India

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Friday accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of indulging in anti-national activities and colluding with foreign forces to "defeat" Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom his party has failed to beat in elections.

Bhatia said that Rahul Gandhi cannot digest the fact that PM Modi has become a global leader while seeking answers from the Congress leader about the revelation made about USAID's attempt to influence Indian elections and his links with American investor George Soros and US politician and anti-India baiter Ilhan Omar.

Referring to US President Donald Trump’s statement, detailing how USAID funding was being used to interfere in India's electoral process, Bhatia said that the Congress has now become anti-India and accused it of joining hands with forces detrimental to India's interests.

"Congress leaders are working against the development and unity of the country through their rhetoric and actions," he said, addressing a press conference.

In his habit of hating PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi has started hating the country and its people, he said, accusing him of demeaning the Constitution whose oath he takes.

Bhatia said that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are uncomfortable in a stable country under PM Modi as they are in a habit of receiving kickbacks through middlemen.

Before the Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi, along with many "patriotic journalists and organisations" responsibly raised concerns that foreign powers were interfering in India's elections, he said.

The purpose of this interference was to remove PM Modi, the world's most popular leader, and to undermine the country's pride. The purpose of giving $21 million was to interfere in India's electoral process and remove PM Modi, Bhatia said.

The BJP leader said that there has been no solid policy for the country under the leadership of Congress. The Congress party has always worked only for power and not for the development of the country.

“Whereas under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has seen strong, decisive governance. Rahul Gandhi cannot tolerate this. I say with full responsibility that he is betraying India, its Constitution and its citizens,” he said.

The Ministry of External Affairs earlier in the day said that relevant departments and agencies are looking into the information put out by the US administration about the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) meddling in Indian elections and spending millions to influence voter turnout in the country.

"We have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain USAID activities and funding. These are obviously very deeply troubling. This has led to concerns about foreign interference in India's internal affairs," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in Delhi during a media briefing.

"Relevant departments and agencies are looking into this matter. It would be premature to make a public comment at this stage. Relevant authorities are looking into this, and hopefully we can come up with an update on that subsequently," he added.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Feb 21 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday dared Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy for a debate on the performance of the Congress government in the state during the last 12 months.

Addressing a public meeting at Narayanpet, he slammed both BRS and BJP leaders for their allegation that Congress has done nothing in 12 months.

"Let us have a debate on the performance of 10 years of BRS rule in the state, 11 years of BJP rule at the Centre, and 12 months of our government,” he said and also invited BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao and BJP leader and Union Minister of State Bandi Sanjay to join the debate.

He asked the BRS to explain why irrigation facilities have not been provided in Palamuru (united Mahabubnagar district) for 10 years and questioned KCR why he failed to complete the Palamuru-Rangareddy project for 10 years.

He accused BRS of creating hurdles in the efforts of the Congress government to complete the irrigation projects in Palamuru to check migration.

He alleged that KCR during his term as the Chief Minister helped Andhra Pradesh divert Krishna river water to Rayalaseema. "Were you not a mute spectator when Jagan Mohan Reddy was diverting water to Rayalaseema," he questioned.

Revanth Reddy said the failures of KCR were haunting the state now. He recalled that KCR and his nephew Harish Rao were irrigation ministers for 10 years.

He remarked that water was diverted to Rayalaseema while funds were diverted to the KCR family.

On KCR’s remark that when he hits his rivals, he hits hard, the Chief Minister said if KCR wants to hit someone, he should hit his son, daughter or son-in-law. "If you want to hit Congress, our party cadres will not keep quiet," he said.

Dismissing the BRS allegation that the Congress has done nothing during the last 12 months, he said immediately after coming to power, it provided 55,000 jobs to the unemployed. Amma Adarsha pathashalas have been handed over to women to encourage them. Women were made owners of 600 buses in the Road Transport Corporation.

The government launched development works worth Rs.5,000 crore in Kodangal and Rs.1,000 crore in Narayanpet, he added.

The government is giving 5 lakh Indiramma Indlu houses every year, the CM said, claiming that the scheme will give dignity to the poor.

Revanth Reddy said the government was constructing 3,500 houses in each Assembly constituency under the Indiramma Indlu scheme.

He also dared the BRS to accept the challenge that Congress will contest coming local body elections in those villages where Indiramma houses have been built while BRS should contest only in those villages where its government had given double-bedroom houses.

He claimed that for the first time in the country, Telangana conducted a caste census. "We have resolved the issue of sub-categorisation of scheduled castes which was hanging fire for 30 years. Can’t KCR see all these works," he asked.

Revanth Reddy asked what happened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to credit black money in the bank accounts of the poor. He alleged that farmers were betrayed after making the promise to double their income. “He had promised that every poor will be given a house by 2022. Let him show where was this given," he asked.

“He promised that two crore jobs will be given every year. Except Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay, who in Telangana was given a job?" he asked.

--IANS

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Jammu, Feb 21 (IANS) A ten-day Saras Livelihood Fair, organised at the city's art centre by the Rural Development Department saw wide array of handicrafts and other products made by the women entrepreneurs, particularly from the rural belts of the country.

The fair, dubbed as ‘Mini India’, saw a celebration of cultural diversity and self-reliance as women workers from more than 19 states showcased their skills.

The extensive collection of handicrafts made by rural women not only earned the praise of fair visitors but also found many dedicated customers, as they purchased many hand-made products.

The women entrepreneurs, including those from Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir, expressed gratitude for various schemes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. They said that because of these schemes, they have been able to come out of their homes and showcase their art and skills.

Eliciting a common view, they said that such exposure was giving them a sense of empowerment.

Joshna from Tripura told IANS that there are 30 women in her group and she came to Jammu for the first time.

“The status of women has now changed to a great extent. Women no longer stay within the four walls, they are going to foreign countries. PM Modi is doing good work for them,” she said.

Neeta Devi of Jammu said that she is running self-help group named 'Krishna', which sells rice, turmeric, chilli and spices.

She said that "250 sisters are associated with us".

"They have contributed a lot. We are getting a lot of benefits from this scheme. Because of PM Modi, our economic condition has improved. Our sisters have got a lot of employment."

Sama, a woman from Kashmir, said that before becoming a member of the self-help group, she did not have any market, hence the prices of the products were also not good.

“After joining this scheme, I got a chance to showcase my skills. Those who do not have money can also show their skills now,” she said.

She further stated, "Because of the scheme, we got money, we got the market, and our demand has also been fulfilled. We are very thankful for this scheme. Through this, we also get a chance to go outside our state. We do our own selling and marketing.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) Calling nationalism as every citizen’s first religion, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said he was shocked by the revelation about a foreign attempt to manipulate Indian elections and called for exposing those who colluded in such an attack on our democracy.

Addressing the Global Conference of Meditation Leaders, he referred to the revelations by US President Donald Trump and said “The democratic process of this country was sought to be manipulated to dent, taint the purity of our electoral system”.

Referring to the information put out by the US administration about the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) meddling in Indian elections and spending millions to influence voter turnout in the country, the Vice President said, “One thing is right because that is factual: amount was given, and the amount was not small.”

“We need to destroy such a conspiracy after getting to its root, as suggested in Chanakya Niti,” he said.

“We need to expose the identity of those people who accepted such an assault on democracy principles,” he said.

“It is our national duty to attack the power who plotted to taint the purity of our electoral system,” he said, adding that India will become ‘Viksit Bharat’ only when there is peace and the right kind of atmosphere – even for meditation.

He also praised the policies of the Narendra Modi government about its welfare schemes like toilets in all homes, gas connections, piped water supply, internet connectivity, easy access to health and education facilities and road connectivity for providing the right kind of atmosphere for well-being and mental peace of the common man.

“But still there are some people who try to find fault in everything,” he said, adding that there always be shortcomings in all systems but that is a precursor to society’s progress.

Later, he presided over the Valedictory Function of the 5th Rajya Sabha Internship Program at the Vice-President's Enclave and vouched for the strength of national institutions like the Election Commission and Judiciary.

“Believe in our institutions because they are very strong, be it our Election Commission or the Judiciary. Election Commission is wrong when you lose and right when you win; what kind of formula is this?” he asked, in a veiled reference to politicians who blame the poll panel for their electoral failures.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Feb 21 (IANS) A shocking incident of a woman being gang-raped by four youths she knew at a private hotel in Bengaluru came to light on Friday.

According to police sources, the incident had taken place on the terrace of a private hotel near the Jyothi Nivas College under the Koramangala police station limits. The woman registered a complaint with the police early on Friday and the police have launched a hunt for the accused.

The victim has been admitted to a private hospital and she is being treated. The police have visited the crime scene and gathered information and CCTV footage from the surrounding buildings.

Further details regarding the incident are yet to emerge

The incident comes a month after a woman waiting for a bus in Bengaluru's K.R. Market was gang-raped, and robbed of her jewellery, cash and mobile phone on January 21.

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

The police have detained one person in connection with the incident and were grilling him.

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

An incident of kidnapping and gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman was reported on April 25, 2024.

According to police, the victim was kidnapped by five persons and gang-raped in an isolated place. The victim had also undergone brutal torture by the accused. Following the complaint by the family of the victim, the High Grounds police had arrested the rapists.

--IANS

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Ranchi, Feb 21 (IANS) Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato convened an all-party meeting on Friday to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming budget session, scheduled to begin on February 24.

However, the main opposition party -- the BJP -- chose to stay away from the meeting.

With the BJP yet to elect its legislative party leader, the Speaker had extended an invitation to senior party MLA Chandreshwar Prasad Singh. However, Singh did not attend the meeting.

Addressing the leaders present, Speaker Mahato urged all parties to cooperate in ensuring a productive session. He emphasised the importance of logical, factual, and high-quality debate within the House to find meaningful solutions to public issues.

He also underlined the need for the government to provide satisfactory responses to members' queries.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Speaker talked about the challenges posed by the absence of a Leader of the Opposition, stating that it hampers the effective functioning of the House.

“The BJP’s failure to appoint a legislative party leader has delayed the selection of the Leader of the Opposition, creating procedural hurdles in the Assembly’s functioning,” he said.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government is fully prepared for the budget session and expressed confidence that discussions would proceed constructively. “We are ready to deliberate on various issues concerning the state, and I am confident the House will function with a positive mindset,” Soren said.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore, Congress Legislature Party Leader Pradeep Yadav, JDU’s Saryu Rai, and LJP’s Janardan Paswan.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the Speaker met senior state government officials to review arrangements for the session.

He directed officials to provide accurate responses to legislative queries, fulfil assurances made during proceedings, and keep the Assembly Secretariat informed.

The Speaker also stressed that senior officials from all departments should be present during the session to provide ministers with immediate, up-to-date information while responding to House queries.

--IANS

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Sambhal, Feb 21 (IANS) The Sambhal Police have filed a charge sheet against 124 individuals in connection with six cases of rioting that took place in November last year.

The accused have been charged with attacking police personnel and administrative officials during the unrest.

At a press conference here on Friday, Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Bishnoi emphasised that no form of violence or violation of the law would be tolerated.

He assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty, but underlined that no arrests would be made just on mere suspicion -- only solid evidence would warrant police action.

The charge sheet outlines how the accused allegedly conspired to orchestrate the violence on November 24 last year.

According to SP Bishnoi, 36 individuals were initially identified, but subsequent investigations revealed the involvement of 123 more people. A total of 80 persons have been arrested so far, he said.

Evidence, including CCTV footage and testimonies from those previously arrested, allegedly links the suspects to the incident. Many of the accused reportedly admitted to joining the mob after being called upon by others involved.

A major development in the investigation has been the recovery of weapons from the accused. "Alarmingly, some of the recovered cartridges appear to have been manufactured in Pakistan," SP Bishnoi revealed.

The police have reiterated their commitment to a thorough and unbiased investigation, stating that action will be taken strictly based on evidence.

A charge sheet against Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq is also expected soon. Investigators are awaiting crucial information from his WhatsApp account. Once received, formal charges will be filed in court.

The violent clashes, which erupted after a court ordered a survey of Sambhal’s Shahi Masjid -- amid claims that the mosque had been built after the demolition of a Hindu temple -- led to widespread unrest.

Protesters reportedly pelted stones at police officers and opened fire, leaving four persons dead and several injured. Instances of arson and vandalism were also reported during the chaos.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 21 (IANS) For the second day in succession, the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a gold smuggling attempt along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB) by arresting a man with 1,135.34 grams of gold, an official said on Friday.

The BSF said that the man was arrested on Thursday from the Petrapole Integrated Check Post (ICP), in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal, when he was entering India from Bangladesh.

On Wednesday, BSF troops posted at the Bithari BOP in the same district nabbed a man with 12 gold biscuits.

"We consider this a major success. At around 7.30 a.m. on Thursday, troops of the 145 Bn BSF were carrying out routine checks on people arriving from Bangladesh at the Petrapole ICP when the smuggler was arrested. Though nothing incriminating was found in his luggage or clothing, the metal detector indicated some substance hidden within his body. The man feigned ignorance," said N.K. Pandey, DIG and spokesperson, South Bengal Frontier, BSF.

"Finally, after several rounds of questioning, he confessed that he had some gold hidden inside his body. Senior BSF officials reached the spot and three cylindrical gold pieces were recovered from his anal cavity. The gold has an estimated value of Rs 99 lakh," he added.

According to the DIG, the man claimed that he is a resident of Chennai and had gone to Bangladesh for some work recently.

He met some smugglers there who asked him to carry the gold across the border and hand it over to a contact in Kolkata. He was to be paid Rs 10,000 for his efforts, the man told the BSF.

"The arrested smuggler, along with the seized gold pieces, has been handed over to the concerned authorities for further legal action. Meanwhile, an in-depth investigation is underway to uncover more details related to this smuggling operation," Pandey said.

He said that this is the fourth major seizure of gold along the IBB in the South Bengal Frontier since February 14.

The total value of gold seized over the week is over Rs 6 crore.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) The new Delhi government is considering a proposal to expand the coverage of health schemes in gated societies and posh areas by raising the number of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and enrolling 1 lakh Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries in a month.

Besides cancelling leaves of district medical officers for the coming few weeks, the Rekha Gupta government has geared up to include families and citizens above 70 years among the 1 lakh beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

A note prepared by the Health Secretary for the Cabinet’s consideration indicated that besides an increase in the number of ASHA workers, capable of delivering first-contact healthcare, the new BJP government is likely to soon take a decision to almost double the urban public health centres or Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs).

An additional 413 urban health centres are to be built to supplement the existing 553 Mohalla Clinics that would also be upgraded to U-AAMs.

The total target is to activate 1,139 U-AAMs under the Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure Mission Scheme under which Rs 2,406 crore will be provided by the Central government.

To showcase the BJP government’s vision and commitment to improving health services, the Health Department has also been tasked to set within 30 days 11 new model U-AAMs – one each in every district – under the supervision of the District Magistrates.

Some other Central Ayushman Bharat Schemes that are likely to be introduced in Delhi in the coming days include the Health and Wellness Centre (HWC)/Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), the Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure Mission Scheme (PM-BHIM), the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s focus on health services in the city seems to be a response of the BJP government to promises made by the party in the run-up to the Assembly election.

While the previous AAP government claimed to have ushered in a revolution in the health sector along with the introduction of Mohalla Clinics, the BJP had alleged scams of fake medicines and bogus bills in these clinics.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Feb 21 (IANS) In a major blow to trans-border smuggling networks, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has arrested four drug smugglers and recovered 5.06 kg heroin from their possession in two separate cases, Punjab's Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Friday.

Those arrested have been identified as Gurjant Singh, alias Kalu, of Bachiwind village in Amritsar, Jagjit Singh of Rania village in Amritsar, Sahil Kumar, alias Sahil, of Ghariyala village in Tarn Taran and Rinku of Basti Dune Wali in Guru Har Sahai in Ferozepur.

DGP Yadav said that the arrested individuals were in contact with Pakistan-based drug smugglers, who were using drones to smuggle narcotics across the border to further supply in different areas of Amritsar.

Two separate first information reports (FIRs) have been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act at Police Stations Cantonment and Sadar in Amritsar, he said.

The DGP said that more arrests and recoveries are likely in the coming days.

Sharing details of the operation, Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that based on credible intelligence, police teams from Cantonment Police Station under the supervision of DCP Harpreet Singh Mander conducted a special operation and apprehended Gurjant Kalu and Jagjit Singh from the Mahal bypass area and seized 3.067 kg heroin from their possession.

He said similarly police teams from CIA Staff-1 led by Inspector Amolakdeep Singh arrested two more accused, Sahil Kumar and Rinku, based on further investigation and interrogation of the arrested accused, recovering an additional 2 kg of heroin from their possession. Bhullar said that the preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused Rinku is running a big hawala network to transfer illegal money from the drug trade to different suppliers. Further probe in on, he added.

--IANS

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