India

Agartala, April 2 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the development of the communication process and system has generated a lot of investment potential, and therefore, more emphasis should be placed on promotion to attract investors in all the northeastern states.

The Chief Minister said that investors need to be attracted to establish rubber, agar, pineapple, and bamboo-based industries in Tripura.

Saha was speaking at the preparatory meeting here of the high-level task force of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER) to promote investment in the northeast region.

Noting that each department has to work by adopting a plan, he said that the state government has laid emphasis on ease of doing business, including land reforms, to provide facilities to investors.

There is bright potential for investment in the tourism sector in the state, the Chief Minister said, adding that emphasis should be placed on promotion and expansion for investment in the tourism sector.

In addition, all the opportunities available for investment in the state should be brought to the attention of investors.

Recently, the Tripura government has signed MoUs with several industrialists and investors. Although the MoU has been signed with the industrialists and business houses, importance should be attached to their implementation, he said.

In the meeting, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Secretary of the Good Governance Department Kiran Gitte, and secretaries of various departments were present.

It is to be noted that the decision to form this high-level task force was taken in the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Agartala on December 21 last year. Tripura Chief Minister is the convener of this task force.

The task force will prepare a roadmap to promote investment in the northeastern region and submit it to the concerned ministry.

The roadmap includes investment among the northeastern states, infrastructure assessment, establishing the northeastern region as a preferred investment destination for sectors like agriculture, tourism, logistics, IT, and renewable energy, along with an emphasis on the Private-Public-Partnership model.

Accordingly, the DoNER Ministry has constituted a task force with Saha as its convener, DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Chief Ministers Conrad K. Sangma (Meghalaya), Neiphiu Rio (Nagaland), and Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim) as members.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, April 2 (IANS) The Karnataka BJP launched an overnight protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Wednesday against the series of price hikes and the Congress government's decision to provide 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government tenders.

The BJP leaders garlanded the statue of B.R. Ambedkar and began the agitation.

The protest witnessed the participation of several senior BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister and BJP Parliamentary Board member B.S. Yediyurappa, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former Dy CM Ashwath Narayan, senior leaders C.T. Ravi and B. Sriramulu, BJP Legislative Council Chief Whip N. Ravikumar, former ministers, MLAs, MLCs, defeated candidates, district BJP presidents, and key office bearers.

The BJP leaders displayed milk cans with slogans against the Congress-led government. The party also released the charge sheet against the ruling party in the form of a five-page booklet. The leaders displayed posters against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The posters condemning the government over the Muslim quota in government tenders were also displayed by MLAs and leaders.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, stating that it is a regime that guarantees price hikes.

"They advertise themselves as a government that delivers on its promises, but this is not a humane government,” he said.

Vijayendra urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to step out of his air-conditioned office. "You are not just the Chief Minister of Bengaluru. Travel across the state with your ministers to districts like Raichur, Koppal, and Belagavi," he demanded.

He further pointed out that the prices of seeds have increased and questioned whether people were happy under the Congress government.

"Women receive Rs 2,000 and free electricity under various schemes, but these promises have not been properly implemented. This government is only burdening the people with price hikes," he alleged.

Vijayendra criticised the government for increasing prices on essential goods. "Poor people, farmers, and the common man are struggling to survive. Petrol, diesel, milk, and even government hospital fees have gone up. Just yesterday, diesel prices were hiked by Rs 2, which will further increase the prices of essential commodities," he said.

Vijayendra announced that the BJP will launch a "Janaakrosha Yatra" (Public Anger March) from April 7, which will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi.

He alleged that the Congress government had illegally allocated 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts while misusing funds meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the SCP and TSP schemes.

State BJP Co-In-Charge Sudhakar Reddy also criticised the Congress government, calling it a corrupt administration. "This is a government that guarantees corruption," he alleged.

He asserted that the BJP government would return to power in Karnataka soon.

"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar falsely accused the BJP of taking a 40 per cent commission. They should resign for their baseless allegations," he demanded.

Reddy praised the BJP-led central government for honouring B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka mocked Siddaramaiah, calling him "Nidderamaiah" (one who loves to sleep). "People call him ‘Manehaala Siddaramaiah’ (one who wishes ill). For the people of Karnataka, this Congress government is already dead," he declared.

BJP leaders Vijayendra, Ashoka, and MLC C.T. Ravi also tried their hand at playing musical instruments at the venue.

--IANS

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Guwahati, April 2 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the government will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISRO for having its satellite system of the state.

Sarma told reporters: “We have been taking this with ISRO and the MoU will be signed very soon. The initial work on having our own satellite system will be in place by the end of this year.”

He also said that the state will have at least four to five satellites to cover the entire state.

He further added that the satellites will be low-earth orbiting satellites and each of them will focus on different regions, adding that the array of its own satellite system in the state -- ASSAMSAT will have a command and control centre in Guwahati.

He said that the ASSAMSAT will be controlled from Guwahati and the centre here will operate Assam’s own constellation of satellites.

The Chief Minister has outlined a number of benefits that the ASSAMSAT will bring to the state.

He added that this will aid the state in disaster Management and security, like monitoring illegal infiltration, wildlife monitoring. Moreover, developmental applications like agricultural land use, road network monitoring can also be done through the satellite.

“Along with education and skill development, Assam’s own satellite will encourage greater private sector participation in the state,” he added.

In the recent state Budget, the state Finance Minister, Ajanta Neog, announced that Assam will have its own satellite system. To bolster technological advancement and scientific research in the state, Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog recently announced the state's ambitious plan to launch its own satellite, ASSAMSAT.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to improve communication networks, enhance disaster management capabilities, and support various developmental projects across Assam.

During her budget presentation, Neog emphasised that ASSAMSAT would be a crucial step towards strengthening the state's digital infrastructure.

The satellite is expected to facilitate improved connectivity in remote areas, enabling better access to telecommunication services, e-governance platforms, and educational resources.

Finance Minister Neog mentioned that the state government will collaborate with prominent space research institutions, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to develop and launch the satellite.

--IANS

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Lucknow, April 2 (IANS) Tapan Kumar Deka, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), was warmly welcomed at the Uttar Pradesh Police Headquarters in Lucknow by Prashant Kumar, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh, along with other senior police officials.

The visit, marked by cordial discussions, focused on the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance law enforcement capabilities. Deka was given a detailed presentation by the DGP and senior officials, where various initiatives and advancements within the Uttar Pradesh Police were highlighted.

Central to the discussions were the implementation and progress of SMART policing — a strategic framework focused on enhancing police efficiency through the use of technology, innovation, and public engagement.

UP Police shared on X, "Showcasing Progress, Sharing Vision: Director Intelligence Bureau Shri Tapan Kumar Deka was warmly welcomed at Uttar Pradesh Police Headquarters, Lucknow by DGP Uttar Pradesh Shri Prashant Kumar and other senior officers.

During the presentation given before Shri Deka, the DGP and senior officials held detailed discussions on SMART policing, innovation, and technological advancements in UPPolice."

Meanwhile, the DGP briefed Deka on Uttar Pradesh's pioneering efforts in integrating technological solutions such as artificial intelligence, predictive policing, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention and investigation. These advancements aim to improve the overall policing experience for the public and ensure better law enforcement outcomes.

Furthermore, innovation in training, surveillance systems, and communication platforms was also discussed, demonstrating the state’s commitment to modernising its police force.

Deka reportedly commended the proactive steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh Police in adopting new technologies to improve operational efficiency and strengthen public trust. He appreciated the state’s vision of transforming policing methods to meet contemporary challenges, sources said.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between intelligence agencies and state police forces in addressing national security concerns. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to continuing the exchange of knowledge and resources to further enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies across the country, sources added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) The Parliament on Wednesday approved Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 seeking to regulate immigration, entry and stay of foreigners in the country. The Rajya Sabha gave nod to the Bill after holding a discussion on it which has already been passed by the Lok Sabha.

A key aspect of the Bill is the implementation of enhanced surveillance and security protocols.

Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah, while speaking about the importance of the Bill in the Lok Sabha, had said: "It will strengthen the country's security and economy, pave the way to make our education system and universities global, lay a strong foundation for research and investigation in the country and make India number one in the world in every field by 2047."

He said that immigration was not an isolated issue but many issues of the country were directly or indirectly linked with it. He said that it was very important for the security of the country to know who is entering our borders, when they are entering, for how long they will stay and the purpose for which they are here.

Earlier in the day, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on Wednesday.

Speaking on the Bill, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut asserted that while no one wants to turn the country into a "Dharamshala" (shelter for all), it should not become a jail either. "For the last 10 years, people of this country have been treated like prisoners. Now, this law appears to extend the same treatment to foreigners arriving on valid visas and passports," he said.

Raut warned that certain provisions in the bill could deter tourism.

"We do not want illegal immigrants, whether they are Bangladeshis, Rohingyas, Americans, or Europeans. When former US President Trump deported Indians living illegally in America, they were shackled and sent back on army planes. If an American is staying illegally in India, he should be deported in the same manner," he said.

He claimed that over three crore Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are residing in the country illegally and must be expelled.

Criticising Section 7 of the bill, he said it grants the Central government the power to decide where a foreigner can stay, travel, and whom they can meet.

"Under this provision, even foreign delegations, journalists, or diplomats would need government approval to meet prominent leaders in India. If permission is denied, such meetings cannot take place," he argued.

Raut also pointed out that past terrorist infiltrations were not through legal immigration channels. "Ajmal Kasab and his accomplices did not enter with valid passports; they came illegally by sea, undetected. Strengthening the law is necessary, but this bill should be referred to the standing committee for further discussion," he urged.

On the other hand, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra defended the bill, emphasizing national security. He stated that previous immigration laws had limitations in securing borders and preventing illegal infiltration.

"The new bill streamlines entry into India, travel documentation, visa requirements, and denial of entry where necessary. We aim to make India a hub for medical, educational, and manufacturing activities while ensuring that foreigners visit for legitimate purposes. National security remains paramount, and authorities must have the power to scrutinize travel documents and deny entry if required," Jangra said.

He highlighted that India offers e-visas to citizens of 169 countries but stressed the importance of empowering authorities to safeguard sovereignty and security. "If there is a threat, officials must have the right to refuse entry to foreign nationals," he added.

--IANS

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Kukma, April 2 (IANS) Reshma Ben Hirani, a science teacher at PM Shri Kukma Primary School in Kukma, located in Bhuj Tehsil, Kutch district of Gujarat, has not only made the complex subject of science easier and more engaging for students through her unique innovation, but her efforts have also been appreciated at the state level.

Her innovation has proven that quality education can be provided in government schools when teachers motivate students through their efforts and innovations.

To make science, a difficult subject, more accessible to children, Reshma Ben developed several innovative games. Under her innovation, various games like jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, stick puppets, cards, snakes and ladders, and tic-tac-toe were used to explain the science curriculum for classes 6, 7, and 8.

These games help children easily understand different science topics.

The notable aspect is that these games were designed on hardboard to keep children away from mobile games, allowing them to learn through play rather than on mobile phones.

Reshma Ben’s innovation won first prize at the zone level and was later presented at the state-level innovation fair, where her creations received widespread recognition.

In this fair organised by the Gujarat Educational and Training Council, Reshma Ben was awarded a trophy and certificate for her contribution. Her innovation is now being used in over 50 schools across the state, and the PDF files of the games she created are helping children in their education.

Reshma Ben began her educational career in 2010 at Atal Nagar Primary School in Bhuj and has since worked hard to spark students’ interest in science. Since 2013, she has been working as a science teacher at Kukma Primary School, where she has implemented remarkable educational experiments. She was also honoured with the Talented Teacher Award for the year 2022-2023.

Class 8 student Gusai Kripali spoke to IANS and shared, "Earlier, science seemed very difficult, but now we understand it very easily. Our teacher, Reshma Ben, explains it to us in simple language. When PM Modi talks about promoting science, we feel like we can also achieve great things."

Student Krisha added, "Our teacher teaches us science very well and explains even difficult topics in a simple way. Her teaching method is very effective, and it helps us a lot."

Meanwhile, Reshma Ben mentioned that even in government schools, quality education can be provided if teachers make the right efforts for the students. She believes that improvements in students’ results are only possible when teachers put their efforts in the right direction.

Reshma Ben’s belief is that, inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to promote science, she began this innovation, and now the impact of her efforts is clearly visible in her students' results.

--IANS

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Imphal, April 2 (IANS) The Congress in Manipur on Wednesday opposed any possible delimitation exercises in the state based on the 2001 census report, and the main opposition party demanded a thorough rectification of the census data before re-demarcation of electoral boundaries.

Congress Vice-President in Manipur, Hareshwar Goswami, said that the issue of inaccuracy in the 2001 census arose after detecting a disproportionate growth rate of people in nine subdivisions across three districts in the state.

“The growth rate of people was found to be over 100 per cent in a few subdivisions of the state,” he told the media.

The Congress leader said that the party supports delimitation, but it must be based on a correct census without any errors. Everyone knows that the 2001 census had many irregularities, he claimed.

“Most people, political parties, civil societies and social organisations in Manipur are not opposed to the delimitation process. Most political parties, civil societies and social organisations and others are asking for it to be conducted based on a genuine Census,” Goswami pointed out.

Saying that the Congress’s stance on re-demarcation of electoral boundaries is that the exercise must be conducted on the basis of the 2021 Census and the delimitation to defer till 2026, he requested the government that no delimitation should be carried out based on the inaccurate 2001 census.

On March 25, leaders of 16 political parties in Manipur held a significant meeting and urged the Central government to defer delimitation of constituencies till 2026, when national delimitation would be undertaken with the new census figures.

CPI-M Manipur state Kshetrimayum Santa, who was one of the three convenors of the March 25 meeting, had said that the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress did not attend the meeting.

“The meeting had resolved that the delimitation in Manipur should not be held till the rectification of the errors in the 2001 census in Manipur. We have also decided to urge the Central government to defer the delimitation till 2026, when national delimitation would be undertaken with the new census figures,” Santa had said.

He said that the meeting also resolved that, considering the prevailing ethnic conflict in Manipur since May 3, 2023, it is not possible to carry out delimitation.

“If any delimitation exercise were undertaken in Manipur, there would be real disturbances in public order. And as such delimitation is not possible,” the Left leader had said.

The 16 political parties’ meeting follows a recent directive from the Supreme Court, which has instructed the completion of the pending delimitation exercise in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam within the next three months.

The leaders of 16 political parties attended the March 25 meeting include the parties AAP, BSP, CPI-M, NPP, CPI, JD-U, Naga People’s Front, RPI-A, AIFB, Trinamool Congress, NCP, NCP (SP) SP, RSP, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) and Manipur People’s Party.

--IANS

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Patna, April 2 (IANS) Bihar Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Sanjay Saraogi on Wednesday ordered strict action against officials failing to perform in revenue-related matters, particularly mutation cases.

He said that the worst-performing officials in mutation cases have to face disciplinary action.

“We will investigate high rejection rates of mutation applications in the department, and the nonperforming officers will be penalised. We have also asked applicants that they must provide their own mobile numbers to avoid misuse at CSC centres/cyber cafes," he said.

The minister chaired a high-level meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary of the Revenue and Land Reform Department on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, he passed the instructions to the officers.

He said that the worst performing revenue zones are Piparia (Lakhisarai) – 65.12 per cent rejection, followed by Jaale (Darbhanga) – 62.96 per cent rejection, Agiaon (Bhojpur) – 55.21 per cent rejection, Thakurganj (Kishanganj) – 55.15 per cent rejection and Modganj (Jehanabad) – 53.91 per cent rejection.

He also issued a complete list that includes zones from Araria, Madhubani, Khagaria, and Darbhanga districts. He pointed out the best-performing revenue zones having the lowest rejection.

In the first position, Nuaon block in Kaimur district has 6.74 per cent rejection, followed by Ekangarsarai (Nalanda) – 7.44 per cent rejection, Halsi (Lakhisarai) – 8.93 per cent rejection, Mohaniya (Kaimur) – 9.24 per cent rejection and Muraul (Muzaffarpur) – 9.54 per cent rejection.

The other top-performing zones include Purnea, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, and Lakhisarai. Minister Saraogi emphasised that minor errors should not lead to unnecessary rejection of mutation cases.

“High rejection rates disrupt revenue operations and cause hardship for applicants. We asked the applicants, while applying for mutation, that they should mention their own mobile number is registered, not that of a cyber cafe or CSC center operator. It would avoid fraud and misuse of the documents of applicants,” Saraogi said.

“The underperforming officials will be held accountable for high rejection. We want mutation processes to be streamlined for better efficiency. We have also instructed the senior officials for the regular monitoring of rejection rates across all zones,” he said.

--IANS

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Jaipur, April 2 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has directed power distribution companies to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply for the people during the summer season.

He emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of power distribution and timely completion of projects related to line improvements, transformer installations, and grid substations (GSS).

Additionally, Discoms must prioritise reducing power losses and work towards achieving the set targets, Sharma said during a review meeting with Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigams (Discoms) at his residence on Wednesday.

CM Sharma stressed the importance of strengthening power infrastructure, especially in rural areas that faced disruptions last year.

He instructed officials to conduct feeder-level monitoring to minimise transmission and distribution (T&D) and aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses.

Faulty meters should be repaired or replaced without delay, and the Energy Generation Corporation must complete maintenance work before peak demand periods, he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the Prime Minister Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM Kusum) in making Rajasthan self-reliant in the energy sector.

He urged officials to expedite the implementation of its A and C components.

He also underscored the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) as a key initiative for strengthening power distribution and ensuring stable electricity supply to domestic and commercial consumers while reducing power tripping issues.

Strict action will be taken against contractors unnecessarily delaying work under these schemes.

Sharma announced that under the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, the state government will provide 150 units of free electricity per month to eligible families through solar plant installations. In areas where low-income families lack space for solar panels, community solar plants will be set up.

He instructed officials to ensure the rapid execution of this initiative.

The Chief Minister directed Discoms to expedite the issuance of pending domestic and non-domestic electricity connections, with agricultural connections being prioritised.

He mandated that Discom officials submit daily reports on the issuance of agricultural connections to his office. The meeting also included a detailed review of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) connections, the construction of 33 and 11 KV GSS, and the replacement of faulty transformers.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, April 2 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum requesting approval for various infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the state's social and economic development.

The Chief Minister thanked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for supporting the expansion of the National Highway network in Karnataka.

Considering the heavy traffic on state highways (with over 10,000 Passenger Car Units per day), the Karnataka government has urged the Union Minister to approve the following projects for the state's social and economic development: Construction of nine grade separators on NH-275 in Mysuru to ease traffic congestion.

Development of a tunnel on NH-75 (formerly NH-48) from Maranahalli to Addahole in Shiradi Ghat to improve connectivity between Mangaluru Port (India’s 7th largest port) and Bengaluru.

Expedited approval for the Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway; Increasing the budget for National Highway projects under the 2025-26 annual plan from Rs 24,000 crore; Construction of a flyover at Hebbal Junction on NH-44 in Bengaluru.

Upgrading strategically important roads to National Highways on a priority basis; Construction of tunnels to improve connectivity between Mysuru Road (NH-275), Hosur Road (NH-48 and NH-75 via Electronic City), Tumakuru Road (NH-48), Ballari Road (NH-44), and Old Madras Road (formerly NH-4) in Bengaluru and others.

The Chief Minister has urged the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to consider these proposals and direct the relevant authorities to approve them.

He also highlighted key projects approved by the central government for the state. CM Siddaramaiah assured Union Minister Nitin Gadkari that the Karnataka government is committed to enhancing the National Highway connectivity across the state.

The state revenue and forest departments are expediting land acquisition and clearance processes, while other agencies are facilitating utility shifting for faster implementation of National Highway projects.

During his visit to Delhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also inaugurated the newly constructed Karnataka Bhavan-1 building in the presence of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, along with Ministers Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, K.N Rajanna, K.H. Muniyappa, and other dignitaries.

--IANS

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