India

Imphal, Jan 5 (IANS) In a series of successful joint operations by the Indian Army, 42 weapons, a large cache of ammunition, and other war-like stores have been recovered from five districts in both the hill and valley regions of Manipur, a defence official said on Sunday.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Amit Shukla said that in coordination with Manipur Police and other security agencies, the operations have been conducted, on specific information, in the last few days in the five districts of Imphal West, Chandel, Thoubal, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur.

The arms and ammunition recovered include two carbine machine guns (CMG), two SLRs, three modified .303 rifles, a M-16 rifle, three lathods, 7 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 13 pistols, seven single-barrel rifles, a sniper rifle (modified), four single-barrel 12-bore guns, an anti-riot gun, two single bolt action rifles, an improvised long range Mortar, a 12-Bore gun, many grenades, huge cache of varied ammunition and other war-like stores.

Lt Col Shukla said that the successful recoveries of these weapons and joint patrolling highlights the seamless cooperation between the army and other law enforcement agencies, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the security and safety of the region.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh earlier this week said that 3,112 arms and 2,551 explosives looted during the ethnic violence have been recovered.

Around 625 people have been arrested and around 12,247 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in various police stations across the state in this regard, he had told the media.

In a separate development, the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police successfully apprehended a suspected cadre of the United National Liberation Front at the Hatta Golapati area of Imphal East district on Saturday night.

The UNLF cadre is suspected of involvement in extortion, vehicle hijacking, and intimidation activities in and around Imphal, police said. The security personnel also recovered a car that had been forcefully snatched from its owner.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 5 (IANS) The South Central Railway will operate 52 additional special trains between various destinations to clear extra rush during Sankranti festival season.

These special trains will be operated from January 6 to January 19, connecting Hyderabad and other places in Telangana to various destinations in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Train number 07077 Charlapalli – Tirupati will depart from Charlapalli at 15.00 hrs on January 6 and reach Tirupati at 04.00 hours the next day. 07078 Tirupati – Charlapalli will depart Tirupati at 20.00 hrs on January 7 and reach Charlapalli at 08.00 the next day.

02764 Charlapalli – Tirupati will be operated on January 8, 11 and 15. On these days, the train will leave at 18.55 hrs and reach Tirupati at 07.15 hrs the next day. 02763 Tirupati – Charlapalli will be operated on January 9, 12 and 16. On all these days, the train will leave Tirupati at 16.55 hrs and reach Charlapalli at 06.00 hrs the next day.

07037 Vikarabad – Kakinada Town will depart Vikarabad at 19.40 hrs on January 13 and reach Kakinada Town at 08.30 hrs the next day. 07038 Kakinada Town – Charlapalli will depart Kakinada Town at 20.30 hrs on January 14 and reach Charlapalli at 08.30 hrs the next day.

07655 Kacheguda – Tirupati will be operated on January 9 and 16. The train will leave Kacheguda at 17.30 hrs and reach 07.30 hrs the next day. 07656 Tirupati – Kacheguda will run on January 10 and 17. It will depart Tirupati at 20.05 hrs and reach the destination at 09.30 hrs the next day.

07035 Charlapalli – Narsapur is scheduled on January 11 and 18. The departure and arrival times are 19.15 hrs and 05.50 hrs (the next day) respectively. 07036 Narsapur – Charlapalli is scheduled on January 12 and 19. It will depart Narsapur at 20.00 hrs and reach Charlapalli at 08.00 hrs the next day.

07078 Secunderabad – Kakinada Town will be operated on January 12 and 19. It will depart Secunderabad at 10.05 hrs and reach Kakinada Town at 19.30 hrs the same day. 07079 Kakinada Town – Secunderabad will also be operated on January 12 and 19. It will depart at 22.00 hrs and reach the destination at 08.30 hrs the next day.

07033 Charlapalli – Narsapur special is scheduled on January 7, 19, 13, 15 and 17. On all these days, the train will depart at 19.30 hrs and reach Narsapur at 05.50 hrs the next day.

07034 Narsapur – Charlapalli will be operated on January 8, 10, 14, 16 and 18. The departure and arrival timings are 20.00 hrs and 08.00 hrs (next day) respectively.

07031 Charlapalli – Kakinada Town will operate on January 8, 10, 12 and 14 with departure and arrival timings at 21.45 hrs and 08.30 hrs (next day) respectively. 07032 Kakinada Town – Charlapalli is scheduled on January 9, 11, 13 and 15. It will depart Kakinada Town at 20.30 hrs and reach the destination at 08.35 hrs the next day.

07487 Nanded – Kakinada Town will be operated on January 6 and 13 with departure and arrival timings of 14.25 hrs and 08.10 hrs (next day) respectively. 07488 Kakinada Town – Nanded special will run on January 7 and 14. It will depart at 18.30 hrs and reach the destination at 15.10 hrs the next day.

07025 Charlapalli – Srikakulam Rd will be operated on January 9, 12 and 14. The departure and arrival timings are 19.20 hrs and 09.00 hrs (next day) respectively. 07026 Srikakulam Rd – Charlapalli will depart at 14.45 and reach Charlapalli at 06.00 hrs (next day) on January 10, 13 and 15.

07041 Kacheguda – Srikakulam Rd will leave at 17.45 on January 7 and reach Srikakulam Rd at 09.00 hrs the next day. 07042 Srikakulam Rd – Kacheguda will leave at 14.45 hrs on January 8 and reach Kacheguda at 07.30 hrs the next day.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) With Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation for multiple urban railway development projects worth over Rs 12,200 crore in Delhi on Sunday, India is well on track to become the second-largest metro rail network in the world, according to a statement by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Sunday.

The country has already become home to the third-largest metro network in the world,covering over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities, providing millions of people in the country a quick, easy and affordable means of travel.

"On January 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a giant leap in enhancing India's metro network, making it more powerful and advanced with the laying of the foundation for multiple development projects worth over Rs 12,200 crore in Delhi, including the inauguration of the 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, which will greatly ease travel between Delhi and Meerut,” the official statement said.

In addition, the Prime Minister launched a 2.8 km stretch of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, benefiting West Delhi and laid the foundation for the 26.5 km Rithala-Kundli section, further strengthening connectivity between Delhi and Haryana.

These projects represent a major milestone in transportation, as Metro systems now cover greater distances and serve over 1 crore passengers daily.

With this growth, India surpassed Japan in Metro Rail Projects in 2022. Currently, India ranks third globally in operational Metro network length and is on track to become the second-largest Metro network in the world, the statement said.

The milestones in the history of Metro in India include the setting up of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 1995 to bring world-class Mass Rapid Transport to Delhi.

The project gained momentum with joint participation from the Central Government and the Government of Delhi.

DMRC opened its first metro corridor between Shahdara and Tis Hazari in Delhi in 2002, setting the stage for one of the country’s largest metro networks.

This was followed by Namma Metro's (Bengaluru Metro) first segment being built in 2011.

The next major landmark was the Chennai metro expansion in 2017 with the inauguration of its first underground section on the Green Line, from Koyambedu to Nehru Park, marking a key milestone for Southern India's metro development.

In 2020, Phase 1 of the Kochi Metro was completed, with the Thykoodam-Petta stretch commissioned, making Kerala part of the growing metro network in India.

Metro expansion in India has gone beyond just land-based transport, embracing innovative solutions for the future. From under-river tunnels to driverless trains and water metros, India is setting new standards in modern urban mobility. The projects include:

* India's first under-water metro tunnel in Kolkata, where the Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section passes beneath the Hooghly River, inaugurated by PM Modi in 2024. This remarkable feat showcases India’s engineering capabilities.

* India's first-ever driverless metro service on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line, setting a new benchmark for automation in public transport, was launched on December 28, 2020.

* Kochi, Kerala, became the first city in India to launch a Water Metro Project, connecting 10 islands around the city with electric hybrid boats. This groundbreaking initiative ensures seamless connectivity, with the first boat launched in December 2021.

The approval of three Metro Rail Projects that include the expansion of networks in Bengaluru, Thane and Pune represent another quantum leap in environment-friendly city travel.

While Bengaluru Metro Project which covers 44 km expansion comprises two corridors, the Thane Metro Project, which stretches across a 29 km network aimed at reducing congestion on the roads, and the Pune Metro Project, covering a 5.5 km route to further improve urban mobility in the city.

These key developments in Metro systems across major cities laid the foundation for the vast and efficient metro network that connects millions today, the statement highlighted.

Along with domestic progress, there is increasing international interest in India's expertise in Metro rail systems.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is currently overseeing the implementation of a metro system in Bangladesh and has offered consultancy services in Jakarta.

Countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Kenya and El Salvador are also exploring collaborations with DMRC for their metro development projects, the statement added.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 5 (IANS) The West Bengal government has received an alert from the central intelligence agencies of possible illegal infiltration by Bangladeshis using the coastal borders to take advantage of massive gathering at Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas district on the occasion of Gangasagar Mela.

Following the alert, the Sundarbans district police, under whose jurisdiction Sagar Islands comes, had decided to ensure absolute security at the coastal entry points to the Gangasagar Mela Venue.

"The two coastal entry points to Sagar Islands are Lot Number 8 of Kakdwip and Namkhana Chemaguri. A total of 13,000 police personnel will be deployed for Gangasagar Mela. Now after the central intelligence agency input, we have decided to give special security focus on these two coastal entry points to Sagar Islands,” said a district police official.

Personnel of the coastal police division will be constantly patrolling the coastal waters adjacent to the Sagar Islands.

The Indian Coast Guard will also be deployed during the Gangasagar Mela days.

The Gangasagar Mela this time is scheduled to start on January 8 and the last day of the event is January 17. The time for a holy bath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti is scheduled from 6.58 a.m. on January 14 to the same time on January 15.

The maximum turnout takes place during the period of the holy bath of Makar Sankranti.

The district police official further said that a total of 1,150 CCTV cameras have already been installed at Sagar Island for the occasion.

"Besides ensuring the prevention of the illegal Bangladesh infiltrators, the target is also to ensure that the annual event this year is completed peacefully. That is why we are taking extra precautions this year. "

"Generally, security measures are beefed up during the Gangasagar Mela days every year. However, this time some extra precautions are being adopted in wake of alerts that illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators might try to create trouble during the occasion amid the political crisis in the neighbouring nation," the official added.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 5 (IANS) Anna University has issued a circular mandating that students should henceforth use only bicycles within the campus.

The circular, signed by the university registrar on Sunday (January 5), stated that cars and two-wheelers must be parked in designated parking lots.

The circular also restricts delivery executives from venturing beyond the university entrance gate, while construction workers are required to leave the campus after working hours.

These measures have been implemented following the sexual assault of a second-year female student inside the university’s Guindy campus on the night of December 23.

The circular emphasised that immediate action must be taken against complaints of sexual harassment.

It may be noted that the National Commission for Women (NCW) had earlier recommended enhanced access control to prevent unauthorised entry into educational institutions.

The assault occurred when the second-year engineering student and her male friend, a senior student of the university, were sitting in a secluded area of the campus after attending a Christmas programme.

According to the girl’s complaint, the accused attacked her male friend and brutally assaulted him, before dragging her to a nearby shrub and raping her.

The police acted swiftly and arrested a 37-year-old roadside biryani vendor, Gnanshekharan, for the crime.

The case has sparked outrage, with Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai staging a dramatic protest outside his residence in Coimbatore.

During the protest, he flogged himself six times to symbolise what he called the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu.

He also announced plans to undertake a 48-day fast and visit all six holy abodes of Lord Murugan as part of his protest.

Annamalai criticised the Tamil Nadu Police for leaking the FIR of the case, which revealed the identity of the 19-year-old victim, a violation of her privacy.

He also alleged that the accused, Gnanshekharan, was not included in the police’s rowdy list despite having over 20 prior cases against him.

He claimed this was due to the accused’s connections with leaders of the ruling DMK party.

The BJP chief, who is also a former IPS officer, presented evidence that the accused was a functionary of the DMK.

He accused the party of attempting to divert attention from Tamil Nadu’s law and order issues by fabricating a narrative around a North-South divide.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has announced plans to submit a detailed report on the incident to the Central Government.

NCW member Mamta Kumari visited Anna University to investigate the case. “We visited every corner of Anna University and conducted a thorough investigation. We met with the affected girl and her family to gather all the necessary information. We also met the Governor of Tamil Nadu to discuss the matter,” Mamta Kumari stated.

“A detailed report will be submitted to the central government through the NCW. Whoever is found guilty will face strict punishment,” she added.

--IANS

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Imphal, Jan 5 (IANS) An apex civil society organisation (CSO) of the Meitei community in Manipur on Sunday attributed the ethnic conflict in the state to a "lack of genuine political leadership".

Thockhom Somorendro, the Coordinator of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), said that the ethnic crisis in Manipur was a result of a lack of true political leadership.

Criticising both ruling BJP and opposition Congress leaders, he, flanked by other leaders, told the media that they are prioritising party interests over the welfare of the people.

Raising serious concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Kangpokpi district and overall misgovernance in Manipur, Somorendro criticised the state’s security machinery, and alleged that the Director General of Police and the Security Advisor to the government had shown incompetence in handling the situation.

Despite a mob attacking the office of the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi district on January 3, leaving SP Manoj Prabhakar injured, he said that no action was taken against the attackers.

He also highlighted the recent killing of a village volunteer belonging to the Meitei community by security forces and the subsequent arrests of many people defending their communities.

"The security forces actions appeared to be partial and biased. They totally failed to deal with the growing unrest,” the COCOMI leader said.

Referring to the ongoing blockade of National Highway (NH-2) by some organisations, he said that despite a large number of security forces operating in the state, no action was being taken against them.

"A proxy war has been going on in Manipur," he alleged.

Somorendro also alleged that there was widespread corruption in the state and that the people were forced to pay exorbitant amounts for government jobs.

Expressing his frustration, the COCOMI coordinator claimed that the people of Manipur have grown accustomed to corruption as normal, which prevents any progress. He pointed out that the dependence of the people on Ministers and MLAs has created a situation where trust in leadership is virtually non-existent.

Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has temporarily lifted its indefinite economic blockade on the National Highway (NH-2) and the 24-hour shutdown in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi.

This decision follows an agreement with authorities regarding the deployment of the CRPF personnel in the Saibol region of Lhungtin Subdivision in Kangpokpi district.

The CoTU has issued a warning that if the remaining Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) units are not withdrawn from Kuki-Zo community inhabited areas within 48 hours, they will initiate more aggressive protests.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted the Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR on Sunday.

The decision was made after observing an improvement in the air quality index (AQI) in the region. According to the CAQM's order, the AQI had shown positive trends, with readings of 339 at 4 p.m. and 335 at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department's forecast suggested that the AQI levels would likely continue to improve due to favorable weather conditions and stronger winds.

However, the CAQM highlighted that the AQI might remain in the 'poor' category in the coming days, based on predictions from the meteorological agencies.

As a result, certain restrictions remain in place, particularly those under Stage I and II of GRAP, to ensure the air quality does not worsen further.

The sub-committee said that construction and demolition sites, which had previously been shut down due to violations, should not resume operations without explicit permission from the CAQM.

The Supreme Court had earlier directed that Stage III measures be implemented if the AQI exceeds 350, with Stage IV measures to follow if it crosses the 400 threshold.

The CAQM sub-committee will continue to monitor the air quality and make adjustments as needed.

The following restrictions have been lifted under the CAQM's order, with the exception of the ban on non-essential construction work.

Classes up to grade 5, which were previously required to shift to hybrid mode, no longer need to do so.

The restriction on the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (four-wheelers) in Delhi-NCR has been lifted, except for those with disabilities.

The ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards has also been lifted in Delhi.

--IANS

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Ayodhya, Jan 5 (IANS) The holy city of Ayodhya is set to host Pratishtha Dwadashi festival from January 11 to 13, celebrating the first anniversary of Ram Lalla’s installation in the grand temple.

On the opening day i.e. January 11, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will perform the sacred Abhishek of Shri Ram Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum at 11 a.m.

Following this, he will inaugurate a cultural programme at Angad Tila and address devotees.

Devotional songs by renowned artistes such as Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan and Malini Awasthi will also be released on the occasion.

Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust gave out details of the three-day programme.

"On January 11, corresponding to Paush Shukla Paksha, Dwadashi, Vikram Samvat 2001, we mark one year since the establishment of the newly built temple at Ayodhya Dham, the sacred birthplace of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram, the patron of Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma. Events will include vibrant kirtans at key locations across Ayodhya, such as Lata Chowk, Janmabhoomi Path, Shringar Haat, Ram Ki Paidi, Sugriva Fort, and Chhoti Devkali. Young artistes will enchant audiences with musical performances throughout the city," he informed.

He further informed that the three-day Shri Ram Raag-Seva program will take place in a pavilion near the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

The initiative, led by Ayodhya artist Yatindra Mishra with support from the Sangeet Natak Academy, will also present devotional offerings to Lord Shri Ram through music, dance, and instrumental performances.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has also extended invitations to saints and devotees from across the country.

Champat Rai urged residents and pilgrims to participate in celebrations, making at least a one-day visit during the three-day festival to experience the spiritual atmosphere of

Ayodhya.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit on Sunday spotted a compliment for his party and its previous Delhi government in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of the AAP government for ruining the capital city.

“Not just the PM but every Delhiite is saying that the AAP government has ruined Delhi. This is also an indirect appreciation for the commendable development carried out by the previous Congress government,” Dikshit told IANS.

“We as Congress workers are highlighting this achievement of the Congress before voters,” said Dikshit, three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s son, who is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections against AAP National Convenor and stilling MLA Arvind Kejriwal from New Delhi Assembly constituency.

Lambasting Kejriwal for corruption and wasteful expenditure on the renovation of his former official residence, Dikshit welcomed the nod for an audit of the PWD’s spending on the building which the former Chief Minister wanted to use for his lavish parties.

“I have also seen a draft audit report which showed an initial estimate of Rs 8 crore for the project. We must remember that after a tender is finalised the amount cannot be raised even by a rupee. The only permissible thing is that the cost of some components can be revised upwardly,” he said.

“In this case, the estimate could have risen to Rs 11 crore but they allowed an expenditure of Rs 32 lakh on the renovation work,” he said, highlighting how wasteful expenditure was made on furniture, TVs and curtains.

“The CM residence was renovated as if a royal was spending money on a building to create a facility for his leisure activities,” he said.

On the issue of illegal infiltrators settled in Delhi, Dikshit said he was all for identifying and deporting illegal foreigners. “Our own citizens should not be harassed in the name of weeding out infiltrators,” he said.

The Congress leader also trained his gun on former BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri for his controversial 'road like Priyanka's cheeks' remarks.

“It is condemnable that such words have been used against a woman. Irrespective of the fact that Priyanka ji is a politician and a public figure, such a comment cannot be expected from a fellow politician,” he said.

Dikshit hoped that the police or the Congress would file a case against the culprit.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the new Jammu Railway Division on Monday in a key move to further boost connectivity in the region, people from Jammu described it as a historic moment.

Ankush Sharma, a resident of Jammu, told IANS, “This is a historical moment for not just Jammu but for the entire country as Jammu is going to be a Railway Division. Along with this, the train services will soon be started to Kashmir. It is like a dream which is coming true after a very long time. I think under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP-led government has done excellent work.”

“The central government has been making full efforts for the past several years how to develop Jammu and Kashmir and its infrastructure. It is a very good thing as trade will increase, tourism will increase, and somewhere now every sector will get a boost after the creation of the Jammu Railway Division and the start of the train service,” he added.

Another resident Vishwamityra Mahajan said, “It is a good thing that Jammu is going to be a Railway Division. The people of the region will benefit from this railway project. With the start of Vande Bharat, the people will travel from Kanyakumari to Kashmir with ease. Whatever Modi government is doing for J&K is in the welfare of the people.”

Deepak Singh told IANS, “It is a good railway project as with the start of the train service, the traffic will reduce… it will be good for tourists as well. Commuting will be now easier as earlier we had to spend 6-7 hours to reach Jammu from Srinagar but with the start of the train service it will now take 2-3 hours.”

Creation of the Jammu Railway Division, with 742.1 km comprising Pathankot - Jammu - Udhampur - Srinagar - Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal - Pathankot, Batala - Pathankot and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions, fulfilling the long pending aspiration of the people and improving connectivity to other parts of India.

It will create employment opportunities, and infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

--IANS

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