India

Hyderabad, Oct 6 (IANS) The breakfast scheme for 27 lakh students in government schools in Telangana is the world’s largest initiative, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Tuesday.

He said that providing breakfast every day to 27 lakh students is an initiative that does not exist anywhere else in the world and that Telangana is the first to implement such an innovative programme.

The Deputy CM said the nutritious food being provided to students should not be viewed as free, but as an investment in the state’s future human resources. He noted that only when children remain healthy and study well can they contribute significantly to the state’s future production and thereby support the growth of the GSDP.

Vikramarka and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy laid the foundation stone for a centralised community kitchen to be constructed at a cost of Rs 9.6 crore at Munagala village in Kodad Assembly constituency of Suryapet district for school students.

Addressing a public meeting organised on the occasion, Vikramarka said the greenfield kitchen at Munagala would be equipped with modern technology and hygienic facilities to provide hot breakfast from a single kitchen to nearly 60,000 students studying in 1,020 schools.

He said breakfast was being provided six days a week to students studying in government schools across the state. Milk is being served on three days and ragi porridge on the other three days.

He said that while preparing food even for 100 people at home is difficult, providing breakfast simultaneously to 27 million students is an initiative that does not exist anywhere else in the world and is a reflection of the Telangana government’s humane approach.

The Deputy CM stated that children can grow into healthy human resources only when they receive adequate nutrition during their formative years. Therefore, the government has taken responsibility for providing quality food to children from poor and middle-class families from an early age and helping them reach higher levels in life.

Vikramarka, who is also the Finance Minister, said the welfare programmes being implemented by the government should not be viewed as freebies. He described the expenditure on the poor, farmers, women, and students as an investment that would ultimately benefit the state’s economy.

He said that when people remain healthy, children receive education, women achieve economic empowerment and farmers receive investment support, the productivity of the state increases. He stated that programmes such as Rythu Bharosa, free electricity, supply of fine rice, Rajiv Aarogyasri, free RTC bus travel for women, interest-free loans, fee reimbursement and Indiramma Houses are all aimed at enabling poor families to achieve economic progress.

He said that when people’s purchasing power increases, economic activity also grows, thereby contributing to the growth of the state’s GSDP.

--IANS

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Vijayawada, Oct 6 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell has arrested two persons, including a Naval employee, for allegedly sharing sensitive information about Naval and defence establishments with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives.

Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver engaged for Naval officers, was arrested in Visakhapatnam, while Pradeep Mukherjee, a Naval employee at the Visakhapatnam Naval base, was arrested in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

The AP Counter Intelligence Cell made the arrests after launching a coordinated operation on October 1 against an alleged espionage module involving 18 suspects, including 13 Naval personnel.

Code-named “Operation Firewall–2026”, the operation involved 12 Counter Intelligence teams deployed across 10 states and union territory -- Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Bihar.

The Counter Intelligence Cell said in a statement on Tuesday that it received credible information that certain people in India were allegedly in direct contact with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) and their suspected involvement in an espionage conspiracy prejudicial to national security. The suspects were allegedly collecting and sharing the sensitive/classified information relating to defence establishments and strategic locations in Visakhapatnam and other parts of the country was collected and shared through encrypted communication channels.

The Counter Intelligence Police Station in Vijayawada registered a case on September 2 under Sections 61(2), 147 and 148 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Sections 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

Counter Intelligence teams worked in coordination with the concerned state Anti-Terrorism Squads, Naval officials and local police. They examined the alleged involvement of the 18 suspects and seized electronic gadgets following legal procedures. Two of the suspects were arrested after their role was established prima facie in this case, while investigation into the remaining suspects is continuing.

Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver engaged for Naval officers, was arrested for his involvement in sharing sensitive/classified information relating to Naval/Defence establishments with a Pakistan-based intelligence operative and received money in connection with it. He was sent to judicial remand until October 14 and is currently lodged in District Jail, Visakhapatnam.

Pradeep Mukherjee, a Naval employee at the Visakhapatnam Naval base, allegedly shared an OTP to activate a WhatsApp account used by a PIO, communicated with PIOs and shared sensitive information relating to Naval and defence establishments. After obtaining a transit warrant from a local court in Coimbatore, the Counter Intelligence Cell produced Mukherjee before the jurisdictional court in Vijayawada. He was sent to judicial custody until October 14 and is currently lodged in District Jail, Vijayawada.

The Counter Intelligence Cell said the investigation into the remaining suspects was continuing and that further details would be disclosed at an appropriate time, keeping in view the requirements of the investigation and national security.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Oct 6 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday sought a report from the West Bengal government on why it had withdrawn the 'Z-Plus' security cover from Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who was given it during the previous Mamata Banerjee regime.

Abhishek Banerjee, also the nephew of Mamata Banerjee, on September 28 moved the Calcutta High Court seeking restoration of his “Z-Plus” category security.

The matter came up for hearing on Tuesday. After a detailed hearing in the matter, Justice Krishan Rao directed the state government to submit a report.

The next hearing in the matter will be on October 13.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Abhishek Banerjee's counsel argued that his client’s security was upgraded in phases from "Y" category in 2013 to "Y Plus" category in 2014 and subsequently to "Z" category first in 2015 and finally to "Z Plus" category in 2016.

"But in 2026, right after the Assembly polls, his ‘Z Plus’ security was suddenly withdrawn on May 10. This security was withdrawn without any notice. My client was not informed about the reason for this. The security level was downgraded from ‘Z Plus’ to ‘X’ category, and only two security guards were given. After the security was downgraded, he was attacked in Sonarpur just 19 days later. Despite prior notification, no security was provided except for two personnel from Kolkata Police. After that, there were four more separate attacks on my client. He was also attacked once at the airport, where one of the attackers had a revolver in his hand. His Diamond Harbour and Camac Street offices were also attacked. He has a history of serious eye injuries in the past," counsel argued.

Thereafter, Justice Rao sought a report from the state administration and also raised the question of what the hurry for the state government was to downgrade the security of the Diamond Harbour MP.

While downgrading the security arrangement for Abhishek Banerjee, the state government’s argument was that the Diamond Harbour MP had been provided that much security, which he is entitled to as a Lok Sabha member.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 (IANS) The Kerala government has decided against renewing its contract with Chipsan Aviation for the lease of a helicopter.

The government conveyed its decision on Tuesday before the Lokayukta, with the Director General of Prosecution (DGP) making its stand clear during the hearing of a petition filed by K.M. Shajahan.

The DGP also told the Lokayukta that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s recent visit to Malappuram was not for any personal purpose.

The case has been posted for further hearing on November 3.

The leased helicopter arrangement had become a major political controversy during the previous LDF government.

The government had initially entered into an agreement with Pawan Hans before shifting to Chipsan Aviation.

Under the arrangement, the government pays Rs 80 lakh a month for 25 flying hours.

An additional Rs 90,000 is payable for every hour beyond the contracted flying time.

The monthly rental has to be paid irrespective of whether the helicopter is actually used.

The UDF, when in the Opposition, had strongly criticised the arrangement, describing it as an unnecessary burden on the state exchequer.

The issue gained fresh political attention after the change of government when Satheesan, who had earlier criticised the use of a leased helicopter, also travelled in one as Chief Minister.

With the existing contract reaching its expiry, there had been a proposal to renew the agreement.

A recommendation had come for the continuation of the contract, pointing out that going for a fresh tender could result in a higher financial commitment.

Chipsan Aviation had subsequently offered to provide the helicopter on an as-needed basis at Rs 4 lakh per flying hour after the expiry of the contract.

The government has now decided against renewing the contract, signalling a shift from the earlier arrangement and potentially ending one of the most politically contentious aviation-related expenditure decisions of the previous government.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) On a day of dramatic march and sit-in by Opposition MPs led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, the Election Commission clarified that till 4 p.m. no political party or its representative had sought an appointment with the Commission for a meeting, an official said.

Even as the Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi from his make-shift sit-in venue at Akashvani Bhavan on Parliament Street around 8 p.m., the ECI maintained that there was no direct communication or advance information from Rahul Gandhi or other MPs about his desire to meet the Commission to submit a memorandum.

“At 4 p.m., the Delhi Police informed the Commission that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi-led team of MPs wants to submit a memorandum,” the ECI said in a statement.

Later, the police informed that the 240 MPs wanted to hold a meeting with the Commission at Parliament Annexe, the ECI said.

This suggestion, however, was rejected by the poll panel as the protocol did not allow such a meeting to take place at any place other than Nirvachan Sandan, the ECI said.

The ECI statement said that the Commission proposed to send its most senior official to the proposed meeting venue to receive the memorandum from the MPs, which would have been an unprecedented step in itself.

However, this suggestion was also rejected by the MPs, said the statement.

The ECI reiterated that it respects the parliamentary and democratic processes of the country, and also respects its own protocols and traditions, which are of utmost importance.

“Any political party may request a meeting with the Election Commission at any time, and the Commission may schedule a meeting, taking into account logistical conveniences. This is a natural process,” said the statement.

The statement said, “The Election Commission of India established a procedure for meetings with political parties in 2025. All political parties have been informed of this and follow this procedure.”

“Whenever a political party delegation or a joint delegation of several parties wishes to meet the Commission, they seek an appointment through their duly authorised representative. The meeting is then held at a time mutually agreed upon by both parties,” it said.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other INDIA bloc leaders were detained by police from the Akashvani Bhavan after over nine hours of staging a sit-in at the premises near the ECI's office.

During the day, INDIA bloc MPs tried to push open the gates of the Akashvani Bhawan as they intensified their protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI), demanding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over alleged vote theft.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Tuesday said that Tehran is ready for a "serious dialogue" with the United States to resolve the ongoing conflict but a lasting agreement cannot be reached through pressure, threats or military action.

In an exclusive interview with the IANS, Ambassador Fathali underscored that the Iranian government has always maintained that issues between both countries should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

"To produce a result, dialogue must rest on mutual respect, reciprocal commitments and a reliable path for diplomacy. At present, the two sides differ on some fundamental issues, including how to end the conflict and the lifting of restrictions and sanctions. Iran is ready for serious dialogue and for a balanced, implementable agreement. But a lasting agreement cannot be reached through pressure, threats or military action," said Fathali while reacting to reports about US President Donald Trump expecting further talks with Iran this week.

"If the US genuinely seeks a diplomatic solution, it must create conditions in which both sides' commitments are implemented simultaneously and verifiably. Within such a framework, progress is possible. However, it is not possible to prejudge the outcome of the negotiations or the achievement of a definitive agreement," he added.

As the situation remains volatile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made it clear that "there is no military solution" to the conflict with the US.

Ambassador Fathali insists that Iran has not closed the door to diplomacy and is ready for serious dialogue based on mutual interests and reciprocal commitments. However, he made it clear that there is no scope for pressure, threats and military action while calling for negotiations.

"The problem, unfortunately, is that what the US side presents as 'negotiation' often amounts, in practice, to accepting unilateral demands. That approach is not acceptable to us. We do not reject genuine, balanced negotiations based on mutual respect, but negotiations cannot mean imposing one side's demands on the other... If the genuine objective is a diplomatic solution, conditions must be created for negotiations on an equal footing, with respect for the legitimate rights and interests of both sides," he maintains.

Earlier this week, an IRGC commander claimed that US forces have been "forced" to retreat about 1,000 km from Iran's borders. At the same time, after Iraq, Iranian lawmaker Abdolhossein Rouholamini has called for the US to withdraw its military forces from the entire region.

"The IRGC commander's statements reflect the fact that the US military presence in the region is undergoing changes. The principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on foreign forces in the region is clear. We believe regional security should be ensured by the countries of the region, through cooperation among themselves, and not through the presence of extra-regional forces," the Iranian Ambassador to India mentioned.

"The countries of this region have lived alongside one another for thousands of years and have always addressed their issues through interaction and cooperation. The experience of past decades has also shown that the presence and intervention of extra-regional forces have not created lasting security. They have themselves been among the factors increasing tension and insecurity. We believe the countries of the region have the capacity and the responsibility to ensure their own security."

Certain reports have also suggested that the flow of crude from the Persian Gulf has recovered to near-prewar levels, but the supplies are largely bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Ambassador, however, dismissed claims of oil flows returning to pre-war levels.

"The claim that crude flows from the Persian Gulf have returned to pre-war levels has been made mainly by the American side and some shipping-monitoring institutions. In practice, this does not necessarily mean that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have increased. Part of the supply reduction has been offset by releases from strategic oil reserves, and another part by greater use of alternative routes. The relative balance now seen in the market therefore cannot be read as a return of Hormuz flows to pre-war levels," he commented.

"These alternative routes can make up part of the shortfall in the short term. But their capacity and efficiency cannot be compared with those of the Strait of Hormuz, and they cannot replace this vital route in the long term. If supplies of oil and petroleum products had truly returned to pre-war levels, why have oil prices not done the same? And why do fuel prices in the United States remain high and even continue to rise? What we are witnessing is a form of temporary management and compensation for the shortfall, not a genuine return of the energy market to pre-war conditions," said Ambassador Fathali.

--IANS

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Shillong, Oct 6 (IANS) Three scientists from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) have secured places among the top 1,000 scholars globally in the 2026 Scholarly Index Ranking, marking a significant achievement for the university and strengthening the Northeast's presence on the global research landscape.

According to university officials, Mohit L. Deb emerged as the highest-ranked among the three, securing the 129th position globally and 15th in India.

His scholarly contributions are primarily associated with research on the synthesis of indole derivatives.

Yugal Kishore Mohanta secured World Rank 398 and India Rank 45.

His research focuses on the synthesis and applications of nanoparticles, an area with growing significance in nanobiotechnology and related scientific disciplines.

Golam Mohiuddin was placed at World Rank 844 and India Rank 89 for his contributions to liquid crystal research.

USTM said the recognition reflects the sustained research output of its faculty members across specialised scientific fields and highlights the increasing international visibility of research conducted at the institution.

University officials described the achievement as particularly significant for USTM, which was established in 2011 as the first state private university dedicated to science and technology in the Northeast.

In its first NAAC accreditation cycle in 2021, the university was awarded an 'A' grade.

According to the institution, USTM has also featured among the top 200 universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

The university said that the latest recognition reinforces its emphasis on research, innovation and academic excellence, while continuing its focus on teaching, community engagement, inclusivity and sustainable development.

The inclusion of three faculty members among the world's top 1,000 scholars is being viewed as a notable research milestone for a comparatively young institution.

USTM said the achievement demonstrates the potential of institutions in the Northeast to contribute to internationally recognised scientific research and strengthens the region's emerging academic and innovation ecosystem.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held discussions with Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Tuesday on taking forward negotiations over the Bilateral Investment Treaty between the two countries, with a view to enhancing investment flows and deepening economic engagement.

"Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman called on H.E. Mr. @ParmelinG, Swiss President, in New Delhi, today. They held discussions on issues of common interest to both India and Switzerland, including taking forward negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty which is mutually beneficial to both nations with a view to enhance investment flows and deepening economic engagement," the Finance Ministry said on X.

India and Switzerland are strengthening their economic partnership with a focus on expanding market access, facilitating investment and deepening cooperation in infrastructure, technology, innovation and supply chains, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal had said.

In a post on X, Agarwal said India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries had implemented the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) last year, describing it as India's first free trade agreement with a European economic bloc.

The agreement provides a framework for investment, innovation, jobs and shared prosperity, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised the importance of translating the growing India-Switzerland partnership into concrete outcomes in trade and investment.

Addressing a joint press conference with President Parmelin after their talks here on Monday, PM Modi said the two countries agreed that reforms in global institutions were essential to address growing global challenges.

"India and Switzerland both believe in democratic values, rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy," PM Modi said and added that India had consistently supported meaningful efforts towards peace in Ukraine and West Asia.

"We have taken several important decisions to enhance market access for India's exports in Switzerland and to further facilitate investment between the two countries. This will increase the export of India's agriculture, pharma, textile, and engineering goods to Switzerland. At the same time, we will attract new Swiss investment in India's important sectors such as biotech, life Sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and Sustainability," he said.

Apart from that, PM Modi and the Swiss President reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), military matters, defence production, nuclear energy, science and technology, and people-to-people ties.

Moreover, India and the four EFTA members -- Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein -- implemented TEPA in October 2025.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday attacked the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of "defaming" India's constitutional institutions through "false narratives".

Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said: "The manner in which the Congress party and its entire ecosystem spread lies across the country, specifically targeting constitutional institutions, has been exposed."

The BJP spokesperson recalled a social media post by LoP Gandhi in which the latter alleged that the Delhi Police had attempted to sexually harass a female journalist.

"Following the incident, the Delhi Police held a press conference revealing how the Congress had circulated a false and fabricated video. In reality, the video had been created using AI, by a content creator named Nadeem Ahmed. The Congress and its ecosystem attempted to propagate a fake narrative based on it—a deception that has now been exposed. Yet, Rahul Gandhi remains completely silent on this falsehood today," he said.

Bhandari also remarked that the Congress party's primary agenda is to "spread chaos in the country through false narratives".

"The sole agenda of the Congress and its ecosystem is to push a fake narrative via independent content creators, which Rahul Gandhi and the party's ecosystem then attempt to amplify round-the-clock through various social media accounts," he alleged.

Referring to the arrest of Nadeem Ahmed, Bhandari said: "Now that the person who created the fake video has been arrested, will Rahul Gandhi—who has fostered a false atmosphere in the country through misleading narratives—offer an explanation? Will the nation's intelligentsia ask him why he propagated lies that were subsequently exposed, and hold him accountable for them?"

The BJP leader claimed that Rahul Gandhi is not in politics to save the country's democracy, but rather to "bring his family back to power".

"Rahul Gandhi and his entire ecosystem are attempting to hijack Indian democracy through fake narratives—a fact the public is witnessing," he said.

Pradeep Bhandari asked why Rahul Gandhi did not delete his social media post after the video was revealed to be fake and AI-generated.

"Was the order to create the fake video issued by the Congress party's IT cell? Isn't this a grave injustice to the country's journalists who engage in responsible reporting on the ground and strive to bring the truth to light? Is the Congress ecosystem not attempting to discredit the 'fourth pillar' of democracy today by infiltrating various movements with its paid creators?" he asked.

Bhandari asked: "Is the Congress ecosystem not attempting to strike a blow against the country's constitutional institutions? Every individual who believes in this nation's democracy should ask Rahul Gandhi a fundamental question: why is it that when your lies are repeatedly exposed, yet you fail to offer any clarification?"

--IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) India and Austria discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in security and strategic matters as Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George met Austria's National Security Advisor Peter Vorhofer.

“Secretary (West) Sibi George received Dr Peter Vorhofer, National Security Advisor of Austria. They discussed ways to further strengthen India-Austria cooperation in security and strategic matters, including counter-terrorism and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” the MEA said on X.

In June, the Indian Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran met a top Austrian Defence Ministry official to discuss bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters.

“Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran met Dr Arnold Kammel, Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defence in Vienna. Substantive discussions on taking forward bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters following the Letter of Intent signed during the Austrian Chancellor’s visit to India in April 2026," the Embassy/Permanent Mission of India in Vienna wrote on X.

Chancellor Christian Stoker and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting during the former's visit with a focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and green technology.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Letter of Intent (LoI) on Cooperation in Military Matters will provide an institutional framework for promoting cooperation in military matters, defence industrial and technology partnership, building on the momentum of the India-EU Defence and Security Partnership signed on January 27, as well as facilitating defence policy dialogue, training and capacity building.

During the Austrian Chancellor's visit, an LoI was also signed on the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, which will advance counter terrorism cooperation between India and Austria, including the goal of both sides to work together to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism for exploring areas of strategic cooperation on issues relating to the fight against terrorism.

--IANS

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