India

Bhopal, Jan 16 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "fighting Indian state" remark and sought an apology over the anti-national statement.

"Rahul Gandhi should apologise for his anti-national statement. I believe that objections can be raised on policies, but people will not accept anti-national statements," CM Yadav said in a statement.

CM Yadav's remarks come close on the heels of the Congres leader's treason comment against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and the allegation that the BJP, RSS, and their affiliates have systematically captured India's institutions.

The controversy erupted after the RSS Chief said, "The day of the consecration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be celebrated as 'Pratishtha Dwadashi' as it marks the "true Independence" of Bharat".

The RSS chief said Ram Mandir was not an aandolan (movement) but a 'yagya' for the Hindu community. He said the temple should have been built much earlier but was delayed due to some forces.

He said that the Ram temple movement was not started to oppose anyone but to awaken the 'self' of Bharat so that the country could stand on its own feet and show the path to the world.

Condemning the RSS Chief's remarks, Gandhi urged people to "stop listening to the nonsense".

"Bhagwat has the audacity to say this publicly, in any other country, he would be arrested and tried. To say that India did not get independence in 1947 is an insult to every single Indian person," Gandhi has said.

Gandhi's 'treason' jibe at the RSS chief kicked up a raging row with top BJP brass, including Union Ministers and national spokespersons launching a broadside at the Congress leader.

Notably, Gandhi and all senior Congress leaders are scheduled to visit Madhya Pradesh's Mhow, the birthplace of B. R. Ambedkar on January 27.

The Congress is set to kick-start 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim and Jai Samvidhan' campaign on this occasion.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Jan 16 (IANS) Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Thursday said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi would take the final call regarding the demands for a CBI probe into the sensational murder case of former minister and senior BJD leader Naba Kishore Das.

Das was shot dead by the Assistant Sub Inspector(ASI) of Police at Brajrajnagar in Jharsuguda on January 29, 2023.

While speaking to media persons here on Thursday, Harichandan said that the crime branch investigation into the murder of the former minister did not yield any positive result as his family failed to make its stance clear on the issue.

He further stated that the BJP, then in the opposition, was also demanding for a CBI probe into the matter claiming that the truth behind the case wouldn’t be unravelled through the crime branch investigation.

“Although the person who fired the bullets was arrested, when we asked the reason why he opened fire and at whose instance he committed the crime, the then BJD-led state government had no answers. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will decide whether to reopen the case or to take any other step in the matter,” said Harichandan.

Das’s daughter and former MLA Dipali Das on Wednesday questioned whether the Mohan Majhi-led state government would initiate a CBI investigation into her father’s death case.

“Two of the BJP MLAs raised the issue of the CBI probe into my father’s death during the last Assembly session. The workers of the BJP are also raising the same issue on various social media platforms and questioning why I am not demanding a CBI probe into the case. My question to the Mohan Majhi government and all those MLAs is, will you conduct a CBI probe into my father’s death case?” questioned Dipali.

She also alleged that some sections of the media and people on social media are making derogatory comments about the former MLA and her family questioning them for not demanding a CBI probe into the matter. She said that her family is undergoing severe mental trauma over these remarks.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 16 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that the Industry and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah is in Dubai to explore the state’s potential for the upcoming investment and infrastructure summit ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’.

“My colleague Shri @BimalBorah119 is in Dubai to invite investors to explore the vast potential of Assam during the #AdvantageAssam2 Summit and to witness the record-setting Jhumur performance this February,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote X.

Sarma said that the summit would bring more investment to the state, adding that more government jobs and entrepreneurship support will be provided to the people of the state.

He added that the event, which is set for February 25 and 26, would highlight the traditional Jhumur dance of the tea tribe clans.

“This summit is a platform to showcase Assam's rich traditions to a global audience in addition to attracting investors,” the Chief Minister said.

“A spectacular Jhumur dance performance with more than 7,500 dancers and artists will be part of the event. It will be an extraordinary show,” the Chief Minister added.

He said that the preparations are underway for this cultural event.

“Perfect execution will be ensured by master training workshops, constituency-level sessions, district-level performances, and final rehearsals in Guwahati,” the Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, the minister said: “During the roadshow in Dubai today, in addition to showcasing the boundless potential of Assam at the #AdvantageAssam2 summit, I extended a warm invitation to experience Assam’s rich cultural vibrancy and witness the grandeur of our tea tribe community through the Mega Jhumuir dance performance.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued an advisory to the political parties, urging them to act judiciously and transparently in using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated content during poll campaigns.

The EC advisory comes almost a fortnight ahead of Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5. It only seeks to limit the possibility of misuse of AI-enabled content in the run-up to elections but also ensure that parties adhere to ‘ethical use’ of social media in bolstering their campaign.

The poll panel also asked political parties and their representatives to refrain from using any AI-generated/distorted/manipulated content which spreads misinformation and disinformation, in their campaign.

The advisory comes days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed cases against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over ‘misuse’ of modified content showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union minister Amit Shah.

In its advisory, the EC has asked political parties as well as their leaders and star campaigners to prominently label their campaign materials created or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI) or other synthetic, digital means.

“Prominent and easily discernible labelling of Al-generated content would ensure responsible and transparent campaigning and informed voters,” EC advisory said.

It added that political parties must label all images, videos, audio, or other materials generated or significantly altered using AI with labels such as “AI-generated”, “Digitally Enhanced” or “Synthetic Content”.

It also directed the parties to issue disclaimers in campaign ads and promotional content when they use synthetic content online and offline.

“The guidelines seek to curb the possibility of disturbing the level-playing field by political parties and their representatives by using ‘deep fakes’, AI-generated distorted content and ensure strict avoidance of any wrongful use of the same by political parties and their representatives during the model code of conduct in the General Elections,” the EC said in an official statement.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 16 (IANS) The West Bengal health department has suspended 12 doctors after the death of a woman and a newborn baby in the alleged expiry saline case, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday.

Five women fell ill after being allegedly administered expired Ringer’s Lactate at a state-run medical college and hospital in West Midnapore district. One of the five women, Mamoni Ruidas died on January 10, and the baby passed away on Thursday morning. The baby was of Rekha Shaw, one of the five surviving women.

“Parallel probes by the state health department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the matter had proved the negligence of these doctors towards duty beyond doubt. Had these doctors performed their duties properly, these lives could have been saved. These 12 doctors have been suspended already. Apart from that the CID is conducting a probe into the matter and legal proceedings will be adopted against the doctors as per findings and legal provisions,” the Chief Minister said.

These suspended doctors include the medical superintendent-cum vice-principal (MSVP) and the resident medical officer of the said medical college & hospital.

The CM also said that had there been CCTVs within the operation theatres, the offenders could have been caught red-handed. “I think that CCTV machines should be installed in each and every operation theatre and I have asked the state health secretary to take necessary action on this count,” the Chief Minister said.

She said the compensation of Rs 5,00,000 will be provided by the state government to the family members of the deceased woman.

“At the same time, we would also be offering a job to one member of the family if they want,” the Chief Minister said.

She also said that there is a rule of eight hours of duty for the senior doctors, which many of them are not following. “Such negligence towards medical duty is equivalent to a criminal offence. So we need to take strong action. If you think that you are unable to perform the prescribed duties you can quit your job and go to any other state,” the Chief Minister said.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, who accompanied the Chief Minister at the press conference, said that from the investigation it is clear the operation protocols were not followed in this particular case. “The junior doctors were given the responsibility of the operation in the absence of senior doctors,” Pant said.

However, the Chief Minister disagreed with the popular thought that the administration of expired Ringer’s Lactate was responsible for the tragedies at the said medical college and hospital. “Had it been the case, then there would have been similar reports from other hospitals in the state where the same solution was used,” the Chief Minister said.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Jan 16 (IANS) Train services from Banihal town of Jammu division to Baramulla town of the Kashmir Valley were suspended on Thursday due to fresh snowfall on the track, officials said.

Railway officials said that the train service will be resumed once the tracks are cleared of accumulated snow.

It has been snowing in different parts of the Valley since morning. The weather office had said that the weather would start clearing from the late afternoon. There was a partially cloudy sky in Jammu but the sun broke out of the cloud cover in the afternoon.

The weather office has said that till January 19, there is no significant change likely in overall weather conditions, which are expected to remain dry.

Sub-zero temperatures continued in the Valley today although due to nightlong cloud cover, the minimum temperature rose marginally bringing some relief to the people, who have been braving intense cold since December when the 40-day long period of intense winter cold called the ‘Chillai Kalan’ started. This 40-day long period of intense cold will end on January 30 after which weather is expected to improve in the Valley.

Tourists in large numbers have gathered at different tourist destinations including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.

The 6.4 km long Sonamarg tunnel built at a cost of Rs 2700 crore was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on January 13. The tunnel takes off from Gagangir in Ganderbal district, bypassing the troublesome stretch of road from Gagangir to Sonamarg that is avalanche-prone and would remain closed during the winter months.

With the Sonamarg tunnel becoming operational, Sonamarg is now an all-season tourist destination. It is also likely to be developed as the second-best ski resort in Kashmir after Gulmarg. After the Zojila Tunnel, being built across the Zojila Pass, becomes operational in 2028, the Sonamarg tunnel will make travel to the Ladakh region possible throughout the year.

--IANS

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Jammu, Jan 16 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday confirmed that the deaths in the Rajouri district during the last month have been caused by toxins and not by any communicable diseases. Following this, the police formed an SIT to probe the criminal angle.

Over a dozen people, including seven children, have died in Badhaal village of Kotranka sub-division of Rajouri district since December 7, 2024, due to an unidentified disease.

The union territory government said that toxins have been identified in the samples analysed by the Council For Scientific And Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Toxicological Research (CSIR-IITR). The CSIR-IITR findings confirmed that no virus or bacteria was found in the samples analysed by the institute.

After these findings were sent to the J&K government, police in Rajouri district constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the criminal aspect of the deaths.

The first death in this series of 14 deaths happened on December 7, 2024, in which five members of a family of seven died.

On December 12 last year, three members of a family of nine died in the same village.

A child admitted to Jammu’s SMGS hospital on January 12 is still said to be in critical condition.

Talking to reporters on Wednesday, J&K Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakina Itoo said no viral or bacterial disease had caused deaths in Badhaal village and police and Rajouri district administration had been asked to probe the criminal angle, if any, behind these deaths.

Teams of experts from different parts of the UT and from outside visited the village and collected samples.

These samples were sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCSC), New Delhi; the National Institute of Virology, Pune; the National Institute for Toxicology and Research, Lucknow; the Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior; Microbiology Department of PGI, Chandigarh, and ICMR Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Jammu.

To reassure people of the area, teams of doctors along with food safety officials were sent by the J&K government to collect food and water samples from the affected areas.

Mobile medical units and door-to-door screenings were organised, while rapid response teams, consisting of epidemiologists, microbiologists, and other specialists, carried out detailed screenings and collected samples. Over 3,500 people in Badhaal and neighbouring villages were screened to identify the pathogen.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) The QS World Future Skills Index on Thursday ranked India as one of the most prepared job markets for future in-demand skills in emerging technologies.

India is ranked 27th overall in the first-ever QS Skills Index. The country also gained significantly in three important categories -- 37th in skills fit, 26th in academic readiness, and 40th in economic transformation.

India came second in the Future of Work category, surpassed only by the US. The results demonstrate the success of the 10 years of India's skilling mission.

The Index’s findings are based on an assessment of 190 countries, over 280 million job postings, more than five million employers' skills demand, over 5,000 universities, and 17.5 million research papers.

With India doing exceptionally well in integrating AI into its workforce, the QS analysis underscores the country’s readiness to adopt AI, digital, and green technologies, ahead of many countries.

"India's exceptional GDP growth, developing economy, and youth population position it uniquely on the global stage," said Matteo Quacquarelli, vice president, strategy and analytics at QS.

To sustain the growth, Quacquarelli stressed the need "to equip the workforce with relevant skills through comprehensive higher education reforms”.

Further, the report stated that India remains the second-largest destination for VC in the Asia Pacific.

This is despite global challenges, including a decline in venture capital (VC) funding. The report reinforces the country’s “robust investment ecosystem essential for innovation and future-ready job creation”.

“The QS report also highlights the critical need for enhancements in India's higher education system, particularly in equipping graduates with the skills most demanded by employers," the report noted.

The report also suggested measures in key areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and green skills integration to further boost India’s position.

It stressed the importance of strengthening industry-academia collaboration and boosting research and development investment to sustain long-term growth and competitiveness.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 16 (IANS) Wanted criminal 'Bomb' Saravanan was arrested after a brief encounter with police in Chennai on Thursday.

According to police officials, when asked to stop, Saravanan attacked a Sub-Inspector, which was retaliated.

Saravanan, who suffered a bullet wound, was arrested and admitted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Saravanan, classified as an A-category rowdy, has 33 cases registered against him, including six murder cases.

The assailant's wife, Mahalakshmi, a lawyer, alleged that Saravanan was being framed.

She claimed no genuine case had been filed against him in the past 15 years and only pending arrest warrants on fabricated charges existed.

Mahalakshmi stated that Saravanan was arrested in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, a day earlier, and accused the police of keeping him in illegal arrest without producing him before a magistrate within 24 hours.

She said her attempts to obtain information about her husband at the Greater Chennai Police Commissionerate and the Police headquarters had failed until she was informed of the shooting incident.

On December 8, 2024, history-sheeter Arivazhagan alias Hari, 24, of Thirumullaivoyal was arrested after an encounter with police.

He had multiple criminal cases, including murder, pending against him. A team led by Sub-Inspector Premkumar traced him to a hideout in Ayanavaram.

When the team attempted to arrest him, Arivazhagan allegedly brandished a country-made pistol and attempted to fire at the officers. In response, Sub-Inspector Premkumar shot him in the leg, rendering him immobile.

He was arrested and admitted to Government Stanley Medical College. Arivazhagan was involved in at least six criminal cases, including murder and attempted murder, across Chennai and Tiruvallur districts.

He also faced charges related to drug peddling. A special police team had been pursuing him for years, travelling to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh in search of him.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 16 (IANS) Rich tributes were paid to former Union Minister S. Jaipal Reddy on the occasion of his 83rd birth anniversary on Thursday.

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu visited Jaipal Reddy’s memorial place Spoorthi Sthal on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake here to pay tributes to the late leader.

Leaders of the Congress and family members of Jaipal Reddy also paid tributes.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who is on a visit to Delhi, garlanded the portrait of the eminent parliamentarian. He extolled Jaipal Reddy for playing an important role in realizing the dream of a separate Telangana state.

The best Parliamentarian in the country Jaipal Reddy made his mark through his remarkable speeches as an MLA in the Assembly of erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh and also the both Houses of the Indian Parliament, he said.

State Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Zaheerabad MP Suresh Shetkar, Bellampalli and Parigi MLAs Gaddam Vinod and Rammohan Reddy, State Government Advisor Shabbir Ali, leaders Rohin Reddy and Vidyasagar were also present.

Earlier, Revanth Reddy in a statement called Jaipal Reddy an esteemed leader, Telangana warrior, and distinguished parliamentarian. The Chief Minister acknowledged the indelible role played by Jaipal Reddy in the formation of the Telangana state, emphasising that his contributions will never be forgotten. He described Jaipal Reddy as a visionary leader who effectively articulated the aspirations and sentiments of the people of Telangana at the national level.

Hailing him as a true son of the soil, Revanth Reddy commended Jaipal Reddy for his strategic, silent efforts in coordinating with various political parties across the country, which proved instrumental in the achievement of Telangana.

The Chief Minister further lauded Jaipal Reddy's extraordinary journey from a village in Telangana to becoming a rare and respected politician in Delhi. He praised him as an impeccable leader whose unwavering commitment to values and principles stood as a model for future generations.

Jaipal Reddy’s exemplary leadership across various roles, including as a legislator in the united Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Member of the Lok Sabha, Member of the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, and Union Minister, brought immense honour to all the positions he held, the Chief Minister said.

He also highlighted Jaipal Reddy’s significant contributions to national development, particularly his recognition of the nation’s priorities, as seen in the formulation of the United Front Common Minimum Programme. He recalled Jaipal Reddy's pioneering vision for the Kalvakurthi Lift Irrigation Scheme, which aimed to bring water to drought-prone areas.

The Chief Minister further paid tribute to Jaipal Reddy’s foundational role in the development of the united Palamuru district, noting the recent Cabinet decision to finalise the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme. He also recalled the sanctioning of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project during Jaipal Reddy's tenure as Union Minister.

--IANS

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