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New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and others on Sunday hailed the victory of Team India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy as the Men in Blue led by Rohit Sharma defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets in the finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Set a target of 252 on a slow and turning Dubai pitch, the Men in Blue made an impressive start with captain Rohit Sharma targeting the bowlers while his opening partner Shubhman Gill played the role of an anchor. Even as the New Zealand bowlers managed to apply brakes on the Indian run flow by grabbing quick wickets of Gill and run-machine Virat Kohli, the middle order led by Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings.

Eventually, the run chase went down to the wire and India managed to win another ICC title in a span of 1 year after the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup heartbreak.

In a post on X, President Murmu wrote: "Heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the ICC Champions Trophy, 2025. India becomes the only team to win the Trophy thrice. The players, the management and the support staff deserve highest accolades for creating cricketing history. I wish Indian cricket a very bright future."

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all around display."

Expressing his happiness over the victory of Men in Blue, HM Shah wrote on X: "A victory that scripts history. Congratulations to Team India on clinching a stunning victory in the ICC #ChampionsTrophy2025. Your fiery energy and unassailable dominance on the pitch made the nation proud, setting a new benchmark for cricketing excellence. May you always come off with flying colors."

BJP national president and Union Minister J.P. Nadda wrote: "Champion of Champions. My heartfelt congratulations to the Indian Men's Cricket Team for winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating New Zealand in finals. This victory speaks volumes about the team's determination and never give up attitude. Each player gave their best, and this is a win that will be remembered for years to come. The whole nation is celebrating today, and I’m sending my best wishes to the team for continued success."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also congratulated Team India on their superb victory.

Taking to X, he wrote: "A phenomenal team effort culminated in a glorious victory for the Indian cricket team as they lift the #ChampionsTrophy ! Brilliant performance by the skipper @ImRo45 and everyone in the team! Your achievement fills 140 crore hearts with utmost pride."

Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote on X: "Smashing victory, boys! Each one of you has made a billion hearts swell with pride. #TeamIndia’s phenomenal run in the tournament, marked by brilliant individual performances and sheer dominance on the field, has been truly inspiring. Congratulations, Champions!"

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote: "A flawless campaign, a perfect ending! Congratulations to #TeamIndia on winning the #ChampionsTrophy2025 and to New Zealand for a strong tournament. Rohit and his men rise to the occasion, delivering a campaign of excellence, a final of composure, and a victory to cherish. Champions once again!"

On Sunday, Captain Rohit Sharma top-scored with 76 while Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya chipped in with important contributions to give India their third Champions Trophy triumph with a four-wicket win over New Zealand in the final.

A chase of 252 looked like an easy task for India on a pitch which didn’t give much turn, but a fighting New Zealand making regular strikes meant that it wasn't a cakewalk. After Rohit fell for an explosive 83-ball 76, there was a sudden nervous energy in India’s chase. But the enviable batting depth, despite New Zealand’s spinners fighting hard, meant they got over the line with an over to spare.

While Iyer made 48 off 62 balls, Rahul kept his calm to stay till the end and be 34 not out off 33 balls to ensure India got its third Champions Trophy title after 2002 and 2013, becoming the most successful team in the eight-team tournament’s history in front of a stadium majorly filled by Indian fans.

The win would also come as a soothing balm for the Indian team and its ardent fans after missing out on the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph on home soil. On a sunny afternoon, contrasting half-centuries from all-rounders Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101 balls) and Michael Bracewell (53 not out off 40 balls) took New Zealand to 251/7 in their 50 overs.

India's spinners called the shots majorly to pick five wickets collectively on a sluggish pitch. Wrist spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy picked two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja had a scalp to his name to set the base for a super consistent team.

Team India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

The Men in Blue defeated Bangladesh in its opening match before trouncing arch-rival Pakistan.

Team India also defeated New Zealand in its last league match to emerge as table toppers, eventually defeating Australia in the semi-final.

--IANS

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Guwahati, March 9 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna on Sunday said that a record allocation of Rs 10,440 crores has been made for Railways in the northeastern region in the Union Budget 2025–26.

After visiting the Guwahati Railway Station, the Union Minister said that till 2014, there was no railway electrification in Assam, but now 100 per cent railway electrification would be completed by the end of this year (2025).

He also highlighted the significant progress in railway infrastructure development, mentioning that doubling works are being carried out at an accelerated pace to enhance capacity and efficiency.

Additionally, new railway lines are being laid to improve connectivity and cater to the growing transportation demands of the northeastern region, Somanna told the media.

The Minister emphasised the importance of modernising railway stations to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

He reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure and connectivity, especially in the northeastern states.

During his visit to the Guwahati Railway Station, the minister reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects at the station. He was accompanied by Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager, NFR, along with senior railway officials from the headquarters and division.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the Guwahati Railway Station is being redeveloped with modern amenities under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) at an estimated cost of Rs 181.09 crore.

The Minister carried out a comprehensive inspection of the station's infrastructure.

He also evaluated key facilities, including waiting halls, QR code ticketing counters and security measures. Somanna visited the Executive Lounge and commended the railway officials for their efforts in keeping the station clean.

Earlier, on March 8, the Minister inspected Dibrugarh railway station to review the progress of its redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat station scheme.

He also visited the Bogibeel Rail-cum-Road Bridge over Brahmaputra river, which connects the north and south banks of the river, enhancing connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Minister's visit highlighted the commitment to providing world-class railway services while promoting economic growth and regional development, the CPRO said.

--IANS

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Damascus, March 7 (IANS) Syrian security forces on Friday launched a major operation against Qardaha, the hometown of former President Bashar al-Assad, a war monitor reported.

The operation, which saw the forces deploying tanks and armoured vehicles, followed their recent takeover of Baniyas, a strategic coastal city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said.

It came as Anas Hasan Khattab, head of Syria's General Intelligence Service, accused on social media former military and security officials from al-Assad's regime of directing attacks against Syria from abroad.

The SOHR reported earlier in the day that forces from the defense and interior ministries combed Baniyas and its surroundings, employing heavy artillery and machine guns.

It added that reinforcements continue to pour into coastal regions, suggesting a prolonged military campaign.

Meanwhile, intense clashes erupted in Latakia and Tartous over the past 24 hours, as government forces moved to crack down on armed resistance, it noted.

According to the SOHR, since the onset of the clashes along the coastline, 35 members of government forces, 32 fighters affiliated with the former regime, and four civilians have been killed, with dozens wounded.

Amid the security campaign, authorities in Latakia and Tartous announced on Friday the extension of curfews and postponement of university exams, Xinhua news agency reported.

As tension escalates in Syria's coastal regions, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said Friday in a statement that the violence in Latakia "could undermine efforts to lead Syria into the future of unity and solidarity."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) In a remarkable initiative for the devotees attending the grand Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, a special camp named 'Netra Mahakumbh' has been set up to provide free eye checkups, spectacles, and medicines.

This camp, running since January 13, is also offering free eye surgeries for those in need, along with promoting awareness about eye donation.

The camp, supported by organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Saksham Foundation, and other social groups, has been helping thousands of pilgrims daily.

According to Satyavijay Singh, the RSS's Kashi region service head, the Maha Kumbh is held every 12 years, and this year, the Netra Mahakumbh aims to provide free eye care services to up to five lakh people, including free eye checkups for three lakh individuals, and distributing spectacles and medicines.

Additionally, free eye surgeries are being conducted for those in need. The camp is organised with the collaboration of several social organisations, including the Saksham Foundation, which focuses on empowering differently-abled individuals.

Rajesh Pratap, the RSS Uttar Pradesh publicity head, mentioned that hundreds of devotees are visiting the camp daily for eye checkups. Patients are sent to the OPD (Outpatient Department) where a team of 40 doctors examines them.

Medical staff, numbering over 100, are also available to assist. If a patient requires medicine, it is provided; if spectacles are needed, they are distributed free of charge. If a patient needs further treatment or surgery, they are referred to a hospital where their treatment is also provided at no cost.

Three cards are issued for each patient: one for the patient, one for the hospital, and one for the organisation’s records.

Shanti Bhushan Mishra from Prayagraj praised the camp, calling it an excellent initiative. Nimesh Pandey, who came from Hardoi, expressed his appreciation, stating, "This is a great initiative, benefiting hundreds of people."

Saurabh Shukla, another devotee, mentioned, "I came here for an eye checkup, but I also plan to donate my eyes."

The Netra Mahakumbh is not only providing essential healthcare but also fostering a sense of social responsibility and compassion among pilgrims, making it a significant part of this year's Maha Kumbh celebrations.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 28 (IANS) The share of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India’s digital payments has surged from 34 per cent in 2019 to an impressive 83 per cent in 2024, with a remarkable CAGR (cumulative average growth rate) of 74 per cent over the last five years, according the RBI’s payment system report.

In contrast, share of other payment systems like RTGS, NEFT, IMPS, credit cards, debit cards, etc. in digital payments volume declined from 66 per cent to 17 per cent during the same period, the report states.

UPI has been the most significant contributor to the growth of digital payments in India due to its usefulness and ease of use, the report points out.

At a macro level, the volume of UPI transactions increased from 375 crore in 2018 to 17,221 crore in 2024, whereas the total value of transactions surged from ₹5.86 lakh crore in 2018 to ₹246.83 lakh crore in 2024.

This amounts to five year CAGR of 89.3 per cent and 86.5 per cent in terms of volume and value, respectively, the report states.

Both P2P (person-to-person) and P2M (person-to-merchant) transactions leverage UPI's secure and real-time payment capabilities, making it easier for individuals and businesses to execute financial transactions without relying on traditional, time-consuming methods.

The UPI P2M transaction volume has surpassed the UPI P2P transaction volumes since 2023, however, in value terms, the UPI P2P transaction value is still higher than UPI P2M transaction values.

Over the past few years, digital payments in India have witnessed a phenomenal growth buoyed by the spectacular progress of UPI and the plethora of digital payment options available. In 2024 alone, India recorded 208.5 billion digital payment transactions.

UPI P2M grew at a CAGR of 99 per cent for transaction values below Rs 500 over 2019-24. In contrast, UPI P2P grew at a CAGR of 56 per cent during the same period.

For higher ticket-sized transactions — those exceeding Rs 2,000 — UPI P2M grew at a CAGR of 109 per cent during the same five-year period, while UPI P2P recorded a CAGR of 57 per cent.

The National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) low-value transaction payment method, UPI Lite, recorded 2.04 million transactions daily, valued at Rs 20.02 crore in December 2024.

“When Paytm and PhonePe introduced UPI Lite on February 15, 2023, and May 2, 2023, respectively, a sustained increase in UPI Lite payment volumes and values was observed,” the RBI report observes.

“UPI has propelled India to the forefront in the provision of digital payment solutions as ‘public good’. This public good approach has the potential to be adopted by other economies, whatever stage of development they are at. UPI and its features bear lessons on democratisation of the payment system to the smallest value and penetration of digital payments to previously unreached segments,” the report added.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 28 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to visit Purnea on Tuesday as part of the second phase of his Pragati Yatra to review ongoing developmental projects, inauguration, and foundation-laying ceremonies for various schemes worth crores of rupees.

This follows his earlier visit to Saharsa on January 23.

During the visit, the Chief Minister is expected to engage directly with the local population, address their concerns, and inspect key public infrastructure, including schools and Anganwadi centres.

He will also conduct a detailed review of government-run schemes in the district. Senior officials, ministers, and local MLAs will accompany him, with all necessary administrative arrangements already in place to facilitate the visit.

Notably, this trip was initially scheduled for January 27 but had to be postponed after the Chief Minister fell ill.

Chief Minister Nitish's Pragati Yatra schedule has undergone slight adjustments.

According to the updated information released by the state Cabinet, the Chief Minister will visit Purnea, and continue his Pragati Yatra in Katihar on January 29 and Madhepura on January 30.

This systematic approach highlights the Chief Minister's commitment to closely monitoring and advancing the progress of key projects while addressing the needs of local communities.

As part of his Pragati Yatra, Chief Minister Nitish visited Saharsa district on January 23, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development schemes worth over Rs 210 crore.

He had inaugurated the school building at the Senior Secondary School campus in Mainha village, located in the Sattarkataiya block. He also inspected the school playground and reviewed its facilities apart from examining the waste processing unit, emphasizing sustainable waste disposal practices.

CM Nitish also inspected the Government Medical College and Hospital Purnea as well.

CM Nitish visited the site to resolve the silt issue in the Tilave River, issued directives for effective measures to address the problem and distributed cheques to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, ensuring direct benefits to those in need.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 28 (IANS) Days after the state reported the first death due to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), the Maharashtra government has appealed to the citizens not to panic and visit a government hospital in case any symptoms appear.

Citizens should also implement preventive measures, the government said in its appeal.

According to the state public health department release issued late on Monday night, there are 110 suspected patients of GBS and one death has been reported until now.

Of these, eight have been diagnosed as confirmed GBS cases.

Of the 110 suspected patients, about 88 are from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 15 from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and seven are from other districts.

Out of this, 73 are men and 37 are women while 13 out of these are currently on ventilator.

Nine patients suspected of suffering from GBS were reported on Monday (January 27), of these, seven were from PMC, one from PCMC & one from other district.

A Pune-based Chartered Accountant from DSK Vishwa area in Dhayari died. He was suffering from diarrhoea for a few days and had gone to his native village from Solapur district for a private visit. After feeling extreme weakness, he was admitted to a private hospital in Solapur where the doctors diagnosed him with GBS.

He was shifted to the ICU for further treatment as he was unable to move his hands and legs.

After his health improved he was moved out of the ICU on Saturday but he faced breathing problems and later died. This was confirmed by the relatives of the deceased.

According to the public health department, GBS is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. It is characterised by muscle weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis.

The common symptoms of GBS include sudden weakness in hands or legs/paralysis, trouble while walking or weakness with sudden onset of diarrhoea for sustained periods.

The public health department said it has taken a slew of measures including visit by a state-level rapid response team to the affected area immediately, instructions to Pune Municipal Commissioner and rural district authorities to increase surveillance activities.

As many as 44 stool samples were sent to NIV Pune and tested for enteric virus panel. Moreover, 14 samples tested positive for Noro virus and five stool samples were positive for Campylobacter.

A total of 59 blood samples have been sent to NIV. All samples have tested negative for Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya.

About 34 water samples from different parts of the city have been sent for chemical and biological analysis to the Public Health Laboratory and samples from seven water sources were found contaminated.

Instructions have been given to increase health promotion activities and an appeal has been made to private medical practitioners to notify any GBS patient to the respective public health authorities.

“Citizens should not panic. The state’s health department is prepared to implement preventive and control measures. In house-to-house surveillance activities, 23,017 houses in Pune MC, 4,441 houses in PCMC and 7,610 houses in Pune rural areas have been surveyed (total 35,068),” said an officer from the state public health department.

The citizens have been urged to take every possible care to keep the water quality good, drink boiled water, keep food fresh and clean, avoid infection by not keeping cooked and uncooked food items together.

--IANS

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Washington, Jan 28 (IANS) The United States' State Department is “evaluating next steps” in regard to Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India that was upheld last week by the country’s Supreme Court, clearing the way for him to finally face justice for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Rana is of Pakistani descent like David Coleman Headley, who is serving a long prison sentence in an US jail after pleading guilty for his complicity in the 2008 terrorist attacks in a deal with American authorities that protects him from extradition.

“In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating next steps in this case,” a spokesperson for the agency said in response to an IANS request for information on the next steps following the court order and when is he likely to be despatched to India.

“We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice,” the spokesperson added.

The US has indeed been supportive of Indian efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attacks that left 167 people dead, including six Americans, and hundred wounded.

It has pushed Pakistan, where the terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Toiba were based and where they had been trained by the country’s Intelligence service, to punish the perpetrators.

The US also helped India’s case before the UN Security Council for designating Masood Azhar, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, an international terrorist, leading a group of permanent members to stymie Chinese attempts to block the effort.

For now, however, it seems unclear how soon Rana will be on a plane to India.

Rana was arrested by the US police in October 2009, just two weeks after Headley’s arrest, on three counts: Conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in India, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in Denmark, and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, according to a US court document.

Rana was convicted in June 9, 2011 by a jury of the terrorism conspiracy-charge related to Denmark and providing material support to Lashkar, but he was acquitted of the terrorism conspiracy related to the Mumbai attacks.

He was sentenced by the district court in 2013 to 14 years in prison. But after serving half of the sentence he applied for and was granted compassionate release in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

India had been moving, in the meantime, against him. On August 28, 2018, a Mumbai court in August 2018 issued a warrant for Rana’s arrest on charges related to the attacks, including, according to a US court document, (1) conspiracy to (a) wage war, (b) commit murder, (c) commit forgery for the purpose of cheating, (d) use as genuine a forged document or electronic record, and (e) commit a terrorist attack; (2) waging war; (3) murder; and (4) committing a terrorist act (2). India subsequently requested Rana’s extradition.

The day after Rana was granted compassionate release, the US Department of Justice filed a complaint for his provisional arrest in response to an extradition request from India.

A US court that deals with extradition cases rejected his claims in May 2023 and certified his extradition, dismissing his claims, according to the court document, (1) his extradition to India was barred under the Non Bis in Idem provision of the Extradition Treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of India (the Treaty) and (2) India’s evidence against Rana failed to establish probable cause that Rana committed the offenses for which the certification of extradition was sought.

Basically, Rana had argued, he cannot be extradited to face charges on which he had been acquitted in the US.

Every court has rejected Rana’s claims and he may have exhausted his legal options.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 28 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive raids in the Tamil Nadu districts of Mayiladuthurai and Chennai on Tuesday. The operation commenced at 3.30 a.m. and targeted 20 locations.

Of these 15 locations are in Mayiladuthurai and five in Chennai, with teams from Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu participating. The Tamil Nadu Police were also assisting in the raids.

According to police sources, the raids focused on areas associated with the banned Islamic fundamentalist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI). The NIA has previously conducted similar operations in Tamil Nadu, targeting areas such as Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai, and others. These raids primarily focused on former members of the outlawed PFI, which was banned by the Central government in 2022.

The latest operation is reportedly linked to the investigation into the 2019 murder of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Ramalingam in Thanjavur. Ramalingam was allegedly killed by PFI members on February 5, 2019, for opposing forced religious conversions among underprivileged communities.

The NIA had earlier filed a charge sheet against 18 individuals in connection with this case. In an earlier operation on September 24, 2024, the NIA raided 12 locations in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Kanyakumari, and Pudukottai. These raids were connected to the recruitment activities of the banned terror organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), which aims to establish an Islamic state governed by its founder Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani’s constitution.

The NIA took over the HUT case from Tamil Nadu Police and arrested an HUT activist, Aziz Ahamed (also known as Jaleel Aziz Ahmed), at Bengaluru International Airport on August 31, 2024, as he attempted to flee the country.

Aziz’s arrest was seen as a significant breakthrough in the crackdown on HUT’s activities in India. Earlier, on August 1, 2024, Tamil Nadu Police arrested six individuals associated with HUT based on intelligence inputs. Among them were engineering graduate Hameed Hussain, his father, and his brother, who were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects following raids in Chennai and North Tambaram.

Police revealed that Hameed Hussain was the mastermind behind the recruitment efforts for HUT and had been actively sharing videos on social media advocating for an Islamic Caliphate. He also criticised the democratic process in some of his videos, according to authorities. The NIA continues its investigation into these networks, focusing on their recruitment strategies and attempts to undermine national security through radicalisation efforts.

--IANS

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