India

Srinagar, April 11 (IANS) Senior separatist and religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday, alleged that authorities had placed him under house arrest in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, thereby preventing him from delivering his weekly sermon and offering prayers at the Jamia Masjid.

Mirwaiz Umar said on X, “Yet again, this Friday put under house arrest and barred from offering prayers at Jama Masjid. It’s is both heartbreaking and outrageous that authorities continue to trample on my basic religious rights - at their will. The resolution formulated by MMU -the meeting of which was also not allowed, against the Waqf Amendment Act will be read out today in mosques, shrines, and Imambaras across J&K”.

Two days ago, the authorities had disallowed the meeting of the Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU) -- an amalgamation of religious organisations in the Valley headed by Mirwaiz -- convened at the residence of his residence. The meeting was called to discuss the fallout of the Waqf Amendment Act.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently banned the Awami Action Committee (AAC) headed by Mirwaiz Umar for five years. The MHA order said that the AAC was a secessionist organisation indulging in anti-national activities and encouraging youths to resort to violence.

The ACC was formed in 1963 by the late Mirwaiz Maulana Mohammad Farooq during the Holy Relic agitation.

After the elder Mirwaiz was assassinated by terrorists in 1990 in his uptown Nigeen residence in Srinagar city, the ACC came to be headed by his son, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

In another order, the MHA also banned for five years the Ittihadul Muslimeen headed by Maulvi Masroor Abbas. The organisation was banned for its activities against the state and for acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the country.

The organisation was part of the separatist Hurriyat Conference and was headed by Maulvi Abbas Ansari, the senior Shia Muslim leader. After the death of Maulvi Abbas, his son, Maulvi Masoor Ansari, headed the Ittihadul Muslimeen.

The Mirwaiz is head of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, which was formed in 2003 when the Hurriyat Conference split into two groups -- the hardline group headed by late Syed Ali Shah Geelani and the moderate group headed by Mirwaiz Umar. However, several of its associate outfits are distancing themselves and are pledging loyalty to the constitution of India.

--IANS

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Patna, April 11 (IANS) Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, on Friday lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, from the United States to India. He described the move as a “major achievement” for the country.

Speaking to IANS, Mishra said, “The Indian government has accomplished a significant feat under the leadership of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah."

"Bringing Rana from the US to India is a great victory, not just for our government but for the entire nation. He is a major criminal and a key conspirator behind the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. Extraditing him from a powerful country like the United States is no small task,” the BJP's Rajya Sabha member from Bihar said.

Mishra further praised the diplomatic efforts involved, adding, “This is a testament to the strength of our foreign policy and international diplomacy. The US court granted permission, and now Rana has been remanded to National Investigation Agency's custody. All the evidence is being collected, and the involvement of every individual— directly or indirectly — will be investigated. The trial will begin soon, and justice will be served.”

Mishra concluded, “This is a big achievement for India. It showcases our capability to bring even the most dangerous terrorists to justice, regardless of where they are hiding. It is a clear demonstration of India’s growing power and international standing.”

Meanwhile, the NIA has officially taken custody of Rana for his interrogation. He was handed over to the agency on Thursday evening following orders from a Special Court in New Delhi.

According to sources, the questioning is expected to commence on Friday at the NIA headquarters. The focus will be on Rana’s role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, his links to David Coleman Headley — one of the key planners of the attacks — and his alleged connections to Pakistan’s Intelligence agency, the ISI.

Rana will also be interrogated about his stays in India and individuals he interacted with during those visits. Investigators expect that his questioning could reveal new leads and unearth more details about the planning and execution of the attacks.

He will remain in NIA custody for 18 days as the investigation progresses.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, April 11 (IANS) A notorious drug peddler sustained bullet injuries in an encounter with the Special Crime Unit (SCU) of the Commissionerate Police in the Khandagiri area of Bhubaneswar during the intervening night of April 10 and 11, officials said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Sk Jamsed of Jharpada under Badagada police limits, was shot in the leg during a retaliatory exchange of fire and is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.

According to a statement issued by the SCU on Friday, Jamsed had been under surveillance for over a month due to his alleged involvement in large-scale brown sugar trafficking.

Acting on a tip-off that he was in possession of a significant quantity of the contraband and was planning to sell it to a local peddler, the SCU launched an operation led by Additional DCP Anup Kanungo.

Around midnight, the team attempted to intercept Jamsed near the Khandagiri junction, but he tried to flee toward Jayadev Vatika. During the chase, he reportedly opened fire on the officers pursuing him. In retaliation, the SCU team returned fire, injuring him in the leg and subsequently apprehending him.

A search of Jamsed’s person led to the recovery of approximately 200 grams of brown sugar, valued at over Rs 20 lakh, along with a mouser and two live cartridges.

Police said Jamsed is a repeat offender and is involved in multiple narcotics cases across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

A case (225/25) has been registered at Khandagiri police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

This is the second such incident in recent days. On April 4, two dreaded interstate criminals from Bihar’s Katihar district were arrested following an encounter with police on the outskirts of the city.

--IANS

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Hazaribagh, April 11 (IANS) Protests erupted in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh city on Friday after the murder of a 25-year-old youth, Prabhat Kumar, in the Khirgaon locality of the city, officials said.

The young man was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon, leading to his death, triggering public outrage and a two-hour-long road blockade near Namaskar Chowk.

According to police, Prabhat, a resident of the Bara Bazar police station area, had gone out on a scooter with his friend Krishna on Thursday evening.

After two hours, his family received information that he had been found gravely injured in Bakar Gali, Khirgaon. He had sustained a deep wound to the back of his head, believed to have been inflicted with a sharp weapon.

He was immediately rushed to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital in Hazaribagh, but doctors referred him to RIMS, Ranchi. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on the way.

As news of the murder spread, residents gathered near Namaskar Chowk on Friday morning and blocked the main road, demanding immediate arrest of the culprits and compensation for the victim’s family.

The protest disrupted traffic and created a tense atmosphere in the area for nearly two hours.

The situation was brought under control after senior district officials, including the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and police officers, arrived at the scene and assured the crowd that strict action would be taken. The victim's body was later sent for post-mortem.

In light of the public unrest, additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain order.

During preliminary questioning, Prabhat’s friend Krishna told the police that the two had gone out together, and Prabhat had asked him to drop him near Bakar Gali for some personal work. He was supposed to return shortly to pick him up. However, before he could do so, Krishna received the news of Prabhat being found unconscious and severely injured.

The Bara Bazar police station in-charge stated that the investigation is underway, and all angles are being explored. “We are interrogating the friend and collecting evidence. The accused will be identified and arrested soon,” he said.

Family members said Prabhat had returned home on leave and was scheduled to resume work in another state on Friday. He was the sole breadwinner of the household.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) The Delhi Police dismantled a gambling racket in the city's Vasant Vihar area, apprehending four gamblers and recovering over Rs 31,000 in cash, carbon papers and notepads from their possession.

The operation, undertaken by South-West Delhi Police, followed secret inputs received by a Sub-Inspector on Wednesday, in its bid to identify and dismantle spots of organised crime.

The four gamblers arrested by the Anti Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of Delhi Police have been identified as Pappu Bagh, Sanjay, Mandeep Kumar Gupta and Karan, all in the age bracket of 25-31 years.

"A total stake money Rs 31,060/-, four note pads, three carbon papers and three pens were recovered from their possession," said an official statement.

The gambling racket was being operated at an open area in D-block of the Nepali camp in Vasant Vihar area. A police team, comprising Sub-inspector Ved Prakash, ASI Parveen and Vinod, Head constables Prashant and Hariom, and Inspector Ram Kumar acted under the supervision of ACP Vijay Kumar to conduct raids at the location and subsequently arrest the four accused.

As the police team raided the location, it found four people involved in gambling with numbering pads. On further investigation, notepads for writing details of gambled amount, carbon papers and cash were also recovered from their possession.

A case was registered under the Public Gambling Act, following which all four accused were arrested.

Notably, the South-West branch of Delhi Police has been running a campaign to curb organised crime in the area. First, intelligence is gathered about spots of such organised crimes by local informers, and after further probe, raids are conducted to dismantle the network and nab those engaged in illegal activities.

--IANS

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Varanasi, April 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met with heartfelt gratitude by the beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and recipients of Geographical Indication (GI) certificates during his visit to Varanasi on Friday. This marked his first trip to the holy city since Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath completed eight years in office.

During the visit, PM Modi distributed Ayushman cards, which offer free medical treatment worth Rs 5 lakh, and handed over GI certificates to 21 newly-recognised products from Uttar Pradesh, many of which reflect the state’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage.

IANS spoke to Ayushman card beneficiaries and GI tag recipients where they shared their experiences.

Durga Devi, a beneficiary of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, shared her joy, saying, “I received the Ayushman Card with Rs 5 lakh coverage. PM Modi personally asked me how it will help us. It’s a huge relief for my family.”

Rajendra Prasad, another cardholder, said, “Now, I won’t need to borrow money for treatment. I’m truly happy and relieved.”

Dinesh, also a recipient, expressed his gratitude: “I’m very happy. Now, I will be able to get my eyes treated, something I couldn’t afford earlier.”

Alongside the health initiative, artisans and craftspeople from across the state received GI tags, giving their traditional products formal recognition and protection, while also boosting their potential in national and international markets.

Sarita Devi, who received a GI tag for growing a fruit 'karonda', said, “I’ve been cultivating karonda since 2011. I’m thankful to PM Modi for highlighting our work. This recognition will give us an identity and open up new opportunities. My grandparents did this, and now we’re taking it forward.”

Santosh Kumar Sandilya, an acclaimed artist known as the "Gangajal artist," was awarded the GI tag for traditional street paintings of Banaras.

“This form of memorial painting is now recognised worldwide. With the GI tag, it will gain even more prominence. I thank the Prime Minister for ensuring that every small, unique aspect of Banaras is preserved and promoted,” he said.

Vandana, who received the GI tag for 'Tharu embroidery', a traditional craft of the Lakhimpur tribal community, added, “This is a big step in promoting tribal art. Recognition like this boosts our income and identity. PM Modi is truly paying attention to every detail.”

Tahir Salami, who creates jewellery from animal bones, also expressed his appreciation: “Now that we’ve received the GI tag, our work will be recognised, and we’ll be known for our craftsmanship.”

Earlier in the day, addressing a large gathering, PM Modi emphasised the impact of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, particularly for the elderly.

“The smile on the faces of the elderly after receiving Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards is the biggest success of this scheme,” he said.

He also noted the transformation in Purvanchal’s healthcare landscape. “Earlier, medical treatment used to be a major source of stress for families. Today, Kashi is emerging as a health capital.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) The process for nomination and recommendation for the Padma Awards-2026, to be announced on Republic Day 2026, will remain open only till July 31, an official said on Friday.

The online nomination process was launched on March 15 on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in ), said the official.

The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these awards are announced on Republic Day every year.

In 2025, 113 people were awarded Padma Shri, 19 (Padma Bhushan), and seven (Padma Vibhushan).

Since 2014, the Narendra Modi government has introduced two key changes in the Padma Awards nomination process for transparency and to honour people working on the ground.

The introduction of an online nomination system has made the process transparent, allowing anyone to nominate individuals for the awards. This eliminated reliance on recommendations from politicians or officials – a practice that allegedly promoted corruption.

The Government's focus on work over identity during the selection process has ensured that unsung heroes from humble backgrounds also get recognised. Under this strategy, greater emphasis was placed on the nominee's contributions and achievements rather than their name or prominence.

This shift led to recognition of unsung heroes from rural areas and non-mainstream fields getting the award that seeks to recognise "work of distinction" and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry.

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants, including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Government is committed to transforming Padma Awards into "People's Padma". All citizens are, therefore, requested to make nominations/recommendations, including self-nomination.

Concerted efforts may be made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements deserve to be recognised from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to the society, said the statement.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) Reminding that “New India neither forgives nor forgets”, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “diplomatic victory” leading to the extradition of Mumbai terrorist attacks key conspirator Tahawwur Rana to the country.

The Chief Minister, in multiple posts on social media, also expressed gratitude towards the PM on behalf of Delhi citizens for implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme that offers health security.

On Rana, the CM said, “The completion of the extradition process of 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks key conspirator, Tahawwur Rana, sends a strong statement to the world: This is #NewIndia, which neither forgives nor forgets.”

The Chief Minister complimented the country’s diplomats for their tireless efforts that have resulted in the extradition of the conspirator behind the deadly 2008 attacks, in which 166 people were killed and over 238 injured.

In her post on Rana’s extradition on social media platform X, she said, “This successful extradition is the result of relentless efforts by Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodiji and team Bharat at the highest levels, making it a major diplomatic victory for the nation. It’s a tribute to the bravehearts of 26/11 — we remember them, and we continue to fight for their justice.”

The Delhi government’s home department has directed the Tihar Jail authorities to make special arrangements for keeping Rana in judicial custody, once his 18-day questioning by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) gets over.

The NIA said it had secured Rana's extradition from the US following years of sustained efforts and after the terror mastermind's last-ditch efforts to get a stay on his extradition from the US failed.

Rana was brought to the national Capital, escorted by teams of NSG and NIA, comprising senior officials, on a special plane from Los Angeles on Thursday.

In another post related to health services in Delhi, CM Gupta thanked PM Modi for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme which was blocked by the previous Aam Aadmi Party government since 2018.

The CM said in her post, “Thank you Honourable Prime Minister Mr. @narendramodiji. We are all fortunate that we have got a visionary leadership like you. Public service has always been paramount for you, and under your guidance the implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi became possible.”

Highlighting the launch of the health insurance scheme as “historic”, CM Gupta said, “This is a historic and visionary initiative towards health security for the citizens of the capital. This step will prove to be a milestone in providing every family a strong, safe and healthy future.”

CM Gupta’s expression of gratitude towards the PM came within minutes of the latter hailing the launch of the scheme in Delhi.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "A revolutionary step related to Delhi's health sector! This mission of the double-engine government is going to be extremely beneficial for lakhs of my brothers and sisters here. I am very happy that Delhiites will now also be able to get their treatment under the Ayushman Yojana."

Launched in 2018, PM-JAY provides an annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospital care, targeting economically vulnerable populations. The scheme is the world's largest government-funded healthcare programme.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court against the “exploitation” of teaching staff in the private engineering colleges.

The plea referred to a report of the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute which had highlighted that a substantial proportion of faculty members are exploited and are not paid even the basic minimum prescribed salary (AICTE Pay Scale), get no salary slips, have prolonged working hours, face forceful retention of the original documents, etc.

In July 2024, the Delhi High Court ordered the AICTE to treat an earlier writ petition on the same subject as a representation for the implementation of AICTE regulations and to decide the same by way of a speaking order in accordance with the law as expeditiously as possible.

In response to the representation, the AICTE, as per the latest petition, has refused to take desired measures against the exploitation of a lakh of faculty members in the private engineering colleges, saying that it cannot interfere in the day-to-day administrative affairs of the technical institutions.

The plea, filed through advocate Nandini Sharma, said it is the duty of the AICTE to take all such steps as it may think fit for ensuring coordinated and integrated development of technical education and maintenance of standards with full power to inspect any department of technical institute or university with penal powers under the All India Council for Technical Education Act, 1987 and the AICTE (Grant of Approvals for Technical Institutions) Regulations, 2020.

It added that the AICTE itself has framed the All India Council for Technical Education Pay Scales, Service Conditions and Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff-(Degree) Regulation, 2019, for granting 7th Pay Scale to the faculty members in the technical institutions along with other benefits, i.e., increment, promotion, health insurance, pension, leave, training, incentives, etc., but, “has denied to interfere in matters of the technical institutions, even if, they are violating the norms and standards of AICTE”.

Apart from implementation of the AICTE regulations in true letter and spirit, the plea seeks directions for increasing investment upon technical educations to meet the requirement of the vast country like India, including measures such as increasing the number of engineering seats, appointment of sufficient faculty, infrastructure, research and development in the engineering colleges.

--IANS

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Kolkata, April 11 (IANS) Just before the crucial meeting of state Education Minister Bratya Basu with the job-losers of West Bengal government schools on Friday afternoon, a decision of the Kolkata Police has left them fuming.

A cop attached to Kasba Police Station, who was spotted in media footage kicking a job loser protesting in front of the office of the District Inspector of schools at Kasba in Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon, has now been entrusted by the higher authorities to lead the investigation against the protesting job losers.

The officer concerned is Riton Das. On Wednesday afternoon, the police resorted to a massive lathi-charge on the job losers protesting in demand of immediate action by the state government in segregating the "genuine" candidates from the "tainted" ones getting jobs paying money.

In that police action, several protesters received severe injuries from being hit by police batons. Amid the scuffle, Das was spotted by some media cameramen kicking a protester. That picture went viral on social media.

"From this decision, it is clear what kind of investigation will happen. First, after the police attack on us on Wednesday, the administration claimed that there was mild police action. Now, an officer who was spotted kicking a protester is entrusted with the duty to investigate the same matter," said a protesting teacher.

The opposition leaders, too, alleged that it is the state administration's practice to entrust the accused officer with the duty to investigate the same case.

BJP leader and party councillor with Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Sajal Ghosh, said: "Instead of initiating departmental proceedings against the said cop, he was entrusted the duty to carry out the investigation."

Already two FIRs have been registered against the protesters. While one FIR has been registered suo motu by the police, the second one is based on a complaint filed by the office of the District Inspector of schools at Kasba.

--IANS

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