India

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) PSLVC60-SpaDex innovative, cost effective docking demonstration mission, said ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath on Monday.

The PSLV-C60 rocket lifted off with the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission from Sriharikota on December 30.

The PSLV lifted off with two small spacecraft -- SDX01, the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target -- weighing about 220 kg each. The satellites merged or joined for docking in a low-Earth circular orbit.

“Congratulations to the entire team of the PSLV project who put the satellites in the right orbit. Also the SpaDeX team who worked on a very innovative, novel, cost-effective docking demonstration mission using two small satellite bus architectures,” Somanath said post the launch event.

He said that the mission “successfully accomplished all objectives”.

He said that “the docking process will be completed in another week. The nominal time is going to be approximately the seventh of January”.

He noted that the solar panels for the satellites have been deployed successfully.

SpaDEX also carries 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups.

The 24 payloads are from the startups, industries, academic institutions, research laboratories, and also from ISRO centers, said the ISRO chief.

“All the R and D payloads are there waiting for testing in the coming days, in fact, in months.

“Congratulations for successful accomplishment of all the mission objectives,” Somanath said.

With the success of the mission, India is now the fourth country, after the US, Russia, and China, to master the docking technology.

“India becomes the fourth to join the select league of nations to seek Space docking, through its own indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System’,” said Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X.

The technology will “pave the way for journey beyond the skies for “Gaganyaan” and “Bharatiya Antriksha Station”, Singh said.

SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is a pioneering mission to establish India's capability in orbital docking, a key technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions, ISRO said.

--IANS

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Imphal, Dec 30 (IANS) The Assam Rifles in two successful operations in Manipur's Chandel district recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including Chinese and US-made rifles, officials said on Monday.

A Defence spokesman said that the para-military troops during two separate operations at Thingphai, TS Laijang and Changpol Khengjoi villages in Chandel district during the past 24 hours recovered the huge cache of arms and ammunition.

The security personnel also recovered a concealed hideout of the armed groups at TS Laijang village.

The arms and ammunition recovered included a US-made M16 rifle, one Type 81 Chinese Assault Rifle along with three magazines, one AK-56 Rifle, an M16 rifle magazine, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two high-powered assault rifles, Motorola communication sets with chargers, 5.56 mm ammunition rounds, locally made Lathod guns, Pompi and Lathod bombs.

The Assam Rifles also arrested two individuals from the Khengjoi sub-division.

Both operations demonstrate the Assam Rifles' proactive approach to ensuring safety and security in the region, the spokesman said.

The seized arms, explosives, and apprehended individuals have been handed over to the local police stations for further investigation and necessary legal action, he added.

Another defence spokesman said that in a series of successful joint operations during the past few days, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles in coordination with Manipur Police and other Central forces, recovered nine weapons, ammunition and other war-like stores from both hill and valley regions of Imphal East, Tengnoupal, Yangiangpokpi and Churachandpur districts.

The recovered arms and ammunition include a light machine gun, a 12 bore single barrel gun, a pistol, two tube launchers, a factory-made .303 Rifle, IEDs, grenades, explosives, ammunition and other war-like stores, two double barrel and one single bore rifle from two vehicles.

The operation also led to the identification and busting of three hideouts in the Churachandpur district on heights overlooking the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2).

The hideouts are suspected to be used by armed groups.

The area is being extensively patrolled and the structure was destroyed to deter potential armed attackers' activity.

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 30 (IANS) Newly appointed Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan lauded the state's rich history and culture, vowing to honour its legacy during his tenure.

“Bihar has a glorious history, and I will strive to uphold its traditions, culture, and heritage as its Governor,” Khan stated.

Arif Mohammad Khan arrived in Patna on Monday afternoon, where he was welcomed by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, along with prominent leaders Vijay Kumar Sinha, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Awadh Narayan Chaudhary, Sunil Kumar, Neeraj Kumar, Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena and other distinguished personalities from the Bihar government.

He was accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at Patna airport followed by a grand welcome at Raj Bhawan Patna.

Khan succeeds Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, who has been appointed as the Governor of Kerala.

Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar served as the Governor of Bihar for one year and 322 days. During his tenure, the NDA government was formed in Bihar in January this year and Nitish Kumar took the oath as a chief minister of the state followed by an expansion of his cabinet.

During his tenure, several important decisions were made concerning various universities, particularly focusing on ensuring regular academic sessions.

On December 24, the central government transferred Governors of several states, including Bihar.

Arif Mohammad Khan, who was serving as the Kerala Governor, was appointed as the new Governor of Bihar. Meanwhile, Bihar Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar was shifted to Kerala.

In other changes, former Army chief VK Singh was appointed as the Mizoram Governor, and Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati was named the Odisha Governor. Additionally, Ajay Kumar Bhalla was appointed as Manipur Governor.

President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Raghubar Das as the Odisha Governor.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed the administration to conduct the "Maha Awas" campaign to ensure effective, expedited, and quality implementation of rural housing schemes with public participation saying that houses under this scheme should be solar-powered.

A minimum of 13 lakh houses will be approved under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). For this, the first instalment of Rs 450 crore should soon be distributed to the housing scheme beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister reviewed the 100-day action plan of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department at Sahyadri Guest House.

While constructing rural roads in the state, they should be made of cement, instructed Chief Minister Fadnavis.

He emphasised that rural road projects should not be halted. The criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and access roads should be redefined. Immediate action should be taken on the construction of ‘Sakav’ (causeways) and ‘Panand’ (access roads) in the Konkan region.

Funds have been allocated for every hamlet, and attention should be focused on monitoring how many of these projects have been completed, the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister directed that various schemes, including rural housing, Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MARLM), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, National Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Road and Bridge Repair Monitoring Program, and Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Gramin Tirtha Yatra Sthal Yojana (the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Rural Pilgrimage Site Scheme), should be effectively implemented within 100 days.

Fadnavis on Monday also directed that efforts should be focused on migrant workers and they should be issued smart ration cards. Additionally, while issuing these smart cards, arrangements should be made to ensure that regardless of which state the migrant workers belong to, they can avail of food grains at any fair price shop in Maharashtra. The chief minister reviewed the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection’s 100-day action plan.

He asked officials to ensure the proper distribution of food grains to beneficiaries, electronic weighing scales should be installed at all fair price shops, and all ration card holders should be issued smart ration cards.

To ensure timely distribution of food grains to beneficiaries, work should be initiated to establish “One Village, One Warehouse.” Vehicles should be geo-tagged, and the “One Nation, One Ration Card” policy is being implemented in the state. In line with this, migrant workers should be prioritised for food grain distribution.

The chief minister instructed that to enable underprivileged beneficiaries to celebrate festivals with joy, the state distributes special festival rations during festive seasons. A calendar for this distribution should be prepared.

He further directed that in the upcoming year, 25 lakh new beneficiaries should be included in the public distribution system, and their e-KYC and verification should be completed. He emphasised the need to inspect ration cards of individuals who have not collected food grains even once in the past six months, remove deceased persons from ration cards, and re-verify beneficiaries above the age of 100. A special campaign should be conducted to include 14 lakh non-computerised beneficiaries in ration cards.

Meanwhile, the CM also directed the officials of transport department to enforce policies to scrap all vehicles older than 15 years and increase use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce road accidents as per the accord signed with google and thereby keep the transport sector in the state safe, secure and sustainable, apart from releasing the EV Policy within next 3 years. He reviewed the next 100 day plans of the transport, ports and Maharashtra Airport Authority departments.

In order to enhance the transportation services, the state shall start bike taxi and maxi cab services. Also, over 13,000 old government vehicles shall be scrapped, the CM directed, and added that decisions regarding taxi, auto and bus rates too shall be made.

He asked the administration to formulate the SOPs for safety of the buses saying that engineering solutions need to be provided to avoid accidents in the Ghat region.

Development of ports and airports too was discussed during the meeting.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Dec 30 (IANS) The Congress-led Karnataka government has made an appeal to the Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream while also issuing a warning that it will not hesitate to initiate stern action.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the appeal on Monday by issuing a statement in this regard following a meeting.

"The government desires that individuals involved in Maoist activities surrender and join the mainstream.

In this regard, several leaders of progressive and people-oriented platforms, who advocate for Maoists to join the democratic mainstream and wish to prevent loss of life from any side, have met with me.

To maintain law and order and ensure peace in Karnataka, the government will not hesitate to take strict measures."

However, if the Maoists are willing to engage in dialogue to join the mainstream, the government will welcome this process within the framework of the law and handle it with compassion, the CM appealed.

Maoist activities have never occurred on a large scale in Karnataka as in neighbouring states.

However, sporadic Maoist activities have been observed in the Malnad region over the past two decades, leading to violence and loss of lives, the CM said.

This has resulted in the deaths of many innocents, police personnel, and those involved in Maoist activities.

While it is painful that idealists seeking change through armed means lose their lives and cause harm to others, a government that functions Constitutionally cannot remain passive, CM Siddaramaiah underlined.

"Our government wants all Maoists in Karnataka to fully surrender and join the mainstream," the CM reiterated the appeal.

The government has already formulated a surrender policy for Maoists and assured that this policy will be simplified and implemented transparently, he assured.

As per the surrender policy, financial assistance will be provided in phases, and surrendered Maoists who hand over their weapons to the government will receive incentives, skill training, and comprehensive support for rehabilitation.

These measures will be considered with compassion and priority, he said.

The government assures that cases pending against them will be resolved promptly and that legal assistance will be provided, he underlined.

Steps are also being taken to identify and address the needs of Maoists who have already surrendered and to rehabilitate them, he maintained.

"At the same time, I want to clarify that anyone engaging in violent activities or taking the law into their own hands will face strict legal action from our government," he cautioned.

Karnataka police had killed the most wanted Maoist leader Vikram Gowda in an encounter in Kabbinale forest region in Hebri police station limits of Udupi district in the state on November 19.

Vikram Gowda's other three associates who were with him had managed to escape from the police forces. The authorities have continued the combing operation in the region, Parameshwara stated.

Sources stated that the Maoists are trying to create the base in the coastal Karnataka region and Malnad (hilly) regions of the state following the debate on the implementation of the Kasturirangan report, which recommends eviction of farmers to save the Western Ghats.

The farmers of the coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Malnad districts of Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga will be affected by the implementation of the report.

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 30 (IANS) Avakash Kumar, a 2012 batch IPS officer, assumed office on Monday as Patna’s new Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

He was accorded a guard of honour at the SSP office upon his arrival. Following this, he conducted a review meeting with all city SPs.

During the meeting, SSP Avakash Kumar emphasised his primary objectives: resolving long-pending cases and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice.

He said that special attention would be given to crime control and investigative processes. “The strategies designed for crime prevention will be strictly implemented, and criminals will not be spared under any circumstances,” Kumar said, appealing for public cooperation.

Avakash Kumar, a native of Simrav village in Bhojpur district, holds a degree in mechanical engineering from IIT BHU. Before joining the police service, he worked as a scientist at DRDO for four years.

Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Gaya, Ara, Begusarai and Darbhanga.

Avakash Kumar succeeded Rajeev Mishra, a DIG-rank officer, who served as Patna’s SSP for approximately two years. Mishra has been reassigned as DIG in the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

Leading Patna as the police chief is no small task, as the city frequently witnesses a range of activities, including crime, political events, protests and demonstrations.

Following the appointment of Vinay Kumar as the new Director General of Police (DGP) for Bihar, the state’s Home Department implemented a significant reshuffle, transferring 62 IPS officers. Among them was Avakash Kumar, who assumed the role of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Patna.

Since Vinay Kumar took charge as DGP, the Bihar Police has demonstrated a proactive approach. Several districts, including East Champaran, Rohtas, Gaya, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and others, have witnessed stringent actions, including the use of bulldozers to address law and order issues.

These actions signify a renewed focus on maintaining law and order across the state, with Patna, being the capital, at the centre of these efforts.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Dec 30 (IANS) The Chairman of a municipality in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas, adjacent to the border with Bangladesh, has cautioned the police of the mushrooming of illegal hawking centres in the area run by outsiders selling winter garments and blankets.

In the letter to the inspector in charge of Bangaon Police Station, Bongaon Municipality Chairman Gopal Seth said that recently it has been seen that many hawkers are opening shops and stalls selling winter garments and blankets at the sides of various important roads and highways under the municipality's jurisdiction.

“Most probably they are coming from Kashmir or other states. There is no information about them with the municipality. Since Bongaon Municipality is adjacent to the Indo-Bangladesh international borders, it is necessary to have information about these people, for public security,” read the letter, a copy of which is available with IANS.

Seth has also forwarded copies of the letter to the sub-divisional officer and the sub-divisional police officer of Bangaon.

In the letter, he has also cautioned the police of the necessity to get information on whether these people are actually businessmen or have come to a sensitive border area with some ulterior motive masquerading as garments traders.

Seth has also referred to past instances where terrorists have endangered the lives of common people after entering as traders.

"Not only that, they are coming here and renting houses in different words within the municipality area about which the respective house owners are not informing the police administration," the letter read.

Under such circumstances, argued Seth, in the interest of the safety of the people the police should conduct a proper investigation into the matter whether they are really businessmen or have come to Bongaon with nefarious intentions masquerading as traders.

Recently, the intelligence and security agencies have augmented the security and surveillance measures at the villages adjacent to the borders with Bangladesh, both land and coastal, in the wake of inputs that of late several outsiders have suddenly started residing in these border villages after taking rooms on rent there.

The police have alerted the house owners in such villages to refrain from renting to outsiders without checking their credentials and also inform the local police stations about the individuals they are letting out rooms to.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) Former Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian on Monday took charge as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Apart from Justice Ramasubramanian, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi also took charge as the member of the NHRC.

Born on June 30, 1958, in Tamil Nadu's Mannargudi, Justice Ramasubramanian completed his B.Sc. (Chemistry) from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai, and later pursued law at the Madras Law College.

He was enrolled as a member of the Bar on February 16, 1983, and practised for 23 years in the Madras High Court.

Justice Ramasubramanian served as an Additional Judge of the Madras High Court in 2006 and was made a permanent judge in 2009. In 2019, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and, later that year, became an apex court judge.

Justice Ramasubramanian retired from the Supreme Court on June 29, 2023, after authoring 102 judgments, including in landmark cases such as the 2016 demonetisation policy and matters involving the validity of circumstantial evidence in bribery cases.

In his address, Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted India’s ancient tradition of valuing and practising human rights, even before the concept became globally recognised.

Citing Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, he emphasised that human rights are deeply embedded in India's cultural fabric and stressed on promoting and protecting human rights.

Acting Chairperson Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General Bharat Lal and other senior officers and staff of the NHRC were present on the occasion.

After being without a regular designated head for over six months, the Centre last week cleared the appointment of Justice Ramasubramanian as the NHRC Chairperson.

The President also appointed Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Priyank Kanoongo, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), as the members of the NHRC.

Under the Protection of Human Rights (PHR) Act, 1993, the apex human rights body consists of a Chairperson, five full-time members and seven deemed members.

As per Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the PHR Act, the Chairman and other members are appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister (who serves as the committee’s Chairperson), Home Minister, Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of the Parliament, the Speaker of Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

The qualification of the NHRC Chairperson is that he should either have been a Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court.

Besides Chairperson, NHRC consists of five other members other than the ex-officio members. One member is, or has been a judge of the apex court and one member is, or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court. Out of the remaining three members selected for their professional experience in matters centred on human rights, at least one must be a woman.

The ex-officio members include the Chairpersons of National Commissions -- National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Women, National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for Backward Classes, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; as well as the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

The sitting Judge of the Supreme Court or sitting Chief Justice of any High Court can be appointed to the post only after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

The tenure of the NHRC Chairman is five years or until the Chairman turns 70 years -- whichever is earlier.

The statutory body of NHRC came into being on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of September 28, 1993.

The NHRC is entrusted with the protection and promotion of human rights, which the Act defines as "rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India".

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 30 (IANS) Following a meeting between 10 BPSC candidates supported by Prashant Kishor and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, Purnea MP Pappu Yadav, along with a delegation of five candidates, also met with the Chief Secretary on Monday.

The delegation, which included BPSC candidates Sandeep Giri, Anjali Verma, Gautam Kumar, Ravish Kumar and Anand Kumar, presented detailed evidence highlighting irregularities in the recent BPSC examination.

They urged Chief Secretary Meena to address these issues in the interest of the students and demanded a re-examination.

During the meeting, MP Pappu Yadav criticised the BPSC for mishandling the examination process, stating, “The BPSC is playing with the future of students. They are being subjected to lathi charges and legal cases. The government must withdraw these cases, cancel the examination, and conduct it afresh.”

The delegation expressed hope that the Chief Secretary would take their concerns seriously and work towards a resolution.

Earlier on Monday, 10 BPSC candidates supported by Prashant Kishor met with Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, presenting a five-point charter of demands.

The day also witnessed a clash between two prominent figures, Prashant Kishor and MP Pappu Yadav. Both leaders took potshots at each other, showcasing a sharp divide in their approaches to addressing the ongoing BPSC examination controversy.

While both leaders claim to support the students’ cause, their rivalry has become a focal point of political discourse in Bihar, adding another layer of complexity to the protests.

The ongoing protests over the BPSC examination took a dramatic turn as Pappu Yadav accused Prashant Kishor of threatening candidates at Gardanibagh.

In a sharp and aggressive tone, Pappu Yadav indirectly referred to Prashant Kishor, convenor of Jan Suraj, as a "fraud Kishor." Without naming him directly, Yadav alleged, “This person is not from Jan Suraj but represents the Daulat Swaraj Party.”

He further accused Kishor of creating the unrest during Sunday’s protests.

“If anyone is responsible for the chaos that unfolded, it is that leader. He has misled the students and conspired to undermine the movement. The students will never forgive him, and he must be driven out of Bihar,” Yadav said.

In response, Prashant Kishor launched a sharp attack on Pappu Yadav, dismissing him as a “freelancer” in politics.

“Pappu Yadav has no ideology or party. He jumps from one place to another, always appearing wherever an event occurs just to maintain his media presence,” Kishor remarked.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Dec 30 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasised the critical role of MLAs in achieving the vision of a "Developed India, Developed Rajasthan" during a meeting with MLAs from Ajmer and Bikaner divisions.

He highlighted the government's commitment to implementing budgetary announcements on the ground to ensure public welfare and development.

The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s dedication to achieving the goal of a developed Rajasthan by 2047 through timely and effective execution of these announcements.

Addressing the MLAs at his residence on Monday, CM Sharma urged them to conduct regular meetings with district administrations to monitor the progress of budgetary projects.

He assured them of adequate resources and stressed the importance of aligning development initiatives with the aspirations of the people.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government's focus on Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay's principle of Antyodaya, ensuring the upliftment of society’s most disadvantaged.

He called on MLAs to connect with their constituencies and ensure that youth, women, farmers, and workers benefit from welfare schemes.

Highlighting the achievements of the past year, CM Sharma cited key initiatives such as the revised PKC-ERCP, the Yamuna Water Agreement, government job creation for youth, and the successful Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transformative changes in the country since 2014 and urged MLAs to prioritise essential needs like electricity and water in their constituencies.

The Chief Minister announced the establishment of Atal Gyan Kendras in every Gram Panchayat to mark the birth centenary of late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

These centres will house libraries and e-libraries and offer public services through Atal Preraks.

Additionally, the Panch Gaurav programme will promote district-specific specialties, including crops, products, tourist destinations, and sports.

CM Sharma emphasised the government’s target to make Rajasthan self-reliant in the energy sector by 2027, with significant MoUs signed during the Rising Rajasthan Summit.

He encouraged MLAs to collaborate with district collectors to attract investments and support the implementation of new policies aimed at economic growth.

The Chief Minister called for early preparations for the Khelo India event, which Rajasthan will host in 2026. He highlighted the importance of promoting the state’s capabilities in sports and tourism.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on budgetary approvals, land allocation, and ongoing projects in Ajmer and Bikaner divisions. MLAs expressed appreciation for the government’s developmental initiatives and congratulated the Chief Minister on the district reorganisation decision.

--IANS

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