India

Bhopal, Dec 25 (IANS) On former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 100th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several major development projects in Madhya Pradesh, including the highly anticipated Ken-Betwa Link Project.

The event marked a significant milestone in the region’s development, with PM Modi highlighting the transformative potential of these initiatives, particularly the river-linking project, for the Bundelkhand region and surrounding districts in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing a large gathering, PM Modi said that once the Ken-Betwa Link Project is completed, it will open new doors of prosperity and happiness for the people of Bundelkhand. The project, aimed at improving water availability and irrigation facilities, will also benefit neighbouring districts of Uttar Pradesh like Banda, Mahoba, Lalitpur, and Jhansi.

The project is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy, especially for the farming communities in the region.

Several farmers from the Khajuraho area expressed their excitement and optimism for the future, telling IANS about how the project would resolve long-standing water scarcity issues and improve their livelihoods.

One farmer commented: "It’s great news for all of us that PM Modi has initiated this project. All the issues we faced in the past regarding water supply will be resolved now."

Another farmer added: "I feel good that PM Modi visited our region. This scheme will benefit all farmers, and I am hopeful for a better future."

The enthusiasm was not limited to farmers alone. Local people across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh expressed their gratitude for the project, which promises to bring long-term benefits to the region.

One resident from the Ghode Dam area in Madhya Pradesh said, "Today, PM Modi has launched a Rs 44,500 crore water-related plan. This is a fantastic initiative, and we are excited about its implementation."

Echoing the sentiment, another resident from Khajuraho said: "Only PM Modi could have undertaken such an ambitious project. He has fulfilled the dream of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and this will create jobs and improve the lives of all of us."

The launch of the project has given local communities a sense of hope, with many seeing it as a long-awaited opportunity for the development of Bundelkhand, an area that has long struggled with water scarcity.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), a crucial part of India's river-interlinking initiative, aims to transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna. This 221-km canal, which includes a 2 km tunnel, will provide irrigation water to over 11 lakh hectares of land. The total cost of the project is Rs 2,208 crore, and 40 per cent of the work has already been completed, with the remaining work expected to be completed by 2026.

As part of the project’s second phase, high-pressure irrigation facilities will be introduced in 253 villages in Shivpuri and Datia districts. This will provide irrigation to 1,10,400 hectares of land, benefiting approximately 53,790 families. Additionally, the project will secure 6 million cubic meters of water for drinking purposes, ensuring clean water for about 1.65 lakh people across 33,000 families in 125 villages in Pichor tehsil.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project promises to bring lasting change to the region, fulfilling the dreams of both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and PM Narendra Modi by ensuring sustainable development and improved livelihoods for the people of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The local communities, farmers, and residents are already looking forward to the positive impact the project will have on their daily lives.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) India is projected to witness 6.5 per cent real GDP growth in the current and next fiscal (FY25 and FY26), according to a report on Wednesday, which is in line with the expectation amid a resilient economy and strong fundamentals.

The latest 'EY Economy Watch December 2024' projected that combining the real GDP growth of first two quarters of FY25 at 6.7 per cent and 5.4 per cent, respectively, with RBI's revised growth estimates for 3Q and 4Q FY25 at 6.8 per cent and 7.2 per cent, respectively, "the annual FY25 real GDP growth may be estimated at 6.6 per cent".

“However, if the turnaround in GoI's investment expenditure remains subdued, Q3 growth may be 6.5 per cent or less," the report mentioned.

The real GDP growth eased to 5.4 per cent in the July-September quarter (Q2 FY25), compared to 6.7 per cent in the preceding quarter.

The available high frequency data for October and November point to a mixed picture regarding the growth momentum of the Indian economy.

Headline manufacturing PMI witnessed a softer expansion of 56.5 in November compared to 57.5 in October. Services PMI, however, remained nearly stable at 58.4 in November 2024, close to its level of 58.5 in October 2024, on account of strong international demand and improving business confidence.

As per the data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association, retail sales of motor vehicles continued to show a double-digit growth of 11.2 per cent in November.

In particular, retail sales of two wheelers and tractors showed robust growth rates of 15.8 per cent and 29.9 per cent, respectively, in November 2024, according to the EY report.

"October 2024 witnessed an increase in IIP growth to 3.5 per cent, up from September’s 3.1 per cent, driven by stronger manufacturing and electricity production," the report mentioned.

CPI inflation eased to 5.5 per cent in November from 6.2 per cent in October as vegetable prices eased, whereas core CPI inflation remained steady at 3.7 per cent for the second successive month.

WPI inflation also moderated to 1.9 per cent in November from 2.4 per cent in October.

According to DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India, in the medium-term, India's real GDP growth prospects can be kept at 6.5 per cent per year, provided the government accelerates its capital expenditure growth in the remaining part of the current fiscal year and comes up with a medium-term investment pipeline "with participation from the GoI and state governments and both their respective public sector entities, and the private corporate sector".

--IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 25 (IANS) Former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee and his close associate Arpita Mukherjee have been shown as the highest beneficiaries in the total scam amount of Rs 151.26 crore in the cash-for-school job case in the records of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as elaborated in its fifth and last supplementary charge sheet.

As per the supplementary charge sheet filed at a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Kolkata, of the total amount of Rs 151.26 crore confiscated by the ED so far, the combined share of proceeds of Chatterjee and Mukherjee in the entire amount is Rs 103.78 crore.

The confiscation is in terms of cash and gold seized and immovable property attached.

The second highest confiscation amount in the matter, as mentioned by the ED in its records, is that of a private corporate entity linked to another prime accused, Sujay Krishna Bhadra, where the confiscation amount is Rs 7.47 crore.

Apart from that, as the agency informed the special court, another amount of Rs 2.70 crore linked to the same corporate entity is in the process of confiscation.

The other major beneficiaries in the case, as per the records of the ED are private promoter Ayan Shil and now-suspended youth Trinamool leaders Kuntal Ghosh and Shantanu Bandopadhyay. The combined confiscation amount involving the last three individuals mentioned is Rs 15.03 crore.

Subsequent charge sheets filed by ED in the school job case have named a total of 54, out of whom 29 are individuals and the remaining 24 are corporate entities and trusts. These trusts were mainly used to divert the scam proceeds in the matter under the masquerade of donations.

One such trust, as mentioned by the ED in the records, is the Babli Chatterjee Memorial Trust, which is named after the deceased wife of Partha Chatterjee. Besides Chatterjee, his son-in-law Kalyanmoy Bhattacharya has also been shown as an accused in the case.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Dec 25 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday said that Medak Cathedral Church, which is celebrating its centenary, has national recognition.

He participated in the centenary celebrations of the church in Medak and conveyed greetings to the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas.

The Chief Minister stated that the government released adequate funds for the development of the church.

Revanth Reddy recalled that he had visited the church as the state Congress chief, sought blessings, and vowed that he would come back as the Chief Minister.

"Today, I am visiting the church to celebrate Christmas and also centenary celebrations of the church along with the devout," he said.

Asserting that the Congress government is for the poor, the Chief Minister said Dalit and tribal Christians will be the biggest beneficiaries of the Indiramma housing scheme. These communities are also benefiting from the 200 units of free power scheme.

Lauding the Christian missionaries, the Chief Minister said they focussed on education and medicine. Inspired by their service, the Congress government introduced fee reimbursement and Rajiv Arogyasri, he said.

The church, which is one of the most visited in South India, was illuminated with colourful lights.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma had participated in the centenary celebrations of the church on December 22.

A large number of Christians from Telangana and neighbouring states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh participated in the celebrations.

Medak Cathedral was built by British missionary Charles Walker Fasnet. During a famine, he initiated the construction of the church under a “food for work” programme to provide employment and prevent starvation deaths.

The church was constructed between 1914 and 1924 and during this period, the workers were compensated with paddy.

Consecrated on December 25, 1924, it is the single-largest diocese in Asia and the second-largest in the world after the Vatican.

Medak Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop in Medak for the Church of South India comprising Wesleyan Methodist, Congregational, and Anglican missionary societies.

The church complex is an architectural marvel spread over more than 300 acres. The is 100 feet wide and 200 long and conforms to the Gothic Revival style. It can accommodate about 5,000 people at a time.

The mosaic tiles were imported from Britain and Italian masons were engaged in laying the decorative flooring. The bell tower is 175 feet high and visible from a few miles.

According to information on the Medak district website, massive pillars built with fine-hewn and well-dressed grey stone support the gallery and the whole edifice. The roof of the church is made sound-proof by means of hollow sponge material and has an impressive style of vaulting.

The biggest attraction of the Cathedral is its stained glass windows depicting different scenes from Christ’s life – Ascension behind the altar, Nativity in the west transept, and Crucifixion in the east transept. This magnificent Cathedral is the quintessence of impeccable craftsmanship and attracts more than 30 lakh tourists every year.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 25 (IANS) Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya on Wednesday emphasised that information technology (IT) is the most effective means of ensuring transparency, implementing good governance, and curbing corruption.

Speaking at the 'Good Governance Day' event organised at LNJP Hospital in Kurukshetra on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Governor Dattatraya highlighted the state government's efforts in transitioning from outdated systems to creating a public-friendly framework, which has yielded significant success.

Before addressing the event, Governor Dattatraya paid floral tributes to a portrait of former PM Vajpayee, distributed fruits among patients, and extended greetings of the 'Good Governance Day' to the people of the state.

The Governor formally inaugurated the 'Good Governance Day' programme by lighting a ceremonial lamp.

During the event, he interacted with patients, interacted with hospital doctors and staff, and participated in a commemorative group photograph.

Governor Dattatraya noted that the state government is organising programmes in every district on Good Governance Day to reinforce the principles of governance.

Reflecting on former PM Vajpayee's legacy, he said that the former Prime Minister dedicated his entire life to society, working tirelessly for the country's progress through inclusive development.

"Late Vajpayee ji was a true patriot who selflessly served the nation, and his birth anniversary is now celebrated across the country as the Good Governance Day," said Governor Dattatraya, while emphasising the need for the younger generation to draw inspiration from former PM Vajpayee's exemplary life.

Governor Dattatraya also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the path shown by former PM Vajpayee, has implemented welfare-oriented policies aimed at eradicating poverty and ensuring holistic development.

These initiatives have been coupled with governance reforms and the introduction of 'Digital India' to make such schemes accessible to every citizen.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Dec 25 (IANS) A Pakistani intruder was shot dead by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district when he was attempting to cross over to Indian territory near a village in the Kesarisinghpur area.

The incident was confirmed by Superintendent of Police Gaurav Yadav. He said that the intruder was identified as Abdul Gaffar, a 33-year-old resident of Minchinabad, Pakistan.

He was carrying Pakistani Rupees 1,700 (around Rs 518).

SP Yadav told IANS: "The body of the intruder has been handed over to Kesarisinghpur police after Pakistan refused to take his body in the flag meeting. The name of the intruder is written as Abdul Gaffar on the identity card found with him. He is a resident of Minchinabad. His age is mentioned as 33 years."

The police officer asserted that the BSF personnel had reportedly warned the intruder as he approached a border pillar, but he ignored the warnings, prompting the BSF troopers to open fire.

Items recovered from him included Pakistani currencies, a cigarette packet, and other belongings.

Despite a flag meeting, Pakistani authorities refused to claim the body, which has since been handed over to the Kesarisinghpur police.

The police and army are actively investigating the incident. An ID card written in Urdu was found on the intruder. The incident site, located about 50 km from Sri Ganganagar district headquarters, was difficult to access due to dense fog, delaying police arrival until around 12 noon on Wednesday.

The intruder was dressed in a kurta and pyjama with his face covered. BSF officials have stated that further action will follow a postmortem examination.

Kesarisinghpur SHO Jitendra Swami noted that additional details, including the purpose of the intrusion and recovered items, cannot be disclosed at this stage.

A similar incident happened 10 months ago in Sri Ganganagar, when another intruder was shot dead while attempting to cross the wire fencing from Pakistan into the buffer zone near Sundarpura Border Outpost (BOP).

The area, largely agricultural land, remains under strict surveillance by security forces.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) The Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) announced a dedicated curriculum at the undergraduate level, to create a thriving quantum-trained ecosystem in India as part of the National Quantum Mission.

Professor Ajay K Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Central Government, said that the curriculum will integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on lab experience, aiming to deepen graduates' understanding of quantum technologies through a minor programme in the subject at the undergraduate level.

Highlighting the progress made in the National Quantum Mission, Prof. Sood emphasised the importance of this initiative to align with the goals of the Mission in order to create a quantum-ready workforce for the country’s technological advancement and global leadership.

The curriculum will help impart training for developing this workforce to enable them to reach global standards, and simultaneously address the multi-disciplinary needs of quantum technology development -- from basic to applied research.

“The National Quantum Mission from the Central Government is a decisive step in accelerating the nation’s research and technology development in this field. Such research and technology development will require a highly skilled workforce through immediate initiatives in teaching and training,” the Ministry of Science & Technology said in a statement.

Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary Department of Science and Technology said, "The announcement of this curriculum marks a significant step in building a quantum-ready workforce. It is designed for undergraduate students. For the success of the programme, training of teachers and basic lab infrastructure will also be required. National Quantum Mission will support the creation of teaching labs in some select institutions and will work with AICTE for faculty development."

AICTE Chairman Professor T G Sitharam highlighted that this is a new beginning in the quantum revolution to leverage the potential of quantum technology to create an impact in society. “Our curriculum is ready and hopefully it will be included in next July session in all top institutions,” he added.

While institutes of national importance have begun programmes to this end, expanding such training to a larger pool of institutes across the country can enable the nation to tap into the vast resource of students who can then participate in the mission to accelerate its progress towards its goals. The course would be taken up for implementation by AICTE-approved institutions across the country.

The course structure includes all four verticals of Quantum Technology -- Quantum Computing, Quantum communications, Quantum sensing and metrology, and Quantum materials and devices. The proposed curriculum constitutes a minimum of 18 credits with both theory and lab courses. Each course amounts to three credits (one credit translating to one in-class contact hour per week for a theory course or one session of lab for three hours for a lab course), thereby making the minor programme span a minimum of six courses.

Faculty Development Programmes in the areas of Quantum Technologies are also proposed to be carried out to enable them to do justice to the goals of the minor program. Such sustained teacher training efforts will also enhance the quality of the training imparted to students over the years leading to long-term benefits and enable India to become a world leader in this field.

Apart from this course, the National Quantum Mission in collaboration with AICTE is also planning to support the creation of labs to aid teaching in the areas of quantum technologies, writing of books for the course and quantum awareness programmes.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Dec 25 (IANS) J&K Police said on Wednesday that it has arrested nine drug peddlers from various districts of the Kashmir Valley and recovered various narcotic substances from them.

"In its tireless efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police have arrested nine drug peddlers in various districts of Kashmir Valley and recovered contraband/psychotropic substances from their possession," a police statement said.

It said that in Srinagar, a party of police station Nowhatta, during routine naka checking at Ganj Baksh Park, apprehended two drug peddlers identified as Khalid Ahmad son of Mohd Ismail Rather, a resident of Rashan Ghat, Soura, and Basit Ahmad Dar, son of Bilal Ahmad Dar, a resident of Usmaniya Colony, Wantpora, Eidgah. During their search, a substantial quantity of contraband substances was recovered from their possession.

In Baramulla district, a police party of police station Baramulla, at a checkpoint established at Azadgunj Chowk Baramulla, intercepted a person identified as Mubashir Mohiuddin Dar, son of Gh Mohiuddin, a resident of Azadgunj. During a search, 200 grams of Charas were recovered from his possession. He was subsequently arrested.

Meanwhile in Bandipora, during naka checking at Papachan bridge, officials of police station Bandipora apprehended a drug peddler and recovered 47 bottles of codeine phosphate bottles from his possession. He has been identified as Irshad Ahmad Wani, son of Habibullah Wani, resident of Hajin. Similarly, during naka checking at Shokbaba Sumlar, another drug peddler was arrested along with 40 grams of charas were recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Ab Rashid Sheikh, son of Sonaullaha Sheikh, a resident of Arin.

Moreover, a police party, at a checkpoint established at Check Chandergeer, intercepted a vehicle, bearing registration no. JK15C-0747, being driven by Mohmad Aqib Wani, son of Gh Mohd Wani, a resident of Hajin. During a search, 98 bottles of codeine phosphate were recovered from his possession. The driver has been arrested and the vehicle used in the commission of crime has also been seized.

In a similar action by Sopore police, a party of police post Putkha, at a checkpoint established at Trumgund Crossing, arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Aamir Farooq Dar, son of Farooq Ahmad Dar, a resident of Ningli Sopore and Javaid Ahmad Gujri alias Diya Goor, son of Ghulam Nabi Gujri, a resident of Jamai Qadeem Sopore. During a search, 20 grams of brown sugar were recovered from their possession.

In Kupwara, a police party intercepted a motorcycle bearing registration no. JK05D-5529, travelling towards Trehgam, at a checkpoint established at Batergam near the petrol pump, The motorcyclist, identified as Mohd Anwar Raina, son of Mohd Israiel Raina, resident of Amroohi, Karnah, Kupwara, tried to flee from the spot but was apprehended. During a search, 14 grams of brown sugar were recovered from his possession. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused was allegedly carrying the contraband substance to promote drug abuse among the youth of Kupwara, posing a serious threat to the well-being of the society.

Regarding these incidents, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations, and investigations have been initiated.

"Tackling the menace of drugs is a collective responsibility, and we urge everyone to support the J&K Police in this vital effort to protect our society," the statement said.

--IANS

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Gurugram, Dec 25 (IANS) A crime branch team of the Gurugram police have arrested three persons for allegedly looting people at gunpoint, police said.

According to the police on Tuesday, a crime branch team at Sohna received information through sources regarding three youths trying to rob passers-by at gunpoint on Garhi Murali Road at Bhondsi, Gurugram.

The police team acted promptly on the information and formed a special police team and reached the spot, where the three youths were caught with weapons.

The accused trio have been identified as Kuldeep, Muqarib alias Chuna and Ajuru, all residents of Rajasthan.

The police team recovered a pistol, a live cartridge, an iron rod, 11 bikes and a torch from the possession of the accused.

After the accused committed the crime, the police registered a case against them under the relevant sections at the Bhondsi police station in Gurugram and arrested the accused as per law in connection with the case.

During police questioning, the accused revealed that they had committed seven incidents of theft in Gurugram, three in Panipat and one in Rajasthan.

The bikes recovered from the possession of the accused were stolen in these cases.

"The accused will be produced before the court on Wednesday for further proceedings in the case. Further probe is underway," Sandeep Kumar, the Gurugram Police Spokesperson, said.

Apart from this, ahead of New Year celebrations, the Gurugram Traffic Police has made special preparations for smooth traffic operations in the city.

Traffic officials said special attention would be laid on the offence related to drinking and driving for which the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Traffic, Virender Vij, has assigned the duties of traffic police officers to celebrate New Year safely and peacefully.

The DCP has issued guidelines to all the traffic police officers posted to perform their duties with extra vigilance during New Year celebrations.

--IANS

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Imphal, Dec 25 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Wednesday said that the state was on the right trajectory of development and good governance before the outbreak of ethnic violence in May last year that has brought a disturbing impact on normal life in the northeastern state.

Addressing the Good Governance Day function in Imphal, the Chief Minister said that Manipur was on the right trajectory of development and good governance before May 3, 2023, and the state had hosted G-20 events, Femina Miss India competition and the tri-nation football tournament.

Biren Singh stated that the law-and-order situation in the state was not so good in the state and that when his government came to power in 2017, his priority was to bring people-oriented governance.

The Chief Minister further cited several schemes and missions initiated under his government for the welfare of the people.

He said the "Meeyamgi Numit" (a flagship scheme) was launched with the basic aim of providing people-oriented governance.

Under the “Meeyamgi Numit”, various certificates, permits, verification of certificate, collection of land revenues, soil health cards, farmer cards, health checkup, detection of blood sugar, blood pressure, receiving complaints /queries for MGNREGS, account opening by Banks, distribution of fire-extinguishers to schools, medicals Kits to schools, aids and appliances to differently able students, services given by Legal Services authority, old age pension applications, revenue related cases applications, water connection applications, ration card applications were received on the spot.

The Chief Minister said that the Covid pandemic was very unfortunate, otherwise Manipur would have achieved much more.

He also spoke about the “Go to Hills” mission and said that the mission was launched during the crucial time when there was a gap between the hills and valley.

The admission ratios in government schools have increased 40-50 per cent, Biren Singh said, adding that people have started believing in the government education system.

The Chief Minister highlighted the College Fhagathansi Mission, Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT), and said all these schemes are people-oriented ones.

These are examples of good governance, he added.

Biren Singh said that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a visionary leader, and had established DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) Ministry for the all-round development of the eight northeastern states.

--IANS

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