India

Bhubaneswar, Aug 6 (IANS) The state Mission Shakti Department on Thursday signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Research in Schemes and Policies (CRISP) and the NSE Foundation to implement Project BLESS, a three-year initiative aimed at preventing distress migration by strengthening livelihood opportunities, skill development and entrepreneurship among vulnerable rural families.

The department, in an official statement, said the MoU was signed at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Mission Shakti Secretary Manasi Nimbhal.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM). “Project BLESS seeks to identify families vulnerable to migration before they leave their villages and connect them with sustainable livelihood opportunities, skill development programmes, financial services and government welfare schemes. The initiative aims to address the root causes of distress migration by creating long-term livelihood opportunities in rural areas,” the department noted.

It added that the project will cover 69 blocks across eight districts—Balangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Rayagada—benefiting around 8.81 lakh rural families and 86,468 Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Around 550 Jeevika Sakhis selected from SHGs will support implementation at the grassroots level.

The programme will be executed through SHGs, Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) and Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs). Under the project, a mobile application-based vulnerability assessment will be conducted at the household level.

The initiative will also focus on strengthening community institutions, preparing family-specific livelihood plans, providing market-driven skill development training, developing digital market platforms and extending support services for migrant workers at destination locations. Vulnerable families will be linked with livelihood opportunities, skill enhancement, credit facilities and government welfare schemes based on their specific needs. In cases where migration remains unavoidable, workers will be supported with access to fair wages, legal assistance and social security benefits.

The project will also ensure continuity of nutrition, healthcare and pre-primary education services for children of migrant families while further strengthening SHGs and their federations to enhance women’s economic empowerment.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, Aug 6 (IANS) Gujarat's Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) inspected 134 food business establishments across the state and collected 29 samples as part of its enforcement drive against prohibited analogue dairy products on Thursday, while 1,053 kg of suspected products worth more than Rs 2.82 lakh were destroyed.

The action follows the state government's decision to impose an immediate statewide ban on the production, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese and butter under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The prohibition was announced after laboratory testing and inspections found products resembling dairy items being made with vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients instead of milk fat, raising concerns over consumer deception and food safety.

The state government said the ban covers analogue dairy products that imitate paneer, cheese and butter but use vegetable oils or other non-dairy substances in place of milk fat.

Standardised products such as frozen desserts, processed cheese and mixed-fat spreads are exempt.

The government has warned that manufacturers, traders, hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food business operators violating the prohibition will face legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said: "The decision followed months of enforcement action by the FDCA against analogue dairy products across Gujarat."

In Ahmedabad, the Municipal Corporation's Health Food Department said it has intensified inspections of establishments involved in the paneer trade following the state government's order.

The department said it collected 218 paneer samples during the past six months, of which 57 were declared substandard.

Among these, 23 samples were found to be analogue paneer, while 34 samples contained milk fat above or below the prescribed standards.

Cases have been filed before the Adjudicating Officer under Sections 51 and 52 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with penalties of up to Rs five lakh applicable in such cases.

The corporation also said 22 paneer samples were collected on Thursday and sent to the Public Health Laboratory for analysis.

It warned that any establishment found manufacturing, storing, transporting, distributing or selling analogue products, or compromising public health, could face sealing of premises, cancellation of licences and prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act and the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act.

In Rajkot, the Municipal Corporation's Health Branch inspected Fortune Milk and Food Products at Lati Plot and collected three samples comprising analogue cheese, low-fat protein paneer and Purica brand paneer.

The establishment was also issued a notice directing it to maintain hygienic conditions and proper storage practices.

The Gujarat government's latest action follows earlier enforcement measures against analogue paneer in the state, including mandatory disclosure requirements for eateries serving analogue products, and comes a day after neighbouring Maharashtra announced a similar prohibition on analogue paneer.

--IANS

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Shillong, Aug 6 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said the state government is carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the recurring flash flooding in the Jorabat area along the Assam-Meghalaya border, while working closely with the Assam government to identify both immediate and long-term solutions.

Describing the issue as a matter of serious concern, Sangma said officials are examining multiple factors responsible for the repeated inundation instead of attributing it to a single cause.

"We are studying all the aspects and looking at whatever measures we can put in. There could be different reasons behind the flooding, and we want to address the problem comprehensively," the Chief Minister said.

He pointed to the altered topography in the area as one of the major concerns, saying infrastructure development has created a bowl-like depression beneath the main flyover, making the location vulnerable to rapid water accumulation during heavy rainfall.

"There is a concern because of the bowl-like structure created due to the road construction. The level below the main flyover is quite deep, which allows water to collect quickly, leading to flooding within a short period," Sangma said.

The Chief Minister stressed that the issue extends beyond Meghalaya's jurisdiction and requires coordinated action with neighbouring Assam, as Jorabat is located on the inter-state boundary and serves as a key gateway connecting Guwahati with Shillong and the rest of the Northeast.

"We are all concerned about the situation. The Deputy Commissioners of both states are coordinating closely, and we hope to find both temporary and permanent solutions. This is an important issue for us," he added.

Jorabat, situated at the foothills of the Meghalaya Plateau, receives runoff from the surrounding hills, while also acting as a drainage convergence point for stormwater flowing from the rapidly urbanising outskirts of Guwahati. The combination of natural terrain and increasing urbanisation has made the area particularly susceptible to waterlogging during the monsoon.

The recurring floods have repeatedly disrupted traffic on the busy Guwahati-Shillong National Highway, affecting thousands of commuters, transport operators, businesses and local residents on both sides of the border.

The Meghalaya government said it is evaluating engineering, hydrological and drainage-related aspects of the problem in consultation with Assam to develop a sustainable solution that can mitigate flooding and improve resilience along the crucial transport corridor.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a clarion call to citizens, particularly the youth, to celebrate National Handloom Day with the same enthusiasm and spirit as Friendship Day.

The Prime Minister urged the youth to buy handloom products and share "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) videos on social media to promote India's rich weaving heritage.

In a two-minute Instagram reel shared on Thursday night, PM Modi recalled the historical significance of August 7, 1905, when the Swadeshi Movement was launched against British rule, laying the foundation for the idea of a self-reliant India.

"Friends, we must not forget 7 August 1905. It was on this day that the Swadeshi movement began, with people across the country joining the struggle against British rule," he said.

Drawing a parallel with the recently celebrated Friendship Day, the Prime Minister appealed: "Just as you celebrated Friendship Day with great warmth, celebrate Handloom Day too. Celebrating Handloom Day means supporting the livelihoods of weaver families who create fabrics by hand".

He encouraged citizens to purchase at least one handloom product and create videos showcasing their favourite handloom garments, including "Get Ready With Me" videos, using the hashtag #NationalHandloomDay.

"Every post is a tribute to the skilled artisans who preserve India's rich cultural heritage," PM Modi said, adding that the initiative would contribute to the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat by empowering weaver families economically.

The Prime Minister noted that every handloom product carries the story of an artisan's dedication, and choosing handloom is not merely a fashion statement but a way to support the 'Vocal for Local' movement.

--IANS

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Deoria (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 6 (IANS) Quality education is the foundation of a brighter future. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government has been working towards strengthening basic education across the state. In the past few years, government schools have seen many changes in terms of infrastructure and the availability of modern educational facilities to provide better learning opportunities to the students.

This change is exemplified well by PM SHRI Composite School Sahwa, Deoria. The school has developed modern facilities including smart classrooms, advanced laboratories, and learning spaces that focus on the overall development of students. Along with academics, special attention is being given to students’ cultural and physical growth.

Students at the school expressed their happiness with the facilities available. They said that the well-equipped library and computerised labs have made learning easier, more engaging, and interactive.

The PM SHRI Composite School, Sahwa, has emerged as a trusted educational centre for children from nearly 22 villages in the surrounding area. This is evident from the increasing demand for admissions as families now have confidence in this school for their children’s education.

The school is not limited to traditional classroom learning but also provides exposure to modern educational tools through its Science Lab, ICT Lab, Astronomy Lab and Learning through Doing Lab. The facilities allow students to practically explore concepts and develop scientific thinking.

The school has also had a notable success in academics. Till now, 16 students of PM SHRI Composite School, Sahwa have been selected for the national-level INSPIRE Award and 64 students got scholarships through the NMMS examination. These successes demonstrate the benefits of better learning facilities and dedicated teaching.

Basic Education Department said many PM SHRI schools in the district have become examples of excellence with modern infrastructure and a student-friendly learning environment.

District Basic Education Officer Dr Ram Jiavan Maurya told IANS about the achievements of the PM SHRI Composite School, Sahwa. He also highlighted the progress made in government schools in Deoria, with better infrastructure, modern facilities and enhanced learning opportunities for students.

Anamika Singh, a student, said the school has good learning facilities like smart classrooms, a good library and modern laboratories that allow learners to comprehend concepts better and enhance their learning experience.

Another student, Jolly Singh, said that facilities available at the school, especially computerised labs and modern learning resources, make studies more interesting and help students to gain practical knowledge.

Parent Ranu Singh said that PM SHRI Composite School, Sahwa, has become a trusted choice for parents because of its quality education, improved facilities, and positive learning environment. Another parent, Umapati Singh, appreciated the transformation of the school and said that modern facilities and dedicated teachers are helping children receive better education close to their homes.

School principal Muhammad Gazanfar explained that the school focuses on activity-based learning through facilities such as the Science Lab, ICT Lab, Astronomy Lab, and Learning by Doing Lab to provide students with practical and innovative education.

A few years ago, primary education in Uttar Pradesh faced several challenges, but with continuous efforts under CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision, government schools have undergone a major transformation.

--IANS

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New Delhi/Aizawl, Aug 6 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search operations at 10 residential and business premises across Assam and Delhi in connection with a money laundering probe into an organised cross-border areca nut smuggling racket, the central probe agency said on Thursday.

The searches, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targeted premises linked to eight accused allegedly involved in smuggling areca nuts (Burmese betel nut) from Myanmar into Mizoram and their subsequent sale and distribution through a network of purchasers and financiers based in Assam and Delhi, the probe agency said in a statement.

The ED's Aizawl Sub-Zonal Office has conducted the search operations under the PMLA on Wednesday at 10 residential and business premises linked with Jakir Hussain, Kabir Hussain, Anjan Kumar Paul, Pinku Paul, Romi Jain, Anowar Hussain, Khalil Uddin and Dipankar Deb, located in Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj (Sribhumi) districts of southern Assam and in Delhi.

The search was conducted in connection with investigation into an organised network engaged in cross-border smuggling of Areca nuts from Myanmar into Mizoram and their onward sale and distribution to purchasers/financiers based in Assam and Delhi.

The ED initiated investigation on the basis of FIR registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Imphal against unknown public servants and private persons, pursuant to directions issued by the Gauhati High Court on July 16 in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The FIR/PIL alleged large-scale smuggling of Areca nuts from Myanmar into Champhai district of Mizoram, using fraudulent e-way bills and forged documents, despite owners not being GST registered.

E-way bills amounting to around Rs 86.25 crore under CGST and Rs 251.19 crore under SGST were found to have been issued during the Financial Year of 2021-22 to 2023-24, with bordering Zokhawthar in Mizoram emerging as a major transit point.

Both Champhai and Zokhawthar have huge unfenced border with Myanmar.

The statement said that the ED investigation has revealed a layered, three-tier structure used for smuggling and sale of Myanmar-origin Areca nuts.

At the first tier, Burmese suppliers handed over consignments of Areca nuts, without customs clearance, to Mizoram-based facilitators at godowns established at Champhai, near the India-Myanmar border.

These facilitators, including Lalhnemi, Zosangpuii, Zonunsanga and others arranged onward supply of the smuggled Areca nuts to a group of purchasers/financiers based in Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts of southern Assam.

Bank analysis has revealed that transactions in crores of rupees were conducted between the parties.

At the third tier, the Assam-based financiers further sold Areca nuts, or routed sale proceeds, to purchasers/financiers based outside the Northeast region.

Romi Jain, proprietor of M/s Ganpati Traders in Delhi, was found to have conducted huge transactions with Silchar and Mizoram-based entities involved in the illegal smuggling of Areca nuts.

Investigation has revealed that Myanmar-origin Areca nuts procured through this chain were ultimately supplied to buyers situated in Delhi, West Bengal (including Kolkata and Falakata), Nagpur and Uttar Pradesh.

Earlier, search action under the PMLA was conducted on June 4 at nine premises in Champhai in Mizoram, covering persons/entities engaged in procurement of smuggled Areca nuts from Burmese suppliers.

Financial analysis of the bank accounts covered during the said search, read together with statements recorded under the PMLA of the Mizoram-based facilitators, established a money trail leading to the persons at Silchar and Delhi.

During the course of the current search and recording of statements under the PMLA, several persons admitted to having remitted the said amounts to the Mizoram-based facilitators and entities towards purchase of Burmese-origin Areca nuts, corroborating the money trail already established during investigation.

The ED statement said that it also emerged that multiple bank accounts had been opened and operated in the names of persons other than the actual beneficial owners, apparently to route and layer the sale proceeds of the smuggled Areca nuts.

These persons paid Mizoram-based facilitators money for using their bank accounts and business permits, including GST registrations for Burmese-origin Areca nut trade.

They arranged for purchase of smuggled Areca nuts from Myanmar and sold them to purchasers all across the country through the businesses of Mizoram-based facilitators.

During the search operations, signed blank cheques, property documents and other incriminating documents relating to the money trail of the proceeds of crime, digital devices and mobile phones containing incriminating material were recovered and seized.

Further investigation is underway.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The CBI arrested four accused during raids at multiple locations in Punjab and Delhi and seized 15 laptops and digital devices from members of a gang targeting US nationals as part of an international tech-support fraud and extortion racket, an official said on Thursday.

The accused were identified as Sourabh Rana (kingpin), Indermohan Singh, ⁠Harneet Singh and ⁠Jappandeep Singh, the CBI said in a statement.

The CBI conducted raids on the intervening night of August 5 and 6 at 10 locations across Punjab and Delhi, including a fake call centre running from the premises of the main accused (kingpin) at Mohali, said the statement.

During the searches, incriminating material including more than 20 mobile phones, 15 laptops/ tablets, multiple hard disk/pen drives/ memory cards, huge amount of cash, incriminating documents and crypto wallets were seized, the CBI said.

The members of the syndicate posed online as representatives of tech companies, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies, the CBI said.

They deployed pop‑ups on computer screens showing counterfeit Microsoft toll‑free numbers that directly connected victims to fraudulent call centres run by the syndicate, it said.

The accused would then mislead the victims into transferring money under the guise of repairing their systems. They also falsely alleged that their targets were implicated in grave offences such as child pornography, thereby coercing them into making crypto-currency ransom payments through crypto-currency ATMs, the CBI said.

The defrauded crypto-currency proceeds were then routed through multiple crypto wallets for fund transfer out of US. These proceeds of crime were later laundered through operators based in Delhi, the CBI said.

One of their victims was a Florida (US) resident who was deceived in 2022 by the fraudsters by falsely warning that her personal and financial information was compromised and that illegal material had been planted on her computer, the CBI said.

Under pressure, she deposited $4,40,000 through multiple transactions into a Bitcoin ATM. The funds were routed to a specific wallet address and subsequently transferred to accounts controlled by the accused, the CBI said.

Another New Jersey (US) resident was targeted using the same modus operandi in 2023. She was misled into believing that her computer was compromised and her banking details were being accessed by unknown entities. She was forced to deposit $1,30,000 into Bitcoin ATMs, the CBI said.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Aug 6 (IANS) The BJP and JD(S) will jointly oppose the Bidadi Township project, which they allege is being pursued for the benefit of the real estate mafia.

Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said a joint struggle will be waged both inside and outside the House.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Ashoka said the Congress government has implemented the Bidadi Township project despite opposition from farmers. He announced that the BJP and JD(S) will take out a padayatra against it.

Ashoka stated that he has discussed the matter with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and talks have been held to fight unitedly. He said the struggle will take place both inside and outside the Legislative Assembly.

A coordination meeting will be held on Saturday to discuss the issue and take a clear stand. Ashoka alleged that the Congress government has fixed commissions for every work, claiming that in building construction a commission of Rs 100 per square foot is being collected.

He said when former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah spoke in the Assembly about KPSC irregularities, he had promised to reduce excess members.

“Now, one scam after another is coming to light. Massive corruption has taken place in the posts of veterinary officers. Congress leaders’ family members themselves have filled these posts. Those who paid Rs 1–2 crore are being given opportunities. Audios have also emerged in this regard,” he alleged.

Ashoka further said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s new cabinet is a “payment cabinet”.

“Those who committed irregularities have again become ministers. An audio of R.B. Timmapur has come out. A drama of more than 20–30 MLAs resigning and then withdrawing resignations has taken place,” he charged.

He alleged that Congress leader Randeep Surjewala is going door-to-door to MLAs’ houses.

“All MLAs are against this. Those who became ministers by paying money will recover that money from the people themselves. Henceforth, the commission rate will rise from 60 per cent to 80 per cent. Even to knock on the high command’s door, bribes will have to be paid,” he said.

Ashoka said the moment the names of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker appear on the Congress list, their sanctity is destroyed.

“These two constitutional posts must remain non-partisan. Now, taking the resignation of Basavaraj Horatti is an insult to the Constitution,” he said.

He alleged that Congress cannot stand Hinduism and supports those who raise “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans.

“They should not speak about Hindutva, and they have no morality whatsoever. They need not interpret the Hindu religion. If they want to speak about Babasaheb Ambedkar, let them first follow the values of the Constitution,” he said.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 6 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said students must move beyond conventional degrees and embrace skill-driven, specialised education to remain employable in an increasingly competitive job market, asserting that merit and expertise would define future opportunities.

Launching the distribution of application forms for the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Scheme and Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Scheme at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra here, Sarma urged students to focus on academics, discipline and acquiring specialised skills alongside their regular studies.

“The world today values specialists. An undergraduate or postgraduate degree alone is no longer sufficient. Students should develop expertise in an additional field to enhance their employability,” the Chief Minister said.

Highlighting employment prospects, Sarma said the state government plans to recruit around two lakh people over the next five years, including nearly 22,000 laboratory technicians, GNM nurses and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs). He expressed concern over low enrolment in science education in Assam, saying greater interest in science was essential for the state’s long-term progress.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to transparent recruitment, Sarma said 1.60 lakh government jobs had been provided purely on merit during the present government’s tenure and assured that future appointments would remain corruption-free.

Calling the undergraduate and postgraduate years the most crucial phase of a student’s life, he said success comes through dedication to education rather than agitation. “Students should remain focused on academics, become seekers of knowledge and contribute to transforming society through education,” he said.

The Chief Minister also launched the application process for the Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes, saying they were designed to encourage serious learning and improve academic commitment among students. He said the Nijut Moina Scheme, introduced to discourage child marriage by supporting girls’ education, is expected to cover five lakh beneficiaries during the current financial year, while the Nijut Babu Scheme will support 1.20 lakh male students after its expansion.

Sarma also announced financial assistance of Rs 15.86 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to 793 flood-affected schools in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat districts, besides over Rs 4.26 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for 21,025 students in Sivasagar and Charaideo to purchase study materials damaged in the recent floods.

He said the government would extend additional support to schools that suffered permanent damage after detailed assessment and reiterated its commitment to restoring educational infrastructure without disrupting students’ academic progress.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Thursday announced the appointment of a new state chairperson, vice-chairpersons and coordinators for the social media department of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee.

In a press release issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, the AICC said the Congress President has approved the proposal for these appointments with immediate effect.

Accordingly, Himanshu Tivrekar has been appointed chairperson of the social media department of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee. Lincoln Gomes and Ajmal Sayyed have been named vice-chairpersons.

The list of coordinators includes Sohan Shenai, Macline Fernandes, Prathibha Borkar, Glen Larceda and Armando Ferreira Alvares.

The appointments form part of the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational structure and digital outreach in Goa. The social media department plays a key role in disseminating the party’s message, countering opposition narratives and engaging with voters, especially the youth, through online platforms.

Congress leaders in Goa welcomed the new team, expressing confidence that the appointments will help improve communication strategy and connect more effectively with the people of the state.

The department is expected to focus on highlighting the party’s programmes, achievements and positions on issues concerning Goa, while also responding promptly to developments on the ground.

The decision comes at a time when political parties across the country are placing greater emphasis on social media as a critical tool for mobilisation and public engagement. With the new leadership in place, the Goa unit of the Congress is expected to step up its digital campaigns in the coming months.

The appointments were formalised through an official communication from the AICC headquarters in New Delhi and take effect immediately. Party sources indicated that the newly appointed office-bearers have already been directed to begin coordination with the state unit and start working on a comprehensive social media strategy for Goa.

The move is seen as part of the broader organisational restructuring being undertaken by the Congress under the guidance of the party president to strengthen state units and improve grassroots connectivity.

--IANS

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