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New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday and sought her intervention in West Bengal teachers’ crisis, emanating from a Supreme Court verdict, which dealt a big blow to the recruitment of more than 26,000 teachers in the state.

In his two-page letter to President Murmu, Rahul said that treating the teachers selected through fair means on par with tainted ones will be a serious injustice to them and therefore it was important to draw a distinction between the two – one selected via fair means and the tainted, selected through unfair means.

Drawing President’s attention to the crisis arising from 26,000 job losses, he urged the President to take stock of it and take some steps for 'redressal'.

“I request you to kindly consider their request favourably and urge the government to intervene in the matter to ensure that candidates selected through fair means are allowed to continue,” Cong MP wrote in the letter.

He further wrote, “Most untainted teachers have served for nearly a decade. Terminating them will force lakhs of students into classrooms without adequate teachers. Ther arbitrary termination will destroy their morale and deprive their families of what is often the sole source of income.”

Notably, the Supreme Court, on April 3, upheld an earlier verdict of the Calcutta High Court, leading to invalidation of 25,752 appointments of teaching and non-teaching staff. These appointments were made by a recruitment panel set up by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016.

The court observed that the entire selection process of TMC government was “vitiated and tainted beyond resolution”.

The SC verdict came as a blow to the ruling party and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee particularly in light of the fact that it comes ahead of party’s poll preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 8 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday claimed that a deliberate conspiracy was underway to distort the contributions of national heroes.

After opening the Extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Ahmedabad, Kharge said: "A false narrative was being built to pit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel against each other, as if they were adversaries."

Asserting that the two leaders were two sides of the same coin, he recalled a speech by Patel delivered on March 7, 1937, at Gujarat Vidyapith, when Nehru was Congress President and the state's youth wanted him to campaign during provincial elections.

"Patel had said, 'The day Gujarat wins this electoral battle and proves its loyalty to the Congress, that day we shall welcome Congress President Nehru with pride'. This shows how deeply Patel believed in Nehru's leadership," Kharge noted.

He sharply criticised the current political environment, warning against "rising communal division" and "corporate control" over national resources.

"On one hand, efforts are being made to divert public attention from core issues by spreading communal hatred. On the other hand, oligarchic monopolies are capturing the country's resources and threatening to dominate governance," he said.

He credited Patel's leadership during the 1931 Karachi session for shaping the soul of the country's Constitution through the resolution on Fundamental Rights.

"For the past several years, efforts are being made to malign the Congress - a party with 140 years of history in nation-building and sacrifice - by those who have little to show in terms of their own achievements or contribution to the freedom movement," he said.

Invoking the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dadabhai Naoroji - three iconic leaders born on Gujarat's soil who once led the Congress and helped shape India's political and moral foundations, Kharge said they not only led the Congress but illuminated its path.

"Gandhiji gave us the unshakable weapons of truth and non-violence to fight injustice, tools no power can withstand," Kharge stated.

In December 1924, Gandhi ji presided over the Congress Session in Belgaum, Karnataka - my home state. We celebrated this centenary with due reverence on December 26 last year."

With the national convention returning to Gujarat after 64 years- the last one held in Bhavnagar in 1961 - Kharge said it was only fitting that the party reflect on its ideological roots and historical role in shaping modern India.

Reminding the gathering of Gujarat's proud legacy of grassroots struggle, he said: "Just as Champaran Satyagraha under Gandhi ji’s leadership strengthened the Congress in rural India, the Bardoli Satyagraha and farmers’ movements led by Sardar Patel remain immortal in our history."

Kharge highlighted the upcoming 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31, calling him "the architect of India's unity", echoing Pandit Nehru’s description of Patel’s unifying role.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were also present on the occasion.

With over 3,000 delegates in attendance, including chief ministers of Congress-ruled states, state unit presidents, and senior leaders, the two-day conclave is expected to craft the party's roadmap for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

--IANS

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Srinagar, April 8 (IANS) Senior legislator and Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Lone said on Tuesday that his party has moved a notice for a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

In a post on his X handle, Lone said the Speaker has not allowed them to discuss the Waqf Amendment Act, hence, they are moving the motion.

"We have presented a no confidence motion against the Honble Speaker. He has become an impediment in voicing our opinion against the Waqf bill. J&K is the only Muslim province in India. History will hold us in contempt if we do not send a strong message against this bill," Lone said in the post.

He also posted the letter on his X handle, which is signed by two other MLAs, both from the PDP, besides Lone. The notice has been submitted under Rule 215(A) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

The letter addressed to the Secretary of the Legislative Assembly says, "In accordance with Rule 215(A) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, we hereby submit this notice of our intention to move a resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Assembly."

"This decision stems from widespread outrage within the House over the Speaker's actions, including the rejection of discussions on an adjournment motion and the refusal to entertain a resolution brought forward by opposition parties. Such conduct undermines the democratic principles and procedures governing this esteemed institution, prompting this resolution to address the matter," the letter states.

The move has sent ripples through the region's political corridors, signaling deep unrest within the legislative framework.

A letter, signed by multiple MLAs, expressed serious concern over the Speaker’s actions, particularly his refusal to allow discussion on an adjournment motion and his rejection of a resolution proposed by opposition members concerning the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Joining Sajad Lone in this step are Mir Mohammad Fayaz, MLA from Kupwara and Rafiq Ahmad Khan, MLA from Tral. They are from Mehbooba Mufti's People's Democratic Party (PDP).

"Their collective signatures reflect a growing unity among opposition voices who feel sidelined and silenced in the current legislative environment," the party's statement added.

On Monday, Lone had raised questions about the ruling party NC’s commitment to both opposing the contentious Waqf Amendment Act and pursuing the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

He had dissected what he described as the contradictory actions of the NC, questioning the authenticity of their opposition to the Waqf Act while highlighting procedural inconsistencies in their approach.

--IANS

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Patna, April 8 (IANS) Rashtriya Lok Morcha President and Rajya Sabha MP, Upendra Kushwaha, launched a scathing attack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, questioning his promises of providing employment in Bihar and accused him of political theatrics ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

Speaking to the media at Patna Airport, Kushwaha said, “Rahul Gandhi is talking about giving jobs in Bihar. Why doesn’t he first give jobs in the states where the Congress is in power? Go there and provide employment instead of misleading people here.”

Kushwaha alleged that the Congress party remembers employment only during elections and fails to deliver when in power.

“After Independence, the Congress ruled the country for 60 years. Then, for 15 years they were in power in Bihar in alliance with the RJD. The damage they did during that time is not hidden from anyone,” Kushwaha claimed.

He stated that no matter what the Congress and the Opposition alliance do, the NDA will return to power in Bihar.

Commenting on the factional clash inside the party’s state office at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna during Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Kushwaha said, “This shows the internal condition of the Congress. One leader is not ready to listen to another. If they can’t manage their own party, how can they talk about governing a state?”

Dismissing LoP Gandhi’s symbolic 30-minute ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra in Begusarai as inconsequential, Kushwaha added, “Be it 30 minutes or 300, it won’t make any difference. The people of Bihar know better. His yatra is just a show, and it will not impact voters.”

LoP Gandhi was in Patna for a day-long visit on Monday where he attended the 30-minute ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra in Begusarai, followed by addressing a gathering during the Samvidhan Sanrakshan event at Patna’s Sri Krishna Memorial Hall and then took a meeting of the party workers at state headquarter Sadaqat Ashram.

His visit was part of a preparation for the Bihar Assembly election 2025 which is expected to take place in October and November this year.

--IANS

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Washington, April 7 (IANS) The White House on Monday pushed back on reports about US President Donald Trump considering a 90-day pause in the implementation of his sweeping reciprocal tariffs, according to a news report.

US markets opened in the negative on Monday for the third consecutive day, but it climbed back into the positive later in the morning and fluctuated around that point as investors tried to ascertain the veracity of a report that the White House was considering a 90-day pause in the tariffs.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House has denied the pause report. "Fake news", a White House official said in a text message to The Wall Street Journal, the newspaper reported.

Bill Ackman, an influential Wall Street investor, called for a 90-day pause in the tariff in a post on X. "I have a lot of respect for our President and what he has accomplished so far, but I don't think he is infallible, which is why I am stating loud and clear that I strongly believe launching tariffs on April 9th against the entire world — massively in excess of what we are being charged — is a mistake," said Ackman.

"Skeptics are attempting to discredit my views by making the case that I am conflicted or otherwise vulnerable to tariffs, a market crash or a correction, or that I have somehow positioned our portfolio to benefit from my recommended 90-day pause on the implementation of reciprocal tariffs," he went on to say.

The Journal reported that the false report may have caused a "powerful mid-morning morning rally" in US stocks, causing a surge in the S&P 500 by 7 per cent in about half an hour.

But Trump and his advisors are not budging on the tariffs, and threatened China with fresh levies.

"Yesterday, China issued Retaliatory Tariffs of 34 per cent, on top of their already record setting Tariffs, Non-Monetary Tariffs, Illegal Subsidization of companies, and massive long term Currency Manipulation, despite my warning that any country that Retaliates against the US by issuing additional Tariffs, above and beyond their already existing long term Tariff abuse of our Nation, will be immediately met with new and substantially higher Tariffs, over and above those initially set. Therefore, if China does not withdraw its 34 per cent increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50 per cent, effective April 9th. Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated! Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social website.

--IANS

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Colombo, April 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited and laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, near Colombo, on Saturday evening. While paying respects, he hailed the brave soldiers of the IPKF who had laid down their lives in the service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

The IPKF Memorial in Sri Lanka is perhaps the only war memorial commemorating the sacrifice of Indian soldiers, dedicated by a foreign country other than the United Kingdom.

It honours the memory of the 1169 personnel of the Indian forces who lost their lives while serving with the IPKF between 1987-1990. The memorial was constructed by the Lankan government on the outskirts of Colombo in 2008.

"Laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo. We remember the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Their unwavering courage and commitment remain a source of inspiration for us all," said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister had also visited the monument during his first visit to the island nation in 2015.

Earlier in the day, several key agreements, including on defence cooperation and development of Trincomalee as an energy hub, were signed between the two countries following the bilateral discussions held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

Other MoUs signed included on Implementation of HVDC Interconnection for Import/Export of Power; on Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation; on Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province; on Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medicine and on Pharmacopoeial Cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi also announced comprehensive capacity-building programme in India covering 700 Sri Lankans annually; India's grant assistance for the development of Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura; the Exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025; as well as the conclusion of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring.

Some other key projects built with Indian assistance that are being inaugurated during PM Modi's ongoing visit include inauguration of upgraded railway track of Maho-Omanthai railway line; Launch of Construction of Signalling System for Maho-Anuradhapura railway line; Ground Breaking ceremony of Sampur Solar power project; Inauguration of Temperature Controlled Agricultural Warehouse in Dambulla; and, supply of Solar Rooftop Systems for 5000 Religious Institutions across Sri Lanka.

The visit of the Indian Prime Minister, undertaken at the invitation of President Dissanayake, reaffirms the shared vision of 'Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future' between the two nations.

--IANS

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Naypyidaw, April 1 (IANS) Myanmar on Tuesday observed a one-minute silence to honour the victims of the devastating earthquake that has claimed over 2,000 lives.

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock minutes later, struck Myanmar’s Mandalay region on Friday, causing massive casualties and damage.

Myanmar announced on Monday a week-long mourning period following the earthquake that struck Myanmar, which wrought widespread destruction, Xinhua News Agency reported.

As the earthquake left entire communities in ruins, reports suggest that concerns have arisen about the potential for Myanmar’s military junta to direct humanitarian funds to affected areas. It is stated that supplies are driven to the areas the junta favours rather than those most in need of help.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and international aid organisations are struggling to respond to the devastating earthquake, which destroyed several cities such as Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw, and displaced tens of thousands of people. The hospitals are trying to cope with the high influx of patients.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has begun to organise relief efforts, deploying emergency teams to assess damage and facilitate aid distribution, a statement from the office said.

“Following the earthquake that hit Myanmar and the region, we are seeing massive impacts across multiple states and regions across the country,” said Annette Hearns, UNOCHA’s Deputy Head of Office in Yangon.

She added that time is running out for those still trapped, making rescue efforts more urgent by the hour.

She further said that people are growing desperate, with some even sleeping on the streets with nowhere safe to go while essential supplies run dangerously low.

However, the United Nations, the US, India, the European Union, and several other nations and international organisations have sent aid and rescue efforts for earthquake victims in Myanmar.

The Indian Army and Navy mobilised their resources with unwavering resolve, providing both immediate rescue support and long-term aid to the affected communities.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) Israel on Tuesday claimed that Hamas continues to push for war while also refusing to release the hostages.

“Hamas continues to push for the renewal of the war, refusing to release our hostages, and refusing to disarm,” said Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel Gideon Sa’ar during a media briefing.

He added that Hamas ignores the will and the rage of the citizens of Gaza, claiming that their interest is the “end of the war”.

“But instead of listening to its citizens, Hamas oppressed them brutally. Hamas murdered, after torturing, demonstrators from the Gaza Strip this week,” he claimed.

Sa’ar claimed that recently, the British Parliament published the most complete report in the UK on the October 7th massacre, revealing chilling details: among them, about the horrifying sexual crimes committed by Hamas on October 7th.

“This is not a report from Israel. It is a report from the British Parliament. I recommend reading it,” he said.

He also said that Israel expects that Lebanon will take action to uproot terrorist organisations acting within its borders against Israel

“What we saw here is cooperation between Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas on the soil of Lebanon, in order to initiate terrorist attacks against Israelis. Early this morning, IDF fighter jets struck a Hezbollah terrorist in Beirut. Lebanon has been directing Hamas terrorists and assisting them in an attempt to carry out a major imminent attack against Israeli civilians,” he claimed.

Sa’ar further said that the terrorist posed a real and immediate threat to Israel. “What we call a ticking bomb. Therefore, we had to eliminate the threat. Israel will continue to remove any threat to our citizens,” he said.

Sa’ar said that he will also visit Paris to discuss the challenges and threats of the radical axis in this region, mainly Iran.

“Once again, its leader, only yesterday, declared his will to eliminate the State of Israel,” he said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) Political leaders from Maharashtra have strongly reacted to the controversial remarks made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President, Raj Thackeray, regarding the Ganga water during the recent Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

Raj Thackeray mocked the devotees who bathed in the Ganga during the religious event, claiming the river remains polluted despite various efforts to clean it.

Raj Thackeray said, "I have been hearing that the Ganga will be cleaned since the time of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The truth is that the Ganga has still not been cleaned. We call it Ganga Ma, but not a single river in the country is clean."

He further stated that he refused to touch the Ganga water brought by one of his close aides, suggesting that the river was still polluted.

In response to Raj Thackeray’s remarks, Shiv Sena leader and MLA Sanjay Gaikwad dismissed them as baseless.

He said, "Ganga’s water is so pure, and when so many people went there and took a dip, they felt happy doing so. He is making baseless statements. I don’t follow him on this."

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC, Amol Mitkari, also responded to the issue, emphasising that attending the Maha Kumbh was a personal choice.

Mitkari commented, "Going to the Maha Kumbh is a matter of personal opinion. After going to the Maha Kumbh, many people faced unfortunate incidents that cost them their lives. Some people didn’t feel it was appropriate to go. I personally didn’t feel the need to go."

Meanwhile, Maharashtra NCP (SP) leader and MLA, Rohit Pawar, who participated in the Maha Kumbh and took a holy dip in the Ganga, acknowledged the concerns raised by Raj Thackeray about the river's pollution but urged caution when discussing sensitive issues.

Pawar remarked, "I went to take a holy dip in the Ganga during Maha Kumbh. It is part of our faith. However, there are some pollutants visible in the water. Raj Thackeray was also talking about pollution in Ganga water, but one should be very careful when speaking about such a sentimental issue as it might hurt people's sentiments."

Raj Thackeray’s statements have sparked a political debate, with leaders from various parties defending the religious importance of the Maha Kumbh and the Ganga while acknowledging concerns about the river's cleanliness.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, March 10 (IANS) Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra has alleged the involvement of two ministers of the Congress government in the sensational case of gold smuggling involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao.

Vijayendra said on Monday that the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao was one of the rarest incidents in the country’s history. Centered around Bengaluru, this case has created a web of suspicion around influential figures in the state government.

"Reports now suggest that two ministers may be involved, making this a highly concerning development," Vijayendra stated.

"The investigation has revealed links to hawala transactions, and during her arrest, Ranya Rao allegedly attempted to contact a minister. This raises strong suspicions about the involvement of influential figures from the Congress-led Karnataka government. Additionally, since Ranya Rao is the daughter of a high-ranking police officer, the entire system's integrity is now under scrutiny, bringing disrepute to the state. In light of this, the Chief Minister must disclose the truth about the case to the public," Vijayendra demanded.

"If ministers are indeed involved, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely already aware of it. The government must act transparently, expose the culprits, and ensure that the law takes its course. Failing to do so will result in the entire administration bearing the stain of this scam. The Chief Minister should uphold moral responsibility and ensure justice...If the government, like in previous scams, attempts to shield the corrupt, it will inevitably face embarrassment, especially with the ongoing CBI investigation. This case is not limited to just one actress; the investigation has already uncovered a vast network operating behind the scenes," Vijayendra said.

"Ranya Rao was caught smuggling gold worth Rs 12.36 crore in a single day. How much more gold might she have smuggled in the past? How many more people are involved in this smuggling network? A deeper probe is necessary to uncover the full extent of the operation. Since the CBI is handling the case, the public believes that the investigation will reach a logical conclusion," he stated.

Sources stated that the CBI, which has started a suo moto investigation into the case, is investigating the role of two ministers in the case. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and customs are also investigating the case.

The DRI investigation had found the involvement of influential persons in the case and briefed the CBI about it. Sources also stated that when she was being arrested, Ranya Rao had tried to dial the number of a serving minister. The DRI slueths had then snatched the mobile phone from her.

The investigation has also revealed that the payment was made to parties through hawala and cryptocurrency.

Sources further stated that Ranya Rao used to hand over smuggled goods to certain gold merchants only and refused to provide for other gold businessmen. Enraged by this, they tipped the DRI about the gold smuggling.

Ranya Rao is currently in DRI custody and is being grilled about the seizures. The CBI is preparing to take her custody, sources stated.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, aka Harshavardini Ranya, in her statement to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on the day of her arrest, claimed that she is a freelancer in the real estate sector in Dubai and agreed to smuggle 17 bars of gold.

The DRI officials arrested Ranya Rao after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her at the Bengaluru International Airport last Monday night.

The agency seized Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her upscale Lavelle Road flat, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.

Karnataka DGP for Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao, responding to the development of the arrest of his step-daughter, actress Ranya Rao, stated on Thursday that he was devastated and caught unawares by this development.

--IANS

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