India

Lucknow, April 13 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday attacked the Opposition parties for resisting the amendments in the Waqf law and accused them of misleading and misguiding the public with fake claims.

He expressed grave concern over Murshidabad violence and stated that violence was being instigated in the name of Waqf law.

“Three Hindus were brutally murdered in Murshidabad; they were dragged out of their homes,” said CM Yogi, while lambasting Mamata administration for the breakdown of law and order.

The UP CM also hit out at the Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, for keeping mum on violence, while delivering a key address at the Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Samman Abhiyaan workshop in the city.

“These parties which preach social justice are the same ones that, in practice, deprive Dalits of their basic rights,” he said.

“Who are these killed in violence? These are the same Dalit, deprived and poor Hindus. Who is going to benefit the most from this land? They fear that if Dalits, deprived and poor people, get high-rise buildings, their vote bank will end, and the politics of misleading will end forever. That is why they are inciting violence.”

CM Yogi further said, "Three years ago, Rajya Sabha MP and former DGP of Uttar Pradesh Brijlal had written a book. That book was based on a comparative study of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and two great Dalit warriors at the time of Independence. On one side was Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, who said that he would start and end as an Indian and on the other side was Jogendra Nath Mandal, who supported Pakistan but could not stay there for even a year. Bangladeshi Hindus are still suffering the consequences of Yogendra Nath Mandal's actions.”

The Chief Minister also called for protecting every follower of Sanatan Dharma and stated, “All the tortured and suffering Hindus living in Bangladesh are Dalits. No political party from Congress, SP and Mamata Banerjee's party raised their (Bangladeshi Hindus) voice. Only the BJP raised their voice. We have to protect every Hindu.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) India and Germany have agreed to expand their partnership in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and green hydrogen, with a focus on innovation-driven growth and sustainable development, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.

Dr Singh highlighted the strong and long-standing partnership between India and Germany in the field of science, technology and innovation (STI).

"The two countries can collaborate more closely in key areas like clean energy, biotechnology, cyber-physical systems, electric mobility, and green hydrogen," he said after meeting with Bavaria's visiting Minister-President Markus Soder in the national capital.

Dr Singh said India is moving ahead with mission-mode programmes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, where the goal is to find economic and sustainable solutions through science and technology. He called Germany a natural and reliable partner in this journey.

"India has embarked on mission-mode programmes under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We seek economic and sustainable solutions through scientific and technological interventions, and Germany is a natural partner in this endeavour," he said.

Praising the Indo-German 2+2 collaboration model, which connects universities and industries from both nations, he said it is a futuristic approach that helps develop innovation ecosystems.

"The model is helping both countries work together on global challenges and turn ideas into real-world solutions," the Union Minister added.

India’s growing strength in the biotechnology sector was also discussed. Dr Singh pointed out that India has more than 3,000 biotech startups and is the world’s largest vaccine producer.

"The recent BIOe3 policy, which aims to boost innovation and generate jobs by focusing on energy, economy, and employment through biotechnology," he mentioned.

"India is currently the third-largest country in terms of startups and unicorns, offering great potential for global technology partnerships," he added.

Highlighting India’s academic connection with Germany, Dr Singh said that over 50,000 Indian students are currently studying in German universities, mostly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

This number has tripled in the last seven years. He expressed hope that more German students will also come to India to explore its knowledge systems, including Oriental Studies and Indian culture.

--IANS

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Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh), April 13 (IANS) Amrit Pharmacy and Integrated Public Health Laboratory -- the two ambitious medical projects -- were launched by Union Minister Anupriya Patel in the city on Sunday, paving the way for affordable and effective healthcare for the city residents at much lower cost.

Union Minister Anupriya Patel launched two important projects in the Divisional Hospital. She inaugurated the Integrated Public Health Laboratory and performed Bhoomi Pujan for Amrit Pharmacy.

The two projects will not only make the medical facilities cheaper for city residents but will also bring it at par with bigger towns with extensive medical facilities.

More than 6,500 lifesaving medicines will be available at Amrit Pharmacy, at about 60-70 per cent lesser than the market price. Surgical equipment will also be available here.

The state-of-the-art Public Health laboratory has been equipped with conducting as many as 92 tests and hence will help people in getting a wide array of pathological and diagnostic tests done at one facility.

Speaking to the press, Anupriya Patel said that the government is serious about addressing the issue of shortage of doctors in hospitals and informed that new medical colleges are being opened to fill the gap.

She said that the government is making efforts to solve this problem. The Central government has decided to add 75,000 new seats in medical colleges. A provision has also been made to appoint specialist doctors by paying them salaries as per their demand.

Many city residents praised the initiative and spoke about how the medical projects will have a huge bearing on their lives.

Lal Bahadur Singh said: “We will save a lot of money because Amrit Pharmacy will provide generic medicines at half the rates, as compared to branded medicines. The laboratory will also be of great help as we will get the tests done at a cheaper rate."

Ajit Patel, another local resident, praised the initiative, saying: "Amrit Pharmacy will come as a boon for city residents as it will provide a lot of respite from expensive medicines."

--IANS

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Hubballi, (Karnataka) April 13 (IANS) A shocking incident came to light here on Sunday involving a youth who allegedly attempted to sexually assault a five-year-old girl and later strangulated her to death for resisting his advances.

The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Ashokanagar police station in Hubballi.

According to the police, the accused took the girl to a shed and attempted to assault her. When the girl screamed for help, locals rushed towards the spot.

Upon noticing the approaching people, the accused allegedly strangulated the girl to death and managed to escape.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar on Sunday stated that the girl's parents were from Koppal. Her father works as a painter, and her mother is employed as a maid. The details about the accused are currently unknown.

A complaint has been filed regarding the assault on the girl, and an investigation is underway to determine if she was sexually assaulted, he said.

He further stated the mother had taken the victim with her to work. While she was working, the accused allegedly took the girl away.

Later, the girl's body was discovered in a shed. It is yet to be determined if the girl was sexually assaulted, an official said, adding that a medical examination will ascertain the facts.

The Police Commissioner stated that they would receive a formal complaint from the parents and initiate strict action.

Meanwhile, the girl's parents staged a protest in front of the Ashokanagar police station, condemning the incident and demanding strict action against the perpetrator.

Police Commissioner Shashikumar personally spoke to the protestors and assured them that stringent action would be taken.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused youth is from Bihar. The police have launched a hunt for the accused.

Reacting to the incident, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi stated that he had just learned about it.

"The government should focus on the law and order system in the state. Strict action should be initiated.

"Preventive measures will have to be taken, and the guilty must be punished without any mercy. Those involved in this must also be booked. I condemn this incident," Pralhad Joshi said.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, April 13 (IANS) A war of words erupted in Punjab between Congress and AAP on Sunday over the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Pratap Singh Bajwa’s, ‘50 bombs have reached Punjab, of which 18 have exploded’, remarks.

AAP senior leader and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said Bajwa occupies a significant constitutional position, and he should refrain from making false statements.

“If Bajwa has such information, he should immediately provide full details to the police. If he fails to do so, it will be assumed that he has links with the Pakistani gangsters who are constantly trying to disrupt peace and law and order in Punjab,” said Cheema.

Responding to the AAP accusations, Punjab LoP said that as the Leader of Opposition, he holds a constitutional position and is privy to sensitive information.

“I act responsibly and in the interest of public safety when I raise such concerns. Unfortunately, instead of addressing the issue, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann chose to threaten me with strict action this very morning. Let it be known -- I will not be intimidated. I have made it clear to the police officials that while I stand by my statement, I will not disclose my sources. My duty is to the people of Punjab and to the Constitution, not to the whims of a vindictive government,” the LoP said.

Responding to claims, Chief Minister Mann asked the LoP and the Congress to specify the locations of these bombs.

In case of failure to do so, the Chief Minister challenged police action against the LoP for disseminating false information and inciting public fear.

State Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned attempts of the AAP government to silence and intimidate the Leader of Opposition for flagging the security concerns in the state.

“Don’t shoot the messenger, Mann sahib. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa is a responsible leader holding a constitutional position. If he has shared some information, you should use your police and intelligence to utilise it and follow it up,” he said.

Warring told the Chief Minister, “Instead, you are trying to intimidate him. The issue he (Bajwa) has flagged is real.”

He said so many grenade attacks have taken place, and the AAP government is clueless.

“Height of it is that you are now launching a witch-hunt, which is not only unacceptable but highly condemnable,” he said.

However, Finance Minister Cheema said the police have questioned the LoP regarding his claim.

“If his statement turns out to be false, strict action will be taken against him as per the law,” Cheema said.

He also asked the Congress to take action against the LoP and remove him from the position of Leader of the Opposition.

AAP Spokesperson Neel Garg questioned the LoP, saying: “If Partap Bajwa already had this information, why did he not inform Punjab Police or central security agencies earlier? Why did he keep such sensitive information hidden for so many days?”

Garg further questioned whether the LoP’s access to such information raises suspicions of his links with Pakistan or if he is part of this conspiracy.

He called on the Congress party’s top leadership, especially Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, to provide clarification on this matter and urged them to initiate an inquiry into the LoP’s statements.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Police questioned the LoP over his purported remark.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, April 13 (IANS) Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said here on Sunday that amid the ongoing drive, the state police have averted a possible targeted terror attack by busting a terror module being operated by Germany-based Gurpreet Singh alias Goldy Dhillon, with the arrest of its two key operatives.

The police have seized one 2.8 kg improvised explosive device (IED) containing 1.6 kg RDX along with a remote control from their possession.

The operation was conducted jointly by teams of Counter Intelligence Ferozepur and State Special Operating cell of SAS Nagar.

Those arrested have been identified as Jagga Singh and Manjinder Singh, both resident of Fatehgarh Sahib district.

They have a criminal history and were previously involved in multiple narcotics-related cases.

DGP Yadav said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has declared Rs 10 lakh reward on accused Goldy Dhillon, who is a key operative of Goldy Brar-Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

"With busting of this module, Punjab Police have foiled plans of Pakistan-based ISI to disturb peace and harmony in the region," he added.

The DGP said that preliminary investigations also revealed that accused Gurpreet Singh has recently been involved in conspiring attacks and deadly attacks on influential persons in the state.

At present, he is working at the behest of Pakistan's ISI.

Further investigations are underway to probe links to their transnational networks and involvement in anti-national activities, he added.

Sharing operation details, Assistant Inspector General Gursevak Singh Brar said the police teams had received reliable inputs that the accused Jagga Singh and Manjinder Singh are allegedly working on the directions of Goldy Dhillon and have recently retrieved the a consignment of explosives, which they are going to deliver to their unknown associate in their Hyundai Venue car.

Acting swiftly, police teams from Ferozepur and SAS Nagar arrested both the accused from the Sirhind area in Fatehgarh Sahib and recovered IED from their vehicle, he added.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, April 13 (IANS) The Karnataka BJP on Sunday questioned the caste census report findings, wondering how the Muslim population can increase in such a manner.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, BJP leader R. Ashoka said, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called former Backward Classes Commission Chairman H. Kantharaju to his residence, dictated the caste census report, and got it done. This has now become an open secret."

Questioning the methodology of the census, he said, "The report was prepared without visiting lakhs and crores of households. How can a census be conducted without door-to-door visits?"

Accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of indulging in appeasement politics, he said: "The caste census report focuses only on Muslims. What message are you trying to convey? This report is intended to divide castes and religions. Through this caste census report, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has betrayed the Lingayat, Vokkaliga, and Dalit communities."

"We are not opposed to a caste census. But people must understand the state government's mindset. The Congress has inherited the British-era divide-and-rule policy. This report aims to provoke conflict between the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities," he said.

"They claim more than Rs 150 crore has been spent on this caste census. This is bogus. The money has been looted. Who has pocketed it? The report is confusing and lacks credibility," he said.

He also accused the Congress of using the caste census to divert public attention from ongoing controversies, including the honey trap case, a Rs 500 crore kickback in a mining renewal "scam", and corruption allegations by contractors.

"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not a strategist; he is a conspirator. He divided the JD(S) party and was thrown out. It remains to be seen when he will be expelled from Congress," Ashoka said.

Commenting on the report's recommendation for increased reservations for Vokkaligas, Ashoka said, "This is not legally possible. The government is lying outright. Let them release an official order in this regard. States do not have the power to increase reservation quotas."

The controversial caste census report submitted by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led government in Karnataka has pegged the Muslim population in the state at 18.08 per cent and recommends 8 per cent reservation for the community, sources confirmed on Sunday.

The caste census report was submitted to the state cabinet on Friday (April 10), and the state government is convening a special cabinet meeting on April 17 to decide on the report's recommendations.

However, no official statement has been issued to the media regarding the report's contents. Nonetheless, details presented in the cabinet meeting have surfaced in the public domain.

--IANS

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Guwahati, April 13 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with Adani Group Director Jeet Adani on Sunday to move ahead with the conglomerate’s Rs 50,000 crore investment plan proposed for the state during the business summit held in Guwahati in February.

The Chief Minister said the state government was expecting that the proposals given by the Adani Group for investment in various sectors would become a reality soon.

"During #AdvantageAssam2, the Adani Group made a Rs 50,000 crore investment commitment. Today along with my senior officers we had an in depth meeting with Mr Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Group, and his team to operationalise this commitment," Sarma said in a post on X.

"We expect the MoUs which we signed related to significant investments in developing an aero-city, hotels, cement plant and key infrastructure projects, will take off soon," he added.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani had announced that the conglomerate will invest Rs 50,000 crore across various sectors in the state, during his address at the inaugural function of the Advantage Assam 2.0 business summit in in February.

The Chairman also highlighted the crucial role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in promoting investment-driven growth across India. Drawing comparisons to Gujarat’s economic transformation through the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, he emphasised the role of such initiatives in inspiring states like Assam to embark on similar paths of development.

"It is this vision of progress that we are eager to be part of. Therefore, it is with great pride that I announce today the Adani Group's commitment to invest Rs 50,000 crore in Assam," he had stated.

Praising the state’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, particularly the sacred Kamakhya Temple and the majestic Brahmaputra River, Gautam Adani remarked: "Just as the mighty river Brahmaputra reshaped the landscape of this state to carve its own path, the vision of our Honorable Prime Minister has reshaped the landscape of possibilities for us all."

The investment is expected to accelerate Assam’s economic growth, create job opportunities, and establish the state as a strong part of India’s economic landscape.

--IANS

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Talwandi Sabo (Punjab), April 13 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Sunday said party workers had decided to bring the party back to power in 2027 and made it clear that once this was done, no gangster or drug smuggler would remain the state, besides assuring government jobs for Punjabis only.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Baisakhi here, the SAD President said, “I am committed to making Punjab the number one state in the country. I am also committed to augmenting the social welfare schemes and giving relief to the weaker sections. I am also committed to safeguarding the interests of Punjabis.”

“Accordingly, SAD will reintroduce the ‘aata daal’ scheme, besides doubling the old-age pension and ‘shagun’ schemes and bringing in a law banning outsiders from purchasing agricultural land in Punjab,” he stated. Badal also made an appeal for unity in the Panth. He said all Akalis should come back in the party fold in the interest of Punjab, Punjabiat and the Khalsa Panth.

“The time has come to save Punjab from the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has always looted it, and repose faith in SAD that has always delivered on its promises,” Badal said. The SAD President also spoke about conspiracies which were being hatched to damage the party and erode the credibility of Sikh institutions.

He said the management boards of both Sri Hazur Sahib and Patna Sahib had been expanded to bring them under government control. Asserting that all this was initiated once SAD left the NDA, he said recently the conspiracy had been enlarged to woo the Jathedars of Takhts by giving them security and other allurements.

Mentioning Giani Harpreet Singh, he said the former and others tried to destroy the prestige of the Panth instead of strengthening it. “I thank the Shiromani Committee, which has successfully taken back the control of the Takht from the Central government, which had forced the Jathedars to take a stand against the Sikh community.”

Asserting that the Akali Dal is the true inheritor of Punjab, Sukhbir Badal said the party was responsible for speedy development of the state by establishing thermal plants, roads and airports, augmenting irrigation facilities, bringing in the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat and paddy and introducing social welfare schemes like ‘aata daal’, old-age pension and Shagun scheme.

--IANS

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Patna, April 13 (IANS) Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, said on Sunday that the youth of the nation should draw inspiration from the vision, legacy, and exemplary works of B.R. Ambedkar and other great leaders in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat.

Leading a 'Jai Bhim Padyatra' organised as a tribute to Ambedkar's life and legacy, the Union Minister emphasised on youth engagement and the enduring values of the Constitution.

The Padyatra was flagged off by Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav and more than 6,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers participated in the event.

According to Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry website, MY Bharat Youth Volunteers is a community of individuals, dedicating their heart and soul to nation building, learning and development.

By joining MY Bharat, a youth becomes a part of passionate and aspiring individuals leveraging skills and knowledge to create a brighter future.

After the 'Jai Bhim Padyatra', Mandaviya in a message on X said, "On the eve of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary, more than 6,000 young colleagues of MY Bharat organised #JaiBhimPadyatra in Patna, Bihar today. B.R. Ambedkar was the architect of the Constitution, he laid the foundation of India's strong democracy."

He said, "Based on his thoughts, vision and principles, Prime Minister @Narendra Modi has set a target to make the nation developed by the year 2047 and the participation of youth is most important in this. Through this padyatra, thousands of youth got connected to the thoughts of Ambedkar."

Mandaviya also expressed gratitude towards party leaders in Bihar for supporting the event.

He wrote in his message, "I thank Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Speaker of Bihar Legislative Assembly Nand Kishore Yadav and all my colleagues for joining this padyatra."

The Minister called upon the youth to become torchbearers of Ambedkar's legacy for building a new India.

"As the sun rose over Patna, it illuminated not only a statue but a spirit, a renewed commitment to Ambedkar's ideals and a Viksit Bharat led by its most powerful force, its youth," he said.

Mandaviya reiterated the importance of youth-led national development and lauded the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He called upon the youth to align themselves with the 'Panch Pran' envisioned by the Prime Minister for building a strong, self-reliant, and inclusive Viksit Bharat.

'Jai Bhim Padyatras' were held in every state capital and across 5,000 locations, where MY Bharat volunteers cleaned the statues of B.R. Ambedkar and paid tribute to his vision, renewing a collective commitment to build an inclusive, empowered, and youth-led India.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse participated in Padyatra in Mumbai, further amplifying the message of unity and national participation.

--IANS

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