India

Bengaluru, April 1 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has strongly criticised the Karnataka government, dubbing it a "Price-Demon" draining the people’s resources, surpassing even Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori.

In a press statement, Union Minister Kumaraswamy accused the Karnataka government of imposing a cess even on garbage from April 1, further burdening the common people.

Kumaraswamy claimed that the state government was imposing an oppressive tax regime on Kannadigas, making even historical invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori seem lenient in comparison.

“The government is sucking people's blood in the state! It has levied cess on garbage too,” the Union Minister expressed outrage.

"The state government tells a new lie every day and announces a price hike every month. This is the governance style of the Karnataka East India Congress Company Government! From today, the Congress Company Government has started imposing cess even on garbage," he lashed out.

The government is using the five guarantees as an excuse for price hikes, but its real intention is nothing but plundering the people, he said.

He further accused the government of destroying the once-prosperous Karnataka through misgovernance, calling it a "Price-Demon Congress Government" that is sucking the people’s blood."

Kumaraswamy highlighted the numerous price hikes, listing increases in water tariffs, metro fares, KSRTC bus tickets, milk prices, electricity charges, stamp duty, guidance value, excise duty, outpatient consultation fees in government hospitals, post-mortem examination charges, professional tax, and even the price of seeds for farmers.

“As if all this wasn't enough, from April 1, the government has also imposed a Garbage Cess,” he said and accused the government of orchestrating a massive scam in the name of waste management.

The increased prices for milk, curd, electricity, and the garbage cess came into effect across the state on Tuesday.

The prices of milk and curd have been raised by Rs 4 per litre, while the power tariff has been increased by 36 paise per unit.

The BJP has announced series of protests and agitations over price hikes across the state in this week.

--IANS

mka/rad

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) Leading ophthalmologists on Tuesday warned that they are witnessing a sharp increase in cases of dry eye syndrome, myopia progression, eye strain and even early-onset squinting in children who spend hours watching reels on various social media platforms.

After raising the alarm bell about the impact of short-form videos on mental health, doctors are now concerned about a new, growing crisis — ‘Reel-Induced Eye Damage.’

Excessive screen time, particularly binge-watching reels on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, is leading to a spike in eye disorders across all age groups, especially among children and young adults, said healthcare experts during the joint meeting of Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society in the national capital.

“A student recently visited us complaining of persistent eye irritation and blurry vision. After examination, we found his eyes were not producing enough tears due to prolonged screen time at home watching reels,” said Dr Lalit Verma, President, Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.

“He was immediately put on eye drops and advised to follow the 20-20-20 rule — taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away,” said Verma.

Studies show that an increasing number of people, especially students and working professionals, are struggling with digital eye strain, squinting, and worsening eyesight due to prolonged exposure to high-speed, visually stimulating content.

Doctors also note a troubling trend of social isolation, mental fatigue and cognitive overload associated with constant reel consumption.

Dr Harbansh Lal, Chairman of Organising committee and Past President of All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), explained the severity of the issue at the event.

“Short, engaging reels are designed to capture and hold attention for long periods. However, this constant screen fixation reduces blink rates by 50 per cent, leading to dry-eye syndrome and accommodation spasms (difficulty in shifting focus between near and distant objects),” he noted.

Experts warn that if this habit continues unchecked, it could result in long-term vision problems and even permanent eye strain”.

“Children who are glued to reels for hours daily are at risk of developing early myopia, which is progressing faster than ever before. Adults, too, are experiencing frequent headaches, migraines, and sleep disorders caused by blue light exposure,” Dr Lal emphasised.

Studies show that an increasing number of people, especially students and working professionals, are struggling with digital eye strain, squinting, and worsening eyesight due to prolonged exposure to high-speed, visually stimulating content. Doctors also note a troubling trend of social isolation, mental fatigue, and cognitive overload associated with constant reel consumption.

Dr Samar Basak, President of AIOS and a senior ophthalmologist, highlighted the social and psychological toll of excessive screen time.

“We are seeing a concerning pattern where people are so absorbed in reels that they neglect real-world interactions, leading to strained family relationships and reduced focus on education and work,” he noted.

Increasing blink rate and taking digital detoxes can help reduce dependency and prevent long-term eye damage, experts suggested.

--IANS

na/

Thiruvananthapuram, April 1 (IANS) With just hours left for the 24th CPI(M) party congress to begin in Madurai, people are wondering whether P.A. Mohammed Riyas, the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has been fast tracked in the state unit of the party, will get another lift when the new Central Committee (CC) will be named in the next few days.

Ever since Riyas married Vijayan’s daughter Veena during the Covid pandemic in 2020, his political fortunes have risen dramatically in the party.

In the 2021 Assembly polls Riyas, who hails from Kozhikode district, was given the safest seat at Beypore to contest and he won as expected.

When CM Vijayan selected his Cabinet, Riyas was given the most prestigious Public Works Department portfolio which is normally handled by veterans and never given to a first-time legislator.

Another plum portfolio that he got was the tourism department. That was a surprise as in the 2006 V.S. Achuthanandan Cabinet this portfolio was handled by veteran party leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan along with the Home portfolio.

As if this was not enough, CM Vijayan who has both the government and the party in his iron fists, sprang yet another surprise when Riyas was elevated to the powerful state secretariat of the Kerala unit of the CPI(M) in 2022.

Now Vijayan has complete dominance even at the national level of the party.

The state secretariat is having a meeting on Tuesday just before all of the state leaders leave for Madurai.

A broad decision will be made on what the game plan is going to be at the Madurai party congress as a new general secretary, a new politburo and a new Central Committee have to be elected.

While the name of politburo member M.A. Baby is there in the list of frontrunners for the new general secretary’s post, at present there are four in the politburo from here and 15 in the Central Committee.

There are going to be three retirements from Kerala from the Central Committee and it’s here the name of Riyas is being debated.

A media critic on condition of anonymity said when it comes to appointments to positions, the community factor might give Riyas the advantage, apart from Vijayan’s clout.

“The same might go against state Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian who is senior to Riyas in the party, as there are already two Christians (Baby and Thomas Isaac) in the CC.

“State Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan who is one of the closest aides of Vijayan and belongs to the powerful Hindu Ezhava community also stands a chance. One more person will get a berth in the CC and in all likelihood it would be a women leader,” said the media critic.

Incidentally, Vijayan at the moment is the only leader in the party who has got the permission to continue after the retirement age of 75 that’s been fixed in the CPI(M).

For Vijayan who will turn 80 next month, and whose health is also failing, the elevation of Riyas will not be a surprise, such is his clout.

--IANS

sg/rad

Hyderabad, April 1 (IANS) Leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were detained by police on Tuesday when they were heading to the University of Hyderabad, where students are protesting against the Telangana government’s plans to auction 400 acres of land next to their campus.

Police stopped the BJP MLAs and MLCs at MLA Quarters in Hyderguda on the ground that there was no permission to visit the campus. As the BJP legislators tried to proceed towards the university, the police detained them and whisked them away.

They said their protest would continue till the government dropped its decision to develop the land and auction it. BJP leader Payal Shankar alleged that the Congress government was following the policies pursued by the previous BRS government.

BJP floor leader in Telangana Assembly A. Maheshwar Reddy was placed under house arrest to stop him from joining the protest at the university. Police personnel were deployed outside the residence of Maheshwar Reddy in Banjara Hills.

BJP leaders alleged that the government is destroying the environment by auctioning the land in Kacnha Gachibowli. They claim that the land is under the forest department.

BRSV, the student wing of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), staged a protest at KBR Park against the proposed auctioning of the land. The protesters were carrying placards with slogans calling for protecting the environment.

Student groups and environmental activists are opposing the government’s decision to clear the land and auction it for the development of multi-use infrastructure and IT parks.

The opposition parties have condemned police highhandedness towards students protesting against the proposed auctioning of the land. They accused the police of dragging the protesting students by their hair and thrashing them.

The protesters alleged that the authorities brought bulldozers and earthmovers as part of the redevelopment plan on the land adjacent to the campus.

The protest on Sunday triggered tension. Police detained more than 50 students. Two persons, identified as B. Rohit Kumar and Erram Naveen Kumar, were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

According to police, the protesters attempted to halt the work by force and attacked officials and workers with sticks and stones. A police officer suffered minor injuries.

Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TGIIC) lodged a complaint with the Gachibowli police, which registered a case under Sections 329(3), 121(2), 132, 191(3) and 351(3) r/w 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Meanwhile, police have urged students not to believe rumours being spread through social media. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Madhapur, Dr Vineet, said TGIIC initiated development work on the land at Kancha Gachibowli village, as per the Government Order. “There was no lathi charge on the students, nor were any students dragged from their hostels as wrongly alleged,” he said.

“The students are advised not to pay heed to misleading and false news and seek resolution of any issues through official channels of communication. It is also informed that anyone disrupting law and order will be liable for action as per law,” he added.

The groups opposing the proposed auction say that this would destroy a vital lung space of the city. The ‘Save City Forests’ group argues that the forest serves as the “green lungs” of Hyderabad. They claim that since 1974, this area has been an integral part of the UoH campus, developing into a self-sustaining and biodiverse ecosystem that reflects indigenous forest ecology.

According to the group, the land is home to over 734 species of flowering plants, 10 species of mammals, 15 species of reptiles and 220 species of birds.

The government claimed its goal was to promote investment in the state and that the land has nothing to do with the university.

--IANS

ms/dpb

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) The four-day last leg of Parliament Budget Session 2025 kicked off on an acrimonious note on Tuesday with Opposition MPs forcing an adjournment in the Lok Sabha amid protests led by Samajwadi Party members over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

The MPs from the Samajwadi Party displayed placards and continued to disrupt proceedings around noon, calling the Bill unfair and unconstitutional.

As members did not pay heed to Speaker Om Birla’s direction not to shout slogans in the House, the proceedings were adjourned till 2 p.m.

“The House will function only if you put down the placards,” said Speaker Birla earlier, warning that he would not allow them to shout slogans.

“The House will proceed as per rules,” said the Speaker, finally deciding to put off the proceedings.

The confrontation in Lok Sabha appeared linked to speculation that the government may try to table the Bill, which the Opposition parties are opposing.

After the adjournment, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and told IANS, "All these actions have one objective, which is hatred against Muslims, and this is a project under the ideology of Hindutva in this country to distance Muslims from their religion and take away their religious properties.”

“Our demand is simple: what is right for Hindu religion and the Endowment Board should not be wrong here...," he said.

Talking about the Bill, NCP MP Fauzia Khan told IANS, "The government will present it, but we will oppose it. Our party will oppose it, and the entire Muslim community is opposing it..."

BJD MP Sasmit Patra told IANS, "The stand of Biju Janata Dal is very clear. We are opposing this Bill. We have had several reservations about this Bill earlier, and we feel that the way this bill is being bulldozed is not appropriate..."

On the eve of the resumption of the session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday asked ‘some groups’ in political parties and Muslim outfits to refrain from spreading canards and lies about the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Rijiju said the Waqf Amendment Bill will soon be brought in Parliament, and urged the Opposition parties for a detailed and informed debate on the issue. He also indicated that, if needed, the House may extend its proceedings for passing the Bill.

--IANS

rch/dpb

Thiruvananthapuram, April 1 (IANS) Five days after the release of the much-anticipated film Empuraan and the controversy that followed, co-producer Antony Perumbavoor on Tuesday clarified that the decision to re-edit the film was a collective one.

The film has undergone a two-minute re-edit and is expected to be updated across all screening platforms.

"We don’t make a film on a wrong. The film has been widely accepted, and there is no need for any controversy," said Perumbavoor.

He reiterated that the re-edit was not the result of any external pressure but rather a proactive decision to address concerns raised by some viewers.

"After we felt that certain sections of the society were unhappy, we decided to take a re-look and arrived at this decision collectively," he added.

Dismissing speculations of blame directed at director Prithviraj Sukumaran -- who also plays a key role in the film -- Perumbavoor asserted that everyone, including superstar Mohanlal, was fully aware of the creative decisions.

"There is no reason to single out Prithviraj," he clarified.

The controversy erupted after Empuraan was criticised by Organiser, an RSS-affiliated publication, which initially targeted Mohanlal and later Prithviraj. In response to the backlash, the filmmakers opted for last-minute cuts.

With Perumbavoor confirming the re-edit, there is speculation that audiences might rush back to theatres to see what has been changed. The revised version is being processed by Qube Cinema, which will distribute the updated digital print to all theatres and screening centres.

Meanwhile, the silence of Empuraan’s scriptwriter Murali Gopy has drawn attention, with sources suggesting he is deeply affected by the controversy. However, Perumbavoor downplayed concerns, saying there was nothing unusual about his silence.

Interestingly, Perumbavoor’s journey in the Malayalam film industry began as Mohanlal’s driver. After earning the superstar’s trust, he secured a date for his first production, Narasimham (1999), which went on to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film at the time. Today, his production house, Aashirvad Cinemas, is the biggest in the Malayalam film industry.

--IANS

sg/skp/

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea filed by Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson Tushar Gandhi raising concern over the Gujarat government's acquisition of the Sabarmati Ashram.

A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal dismissed the special leave petition challenging the Gujarat High Court’s refusal to quash a resolution passed by the Gujarat government in March 2021 regarding the comprehensive development of the Gandhi Ashram Memorial and precincts.

As per the petition, the government acquisition of the Sabarmati Ashram, on the pretext of development, is contrary to the spirit and ethos of Gandhism, adding that the move militates against Article 39 of the Constitution, which emphasises on prevention of accumulation of wealth, and Article 49 of the Constitution, that emphasises protection of monuments and places of national importance.

"Mahatma Gandhi designed the ashram himself, embodying simplicity, self-sufficiency and communal living. The ashram exemplifies Gandhian principles of sustainability and harmony with nature. The Sabarmati Ashram stands as a testament to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his pivotal role in India's freedom struggle," said the plea.

It added that a writ petition was initially filed before the Gujarat High Court challenging the redevelopment work and sought the quashing of the government resolution. However, the Gujarat HC dismissed the said writ petition and aggrieved, an appeal was filed before the Supreme Court, whereby the impugned order was set aside, and the writ petition was remanded back to the Gujarat High Court.

"Thereafter, the (Gujarat) High Court reconsidered the issue. However, without consideration of the true facts and circumstances, the prayers of the petitioner were rejected," said the latest special leave petition filed before the Supreme Court.

"At present, the dignity and sanctity of the ashram, which metaphorically signifies the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation, is under direct threat from an alleged redevelopment project. The misuse of public money instead of any other humanitarian purposes, on the preface of development, is against Gandhi's principles," added the petition.

Further, it said that the ashram is a testimony to symbols of peace, simplicity and serenity, and the alleged redevelopment threatens to erase the essence of Mahatma Gandhi and the ashram.

"Way back in 1917, the Sabarmati Ashram was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. On February 2, 1926, Mahatma Gandhi and Maganlal Khushalchand formed the Satyagraha Ashram Trust by a trust deed. On September 30, 1933, Gandhi surrendered the Satyagraha Ashram to be utilised for the service and benefits of Harijans in perpetuity, to the Harijan Sevak Sangh through a communication addressed to Ghanshyamdas Birla," stated the petition.

--IANS

pds/dpb

Bhopal, April 1 (IANS) In a bid to improve student enrolment in primary and middle schools across Madhya Pradesh, the government on Tuesday launched the 'School Chalo Abhiyan'.

The four-day campaign (April 1-4) was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav alongside State Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh at an event held in Bhopal.

The initiative aims to encourage parents to enroll their children in government-run schools, thereby addressing the issue of dropouts and ensuring universal education access.

As part of the launch event, CM Yadav visited stalls set up by students from various schools, where he interacted with them and praised their participation in extracurricular activities, including academics, sports, and cultural programs.

According to a report released during the recent budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, the state faces significant dropout rates among school-going children, particularly in the 15-16 age group -- 14.1 per cent of children aged 15-16 years have dropped out of school. Among them, the dropout rate is higher for girls (16.1 per cent) compared to boys (12.2 per cent).

In the 7-10 years age group, the dropout percentage is relatively lower at 1.9 per cent.

Among children aged 11-14 years, 3.2 per cent are out of school.

Overall, dropout rates among girls are consistently higher than those of boys across all age groups.

Nationwide, the dropout rate for children aged 15-16 years stands at 7.9 per cent, which is nearly half of Madhya Pradesh’s 14.1 per cent. Similarly, the national dropout rate for children aged 7-10 years is 1.2 per cent, lower than MP’s 1.9 per cent.

The 'School Chalo Abhiyan' is designed to combat these worrying trends by promoting awareness about the benefits of government schools, improving infrastructure, and offering incentives for student retention.

--IANS

pd/skp

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday lauded the Reserve Bank for its key role in making India a global leader in digital payments with innovations like UPI revolutionising financial access.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the commemoration of the RBI’s 90th year, the President said, “By continuously modernising the country's payment infrastructure, the Reserve Bank has ensured that digital transactions are not only seamless and efficient but also secure. Innovations like the UPI have revolutionised financial access, enabling instant, low-cost transactions and deepening financial inclusion. Beyond payments, RBI has nurtured a vibrant fintech ecosystem.”

She stated that in the nine decades, the biggest achievement of the RBI is the trust of the people. The RBI earned this trust by steadfastly maintaining its mandate of price stability, growth, and financial stability. Also, it has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of our growing nation. Its swift responses to key challenges, from economic liberalisation in the 1990s to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight its resilience and adaptability. In an increasingly globalising world, it has also ensured that India’s financial system remains resilient in the face of any adverse international trends.

The President said that the RBI has emerged as one of the most critically important institutions in the nation. She pointed out that a common man or woman has no direct interaction with RBI -- except for its name printed on the currency notes in their pockets -- but indirectly, all their financial dealings, through banks and otherwise, are governed by the RBI. And they instinctively place their utmost faith in the financial system overseen by it.

She further stated that the RBI, as the central bank, was at the very centre of India’s incredible growth story. It has witnessed the whole journey of the country so far, from the time before Independence when it was suffering from widespread poverty to the time now when it is among the top economies in the world.

The President also observed that as India approaches the centenary of its Independence, the mission of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ calls for a financial ecosystem that is innovative, adaptive, and accessible to all. She stated that the path ahead would present new complexities and challenges.

She expressed confidence that with a steadfast commitment to stability, innovation and inclusivity, the RBI would continue to be a pillar of strength -- reinforcing trust and steering India towards a future of prosperity and global leadership. As the guardian of monetary and financial stability, the RBI would play a defining role in this journey -- ensuring a sound banking system, driving financial innovation, and safeguarding trust in our financial ecosystem, the President added.

--IANS

sps/dpb

Jaipur, April 1 (IANS) Starting April 1, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Rajasthan has been reduced to Rs 1,790, down from the previous Rs 1,830.50. However, there is no change in the price of domestic LPG cylinders, which will continue to be available at Rs 806.50.

The Oil marketing companies have announced a Rs 40.50 reduction in the price of commercial LPG cylinders. This follows a Rs 7 decrease in February and a Rs 62 hike in December. The new rate in Delhi is Rs 1,762, while in Jaipur, it is Rs 1,790.

According to Deepak Gehlot, State President of the Rajasthan LPG Distributors Association, commercial gas prices saw an increase of Rs 6 in March, while there were reduction of Rs 14.50 in January and Rs 6 in February.

Domestic consumers can breathe easy as there has been no change in household LPG prices.

In Rajasthan, a domestic LPG cylinder remains priced at Rs 806.50. For BPL and Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries, the subsidized rate remains Rs 450 due to state government subsidies.

The reduction in commercial gas cylinder prices is expected to benefit hotels, restaurants, small shopkeepers, and confectioners who rely on LPG.

Businesses will receive some relief after the new LPG rates have been implemented in the state, though prices may vary across states due to taxation and transportation costs.

BJP promised LPG cylinder delivery at Rs 450 ahead of the Assembly elections in 2023. Soon after coming to power, the Rajasthan government introduced a new benefit for families under the National Food Security Scheme (NFSA).

Through this initiative, eligible families will be able to obtain LPG gas cylinders for just Rs 450. To access this benefit, it was made mandatory to get the Aadhaar card of all family members linked with the NFSA ration card, along with their LPG IDs. According to the guidelines of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, every family was entitled to a cylinder at a subsidised rate every month.

--IANS

arc/dpb