India

Bengaluru, May 12 (IANS) Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday congratulated Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on his appointment as the next Chief of the Naval Staff, calling it a proud moment for Karnataka.

In a statement, Vijayendra said that Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan's journey from Basavanagudi in Bengaluru to the Sainik School Bijapur and eventually to the top post in the Indian Navy was inspiring and would motivate many youngsters from the state to serve the nation.

"From Basavanagudi in Bengaluru to Sainik School Bijapur, and now to the highest office of the Indian Navy, his inspiring journey is a proud moment for Namma Karnataka," the State BJP President added.

He expressed confidence that the achievement of Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan would encourage more youth from Karnataka to take up careers in the armed forces and dedicate themselves to national service.

"His achievement will inspire many youngsters from Karnataka to join the honourable and noble path of selfless service to the nation," he said.

Vijayendra also extended his best wishes to the Vice Admiral ahead of his assuming office on May 31.

"Wishing him (Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan) the very best as he takes charge on May 31 and leads our Navy with honour, strength and vision. Jai Hind," he added.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff, effective from May 31, 2026, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.

Currently serving as the 34th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, Swaminathan is a highly decorated specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare with nearly four decades of service.

​Vice Admiral Swaminathan assumed charge as the 34th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command on July 31, 2025.

The Flag Officer was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987, and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy at Khadakvasla; the Joint Services Command and Staff College at Shrivenham in the United Kingdom; the College of Naval Warfare at Karanja; and the United States Naval War College at Newport in Rhode lsland.

​A recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, Vice Admiral Swaminathan has held several key operational, staff and training appointments in his naval career including the Command of missile vessels INS Vidyut and Vinash; the missile corvette INS Kulish; the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

​On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as the Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Headquarters of Southern Naval Command in Kochi and played a key role in the conduct of training across the Indian Navy.

He was also instrumental in raising the Indian Naval Safety Team that oversees operational safety across all verticals of the Navy. He then went on to lead the Work Up Organisation of the Navy as the Flag Officer Sea Training after which he was privileged to be appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding of Western Fleet.

After commanding the Sword Arm, Vice Admiral Swaminathan was appointed as the Flag Officer Offshore Defence Advisory Group and Advisor, Offshore Security and Defence to Union government.

Prior to his current assignment, he served as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tore into former Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin over his anti-Sanatan rant in the Assembly on Tuesday, stating that the "Sanatan-haters" suffered a humiliating defeat in recent elections but have failed to learn any lessons.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, taking strong exception to Stalin’s renewed calls for “abolishing” Sanatan, this time inside the Tamil Nadu Assembly, said that the DMK is doomed to decay further because of its Sanatan hate.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, kicked up a fresh row as he called for the eradication of Sanatan in the presence of the newly elected Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

“Sanathanam that divides people should be eradicated,” Stalin said in his address. The video clip of Stalin landed up on social media and soon went viral, drawing strong backlash from the state and central BJP leaders.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that Stalin junior has resorted to what he does best – peddling insult and hatred against Sanatan.

He said that the DMK, despite taking a beating in recent elections, continues to hurl insults at the Sanatan Dharma and warned that people of Tamil Nadu and the country will punish him further for this.

He said that all tall leaders of the India bloc, including Gaurav Gogoi, Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin, suffered ignominious defeat because of their ideology of “Sanatan hate” but refused to mend their ways.

“Hurling abuses at Sanatan is their pattern, insulting Sanatan is their votebank strategy, and this is their only identity,” he said in a pointed jibe.

CR Kesavan, another BJP spokesperson from the state unit, equated Stalin with Rahul Gandhi, terming him “Gandhi of Tamil Nadu.”

“Rahul Gandhi mocked the sacred Sengol, and he insulted & boycotted the Pran Prathishta ceremony of Ram Mandir. Like Rahul Gandhi, who has been rejected for the past 3 Lok Sabha elections, Udhayanidhi Stalin, despite being punished and ousted by the Tamil people, continues with his toxic rant. What better can you expect from the divisive DMK, which opposed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam and whose CM never wished the people of Tamil Nadu on Deepavali,” he said in stern criticism of DMK leader.

Notably, Udhayanidhi Stalin made similar remarks against Sanatan Dharma years ago, equating it with diseases like dengue and malaria, calling for its complete eradication. The remark created a political storm with several BJP leaders launching a scathing attack on him.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) India's retail inflation rate, based on the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, was recorded at 3.48 per cent in April compared to the same month of the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics on Tuesday.

The commodities that posted the highest inflation during the month were silver jewellery, which saw a 144.34 per cent jump in prices and gold jewellery, which clocked a 40.72 per cent increase in prices.

Overall food inflation in April stood at 4.2 per cent as the prices of potatoes plummeted by as much as 23.69 per cent during the month, while onions turned cheaper by 17.67 per cent. The prices of chickpea and peas also declined during the month. However, tomato prices shot up by 35.28 per cent, the figures showed.

The inflation rate for the category housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels remained subdued at 1.71 per cent in April despite the soaring oil prices in global markets due to the Middle East conflict, as the government did not pass on the hike to consumers.

Sequentially, the CPI inflation rate stayed steady in April as it was recorded at 3.4 per cent in the previous month of March.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected the country’s inflation rate based on the consumer price index (CPI) for 2026-27 at 4.6 per cent as the near-term food supply prospects have been boosted by a robust rabi crop, which provides some comfort amid rising oil prices in the international market due to the Iran war.

RBI Governor Sanjaya Malhotra said: "The pass-through of higher global energy prices has resulted in price increases in select fuels such as premium petrol, LPG and diesel for industrial use. On the other hand, the near-term food supply prospects have been boosted by a robust rabi crop, providing some comfort."

Considering all these factors, CPI inflation for 2026-27 is projected to be at 4.6 per cent with Q1 at 4.0 per cent; Q2 at 4.4 per cent; Q3 at 5.2 per cent; and Q4 at 4.7 per cent, the RBI Governor said.

However, persistently elevated energy prices due to the West Asia conflict and possible El Niño conditions (which could have a negative impact on the southwest monsoon) pose upside risks to inflation, he observed.

Malhotra said that India’s core inflation, which excludes food and fuel prices, is projected at 4.4 per cent for 2026-27 and, excluding precious metals, it is even lower, indicating that underlying inflation pressures are expected to remain contained.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, May 12 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son Bandi Bhagirath has approached the Telangana High Court seeking interim bail in connection with a POCSO case registered against him.

Due to ongoing summer holiday for the High Court, the petition has been filed before the Vacation Bench. The petition will come up for hearing on May 14.

A case was registered against Bandi Bhagirath on May 8 at Pet Basheerabad Police Station of Cyberabad Commissionerate under Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for alleged sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl.

On a complaint by the victim’s mother, the police registered a case under Section 11 r/w 12 of POCSO Act and sections 74 and 75 of BNS.

Earlier, Bhagirath, 25, had lodged a complaint in Karimnagar II Town Police Station against the girl and her parents. He alleged that they attempted to honey trap him and demanded Rs.5 crore to not file a police complaint against him.

On his complaint, a case was booked against the girl and her parents under various Sections of the BNS for extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy and common intention.

Bandi Sanjay has denied the allegation against his son. He claimed that political rivals were trying to tarnish his image by making false allegations.

Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, on Monday asked Director General of Police, C.V. Anand, to immediately initiate an investigation into the POCSO case registered against Bandi Bhagirath.

The DGP was directed to constitute special teams for a comprehensive investigation into the case of the alleged sexual assault on a minor girl by Bandi Bhagirath.

The Chief Minister questioned the DGP over the delay in taking action despite the complaint having been lodged on May 8.

Following the Chief Minister’s direction, Cyberabad Police Commissioner asked Deputy Commissioner of Police Ritiraj to personally supervise the investigation in the case.

The DCP visited Pet Basheerbad Police Station to take stock of the investigation.

She analysed the case details and spoke to concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police and Station House Officer.

The IPS officer told the media that she discussed with ACP and SHO further steps to be taken in the case. “We have drafted a plan of action and we will proceed accordingly,” she said

The DCP said they have already recorded the victim's statement, but they need some more information. She said she would talk to her.

The officer said during last couple of days police did whatever needed to be done after registering the POCSO case and collected documentation.

Hinting that the accused is absconding, she said if police find the accused, they would definitely arrest him.

She said the police were trying to gather information about the accused by analysing his Call Detail Record.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) Approving Delhi's first dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Police Station, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) T.S. Sandhu on Tuesday set a collective goal of 'Drug-Free Delhi' by 2027.

He announced the two decisions while setting in motion the destruction of 1,700 kg of seized narcotics worth Rs 72 crore at an incineration facility, an official said.

"This morning, I also joined the destruction, of seized narcotics, at Jahangirpuri -- a strong message against drugs, and organised crime," L-G Sandhu said.

The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to the youth to avoid addiction and lead a purposeful life.

"I urge the youth to choose purpose over peer pressure. Together, we will ensure that drugs find no market, no shelter, and no acceptance in our National Capital," he said in a message on social media platform X.

L-G Sandhu noted that the Delhi Police are taking a decisive step toward dismantling the drug ecosystem in the national capital.

"Guided by the vision of PM @narendramodi Ji and the resolve of Union Home Minister @AmitShah Ji, we have set a collective goal for a 'Drug-Free Delhi' by 2027," he said on X.

"To strengthen this mission, I am pleased to announce the approval for Delhi's first dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Police Station. Our strategy focuses on dismantling the financial backbone of traffickers while prioritising community awareness through initiatives like 'Nasha? Not Cool'," L-G Sandhu added.

Earlier, the L-G chaired a Delhi Police programme for returning more than 12,600 phones to their original owners after law enforcers recovered these instruments from snatchers and thieves arrested across the national capital.

"I am informed that this year, Delhi Police have recovered around 16,000 devices, with a recovery rate of 74 per cent. More than 12,600 phones are being handed over today, across the districts simultaneously. These numbers reflect, the strength of technology-enabled policing," L-G Sandhu said.

Lauding 'Operation Vishwas', an ongoing initiative by the Delhi Police aimed at tracing and returning lost, stolen, or snatched mobile phones to their rightful owners, the L-G called upon citizens to join efforts of law enforcers in countering crime.

"Technology alone, cannot produce such results. Behind every recovered phone, is the hard work, of police personnel -- Constables, following leads, officers, coordinating verification, technical teams, analysing inputs, and district units, tracking movement," he said.

--IANS

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Panipat, May 12 (IANS) Padma Shri awardee Khemraj Sundriyal on Tuesday expressed strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for collective public participation in national interest amid the economic fallout of the ongoing Iran-US war and rising crude oil prices, urging citizens to adopt sustainable and self-reliant practices.

Speaking to IANS, Sundriyal said he understood and deeply appreciated the Prime Minister's message, adding that every citizen should contribute towards the nation by following the suggestions made by PM Modi.

"I understand and deeply appreciate the Prime Minister's appeal. Whatever he has said about everyone, contributing together for the nation is important. We should follow Prime Minister Modi's words and act accordingly," he added.

Referring to the Prime Minister's call for reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, Sundriyal advised people to minimise the use of personal vehicles wherever possible.

"Use vehicles less -- it will benefit us as well. Firstly, fuel consumption will reduce, and secondly, pollution on the roads will decrease," he said.

The Padma Shri awardee also welcomed the emphasis on work-from-home arrangements, saying such measures could help in conserving electricity and other resources across the country.

"He (Prime Minister Modi) has also spoken about work from home. This will help reduce electricity consumption in the country," Sundriyal added.

Highlighting the importance of self-reliance and indigenous products, he appealed to the people to adopt Swadeshi practices in daily life.

"Wear Swadeshi and eat Swadeshi products," he said.

Sundriyal also stressed the need to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices by using traditional natural resources instead of excessive chemical inputs.

"We should also practise farming using natural resources such as cow and buffalo dung, compost manure, and fertilisers made from leaves. This will help us become self-reliant," he said, while encouraging farmers to adopt natural and organic farming methods.

He concluded by saying that the Prime Minister's suggestions were aimed at strengthening the nation during challenging global circumstances and should be followed in the larger national interest.

"Whatever Prime Minister Modi has said has been in the interest of the nation, and we should follow it," Sundriyal said.

--IANS

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Chennai, May 12 (IANS) In a significant political appointment by the newly-formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has appointed his close aide, astrologer and party spokesperson Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the Chief Minister.

The appointment was officially confirmed through a government order issued on Tuesday by the Principal Secretary to the Government.

According to the order, Vettrivel will function as the political aide to Chief Minister Vijay and assist in matters relating to political coordination and advisory functions within the Chief Minister’s Office.

The development assumes significance as the TVK government has begun shaping its administrative and political structure after assuming office following the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel is widely known in political and media circles as an astrologer who shares a close association with CM Vijay.

Over the past few years, he emerged as a visible figure around the actor-turned-politician during major political and personal events.

Following the launch of the TVK, he was later appointed as one of the official spokespersons of the party and became actively involved in defending and articulating the party’s positions in television debates and public platforms.

Sources within political circles said Vettrivel is considered part of Vijay’s trusted inner circle and has played a role in political communication and coordination since the formation of the party.

His appointment to a formal government position is being viewed as an indication of the Chief Minister’s preference for relying on trusted associates as the new administration consolidates its functioning.

The appointment has also triggered political discussions in Tamil Nadu, with Opposition parties and observers closely watching the evolving structure of the Chief Minister’s office under the TVK government.

While supporters of the ruling party described the move as a decision based on trust and loyalty, critics questioned the growing influence of non-traditional political figures in administrative roles.

Since taking office on May 10, the Vijay-led government has initiated a series of administrative and political decisions aimed at signalling a distinct style of governance.

The appointment of Vettrivel is expected to further strengthen the political coordination mechanism around the Chief Minister as the new government settles into office.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) Calling it a shining example of technology-enabled policing, Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Tuesday led a Delhi Police programme for returning over 12,600 phones to their original owners after law enforcers recovered these instruments from snatchers and thieves arrested across the city.

“I am informed that this year, Delhi Police has recovered around 16,000 devices, with a recovery rate of 74 per cent. More than 12,600 phones are being handed over today, across the districts simultaneously. These numbers reflect the strength of technology-enabled policing,” said Sandhu, appreciating the smiles brought to the faces of phone owners by police.

Lauding Operation Vishwas, an ongoing initiative by the Delhi Police aimed at tracing and returning lost, stolen, or snatched mobile phones to their rightful owners, Sandhu called upon citizens to join law enforcers in countering crime.

“Technology alone cannot produce such results. Behind every recovered phone is the hard work of police personnel — constables, following leads, officers, coordinating verification, technical teams, analysing inputs, and district units, tracking movement,” he said.

“Community partnership matters too. When citizens cooperate, RWAs and MWAs (Market Welfare Associations) stay engaged, and the media carries the right message, policing becomes more effective and humane. This spirit of cooperation will shape Viksit Dilli, a capital city that reflects both India’s civilisational values and its modern aspirations,” he said.

The L-G said Delhi’s policing outlook must remain global.” I can say with conviction that the world today looks at India as a leader in technology-driven governance. Bharat’s leadership, in digital public infrastructure, show how innovation can serve citizens, and inspire confidence, worldwide,” he said

Operation Vishwas is part of this larger story — that India is building systems, which are modern, transparent, and trusted, not only by its own citizens, but admired, internationally, he said, appreciating the efforts of Police Commissioner Satish Golcha.

He said specialised operations against narcotics, cybercrime, street crime, and weapons glorification further strengthen crime control.

“I am confident, Delhi Police will continue to update itself, with new technologies, be firm against crime, improve service delivery, with a humane approach, and make Delhi safer, and more responsive, for every citizen,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also took to social media to highlight the joy of phone owners who got their stolen instruments back.

--IANS

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Kolkata, May 12 (IANS) Samik Bhattacharya, the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal and a member of the Rajya Sabha, has suggested that the new regime in the state may alter the land policy to encourage investments.

“During the last 15 years of the Trinamool Congress regime in the state, there has not been even a single new investment. On the contrary, the industrialists and businessmen from West Bengal chose to park their investments in other states. The previous state government refused to even extend the slightest cooperation to industrialists to attract big-ticket investment. But the new state government will do all that is necessary to attract investments. What is urgently required now is a change in the land policy in the state to facilitate investment,” Bhattacharya said while addressing a gathering of businessmen at the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry here on Tuesday.

To recall, after coming to power in 2011 by ending the decades-old Left Front regime, the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, had refused any state role in land procurement for big industries.

The prior government's decision faced criticism from industry professionals and economic analysts, who argued that such a policy would discourage investment in the manufacturing sector. In spite of these negative assessments, Mamata Banerjee remained resolute in her stance against permitting the state administration to engage in land procurement for industrial purposes.

And now the state BJP president’s observation at the chamber of commerce meeting on Tuesday creates hopes of change in the state’s land policy to attract big-ticket investment.

Speaking at the chamber of commerce meeting, the state BJP president also observed that the constantly deteriorating law and order situation in the state during the previous Trinamool Congress regime was yet another disincentive for industrialists to invest in the state.

“But I want to assure you that the situation will improve in the new regime. I want to make it clear that since I am not a functionary in the new state government, I am not telling these on behalf of the state government. But still, I want to assure that the new state government will do all that is necessary to attract investment and hence ensure employment generation. Previously, there was an ambience of fear which made the industrialist hesitant to make investments in the state. But that ambience of fear is over now, and hence I am sure that industrialists now will invest in West Bengal without any fear,” Bhattacharya said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday slammed the Central government over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and questioned its ‘silence and inaction’ against the examination mafia.

Speaking to newsmen in a press conference, Kejriwal claimed that the large-scale collusion at top levels and political patronage to those involved in such crimes are primarily the reasons behind the paper leak of such magnitude.

He said that the lives of lakhs of students are at stake because of the NEET paper leak, but the government is looking the other way, questioning whether it understands the scale of suffering that the children and their families go through during such times.

The NEET examinations, held on May 3, were cancelled on Tuesday by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the central body that conducts competitive exams, after incriminating inputs were received by the central agencies about irregularities in the examination process.

Kejriwal, accusing the Centre of gross failure as well as negligence, said that this was not the first time that the exam papers had been leaked.

“Similar instances of NEET paper leak took place on multiple occasions in 2017, 2021, 2024 and now in 2026. Government must tell where those people are behind the previous paper leaks,” he stated.

Doubling down his charge, he stated, “If the government can’t conduct an examination without paper leak, how can one expect them to run an efficient governance.”

The former Delhi CM also demanded strict action against those sitting in top positions and presiding over the conduct of examinations and failing utterly in conducting the examinations in all fairness.

“The future of lakhs of students is at stake. Those responsible must be held accountable and hauled up for gross incompetence,” he demanded.

Recalling his own experience of preparatory years for competitive exams like IIT and IAS, he said that the parents undergo severe hardships during these times, and this calls for strict accountability from those responsible.

Expressing his solidarity with the affected students, Kejriwal also urged the students to fight decisively against the paper leak mafia, stating, “I want to tell them that if they want to hit the streets to voice their anger and outrage, Kejriwal is standing with them.”

--IANS

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