India

Shimla, April 12 (IANS) To protect reservoir fishermen from market fluctuations, the Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, for the first time, has announced a minimum support price (MSP) for fish harvested from reservoirs.

This step aims to protect fishermen from unpredictable price variations and provide assured income support. The composite MSP for reservoir fish has been fixed at Rs 100 per kg. Additionally, if the auction price falls below Rs 100 per kg, the government will provide a subsidy of up to Rs 20 per kg through the direct benefit transfer mechanism, an official statement said on Sunday.

This will ensure fair remuneration and enhance transparency, as the subsidy will be credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible fishermen, it said.

In another major relief measure, the Chief Minister has announced a substantial reduction in the royalty rate on fish harvested from reservoirs.

The government had earlier reduced the royalty from 15 per cent to 7.5 per cent, and it has now been decided to further reduce the royalty rate to just one per cent in this fiscal. This decision is expected to directly benefit over 6,000 reservoir fishermen by reducing their financial burden and significantly increasing their net income.

Himachal Pradesh has five major reservoirs -- Gobind Sagar (Bilaspur and Una), Pong Dam (Kangra), Ranjit Sagar and Chamera (Chamba), and Kol Dam (Bilaspur). The silver carp is the dominant species in Gobind Sagar, Kol Dam, Ranjit Sagar and Chamera reservoirs, while the singhara predominates in Pong Dam.

Other important species include rohu, catla, mrigal, common carp and grass carp. Owing to focused policy interventions and sustained efforts, such as the annual stocking of advanced fingerlings (70-100 mm), reservoir fish production has shown substantial improvement. Production from reservoirs has increased from 549.35 metric tons in 2022-23 to 818.02 metric tons in 2025-26, reflecting strong positive momentum in the sector.

The government believes such progressive policy measures are expected to significantly strengthen the reservoir fisheries economy, promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance the participation of fishing communities in reservoir-based activities. The government is also working to expand fisheries infrastructure, improve marketing systems and create better livelihood opportunities for fishermen and fish farmers.

The state has also recorded notable growth in overall fish production. The total fish production increased from 19,019 metric tons in 2024-25 to 20,005 metric tons in 2025-26, underscoring the positive impact of ongoing development initiatives in the fisheries sector. This growth highlights the increasing contribution of fisheries to rural employment and the state's economy.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) Indian Railways is headed for a transformative expansion with the government having approved a total investment of Rs 1.53 lakh crore across 100 new projects in 2025-26 covering more than 6,000 kilometres of railway network, the Ministry of Railways said on Sunday.

Compared to FY 2024–25, where 64 projects worth Rs 72,869 crore covering over 2,800 kilometres were cleared, project approvals have increased by 56 per cent, route coverage has surged by over 114 per cent, and financial commitment has witnessed a remarkable jump of more than 110 per cent, according to a factsheet released by the ministry.

The 100 sanctioned projects include new lines, doubling and multitracking works, along with bypass lines, flyovers and chord lines. These are strategically aimed at decongesting saturated routes, improving punctuality, and enhancing passenger experience while expanding connectivity to underserved regions. The initiatives are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce travel time across the network.

These projects span nearly all major states, ensuring a balanced and inclusive expansion of the railway network. Maharashtra (17 projects), Bihar (11), Jharkhand (10), and Madhya Pradesh (9) emerge as key focus states, given their critical role in freight corridors, industrial connectivity, and passenger demand.

The concentration of projects in these states will strengthen freight corridors, boost industrial linkages, and improve passenger movement. These states form the backbone of India’s logistics network, and enhanced connectivity here will have cascading benefits across the economy, the factsheet said.

Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects go beyond infrastructure creation to enable social transformation. A major focus has been laid on expanding rail connectivity in tribal and remote regions. Landmark initiatives such as the Rowghat–Jagdalpur line in Chhattisgarh, along with multiple corridors in Jharkhand and Odisha, will ensure access to markets, healthcare, education and employment opportunities, bringing underserved populations into the mainstream of national development.

From a financial perspective, this expansion reflects a decisive shift towards large-scale, transformational investments. Over 35 projects exceed Rs 1,000 crore, forming the backbone of corridor-level upgrades. Major projects include the Kasara–Manmad 3rd and 4th line (131 km) at around Rs 10,150 crore, the Kharsia–Naya Raipur–Parmalkasa 5th & 6th line (278 km) at over Rs 8,740 crore, the Itarsi–Nagpur 4th line (297 km) at over Rs 5,450 crore, and the Secunderabad (Sanathnagar)–Wadi 3rd and 4th line (173 km) at more than Rs 5,000 crore. Together, these projects alone account for over Rs 28,000 crore, highlighting the focus on strengthening high-density trunk routes.

The projects are strategically aligned with the Mission 3000 MT (million tonnes) initiative aimed at significantly enhancing cargo capacity. Energy corridor projects dominate the portfolio, facilitating faster coal and mineral movement and strengthening energy security. High-Density Network projects address congestion on critical routes, while the Rail Sagar Corridor improves port connectivity and coastal trade. Together, these initiatives will enhance overall network efficiency and logistics performance, the factsheet said.

This massive investment is expected to generate substantial employment, stimulate demand in core sectors such as steel and cement, and reduce logistics costs across the country. As these projects progress, they will enhance railway capacity, improve service delivery, and act as a catalyst for India’s economic growth. "This is not incremental progress—this is India laying the tracks for its next economic leap", it said.

--IANS

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Lucknow, April 12 (IANS) Prominent Muslim clerics, Maulana Yasoob Abbas and Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, have voiced serious concern over the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, warning that the evolving situation could have far-reaching global consequences.

Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, President of the Islamic Centre of India, expressed disappointment over the reported failure of talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad. He said that the breakdown of dialogue has triggered a sense of unease and disappointment across the international community.

Commenting on recent statements by the US President, Firangi Mahali termed America’s claim of having “won the war” as baseless. He asserted that several NATO countries chose not to support the United States, as the conflict was seen as being against international law and unjustly imposed on Iran. He cautioned that such actions undermine global norms and stability.

He further warned against the United States issuing threats to other global powers, including China. “Such unilateral and unlawful actions pose a serious threat to the global order. The US must exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions further,” he told IANS.

Meanwhile, All India Shia Personal Law Board General Secretary, Maulana Yasoob Abbas described the current geopolitical climate as “extremely serious,” suggesting that conditions resembling a potential third world war are beginning to emerge. He alleged that the United States is attempting to destabilise the global balance and is now openly threatening China as well.

“If such actions continue, there is a strong possibility of retaliation from China, which could further escalate tensions,” Abbas said.

He also questioned the intent and outcome of the US-Iran negotiations, stating that the talks failed due to rigid positions on both sides.

According to him, the United States insisted on terms favourable to itself, while Iran remained firm on its own conditions, leaving little room for arriving at a consensus.

“In such a scenario, it was inevitable that no consensus could be reached,” he added.

Both clerics emphasised the urgent need for dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) Bangladesh recorded 1.17 crore economic units in 2024, marking the lowest growth since 1996, according to a report in the local media.

Between 2013 and 2024, the country saw a 50 per cent growth in the number of economic units, which was much lower than the 111 per cent increase in the previous decade, according to the final figures of the Economic Census 2024 by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the report in The Daily Star, based on the Economic Census, said.

According to the BBS, an economic unit is defined as a single establishment or economic household engaged in economic activities for profit, household gain, or indirect benefit to the community.

In 1996, Bangladesh had 21.68 lakh units engaged in economic activities. The number rose by 71 per cent to 37 lakh in 2003, according to BBS.

As per the present data, the country also registered the lowest growth in the number of persons engaged in economic units in 28 years, since 1996.

Some 3.06 crore people are engaged in these economic units, up 25 per cent from 2013, according to the latest economic census.

As per the results of the 2024 census, wholesale and retail trade account for the largest share at 40.19 per cent, followed by transportation and storage, which account for 22.22 per cent of all economic units.

The manufacturing sector accounted for only 9.57 per cent of total economic units in 2024, according to the census. This indicates that about 90 per cent of economic units are in the services sector.

The final data show that economic units increased in both rural and urban areas, with rural areas accounting for two-thirds of the total.

The Economic Census 2024 shows that micro industries comprise 57 per cent and cottage industries account for 39 per cent of the total number of economic units in Bangladesh.

Small industries account for only 4.2 per cent, followed by medium industries at 0.31 per cent and large industries at 0.08 per cent.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, April 12 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the death of legendary Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle.

Taking to his X handle, CM Majhi wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary singer Asha Bhosle ji. Her timeless voice was not just music; it was an emotion that defined generations. The void left by her departure is truly immeasurable. My heartfelt condolences to her family, admirers, and the entire music fraternity in this moment of profound grief. I pray to Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath to grant her soul eternal peace."

In his tributes to the veteran singer, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati stated, "A humble tribute to the invaluable treasure of melodies, the Nightingale of melodies, Asha Bhosle Ji. With her sweet voice, she enriched the world of music and left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Her voice will forever remain alive among us. May she attain eternal peace."

The Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, also paid his tributes to Asha Bhosle.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of legendary Bollywood playback singer #AshaBhosle. Her euphonious voice enchanted generations of music lovers, and the glorious legacy she has left behind in Indian music will be remembered for generations. My heartfelt condolences to her family and countless admirers. Om Shanti," said Patnaik.

Notably, Asha Bhosle's son, Anand Bhosle, on Sunday confirmed the news regarding Bhosle's death, saying, “My mother Asha Bhosle has passed away today. Tomorrow at 11 a.m., people can pay their last respects at her residence...," he said.

Her last rites will take place at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Monday at 4 p.m. The film fraternity is in a state of shock after learning about the demise of the legendary singer, and several of them have recalled her contributions in their condolence messages.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) The Haryana State Commission for Women has taken cognisance of a controversy involving Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma over the alleged use of abusive and objectionable language during a college event in Dehradun, officials said on Sunday.

Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia has issued a formal notice summoning the singer to appear before the panel on April 18 at 11 a.m. at its office in Haryana's Panchkula.

The notice, sent via email, directs Masoom Sharma to present himself in person and submit an explanation regarding the incident.

According to the Commission, the alleged misconduct took place during a recent programme at DAV College Dehradun, where the singer is accused of using inappropriate language and displaying conduct considered unbecoming of a public figure.

The Commission noted that such behaviour, if established, raises serious concerns about maintaining dignity, decency and respect towards women in public spaces, especially within educational institutions.

Invoking its powers under the Haryana State Commission for Women Act, 2012, particularly Sections 10(1)(f) and 10(1)(h), the panel has sought to examine the matter in detail.

The notice warns that failure to appear before the Commission on the scheduled date may invite appropriate action under the relevant provisions of the Act.

The incident has triggered a wider debate over the conduct of performers at college events, with several stakeholders calling for stricter guidelines to ensure decorum during public programmes held on campuses.

Amid mounting criticism, Masoom Sharma issued a public apology on Instagram, saying that the situation escalated due to disturbances and provocation before the event.

He said that his reaction was not intentional and expressed regret over any offence caused.

However, the apology has done little to quell the controversy, with criticism continuing across social media and other platforms.

Sources said that this is not the first time the singer has faced allegations regarding his conduct at public events, which has intensified scrutiny in the present case.

The Commission is expected to review all available evidence, including video footage and eyewitness accounts, before arriving at a conclusion.

Further action in the matter will depend on the findings of the inquiry and the response submitted by the singer during his appearance before the panel.

--IANS

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Amaravati, April 12 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor, Pawan Kalyan on Sunday condoled the death of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, calling her an iconic voice in Indian cinema.

He noted she rendered countless memorable songs over several decades in Hindi as well as in Marathi, Telugu, Bengali, and other languages.

"Her exceptional versatility enabled her to excel across a wide range of musical styles, including classical, contemporary, and Western compositions, earning her immense admiration from music lovers across generations. Timeless songs such as "Dum Maro Dum", "Chura Liya Hai Tumne", "In Aankhon Ki Masti", and "Radha Kaise Na Jale" stand as a testament to her enduring legacy," the actor-politician said on social media platform X.

"Though her contributions to Telugu cinema were limited in number, she was widely cherished in the Telugu states through her remarkable body of work in Hindi music. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members in this moment of grief," the Jana Sena Party President said.

State Minister for Education and Information Technology, Nara Lokesh, termed the demise of renowned singer Asha Bhosle as an irreplaceable loss to the music world.

He noted that the legendary singer enchanted audiences for 80 years with her sweet voice through soulful songs in Indian languages.

"Even though Ashaji is physically no longer with us, she will live on in the form of her songs. I convey my deepest condolences on the demise of the great singer," Minister Lokesh said.

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also wrote his condolence message, saying: "Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary 'Queen of Melody', Asha Bhosle Ji. Her unparalleled voice and versatility have resonated in every household and will live on forever. My heartfelt condolences to her family. Om Shanthi!"

Meanwhile, Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla expressed deep sorrow over the demise of legendary singer Asha Bhosle.

He remarked that her melodious voice, which enriched Indian cinema for decades, will forever remain etched in the hearts of millions.

The Governor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and admirers of the departed soul.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, April 12 (IANS) Two employees of a cash management agency in Hyderabad allegedly fled with Rs 1.20 crore meant for deposit in the ATMs.

According to a complaint lodged by CMS Info Systems Limited with the Hyderabad Police, the two employees were missing for two days.

Naveen, the company’s branch manager in Secunderabad, complained to the police that the employees Vasireddy and Lateef have not reported for duty for two days. They were also not reachable by phone.

SR Nagar police registered a case and took up an investigation. Police have formed special teams to trace and nab the accused.

The employees were assigned the duty to deposit cash in various ATMs in the SR Nagar area.

The company collects cash from various banks and deposit in the ATMs. Its officials recently conducted an internal audit at 31 ATMs in the SR Nagar area and found a severe cash shortage at some ATMs. The audit found a shortfall of Rs 1,20,98,500.

An internal probe revealed that cash was not deposited in at least 8 ATMs. The absence of two custodians from their duty raised a suspicion about their involvement

A case has been registered at the SR Nagar Police Station. The police launched a manhunt for the absconding accused. Police were analysing CCTV footage and call data records to trace the accused.

Meanwhile, police under Toli Chowki and Goshamahal police station limits conducted a door-to-door cyber awareness campaign.

As part of the ongoing efforts to combat the menace of cybercrimes, the Goshamahal Police conducted an extensive door-to-door awareness programme at Aziz Plaza and its surrounding commercial areas.

The police officials tried to educate citizens and trade shop owners on identifying phishing links and fraudulent calls, to emphasise the importance of not sharing OTPs or personal banking details with strangers and to promote the use of the 1930 national cybercrime helpline for immediate reporting of financial frauds.

A cybercrime awareness campaign was also organised within the limits of the Tolichowki Police Station.

A dedicated auto-rickshaw equipped with a public address system traversed through key areas of Toli Chowki to broadcast safety measures against cyber-frauds.

The campaign focuses on warning citizens against clicking suspicious links, protecting personal data and OTPs from fraudsters, explaining the dangers of unauthorised remote access applications and encouraging victims to immediately report fraud via the 1930 helpline.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, April 12 (IANS) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao (also known as KTR) on Sunday accused the Congress government in Telangana of institutionalising corruption through what he termed a "loot-and-hide scheme" across the state.

Addressing party leaders and workers at the BRS office in Mancherial district after felicitating elected representatives of Kyathanpalli municipality, he alleged that Congress leadership --from Ministers to MLAs -- were indulging in widespread corruption in every Assembly constituency and scheme.

He alleged that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was presiding over what he described as "unprecedented levels of corruption", claiming that no other Chief Minister in the country had engaged in such large-scale financial irregularities.

KTR also accused the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of acting in tandem to shield each other from corruption allegations.

He said that despite serious accusations involving Singareni Collieries and Central government schemes, no investigations had been initiated.

Referring to previous remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on alleged "RR tax" collections and Union Home Minister Amit Shah describing the Telangana Congress as an "ATM", KTR questioned why no formal inquiries had followed those statements.

The BRS leader alleged large-scale irregularities in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited, claiming that thousands of crores were involved in what he termed a major scam.

He also alleged that individuals linked to the Chief Minister's family were influencing contract allocations, and criticised the Centre for its "silence" despite holding a 49 per cent stake in the company.

KTR warned that the BRS would intensify its agitation if workers' issues in Singareni were not addressed.

"If corruption continues and workers' concerns are ignored, we will launch protests across every coal mine," he said.

The BRS leader also alleged that democratic norms were undermined in Kyathanpalli municipality, accusing the Congress of using police force and intimidation despite losing the local mandate.

Reiterating his party's commitment to workers and grassroots democracy, KTR called upon people to "reject the corrupt regime" and support BRS in upcoming local and Singareni elections.

He expressed confidence that the BRS would regain political ground in Mancherial district and across Telangana in the next electoral cycle.

--IANS

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Kolkata, April 12 (IANS) Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Sunday announced a new 'resolution' to remove the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government from the Centre after winning the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.

While speaking at an election rally in Bankura district's Onda, Chief Minister Banerjee said, "We (Trinamool Congress) will conquer Bengal and remove the BJP government from Delhi. This is our resolution. The Bengali New Year is coming. On the first day of Baishakh, we will resolve to bid farewell to the BJP."

She also spoke about the Trinamool Congress government's achievements.

"We (Trinamool Congress) have made 1 crore 30 lakh pucca houses. This time our resolution is that in the future, we will make all the raw houses that are there pucca so that people get a shelter. Water taps will reach all the houses. No matter how much they (BJP) campaign and lie, our achievements are there for the people to see."

The Trinamool Congress supremo also said that BJP fails to keep promises it made to people before the elections.

"We keep our promises when we make them. And they (BJP) cheat. They go everywhere before the elections and promise to give money. But after the results of the elections are declared, they are nowhere to be found."

The Chief Minister also said, "Before the elections in Delhi, they (BJP) said they would give Rs 3,000 to every woman. They have not given a single rupee yet. They are lying in Bihar. They are cheating women by lying. They said they would give Rs 8,000 in their bank accounts. They promised it before the elections. The next day they drove the bulldozer. They have finished the country. Many people went to Bihar to make a name for themselves. Now they understand. Women are saying, give us money."

A few days ago, Union Home Minister Amit Shah came to West Bengal for election campaigning and had released a 'charge sheet' against Trinamool Congress government.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a sarcastic jibe at the BJP's 'charge sheet' from her Onda meeting.

The Chief Minister said, "They (BJP) are issuing a charge sheet against Trinamool again. Our charge sheet is against you. You have tortured the country. You have destroyed the country's Constitution. You have tortured mothers, brothers and sisters."

--IANS

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