted an interstate drug syndicate involved in supplying narcotics contrabands in Delhi and its peripherals. A total of 22.400 kg of cannabis was recovered from them.

The accused were identified as Veer Singh, a resident of Bharatpur in Rajasthan; Rajendra and Rajkumar- both residents of Bhim Basti in South Delhi.

"Rajkumar after getting influenced by one of the drug peddlers active in South Delhi along with his brother-in-law of Veer did drug peddling from Orissa and Andhra Pradesh," said the official.

On September 8, the South Delhi Police arrested two drug peddlers and recovered 259.607 kg ganja from their possession. The accused said that they were handed over ganja in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) to supply in the NCR.

"They disclosed that farming of cannabis is being conducted in remote areas of Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh. From there, it was transported by road to Vijaynagaram in a mini truck. At Vijaynagaram, it was packed in black coloured keyboards, so that the consignment cannot be detected by scanners installed at railway stations. Then, it was taken to the Hyderabad Railway Station to be parcelled to Delhi by train. Thus it reached Delhi and was being supplied in different areas by road in private vehicle," said the police official.

In March this year, an interstate drug peddler was nabbed with 109.7 kg ganja worth Rs 1.02 crore packed in 51 small cartoons in a vehicle which was intercepted by the police near Mahipalpur in South Delhi.

--IANS
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Mumbai, Dec 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed on Saturday that the state governments performance in the past six months has rattled the Opposition parties which prompted them to take out a rally which failed to gather enough support.

"Despite making such big preparations, holding so many meetings, what is the outcome? We have all witnessed it today... All the parties, their leaders and different flag colours did not create any impact," said Shinde, hitting out at the Maha Vikas Aghadi-led mega procession taken out on Saturday.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP ridiculed the Opposition's ‘halla-bol' mega march as a 'superflop', which was "taken out only for selfish political reasons of their leaders", adding that "where are the drone images to prove their claims?"

"This march was out of fear... They are now out of the government. We grabbed power from under their noses and we are doing very well. The march was in apprehension of their defeat in the 2024 Parliamentary and Assembly elections," Fadnavis said.

BJP state President Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that the government of Shinde-Fadnavis is zooming ahead like a ‘bullet train' with the agenda of development.

"The Opposition's action is out of frustration for the future when they will lose the elections very badly" Bawankule predicted.

Meanwhile, state Congress' working President Arif Naseem Khan retorted that the ruling BSS-BJP has been "totally shaken by the sheer turnout, which crossed three-lakh mark", adding that people were still joining the procession after the rally ended late in the afternoon.

Fadnavis reiterated that the BSS-BJP combine will not only rule to complete its full term, but also sweep the next elections and continue to work for the fast progress and development of the state.

Simultaneously, the BJP carried out a ‘maafi-mango' (beg forgiveness) agitation in different parts of Mumbai to protest against the defaming of Maharashtra's saints and icons by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders like Sanjay Raut and Sushma Andhare.

--IANS
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