India

Belagavi (Karnataka), Jan 21 (IANS) AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress MP from Wayanad in Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at Sambra Airport in Belagavi on Tuesday to take part in the inauguration of the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ convention.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his Karnataka tour due to ill-health.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara warmly welcomed Priyanka and Kharge with bouquets.

Speaking to the media and clarifying Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s absence, CM Siddaramaiah said, “The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is absent due to ill health. Please do not report that he is avoiding the convention for other reasons.

“One Kannada news channel claimed that Rahul Gandhi has distanced himself from the convention. What message does that send? Rahul Gandhi was ready to visit the state, but due to illness, he could not make it.”

Discussing programmes to commemorate 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi became the Chairman of the AICC, CM Siddaramaiah stated, “The ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ campaign will be carried out throughout the year. Mahatma Gandhi’s principles are becoming distanced from society, and this programme aims to re-establish them.”

He further emphasised that Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts were highly relevant in the contemporary period.

“He advocated for harmony, equality, the abolition of untouchability, women's empowerment, and the protection of women's rights. The ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Basavanna, and Kanakadasa are reflected in the Constitution,” CM Siddaramaiah stated.

“There is opposition to Mahatma Gandhi, the Constitution, and Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideals. It is the Congress’ responsibility to protect them. We stand for the Congress and its principles, while they are Manuwadis,” he remarked.

He also added, “The Congress MP from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will attend, along with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, working committee members, and other office bearers.”

The Congress government is inaugurating the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the premises of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi and holding a massive convention at the CP Ed Grounds later in the city.

The Congress has invited the Opposition leaders for the inauguration programme of Mahatma Gandhi statue.

--IANS

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Belagavi (Karnataka), Jan 21 (IANS) After the BJP slammed the Congress government over the law and order situation as a woman in central Bengaluru was allegedly gang-raped and robbed, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned whether no rape cases were reported during the tenure of the previous government.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Tuesday, CM Siddaramaiah said, “Were there no incidents of rape during the BJP's tenure? Rape incidents should not happen. Women must be provided protection. However, in society, anti-social elements will engage in such acts. Strict action will be taken against them.”

The incident of the gang-rape of a woman waiting for a bus at K.R. Market in Bengaluru came to light on Tuesday. The victim lodged a complaint with the Women's Police Station in the Central Division, stating that she was sexually assaulted and her gold jewellery, mobile phone and cash were snatched.

According to sources, the incident occurred on Sunday around 11.30 p.m. near Godown Street in the K.R. Market area. The police have detained one person in connection with the incident and are interrogating him.

The victim was waiting for a bus near K.R. Market late at night to travel to the Yelahanka locality. She had asked the accused about the availability of buses to her destination. Taking advantage of her situation, the accused, pretending to be helpful, told her they knew where the bus would stop and led her along.

The suspects took her to Godown Street, where they sexually assaulted her and robbed her. The police have collected CCTV footage from the area and launched a manhunt for the accused. Further details regarding the incident are awaited.

Commenting on the incident, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress-led government in the state for its failure to maintain law and order. “Karnataka has turned into a haven for robbers and rapists,” he stated.

“Karnataka, once known for its culture, values, and safety, is now alarmingly gaining notoriety as a hub for dacoity and atrocities. The report of a gang-rape and robbery of a lone woman waiting for a bus near K.R. Market in the capital city, Bengaluru, is an extremely heinous and inhumane incident. This highlights the state's deteriorating law and order situation, rendering it incapable of protecting women," he charged.

"The series of murders, robberies, crimes against women, and rape cases have left civil society in despair and demonstrate the anarchic situation in the state. If such incidents continue to recur, there is no doubt that the people will rise and teach this government a lesson. The BJP Karnataka is committed to fighting for the safety and security of the state's law and order," he underlined.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) The PM CARES for Children Scheme, launched in 2021 to support children orphaned during the Covid-19 pandemic, has reportedly spent Rs 346 crore on the welfare of 4,543 children, according to the latest audited statement of the fund for 2022-23.

The Scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29, 2021, aimed to support children who had lost both their parents, legal guardian, adoptive parents, or surviving parent to the Covid between March 11, 2020 and May 5, 2023.

It aims to ensure comprehensive care and protection of children in a sustained manner, enable their well-being through health insurance, empower them through education, and equip them for a self-sufficient existence with financial support on reaching 23 years of age. The scheme supported children from 558 districts in 31 states in the country.

The majority were from Maharashtra (855), followed by Uttar Pradesh (467), Madhya Pradesh (433), Tamil Nadu (426), and Andhra Pradesh (351), according to media reports.

The scheme provides financial support of Rs 10 lakh for all children, support for boarding and lodging to ensure rehabilitation of all children, admission in schools, educational loans for higher education, health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, and a scholarship of Rs 20,000 per child per annum for all school-going children from Class 1 to Class 12.

The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on children, ranging from loss of routine life, inability to go to school, and facing anxiety to loss of loved ones to Covid-19. Many children were reported to have lost both parents to the pandemic.

The PM CARES scheme offers comprehensive support for proper education, a monthly stipend till the age of 18 years, and a lump-sum amount of Rs 10 lakh on turning 23 years of age.

The welfare of children comes under the ambit of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD). Thus, the responsibility of anchoring the PM CARES for Children scheme, in collaboration with stakeholder ministries, states, and district administration lies with the WCD.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released Part II of its Sankalp Patra, announcing another set of poll promises if the party is voted to power in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The big poll sops include free education for students from KG to PG, Rs 1,000 stipend for students from unprivileged background and also one-time assistance for UPSC and other competitive exam aspirants.

The announcements were made by former Union Minister Anurag Thakur in a press conference, during which he highlighted Central government's schemes for street vendors and also lashed out at AAP government for allegedly using 'sleeper cells' to extort money and harass them.

Unveiling the second part of Sankalp Patra, loaded with sops and bonanza for students, the BJP MP also called out the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over its string of failures on multiple fronts. He claimed that AAP rose to power by befooling the people of Delhi and after grabbing power, it left them in the lurch.

In first poll pledge for students, he said that BJP government will provide free education to all the children, from KG (Kindergarten) to PG (Post-graduate).

He also unveiled party’s plans of rolling out skills training program for over 1.5 youth.

Slamming the city government over infamous incident of UPSC aspirants drowning in a coaching centre last year, the BJP MP promised one-time assistance of Rs 15,000 for students preparing for competitive examinations.

He said that all the poll promises of BJP are backed by ‘Modi ki guarantee’ and hence subjected to roll-out in a time bound manner however, it was the AAP dispensation which has only ignored and betrayed the city residents in past 11 years.

Shedding light on Centre’s scholarship program for the unprivileged students, Anurag Thakur said that the BJP, if voted to power, will launch a stipend program for SC students, on lines of Gujarat model.

“Under Centre’s program, over 34.5 lakh SC students have got Rs 3,046 crore scholarship so far. BJP government will launch a stipend policy for Delhi students enrolled in technical education like ITI and polytechnic and provide Rs 1,000 stipend/month for students of the SC community,” Thakur declared.

He also announced doubling the number of beneficiaries of PM SWANidhi Yojana.

“A welfare board will also be formed for domestic workers, providing them life insurance of Rs 10 lakh, accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh, scholarship for their children and 6 months paid maternity leave,” the BJP manifesto further said.

Earlier, the first part of BJP’s manifesto saw women taking centrestage with multiple monetary assistance schemes launched for them, including Rs 21,000 aid for pregnant women.

Delhi goes to polls on February 5 while results will be declared on February 8.

--IANS

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Davos, Jan 21 (IANS) The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting kicked off with the theme "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age", at Davos in the Swiss Alps on Tuesday with three celebrities -- football legend David Beckham, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, and architect Riken Yamamoto -- being awarded the prestigious Crystal Awards in recognition of their contributions to social, environmental, and creative progress.

The awardees were facilitated for their efforts in advancing community regeneration, gender equality, children's rights, and other impactful causes.

WEF President and CEO Borge Brende underscored the significance of the event and highlighted the global challenges and opportunities posed by geopolitical, geoeconomic, and technological shifts.

Brende said in his welcome message that the meeting of 3,000 leaders from around the world and across the public and private sectors aims to help strengthen or build the collaboration needed for this unique moment.

"I look forward to the constructive dialogue that will take place in Davos this week, which I am confident will have an important impact on the year ahead, and beyond," Brende said.

The high-level Indian delegation comprising union ministers and chief ministers of some states has reached Davos to participate in the five-day meeting that will continue till January 24.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who is leading the Indian team, said there was a lot of interest globally in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic policies, which would be the focus of discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

There would also be discussions about the digital transformation and the new digital architecture in India which has caught the attention of world leaders, he added.

As the Founder and Chairperson of the Alliance for Global Good, former Union Minister Smriti Irani is set to play a pivotal role in advancing global conversations on equity, inclusion, and sustainable development. The programmes at the We-Lead Lounge organised by her “Alliance for Global Good” will engage with senior executives of Fortune 500 companies to establish boardroom diversity programs and leadership mentoring for emerging talent.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu will be showcasing investment opportunities in their respective states to world business leaders as they seek FDI from top multinational giants.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 21 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will visit Kishanganj on Tuesday as part of his Pragati Yatra, a state-wide initiative aimed at assessing the progress of developmental projects and directly interacting with the public.

The visit underlines the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of various communities and expediting development in the state. The Chief Minister will evaluate ongoing developmental initiatives in Kishanganj and ensure that projects are progressing as planned.

Nitish Kumar will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several projects worth crores of rupees. These projects are expected to bring major benefits to the people of Kishanganj, boosting infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors.

As part of his itinerary, the CM will visit Kathaldangi in Thakurganj, where he will interact with residents of the minority community. During this visit, he will also go to a local school and Anganwadi centre. He will distribute financial assistance and benefits under government schemes aimed at minorities.

Nitish Kumar will inspect the minority residential school in Deramari to assess its functioning and facilities. He will lay the foundation stone for a foot over bridge, addressing connectivity issues and improving accessibility in the area.

A marketing complex, to be built at a cost of Rs 4.41 crore will also have its foundation stone laid by the CM. This project is expected to boost local trade and provide better market infrastructure for the region.

The Chief Minister will reach Khagra Dev Ghat, where he will evaluate and seek detailed information about the Ramzan River's problems, likely focusing on issues such as flooding, erosion, and water management.

He will review the schemes running in the district to ensure timely completion and address any hurdles.

Nitish Kumar will take the opportunity to listen to the concerns and grievances of the people. The visit will see the presence of senior officials from various departments, local MLAs, and ministers, ensuring a coordinated approach to addressing developmental challenges in the district. All arrangements for the visit have been finalized to ensure its smooth execution.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 21 (IANS) In a shocking case, a woman waiting for a bus in Bengaluru's K.R. Market was gang-raped, and robbed of her jewellery, cash and mobile phone.

The woman lodged a complaint with the Women's Police Station in the Central Division, said officials on Tuesday.

According to sources, the incident took place on Sunday at around 11.30 p.m. near Godown Street in the K.R. Market area in Bengaluru. The police detained one person in connection with the incident and were grilling him.

The victim was waiting for the bus to go to Yelahanka locality. The woman had inquired the accused about the availability of the bus to her destination. Taking advantage of her situation, the accused posing like good samaritans told her they knew where the bus would stop and took her along.

They took her to Godown Street where they sexually assaulted her and then robbed her. The police have gathered CCTV footage of the whole area and launched a hunt for the accused persons.

More details are yet to emerge regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, commenting on the concerning incident, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra slammed the Congress-led government over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. “Karnataka has turned into a haven for robbers and rapists,” he stated.

“Karnataka, once known for its culture, values, and safety, is now alarmingly gaining notoriety as a hub for dacoity and atrocities. The report of a gang-rape and robbery of a lone woman waiting for a bus near K.R. Market in the capital city, Bengaluru, is an extremely heinous and inhumane incident. This highlights the state's deteriorating law and order situation, rendering it incapable of protecting women," he charged.

"Currently, under the Congress-led Karnataka government, all that is happening is divisive politics and Congress celebrations. This government, which has forgotten public welfare and social security, has created an atmosphere of insecurity for citizens. People are now questioning whether the state even has a police force, a home department, or a functioning government," Vijayendra slammed.

"With no development on one side and complete administrative failure on the other, this government is being questioned about how it can continue to hold power when it cannot even provide basic law and order. The Bengaluru gang rape case should be taken up with utmost seriousness, and the culprits must be apprehended and subjected to strict punishment," Vijayendra appealed.

"The series of murders, robberies, crimes against women, and rape cases have left civil society in despair and demonstrate the anarchic situation in the state. If such incidents continue to recur, there is no doubt that the people will rise and teach this government a lesson. The BJP Karnataka is committed to fighting for the safety and security of the state's law and order," he underlined.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) At the ongoing Maha Kumbh mela, lakhs of devotees are being provided with 'Mahaprasad', made available by the joint efforts of the country's leading business conglomerate, the Adani Group, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The initiative aims to promote Sanatan Dharma and ensure no pilgrim goes hungry during the sacred event.

Devotees lauded the efforts of industrialist Gautam Adani and emphasised the need for other business leaders to follow suit.

Ankit, a devotee from Jaunpur, remarked, “The arrangements made by Adani Ji are remarkable. Providing free, high-quality meals to lakhs of devotees is a testament to his commitment to Sanatan Dharma. It’s inspiring to see a business icon promoting religious values. I’ve also heard he plans to visit the Maha Kumbh, and it would be wonderful if more business leaders join such efforts.”

Gautam Adani is set to visit Prayagraj on Tuesday, where he will participate in the Maha Kumbh by offering prayers at the Triveni Sangam and seeking blessings at the renowned 'Bade Hanuman Ji temple'. He will also visit the ISKCON VIP tent (Sector 18) to oversee the Mahaprasad distribution.

Sachin Bhardwaj, another devotee, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Everything here is well-organised. Adani Ji is doing incredible work by making such large-scale arrangements for devotees. His efforts are highly commendable, and it’s heartening to see lakhs benefiting from these services. I believe all successful individuals should contribute to such noble causes.”

A devotee from Jamshedpur shared similar sentiments: “The Bhandara organised by Adani Ji is a blessing. Besides food, he is providing electric vehicles to senior citizens and the specially-abled, ensuring their comfort during this pilgrimage. Such initiatives reflect true devotion and social responsibility.”

The Adani Group’s collaboration with ISKCON and Gita Press has become a cornerstone of the Maha Kumbh, setting a benchmark for corporate involvement in religious and social services. Devotees hope that more business icons will take inspiration from this initiative and contribute to promoting Sanatan Dharma and community welfare.

The ‘Mahaprasad Seva’ is being offered to the devotees for the entire duration of the Maha Kumbh Mela.

To mark the launch of the ‘Seva Hi Saadhna Hai’ initiative, the Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani met Guru Prasad Swami, the Chairman of ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC) on January 9. Later, Gautam Adani wrote on his social media handle on X, “Kumbh is that sacred land of service where every hand automatically gets engaged in charity! It is my good fortune that in Maha Kumbh, in collaboration with @IskconInc, we are starting 'Mahaprasad Seva' for the devotees, in which free food will be provided to lakhs of people with the blessings of Maa Annapurna."

The Adani Group also has partnered with Gita Press to offer one crore copies of ‘Aarti Sangrah’ to devotees

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 21 (IANS) The West Bengal government on Tuesday approached the Calcutta High Court, challenging the special court's verdict sentencing Sanjay Roy, convicted in the rape and murder of a junior doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, to life imprisonment.

State Advocate General Kishor Datta has approached the division bench of Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi seeking a "death penalty" for the convict.

The division bench has admitted the petition from the state government.

After the court pronounced the quantum of sentence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday evening that the state government would approach the Calcutta High Court challenging the verdict.

She also said the state government will be seeking the "death penalty" for the convict.

"I strongly feel that it is a heinous crime that warrants capital punishment. We will plead for capital punishment of the convict at the High Court now," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

According to her, she was deeply shocked at the judgment of the special court which did not consider the crime as the "rarest of rare".

"I am convinced that it is indeed a rarest of rare cases which demands capital punishment. We want to insist upon the death penalty in this most sinister and sensitive case," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

"Recently, in the last 3/4 months, we have been able to ensure capital/ maximum punishment for convicts in such crimes. Then, why, in this case, has capital punishment not been awarded?" the Chief Minister’s statement added.

"We demanded the 'death penalty' for the convict. I don't know how….Had the case been in our hands (read state police or Kolkata Police), the death sentence would have been pronounced much earlier," the Chief Minister said.

While pronouncing the quantum of sentence, special court judge Anirban Das said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s contention that Roy's offence in the matter was "the rarest and rare crimes" was not tenable.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) As construction for a bridge is underway over the Basantar river that will connect two blocks of Jammu and Kashmir's Sambha directly to the city, its residents thanked the Modi government for fulfilling their 50-year-old demand.

This vital project will benefit the residents of Block Sumb and Block Nud.

The bridge, once completed, is expected to not only ease transportation but also play a crucial role in the region's overall development. Residents expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing their long-pending demand.

Sohan Lal Sharma, a resident, shared his joy, stating, "This bridge has been our long-standing demand, and now it's finally becoming a reality. It will significantly benefit our blocks. I thank the central government for initiating this project. The bridge will open doors to better education, healthcare, and business opportunities."

Another resident, Ashok Kumar, said, "We are elated about the bridge's construction, which we've been demanding for years. Previous governments ignored our pleas, but the Narendra Modi government has addressed our needs. This bridge will ease travel, especially during the monsoon when the area becomes muddy and inaccessible.”

Construction is expected to be completed within five to six months.

Samba Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma emphasised the project's importance, stating that the bridge will eliminate challenges faced during rains, including severe flooding.

Residents hope the bridge will transform their lives, boosting connectivity, local development, and the region's economy.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a nationwide plan to provide good all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages.

The Union Government has been striving to establish high and uniform technical and management standards and facilitate policy formulation and planning at the state level to ensure sustainable management of the rural road network.

--IANS

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