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Jaipur, Feb 13 (IANS) In a significant development in the mysterious death of Sadhvi Prem Baisa, the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has submitted its viscera examination report to the police, ruling out poisoning or any unnatural cause of death.

The report, received late Thursday night, has brought a major twist to the case that had sparked widespread speculation and controversy.

According to sources, the FSL analysis found no traces of poison or toxic substances in Sadhvi Prem Baisa's body. This has dismissed earlier suspicions of foul play or forced poisoning.

However, the final cause of death will be determined by the medical board after a detailed review of the forensic findings. Investigators revealed that Sadhvi Prem Baisa had been suffering from asthma and had developed severe breathing difficulties after catching a cold on January 28.

As her condition worsened, she contacted a male nurse, Devi Singh, who administered Dexona and Dynapar injections.

Doctors at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital will now analyse whether these medications or underlying health conditions contributed to her death.

Sadhvi Prem Baisa fell seriously ill at the Aarti Nagar Ashram in Pal village under Boranada police station limits on January 28.

She was taken to a private hospital on Pal Road but was declared dead on arrival.

Following a complaint filed by her father, Biramnath, the police registered a case and conducted a post-mortem examination on January 29 through a medical board. Her viscera samples were sent to the FSL on February 2, and the forensic investigation was completed within 11 days.

During the investigation, compounder Devi Singh stated that the injections were administered based on a prescription allegedly given by a private hospital doctor.

Police are now examining who prescribed the injections and whether proper medical protocols were followed.

While the FSL report has ruled out poisoning, authorities say the case is still under investigation, and all aspects, including medical treatment, circumstances at the ashram, and statements of witnesses, are being scrutinised.

Officials said more clarity will emerge after the medical board submits its final opinion.

--IANS

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Dharamsala, Feb 8 (IANS) The office of the Dalai Lama on Sunday firmly denied media reports suggesting any association between the Tibetan spiritual leader and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The clarification comes after several media outlets, citing documents from the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), reported that the Dalai Lama’s name appeared 169 times in the widely discussed Epstein files.

According to some reports, the Buddhist leader’s name allegedly appeared in multiple personal emails and in the index of a book titled ‘Massage for Dummies’, which was included as a scanned document in files released earlier as part of the Epstein case records.

Following the circulation of these claims, the Dalai Lama’s office issued a statement categorically rejecting any alleged link.

“Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the ‘Epstein files’ are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein,” the statement read.

“We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness’s behalf,” it added.

Some reports have referred to emails dated October 2012 that allegedly contained references suggesting a meeting between the Tibetan spiritual leader and Epstein, and also indicated that the Dalai Lama was expected to attend an event alongside him.

Additionally, European media outlet 'Nexta TV' claimed that individuals described as followers of the Dalai Lama might have met Epstein, further fuelling speculation about possible indirect links.

The issue also gained attention last year after journalist Michael Wolff made claims during an appearance on the 'Daily Beast' podcast.

Wolff spoke about gatherings, described as “salons”, that were reportedly hosted at Epstein’s Manhattan residence and attended by several prominent personalities.

While naming attendees, Wolff included the Dalai Lama and speculated that the spiritual leader’s presence, if any, may have been connected to fundraising or philanthropic outreach, as several individuals were known to approach Epstein for financial contributions.

Independent journalist Jacob Silverman later referred to Wolff’s claims in an article titled “Why Was The Dalai Lama At Jeffrey Epstein’s House?”

In his report, Silverman mentioned that the Dalai Lama’s office did not respond to queries at the time, regarding whether the organisation had received any donations from Epstein or had any form of association with him.

The controversy has resurfaced after the US DoJ recently released a massive collection of records linked to Epstein.

The release reportedly includes more than three million files, over 2,000 videos and approximately 1,80,000 photographs connected to the disgraced financier’s activities.

According to reports, the newly released documents contain references to several influential personalities from across sectors, including political leaders, business figures, and globally recognised individuals.

Names mentioned in various reports include current and former US Presidents such as Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, as well as business leaders including Bill Gates and Elon Musk, among others.

--IANS

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Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention to accelerate long-pending railway projects in the State, highlighting "delays" in fund allocation and stalled land acquisition that have slowed critical infrastructure development.

In his detailed letter, the Chief Minister underscored that Tamil Nadu has already completed most of the groundwork required for railway expansion but is facing setbacks due to the "delayed and piecemeal release" of funds from the Ministry of Railways.

He requested the Centre to release the required funds in full and on priority to ensure faster project execution and timely compensation to the landowners.

According to CM Stalin, administrative sanction has been granted for acquiring 2,500 hectares of land for various Union government railway projects.

Of this, land acquisition has been completed for nearly 94 per cent of the required area for 19 major projects, and the land has been handed over to the Railways.

However, funds have not yet been sanctioned for over 931 hectares, creating bottlenecks in several works.

He pointed out that delays in compensating landowners have disrupted progress and created uncertainty among affected families.

CM Stalin cited the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanniyakumari broad-gauge doubling project as a key example, where funds amounting to Rs 289.78 crore for land compensation are still pending, thereby holding up the project's completion.

The Chief Minister also called for the revival of projects that have been kept in abeyance, including the Thoothukudi–Madurai (via Aruppukottai) line and the Tindivanam–Tiruvannamalai line.

He further urged the Centre to sanction additional new railway projects in line with Tamil Nadu's growing economic stature.

Describing Tamil Nadu as India's second-largest economy and a major manufacturing and export hub, CM Stalin stressed that improved rail connectivity would significantly boost national growth.

He assured that the State government has established a robust monitoring system and is fully committed to extending cooperation for speedy implementation.

Expressing confidence in cooperative federalism, CM Stalin said timely Central support would benefit both Tamil Nadu and the nation at large.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Calling it a major boost to bilateral ties, Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi on Sunday said the India-US Interim Trade Agreement marks a new chapter in economic cooperation between the two nations.

Reacting to the development, Saraogi said, “The India-US interim trade agreement gives a new direction to economic cooperation between the two countries. This agreement will strengthen trade, investment, technology, and supply chains, helping India achieve its Viksit Bharat goals. It is not just a trade agreement but also a step to elevate the strategic and economic friendship between India and the United States.”

His remarks came after the US and India announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, aimed at paving the way for a comprehensive bilateral trade pact. As part of the announcement, the White House formally confirmed a reduction in tariffs on imports of Indian products from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, offering immediate relief to Indian exporters and industries.

According to a joint statement issued by both sides, the framework reaffirms India and America’s commitment to negotiations on a US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement, talks launched by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025. Officials said the interim arrangement is designed to deliver early outcomes while supporting more resilient and diversified supply chains.

“The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes,” the announcement noted.

Earlier this week, President Trump also spoke with Prime Minister Modi and later wrote on 'Truth Social' that both countries had agreed on a trade deal. He highlighted reciprocity, expanded market access, and efforts to address long-standing trade imbalances, while underlining the broader strategic importance of economic ties with New Delhi.

Under the proposed framework, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and on a wide range of American food and agricultural products. These include dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits, among others.

On another matter, reacting to the arrest-related developments involving MP Pappu Yadav, Sanjay Saraogi said, “Pappu Yadav has had ongoing cases for years and is currently absconding, with orders for attachment and seizure already issued. The court has emphasised that an absconding accused must surrender, and if warrants or attachment orders are executed, the administration must ensure their arrest and imprisonment.”

--IANS

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Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8 (IANS) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "unequivocal" peacekeeping efforts and thanked him for his firm commitment to support diplomatic talks regarding the same in the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East.

In his remarks during the joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian PM Ibrahim said, "I must express my appreciation, because my discussions with Prime Minister Modi are not just normal diplomatic exchanges, but those between true friends, full of trust and understanding."

"Therefore, I must also take this opportunity to express my regard and thanks to him for his firm commitment to support all peace efforts, be it in Ukraine-Russia or in the case of the Middle East, particularly Gaza. His efforts in peacekeeping are unequivocal," he added.

"We consider this meeting and these exchanges very vital, very strategic and critical to advance and enhance relations between India and Malaysia... We had long-standing relations since 1957, but we have elevated it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024," he said, and highlighted the "deep historical ties, strong people-to-people linkages, and ever-expanding economic cooperation".

"We'll continue to deepen collaboration in all fields -- trade and investment, semiconductor, digital economy, trade in local currency, connectivity, energy, agriculture, food, security, defence, education, healthcare, tourism, culture and people-to-people. It is really comprehensive, and we believe that we can advance this and execute in a speedy manner with the commitment of both our governments, both foreign ministers," he said.

The Malaysian PM said that both nations exchanged 11 documents, including MoUs, in an exchange of letters which "extended beyond normal bilateral arrangements" as the peacekeeping cooperation on semiconductor, healthcare and security cooperation has also been covered in it.

Malaysian PM Ibrahim further expressed hope in expanding trade cooperation with India, extending beyond the $8.59 billion figure that was achieved in 2025. He also called the use of local currency -- the rupee and the Malaysian ringgit -- a "remarkable feat".

"India is growing by leaps and bounds, which is one spectacular rise in the international economic trade scene, and therefore Malaysia, in the ASEAN context, certainly benefits immensely if we could secure more ways and opportunities to collaborate with India to extend beyond the $18.59 billion that we achieved in 2025.

He said that the educational ties remain "pivotal" as many Malaysians were educated in India, and there is a growing number of Indian students in Malaysia too.

"Since the last decade or so under the premiership of my good friend Prime Minister Modi, you have seen the spectacular recognition of Indian centres of excellence in education. That's not only comparable, but many of them have achieved outstanding recognition beyond the known institutions in the West. Therefore, we would certainly explore this to increase the number of students in the disciplines and fields to study in India," the Malaysian PM said.

He also stressed the need to focus on tourism and connectivity.

"As a sign of our good relations, I have immediately agreed to support the decision of the Government of India to open a consulate of India in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah," he concluded.

Earlier in the day, both leaders held delegation-level talks, discussing ways to enhance bilateral ties across several sectors, including defence and security.

PM Modi accorded a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya.

PM Modi's visit is being seen as a significant step toward further deepening the enduring friendship between India and Malaysia, rooted in mutual trust, shared values and common aspirations for the future.

--IANS

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Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India's stance on terrorism is firm -- "no double standards and no compromise" -- and also stressed that New Delhi will continue to expand cooperation with Malaysia in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security.

Addressing a joint press meet with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, in Kuala Lumpur, PM Modi said, "First of all, I thank my friend, Anwar Ibrahim, for this warm welcome. Last year, I was not able come to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, but I had promised my dear friend that I would soon visit Malaysia. For my first foreign visit of 2026, I have come to Malaysia."

Highlighting the "special" India-Malaysia relations, he said, "We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, there have been deep ties between people of our two nations. Today, Malaysia is the second biggest nation in the world that has an Indian-origin population. Our civilisations are connected to shared cultural heritage and democratic values."

He credited the Malaysian PM for his "significant contributions" in providing a "new pace" to the India-Malaysia ties in the past few years.

"Our cooperation in energy, infrastructure and manufacturing has strengthened. Mutual investment has also increased in the digital economy, biotech and IT. Tourism and people-to-people ties have also deepened. By drawing inspiration from these achievements, we have decided to bring in unprecedented speed and depth in our partnership," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further mentioned that the security cooperation between the two nations will be further enhanced by strengthening the cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security.

"We will also make defence cooperation more comprehensive," he said.

Along with AI and digital technologies, he said that India and Malaysia will further advance the partnership in semiconductor, health and food security.

"The CEO forum organised today has thrown open new opportunities for trade and investment. We will pave a path to economic transformation through strategic trust," he said.

On terrorism, PM Modi said, "We will continue to support all peacekeeping efforts. However, our stance on terrorism is very firm -- no double-standards and no compromise. I appreciate your (Malaysian PM Ibrahim) commitment to enhancing India-Malaysia ties. I hope that together we will continue to work towards achieving the resolutions of Prosperous Malaysia and Viksit Bharat."

PM Modi called the Indian diaspora living in Malaysia a "living bridge" between the two nations.

"Yesterday, I received the opportunity to meet the Indian diaspora living in Malaysia. With his presence, my friend PM Anwar Ibrahim enhanced the prestige of this event. This living bridge of 30 lakh people is a major power. Measures taken for their welfare provide a humanitarian focus to our relations," he said.

He also mentioned that steps like the Social Security Agreement for the protection of Indian workers in Malaysia, and a gratis e-visa, as well as a UPI digital interface for tourism in Malaysia, will "simplify the lives of citizens of both nations".

"Any partnership succeeds when the benefit reaches people directly," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi highlighted the interest in the Tamil language in Malaysia and said, "Shared love for the Tamil language also connects India and Malaysia. In Malaysia, the strong and living presence of Tamil can be seen in education, media and cultural life. I am confident that with today's Audio Visual Agreement, film and music, especially Tamil films, will bring our hearts closer."

Emphasising that the Indo-Pacific region is emerging as a "hub of global growth", the Prime Minister said, "We are committed, along with ASEAN, to development, peace, and stability across the Indo-Pacific. India gives priority to ASEAN centrality."

"I once again congratulate Malaysia on its successful ASEAN leadership. With the support of friendly countries like Malaysia, India will further strengthen its ties with ASEAN. We agreed that the review of the ASEAN-India trade agreements should be completed soon," he added.

Earlier in the day, both leaders held delegation-level talks, discussing ways to enhance bilateral ties across several sectors, including defence and security.

PM Modi accorded a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya.

PM Modi's visit is being seen as a significant step toward further deepening the enduring friendship between India and Malaysia, rooted in mutual trust, shared values and common aspirations for the future.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The manufacturing of electronic components is growing rapidly and 46 approvals have been granted — with Karnataka is set to receive investments exceeding Rs 10,000 crore, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

In Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman increased the budget for the electronic component manufacturing scheme from Rs 22,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore.

This will significantly accelerate the electronics manufacturing journey.

“Our Prime Minister has set a production target of $500 billion by the 2030-2031 financial year. Therefore, we all need to move very quickly in that direction,” said Vaishnaw as he inaugurated Zetwerk Electronics’ new world-class manufacturing facility for defence, automotive, and IT hardware electronics built in Bengaluru.

“Today, people are designing complete '2-nanometer' chips in India, which is a major achievement for the country, and equipment manufacturers have also started coming to India,” said Union IT Minister.

He mentioned that Applied Materials and Lam Research have been brought to India, and the next goal should be to bring ASML.

The minister further stated that commercial production will begin this year. In the coming days, the first commercially produced chip from a semiconductor plant will be in our hands.

'Semicon 2.0' will be effective, focusing on design, equipment manufacturing, chemicals, gases, validation, and yield improvement — all functions required for a sustainable semiconductor journey.

“We aim to prepare 85,000 silicon engineers over 10 years, and in four years, we have already trained 67,000. Consequently, a large part of chip design will practically happen in India. This will be a major shift in the coming years,” said Vaishnaw.

He stated that with the arrival of the 'fab,' we have now mapped a path from 28- nano meter to 7-nano meter, which will be part of Silicon 2.0.

“We believe in a cooperative system and that the country grows only when all states grow,” he added.

Vishal Chaudhary, Co-founder and Managing Director (Aerospace and Defence), Zetwerk, said that electronics manufacturing today demands deep integration across design, engineering, suppliers, and scaled production.

"This facility has been built to bring those capabilities together seamlessly, enabling faster validation, stronger quality control, and predictable, high-reliability execution across the product lifecycle," he added.

—IANS

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Bengaluru, Feb 8 (IANS) Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil has submitted representations to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking approval for a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express train from Bengaluru to Vijayapura, a high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai, and a daily special train service on the Bengaluru-Vijayapura route.

After launching an electronics manufacturing facility in the Hi-Tech Hardware Park at Bagalur on Saturday, the Minister met Vaishnaw at the venue and handed over the representations. The Railway Minister assured him that the proposals would be examined positively.

Describing Bengaluru as the country’s technology capital and Mumbai as its financial capital, Patil said it was essential to connect the two cities through an efficient and modern transport system. He urged that the high-speed rail corridor announced between Mumbai and Pune be extended up to Bengaluru. Vaishnaw responded positively to this request as well.

The State Minister pointed out that the distance between Bengaluru and Vijayapura is around 530 km and that the current train journey takes nearly 15 to 16 hours. He said this travel time should be reduced to about 10 hours. To achieve this, he suggested limiting halts between Bengaluru and Hubballi and operating trains via the Hubballi and Gadag bypasses. He also sought the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service on this route.

Patil further requested the introduction of a daily special train service between Bengaluru and Vijayapura. In his representation, he stated that all three proposed services would bring significant social, industrial and economic benefits to several districts of central and north Karnataka. According to Patil, the Railway Minister responded positively to all three demands.

Senior railway officials, including South Western Railway General Manager Ajay Sharma, were present during the meeting.

Earlier, speaking after the inauguration of the manufacturing facility, Minister Patil said the new unit marked a significant strengthening of India’s capability to design, build and deliver high-reliability electronics for mission-critical applications.

He said the facility had been purpose-built to cater to critical sectors such as defence, aerospace and automotive electronics, where quality, precision and reliability are non-negotiable. With advanced manufacturing lines, clean rooms and a world-class environmental stress-testing laboratory, the unit positions itself at the high-value end of electronics manufacturing, he added.

Patil also pointed out that the state is investing over Rs 4,000 crore to extend assured Cauvery water supply to industrial areas in and around Bengaluru. This, he said, is in addition to sustained investments in roads, power and logistics to ensure long-term reliability for manufacturing units.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will address a major press conference on Sunday to reveal what he described as a wider political nexus involving Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.

Biswa Sarma mounted a sharp political offensive against the reported understanding between the Congress and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal ahead of the Assembly elections, asserting that the Opposition alliance has no prospects in the state.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of newly constructed school buildings, earlier on Monday, Sarma said the proposed February 8 briefing would go beyond earlier allegations related to Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged “Pakistan link” and would place before the public what he termed as the “entire network” associated with it. He claimed that the press conference would contain “important disclosures” with political ramifications.

Reacting to reports of a Congress–Raijor Dal tie-up, the Chief Minister said Opposition leaders were free to form governments “anywhere else,” but categorically ruled out their chances in Assam.

Taking a swipe at Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, Sarma remarked that the latter would not be able to form a government in Assam “even in 500 years.” He further alleged that Gaurav Gogoi was attempting to coordinate with Akhil Gogoi and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi in anticipation of a joint political counterattack following the Sunday's press conference.

According to the Chief Minister, these moves were aimed solely at shielding themselves from the impact of the BJP’s forthcoming revelations. In a pointed message to the Opposition leadership, Sarma said this was the “appropriate time” for Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi to negotiate seat-sharing arrangements, claiming that their political relevance would diminish after February 8.

“They should take whatever political advantage they can now, because after February 8, the situation will change,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s remarks have further heightened political tensions in Assam, with the political discourse intensifying as the state moves closer to the Assembly elections.

--IANS

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