India

Patna, Jan 5 (IANS) On the fourth day of his hunger strike, Prashant Kishor, the chief of the Jan Suraj Party, called upon Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav to join the ongoing student movement in Bihar.

Kishor expressed his willingness to support the cause from behind the scenes if they chose to lead. “This movement is not about any one individual; it is a fight against the flawed system in Bihar,” Kishor said while addressing the media in Patna.

“I appeal to all political leaders -- whether it is Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, or anyone else -- to stand with us. If the youth decide that these leaders will lead the movement, I am ready to step back and support them from behind,” he said.

Kishor emphasized that the fight was a collective effort, not tied to any single political ideology or leader. To strengthen the movement, a 51-member Yuva Satyagraha Committee has been formed by uniting various student groups across Bihar. This committee aims to amplify the voices of the students and ensure their demands are met, as they challenge systemic issues in education, employment, and governance in the state.

Prashant Kishor, during his hunger strike, reaffirmed his commitment to the student-led movement in Bihar, stating that the fight would continue regardless of any government action against him.

“Even if the administration arrests me, this Satyagraha will persist. The 51-member Yuva Satyagraha Committee will now lead this movement. This committee is dedicated to reforming Bihar's broken system, and I fully support their efforts,” Kishor said.

He emphasized that the movement has grown beyond addressing issues with the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and is now focused on overhauling the entire system in the state.

Kishor also appealed to the people of Bihar, urging them to actively support the movement. “Sitting under quilts and blankets will not improve Bihar. It is your duty to stand with these young individuals,” he stated.

He highlighted the resolve and determination of the youth leading the movement, describing it as a powerful force for change. “Our struggle will continue as a youth-led Jan Shakti. No matter how powerful the government is, there is no greater power than the power of the people,” he said.

Expressing admiration for the dedication of the youth, Kishor said, “The commitment of these young individuals has exceeded my expectations. This fight is not just about the BPSC; it is about improving the system of Bihar. The youth needs to support this struggle.”

He concluded by inviting the public to join the cause, stating, “We are fighting for the future of Bihar -- not just by sitting in Gandhi Maidan but by walking the path of Satyagraha. I urge you to come forward and support this movement.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp critique of the AAP government in Delhi, calling it an "AAPda government" that lacks vision for the city's progress.

Speaking at a mega rally in Rohini ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, the Prime Minister asserted that all significant developmental projects in the national capital have been undertaken by the BJP-led central government.

Amid chants of "Delhi mei bahane nahi, badlav chahiye; BJP ki sarkaar chahiye" (Delhi needs change, not excuses; it wants a BJP government), the crowd welcomed the Prime Minister enthusiastically.

PM Modi emphasised the importance of the next 25 years for India and Delhi, stating, "The coming 25 years are crucial for India's journey to becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed nation). For India to achieve this, it is vital that Delhi progresses in tandem."

He urged the people of Delhi to give the BJP a chance for a brighter future, stressing that only the BJP can bring real development to the capital.

Highlighting the BJP's governance record, PM Modi said, "In the last decade, Delhi has experienced a government that is nothing short of an 'AAPda' (disaster). Today, the people of Delhi are demanding change, saying, 'AAPda nahi sahenge; badal ke rahenge' (We won’t tolerate disaster; we will bring change)."

PM Modi praised the BJP as a party of good governance and nation-first ideology, citing its successes in states like Odisha, Maharashtra, and the Northeast, and at the Centre.

He encouraged BJP workers to connect with Delhi residents and showcase the party's commitment to development, calling this election a "golden opportunity to win the hearts of Delhi."

He reiterated his vision of making Delhi one of the world's top cities with world-class facilities.

"Last year, the Centre allocated over Rs 75,000 crore for health and development projects in Delhi. We want to make Delhi a capital that reflects India's heritage and pride," he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Delhi's metro expansion, including the Namo Bharat Train, Delhi Metro Phase-IV's Janakpuri-Krishna Park stretch, and the Rithala-Kundli corridor, are all Centre-driven initiatives. He highlighted the PM Awas Yojana, mentioning the Swabhimaan Apartment in Ashok Nagar as a "Modi ki guarantee" for affordable housing.

PM Modi also listed achievements like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, Kartavya Path, and the National War Memorial, which have become symbols of pride for Delhi, attributing their creation to the Centre's efforts.

He slammed the AAP government for wasting a decade, accusing it of mismanagement in areas like sanitation, public transportation, and law and order.

"Delhi suffers whenever these people are in power," he remarked, citing issues in unclean colonies and unsafe conditions.

Touching on the recent controversy over the Delhi Chief Minister's residence, referred to as "Sheesh Mahal" by the BJP, PM Modi accused the AAP of prioritising luxuries over public welfare.

"When people were struggling during the COVID-19 crisis, they were busy building their 'Sheesh Mahal.' This shows their disregard for Delhi's citizens," he said.

The Prime Minister also accused the AAP of not implementing central welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat for political reasons, depriving Delhi residents of crucial benefits.

"Intention, decision, loyalty and policy are very important in the politics. However, there is a big question on their intention and loyalty," PM Modi said, adding that top AAP leaders are today accused of several scams.

The rally was attended by senior BJP leaders, including Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, MPs Manoj Tiwari, Bansuri Swaraj, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Ramesh Bidhuri.

Outside the venue, replicas of the Delhi Chief Minister's residence, labelled "Sheesh Mahal," were displayed, highlighting the BJP's criticism of the AAP government.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its investigation into the human trafficking and cyber slavery network operating in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The agency conducted a search at the Jamia Nagar residence of a recently arrested accused in South Delhi.

During the operation on Saturday, the NIA seized multiple digital devices, including mobile phones and tablets, along with incriminating financial documents such as debit cards, passbooks, and chequebooks from various banks. These materials are expected to aid the agency in uncovering further details of the transnational criminal operation.

The case revolves around a criminal conspiracy spearheaded by Kamran Haider and his associates, who are accused of trafficking vulnerable Indian youth to the Golden Triangle Region in Lao PDR. These victims were forced into cyber slavery, and coerced to carry out online scams targeting European and American citizens.

Preliminary investigations have revealed Kamran Haider’s pivotal role in directing the operation. In addition to facilitating the trafficking, he was allegedly involved in extorting money from victims attempting to escape. Haider and his accomplices are suspected of leveraging cryptocurrency wallets to channel these extorted funds, making the financial trail harder to trace.

The NIA’s recent search is part of its broader effort to dismantle this network, which reportedly operates with the involvement of Chinese scammers. The agency is focused on identifying and prosecuting all individuals connected to this heinous racket.

As the investigation progresses, the NIA has emphasised its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and unravelling the full extent of this transnational criminal conspiracy.

Further updates are awaited as the probe deepens.

The Laos human trafficking and cyber slavery case involves taking unsuspecting job-seekers to Laos via Bangkok. In Bangkok, they are allegedly left to fend for themselves or independently reach Laos, bearing the travel costs.

Once in Laos, the victims are forced into illegal cyber activities by creating fake online profiles using female identities and chatting with people in the US and India.

--IANS

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Aizawl/Imphal, Jan 5 (IANS) After Manipur, the movement of people living within 10 km on either side of the unfenced international border along Mizoram-Myanmar would be regulated following the directives of the Centre, officials said on Sunday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) adopted the new scheme replacing the previously suspended Free Movement Regime (FMR), which earlier allowed citizens residing close to both sides of the India-Myanmar border to move 16 km into each other’s territory without a passport or visa.

A Mizoram Home Department official said that border residents of both India and Bangladesh living within 10 km on either side of the frontier now require a border pass to visit each other and the pass would be valid for a stay of up to seven days. The pass would be issued to the border residents of both countries on submission of government documents confirming that they live within the territorial limit of 10 km on either side of the border, the official said.

“State police, health officials and Assam Rifles would monitor the system. A designated officer of the Assam Rifles would issue the passes on the basis of the official documents of the border residents. The pass would be valid for one week for specific purposes such as visiting relatives, tourism, business, medical needs, sports, official duty, border trade affairs, attendance in seminars or conferences and cultural exchange programmes,” the official said.

Six Mizoram districts -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip -- share a 510 km-long unfenced border with Myanmar's Chin state.

Meanwhile, the MHA on December 24 in a letter to Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi said that it has introduced a border pass system for Myanmar nationals residing within 10 km of the India-Myanmar border, allowing limited entry into Manipur for specific purposes. Travellers would be required to provide proof of identity and residence, and movement would be strictly regulated within 10 km of the border, the MHA notification said adding that “movement of people from 43 designated crossing points would be granted to holders of 'Border Pass' issued by authorised representatives of Assam Rifles.”

According to the MHA notification, the Border Pass would be issued only to one adult person aged 18 years or above and persons below the age of 18 years are to be accompanied by their parents.

“The entry/exit points would be made functional by the deployment of at least two state police representatives and at least two state health representatives at each entry/exit point for smooth implementation of the system,” the MHA notification said.

Four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km) -- share a 1,643 km unfenced border with Myanmar. The Assam Rifles have been guarding the mountainous and challenging India-Myanmar border.

Strongly opposing the MHA’s new system of cross-border movement, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body of the majority Meitei community in Manipur, termed the new system as unfortunate and said that it would harm the interest of the state and its people.

Describing MHA notification as a threat to Manipur’s security and communal harmony, COCOMI Media Coordinator Yumkhaibam Surjit Kumar Khuman accused a section of the central force of “bias". The COCOMI urged the withdrawal of the notification, saying that such measures would compromise the state’s integrity.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 5 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at Kingston Engineering College, owned by DMK MP Kathir Anand, in Tamil Nadu's Vellore, ended on Sunday after two days.

Anand, a two-term MP from the Vellore Lok Sabha constituency, is the son of DMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister S. Duraimurugan, the number two in the Tamil Nadu cabinet led by Chief Minister M.K.Stalin.

The raids, which lasted 44 hours, involved over 15 ED officials, who arrived in eight cars. Searches were conducted at multiple locations, including the college, the residences of Anand and Duraimurugan, and properties associated with their associates in Katpadi and Vellore.

Sources revealed that the ED seized unaccounted cash, documents related to the college’s financial transactions, and a hard disk.

College authorities, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the seized money was meant for paying staff salaries and Pongal festival bonuses, and that it consisted of student fee collections.

The searches are believed to be linked to a 2019 Income Tax case against Kathir Anand involving allegations of cash-for-votes during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

At the time, election officials confiscated Rs 11 crore from Anand’s associates, leading to the cancellation of the election in the Vellore constituency.

Then President Ram Nath Kovind, acting on a recommendation from the Election Commission, rescinded the Lok Sabha election in Vellore due to the seizure of unaccounted cash from Anand’s associates.

The election, initially scheduled for April 18, 2019, was cancelled two days earlier, on April 16.

It was then held on August 5, 2019, in which Kathir Anand, representing the DMK, narrowly defeated A.C. Shanmugham of the AIADMK by a margin of 8,141 votes.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Anand secured a more decisive victory, defeating Shanmugham, who had since joined the BJP, by a significant margin of 2,15,702 votes.

The DMK has labelled the ED’s actions as a "political vendetta".

This is not the first instance of ED raids targeting DMK leaders.

In a previous case, searches were conducted at the premises of Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy and his son, Gautham Sigamani, in connection with a money laundering investigation.

On Saturday, shortly after the raids began, Duraimurugan and Arakkonam MP S. Jagathrakshakan left Chennai for New Delhi by air.

Political analysts believe the ongoing ED raids are intensifying ahead of the upcoming elections, raising concerns of partisan targeting of opposition leaders.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Jan 5 (IANS) J&K Police said on Sunday that they have arrested a conman in Srinagar, who had promised the complainant to get his brother released from police custody against financial consideration.

A statement by Srinagar district police said that police station Nowhatta received a complaint from Showkat Ahmad Sheikh of Zahidpora Hawal alleging that a man had duped him.

The police said that Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh, son of Mohd Sultan Sheikh, resident of Sheikh Colony, Makhdoom Sahib, had fraudulently taken Rs 30,000 from him to secure the release of Showkat’s brother, namely Sajad Sheikh from the custody of police in connection with Case FIR No. 55/2024 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act.

Police and security forces have been aggressively going after drug peddlers, drug smugglers, terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers of the terror ecosystem.

Intelligence agencies believe that conmen, terrorists, OGWs and sympathises of terrorism are all part of the ecosystem of terrorism that sustains terror through threats, enticement, allurement, religious exploitation and money.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has given orders to police and security forces to go all-out against terrorism so that its ecosystem is completely dismantled. The hot pursuit of terrorists started after they carried out some dastardly attacks after peaceful, people-participative Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the union territory. Intelligence agencies have said that the peaceful conduct of elections in J&K witnessed by diplomats of many countries has frustrated the handlers of terror sitting across the border in Pakistan. The agencies said the terror handlers have directed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir to give the dying terrorism its last push.

In the past also a notorious conman hit the headlines for posing as a Jt. Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office. Kiran Patel cheated several people in Gujarat and Kashmir by promising government jobs, promotions and postings. He could manage to deceive even the local security set-up by getting armed security guards and a bulletproof vehicle during his stay in the Valley. Kiran Patel even went to the LoC and posed before the ‘Aman Setu Bridge’. He was finally arrested from a 5-star hotel in Srinagar.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out extensive searches at nine locations in Jharkhand’s west Singhbhum district as part of an investigation into the activities of the banned CPI(Maoist).

The raids were held on Saturday, according to a press release of the NIA. The case revolves around the recovery of substantial cash, communication devices, and other incriminating materials linked to the banned Maoist organisation.

During the operation, NIA teams raided the premises of suspects and alleged overground workers (OGWs) of the CPI(Maoist). The searches led to the seizure of various items, including mobile phones, memory cards, SIM cards, and other materials believed to support the outfit's unlawful activities.

The case registered as RC-02/2024/NIA/RNC, stems from the recovery of a 20-litre plastic can containing Rs 10,50,000 in cash, a walkie-talkie, a Samsung tablet, a power bank, a radio set, levy collection receipts, gelatin sticks, and other incriminating items. These materials, discovered buried in forest areas between villages Husipi and Rajabhasa in Jharkhand, were unearthed following the disclosure of Rajesh Deogam, an accused in the case.

The original case was filed earlier in March 2024 at Tonto Police Station in Chaibasa district against five accused individuals.

The NIA took over the investigation in July 2024, uncovering a network of suspects and OGWs allegedly involved in providing logistical support to CPI(Maoist) cadres, including senior leaders, to facilitate their unlawful activities.

Saturday’s searches targeted premises linked to these suspects and OGWs as part of the ongoing investigation. The recovered evidence is expected to strengthen the case against those implicated in aiding the outlawed organisation.

The NIA is committed to dismantling networks supporting CPI(Maoist) operations in the region, said officials.

Further investigations are underway to identify additional individuals involved in these criminal activities.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) In a significant boost to Delhi's public transport infrastructure, Chief Minister Atishi on Sunday lauded the launch of key projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and remarked that the national capital is emerging as a global model for sustainable public transport.

Speaking to IANS, she highlighted the Delhi government's efforts and investments in making the national capital a model for sustainable and efficient transportation.

The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) line, connecting Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar, is part of a broader initiative to integrate the National Capital Region (NCR) with Delhi. This project is a collaborative effort between the central government and the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 13-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar.

The project, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,600 crore, marks a significant milestone in regional connectivity, providing Delhi with its first Namo Bharat connectivity.

"The Delhi government has invested Rs 1,260 crore in the Delhi-Meerut RRTS line, which is expected to drive economic development in the capital," said CM Atishi.

In addition to the RRTS line, two major metro projects are being inaugurated, the extension of the Delhi Metro's Magenta Line from Janakpuri West to Krishna Park and the new phase connecting Rithala to Kundli.

Elaborating on these achievements, CM Atishi remarked, “I would like to congratulate the people of Delhi. Today marks the inauguration of the RRTS line in Delhi, a joint initiative by the central and state governments. The RRTS line from Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar is a crucial step towards connecting the NCR region with Delhi."

She further emphasised the Delhi government's commitment to expanding metro connectivity: “Over the last 10 years, Delhi has witnessed metro expansion on a war footing. In this period, 200 kilometres of metro lines have been completed, while an additional 250 kilometres are currently under construction. The Delhi government has invested Rs 7,268 crore in the metro over the past decade.”

Atishi expressed pride in Delhi’s emergence as a global model for sustainable public transportation, adding, “I am delighted to see that Delhi is now recognised for its efficient and sustainable public transport systems. It is setting an example not only for the rest of the country but for the entire world.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) The Union Budget 2025-26 should continue to prioritise employment creation to harness India’s demographic dividend and propel economic growth, apex business chamber CII said on Sunday.

It highlighted that the Union Budget for FY25 had outlined a series of initiatives to boost employment generation, including the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme. The forthcoming Budget could announce further measures to boost employment generation, the CII statement said.

India is now the world’s most populous country, boasting 1.45 billion citizens. With a median age of just 29 years, India is also a young country and is set to add 133 million people to its working-age population by 2050. Mass-scale employment generation is important to engage this young population productively, and to drive inclusive growth, CII said.

The business chamber has proposed an integrated National Employment Policy, which could subsume under its ambit, the slew of employment-generating schemes currently in works by various Ministries.

In addition, the unified policy could also build on the single integrated employment portal -- National Career Service (NCS) -- wherein all the data can flow into this from various Ministries and State Portals. In this context, it is important to look at the development of the Universal Labour Information Management System (ULIMS) under NCS. This would provide information about employment opportunities and projections; job classification; skills demand; and training opportunities aligned with the projections.

As part of its wish list for the Budget, CII has proposed a new section in lieu of section 80JJAA to encourage new employment. The new provision should continue as a Chapter VIA deduction from Gross Total Income which is available even if the taxpayer opts for a concessional tax regime. It can be made available to any taxpayer who carries on business or profession and is liable to tax audit. The deduction can be granted for the first three years of new employment with reference to the salary paid in the respective tax year but is subject to a ceiling of Rs 1 lakh per month, the statement said.

CII has also sought targeted support for employment-intensive sectors such as construction, tourism, textiles, and low-skilled manufacturing. To boost exports from labour-intensive manufacturing sectors, which will lead to employment generation, tariff structures, and support through programmes like the Production /Employment Linked Schemes, and the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that India is entering, need to be synced, it added.

Increasing women’s participation in the workforce, which currently is low, can further boost the Indian economy. New initiatives, including the construction of dormitories using CSR funds, the formalization of sectors like the care economy, establishment of government-supported creches in industrial clusters, could be taken to Increase female labour force participation, CII said.

According to CII, the government could consider, launching an internship programme in government offices in rural areas, for college-educated youth. This initiative would create short-term employment opportunities in government offices while bridging the gap between education and professional skills.

Rolling out Labour Codes while ensuring Social Security coverage to the Gig and Platform workers would further strengthen the employment landscape, the statement added.

CII has also urged the Government to consider setting up an International Mobility Authority under the Ministry of External Affairs. This authority could facilitate government-to-government collaborations to help Indian youth tap overseas employment opportunities. The authority could also work with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to help develop skill development programmes aligned with global opportunities.

CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said, “Coupled with higher employment, India also needs to ensure that productivity goes up. India’s Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR) needs to trend down from its present level of 4.1. The Union Budget could set up an expert committee to study this in greater detail and recommend measures on the way forward.”

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 5 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid tribute to former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on his birth anniversary on Sunday.

Sushil Kumar Modi, who passed away on May 13, 2024, was a close associate of Nitish Kumar and worked with him for many years. Together, they played a significant role in crafting political strategies that solidified the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s presence in Bihar.

“I worked with Sushil Kumar Modi for many years. I have come here to pay tribute to him on the occasion of his birthday,” Kumar said during the event.

The Chief Minister attended a ceremony at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall, where he was received by Sanjay Gupta, president of the Sushil Kumar Modi Memorial Research Institute.

CM Nitish Kumar was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and other prominent leaders.

After the event in Patna, CM Nitish Kumar proceeded to Muzaffarpur as part of his Pragati Yatra. The Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone for several new projects and inaugurate the completed ones in the district.

The Bihar government had postponed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Pragati Yatra following the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The Chief Minister’s scheduled visits to Muzaffarpur on December 27 and Vaishali on December 28, were postponed earlier as a mark of respect.

The Pragati Yatra of Nitish Kumar resumed on Saturday when he visited Gopalganj. There he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects, including a new Industrial Training Institute (ITI) College, the Gopalganj to Mirganj bypass road, the renovation of the 32 km Saran embankment, etc. A total of Rs 140 crore projects were either inaugurated or foundation stone was laid in Gopalganj.

The yatra underscores the Bihar government's focus on development and connectivity across the state, with the Chief Minister personally overseeing progress and engaging with the public.

--IANS

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