India

Chandigarh, April 12 (IANS) Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam on Saturday stated that wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat was offered a cash reward, a land allotment, and a government job, as per the state's sports policy, however, she only opted for the first two.

He added that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had fulfilled his commitment to honour Phogat despite her disqualification at the Paris Olympics.

Speaking to IANS, Gautam said, "The Chief Minister had promised that Phogat would be honoured like a silver medalist, and he fulfilled his promise. We offered three things -- a cash prize, a government job and a Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) plot. She only chose the cash prize and plot."

The Haryana government had extended Phogat benefits equivalent to those awarded to Olympic silver medallists despite her disqualification from the women's 50kg final due to a marginal weight issue that created a major controversy in the sporting world.

The Haryana Cabinet had decided to treat her performance as exceptional, considering her advancement to the final.

Phogat became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final, although her campaign ended abruptly when she was controversially ruled out of the gold medal bout after failing her second weigh-in.

The incident, which drew both sympathy and criticism, marked the end of her Olympic journey, with Phogat later announcing her retirement.

Acknowledging the disqualification as a procedural issue, CM Saini had called Phogat "Haryana's pride" and assured her that her honour would not be diminished due to the unfortunate outcome in Paris.

While the state government has stood firmly by Phogat, the Opposition accused the BJP-led administration of politicising the matter and failing to support her adequately during the Olympics.

"Politics should not be done in sports. The Chief Minister fulfilled his promise by awarding the silver medalist benefits to Phogat. He has proved that he fulfils what he says," Gautam said.

Phogat, meanwhile, revealed her plans to use the Rs 4 crore cash award to establish a world-class wrestling training institute for young athletes.

The initiative, she said, will be a tribute to the sport that brought her national and international acclaim and will help nurture the next generation of wrestlers from Haryana and beyond.

--IANS

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Chennai, April 12 (IANS) In a significant move to tackle water theft in the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP), the Tamil Nadu Revenue Department has included farmer representatives in the Joint Monitoring Committees (JMCs).

This long-standing demand of local farmers aims to enhance surveillance and ensure equitable water distribution under the scheme.

An official order from the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) of Dharapuram stated, "Based on directions from the District Collector, presidents of Water Users Associations (WUAs) have been included in the JMC, alongside the designated government officers."

The JMCs, originally constituted to prevent illegal tapping of water from both the main canal and branch canals of the PAP, are chaired by RDOs and comprise officials from the Revenue Department, Water Resources Department (WRD), Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), and the Police.

In Tiruppur district, these committees operate under the jurisdiction of the Udumalaipet, Dharapuram, and Tiruppur RDOs.

Despite the formation of these committees, several farmer groups had expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the JMCs had not been effective in curbing water theft.

They had persistently urged the Tiruppur Collector to include WUA leaders in the monitoring process, arguing that farmers are more familiar with the irrigation routes and can swiftly identify instances of illegal diversion. So far, WUA presidents have been inducted into four of the nine distribution committees under the PAP.

Farmer leaders have now called for their inclusion in the remaining five as well. They stressed that allowing WUA representatives to monitor all canals - beyond the limits of their respective distribution boundaries - would further enhance the efficacy of anti-theft measures.

"There are nine distribution committees and 134 Water Users Associations functioning under the PAP. Including our representatives in the JMC is a welcome step, as we know where the water theft typically occurs," said a representative from the Coconut Farmers' Association.

The inclusion of WUA leaders in the JMC is expected to strengthen grassroots participation in the management of irrigation resources and curb unauthorised water usage, especially during critical agricultural periods.

--IANS

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Jammu, April 12 (IANS) A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army was killed when alert soldiers foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K’s) Akhnoor sector, officials said on Saturday.

Officials said that late on Friday evening, terrorists tried to infiltrate into the Indian side of the LoC in Keri-Battal area of Akhnoor sector in Jammu district.

“Alert Army soldiers engaged the terrorists in exchange of gunfire and the infiltration bid was foiled.

“In the exchange of fire with the terrorists, one JCO was critically injured. He was shifted to hospital yesterday. He succumbed to critical injuries today”, officials said.

Kuldeep Chand was a soldier with the 9 Punjab regiment, the Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

Paying tributes to the fallen soldier the Army posted on platform X, “#GOC#WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of #Braveheart Sub Kuldeep Chand of 9 PUNJAB. He laid down his life while gallantly leading a #CounterInfiltration operation along the #LineofControl in the #Keri-#Battal area of #Sunderbani on the night of 11 April 2025. His team’s valour and Sub Kuldeep’s ultimate #sacrifice foiled an #infiltration attempt by #terrorists. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”

Earlier in another operation, three terrorists were killed by joint forces in the three-day-long operation in Chatroo forest area of Kishtwar district. A top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, Saifullah was among the slain terrorists.

“In the Kishtwar encounter, three terrorists including the JeM commander Saifullah were killed. A large quantity of war-like stores, including one AK and one M4 rifle, has been recovered”, officials said.

On Friday one terrorist was killed in this joint operation launched against the terrorists in Kishtwar district.

Officials said on Friday, that one ultra was neutralised in the joint operation by the Army and the security forces that was launched on April 9 in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district.

“The operation was based on specific Intelligence inputs, which led to a firefight with terrorists, resulting in one militant being neutralised.

“The search operation, conducted by the Army and police, aimed to flush out terrorists hiding in the dense forests continues”, officials said.

Meanwhile, another operation is going on in Joffar forest area in the jurisdiction of Ramnagar police station in Udhampur district.

CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) by the joint forces was started on April 9 and three terrorists are reportedly trapped inside the cordoned off area.

A civilian told security forces that three heavily armed terrorists dressed in black entered his house around 8.30 pm on April 9 and left around 11.30 pm.

Following the disclosure by the civilian, security forces tightened the cordon and after reinforcements were called in, the joint forces were closing in on the hiding terrorists, as per the last reports.

It must be mentioned that on March 3, a police team immediately reached Sanyal village in Hiranagar area of Kathua district, where five terrorists were spotted.

Since Sanyal village is barely 4 kms away from the International Border, the group of terrorists spotted in Sanyal village are believed to have recently infiltrated into the Indian side of the border.

The terrorists managed to escape from Sanyal to Safiyun Jakhole area.

The police team engaged the terrorists in a sustained gunfight killing two terrorists. Four policemen were martyred in that gunfight.

To trace the remaining three terrorists, joint forces started a ‘seek and destroy’ operation, which was extended to higher reaches of Kathua and Rajouri districts.

A brief exchange of gunfire took place between the terrorists and the joint forces in Billawar area of Kathua district.

--IANS

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Agra, April 12 (IANS) Karni Sena is set to organise a massive public meeting in Agra on Saturday to mark the birth anniversary of the 16th-century Rajput ruler Rana Sanga.

The event, which will focus on the theme of 'Kshatriya Samman', will also serve as a platform to respond strongly to the recent controversial statement made by Samajwadi Party MP Ramjilal Suman in Parliament.

In preparation for the gathering, nearly 50,000 square metres of agricultural land has been cleared to accommodate the expected crowd. According to reports, attendees have been asked to bring flags and sticks with them to the venue.

The Agra Police have granted permission for the event, which is being held under the banner of Sanatan Hindu Mahasabha.

Security arrangements have been heightened across the city, with a three-tier security plan put in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

In addition, the police have issued alerts at the residences of individuals who previously made inflammatory remarks on social media regarding Rana Sanga.

On Thursday, members of the Karni Sena and the Kshatriya community performed a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony at Rami Garhi village, symbolising their spiritual and cultural preparation for the upcoming gathering.

The rally comes weeks after a row ignited by SP MP Ramjilal Suman's remarks during a recent parliamentary session, where he said, "If Muslims have Babur's DNA, then whose DNA is in Hindus? Who brought Babur? Babur was brought to India by Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi."

His comments sparked outrage across the Rajput community, with BJP leaders, Karni Sena and various Hindu organisations accusing Suman of insulting both Rajput pride and Hindu sentiments.

Although Suman later clarified that his statements were based on historical references and not intended to hurt anyone's feelings, the controversy continued to escalate. In response, enraged Karni Sena members attacked the MP's house in Agra.

Protests against Suman have also spread beyond Uttar Pradesh. In Udaipur, members of Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena staged a demonstration, raising slogans and burning an effigy of the MP.

Arjun Singh Chundawat, President of the Karni Sena's Udaipur unit, announced a bounty of Rs 5.51 lakh for anyone who could cut off the MP's tongue -- a statement that further intensified tensions.

The Karni Sena maintains that Suman's remarks are a direct affront to the legacy of Rana Sanga, who is revered as a symbol of Rajput valour and resistance.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) ASEAN remains a pivotal trade partner for India, accounting for approximately 11 per cent of India's global trade, the government has said.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached $121 billion, this was conveyed at the 8th meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee (JC) to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) in the national capital from April 7-11.

The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, and Deputy Co-Chair Dr. Sugumari S. Shanmugam Senior Director Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia.

The meeting saw participation from delegates representing ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, according to a statement by Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The committee's primary objective was to advance the ongoing review of the AITIGA, aiming to modernise the agreement to be more effective, user-friendly, and conducive to trade.

Five out of eight sub-committees (SCs) under the AITIGA JC also conducted hybrid meetings on the margins of the 8th AITIGA JC.

The next AITIGA JC meeting is scheduled for June 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, continuing the collaborative efforts to enhance ASEAN-India economic integration, said the ministry.

Recently, India and Thailand said they will work on strengthening the existing mechanisms of defence cooperation, as well as to promote further collaboration between the defence sectors of the two countries, with particular emphasis on defence technology, defence industry, research, training, exchanges, exercises and capacity building including by establishing appropriate mechanisms.

The Joint Declaration on the establishment of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, issued following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra, details how the Strategic Partnership is based on mutual commitment to strengthen bilateral relations for the continuing peace, stability and prosperity of the two countries and their respective regions.

The development marks a new chapter of enhanced partnership for realising the full potential of cooperation between the two countries.

"In declaring this Strategic Partnership, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared interests in a free, open, transparent, rules-based, inclusive, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific region and reiterated their strong support for ASEAN Centrality," the Joint Declaration stated.

—IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) On the occasion of Shri Hanuman Jayanti on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings and wished for health, happiness and prosperity for all. He was joined in greeting the nation by a host of top BJP leaders.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote in a post, "Many best wishes to the countrymen on Hanuman Jayanti. With the blessings of Sankatmochan, may all of you always remain healthy, happy and prosperous in life, this is my wish."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended warm greetings to the nation and wished for strength, wisdom, intelligence, and long life.

In a message shared on X, he wrote, "Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the occasion of Shri Hanuman Jayanti. May Lord Bajrangbali, the trouble saviour, remove the troubles of all and provide strength, intelligence, wisdom and long life. Jai Shri Ram!"

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also extended his wishes on the occasion, writing on X, "The speed of the mind is as fast as the wind, the sense-controlled is superior to the intelligent! I take refuge in the son of the wind, the messenger of Sri Rama!! I wish all the people of the country a very happy Shri Hanuman Janmotsav. May all obstacles in your life be removed by the grace of Lord Hanuman and may you attain success, fame and happiness. Jai Shri Ram!"

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined in, posting, "Infinite best wishes to all of you on the auspicious occasion of Shri Hanuman Jayanti. May Pavanputra Hanuman Ji, the symbol of valour, devotion and service, provide courage, health and strength to all of you. Jai Bajrang Bali!"

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his greetings on Hanuman Jayanti.

"Best wishes to all the devotees and residents of the state on Shri Hanuman Jayanti! May the blessings of Lord Shri Ram's supreme devotee, Sankatmochan Shri Hanuman Ji remain on everyone. It is my prayer that by the grace of Lord Mahabir, the giver of strength, wisdom and knowledge, may everyone's life be filled with happiness, peace, prosperity and health. Om Hanumate Namah," CM Yogi wrote on X.

--IANS

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Jammu, April 12 (IANS) Three terrorists including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) top commander, Saifullah were killed in a three-day-long anti-terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Kishtwar district, officials said on Saturday.

“In the Kishtwar encounter, three terrorists including the JeM commander Saifullah were killed. A large quantity of war-like stores, including one AK and one M4 rifle, has been recovered”, officials said.

On Friday one terrorist was killed in this joint operation launched against the terrorists in Kishtwar district.

Officials said on Friday, that one ultra was neutralised in the joint operation by the Army and the security forces that was launched on April 9 in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district.

“The operation was based on specific Intelligence inputs, which led to a firefight with terrorists, resulting in one militant being neutralised.

“The search operation, conducted by the Army and police, aimed to flush out terrorists hiding in the dense forests continues”, officials said.

Another operation is going on in Joffar forest area in the jurisdiction of Ramnagar police station in Udhampur district.

CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) by the joint forces was started on April 9 and three terrorists are reportedly trapped inside the cordoned off area.

A civilian told security forces that three heavily armed terrorists dressed in black entered his house around 8.30 pm on April 9 and left around 11.30 pm.

Following the disclosure by the civilian, security forces tightened the cordon and after reinforcements were called in, the joint forces were closing in on the hiding terrorists, as per the last reports.

It must be mentioned that on March 3, a police team immediately reached Sanyal village in Hiranagar area of Kathua district, where five terrorists were spotted.

Since Sanyal village is barely 4 kms away from the International Border, the group of terrorists spotted in Sanyal village are believed to have recently infiltrated into the Indian side of the border.

The terrorists managed to escape from Sanyal to Safiyun Jakhole area.

The police team engaged the terrorists in a sustained gunfight killing two terrorists. Four policemen were martyred in that gunfight.

To trace the remaining three terrorists, joint forces started a ‘seek and destroy’ operation, which was extended to higher reaches of Kathua and Rajouri districts.

A brief exchange of gunfire took place between the terrorists and the joint forces in Billawar area of Kathua district.

On April 8, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah chaired a high level security review meeting in Srinagar.

The meeting was attended by the J&K Lieutenant-Governor, Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, the IB chief, Chief of the Army, the Army’s Northern Commander, GOCs of all the corps in J&K, chiefs of paramilitary forces, J&K DGP and heads of other Intelligence agencies.

The Home Minister appreciated the role of the joint forces in curbing terrorism, but gave orders for total eradication of terrorism from J&K with special focus on the Jammu division of the Union Territory.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra, with his itinerary on Saturday centred around paying homage to the legendary Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 345th death anniversary.

HM Shah will visit the memorial of Jijamata, Shivaji Maharaj’s revered mother, in Raigad district around 10:30 a.m. He will then proceed to the historic Raigad Fort, the former capital of the Maratha Empire, to attend a series of commemorative events.

The visit holds immense cultural and political significance. At Raigad Fort, HM Shah is scheduled to offer floral tributes at the samadhi (memorial) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, honouring the enduring legacy of one of India's most iconic historical figures.

Later in the day, HM Shah is also expected to visit Sutarwadi for a lunch meeting at the residence of Sunil Tatkare, NCP state president and Member of Parliament from Raigad.

The invitation was extended personally by Tatkare and accepted by Shah, a gesture that has piqued political interest given the ongoing tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

HM Shah landed in Pune on Friday evening and was received by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His visit comes at a time when internal discord within the state’s ruling coalition comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), has intensified, especially over the unresolved issue of the guardian ministership for Raigad district.

The power tussle began earlier this year when Deputy CM Eknath Shinde opposed the appointment of NCP leader Aditi Tatkare, daughter of Sunil Tatkare, as Raigad’s guardian minister.

This led to Fadnavis putting appointments for both Raigad and Nashik districts on hold, further straining ties within the alliance.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) Kolkata is set to witness a Hanuman Jayanti rally on Saturday after the Calcutta High Court granted conditional permission to BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

The approval came following a petition filed by Adhikari, who approached the court after the Kolkata Police denied permission for the procession.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh allowed the rally to be conducted by the Hanuman Janmotsav Committee but with several restrictions.

The procession will start from the Hanuman Temple at College Street and conclude at the Hari Ghosh Street Hanuman Temple in North Kolkata. The court has permitted the event to take place between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Among the conditions imposed by the High Court are strict adherence to noise regulations and public safety norms. The use of DJs or any form of high-decibel sound systems has been expressly prohibited, and participants are barred from carrying metal weapons or any object that could incite tension.

The court also capped the maximum number of attendees at 250.

This rally holds particular political and cultural significance as it takes place amid ongoing tensions over religious processions in the state.

BJP leaders have often accused the West Bengal administration of selectively denying permissions for Hindu religious events.

Referring to the current rally and past incidents, party members cited how two Ram Navami processions in Howrah on April 6 were also permitted only after legal intervention by the High Court.

State BJP leaders have welcomed the court's decision, calling it a victory for religious freedom. They have reiterated their stance that citizens should not need court intervention to practice their faith peacefully.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda who is on a crucial two-day visit to Odisha, marked by key party and government events will officially inaugurate a three-day training camp for BJP MLAs and MPs in Puri on Saturday.

The event, which began on the evening of April 11 and will run till April 13, aims to strengthen the party’s leadership by enhancing knowledge of organisational functioning, governance skills, ideological clarity, and goal-oriented execution.

The training session is seen as a strategic effort to align the party's elected representatives with its core vision, ahead of key political developments in the state.

Nadda’s visit began on Friday with the formal launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Odisha, an event of major political and public significance. State BJP president Manmohan Samal stated that around 3.5 crore residents are expected to benefit from the health insurance program.

Odisha’s new BJP-led government introduced the scheme six years after its launch by the Centre, marking a policy shift from the previous BJD government, which had opted out of it reportedly due to political differences.

The Union Minister was welcomed at the Biju Patnaik International Airport by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, state BJP president Manmohan Samal, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, and other senior leaders.

In addition, Nadda is scheduled to inaugurate the new building of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Pediatrics in Cuttack during his visit, further emphasising the Centre’s focus on healthcare infrastructure in Odisha.

--IANS

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