India

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late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Governor Dattatraya highlighted the state government's efforts in transitioning from outdated systems to creating a public-friendly framework, which has yielded significant success.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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New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended Hanukkah greetings to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and to Jewish people in India and around the world.

PM Modi posted two messages on X, in English and Hebrew, to greet the people on the festive occasion.

"Best wishes to PM Netanyahu and all the people across the world celebrating the festival of Hanukkah. May the radiance of Hanukkah illuminate everybody’s lives with hope, peace and strength. Hanukkah Sameach!" wrote PM Modi.

Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu also wished everyone, including Israel President Isaac Herzog, on the auspicious occasion.

"I extend my warmest greetings to President Isaac Herzog and people worldwide on the auspicious occasion of Hanukkah," the President of India posted on X.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, currently on an official tour of the United States, also wished everyone on the occasion, including his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar.

"Warmest Hanukkah greetings to FM Gidon Saar, friends in Israel, and those celebrating it around the world. May the wonderful occasion bring hope, health and happiness in everyone's lives. Chag Sameach!," posted EAM Jaishankar.

Referring Jaishankar as a "dear friend", the Israeli Foreign Minister thanked him for Hanukkah wishes and "kind words".

Hanukkah, or "dedication" in Hebrew, commemorates both the 164 BCE rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the ruling Seleucid (Syrian Greek) Kingdom, under Antiochus IV – and the re-establishment of religious freedom for the Jewish people after a period of harsh repression. The success of the popular revolt led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers has, ever since, symbolized the Jewish people's fight for, and achievement of, its liberty and freedom as a nation against overwhelming odds.

The festival is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, called a menorah (or hanukkiah). One branch is typically placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles. Each night, one additional candle is lit by the shamash until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival.

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 25 (IANS) The Patna Police resorted to a cane charge on Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) candidates at the city's Bailey Road on Wednesday, the police said.

The candidates have been staging a dharna since December 13 at Gardanibagh, demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC Combined Examination.

The situation escalated as protesters, frustrated by the lack of response from the BPSC, marched to the commission's office, prompting police intervention.

As candidates moved to surround the BPSC office, police resorted to a cane charge to disperse the mob.

This action has drawn criticism for the use of force against protesting students.

BPSC had conducted the 70th BPSC Combined Examination held at 912 centres across Bihar.

The candidates are demanding the cancellation of the examination following the chaos that arose at the Bapu Examination Centre in Patna on December 13.

The chaos at Bapu Examination Centre led to the cancellation of the examination at that centre.

BPSC announced a re-examination at the centre on January 4.

Protesters are dissatisfied with BPSC's decision to only cancel the examination at the Bapu Examination Centre.

They are demanding the cancellation of the entire examination and argued that irregularities were not limited to only one centre.

The controversy surrounding the 70th BPSC Combined Examination has taken a political turn, with opposition parties, including Purnea MP Pappu Yadav, expressing solidarity with the protesting candidates and criticising the Bihar government for its handling of the issue.

Opposition leader and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav has condemned the BPSC and the Nitish Kumar government, accusing them of jeopardising the future of the state's youth.

"We have demanded the cancellation of the entire examination. If our demand is not met, we will go for the statewide shutdown on January 1," Yadav said while interacting with the media persons in Purnea.

"The BPSC's decision to cancel the examination only at the Bapu Examination Centre, while leaving the rest of the examination intact, is inadequate and unfair," he added.

He insists that irregularities likely occurred beyond just one examination centre and demands a fresh examination to be held across all centres.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Dec 25 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has announced the establishment of Atal Gyan Kendras in all gram panchayats of the state on the occasion of 'Good Governance Day', commemorating the centenary birth anniversary of former Prime Minister late Atal Behari Vajpayee.

CM Sharma emphasised that these centres will raise awareness among youth and provide them with essential training facilities.

Rural youth will be appointed as Atal Preraks, creating new employment opportunities in the region.

The Chief Minister said that Atal Gyan Kendras will feature libraries and e-libraries to encourage self-study and prepare rural youth for competitive exams.

These facilities will also aim to cultivate reading habits among the general public.

Career counselling services will further guide youth in shaping their futures.

The centres will ensure that government schemes reach eligible beneficiaries efficiently.

Public services such as applications for welfare schemes and documents like caste, birth, death certificates, domicile, and ration cards will be made available.

These services aim to simplify administrative processes for rural residents.

The government will host Atal Jan Seva Camps on December 26 at all Panchayat Samiti headquarters to provide easy access to various schemes and services.

The e-Governance Award will be renamed the Atal e-Governance Award.

Computer rooms in government schools will be renamed Atal Computer Rooms as a tribute to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The state government has allocated Rs 500 crore for the phased development of these centres, reaffirming its commitment to empowering rural areas and honouring the legacy of former PM Vajpayee.

Meanwhile, Governor Haribhau Bagde said on Wednesday that former PM Vajpayee gave a new path of development to the country.

Governor Bagde was addressing the birth centenary celebrations of the former Prime Minister at the Atal Community Centre here.

According to an official statement, Governor Bagde called for adopting former PM Vajpayee's ideals and said he established the ideal values of "purity in Indian politics along with good governance".

The birth anniversary of former PM Vajpayee is being celebrated as 'Good Governance Day' by the State BJP office as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party in the entire state. On Good Governance Day, a special exhibition and seminar was organised in the State BJP office under the state-level programme.

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 25 (IANS) A 37-year-old man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the rape of a female student here inside the campus of Anna University in the early hours on Wednesday, an official said.

The accused was identified as Gnanashekaran, a roadside briyani vendor based here.

The incident occurred during the early morning hours when the victim and her male friend were returning to campus after attending prayers at a nearby church.

Both were intercepted by two men on a secluded stretch.

The attackers assaulted the male student and sexually assaulted the female student. The girl was allegedly dragged to a nearby shrub where she was raped.

A complaint was subsequently filed at the Kotturpuram police station, and both students were admitted to a private hospital for treatment. Senior police officers immediately rushed to the scene to oversee the matter.

Sources said a hunt is on to nab the other accused.

The incident that happened in the heart of Chennai sent shockwaves across the state, and triggered protests by students and stinging criticism by opposition parties and even allies of the ruling DMK.

Tamil Nadu unit BJP president K. Annamalai, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused, wrote on X: "Tamil Nadu, under the DMK government, has become a breeding ground for unlawful activities and a haven for criminals. Women don’t feel safe in the state anymore, as the police are kept busy by the ruling administration to silence the opposition."

The Greater Chennai Police have come under severe criticism following the incident. Authorities had earlier claimed to have implemented foolproof security measures for Christmas celebrations, deploying over 8,000 officers on duty.

Police sources said inquiries have been conducted with the survivor and her friend, and an investigation was underway.

This brutal incident comes amid ongoing criticism of the DMK government over the state's law and order situation.

It may be noted that a third-year college student with mental health issues was allegedly raped by a group of 10 men over a period of 10 months.

Four of the accused have been arrested so far.

The case came to light after the victim's father, a single parent working as a loader, filed a complaint with the Chintadripet All Women Police Station, which was later transferred to the Egmore Police Station.

The father discovered obscene material on his daughter’s phone and questioned her about it. Initially evasive, the girl later revealed that she had been repeatedly raped by a group of men who took her to various lodges and other isolated locations.

Based on the survivor’s statement, police have registered a case under nine sections, including those dealing with the rape of women with mental or physical disabilities and kidnapping.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the survivor met three of the suspects through a mutual college friend in October last year. The men allegedly raped her at multiple locations. She also reported being assaulted by others she met via a social networking application.

--IANS

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