India

New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) As the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative marks a decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the movement's success in overcoming gender biases and ensuring education for the girl child.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi reflected on the programme's transformative impact over the years.

In a post, he wrote, “Today we mark 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao movement. Over the past decade, it has become a transformative, people-powered initiative and has drawn participation from people across all walks of life.”

Highlighting its achievements, the Prime Minister remarked that the initiative has played a pivotal role in fostering gender equality and providing opportunities for girls.

“#BetiBachaoBetiPadhao has been instrumental in overcoming gender biases and at the same time it has created the right environment to ensure that the girl child has access to education and opportunities to achieve her dreams.”

PM Modi also credited the movement's success to the efforts of communities and organisations nationwide. He noted improvements in child sex ratios, particularly in districts that previously reported low numbers.

“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the people and various community service organisations, #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao has achieved remarkable milestones. Districts with historically low child sex ratios have reported significant improvements, and awareness campaigns have instilled a deeper sense of the importance of gender equality,” PM Modi said in another X post.

The Prime Minister also urged continued commitment to empowering India’s daughters, he wrote, “I compliment all stakeholders who have made this movement vibrant at the grassroots level. Let us continue to protect the rights of our daughters, ensure their education and create a society where they can thrive without any discrimination. Together, we can ensure that the coming years bring even greater progress and opportunity for India’s daughters. #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao”

Launched on January 22, 2015, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination and promote the survival, protection and education of the girl child. The scheme has evolved to become one of the most impactful social initiatives by the Indian government, according to a government press release

The BBBP scheme is now integrated with Mission Shakti, a comprehensive programme for women’s safety and empowerment. Over the years, it has garnered significant public support and driven positive change in attitudes toward gender equality in India. The scheme now emphasizes a multi-sectoral approach, involving health, education, child development, and community awareness. Over the past decade, BBBP has expanded its scope through collaborations between multiple ministries.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) With an aim to enhance the global competitiveness of India’s diamond sector, the government has introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme that will be implemented from April 1.

The scheme provides a streamlined mechanism for duty free import of natural cut and polished diamonds, thereby promoting value addition and boosting exports, according to Department of Commerce.

This scheme allows the duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds, of less than one-fourth carat (25 Cents).

The scheme mandates export obligation with a value addition of 10 per cent.

“All diamond exporters holding 'Two Star Export House' status and above and having $15 million exports per year, are eligible for availing the benefit under this scheme,” said the government.

The scheme is made in response to ‘Beneficiation' policies undertaken in a number of natural diamond mining countries like Botswana, Namibia and Angola etc, where diamond manufactures are obliged to open cut and polishing facilities for a minimum percentage of value addition.

This scheme is also aimed towards retaining India’s position as a global leader in the entire value chain of diamond industry.

“The scheme is designed to provide a level-playing field for Indian diamond exporters, particularly MSME exporters, enabling them to compete effectively with larger peers,” said the Commerce Ministry.

Additionally, the scheme is expected to generate more employment opportunities, particularly for diamond assorters and in the processing of semi-finished diamonds in factories. By facilitating Indian exporters, it seeks to protect the domestic diamond processing industry and sustain the associated employment.

The diamond industry is witnessing a steep decline in exports and job losses for the workers. This scheme is expected to combat this trend and will rejuvenate the diamond Industry.

As per latest data by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the overall gross exports of gems and jewellery in December 2024 stood at $1967.98 million, showing a decline of 10.29 per cent from the same period last year.

This is due to the economic uncertainty looming in the market due to which buyers are leaning more towards the yellow metal as safe haven for investments rather than splurging on lifestyle, said the Council.

—IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Jan 22 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has hailed the jawans of the Special Operation Group (SOG) of Odisha Police for the successful joint operation against Left-Wing Extremists along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. He also announced a hike to Rs 25,000 in the Risk Allowance for the jawans.

As many as 14 Maoists, including five women ultras, were neutralized during joint operations by the Central Reserve Police Force, Chhattisgarh Police and the SOG of Odisha Police at Kularighat in Chhattisgarh, just 5 kilometres far from Nuapada district in Odisha.

The joint operation was launched during the night of January 19.

"The SOG (Special Operation Group) personnel of Odisha Police played a significant role in this operation, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has extended his congratulations to all the personnel involved," posted on the official 'X' handle of the Chief Minister's Office.

As per the CMO office, the state government on this occasion has decided to hike the Risk Allowance given to the SOG jawans from Rs 8,000 to Rs 25,000.

As per the CMO, the Chief Minister has stated that anti-Maoist operations in Odisha will be further intensified in the coming days.

It is pertinent here to mention that this operation is among the largest anti-Maoist campaigns in recent times and is being hailed as a turning point in the fight against Maoism.

It is seen as a major blow to the Maoist groups that have been active in the region for years.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also lauded the operation, calling it a "mighty blow to Naxalism." In a post on X, he stated, “Our security forces have achieved a major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police, in a joint operation, have neutralised 14 Naxalites along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border.”

He also added, “With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today.”

Notably, Jayram Reddy, a senior Maoist leader also known as Chalapati, was killed in the exchange of fire that took place in a forest along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. Reddy was carrying a bounty of Rs one crore on his head.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) The Jharkhand government has lifted the suspension of IAS officer Pooja Singhal, an accused in an alleged money laundering case. The Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, and Official Language issued the order directing her to report to the department.

A committee headed by the Chief Secretary recently recommended her reinstatement.

Pooja Singhal, involved in an alleged money laundering case related to the MGNREGA scam in the Khunti district, was granted bail in September 2024 by a PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court after spending nearly 28 months in jail.

She was released under a provision of the Indian Penal Code that allows bail for those who have served more than one-third of the maximum sentence for the alleged crime. The court granted her bail on the condition of depositing two sureties of Rs 2 lakh each and surrendering her passport.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Singhal on May 11, 2022, after conducting raids at her residence and other locations. During these raids, the ED recovered around Rs 20 crore in cash from the residence of her husband’s chartered accountant, Suman Kumar.

Following her arrest, the Jharkhand government suspended her from service. Before her suspension, she held the dual portfolios of Industry Secretary and Mining Secretary and was also the Chairperson of the Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation.

In the past, she served as Agriculture Secretary under the BJP-led government and was the Deputy Commissioner of Khunti during the period when the MGNREGA scam allegedly took place.

Pooja Singhal, originally from Dehradun, has an impressive academic background. She excelled throughout her schooling and higher education, graduating from Garhwal University. She cleared the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt in 1999 at the age of 21, becoming an IAS officer.

Her career, marked by several prominent roles, took a significant turn when allegations of financial irregularities in Khunti’s MGNREGA scheme surfaced. The suspension and subsequent investigation followed the discovery of massive cash amounts linked to her and her associates, which brought her under the scanner of central agencies.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled a new campaign song on Wednesday for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, invoking the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to resonate with voters.

The song, titled 'Jo Ram ko lekar aaye, unka raaj hoga Delhi mei' (Those who have brought Ram will rule Delhi!), highlights key issues faced by Delhi residents, such as pollution, dirty drinking water, improper garbage disposal, sewage problems, and overflowing landfills.

The BJP emphasised the need for a "double-engine government" in Delhi, promising health insurance "without discrimination" if elected.

Taking a jab at the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the song uses terms like "AAPda" and "thieves" to criticise the current government. The party expressed confidence that Delhi's electorate is ready to form a BJP-led government, replacing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Posting the campaign song on social media, the BJP wrote, "In 2025, the entire public has decided to bring the BJP by removing the thieves," further adding, "One of Modi's lions will be crowned in Delhi. Those who have brought Ram will rule Delhi!"

This is not the first musical appeal by the BJP during the campaign. Earlier, the party released another election song, 'Bahane nahi badlav chahiye, Delhi mei BJP ki Sarkaar chahiye' (Delhi needs change, not excuses; it requires the BJP government), performed by BJP MP Manoj Tiwari.

The song was officially launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Parivartan Rally last week in Rohini and has been rolled out widely as part of the campaign for the February 5 elections.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address Delhi BJP's booth-level workers through video conferencing under the party's Mera Booth Sabse Majboot (My Booth, the Strongest) program on Wednesday. The interaction is scheduled at 1 p.m., just weeks ahead of the Assembly polls.

During the session, PM Modi will provide strategic tips and encourage workers to reach every household with the BJP's message and vision for the future. Party members from 13,033 booths across all 256 wards in Delhi will participate in the virtual program.

Voting for the Delhi Assembly elections is slated for February 5, with counting scheduled for February 8.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 22 (IANS) Despite growing opposition to the Parandur Greenfield Airport Project, particularly following the recent visit of Tamil superstar-turned-politician Vijay to the proposed site, the Stalin government has intensified efforts to expedite the project.

The state plans to begin compensating affected families in March, with distribution expected to conclude by May. The people of Ekanapuram village, located in the proposed airport area, have been protesting for 912 days. Several political leaders, including Vijay, have visited the site and expressed their support for the agitating villagers.

The Tamil Nadu government has issued clarifications to address public concerns, outlining steps to minimize the project’s impact while emphasising the necessity of a second airport for Chennai.

Officials have assured that comprehensive measures will be taken to compensate and resettle affected families promptly.

According to senior revenue department officials, the compensation package for landowners will be three times the prevailing guideline value. Depending on the area, the guideline value varies significantly -- from as low as Rs 2 lakh per acre in some places to as high as Rs 35 lakh per acre in others.

The government has already floated tenders to facilitate the resettlement of affected families, which includes the provision of alternative housing and essential amenities. Officials have also promised government jobs and other support measures for those impacted by the land acquisition.

A senior official stated, “The government is committed to fulfilling its promises and ensuring that the affected families are adequately compensated and rehabilitated. We will make sure their welfare and livelihoods are not compromised.”

The Parandur site was first shortlisted by the AIADMK government in 2020, which highlighted its advantages over other locations, such as Pannur. Parandur is closer to the proposed Chennai–Bengaluru expressway and involves fewer affected families -- 1,005 in Parandur compared to 1,546 in Pannur. Additionally, Pannur faces challenges such as the presence of high-tension electricity towers, numerous industries, and a higher concentration of residential and industrial buildings near Sriperumbudur.

The Tamil Nadu government has stressed that while the project is critical for the city’s infrastructure development, it will remain mindful of the welfare of the affected communities.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 22 (IANS) Forty-one fishermen from Tamil Nadu, arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on September 8, 2024, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), arrived at Chennai Airport, said officials on Wednesday.

The fishermen arrived late Tuesday night after being released by Sri Lankan authorities.

According to Tamil Nadu coastal police officials, of the 41 fishermen, 35 hail from Ramanathapuram, while the others are from Nagapattinam and Pudukottai districts. Upon their arrival, the fishermen underwent citizenship verification, customs checks, and other formalities.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department welcomed them and arranged transportation to their respective hometowns in separate vehicles. This release follows the return of another group of 15 Tamil Nadu fishermen who reached Chennai on January 16, after being arrested earlier by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The recurring arrests of Indian fishermen have become a major issue. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised the matter during discussions with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake during his recent visit to India.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has also repeatedly urged the Union Government to address the ongoing arrests and ensure the safety of Indian fishermen from the state.

Fishermen associations across Tamil Nadu have organised large-scale protests in coastal districts, calling for decisive action. They have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and put an end to the mid-sea arrests and the seizure of mechanised fishing boats, which are critical to their livelihoods.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss also demanded stronger intervention from the Indian government to prevent further detentions.

Currently, 504 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu are reportedly in Sri Lankan custody, along with 48 mechanized fishing boats. The Sri Lankan government’s decision to nationalise seized boats has sparked additional concern.

A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, highlighted the growing hardships faced by fishermen and their families.

“The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families dependent on fishing and related activities are struggling. A sense of fear now grips the fishing community about venturing out to sea,” he stated.

Thajudhin further explained the devastating impact of Sri Lankan authorities nationalising seized boats, noting that many fishermen have taken loans to purchase these expensive vessels.

“This decision will ruin the industry and leave many unable to repay their debts,” he warned.

Fishermen’s associations continue to organise protests, urging the government to act swiftly and resolve this escalating issue.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 22 (IANS) The Mumbai Police have recovered a piece of cloth from actor Safi Ali Khan's apartment which belongs to accused Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad, the Bangladeshi national arrested in the attack case.

Sources said the Bandra police recovered cloth from Khan's house, which the accused used to cover his face. The cloth fell from his face in Saif's son Jahangir's room during the scuffle

The cloth can be seen in the CCTV footage when Shehzad is climbing up the stairs before committing the crime. The police have sent the cloth and hair samples for DNA testing to the forensic department.

Earlier, the officials said that Shehzad had entered the actor's building, Satguru Sharan, in the Bandra area by scaling its compound wall and found the security guards sleeping.

Sources said that both the security guards in the building were sleeping when the attacker entered it by crossing over the boundary wall.

The sources further said that as Shehzad found both the security guards sleeping, he entered the building from the main entrance where no CCTV camera exists. The accused removed his shoes and kept them in his bag to avoid making any noise. He also switched off his phone.

The police on Tuesday recreated the crime scene with the accused at the building. Police took the accused wherever he went after fleeing from Saif Ali Khan's house. Shehzad was taken to the garden near the Satguru Sharan building and then to the National College Bus Stop where he was said to have stopped and stayed for a while after committing the crime. During the probe, the police took Shehzad to the Bandra Railway Station from where he had fled. Police are trying to find out how he reached the station.

The police were trying to record the chain of events starting from Shehzad's entry to the building to his fleeing before being arrested.

Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by Shehzad inside his apartment in the early hours of January 16. The actor underwent emergency surgery at the Lilavati Hospital and was discharged on Tuesday. Three days after the attack, the police arrested the accused from neighbouring Thane city.

A court in Mumbai on Sunday remanded the accused in five-day police custody.

Shehzad, a native of Jhalokathi district in Bangladesh was residing in Mumbai for over five months. He had been working odd jobs and was associated with a housekeeping agency, the police have said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category for the second consecutive day this week, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 264 recorded at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Additionally, foggy weather has significantly disrupted transportation services.

Meanwhile, the national capital continues to experience a cold wave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celcius on Wednesday accompanied by moderate fog and issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning over Delhi, predicting rain.

Foggy weather has significantly disrupted transportation services. Nine trains arriving in Delhi from various parts of the country were delayed due to low visibility caused by dense fog. Similarly, flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were affected, with several departures and arrivals delayed.

The maximum temperature is expected to range between 21 degrees to 24 degrees Celcius.

Several areas in Delhi reported alarming AQI levels, with Anand Vihar (312), Rohini (301), and Bawana (314) breaching the ‘very poor’ threshold. Other areas like ITO (313), Jahangirpuri (294), and Patparganj (289) showed a marginally better yet concerning status. Shadipur, at 174, remains in the ‘moderate’ category, providing slight respite.

Although the AQI has slightly improved from the ‘very poor’ category recorded last week, pollution levels continue to pose health risks, especially in sensitive areas.

Earlier on Friday the Centre’s air quality panel revoked restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and neighbouring areas as air quality improved in the city.

The move comes a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management rolled back GRAP 4 following a dip in air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

The CAQM said in a statement that its sub-committee on GRAP conducted its meeting on Friday and reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 22 (IANS) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court will hear on Wednesday the plea by the West Bengal government challenging the verdict of a special court in Kolkata in the rape and murder of a woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The special court had foundSnajy Rouy guilty and had sentenced him to life imprisonment.

In the plea submitted on Tuesday by the state Advocate General Kishor Datta on behalf of the West Bengal government at the division bench of Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi, the government has sought a "death penalty" for the convict.

The division bench admitted the statement and as per the cause-list of the Calcutta High Court for Wednesday, the said division bench will take up the matter for hearing.

After the special court pronounced the quantum of sentence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday evening that the state government would approach the Calcutta High Court to challenge the verdict.

She also said the state government will be seeking the "death penalty" for the convict. Even on Tuesday afternoon while addressing a state government meeting at Malda district, a couple of hours after the state Advocate General filed the petition at the Calcutta High Court, the Chief Minister gave an explanation on why she and her government had been pressing for the death penalty for the convict.

She said that society could not have a “humanitarian” approach towards an “inhuman” individual.

“What is the meaning of ‘life imprisonment’? Often lifers get released on parole. If a convict is alive there is a chance that he might commit the same crime again. If anyone chooses to be ‘inhuman’, how can society be ‘humanitarian’ towards him? That is why we demanded a ‘death sentence’ for the convict in the R.G. Kar tragedy. It is really the rarest of rare crimes,” the Chief Minister said on Tuesday afternoon.

--IANS

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