India

Jaipur, Dec 16 (IANS) Utkarsh Coaching Centre in Rajasthan's Jaipur has been sealed after several students fell ill and some fainted on the premises, said officials here.

A team from the Greater Municipal Corporation led by Mansarovar Zone Deputy Commissioner Laxmikant Katara on Monday took action to shut down the centre.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team collected water samples, and CCTV footage from the classroom for investigation.

The closure comes after a distressing event on Sunday when multiple students fainted during a class held on the second floor of the coaching centre in Mahesh Nagar (Shri Gopal Nagar) at around 6.45 p.m. Reports indicated that a strange smell filled the classroom, causing students to cough severely and lose consciousness. Soon after the coaching centre’s management called 108 ambulance services, and other students helped carry the unconscious individuals to a nearby private hospital.

A doctor from a private hospital had earlier confirmed that seven students were brought in with symptoms of suffocation and respiratory distress, while the remaining students were admitted to other medical facilities. "The affected students reported coughing and breathlessness but are now in stable condition," the doctor said.

Amid the chaos, a clash broke out between the police and some student leaders.

Authorities have ruled out the possibility of gas leakage or the smell emanating from the kitchen of a nearby PG facility. The exact cause remains unclear.

On Monday, the municipal corporation's investigation team conducted a thorough examination of the premises. Deputy Commissioner Katara stated that the centre would remain sealed until the investigation is complete.

A six-member committee has been formed to oversee the inquiry. The team includes Executive Engineer Sandeep Mathur, Assistant City Planner Seema Mathur, Revenue Officer Sunil Bairwa, Assistant Fire Officer Devang Yadav, Chief Health Inspector Suresh Kumar, and Assistant Health Inspector Neha Mandavariya. However, no deadline has been set for the submission of their findings.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked widespread debate. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called for relocating coaching centres to the designated coaching hub in Pratap Nagar, citing the potential for more serious incidents.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) Recognising shared security interests and challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India and Sri Lanka on Monday agreed to advance defence collaboration with New Delhi reiterating its continued commitment to working closely with Colombo in advancing the island nation's maritime security needs.

During his bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi's Hyderabad House on Monday, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked India for its support through the provision of a Dornier Aircraft for maritime surveillance; and establishment of the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka amongst other assistance vital for Sri Lanka to enhance its maritime domain awareness.

"He further appreciated India's role as a 'first responder' for Sri Lanka in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Importantly, the recent success in collaboration efforts of Indian and Sri Lanka Navies in the seizing of vessels trafficking a large quantity of narcotics with suspects was mentioned and President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to the Indian Navy," mentions the India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future' that was released after the meeting between the two leaders.

The two sides also decided to explore the possibility of concluding a framework agreement on defence cooperation.

With India being Sri Lanka's closest maritime neighbour, Dissanayake reiterated Sri Lanka's stated position of not permitting its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability.

"I have given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any way in a manner that is detrimental to the interest of India. The cooperation with India will certainly flourish and I want to reassure our continued support to India," the visiting Lankan President stated during the joint press conference.

The Joint Statement detailed that both leaders acknowledged the importance of regular dialogue based on mutual trust and transparency and giving primacy to each other's security concerns.

"As natural partners, both leaders underscored the common challenges faced by the two countries in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed their commitment to work together in countering traditional and non-traditional threats as well as to ensure a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region," it mentioned.

It was thus decided to explore the possibility of concluding a framework agreement on defence cooperation; foster cooperation in hydrography; provision of defence platforms and assets to augment Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities; intensify collaboration through joint exercises, maritime surveillance, and defence dialogue and exchanges; extend assistance to strengthen capabilities of Sri Lanka on disaster mitigation, relief and rehabilitation, including through training, joint exercises and sharing of best practices; and, enhance capacity building and training for Sri Lankan defence forces and conduct tailormade training programmes, wherever required.

--IANS

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Agartala/Imphal/Aizawl, Dec 16 (IANS) Various northeastern state governments, the Army and other organisations on Monday celebrated the 53rd anniversary of 'Vijay Diwas' with wreath-laying ceremonies and other events organised at the war memorials and other places.

On December 16, 1971, at Ramna Race Course, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka, Lt. Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, leading the Allied Forces (comprising Indian troops and Mukti Bahini), accepted the surrender of the Pakistan Forces chief, Lt. Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with 93,000 Pakistani troops. This decisive victory in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 led to the liberation of East Pakistan, which became the independent nation of Bangladesh. To commemorate this historic victory, Vijay Diwas is observed annually on December 16 across India and Bangladesh, honouring the sacrifices and valour of those who fought in the war.

To mark Vijay Diwas, the Army and Assam Rifles have been organising a series of events in Tripura, which played a vital role during the 1971 war from where the Army launched major offensive campaigns and operations during the Liberation War and local population supported the cause.

A series of events were held at the iconic Albert Ekka War Memorial on the outskirts of Agartala with the atmosphere charged with patriotism as the nation paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.

The highlight of this solemn occasion was a poignant wreath-laying ceremony led by Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu. Red Shield Division commander and other senior officials from the Army were also present at the ceremony which served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the gallant soldiers.

In Mizoram, joining the nationwide observation of India’s victory in the India-Pakistan War of 1971, the state observed the Vijay Diwas at the War Memorial at Treasury Square in Aizawl. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati led the floral tributes to pay homage and respect to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthanga (retd), and many other Army and civil officials followed the Governor in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying wreaths at the memorial.

In Manipur, the main function of the Vijay Diwas was held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall, Imphal. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Forest Minister Biswajit Singh and officials paid floral tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the 1971 war.

The day was also celebrated in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of northeast India.

Security analyst Manas Paul said: "The 1971 war comprised two major operations --- Operation 'Cactus Lily' and Operation 'Nut Cracker' -- and 57 Mountain Division was actively involved in both operations with firepower support from 57 Mountain Artillery Brigade. Both operations progressed from Agartala westwards towards Dhaka. The war finally culminated on December 16, 1971, with the unconditional surrender of the Pakistani soldiers."

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 16 (IANS) Officials of the Srivilliputhur temple in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu clarified that music maestro Ilaiyaraaja was denied entry to the ‘Ardha Mandapa’ of the temple as it was considered sacred like the sanctum sanctorum.

The temple administrator, in a statement on Monday said that only priests are allowed entry to the Ardha Mandapa of the temple.

The authorities also said that Ilaiyaraaja had mistakenly entered the ‘Ardha Mandapa’ of the temple and voluntarily left from there after being sounded about it.

The temple officials denied that the music legend was subjected to any discrimination.

It may be recalled that Ilaiyaraaja, who visited the Srivilliputhur Aandal temple in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district on Sunday evening, was asked to step out of the temple's sacred chamber by the temple authorities.

The legendary music composer was accompanied by Sadagopa Ramanuja Iyer and Sadagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar of the Sri Andal Jeeyar Mutt in Srivilliputtur.

The award-winning music composer was at the temple to release his composition 'Divya Pasuram'. Ilaiyaraaja along with Sadagopa Ramanuja Iyer and Sadagopa Ramanuja Jeeyar of the Sri Andal Jeeyar Mutt proceeded into the garbhagriha or the temple's sacred chamber where the deity is kept, when he was stopped and asked to step out.

It is to be noted that Srivilliputhur Aandal temple is one of the 108 'divya desams' or holy places dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Tamil Nadu.

The temple's history is connected with the legend of the Tamil poet-saint Aandal, who lived in the 7th century.

The legendary composer, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, has contributed significantly to Tamil cinema for nearly five decades.

Ilaiyaraaja, who debuted as a music composer with the film 'Annakili,' has captivated Tamil cinema audiences with his music.

He is a musician, composer, arranger, conductor, orchestrator, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist and playback singer popular for his works in Indian cinema, predominately in Tamil.

He has also composed music in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannad and Hindi movies other than Tamil.

In a career spanning over 48 years, he has composed over 7,000 songs and provided film scores for over 1,000 films, apart from performing in over 20,000 concerts.

Even at 80, he remains a busy composer. His latest project, 'Viduthalai Part 2,' is set to release on December 20. His presence at the event was meant to honour Andal’s legacy.

After this incident, there was severe criticism on social media stating that Ilaiyaraaja’s removal was discriminatory, highlighting social hierarchy issues within religious spaces.

--IANS

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Gurugram, Dec 16 (IANS) The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is ready to prevent fire incidents in the Bandhwari landfill site situated on Gurugram-Faridabad Road.

According to the MCG officials, arrangements have been made in the Bandhwari landfill site to deal with the fire. Six machines have been installed to detect methane gas.

With the help of CCTV cameras, the landfill site is being monitored 24 hours a day. Entry of any outsider in this garbage dump has been banned. Claiming to have made all necessary arrangements to deal with fire in future, Joint Commissioner of the MCG Akhilesh Yadav has filed an affidavit in the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Due to repeated incidents of fire in the Bandhwari garbage dump, NGT had sought answers from the Central Pollution Control Board, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Forest Department, District Deputy Commissioner and MCG in this matter.

At present, garbage from Gurugram and Faridabad is being dumped here. From October 22 last year to October 24 this year, nine fire incidents have been reported at this landfill site. Currently, over 13 lakh tonnes of garbage is lying in Bandhwari and private agencies are disposing it of.

Officials said to deal with the incidents, temporary pipes have been arranged to extinguish the fire. In case of fire, it can be controlled by spraying water and leaching water through this pipe and a fire brigade remains stationed at the site.

Apart from this, the civic body has made different arrangements to deal with the fire, which includes a detector machine installed to identify methane gas. CCTV cameras are used to monitor the garbage dump 24x7. Water is sprinkled after identifying areas with high temperatures.

Safety equipment like gloves, shoes etc have been provided to the staff. Entry of outsiders has been banned. Industrial waste like batteries and chemical waste is banned.

"Fire in the garbage heaps is caused by methane gas. Methane gas is formed under the garbage and when the temperature rises, the garbage catches fire as soon as the methane comes in contact with air. MCG is taking all necessary precautions to stop fire incidents at the landfill site," Joint Commissioner of the MCG Akhilesh Yadav said.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 16 (IANS) West Bengal Municipal Affairs & Urban Development Minister and the Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has started facing criticism from his own party leaders, including Muslims also, for his recent comments predicting that the current “religious minorities” will soon become “majorities” in the state as well as the country.

The two Trinamool Congress MLAs who criticized Hakim have the same name -- Humayun Kabir. Soon after Hakim’s comments made during a public programme went viral on social media on Saturday evening, the party legislator from Bharatpur constituency in Murshidabad district Humayun Kabir advised the minister to be more careful about what he was saying at a public forum.

His namesake and the party legislator from Debra constituency in West Midnapore district, who happens to be a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, made a more scathing attack through his social media post.

He started his post on his social media wall by referring to a line by iconic Indian actor Late Rajesh Khanna in the legendary movie 'Anand' -- 'Jindagi lambi nahi bari honi chahiye Hujur Hakimji (Life should not be long but big, Mr Hakaimji)'.

“We want quality not quantity. It is better to have just two kids who will either become teachers or doctors or even cops like me, rather than having five kids who will become hawkers or migrant labourers or rickshaw pullers or vegetable vendors,” read his post.

Soon after Hakim’s comments surfaced, the BJP leaders launched scathing attacks against him.

BJP Information Technology cell chief and the party central observer for West Bengal Amit Malviya made a statement claiming that after revealing his true intentions by describing non-Muslims as “unfortunate” and endorsing Dawat-e-Islam’s efforts to convert Hindus to Islam, Hakim has now claimed that West Bengal and the rest of India will soon have a Muslim majority.

West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar also questioned why the other constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc were silent and refraining from condemning such a statement by Firhad Hakim.

--IANS

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Satara (Maharashtra), Dec 16 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, travelled to Maharashtra to attend the funeral of Raiyan B. Banaji, son of leading Mumbai ophthalmologist Dr Burjor P. Banaji, official sources said here.

A sports enthusiast and an online trader, Raiyan Banaji, 35, passed away a few days ago when he had gone to play a ruby tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

During a game in Portugal early this month, Raiyan suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away, and his body reached the family's native town of Mahabaleshwar on Monday.

Rahul Gandhi flew down from New Delhi to Pune on Sunday night, and from there drove down to the Mahabaleshwar hill station in adjoining Satara district for the last rites, held as per Parsi customs.

First, the Congress leader visited the home of Banajis and solemnly offered condolences to the shattered parents, Dr Burjor and wife Jinal, Raiyan’s widow Roshni Dadachanji, plus other members of the bereaved family, said the sources.

Later, he participated in the funeral procession and the cremation rites that were performed as per the Parsi religious customs.

The Gandhi family and Rahul Gandhi have close familial bonds with the Banajis from the lineage of his grandfather the late Feroze Gandhi -- the husband of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Last year, ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting in Mumbai, Rahul Gandhi had gone to Dr Banaji’s clinic to check up his eyes, said a party source.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) Working President Supriya Sule and other bigwigs from different fields like politics, corporate and entertainment industry are on Dr Banaji’s client list.

The Parsi Zoroastrians Worldwide (PZW) paid glowing tributes to Raiyan Banaji in a condolence message describing him as “our sweet handsome Cathedral (school, in Mumbai) alumnus”.

The Rugby Association of Maharashtra (RAM), of which the deceased was a member, said in a condolence message: “A tribute to a true gentleman, Raiyan Banaji. Your legacy will live on to inspire. That contagious smile and infectious laugh – always in our minds, forever in our hearts”.

--IANS

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Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 16 (IANS) Anguished over the Siddaramaiah government's refusal to allow the Panchamasali Lingayat community to stage a protest over reservation quota in Belagavi, BJP MLA and senior leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Monday said the current dispensation has turned out to be "complete pro-Muslim".

Speaking to reporters here on the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan's categorical no to the protest, Yatnal stated, “We will ask the Deputy Commissioner for his opinion on not permitting the Panchamasali protest. We will ask whether there is democracy in Belagavi or whether the Deputy Commissioner wants to carry out Hitler’s rule. The Congress government has an allergy towards agitations by the Hindus.”

He further charged, “The government thinks of those Muslims as innocents who do arson and set fire to things. The party adores them. Our Home Minister G. Parameshwara questions the protest by farmers who feed him, but he loves Muslim law-breakers. They are withdrawing all cases related to K.G. Halli and D.J. Halli, Hubballi riot and violence incidents.”

"The Home Minister also stated that all cases against Muslims and the Popular Front of India (PFI) would be taken back. Today, the Adijambava community pressing for internal reservations is also troubled. They have not been given permission to protest," Yatnal stated.

"The Dalits and backwards are also not allowed to protest. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s love for Muslims is evident at the outset. He orders lathi-charges on other communities... The conspiracy by CM Siddaramaiah won’t be successful in the long run...CM Siddaramaiah will realize in the next elections how his attitude of appeasing Muslims will backfire. The people will teach him a befitting lesson. This has become a complete Muslim government. The Congress government is enacting a drama and blackmailing. The Congress leaders are involved in an FIR against protesters in connection with the Panchamasali Lingayat reservation agitation. The FIR is vague and they have not mentioned names. It won’t stand in the court and when the BJP comes to power, the FIR would be withdrawn," he declared.

The Panchamasali Lingayat community had organized a protest near the office of the Deputy Commissioner on Monday condemning the lathi charge on protesters near the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha last Tuesday. Kudalasangama Panchamasali peeth seer Basava Jayamrutynjaya Swami had given a call for the protest.

Reacting over the denial of permission, the seer stated that it is the habit of the government to prevent the protests and it is his duty to stage a protest. “The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should apologize and police officers who carried out the lathi charge should be suspended,” the seer demanded.

Meanwhile, the BJP members in the Legislative Council came to the well of the House and staged a protest condemning the lathi charge on Panchamasali Lingayats. They demanded an apology from the government.

The BJP members took back the protest after the floor leader, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N. Boseraju assured that Home Minister G. Parameshwara would reply on the issue.

Panchamasali Lingayats are demanding reservation under the 2A Category under which 15 per cent of reservation is given for various backward communities. Presently, they are accommodated in the 3B Category where low-income families can avail the reservation along with all sects of Lingayats and other communities including Christians.

--IANS

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Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 16 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, on Monday said that the former Chairman of the State Minorities Commission, Anwar Manippady, was doing a U-turn due to political pressure.

Speaking to reporters at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, he said, “I watched Anwar Manippady’s statements on social media. He had said that he had written to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The Chief Minister has also quoted his statements in a post on X. The records won’t go anywhere, let him release the documents before we do.”

He was replying to queries on Anwar Manippady retracting his statement.

Asked about the CM’s statement that the investigation must be handed over to the CBI, he said, “All facts are before us. Let the CBI write to the state government seeking permission to investigate, we will think about it then. We will not hand this over to the CBI. The BJP knows this and hence are seeking a CBI enquiry."

Asked why so much confusion was being created about this issue, he said the media was the one doing it.

“You are the one who is creating the confusion. You have reported what Anwar said and the CM has also quoted his statement in a post. Anwar has been made to issue a new statement to cover it up. The media should investigate it,” he said.

Asked about Anwar’s statement that Congress leaders had made an offer to him, he said, “He should have said this earlier itself. What is the use of saying it now? What one says in power is more important.”

On Sunday, Anwar Manipaddy refuted the bribery charge made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra stating that Congress leaders had offered him bribes to suppress the Waqf encroachment report.

Anwar Manipaddy further said that if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had genuine concern for Muslims, he should hand over his report on Waqf encroachments to the CBI.

On Saturday, CM Siddaramaiah alleged that B.Y. Vijayendra had “tried to bribe” the former Minority Commission Chairman with Rs 150 crore during the previous government to suppress a probe into Waqf property encroachments.

Vijayendra challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday on the floor of the House to hand over the Waqf probe to the CBI.

“Including the allegation against me of offering Rs 150 crore to the former Minority Commission Chairman to hush up the issue, the encroachments of Waqf properties by Congress leaders should be handed over to the CBI,” he demanded.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) Thanking India for its "immense support" during the unprecedented economic crisis, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday also assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will not allow the island nation to be used in any way that is detrimental to the interest of India.

"I have given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any way in a manner that is detrimental to the interest of India. The cooperation with India will certainly flourish and I want to reassure our continued support to India," Dissanayake said after holding discussions with PM Modi at New Delhi's Hyderabad House.

Dissanayake, who had arrived in India on Sunday evening on what is his first official foreign visit since assuming office, expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi for support and warm hospitality, emphasising that the ongoing visit has paved the way for further development of cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

"We faced an unprecedented economic crisis two years ago and India supported us immensely to come out of that quagmire. It has also helped us immensely after that, especially in the debt-free structuring process. I know that Sri Lanka secures a very significant place in the foreign policy of India. PM Modi assured us full support and he also assured us that he will always protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka," said the visiting President.

PM Modi mentioned that he has assured the Lankan President that India will remain a trusted and reliable partner in Sri Lanka's various development efforts.

"We completely agree that our security interests are interlinked. We have decided to finalise the Defence Cooperation Agreement soon. Cooperation on hydrography has also been agreed upon. We believe that the Colombo Security Conclave is an important platform for regional peace, security and development. Under this, cooperation will be enhanced on topics like maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, fight against smuggling and organised crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The people-to-people relations between India and Sri Lanka are linked to our civilisations," stated PM Modi during the joint press conference.

PM Modi said that both sides also had a detailed discussion on the issues related to the livelihood of fishermen.

While Prime Minister Modi suggested moving forward with a "humane approach" in the matter, Dissanayake said that a "durable and sustainable" solution is needed on the issue, that he said has become a "plague" for both the countries.

"There are bottom trawling systems being adopted by the fishermen in that area and that needs to be put an end to because that will spell doom to this industry," he said.

The Lankan President lauded India's "tremendous success" in digitising the public services and remarked that Sri Lanka is also taking the same path with PM Modi assuring him of support in the endeavour.

Dissanayake is also scheduled to meet Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and participate in a business forum aimed at strengthening investment and trade ties between the two countries before travelling to Bodh Gaya.

The visiting delegation also includes Vijitha Herath - Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment, and Tourism Minister - and the country's Minister of Labour and Deputy Economic Development Minister Anil Jayanta Fernando.

Soon after his arrival on Sunday, the Lankan President had met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

"Extensive discussions were held between President Dissanayake and Minister Sitharaman on enhancing Indo-Sri Lankan economic cooperation and expanding investment opportunities between the two countries. The talks also covered bringing more Indian tourists to Sri Lanka, modernizing Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, and developing digital infrastructure," the Lankan President's office said in a statement on Monday.

--IANS

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